#also country music like everyone on this site has the worst opinions on country music mainly bc they've never listened to it

[fiercestpurpose]

I hate when people are like "I'm going to voice my uninformed opinion now" and a) it's something that a zillion other people have already said and b) it's on a topic I care deeply about. If you're going to be wrong, go pick a topic I don't know anything about. Give some other person a headache.

#m.txt #specifically prompted by someone's opinion on m*ff*t who #but people do this all the time with superheroes/comics #everyone's seen a marvel movie and therefore everyone thinks they have something to contribute to the conversation #also country music like everyone on this site has the worst opinions on country music mainly bc they've never listened to it

[gayoperatorgunclub]

Hi, we have yet to officially meet on Discord and I wanted to say welcome to the group. I noticed that you are open for asks, so I was wondering if you could tell me about your opinion of the Rook x Doc pairing and some hcs? If it bothers you then it's okay I understand

hi!!!!! thank you so much for the warm welcome!!! ALSO thank you for respecting my personal opinion and comfort about rook x doc!!!!! since i really like the possibility for a sort of father/son relationship between them, i’ve done some hcs from this list for them. you can read it as romantic if you want, but i’m really just vibing with these ones. i hope you enjoy!!!!

How do they feel about people shorter/taller than them? - gustave is completely comfortable with his height. he’s tall enough to not get made fun of, and short enough to be able to be comfortably held by his s/o. julien, on the other hand, will threaten every operator who’s taller than him. he has leaped onto oryx’s shoulders from above, attempted to tackle sledge, decided he would only spar against amaru, and, when drunk, has tried to perform WWE moves on montagne. he is the epitome of “i will beat you the fuck up. no cap. *punching noises* bitch.” 

What are they like on social media? (What’s their username, profile pic, etc.) - gustave knows how to operate social media, and is familiar with certain niches on many of them, but doesn’t have any accounts of his own. he just doesn’t really care enough. there is a fanpage of him on instagram, courtesy of twitch and julien. speaking of, julien has an account on twitter, instagram, snapchat, and vsco, and is extremely active on all of them. here’s what he uses them for:

twitter: shitposting and venting

instagram: aesthetics and vaguely confusing/threatening updates on his life

snapchat: chaos videos of him and twitch being bastardous

vsco: aesthetics and horse pics

Their sexuality? - gustave is either gay or bi (really just depends on the mood, just understand that he is under no circumstances straight. he’s just not. don’t do him dirty like that) and julien is gay but drinks an infinite amount of respect women juice (gustave does too but he also gets pegged by his hypothetical gf so 👀👀👀) 

Preferred weather? - gustave absolutely ADORES rainy weather. people have found him lying face down on the patio during thunderstorms, just. vibing. meanwhile, julien loves it when the weather’s sunny and warm, with fluffy white clouds in the sky. his ideal date is a picnic out on a prairie where they can cloudgaze, and maybe, if they stay long enough, stargaze as well

What’s their sleeping schedule? - gustave has no sleep schedule to speak of. when he next collapses is purely up to the gods. he has slept for 72 hours straight, and he’s gone a week on several well-timed 30 minute power naps. julien, meanwhile, is a bit of a health nut, so he is very serious about his schedule, specifically, when he eats, excercises, sleeps, wakes up, everything has a specific time slot. at the same time, he can and will get up in the middle of the night for a snack, prompting gustave to set up a surveillance system with speakers so if julien tries to eat their supply of ice cream, gustave can yell at him. this has led to julien avoiding the kitchen after dark because “god resides there after-hours” 

Favorite music? - gustave likes classic and new wave rock (think the Beach Boys, Queen, The Talking Heads, David Bowie, Elton John, The B-52′s, Depeche Mode, and many others) but he also really likes music in general, so he doesn’t have a real favorite. julien will only listen to a genre he describes as “gay yearning and longing with hints of faerie and cottagecore aesthetics” so, hozier and cavetown. 

How’s their cooking? - gustave is a culinary mastermind and julien nearly burnt down the kitchen making microwave ramen

It’s movie night, what movie do they pick? - i think it was @juduseye that wrote about gustave loving Casablanca, and honestly that hc is 🔥🔥🔥. i think julien would pick a movie like Princess and the Frog, Mulan, Atlantis, and other movies from disney’s “weird” period

How would they hold up in a pillow war? - they are masters of pillow warfare. they are sworn allies, and team up against everyone else in rainbow. they win every. single. time

What’s their sleeping position? - gustave is either starfished out on his bed, or curled up around whoever he’s in bed with. julien sleeps on his stomach, cuddling with his pillow

Who do they go to for comfort? - EACHOTHER 🥺🥺🥺

Something small that they enjoy? - gustave loves his collection of plushies and fleece blankets, and julien is VERY proud of his model train collection 

How do they feel about physical contact by others? - they both welcome it with open arms. they’re built like friends. made to cuddle. certified to be huggable. in some countries, they’re actually registered therapy animals 

What is enough to bring them to tears? - for gustave: loss, death, and thinking about that one comic of a meteor with a hat that says “i heart dinos” holding a map of “dinosaur world” (earth) and looking so excited BUT IT’S THE METEOR THAT CAUSED THE EXTINCTION OF THE DINOSAURS AND IT DOESN’T KNOW THAT IT CAN’T VISIT THEM BECAUSE IT’LL CAUSE THE DINOSAURS TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! (i also start crying whenever i think about that fucking comic) 

julien: same as gustave but add people having low expectations of him, making fun of how young he is, and sarah mclachlan commercials

Biggest pet peeve? - Bigotry. and chewing with your mouth open

How well do they take care of themselves? - they both claim to be self sufficient but gustave legally can’t drive and julien tried to soften butter in a microwave but ended up with an electrical fire

What’s something they like that may be surprising to others? - gustave adores fashion niches, and julien knows everything about the legend of zelda

Do they consider others family? - uhhhhhhhhh, YEAH

Any bad habits that they have? - gustave: no sleep, blames himself for everything, is lactose intolerant but eats ice cream daily 

julien: midnight snacks, yelling at the tv, fighting anyone taller than him

What’s their idea of a perfect vacation? - for gustave, either a trip to a city with a lot of historical sites and museums, or a trip to his family beach house. vibe. chill. fuck nonstop. for julien, hawaii. that is all 

Do they get lost easily? Will they ask for directions if they are? - gustave will never admit it, but he gets lost walking in a straight line. he gets distracted!! undiagnosed adhd check! julien knows where things are and how to get to them, based on other places and landmarks, but he really couldn’t tell anyone else how to get somewhere 

The strangest thing they have ever seen? - gustave once walked in on tachanka in drag. now they watch drag race together. julien is consistently the one to find gustave lying face down on the balcony during thunderstorms. it’s worrying

How well do they accept advice? - gustave is too nice to say anything to someone’s face, but unless you’re one of the very few people he trusts enough to accept advice from, he has to resist the urge to do the opposite of what you advise. meanwhile, julien is constantly receiving advice, but in reality, he’s one of the most wise people in rainbow. it’s just that he says things like “take it easy. BUT TAKE IT” that make people think he’s a hot mess

How much do they swear? - gustave will only swear in worst case scenarios (which are more common than he cares to admit), and julien likes seeing the scandalized looks on people’s faces when they hear him cuss someone out 

Do they like being in pictures? - gustave will allow like three people to photograph him, because he likes their style and knows they won’t do him dirty with angles and such. julien is self-conscious about his smile, so he usually does it to em in group pictures

Is there anything they’re bad at? - gustave is terrible at pronouncing certain words, and julien doesn’t do well with limits

What’s their morning schedule? - gustave: wake up, pray, eat, go to work

julien: wake up, hit snooze (x10), be late for work 

Any past injuries? - gustave’s terrible computer posture has finally caught up with him, and now you won’t see him without an ice pack for his lower back, and julien is too young to have any chronic injuries, but he has broken his arm during training 

Something that disgusts them? - gustave hates long hair. it’s just so stringy and it makes him gag!!! he also hates stringy cheese because it makes him think of long strands of hair and all of a sudden he’s physically nauseous. julien can’t stand holes. trypophobia ass bitch 

#ask #mirrorworldangel #r6s rook #r6s doc #thank you for interacting!

[purplesurveys]

1046

Does it annoy you when people make their default of them kissing someone? I don’t mind kissing photos or icons. But hmm, I can imagine being a little grossed out if it’s an image of them kissing with tongue or if it’s generally a little on the sloppy side.

Are there any names you can think of that just go well together? Well there’s...a lot of names in existence lmao, so there’s a lot of combinations out there that I like for sure. I just don’t rank them and I don’t have a name combination of choice just yet.

Do you enjoy museums? I’m obsessed with museums. In every single one of our family trips, my dad has always made sure to book at least one museum visit for me so I can return back home happy, hahaha. I also visit and revisit museums in my own time, and I’m open to going to any kind of museum whether it’s natural history, art, science, ancestral homes, etc.

Have you ever met anyone famous? One of my coworkers plays the drums for a local band that’s got a bit of a following, so it was definitely a shock when I first saw his name in our work group chat. Someone I used to be close friends with in the local wrestling community is now an actor/influencer and doing a billion gigs and photoshoots all day. We’re still mutuals so every now and then I’d comment on one of his posts and congratulate him on how far he’s come.

Describe the scariest dream you can remember? I never like it when someone I love is shot in my dreams. The scariest dream I had recently is probably the one where I watched three planes drop to the ground all at the same time and explode.

Have you ever been to a mint where they make money? Nopes. I think the BSP had been part of one of Nina’s field trips before, but my batch didn’t get to have the itinerary.

Do you ever get really, really hyper? Occasionally.

Are you left or right handed, or ambidextrous? Right-handed.

If ambidextrous, do you prefer writing with your right or left hand?

What is your favourite subject at school? Any history elective, biology, political science.

Do you ever use Yahoo! Answers? For seriousness or for trolling? I used to read both serious (when I have a legit question) and funny (when I was bored and just wanted to lurk on the site) items on it. These days, when I have a genuine question, Google usually pulls up a Quora link which I find has been more helpful than Yahoo! Answers ever was.

Have you ever stepped on a thumb tack? No, but my brother did when he was a baby and was first learning how to walk.

Do you have a username you use for everything? Or does it change each site? I use my first name + surname for more serious, professional websites. Then I have a go-to for everything else.

Are you in Miami bitch? :D No. Not really interested in going to Florida at all, to be honest.

How did you break the last bone you broke? I’ve never broken a bone.

Have you ever used Nexopia? Never used, never heard of it before.

What has been the best year of school for you so far? Junior year of both high school (2014-15) and college (2018-19) were really great for me. There was a string of good events that happened in both, and I was able to have a lot of fun, gain friends, and have a number of positive learning and growing-up experiences.

Do you have any disorders or disabilities? I’ve always worried that I have BPD, but from the time I started considering it until today I’ve only done self-diagnosis, so idk. There’s definitely a lot more to unpack when it comes to me, mentally and psychologically. 

Do you ever watch How To videos? Not really. How It’s Made videos are fun to watch though.

Do you enjoy trolling? It doesn’t even sound fun.

Have you ever been to an emergency room? If so, what for? Never been.

Which emoticon face do you use most often? Things like: :) :( :D :P :L D: Most of the time I’ll use the open- and closed-mouth smileys. I use the sad face as well, and occasionally I’ll pull out the :3 and :/ emoticons.

Are you a musical sort of person? I mean, are you musically talented? Yeah, not at all. I can’t sing, read music, nor play any instrument.

How did you break the first phone you broke? So my mom hooked my first phone to a lanyard that I was made to wear as it was the surest way I wouldn’t be able to lose it (I was 7, which really should not be an age for kids to receive their first phones lol). One day I was being a little more rambunctious than usual, and while moving around the hook to the lanyard suddenly came off, and the phone crashed to the ground. It messed up the screen a bit and the hook also got a little fucked from there; eventually the phone came off during my 1st grade field trip and I never realized, and I lost the phone.

Did you have a tree house when you were a kid? If so, did you ever fall from it? We did not have a treehouse. My grandpa surely would’ve been the type to make one for his grandkids as he’s great at building stuff and working with wood, but it just wasn’t plausible considering most trees here are crawling with fire ants and other weird and potentially dangerous insects.

Have you ever been on vacation to a snow field? I don’t know what that is but I’ll go ahead and say no as I’ve never seen snow anyway.

When you go on vacation, what mode of transport do you usually use? We take road trips most of the time because my dad likes to drive. But if it’s gonna be on another island in the country, like Palawan or Batanes, then we obviously have to take a plane.

What is the worst show, in your opinion on MTV? The best? I don’t care for any shows on MTV and I typically think most of them look like they suck. The few ones I’ve seen, like Teen Wolf and Scream, certainly didn’t help.

Do you like Jason Derϋlo? Eh, some of his hit songs are catchy but I’m not a fan fan.

Are there any movies that just creep you out so much? Aside from everything about it being creepy, Eraserhead is just so depressing to watch. Midsommar is also a freaky film.

Have you ever had a close encounter with a shark? I don’t think so.

Do you have any hotties on your walls? I have a poster of Nam Joo Hyuk that Angela got me when she went to South Korea, but he’s more cute than hot to me tbh.

Do you ever wish dinosaurs came back to life and there were cute and snuggly? Not really. But it would’ve been interesting to see how they would look like in real life, and know their temperament and things like that.

How many countries have you been to? Aside from having been around my own, 6.

How many states have you been to? In all the countries you’ve been to? We stayed in one city/state for each country I’ve gone to - Bali, Singapore, Johor, Shanghai, Jeju, and Fukuoka.

What is a song you heard long before it became popular and everyone liked it? Idk about songs, but this was me with The Crown lol.

Do you enjoy designing things? Anything? Not my thing at all. This is more of Nina’s specialty. Girl can make anything look pretty.

Do you know anyone who has gotten themselves into a serious accident? Yeah. Off the top of my head, I remember my aunt getting involved in a hit-and-run with a motorcycle and needing to get a number of stitches on her head. My cousin Joelle also got into a bad car accident a few Christmases ago that totally wrecked her vehicle.

Can you play anything on the violin? Nope, I never learned how to play. It’s one of my favorite instruments though.

Do you know what a raincheck at stores is? Never heard of that. I’ve heard some people say “I’m gonna have to take a rain check” whenever they abruptly have to bail on a plan at the last minute, but I think you’re talking of a different raincheck here.

Whose funeral was the last you went to? Nacho’s wake. Never been to a funeral.

Who got married at the last funeral you went to? That’s pretty fucked up.

What do you think of excessively long names? What about their shortenings? I don’t have an opinion on either.

Do you ever get hay fever? No.

Do you know anyone with the last name Pilbeam? Never heard of that surname before.

When you were little, did you have those magnet letters on your fridge? We may have had those? I’m not sure. I haven’t seen the fridge I grew up with for a while now. I do know Athenna had those magnet poetry phases on her family’s fridge and we used to try to make poems with them.

Have you seen the Techno Jeep video on YouTube? I have not, and it doesn’t sound familiar.

Does your house have a wood fire? No.

Do you know what a Pibgorn is? I don’t think so. I can’t recognize the term.

Can you learn the lyrics of a song by ear, or do you have to search them up? It’s 50/50 for me. Sometimes it’ll be easy for me to recognize the lyrics, and other times it’s incredibly difficult.

Do you like the name Amy? It’s a pretty name. I’d consider it as a second or third name.

Have you ever got an x-ray? How about a brain scan? Just an x-ray.

#survey #surveys

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #306

i’m v talkative today so pardon my jabbering below.

What is the strangest type of candy you have eaten? I think I've had one of those lollipops with a bug in it before as a kid? I don't remember. What would be your most ideal profession? A freelance photographer. But I'm honestly starting to lose hope. Have you tried those coloring books for adults? Yeah; it's funny you mention 'em, 'cuz a family friend got me one for my birthday earlier this month. What is a topic you definitely don't want to talk about with anyone? I don't like talking about my sexual history, doesn't matter who you are. It's just uncomfortable. What was your first gaming console? An Atari. Is there something you're eagerly waiting for? What is it? *SLAMS FISTS ON TABLE* MAY NEEDS TO FUCKIN' HURRY. My tattoo appointment is set then. :''') Do you/have you ever belonged to an organization? If so, which one? I was a Girl Scout when I was young. What is something you're very passionate about? Nature conservation, gay rights (equal rights in general, really), the pro-choice movement, and then there are less "important" things like certain hobbies interests and such. I'm sure there are more big ones that are just slipping my mind right now, considering I feel passionately for a shitload of stuff. What are you studying or what was the last thing you studied? I majored in Art & Design with a focus on Photography in college. But guess who dropped out. What was the last present you gave someone? I don't know... I mention enough that I don't have a source of income where I can really buy anything. I think the last thing I did was a Christmas gift for Mom a year or two back of a drawing I did of our late dog Cali, whom she absolutely adored. Do you enjoy plays? If so, what was the latest one you saw? Not really, no. What was the last thing you achieved? PHP has helped me focus on little victories, so prepare for an underwhelming answer haha, but it's something. I Facebook messaged an old friend I really wanted to catch up with, and everyone in group cheered for me. :') It was really heartwarming. What a shocker that this program is really helping me once again. What is something you would like to achieve at some point in your life? I would love love love to take at least one "famous" or award-winning photograph. It'd be such amazing validation that I'm talented at something I love so much. What is one philosophy you have regarding life/living/purpose? That's... difficult to answer seeing as I'm trying desperately to find my purpose. I do try to live by this old quote a therapist said once: "Deal with life, or life deals with you." I think it holds an incredible amount of depth and meaning in such a short phrase. How would you design the inside of your own home? I don't know the details of it, really, besides that shit is gonna look like a Halloween house year-round. I can imagine wanting black furniture, too, and having loooots of decor expressive of what I love and find comfort in. Gotta make a house feel like a home just for me. What is a band you remember liking from your childhood? Backstreet Boys, duh. Do you ever get mad at people for not having the same opinion as you (i.e. abortion being wrong/right, meat-eating being wrong/right)? Two things: it depends on the topic, and "get mad" is the wrong term for what I feel. It's more disgust; ex., I'm repulsed by anti-gay rights people and want absolutely nothing to do with 'em, but I'm not like, mad at them. Do you edit any of your pictures? In what ways? Oh yeah, and it definitely depends on the raw photograph. I edit depending on the mood it emanates; like if you've seen my roadkill photography versus nature shots, there is an extremely distinct difference in editing style and vibe. I'd say in general though, I tend to like to brighten my photographs and add more vibrance. If you like to take pictures, what is your motivation? God, I could write an essay on this. I just love and am so thankful for the fact we can literally freeze time forever with the click of a button and look back on fantastic sights, beautiful moments, memories... It's just magical to me, and I adore contributing to that art. Would you ever consider living anywhere cold? Well yeah, that's my preference, actually. What is your absolute favorite food? The spicy shrimp fritas from Olive Garden, jfc. Would you ever wear snake-skin pants, or other animal clothing? Fuck to the absolute hell no. What foreign country would you like to go to for a shopping spree? Idk, considering I'm not well-versed in the artistic creations of other countries. Perhaps India? Japan? I dunno. If you met your favorite musician, what would you ask him/her? I'm asking for his fucking autograph and a hug while I smile my face in two AND cry lmao. What do you spend most of your day thinking about? I ain't gonna bullshit nobody, my PTSD. In some way or another, he's lurking in that head of mine through memories, flashbacks, wonders of what could have gone differently... but thank God it's no longer in the forefront of my mind after my first PHP. I've come very, very far, but especially when trying to blank out my mind to fall asleep, parts of PTSD strangle my brain until I'm just finally out. I really hope that changes someday. Where is a busy place you would like to go to? Yikes, nowhere, really. I like to avoid busy locations. Do you think video games cause people to become violent? Absolutely not. You are responsible for the decisions you make; music, games, movies, etc. have no deciding voice in stupid shit you do, and it's bullshit that people blame art and entertainment for such things. Vocabulary: What was the last word you learned? I'm unsure. Have you or could you build your own site? Absolutely not from scratch. The closest I've gotten to that is my photography website, but it was through the assistance of Wix. What's the best thing you can cook yourself? Scrambled eggs, haha. I do make some bomb eggs at least. Are there a lot of graffiti around your neighborhood? No. Do you have a hobby that forces you out of the house? If so, what is it? Nature photography. Would you stop eating meat, if you had to raise and slaughter it yourself? Absolutely. God, I want to go vegetarian again... Besides English, what other languages can you speak? I can speak a very little bit of German. Took four semesters of it in high school and became very good at it, but lack of practice has pretty much ruined that. Besides English, what other languages can you read? I can read German well; as in, I can pronounce most words I see, but that doesn't mean I understand what is written. Do you think you could make it as a chef? Gordon Ramsey would deadass kick me off his show on day one, lmao. What's your favorite kind of tea? It marvels me JUST how many tea and coffee questions are in surveys. Anyway, I don't like tea. I am an embarrassment to NC culture. What thing/person/happening has made you the happiest you've been? lask;dfjal;wekrjwe What's the most freeing thing you've ever done? Stealing my happiness back from someone who had no right to hold it all in its entirety. That shit's mine. Do you think today's kids are really impatient? Most, probably, but in some ways I can understand it - at least, in the sense that with the assistance of modern technology and advancements in satiating our wants so quickly, kids just expect it. I definitely believe that patience is something to try to be deeply instilled in everyone, though. I don't have an ounce of it (in most situations) and wish I did. Have you ever tasted birch sap? No. How about the young buds/shoots of spruce trees? No. Which edible flowers have you tasted? One of my favorite Southern experiences is finding a bunch of honeysuckles and tasting the honey (is it technically even honey??). Tastes amazing. My family's hairdresser lives down a beautiful path that sprouts a massive amount of them, and as kids, my sisters and her two boys would go tasting them while our parents talked for so long, or if we were waiting our turn. Good memories. What has been your worst restaurant experience? I'm not sure, really. What's the most immature, adolescent thing that still makes you laugh? "Inappropriate humor type jokes." <<<< They can get me sometimes, too. Have you ever had a life-threatening condition? If so, what was it? No, thankfully. Have you ever had a custom print done on a shirt? If so, what was it? I don't believe so, no. Besides making a tye-dye one in HS with our school colors. Wasn't my idea and never wore it, haha. Do you ever read other people's survey answers? It depends on the person. If it's a friend, absolutely, because I love learning usually obscure things about them I wouldn't have known otherwise. If it's a user I don't know from wherever I got the survey, sometimes, depending on how short the answer is and my eyes kinda just scroll over it. Do you like daytime or night time better? Why? Daytime, especially mornings. I'm generally happier when there's light around. What's your highest level of education so far? Some college. Describe your ordinary day: My average day is embarrassingly uneventful. It's sitting on the laptop doing shit on various sites, none of which are actually important, and playing WoW, which is also without true substance, save for social interactions with my friends on there. I spray Venus' terrarium everyday multiple times as well to keep the humidity up, and obviously eat and handle that kinda bodily needs stuff. Would you ever have a UV tattoo? Ugh, that'd be so dope. I've seen some awesome ones, but idk if I'd get one, considering when am I actually going to be under UV light?? Like I wanna be able to see my tat. What is the brand and color name of your favorite lipstick? I have one black lipstick, but it comes right off so I don't even like it. I only ever put it on to take pictures. What do you like on your tortilla? Just ham and cheese. How about inside your pita bread? I've never had pita bread, actually. What do you like in your burger? It depends on where I'm getting the burger. My basic is cheese, ketchup, mustard, a bit of mayo, pickles, and a light sprinkle of diced onion, but sometimes I add bacon and take away the onions. How about on your pizza? I have three I tend to pick from: pepperoni, jalapeno, or meat lovers. Do you work better alone or in a group? Alone, definitely. Which body part would you not mind losing? I'ma be extremely honest, with just how horribly weak my legs are, I could live without them, I guess. Not saying I want to by any means, it's just exhausting using them. Ideally, I'd take away something minor, like a finger or something. What common saying people use is absolute BS to you? “'Everything happens for a reason.'” <<<< Fuckin' colossal "same." I won't rag on people who believe it, especially if it gives you courage to keep moving forward, but I don't believe it in the slightest. If it were so, I'd like to talk to whoever is in control of those "reasons," please. What is the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week? I had no idea elephants were pregnant for two years, like holy shit, can you imagine. It was in an article I saw on Facebook about a mother and daughter elephant who are both expecting and doing well. Wonderful to hear. What’s the most useless talent you have? Ha, I'm a master in the arts of catastrophizing and jumping to conclusions involving people hating me in one way or another. What’s something everyone looks stupid doing? I'm one of those people who hate dabbing done by anybody, like you look like you're just smelling your armpit. Which kids’ movie scarred you for life? I wouldn't say "scarred me for life" by any means, but when I was little, I was terrified of the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz and even had nightmares about her. It sucked because my little sister was obsessed with that movie, haha. In one sentence, how would you sum up the Internet? A source of incredible knowledge but also hate and misinformation. What would be the most ridiculous thing for the government to make illegal? I literally dread the idea of Roe vs. Wade being reversed. Banning abortion would kill so many people with operational uteruses and cause absolute pandemonium. How many friends do you have on social media and how many of them do you know for real? On Facebook, I have 124 friends, and I'd say I know most of them "in real life." However, having been on the Internet since I was so young and befriending loads of incredible people, a good chunk are "online friends." Hell, I'm more interested in their lives than most "real" ones. Long-distance friendships are so valid. What fact amazes you every time you think of it? Lots of things, generally regarding the stupidity of humanity. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Probably going to the beach w/ my old friend Colleen. We had zero plans of doing it, but she just called me one morning and asked if I wanted to go, and off we went. It was a fun day. What has taken up too much of your life? I'ma be real, WoW. I don't think I'm addicted to it like I once was seeing as I go through spans where I barely want to play it at all and don't, so I truly am capable of not playing it, but rather it's just the most entertaining way to kill time in my life. I just don't like how much time I've invested into a game over six or seven years regardless. Where do you not mind waiting? Uh, nowhere lmao. Is there an app you hate to use, but still use every day? No; why would I use it if that was the case? Who is the funniest person you know? My friend Girt is fucking hysterical. What three words describe you best? Complex, passionate, and creative. What makes you think you’re smart? Lol who says I think I'm smart? Who inspires you? Korean Jesus. Okay on a serious note, not just him, of course, but he's #1 in an entire universe of ways. Do you aspire to be like somebody else? If so, who? No; I want to be my own authentic self. How did you meet your best friend? YouTube, back when it had more social aspects. Which one of your accomplishments are you the most proud of? I want to say my recovery, but like... I wonder a lot if it's "enough" to be proud of with how scarred I still am? I still struggle with a lot and feel like I could be so much better by now if I tried harder. If I'm completely honest with myself, I think it's finishing high school in the top percentile of my graduating class. There was a ceremony for the handful of us and all, and I cherish my plaque probably too much. Reminds me of a time when I knew what the fuck I was doing. What's the strangest thing you ever did as a child? Thinking I had "animal powers" where I could invoke the traits of certain animals at will, like what the actual fuck, Brittany. What did your mother teach you? Christ, a lot. Dad didn't do a lot of the raising, honestly, so much of my core values and whatnot were instilled by my mother. She taught me to care for and be nice to others, respect myself, try my best in everything, and most importantly that she is always there for me and my sisters no matter what and can tell her absolutely anything. She was very serious about us going to college and saving sex for marriage when we were younger, but she diverged from those ideas as absolutely necessary with experience. I'm extremely lucky with who I call my mom, overall. What did your father teach you? Eek... Read above. Not a lot as a kid (save for riding a bike and playing softball); most he's taught me has come following reuniting with him after my parents' divorce. I remember we went to lunch once and talked about my breakup, and he talked to me about sometimes, you just have to let people go in order to be happy, like with him and Mom. He's very serious now about ensuring us girls know that he is always there for us and will help us in any way he's capable. What makes you feel powerful? "Powerful" isn't something I really feel, if I'm being real. What are you ready to let go? It would be inexplicably fantastic if I could let every speck of Jason go in both my head and heart. What is your most bizarre deal-breaker? I don't really find any of my expectations and limits as "bizarre?" They're all valid to me. Well wait, idk if you'd find it strange that I absofuckinglutely would not date someone who hunts, but it's not to me. That's a difference in a very serious value to me. Would you rather be hated or forgotten? Hated. God, I don't want to leave this earth having given just nothing. I can live with some people hating me for whatever reason. What’s the biggest personal change you’ve made? Accepting my bisexuality, probably. That's something that I consider pretty big for two reasons: 1.) I could end up with a woman forever, and especially 2.) I was originally homophobic. I still have difficulty in fathoming how I ever was. What are some of your short-term goals? PHP is finally starting to make me build these again. I want to get better at selfcare, draw, write, and read more, I want to drink a lot more water, exercise way more... Lots of things, really. What is the weirdest thing about you? Uh. I dunno. Probably that I RP meerkats, which is a very obscure RP niche for sure.

#survey #surveys #questions

[eldritchsurveys]

1091.

Does it annoy you when people make their default of them kissing someone? >> I can’t imagine being annoyed by something like this.

Are there any names you can think of that just go well together? >> Not off the top of my head...

Do you enjoy museums? >> I enjoy science and technology museums, natural history museums, and any museum with a planetarium in it. I never got into art museums, I enjoy looking at the art on my tumblr dashboard well enough.

Have you ever met anyone famous? >> Yeah, I met Julianne Moore because she, I guess, sponsored? a Thanksgiving dinner for homeless folk in NYC. Of which I was one. I had a photo with her somewhere but it’s been so long that I doubt it still exists anymore. I’ve also met various musicians.

Describe the scariest dream you can remember? >> ---

Have you ever been to a mint where they make money? >> Nope.

Do you ever get really, really hyper? >> No.

Are you left or right handed, or ambidextrous? >> Right-handed.

If ambidextrous, do you prefer writing with your right or left hand? >> ---

What is your favourite subject at school? >> ---

Do you ever use Yahoo! Answers? For seriousness or for trolling? >> Never.

Have you ever stepped on a thumb tack? >> I don’t think so.

Do you have a username you use for everything? Or does it change each site? >> I have a few go-to usernames.

Are you in Miami bitch? :D >> No.

How did you break the last bone you broke? >> ---

Have you ever used Nexopia? >> I’ve never even heard of that.

What has been the best year of school for you so far? >> ---

Do you have any disorders or disabilities? >> I have Symptoms Syndrome and Problems Disorder.

Do you ever watch How To videos? >> Well, yeah.

Do you enjoy trolling? >> Nope.

Have you ever been to an emergency room? If so, what for? >> Yeah. Most of the time it was because of either self-injury or suicidal ideation.

Which emoticon face do you use most often? Things like: :) :( :D :P :L D: >> I use the basic :) a lot and also :D and xD. Occasional :3 usage as well.

Are you a musical sort of person? I mean, are you musically talented? >> I don’t play any instruments or anything. I do sing, though.

How did you break the first phone you broke? >> I don’t remember.

Did you have a tree house when you were a kid? If so, did you ever fall from it? >> Never had one of these.

Have you ever been on vacation to a snow field? >> Wh... what???

When you go on vacation, what mode of transport do you usually use? >> That depends on where we’re going. When we do Chicago day/weekend-trips, we usually take the car. When we go somewhere like NOLA, we fly.

What is the worst show, in your opinion on MTV? The best? >> I don’t care for most of the stuff played on MTV but Ridiculousness is fun. I like Rob Dyrdek, he’s got good vibes.

Do you like Jason Derϋlo? >> I don’t know anything about him. He’s a musician, right?

Are there any movies that just creep you out so much? >> Not really.

Have you ever had a close encounter with a shark? >> No.

Do you have any hotties on your walls? >> Well, I have an Odin art print... haha.

Do you ever wish dinosaurs came back to life and there were cute and snuggly? >> No.

How many countries have you been to? >> Zero.

How many states have you been to? In all the countries you’ve been to? >> I’ve been to about six or seven states. I don’t feel like counting right now.

What is a song you heard long before it became popular and everyone liked it? >> *shrug*

Do you enjoy designing things? Anything? >> I can’t think of anything.

Do you know anyone who has gotten themselves into a serious accident? >> No.

Can you play anything on the violin? >> No.

Do you know what a raincheck at stores is? >> No. Is it related to layaway?

Whose funeral was the last you went to? >> Someone in Sparrow’s family.

Who got married at the last funeral you went to? >> LOL what??

What do you think of excessively long names? What about their shortenings? >> I don’t have any thoughts about this.

Do you ever get hay fever? >> Nope.

Do you know anyone with the last name Pilbeam? >> Nope.

When you were little, did you have those magnet letters on your fridge? >> I don’t think so.

Have you seen the Techno Jeep video on YouTube? >> No.

Does your house have a wood fire? >> No.

Do you know what a Pibgorn is? >> No.

Can you learn the lyrics of a song by ear, or do you have to search them up? >> It’s a rare song that I never have to look up the lyrics for.

Do you like the name Amy? >> Not especially.

Have you ever got an x-ray? How about a brain scan? >> Only dental x-rays. No brain scans (although I bet I could use one...).

#surveys #survey #random survey #not for reblogging *glare*

[urkpoppsychic]

Pentagon messages/personality + lovelife + career reading

Pentagon 9/25/20 my first pentagon reading! I didnt include E-dawn but i will make a reading about him and Hyuna.

Reminders it is reading is for entertaining purposes and for my own personal growth it might not be 100% accurate just move on. thanks and enjoy ✨💝

Hui: prideful, He likes to plan things with friends and family but is not attached by high expectations. He would rather avoid disappointing situations. He is loyal, generous, when it comes to emotions and social relationships. He is financially stable, and a stable mindset. 

Lovelife: He might be single right now, he gets on dates like blinddates or dating sites, and with no intentions. He likes to meet people.  He is not really looking for a commitment right now but he wants to take romantic situations light and fun. 

How he feels about his career now?: He feels hurt, being stabbed in his back. With an argument or any sort of conflict. It's about his position, it might be disharmony and disappointments have been part of the issue. 

Jinho: He might feel fear of abandonment, rejection and betrayal. Thinking about the worst scenario. He might not always stick with one idea or opinion. He might change it anytime soon. He is being on guard and might overwork himself. Loss in control. 

Love life: He might be in a romantic relationship, where there is no independence, he relies too much on his lover, but luck is on his side cus the person seems to be a good partner for him and that will bring a lot of new challenges and new offers. Teamwork will balance their relationship to the positives. 

How he feels about his career now?: He might also feel a little hurt but he has recovered from it and there is a new passionate beginning for him. He still has passion for his job.  What had hurt him in the past was something that was beyond his control. He is depending on his agency. He is trying to forgive and move on from it. 

Hongseok: This person has an introverted personality, he loves to be alone but still hates to be lonely. He is a very competitive and hard working person. When he is overworking he might isolate himself quickly because he has the urge to solve and do everything on his own. He might not be used to someone's help. He might be also a bit messy when it comes to his room.

Love life: I see that he is single, He is thinking and daydreaming about having a girlfriend. Interest in this kind of idea and want to forget all the past experiences and forgive and want to make room for a new opportunity for love. He might have a crush or interest in someone from the same agency. 

How he feels about his career now?: He struggles at the moment and might have now lack of vision about his career. He might feel things aren't clear, no honesty. Only exciting thing for him is that he might see his crush at work. 

Shinwon: He fears for failure and is stuck with the thoughts of ruining it. He might be worried a lot these days. He might feel anger towards his entire team and work environment he is thinking of breaking away from it. He is being on guard and cautious. He is a child at heart and a fun person to be around. He is creative and sweet. But maybe emotional immature. 

Love life: He is in love with someone who is known as an elegant, very charming and attractive woman. It could be someone in the music industry. Someone who might be older or the same age. It could also mean that the relationship is moving forward and that the person might live in a different city. Or even different countries. He is charging the relationship and he is hoping to commit with her very soon.

How he feels about his career: I might have a feeling he is thinking about to leave the company. He might want to do something different, he might have new dreams and want to use his creativity. 

Yeo One: He is confident and stable, he has a lot of talents and might be playful rather than serious. He might have some authority in him and is working on his self-growth. He supports other members when he sees someone is in struggle. He wants to see the best in everyone and he is someone who will wake up from ur daydreams and focus on reality and give you a warm speech to not giving up.   

Love life: He might feel his effort to her was not enough, he feels disappointments and lack of passion. He feels defensive and might not like the idea how it turned out. The woman is taking it for granted but he is not enough. He wants the truth and honesty. He will end this very soon. 

How he feels about his career: He might feel trapped in ideas of expectations. He might choose something that he might be in fear of regretting it. . Feeling stuck in crossroads. No big actions.

 Yanan: This person has a clear mindset, he doesn't have any worries, he has a lot of freedom to move.  He is not a slave of his own thoughts. He might run a lot away from reality in the past but he understands that he can't always force himself to avoid mental challenges. He feels bored and dissatisfied. He is looking for an opportunity, a choice no matter the path he will choose, it is good and it ends well. 

Love life: indecision, He doesn't know if what he will choose is going to turn out well. He is slowly taking his time to know this person, He sees home and family with that person. The lover could be he or she and is a social butterfly, full of energy (active). Yanan might be a traditional person when it comes to dating. If he is thinking about dating he also thinks further like marriage. 

How he feels about his career: I see that he still has a passion for the member / someone from work  who shows a bit of negative traits. Manipulative? Laziness? Insecurities? Feeling left out in the cold by that person. 

Yuto: He stays with the same ongoing cycle, he refuses to change.. He might be bored as well and a bit jealous. He might come over bold and bad mouthed but he is actually very gentle and stable, He might be a good father figure. But he might feel a little jealous about others and feel dissatisfied.  

Love life: IZONE Member :O

How does he feel about his career?: He analyzes his challenge, he is smart with it, he is quick with ideas. Ambition, misalignment with the values. He might have to deal with a secret relationship. 

Kino: He might feel like giving up, he might feel overwhelmed by criticism and responsibility. He is perfectionistic A mentor or someone who he looks up to isn't really honest and unclear with helping him. It dissatisfied him and he might not feel to work hard. He is cautious and feels to distance himself from the situation. 

Love life: single, focus on other things. 

How does he feel about his career?: He wants to stay positive and optimistic. There is maybe somebody involved with their team that might cause some trouble. The road for his career looks stagnant. It caused hurt in the past but he is trying to forgive and recover from it. 

Wooseok: He has strong willpower, confidence and is competitive. He might stress and carry burdens on his back. He really wants to keep going and it will make him work hard and burden and stress grows. The music that was driving him, a desire that helped him, no longer is the sound of your mission. He might just be going through the motions and getting through the day. He is honest, intelligent. Nurturing and having love for nature. 

Love life: He is love sick, totally in love with someone, he will put her on a pedestal, The energy of that person feels to me very popular and famous and attractive and a great personality. He might be a bit younger and a bit immature but he is willing to take a romantic offer for her. He is losing his control of his emotion. He can no longer hold it back. G-idle? 

How does he feel about his career: Feeling dependent on the agency, feeling bored and dissatisfied, wanting a bit more action and passion. But he stays open minded with objective thoughts. He seeks professional advice. He feels corrupt.

#pentagon #reading #kpoppredictions #career #love #lovelife #kpop #wooseok #kino #yuto #yanan #yeo one #shinwon #hongseok #Jinho #hui #messages

[overthinkingkdrama]

The Jona Awards: Kdrama 2019

Favorite Heroine

Jang Man Wol from Hotel Del Luna

***

There were other great heroines this year who were in much better dramas than HDL, but nobody who so completely defined and carried the whole drama as Man Wol. IU’s Ji An was my favorite of heroine, and this year feels like the natural continuation of her arc as a lead actress. It wouldn’t break my heart if IU occupied this space every year.

Runners Up: Cha Woo Kyung from Children of Nobody, Eun Dan Ho from Extraordinary You, Lee Eun Jung from Be Melodramatic, Kim Hye Ja from The Light In Your Eyes

Favorite Hero

Go Ji Seok from Catch the Ghost

***

For all the issues I ended up having with this drama in the last few weeks of its run, none of them had to do with Kim “Dimples” Sun Ho or the character of Ji Seok who hit the sweet spot of competent, righteous police officer and soft, affectionate boyfriend goals. His acting is on point. I really hope we see more lead roles from Kim Sun Ho in the future and his star keeps rising, rather than being forced to watch him descend back into second lead hell.

Runners Up: Hwi from My Country, Kang Ji Heon from Children of Nobody

Favorite OST

“Your Shampoo Scent in the Flowers” by Jang Beom June from Be Melodramatic

***

There was a lot of great music in dramas this year, but even if it’s kind of an expected pick I’ve just listened to this song so many times, and went so far as to write the lyrics out on my fridge so I could practice singing along. I love the original version best, but the ballad and actor sung versions are great too. It’s just a great tune and a real earworm.

Runners Up: “The Street You Left” by Liver and Gallbladder from When the Devil Calls Your Name; Basic the whole OST from When the Devil Calls Your Name actually; “WOW” by Mamamoo from Search: WWW

Guiltiest Pleasure

The Last Empress

***

I can’t believe this drama finished airing in February. It feels like a long time ago in another life that I watched this with my roommate, cringing and laughing myself sick all the way through. Maybe it’s because this drama feels like it was ripped from a different decade. Jang Na Ra seems to be in a different drama than everyone else, one that’s way better than this one. There’s something just so absurd and delicious about this drama. Good for watching with friends and booze on hand.

Bitterest Disappointment

Catch The Ghost

***

I became totally obsessed with this drama during the first half of the run. It didn’t get picked up by any of the major streaming sites I use and it didn’t have a big following, but I was all over social media trying to find content and conversation about this show. After the first 6 episodes or so I really thought this one was going to end up in my top 10 this year, if not my top 5. Alas, it didn’t turn out that way. This drama has major writing problems. The central couple and their arcs are solid and well acted by the leads. However, what passes for the murder mystery is so thin and convoluted, and it completely takes over the drama for much of the last two weeks, rendering episodes 14 and 15 nearly unwatchable. I still adore the lead couple and think they have amazing chemistry, overall they saved the drama for me. That’s why it didn’t make it onto my worst list. It’s really sad, though, to have to rate down a drama you really liked because major writing flaws meant it couldn’t stick the ending.

Runners Up: The Lies Within, Arthdal Chronicles, Memories of the Alhambra

Best Friendship

Eun Jung, Jin Joo and Han Joo in Be Melodramatic

***

Of all the dramas I watched this year, this one made me feel the best, made me feel genuine joy whenever I watched it. I found the three leads delightfully funny, inspiring, and relatable. Easily one of the best portrayals of female friendship this year, and my personal favorite.

Runner Up: Dong Baek and Hyang Mi in When the Camellia Blooms

Best Kiss

Ja In and Yi Kang in Nokdu Flower

***

There were a lot of good kisses this year, and many of them were much flashier and steamier than this one. But the reason this one stuck out in my mind was because of the conviction with which the actors pulled it off. It came at the perfect moment of tension for the characters and the story, and it’s just beautifully shot.

Runners Up: Park Bench Kiss from One Spring Night; 11th Hour Kiss from Catch the Ghost

Most Cathartically Makjang

SKY Castle

It took me a while to get around to this one, and I thought I might just skip it. I didn’t expect it to blow up as much as it did in Korea, nor to have such a positive reception in the West. When I did watch it I watched it fast, this drama is very addictive. Though the ending was a bit of an anticlimax in my opinion, I’m sorry I waited so long to try it. Also, as someone who loves a while variety of twisted psychos in her fiction, this drama has one of the most unique and fascinating villains I’ve run across.

Runner Up: The Last Empress

Villain I Most Loved To Hate

Nam Jeon from My Country

***

Not a lot to add here. Ahn Nae Sang is incredible, and he made me seriously contemplate stabbing a fictional character every time he was on screen.

Messiest Plot

When the Devil Calls Your Name

***

This drama had ambition, and I respect that. However, I don’t think it was well enough thought out or well enough executed to pull off what it was attempting. That’s a shame, because it could have been a really interesting Faust-type story if it could have remained a little more focused and really fleshed out Ha Rip and the central relationships rather than running hither and yon with all that confusing world building.

Runner Up: Memories of the Alhambra, Catch the Ghost

Please Make Another Drama Together

Jeon Yeo Bin and Seon Seok Ku

***

These two beautiful weirdos play off each other so very well in Be Melodramatic, even though their scenes were sparse and only started deep into the drama’s run, they left a huge impact on me. I could have easily watched a whole drama just about them, and I would love to see them work on a project together again someday.

Runners Up: Kim Sun Ho and Moon Geun Young, Seo Kang Joon and Kim Hyun Joo

Best Korean Movie

Parasite

***

I didn’t watch a lot of films this year, but I made it a point see this one. Probably the least controversial pick I could have possibly made. I’m glad this movie has blown up internationally, and the 6 Oscar nominations it got are so very deserved. I feel like I need to rewatch this 6 or 7 times to really appreciate it.

Best Screen Couple

Yang Se Jang and Woo Do Hwan in My Country

***

I agonized about this pick for a number of reasons. There were a lot of romantic couples that I felt for strongly this year, and I nearly gave this pick to one of them, but none of them quite had the gut-punch intensity of these two. Though this is technically not a canon pairing, this drama has a palpable underlying homoeroticism throughout. Emotionally and structurally this plays out like a lurid, tragic romance between these two and the leads carry it off so perfectly I find it impossible to believe that that’s unintentional.

Runners Up: Moon Geun Young and Kim Sun Ho in Catch The Ghost; Jung Hae In and Han Ji Min in One Spring Night

#year end reviews #jona awards #kdramas 2019 #slightly different categories than last year #hope you enjoyed it anyway #it was fun to make #happy 2020 everyone

[iheartgod175]

A Guide to LOST SONG - Part 1

AKA The anime that made me love Konomi Suzuki

When I stumbled across Lost Song on Netflix, I didn’t know what to expect. The style looked vaguely interesting, and I could tell immediately from the title that it had something to do with music. So I gave it a shot.

And boy howdy, am I glad that I did. This anime is not flawless, but there are so many things I loved about it that it almost outweighs the bad. It exposed me to Konomi Suzuki, who I absolutely love now. And it made me love Yukari Tamura even more, if that was possible. The fandom is small, but it’s passionate in sharing its excitement and knowledge of this anime. And for a while I thought of doing a review, but it hit me to do a guide for the anime to introduce others to it. 

So, let’s get into the bare bones of this anime, shall we?

(I’ll be writing my own synopsis since the one on Wikipedia is terrible)

(NOTE: LIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD!)

The Plot

We have two protagonists, Rin (voiced by Konomi Suzuki in her first acting role) and Silver-Haired Nanoha-I mean Finis (voiced by Yukari Tamura). Rin is a simple country girl who’s adorably ditzy, loves to eat food and most of all loves to sing. Finis is a beautiful but clumsy and airheaded songstress hired by the Capital to use her songs to aid the kingdom’s war effort. Both of our female leads have the ability to sing Spirit Songs, songs that can manipulate the four elements of the world and bring about miracles.  Both of them have problems related to their singing: Rin’s grandfather, Talgia, forbids her from singing for mysterious reasons, and she finds support from her older sister Mel and younger brother Al, the latter of whom wishes to go to the Capital to become a scientist (despite his numerous failed inventions). Finis’ songs, while vital to ending the war, severely shorten her lifespan, and she is seen as nothing more than a tool of war by the Capital’s war effort, namely by the prince, Rudo Bernstein (more on him in a bit). The only people who see her as a person are her servant Corte and Henry Leobolt, a knight assigned to protect her by Prince Rudo.

Certain events--the burning of Rin and Al’s village and the deaths of their sister and grandfather, and Finis and Henry’s forbidden romance amidst the war--set the stage for Rin and Finis to finally meet. Will the last song be one to save the world...or destroy it? 

The Characters

Lost Song has a host of characters, both male and female, that have an important role in the story and all get their own time to shine (although some characters do get the short end of the stick, as I’ll explain in part 2).

I’ll be breaking them down as best as I can, hopefully with as few spoilers as possible!

**NOTE: I’ll be using the Netflix translations for their names until further info is revealed (like how to actually spell them correctly)

Rin

A village girl with a passion for singing

Greatest wish is to travel to the capital to sing at the Star Song Festival

Blessed with an amazing voice, but is banned from singing by her grandfather

Possesses a mysterious power to both control the elements and create “miracles” with her songs

Loves her family and friends dearly

Blames herself for her sister’s and grandfather’s deaths as her song led Bazra to her village

Occasionally ditzy, gluttonous and sometimes hard on herself (due to the aforementioned deaths of her family), but is otherwise a sweet, selfless girl who tries to understand others

Will recklessly throw herself in danger to help those in trouble

Finis

The Capital’s Songstress who is also referred to as a goddess by the capital’s army due to her Power of Songs

Also blessed with an amazing voice (YUKARI TAMURA, DUH)

Her songs are used for war, so she is seen as a weapon by many of the Capital’s elite, namely Prince Rudo

Continued use of her songs shortens her lifespan, a fact known to her servant, Corte

Falls in love with Henry Leobolt, a knight assigned to protect her during the war, due to him treating her like an actual person.

Is eventually forced to kill people with her songs so Rudo won’t kill Henry

Very airheaded and has NO sense of direction, but is otherwise a sweet woman.

Al Hawkray

Rin’s adopted younger brother and Mel’s biological younger brother 

An aspiring inventor and scientist whose inventions sometimes fail at the worst possible time

Constantly points out how things involving songs are scientifically impossible

Travels with Rin to the capital after their village is destroyed and his grandfather and Mel are killed

Despite his bad luck, several of his inventions have proven to be useful as weapons (ie. his Star Bombs)

Greatly admires Dr. Weissen

Often the butt of everyone’s jokes, much to his annoyance

A little salty with his companions, but cares for them nonetheless

Has an unrequited crush on Rin

Pony Goodlight

A former Court Minstrel who travels around the country

Rin and Al’s first companion

Left the Capital and her job for unknown reasons

Is also a pretty good singer (her VA, Chiaki Takahashi, is Azusa from iM@S after all), with a knowledge of many Legendary Songs that she teaches to Rin

Likes to think of herself as mature, but can be somewhat temperamental

DOES NOT like to be called old. Or ugly. 

Also hates bugs

Likes to drink and gamble 

Has the hots for Henry Leobolt (calling him “Hottie” on several occassions)

The Lux Sisters (Monica and Allu)

Allu is the oldest, with short red hair and red eyes

Monica is younger with brown hair that covers one eye, and wears a strange rabbit suit 

They are Rhythmists who were working for the capital to manufacture Echo Devices for the war

They originally went to the capital to become Minstrels in the Court Orchestra, but gave it up to earn money to heal their mother’s blindness

When Rin heals their mother with the Song of Healing, they join Rin, Al and Pony on their journey to the capital

Allu is the braver of the two, but can come off as rude and harsh to those who meet her. Very protective of Monica, and has a habit of randomly drumming on objects at times

Monica is quieter, cowardly (having a habit fo falling asleep when in danger) and speaks very little. Is also a very good singer and can imitate any song perfectly after hearing it just once

Both are good friends with Rin (who healed their mom) and often tease Al (much to his chagrin)

Mel Hawkray

Rin and Al’s older sister

The only one who supports Rin’s singing talents, and is said to spoil Rin a little

Dies in the first episode, but appears a few times (in Rin’s dreams), and is mentioned by both Rin and Al

A sweet, nurturing woman who loves her siblings

THE MOST underused character in this whole show

Corte (pictured on the right)

Finis’ servant, who serves as a mother figure

Is practically glued to Finis’ side, though Finis loves her just as much and can’t function without her

Is always worried for Finis’ safety, but will put her life on the line to protect her

Supports Henry and Finis’ relationship

Dislikes Prince Rudo (then again, who doesn’t like him?) and knows of the danger he poses to Finis and Henry

Talgia Hawkray

Rin’s adoptive grandfather and Mel and Al’s biolgical grandfather

Kind old man, honestly, but is strict, especially with Rin

Bans Rin from singing for unexplained reasons, which causes a strain in their relationship

Also dies in the first episode, but appears later on in some very important scenes detailing Rin’s past

Along with Finis and Rin, he’s a fairly important character (if minor)

Henry Leobolt

A knight from the famous Leobolt family who is Finis’ bodyguard

A strong, brave and caring man who sticks with his ethics

He owns a family sword that is said to never break or rust, and is a master swordsman who can take down a whole army

Is wholly against war, but will not hesitate to defend himself, his men, or those he’s sworn to protect

Falls in love with Finis, and as a result is moved to the frontlines by Rudo as punishment, but manages to survive and command his own team of men

Knows of Finis’ curse and hates to see her suffer for his sake

Dr. Weissen

An eccentric old man who happens to be a renowned physicist, inventor and scientist

Has a croissant on his cane for random snacking (no, really he does)

Crotchety at first, but is actually a kindhearted old man

He originally did research to help people, but was then forced to build weapons of war under Rudo’s rule

Lost his entire lab, his assistants and his inventions to the Capital, which made him lose hope

Takes on Al as his assistant after Rin restores his lab and becomes his mentor

Prince Rudo Bernstein IV

The prince of the Capital

A cold, heartless, ruthless person who will kill those who oppose him in a heartbeat

Is disliked by many of the populace (and for good reason)

Is engaged to Finis (who dislikes him)

Hates Henry Leobolt, especially after he falls in love with Finis, and tried to kill him by putting him in the frontline of the war

Uses Finis as a tool of war, and eventually convinces her to use her songs to kill people by threatening to kill Henry

Bazra Bearmors

The General of the Capital’s army

A ruthless man who uses others for his personal gain

Is rivals with Henry Leobolt and tried to kill him several times throughout the show

Destroyed Weissen’s lab and also killed Rin’s grandfather

A powerful swordsman who can go toe to toe with Henry

The only other characters I can think of are the men that eventually join up with Henry after Rudo puts him on the frontline, but they’re minor, and not even the official site lists them as characters ^^;

Part 2 will kind of go into a bit more details about what to look for in the plot following episode 7, where things REALLY get kind of crazy, as well as my general opinions on the characters, the music and the general tone of the show.

If this mini guide had you interested in the ainime, then that’s great! I’m hoping that more people catch on to watching Lost Song. It really needs more love!

~iheartgod175, out!

#lost song #lost song anime #netflix anime #I'm doing my absolute BEST to not spoil this show for those curious enough to watch it #But yes #This is a long post about me gushing over this little known but lovably flawed anime

[jenna347-blog]

Lira Woods pt (Chapter 2)

Chapter 2

About four months had passed since everyone started fighting over Lira and Jim getting married, but the day had finally come that a mortal and a witch would get married. Even if it was against the witches’ code, she didn’t care. It was a dream come true for the evil fair maiden and her fair evil devilish prince. They happily sang “Here Comes the Bride” as Lira walked down the aisle. “We gather here today to witness the union of this evil devilish couple in non-holy matrimony,”. He turned to Lira and stated, “Do you, Lira, take this man to be your evil husband?” “Hell yeah, I do.” “And do you, Jim, take this woman to be your evil witch wife?” “Ditto.” “All rise for the new Mr. and Mrs. Woods. You can kiss each other.” After their kiss, they turned to leave the church. As they walked down the aisle, everyone threw dark magical roses and rice at them. Lira got in the limo first; she was followed by Jim. From there, they went to their wedding reception. At these kinds of wedding parties, everyone just danced to the music until early in the morning. Everyone had a wonderful time. They drank black cherry martinis, had all kinds of freakish foods, and smoked all several types of flavor hookahs. This was not the normal goody too shoes kind of party where everyone said how happy they were for their loved ones and all that boring crap that these mortals think of. So, when the party was over, Lira threw a bag of hash and crazy frog legs at a group of single women. Whoever caught the bag would be the next person to get married. Lira saw that Sorcery wasn’t too freaking happy about it. She saw it in her face. They had known each other since they were eight, so yes, they had grown up together. They were practically sisters, so there wasn’t much that Lira wasn’t attuned to when it came to Sorcery’s emotions and vice versa. Sorcery had never thought it was going to come to this. Lira thought that she was upset because she was happy. She thought Sorcery was jealous of her. But she was upset because Lira had broken the most important rule. And she expected Sorcery to go along with it without voicing her opinion. Of course, Lira still loved Sorcery a lot, even if she thought she was always wrong. Lira was determined to show Sorcery that she had not made a mistake. She had even told her that no one told her what to do, not even her best friend. Lira said that she would rather have the love of her life than someone would tell me what to do. Because no one, and I do mean no, told Lira Woods what to do. And Lira didn’t care who they were! Lira and Jim went to Rio for their month-long honeymoon. They even thought about living there, but they weren’t sure yet. “Oh, my love! I can’t believe this is happening to us, my beloved Jim,” Lira said while rubbing her husband’s face. “Jim, I was thinking … maybe we can take over South America then work our way up. How do you feel about that, my dear husband?” “Mm … sounds like a plan to me,” he said as he kissed her neck. “I love your devilish plans. I love how you help me make people our slaves because I know you want the same things as I do. No one can tell us what to do and listen to us. It makes me so damn horny to see you kill and make people your slaves. When I am watching you do that, it makes me want you more and more. Sometimes, I don’t know what I’d do without you. I don’t care what anybody says. You are the only one that can make my dark heart even darker. I’m so glad that you married me, my love.” He kisses Lira’s hand passionately. “Jim. I would love for you to make dark love to me my sexy beast. I want to hold you so much you don’t even know what you’re doing to me.” She ripped off his clothes, pushed him onto the bed, handcuffed him, and … well you know happened after that. If you don’t get it, well, too bad for you. I’m not going to explain it. The next day, after their first day in the hotel, they started to really enjoy themselves. They went slave hunting, and they also went on a killing spree. They could get away with making people their slaves and murdering them because Lira had a spell that made all finger prints and other incriminating evidence dissolve in just one second, and she knew how to get away with anything. She wasn’t afraid of cops. She knew how to brainwash them. She could make them believe that they would never do anything to harm another human being. She was even able to get others to do their dirty work. Like I said, if they didn’t do what they wanted them to, they’d eat them just for the hell of it. One day, Lira came to her husband and said, “Jim, something is wrong with me. I don’t know what it is though. It has to do with my stomach.” Lira had started to run to the bathroom in their hotel suite, and she had started to puke in the toilet. She knew that certain colors of puke meant certain issues. For instance, Lira’s was purplish black. She knew that this meant that she was pregnant. She was shocked and in disbelief. Lira told Jim, “We’re going to have a baby.” They were both so damn glad that they could teach their child how to be just like them. “So, what do we while we are waiting for you to give birth to our baby, my dear Lira?” “Every day for nine months, we must go to a grave site around midnight in my country where our lord is buried and pray on it and do a black spell on the seed of evil to make sure it’s going to be like us and nothing less than that, my dear husband.” That night, Lira used her magic to teleport them to her home planet. She showed Jim what kind of world she lived in. They placed black candles around the grave that where Optimum, the toughest witch known to man, was buried. When Optimum was alive, no one could touch him. She told Jim that several witches had told her that she reminded them of him. Plus, she acted just like him, too. “Ok so we have to put these black and purple candles around his grave. Oh, yeah! I forgot to draw this magical drawing with chocolate chalk. That will bring his lost spirit to us, but we also must recite a chant, so he’ll make our child very evil. If we don’t, our child won’t take over this wicked planet as we have planned,” Lira said. “Oh, Lira, I always love your ideas and thoughts because that’s what I was thinking. I think, sometimes, you’re reading my mind. You, my one and only lass, are all that I need.” Afterward, they started the black spell to bring the spirit of Optimum to grace their evil seed. “Who dares to wake me from slumber?” Optimum asked. “My Lord Optimum, my name is Lira. I woke thee because I bare child, and we want your dark powers to make us stronger than ever, and we want to make sure that our evil seed will be as evil as us.” They kneeled down before their lord as he said, “Anything for you, Lira Woods, my dear lass. You have the same evil spirit as your parents, and you remind of me of them at your age. No one could tell me what to do. This energy I give you both, and your evil seed will make you more powerful than the rest. Each month that you come to see me, your child will become more evil and powerful; both of you will as well. You two must kiss each other to share each other’s evil power, and you must do this for nine months straight. I will take this spell and a container for later today. Remember to always share your evilness with your seed now and forever, and listen to no other human.” “We will kill and make people our slaves, and we will let you know what the outcome of it is in nine months. Thank you for this dark evil blessing. This is a farewell, my lord Optimum.” As Lord Optimum went back to his resting place, Jim looked at Lira with a shocked look on his face. He just couldn’t believe what had just happened because he had never seen anything like that before. Plus, he’d just got his magical ability and an upgrade, so this was still all new to him. After Lira magically cleaned all the candles and chalk up, she headed back to the states, but the thing was Sorcery and Tony had been stalking them the whole time, starting with their honeymoon trip. “Oh, my fucking god! Sorcery, what the fuck was that thing?” His eyes had grown to the size of saucers and he was shaking. “Man, get the fuck off me. His name is Lord Optimum. He’s like a god to us. He’s very famous in our country. He is known for very evil.” Tony scratched his head. “So why do they need him in the first place? I couldn’t hear what they were saying because you were holding my ears the whole time.” “Well, I’ll explain it to you as simply as possible. When a woman bares a child, she and her mate should travel to Optimum’s grave. They must awaken him from his slumber, so he can give them and their unborn child powers. In return, they should kill for nine months. Then they send the child to boarding school, and when the child comes of age, he or she becomes immortal.” He still had a shocked look on his face like no other. “I still can’t believe this is actually happening. Oh, my god! I should’ve recorded this on my phone and uploaded it on video.” “Are you a dumbass, Tony? Why would you ever want to tape a damn ghost? This place wouldn’t show up on film, you idiot. It’s like another universe,” Sorcery said as she slapped him on the back of his head. “Ouch! Hey! I really need the money. If you were as cash-strapped as me, you’d have thought the same damn thing. I know you would have, and I’m not a damn idiot, Sorcery. Man, you always tripping. I done nothing to you, but you act like I’m supposed to. What’s wrong with you? What’s your fuckin’ problem?” “Oh! What’s my fuckin’ problem? Maybe the problem is you. For damn’s sake, you’re the worst man that I’ve ever met in my life. I can’t believe that I even took the time to partner up with you, and I truly think you’re on drugs on something. I truly think your momma dropped you on your head when you were a kid.” “Man, the words you just spoke turned me on. I want you so badly, Sorcery,” Tony said just before he kissed her passionately. She stared directly into his eyes. She felt weird. She couldn’t resist his boyish charm and his ocean blue eyes. The thing was he’d taught his brother how to talk to the women. Then, Sorcery slapped his face, kissed him, and slapped him again. “Oh, my god! I think I want you, too. Something about you is making me fall in love with you. I think it’s your devilish charm. Wait a min. What am I thinking, falling for you? I can’t. You’re a non-witch mortal. I’m not going to be like my friend and just fall for your love spell. What? Are you trying to play me for a fool? Like they say, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. That’s why Lira’s always stuck by me because I have more common sense than she does any day. And whatever love spell your brother did on her won’t work on me. I just must find out what that was. I mean, we must find out how he did it. I know you had something to do with it. I know you did. I just know it. You’re trying to trick me, so I won’t get or stay mad at you.” Tony pulled her to him and kissed her again. “Are you trying to shut me up or something, Tony?” “Ah, duh? That’s the entire point, my dear. I’ve wanted you from the start. I love how you are trying your hardest to play hard to get. There’s no other woman that’s more evil or smarter than you.” “Oh, my gosh, Tony! You’re such the talker to get to my cold soul. No guy has ever said those thing to me in my immortal life. Even though you’re a total dumbass, at the same time, you’re such a hottie in a dark, gothic kind of way.” “Well, my fair evil lady, will you be with me forever, no matter what?” “But you’re a mortal. I should make one to even be with you. I should think about it. This is way too soon, but for some reason, something about this feels so good and so right.” “Oh, man! You’re such an evil, nerd, witchy woman.” “What? Is that such a weird thing? Were you expecting someone like Lira, who is a beautiful evil witch, who does anything to get attention from boys who then let her have her way with them?” “Damn, girl! Why can’t you just admit that you want a smooth, evil, sexy man like me? I just want you, and not what’s in your pants. You’re more cold-hearted than my brother Jim. You women are all the same.” “I already told you, boy that I’m not trying to rush this. I’m just trying to take this thing slow because half of the stuff you’re telling me could be a fucking lie! I don’t know if I should or shouldn’t believe you, but you better be glad that you’re fucking hot because I do want you badly. Come to me, lover boy.” Well, the next day, Jim and Lira went back home. It was a month after their honeymoon. Jim entered the room with Lira. “Oh, man! Lira, I had a wonderful time with you. I’m so glad that we’re having this spawn baby that can continue our legacy of killing and enslaving people. No matter what, we’ll make our child the most important slave master known to man.” “I love how you think, my dear Jim. I’m so glad that I married you and am having your child. I look forward to being here with you till the end. No matter what my teacher, Sorcery, or your brother says, you’ll be my man forever. I’m also happy that I’m having your evil seed to leave the legacy that my parents also wanted for me to fulfill as well.” So, for the next five months, they went back and forth to the gravesite to give evil grace to their lord, in the hopes that he’d make their child evil and make them more so. “Hey, Sorcery. I forgot to ask you. How long does it take for witches to have their babies? Nine months or longer?” “Nine months. Just like any other pregnancy. Duh!” “Well, I thought, it might not take as long.” Sorcery shook her head and said, “Man! Tony, you watch way too much TV.” “But what’s a TV?” “Oh! I forgot. We’re the only ones that have televisions. Ha! And you said I was the dumbass girl. Damn! You’re really getting bad. It’s to the point where you’re making me smart. What happened? I truly think that you’re being annoying, and I must baby sit you all day long, even though you’re very hot for your age. I may not go out with you in any way whatsoever. I should be so damn drunk and high from weed to even try to think that I could do it. You almost had me, but not this time. No, sir. “Ok, I don’t think I need your advice on what I should or what I shouldn’t do at all. I truly want you for myself. I don’t care if you try to play hard to get. You will be mine, no matter what you say or do you. Got that, girly?” “Look, Tony. No mortal, and I do mean no type of being like you, is going to tell me what to do or who I should go out with, and I don’t care if they have the same baby doll face and hot, sexy, deep voice as you do.” “But, sexy, you know you want me all to yourself. Don’t try to fight it. I don’t see why you’re trying to. Maybe you don’t want to be like your best friend. Maybe you want to be just like her. Maybe she’s right. Maybe you are a jealous-ass fool who doesn’t care about nobody else but yourself. Boy, if you tick me off one more fucking time, I’ll make you wish that you never ever born. I’ll torture you till you can’t take it anymore, not just that maybe also gash your eyes out and beat you to a bloody pulp.” She dropped Tony hard on a ton of leaves. “Lira, did you hear that, my lover?” “Yes, but it was probably just some animal that jumped out of a tree or something. Probably nothing to worry about, my dear.” “All I care about is having this baby and letting it control this weird land. My Lira, the reason why I brought you here to this park was to show and tell you something.” “What’s that, my love?” she asked while looking at him with a glittery glow upon her eyes and face. “Do you know why I’ve started coming out only at night?” After Lira shook her head, Tim continued, “It’s because, when I was coming back from the market a week ago, a vampire came and bit me in the middle of the night, so now I’m a vampire with magical powers. Let me show you.” A power spear appeared in his hand. He threw it into the tree where Tony and Sorcery were. Even though they were scared, they did not say a word. They’d never experienced anything like that before because they’d never seen a magical vampire ever. Lira was in a state of shock. She’d never seen this a day in her life because her school had a strict rule about not teaching powers of a vampire, but they never told them that they couldn’t date them. They’d been told that they could only date their own kind, but that was kept a secret. “Wow! I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless, my love.” “You don’t have to say anything, Lira. With our combined power, we can make these mortals ours and make them our personal zombies. Plus, we can start our feeding spree. What do you say about that, my dear Lira?” “I totally agree with that, Jim. I love you even more. I wouldn’t even know what to do without you, my evil, sexy husband. So, let’s get out of here, my dear husband, so we can start our journey as husband and wife and make this planet ours forever.” So, after they left, Sorcery and Tony both looked at each other with their jaws wide open. Both were in a deep state of shock. “Hey! What in the hell just happened to my brother, Sorcery? I don’t know what to say because I never knew that he was a vampire.”  “I can’t even answer that question because I don’t even know what just happened myself. This is way too surreal for me, and I feel like I don’t even know who she is anymore. We were supposed to be best friend. We were supposed to be working together, but she seems like a stranger to me. Even when we were kids, she once told me she’d never leave me for no one. I guess he got her to the point where he brain-washed her. I truly hate him so damn much. I wish he could just die and rot in the fuckin’ ground. If he could, I would be so damn happy.” She lets out an evil laugh. “Damn, girl! You really have serious problems. Now I see why she was your friend, and I can kind of see why the friendship broke up at the same time. Do you see what she’s doing here? She’s so love struck she’ll leave the people that care about her and let a guy like my brother brainwash her into believing that he wants her and only her and that he’ll be there for her forever. He’s using her, so he can combine her powers with his and be the most powerful vampire and witch. Maybe you guys were never meant to be friends. It’s just how life is. You can’t change it, Sorcery. No matter what, you may not like it. Some people always say you should suck it up and deal with it. You may want to not think so, but it’s true. She stopped loving you a long time ago. She probably only became your friend because she felt bad for you and wanted to use you.” “No, she’ll never use or try to do anything of the sort. I think you’re trying to make me hate her. I’m only hanging with you because I have to have a witness saying that she’s going out with an outsider.” “But I thought he couldn’t be a mortal, and he’s not, so it’s still wrong, and I thought that it would be against the law for someone to say someone can’t marry another person because of who they are.” “Who told you that bullshit?” “Well, you did say, if the person was an immortal, no matter what she has the right to be with him or her.” “I know, but he has to be born a vampire to actually work out in this case. Then she’ll be ok. I just don’t want her to fall into his trap. That’s all.” Sorcery started to go back to New York City. So, they could see how Lira and Jim were turning out. Lira was in her seventh month of pregnancy. She couldn’t wait to have this evil seed at last. She and Jim now knew that they were going to have a baby girl. Then they looked at each other and passionately kissed, but Jim had a surprise for her in the bedroom … and in the kitchen. In the kitchen, he’d fixed dinner. It consisted of human ribs, guts, and brains. And they drank human blood, of course. An hour later, they went to the bedroom, he’d put dead flowers with skulls with blood on the walls, and you know what went on from there. The next morning, Lira put a spell on Jim, so he could go out in the daylight without hurting himself. This allowed him to collect some blood for his feedings. “My love, I can’t. We must wait two more months till we meet our daughter. I am so excited about having our first child. I just can’t wait for you to have our evil daughter. I can’t wait either, my love. You don’t know how much I want this to happen. This means the world to me, just like you do. I want to make your wishes come true, my dear Lira. And you’re the only girl that I want in this universe and the only one that I want to control humans with. No one can top you, my love, and I do mean no one. You’re the only person that I can trust to do this with, and I want you to know that I’m always here for you. No matter what, my dark princess, and I do mean no matter what. I don’t care what those teachers say about you and me. They can suck a fuckin’ dick.” “You’re the only man that’s ever told me that. That’s why I fell in love with you and married you in the first place, because of your thoughts about life and about me. Just like you said, I don’t care either what they say about us. We’re old enough to make that choice, but sometimes I feel like Sorcery acts weird when I’m around you, my evil prince of darkness.” “See, my princess, she’s jealous of our deadly love. She wishes she could be like my evil bunny, and she wants to be with me, but she knows I’m all yours, and you’re all mine. If another man even looks at you, I’ll make sure to take safe care of him because I know all the guys want all of this, but they need to know they can’t have what I have. They’ll all be thinking; how could he get a woman like that in his life?” “Oh, my sexy husband, your words make me want you even more each day.” In the afternoon, they went back out to the market to buy some candles, magical oil, and what not. They ran into Sorcery near downtown New York. “Oh! Hey, Sorcery! How you been lately?” “Oh, I’m doing fine. Nothing too much. Just picking up some things for a spell that I’m working on, and about you and Jim how you guys doing?” “We’re doing fine. Just doing the same thing as always, and I think I told you we’re having a baby. If you can’t tell, I’m about seven months along, and it’s going to be a girl.” “I’m so happy for you and Jim. I can’t wait to meet her!” Sorcery said with a weird look upon her face. “So, Sorcery, what have you been up to lately? The last time I saw you was at your wedding about seven months ago, and I’ve been thinking about you for the longest.” “Well, I’ve been doing fine. Nothing big. Just been going to college. Plus, I’m teaching myself how to do a lot better with my spells, and I see you’re doing very well with Jim as you prepare for the birth of your child.” “Hi! Lira, let’s go home. I got everything that we needed,” Jim said. “Ok, my love. So, Sorcery, I guess I’ll see you later.” “I guess. It was nice seeing you again. I really do miss you. I wish you’d come over and hang out like we used to,” Sorcery said. “I will when I have the time to. I will. You know I miss you, too, because you are like a sister to me and always will be no matter what happens, but I’ll see you guys later,” Lira said. What Lira didn’t know was that, while in college, Sorcery learned mind reading. Lira was trying to end the friendship because of what Jim had said about Sorcery, but she couldn’t believe that Sorcery wanted to do such a thing to her. As meeting with Lira, Sorcery flew back home like she said she was going to. She really didn’t tell Lira the truth about her unborn child. While flying, Sorcery thought to herself, why did she try to lie to me and act like everything was ok? I don’t know what to think about Lira. It just seems like she’s not the same person anymore. It’s like when she met Jim, her personality has change. Like I told Tony, I truly don’t know her anymore as a person. She seems very mentally insane. Yes, we’re supposed to be evil and all but not to the point of cooking and eating mortals. That’s not what we’re supposed to do. The book states we can only make people our slaves, put curses on them, or use our black magic to play tricks on them, but we are never to go over the edge. I can’t tell her what she can or cannot do in her spare time, but I’m worried our world will find out about their relationship and them having the baby. I just hope that dumbass Tony doesn’t do anything to stand in the way of their happiness.

[deeeelightfuldee]

surveyss 004.

Does it annoy you when people make their default of them kissing someone? Nah, more power to you all if you're happily in a relationship.

Are there any names you can think of that just go well together? Oh sure, but I don’t know exactly what right now.

Do you enjoy museums? yes, i love them!

Have you ever met anyone famous? I have met a few singers when my dad was a DJ. I met a couple people from MTV when I registered them at work.

Describe the scariest dream you can remember? I definitely don’t want to recall the most terrifying, but my most recent nightmare is that I accidentally (I think it was accidental?) drove off the side of a mountain and my car was upside down and I was bleeding really bad for so long. I remember passing out in my dream and waking up supposedly like a few days later and I knew Kile, my mom, my siblings, and some rangers were looking for me and I knew Kile was close cus I could hear him calling for me frantically. I went to call for him because the car was covered by trees, but when I went to open my mouth I couldn’t make any sounds come out. I just sobbed and sobbed but it was silent and then I couldn’t hear him anymore. So it was like I knew I was dying.

Have you ever been to a mint where they make money? I have not.

Do you ever get really, really hyper? SO seldom. I’m pretty chill. I have energy but not hyper amounts.

Are you left or right handed, or ambidextrous? right.

If ambidextrous, do you prefer writing with your right or left hand? -

What is your favourite subject at school? Psychology. 

Do you ever use Yahoo! Answers? For seriousness or for trolling? Do I now? No. Did I in the past? Oh yeah.

Have you ever stepped on a thumb tack? YES. Thinking about that gives me goose bumps on my chin. Eeeeegh its the worst.

Do you have a username you use for everything? Or does it change each site? There are like 3 that I switch between.

Are you in Miami bitch? :D Uh no.

How did you break the last bone you broke? Dancing in a parking lot while it was raining.

Have you ever used Nexopia? No idea what that is.

What has been the best year of school for you so far? I really loved my time at Moraine so that would beeeee.. 2016-2018.

Do you have any disorders or disabilities? I do not. 

Do you ever watch How To videos? Yeah when it comes to car things or plumbing. 

Do you enjoy trolling? no.

Have you ever been to an emergency room? If so, what for? Goodness, so many times. Broke the same ankle 3 times. Stitches. Seizures. Severe viruses when I was a kiddo. Then so many times for other people…stitches, kidney stones, heart problems, knee issues, shoulder issues, brain issues, etc. Which emoticon face do you use most often? Things like: :) :( :D :P :L D: :) :/ :] Are you a musical sort of person? I mean, are you musically talented? Errrr… I can play an instrument that I don’t enjoy. I do not know how to play the instruments I love. How did you break the first phone you broke? My friend at the time asked to hold it when we went out to eat at BWW. I had this really tiny, awesome music phone. He had these big beefy hands and when he went to grab it from me, it slid out of his hands and plopped right into a glass of ice water. It was … awful. He tried to walk home during a blizzard because he was so mad at himself and I was like dude, its just a phone. Memories. Did you have a tree house when you were a kid? If so, did you ever fall from it? I did not. My family had this baller one they made at the house they lived in before me, but they apparently used all their creative genius at that time and had none left over for me. Have you ever been on vacation to a snow field? A… snow.. field? When you go on vacation, what mode of transport do you usually use? I fly the most. Drive on some. What is the worst show, in your opinion on MTV? The best? No clue, don’t watch it. Do you like Jason Derϋlo? Is he still making music? Are there any movies that just creep you out so much? I HATE charlie and the chocolate factory. I hate gremlins. I hate princess bride. BLEGH. Have you ever had a close encounter with a shark? Not mega close, but once when I was on a boat heading out to snorkel there was one near us while we were en route. Do you have any hotties on your walls? no. Do you ever wish dinosaurs came back to life and there were cute and snuggly? I just don’t think they would be snuggly. How many countries have you been to? Le Sigh. One. How many states have you been to? In all the countries you’ve been to? 24 states. What is a song you heard long before it became popular and everyone liked it? OOoo, this happens often although when on the spot I can’t quite say I know of one. Ill remember at like 2am. Do you enjoy designing things? Anything? I love to design the way my spaces will look. I also love to design infographics. Do you know anyone who has gotten themselves into a serious accident? Yes. Can you play anything on the violin? Gosh no Do you know what a raincheck at stores is? yes Whose funeral was the last you went to? Emily's grandpa and Nathans Grandma (same weekend) Who got married at the last funeral you went to? no one. What do you think of excessively long names? What about their shortenings? i think... nothing. Do you ever get hay fever? I do not. Do you know anyone with the last name Pilbeam? no. When you were little, did you have those magnet letters on your fridge? Nope! We have an iconic picture fridge, so there were really no spaces for letters. Have you seen the Techno Jeep video on YouTube? no. Does your house have a wood fire? Yes Do you know what a Pibgorn is? no. Can you learn the lyrics of a song by ear, or do you have to search them up? MOST of the time by ear. Occasionally by looking them up when the person is not clearly speaking. Do you like the name Amy? Doesn’t particularly do anything for me. Have you ever got an x-ray? How about a brain scan? Both yes. Multiple times.

[ericotrips]

One of my favourite places to be at this time of the year is with my family, friends and loved ones in my beloved country home, Nigeria. First, it’s the fatherland and then the “Giant of Africa.” So why not?

Home to over a 100 million people and only becoming a sovereign nation in the year 1960, the country has been quite progressive since independence. And Lagos, one of its coastal cities, is predicted to be one of the most populous in the world in the next decade.

Before we specifically get underway, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! May all your dreams and wishes come true this season. Let me know how you’re celebrating the festivities in the comments below.

#1. Food

When asked what she missed about Nigeria in an interview with Gist Nigeria, Wendy Okolo, a US based aerospace engineer replied, “I miss the food, fried yam especially.”

Evidently, there’s a sticky crave for Nigerian delicacies that often hit our brothers and sisters in diaspora. Maybe that’s why they’re always prepared to splurge huge wads of cash at Nigerian restaurants.

From the Tuwo Shinkafa up north to Isiewu and Nkwobi of the east, Efo Riro of the west and did I forget to mention, the ingenious Afang Soup of the south and finger foods – Akara, Bole, Moi Moi and Suya alongside many other mouth watering delicacies like the legendary Nigerian Jollof. The country delivers on all fronts of culinary pleasure.

#2. Culture

A colourful way of living, the several cultures in Nigeria are definitely worth exploring. Experience the traditions of the three major ethnic groups – Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. And let’s remind ourselves of the prominent empires that reigned in time past, the Benin Kingdom, Kingdom of Ife, Nok and Igbo Ukwu Cultures.

Nigeria is pregnant with many cultures and societal references. You should see as much as you can.

#3. Weather

Don’t mean to throw no shade at citizens living in chilly or extreme climes but I’m sure you’ll agree that the weather in Nigeria is near perfect. Sometime ago, a lady trended on Twitter for the wrong reasons, she took to the social media platform to rant about the cold in Canada! Swearing and Cursing at the weather in yoruba language.

The best time to travel to Nigeria is after the wet (rainy) season when flood prone areas have dried up. That’s the worst that could happen asides droughts or pale harmattan. The rainy days are from May to September while the dry season lasts for the other six months.

We don’t panic about winter over here, you’ll never have to buy jackets, socks, boots or scrape snow off windscreens during your stay. It never comes.

#4. Entertainment

And the winner of the Grammy for the World Music Album is… recently, the king himself, African Giant, Burna Boy got nominated for a Grammy and he’s not the first to accomplish this feat in Nigeria.

In the same tune, Davido and Wizkid alongside Queens, Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have carted a bunch of prestigious international awards. From shutting down the o2 Arena, topping billboard charts, featuring in colorful tracks with top players and impressive appearances on the Daily Show. The Nigeria Music Industry is one that should be reckoned with.

As if that’s not entertaining enough, our Movie Industry, Nollywood is supposedly the second largest in the world in terms of film output! Genevieve Nnaji’s hit movie, Lionheart was bought by Netflix, the big screen star also went on to play the role of Tolu, in Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s new movie, Farming.

Our collaborations with Hollywood have birthed movies such as Black November, The Accidental Spy and Half of a Yellow Sun. If you didn’t know, now you do, Nigerians don’t play when it comes to entertainment.

#5. Tourism

Nigeria is blessed. I repeat. Nigeria is blessed with abundant tourist destinations and cultural centres splattered across the nation. The Osun-Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Osun state is renowned for a large foreign community that travels to Nigeria every August for the Osun Festival.

Not only that, we’ve got Art Galleries, Musuems, Beaches and Resorts, Mountains and much more especially with the tourism advocacy and participation in recent years. So glad I’ve visited a chunk of this places but I can likely do better.

The Kajuru Castle, Azumini Blue River, Emotan Statue, Moremi Statue, Agbokim Waterfalls, Gurara Waterfalls, Agodi Gardens, Lake Chad, Susanne Wenger’s House, New Afrika Shrine, Queen Amina Statue and Zuma Rock to mention a bunch are splendid tourist attractions for everyone who comes visiting.

Last Words…

Sadly I’ve come to the end of today’s blogpost and the last one in 2019. To my avid and new readers, thanks so much for sticking with me on this ericotrips journey. Likers, Commenters and Sharers. I feel you.

2019 Notable Mentions…

Most Popular Category – Lifestyle

Most Read Collaboration – 7 MOST AMAZING THINGS TO TRY AT ONIRU PRIVATE BEACH

Most Read Post – KEKE NAPEP: 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE POPULAR TRICYCLES

Most Comments by a Reader – AndysWorldJourneys

Most Recent Follower – Madison Woods

As always, I’m open to collaborations, that’s the way forward. Shoot your shot at [email protected] or message me on Instagram @ericotrips. Looking forward to working with you.

Don’t forget to leave a question about Nigeria if you’ve got any. Also, comment below saying what you love about Nigeria.

Thanks Again and Cheers to 2020!

Photos from AfroTourism, allthingsankara, BellaNaija, Guardian Art, Guardian Opinion, Jumia Food, LegitNG, SilverbirdTV, TheCable Lifestyle, transcorp Hotels, travelwithapen, trapixs, Rhythm 93.7 and XploreNollywood

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MY NIGERIA (IN PHOTOS) One of my favourite places to be at this time of the year is with my family, friends and loved ones in my beloved country home, Nigeria.

#entertainment in Nigeria #food in Nigeria #nigeria #Nigerian Culture #Nigerian storytelling #Nigerian weather #Tourism in Nigeria #Travel #travel journal

[abstractanalogue]

Slane Castle Concerts: From the Outside

If you grew up in Co. Meath, as I did, you would have been more directly aware and affected by the concerts at Slane Castle than those who travelled to it from the rest of the country. I mean this in the sense that you wouldn’t have even had to attend the concert itself to be touched by it. If you were too young to go or had no interest in seeing these bands you could still experience it in intangible ways through events or occurrences that hovered around it; perhaps in the atmosphere surrounding the day itself or in the build-up, its aftermath and in memory. This subjective experience is what I’ve written about here. 

I grew up in the countryside about 3 miles from Navan and the first time the village of Slane, its castle and concerts being held there, entered my consciousness was in 1984, when I would have been 11 years old. I also got to learn about a man called Lord Henry Mountcharles who lived in the castle and put these concerts on. He had also let U2 record an album there once, wore odd socks and would be interviewed on TV from time to time. I ceased to have any real interest in the concerts about 10 years later in 1995, which as it turned out, would be the only time I would actually attend the event. A few of the concerts of that period left a strong and vivid impression on me as a young person. 

Bob Dylan 1984: I might have been vaguely aware of the name Bob Dylan but that was all it was to me, I wouldn't have known what he was famous for or even his nationality. The first I heard about it was on the news, that there had been a riot in the village. This actually happened the night before the concert, when a large crowd and with only 12 Gardai on duty, had attacked the local Garda station and terrorised local people. This was my first impression of the Slane concerts, that they were dangerous and lawless events. 

On the morning after the concert I remember going to church in Navan with my family and seeing an old van parked up and people outside it, who I heard it commented, "Must have been at Slane." In my child’s mind they must have been involved in the riot somehow. I think there was a dishevelled looking bearded man in a lumberjack shirt and a woman with a blanket pulled over her shoulders. Today I can see that they were just ordinary people, possibly college graduates with nothing more than a bellyful of bottled stout, who probably hadn't gotten much sleep the night before. They had just stopped off on the way home to get supplies and probably couldn’t wait to get home for a shower and a proper sleep in a warm bed. But at that moment and for a long time afterwards I was fascinated by the riot and these strange looking people. The ‘real’ world where news came from could be just down the road and not everyone was like my family and the people I knew.

About 10 years later when I was renting a house in Dublin, I learned that one of my house-mates, a teacher who was about 10 years older than me, had actually been at the concert. I immediately asked her what the riot had been like? She looked at me like she didn’t know what I was talking about. She had forgotten all about the controversy as she hadn’t witnessed it and could only remember being out in the open air and enjoying the music and craic. A serious as the riot had been it was still a very isolated incident, probably blown up to some degree by the media.

The saddest aspect of the day was that two fans had drowned while trying to swim across the Boyne to get access to the concert. I might have heard this on Radio Carousel, the local station based in Navan Shopping Centre. They would have been covering the events of the weekend in-depth all day. The Meath Chronicle too would also cover the build-up and aftermath of the concert in detail for weeks. My mother was a nurse working in the casualty department of Navan Hospital at this time and would be for the next few years as well. If she wasn’t on duty she would always be on call for the duration of the concert weekend. Most years the medical staff would be kept busy with cases of people with too much alcohol or drugs in their system, stabbings and a whole variety of incidents that could not be treated on site. This insider knowledge would also colour my picture of the event as well.

Bruce Spingsteen 1985: A year later and I was more aware of the hype surrounding the build-up to the concert and would even have known Springsteen's hit of the moment, 'Born in the USA'. I was a member of the Scouts and our Whit Weekend camp coincided with the concert. We hiked out to the campsite from the Ramparts, just on the edge of Navan and walked for a few miles along the Boyne river. Eventually we turned into a field and set up camp (I think all the tents and camping equipment had already been dropped there). We were a very short distance from Slane and the next day Bruce Spingsteen would be playing. We were all talking about this and hoping that somehow we would get to see the concert. One of my friends was obsessed with Springsteen and was going around singing the line, “Born in the USA” loudly and repeatedly. 

The night before the concert there was a night hike organised. We continued walking towards Slane along the bank of the Boyne and at some stage turned into a wooded area. What happened next is still clear in my mind. In the near pitch black it was obvious there were people in the forest just off the pathway. They were obviously making a weekend of the concert and some of them were now very drunk. When they saw the light of our torches it set off a panic along the forest. We could hear people shouting that the Guards were coming and people were running off in all directions. We were just as freaked out as they were, we couldn't see them but only hear the commotion we had inadvertently caused. As we walked along we got deeper into even more panicked voices until we began to hear this one man yelling, "Juventus", over and over again in a slow football chant style. This extremely drunk individual even stumbled onto the path as we got close. At the time, while I knew he was drunk, I was still confused as to why he was repeating this word into the night. Years later when I saw the scene in Apocalypse Now when they are close to the end of the river and visit a US military base where no-one is in charge and everyone has gone a bit crazy I was reminded of how it felt this night. The Heysel Stadium disaster had happened just days before resulting in 39 dead and 600 injured. This was when Liverpool and the Italian club, Juventus, had met in Brussels at the European Cup final. 

According to Wikipedia: Approximately an hour before the Juventus-Liverpool final was due to kick off, Liverpool supporters charged at Juventus fans and breached a fence that was separating them from a "neutral area". This came after a period of hostility between the two sets of fans which saw missiles thrown from both teams' supporters. The instigators of violence are still unknown, with varying accounts. Juventus fans ran back on the terraces and away from the threat into a concrete retaining wall. Fans already standing near the wall were crushed; eventually the wall collapsed. Many people climbed over to safety, but many others died or were badly injured. The game was played despite the disaster, with Juventus winning 1–0.

Our Scout leaders were pretty worried by now but we were past the worst of it and managed to get back to camp by a route that bypassed the forest. While researching this piece I realised we would have been on the other side of the Boyne from the castle, the side that people would attempt to swim from. Again, like the Bob Dylan fans I’d glimpsed, who these people in the forest were and what they were doing would continue to play on my mind as a kid.

Queen 1986: In spite of the fact that one of my best school friends would have been a big fan of the band (I do remember hearing their album of this time, A Kind of Magic, quite a lot) until writing this piece I had zero recollection that Queen had ever headlined Slane. I put this down to the traumatic effects of the Scout night hike! The above image I found also confirms to me I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed this show very much.

David Bowie 1987: This time I remember being even more aware of the hype and build up to the concert. One of my older brother’s friends was even going to it! I would not have had much of a clue about Bowie's history or music however, I would just have accepted that he was a ‘rock legend’ and remembered seeing him play at Live Aid and seeing his video with Mick Jagger for 'Dancing in the Street’. By now I was 14 and a Jesus and Mary Chain fan and starting to become more aware of the alternative acts of the day and bands like the Sex Pistols. Interestingly, I would have been aware that JAMC had actually caused a riot at a gig once. The night before the concert RTE2 showed one of Bowie’s concert films from the 1970s I think and I watched some of it but had to turn it off it was so bad in my opinion. A year or so later I would hear his Ziggy Stardust album at school and really liked it and would gradually become a fan. According to reviews of the time, his Slane show was generally considered poor, with BP Fallon even going so far as saying it was, ”one of the worst David Bowie gigs I ever saw.”

What sticks in my mind the most from this year is hearing that another fan drowned whilst trying to swim across the Boyne. I remember naively thinking when I heard this, how could the show even go ahead and how would Bowie be able to live with the fact that he was responsible for the death of one of his fans. 

Guns N’ Roses 1992: Perhaps due to the drownings and growing complaints of local residents there would be a 5 year gap before the next concert would take place. It strikes me that there was a lost generation of people, including myself, who would have come of age at this time and would have enjoyed going to the concert. Guns N’ Roses would be the latest headliners and I was now 19 and working in Dublin. The following month I would see Nirvana in The Point so that type of music and local Dublin bands in very small to medium sized venues was more my scene at the time. I happened to be home for that weekend and I think it only started to occur to me about going to it the day it was on. I had no ticket and as far as I knew it was sold out. However, I was curious enough about the spectacle surrounding the concert to go for a cycle into Navan and it was a beautiful summer's day. If you were travelling to Slane from the south or west you would have had to travel through Navan to cross the Boyne and go up Flowerhill. This was where I went first and the traffic was busy with concert goers and slowly moving. I easily sped across the bridge and cycled alongside a van with the side-door open and chatted to some mildly drunken lads who were lying and crouching inside. They were on their way to the concert and I’m pretty sure they offered me a lift to the gig. I probably should have taken it but this brief exchange gave me the idea to cycle out to Slane for a closer look. This was only another 10 miles or so and the day was young. 

As I got close to the village I knew there would be checkpoints to stop ticket-less fans like me. I think I turned left close to the town and ended up where people had parked cars at the sides of the road and were camping in fields. No-one had stopped me so far but I thought this was the time to get a bit sneaky so I pushed the bike up a hill along a farmers track and hid it in the hedgerow. I must have had a good idea where I would come out as I walked down this field, climbed through a hedge and came out right on the road opposite the main entrance. I boldly crossed the last fence and walked into the crowds. I remember it was all surprisingly peaceful (not a riot in sight!) even though there were swarms of people walking into the site. There was a tout selling tickets and more out of curiosity I asked him how much they were. I can't remember what he initially offered it to me for, perhaps face value, but as I still had no intention of actually going into the concert I told him no. He must have thought I was still interested and eventually he offered it to me for a fiver. I guess they really had been stopping ticket-less fans from getting this far as he had no takers. After awhile I felt I had seen enough and went back through the field by the same route to retrieve my bike and began the long journey home. 

Years later when I met my wife I found out that she was actually at this concert! She hadn't been a fan either but had gone with a group of college friends the day after the Trinity Ball. I like to think that might be why I felt that strange draw to go to the concert that day.

Neil Young 1993: This was another lineup I had pretty much no interest in seeing or recollection of. Even though I would be a fan of Neil Young today I don't feel like I missed anything.

REM/Oasis 1995: I was 22 now and in a band of my own by now called Buckle. My band-mates, Fran and Glenn, were big fans of REM and were going. I wasn’t that into it but thought it would be good to finally have the full Slane concert experience and we could all stay at my parents house that weekend. 

It’s a long story but I had seen REM before in Dublin’s RDS in 1989, this had actually been my first ever gig at 16. From that moment on I became a big fan and later that summer I bought all of their albums on cassette so I could play them on my Walkman, with the money from my first job while staying with my aunt and uncle in England. When I got back I started doing a fanzine about music. The first issue was called, Interzone, which I changed for the next issue to Murmur. This had been in tribute to REM's first album and the zine would gradually become focused solely on REM. I created a new one called Superfuzz to cover the other music I liked. I only did these zines for two years and had stopped by the time I moved to Dublin in 1992. 

By 1995 I had very little interest left in REM to be honest, I had read so much about and listened to their music so often I’d pretty much worn out my enthusiasm. I can listen to them in moderation again now however. There were just so many more younger and much more interesting sounding bands and electronic musicians around at the time. Their music by now had become kind of bland as they achieved mass success, although the Monster album they were promoting at this time was when their popularity started to seriously dip. Perhaps we had all heard ‘Everybody Hurts too many times.

In the end about five of us stayed at my parents and we all squeezed into my mother’s Toyota Starlet (I was still only a learner driver) and headed for Slane. It was yet another glorious summer’s day. Being in such a vast crowd was kind of what I expected it to be. It certainly was a beautiful setting and the hill rolling down to the river did form a perfect natural amphitheatre. We were there from the first act so we knew we had to pace ourselves so we relaxed to watch the opening acts from afar.  

I think at some stage I went off exploring the site and we gradually all got split up during the day but I got pretty close to the front for Oasis and REM. One of the reasons I wasn’t keen on large open air concerts was that the stage could potentially be so far away, I was determined therefore to get as close to the action as possible. Even though I wasn’t a massive fan, Oasis actually stole the show for me. On a friend’s recommendation I had already caught their debut Irish gig at the Tivoli Theatre in Dublin the year before and had been blown away by the energy and attitude coming off the stage. I’m quite sure REM played a great set as well but all I can remember now is when they dedicated ‘Let Me In’ to Kurt Cobain (who had died the year before). This struck a deep emotional chord with the crowd and I looked back during the song and the audience had spontaneously started to throw a cloud of paper cups, plastic bottles, whatever high into the air, it was quite a sight to see.  

At the end of Oasis’ set I asked security to pull me out from the front row, there was a constant flow of people leaving this way. I might have thought it was a quicker way out than fighting my way backwards through the crowd and by now I was feeling a bit dehydrated anyway. They lifted me out and I was next escorted to the St. John’s Ambulance tent where I was offered some water and asked to rest. This was very kind and I chatted to them and they told me that so far there had been no serious incidents for them to deal with. I got a quick look at the deserted backstage area before I went back into the main arena. The VIP area was higher up at the castle itself.

I was determined we wouldn’t get caught up in the legendary traffic jams leaving the site so at the end of the show we all somehow managed to meet up as agreed behind the sound-desk (like everybody else) and with my local knowledge I got us quickly home by the back-roads. Shockingly another two people did actually drown trying to swim across the river that year. To be fair each year the organisers had boats patrolling but obviously this measure still couldn’t save everyone. Even if you did make it across it was highly unlikely you would not be spotted in this secured area and thrown out of the site.

This is a good link with an overview of all of the concerts held to date at Slane. Slane Castle and Lord Henry Mountcharles very much put rock culture on the map in Ireland in providing a suitable venue to attract the huge touring bands of the time. These concerts loomed large in the minds of young people and attending was a rite of passage for them and still is. Not surprisingly there were dangers involved no matter how much the organisers tried to remove or contain them. These hazards, like the excitement surrounding the event (the spirit of rock’n’roll), as I’ve tried to show, stretched way outside of the live arena and could never be contained. The music, hype and chatter around the event simply became every-bodies soundtrack for the day.

Stephen Rennicks

#slane castle #concert #bob dylan #david bowie #queen #guns n roses #neil young #bruce spingsteen #rem #oasis #riot #spirit of rock'n'roll

[purplesurveys]

397

Do you eat the crusts of your bread? Now I do. When I was a kid I used to ask my grandma to slice them off. Do you know who Miss Havisham is? Only because of Gabie. Which body type would you say you had? Idk, slim? Would you live in an igloo? I’d try it out for a night, but I don’t know about live. Have you ever made homemade lemonade? I don’t think so.

Is green one of your favourite colours? I hate green. Are you afraid of the dark? Only when the dark is supposed to make things scarier, like if I’m in a haunted house or the woods lmao. Generally I’m not afraid. Have you ever flown a kite? Yes, many times. I still reached the time when kids used to play outside, so I definitely had some fun with kites. What’s your preferred flavour of jam? I hate fruits so the only jam I’ll consume is guava, and only because it’s part of my high school’s signature tart. What’s in your fridge? Frozen food, ice cream, vegetables, some condiments/spices, juices, chocolate, a cake. What kind of animal did you last pet? My doggie. Would you ever consider becoming a nurse? No. I remember there being a huge demand for Filipino nurses like 10 years ago, and it seemed as though everyone took up nursing in college. But I never considered it, not even during that time. Do you like elephants? I love elephants. But not in a exploit-them kind of way, LEAVE THEM ALONE How are you for money? I think I’ll be good this week. I get to save money because Gab and I won’t be seeing each other for our usual date night, and I only drive three days this week so I don’t have to spend a lot for gas as well. Of course, I’ll be flushing these down the toilet because my friends and I plan to drink out this Friday. Describe your best pair of shoes: My favorite is my pair of white/red/blue Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. They’re so comfy to wear and yet it matches everything. Do you think you are more intelligent than the average person? I have my moments but I obviously don’t go around vocally stating it, or unnecessarily use ridiculously big words around people. Do you ever think about why we are here? No. That’s Gabie’s question to mull over hahahah, I hate philosophy. What’s something that saddens you? Old people who are alone, when peoples shop instead of adopt, animals getting endangered. Do you like cherries? Hate. Name a celebrity that you admire that nobody would expect you to: Kendall Jenner, although t b h it is getting increasingly hard to be patient with her increasingly problematic ass. She used to be my favorite but now that title belongs to Kourtney. Who is the most desperate person you know? LOL. She recently pissed me off so I’ll put her on here: my girlfriend’s grandma. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you during sex? Too disgusting to share with the world, so I’ll have to pass. Are you lonely? Not right now. What is your favourite musical? I hate musicals, but I have a soft spot for Miss Saigon because my mom practically made me listen to it from the womb. Would you agree that taking drugs isn’t as cool as it used to be? I never found it cool. Animal print: yes or no? Not anymore. Who is the most fashionable person you know? Kate, for sure. Sis always serves a new look. Can you use a yoyo? Duh. A Filipino made it so it’s pervaded Filipino kid culture for as long as I can remember. Everyone had yo-yos. Do you like to colour? I do. On my Christmas depression break last year I bought several coloring books and a massive case of coloring pencils, just so I can finally start on the hobby that I’ve put off for a long time. What’s an instrument you’ve always wanted to learn to play? Piano. Would you go on holiday to a snowy place? I would. Anywhere that’s different from tropical Philippines. Do you like Kate Bush? Never heard. Do you prefer to shave or wax? Shave. I’ve never had myself waxed. Are you one of those people who are constantly playing Angry Birds? Hahahahahaha 2011 called, they want their fad back. Have you ever broken anything of value? I don’t remember anything right now but I definitely wouldn’t be surprised to find out that I have. I practically break everything I touch. Would you ever have sex in a public place? Sure as long as we’re not exhibiting it on purpose. What’s a song that makes you want to check into a mental asylum? Lmao wtf? You mean a song that depresses/numbs me too much? Cos if that’s what you mean, then there’s a song on the New Moon soundtrack called Slow Life by Grizzly Bear that I routinely listen to when I’m completely out of it. What’s the worst chat up line anybody has ever used on you? I don’t chat with a lot of people so I’ve never gotten anything bad. Have you ever completely misjudged somebody? Sure. Do you know anybody who is pregnant at the minute? Nope. Who did you last speak to on the phone? My girlfriend, aka the only person I talk to on the phone. Do you give money to homeless people? Yes. If I have snacks laying around I give that as well. Don’t you think that tattoos are just tacky? Some can be. Do you like politics? I hate it, but I have to pay attention because I give a shit about my country. Is summer your favourite season? Not really. The rainy season is. Do you know what OFWGKTA stands for? Nope. Sounds like some sort of boujee rap shit. When was the last time you were inside a tent? Seventh grade. What’s your best memory? As of now, seeing Paramore, my Sagada trip, or rebuilding my friendship with Gab. I couldn’t pick. Do you think Jenna Marbles’ videos are funny? I like her old stuff; I generally don’t view her newer videos. Have you grown up yet, or do you still think you have some more to do? There’s a loooooooot lot lot of growing up to do. 20 is not a mature age at all. What is your opinion on Internet dating sites? Whatever works for you. < Do you like folk music? Some are hits, most of them I really just don’t care for. Are there any strange names that you like? Ines. It’s such a pretty name, but it also means ‘annoy’ in Filipino so it’s always sounded a little off to me :( I also saw the name Imogen once and I really liked it, but I don’t even know how to pronounce it + sounds too foreign for the PH so I doubt I’ll ever take the name.

Is there anybody you would like to completely banish from your life? MY MOM !!! Would you say you had pretty decent music taste? Uhhhh it’s fine, but I wouldn’t share it to anyone. Your favourite pasta dish: Truffle mac and cheese or carbonara. Do you know what the most commonly used letter in the English language is? E. Have you ever felt trapped in a situation? Sure. Strangest thing you’ve ever seen? A weird creepy-crawly thing that fell from the ceiling onto my laptop. Ever had a crush on somebody of the same sex? Yep, I am dating her at this moment. Has anybody ever called you a bastard? I dunno, I don’t think so. Would you like to meet the queen? I’d take the chance if offered. I’m paying to take you to see a musical - which one do you choose? Miss Saigon. Do you think that the media portrays women as being equal to men? There’s work being done but it’s still not satisfying. Lowest point of your life: Some suicidal stints when I was 12 and 18. What’s your favourite flavour of Vitamin Water? Never drank those. Do you post pictures of yourself online constantly? Never, unless Gab is in the picture as well. Who is the last person you ignored? Elis, my orgmate who pissed me off two weeks ago. Do you know any lesbians? Sure, my girlfriend is. Would you wear feathers in your hair? If it was part of an even more elegant/elaborate outfit then sure. When was the last time you were well and truly scared? Two Mondays ago. Do you know how to use a camera properly? For the most part, but I generally don’t mess with the more specific controls e.g. aperture and ISO since that part I’m clueless about. Favourite member of your favourite band: That’s unfair. I love all of them. Which country would you be from besides your own? That's not... what? < Same. Are you ashamed of your own body? Not really. I don’t care how it’s shaped. Who’s your favourite female rapper? I don’t have one. When was the last time you received a letter? December.

#survey #surveys

[scifimagpie]

Political Oroboros: Why Marx Is Not Enough

First of all, I realise the title of this piece is inflammatory, so let me lay out some caveats.

I am absolutely not conservative. (One of the first things to know about leftist fighting and discussions online is that 'liberal' has two different meanings; the broad sense in which conservative commentators use it, and the more specific and technically correct sense that leftists sometimes use it - as well as the tertiary sense of, "anyone who isn't quite radical enough.') 

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a liberal in the sense of condoning a capitalist system; I do find the most common ground with proponents of democratic socialism. However, some elements of communist ideology do seem solid, although I tend to like many of the ideas I've seen from anarcho-syndicalists more.

Confused by those terms? You're not alone, but some of the hippest trends among the youth of today are not just trap music and street wear - it's political and philosophical discourse. Different streams of communism and anarchism and debating the concepts of idealists through the ages is pretty great, but treating those ideas as a firm road map and, perhaps, the only acceptable solution or map, is not so excellent.

After several weeks of careful surveillance and investigation, I also came to some unsettling and unsavory conclusions.

Source 

There's a weird and disconcerting mix of progressive and regressive ideas in this new wild west of a political movement; using "gay" and "retard" as insults in this year, and talking about second-wave feminist gender concepts (Penis =  man! Vagina = woman! are not scientifically validated ideas anymore, even if they have held sway for a long time) as though they're based on reality is...a special kind of confusing, frankly.  The person mentioned below isn't actually the "leader" of Antifa (antifacism is a general belief and approach, not an organization; the Black Bloc is something different) but the points they're making shouldn't actually have to be made. And yet, here we are. (To clarify: this person's opinion is, as far as I'm concerned, correct, because it's a summary of historical facts.)

We can try to tweak the perspective on things and change the way someone is seen, but facts have this tendency to assert themselves. And when those facts take the form of thousands of dead bodies, politely covering them up or scootching them out of the way is a bit harder. In the case of leaders such as Winston Churchill, it's been easier to laud their successes and forget the death toll because they were victorious, but it doesn't erase his contributions to the Bengal Famine and his decision to test gas weapons on Kurdish villagers. 

Yet even when we debate the value and leadership of dictators, history tends to reassert itself. 

“History isn’t like that. History unravels gently, like an old sweater. It has been patched and darned many times, reknitted to suit different people, shoved in a box under the sink of censorship to be cut up for the dusters of propaganda, yet it always—eventually—manages to spring back into its old familiar shape. History has a habit of changing the people who think they are changing it. History always has a few tricks up its frayed sleeve.”  ― Terry Pratchett, Mort

 Nobody is good enough

Of course, just because someone agrees with history (!) and is willing to unflinchingly consider mass murderers as guilty of their crimes doesn't mean they'll avoid participating in the cannibalistic discussions of leftist politics. A particularly difficult issue has been criticism of the Youtuber Contrapoints, who has both been lauded for her very real effects in de-radicalizing extremists, and criticized for fumbling her way through understanding non-binary genders (and struggling to deal with the flood of online criticism afterwards.) But merely liking a figure who is problematic (or worse, Trash, if they have failed one time too many) can be grounds for a friendship breaking up or the sort of extremely tense, stressful discussion that keeps one awake for hours afterwards.

As I said on Facebook one night, "Whiny comment of the night: it would be easier to unite the left if the radicals weren't so dead-set on everyone just converting to their beliefs as much as possible.And Seems like you can learn about Marxism, cultural history, feminism, and all of that...but it's impossible to unlearn American cultural hegemonic approaches and seeing violence as the default/best option."  But to clarify, this isn't speculation without sourcing. I did a bit of an investigation into a few leftist pages, and it was really unnerving to see the number of pro-gun and "eat the rich" and "fetch the guillotines" sorts of remarks and posters. The thing is, we've all done that dance before, and it's going on in other countries at the moment. Riots and protests are excellent when they work, but sometimes, they don't - and we don't talk about what happens when they don't. 

The risk of small government

At the risk of sounding like a cranky old lady, smaller governments are still governments. People who think some military junta of kids with guns can replace all the architecture and organizational levels of "the state" are welcome to try working in a city planning office as an admin assistant some time. Having done that myself, I would welcome anyone who wants to just replace and rewrite all those land laws, which by the way exist for reasons, to maybe take a civil engineering course or two.

And if you DON'T want to replace all that architecture, just get rid of the bad stuff - congrats, that's actually just reformism, which is still a far cry from "just accepting things the way they are." 

As a fan and casual scholar of cults, I've had many opportunities to see examples of small, ideologically-driven communities turn rotten. Frankly, I wouldn't trust my own town to just secede and govern itself, even though I'm very pleased with our mayor's decisions. I know too much about white people and sociology and Christianity (as well as other religions and groups) to trust that small, self-governing, autonomous groups will be fine on their lonesome. We're kinda in a globalized society with many, many supply chains. If you don't like that, get working on a time machine.

Yet even if one were to travel back in time, we've always had international trade and whatnot, and isolationism has never worked especially well. Also it's how you get fascism in the first place, so...history says it's how you make the exact monster you're trying to fight. Worst of all, these defenses of fascists and murderers do nothing but divide us along sectarian points of conflict. 

Sometimes I worry the Revolution will just be online and never actually get offline

— 🏴🛡Justin🛡🏴 (@sharkle82) July 19, 2019

What do we do? 

Honestly, my approach lately has just been to ignore Leftbook and debate spaces and not engage. Trying to discuss theory and concepts has led to some arguments over the applications of violence that have, honestly, made me stop trusting and just lose certain friends altogether. One otherwise brave and locally committed person said, "violence is neither good nor bad. It's a tool." Although I agree that self-defense actions are not exactly violent, I just don't think we should glorify aggression, or be eager to shed blood. It tends to lead to bad results, and it's uncomfortably similar to the stance we're opposing. My take?

Personally, I don't trust anyone who thinks the problems will all be fixed if we just kill a few of the right people.

The people who sit around day-dreaming about 19th century revolutionaries aren't necessarily the ones helping to, say, actually fight the battles that need fighting here and now. It may seem ridiculous to say, "hey, watch out for this," and also, "but you can basically ignore it," but frankly, that approach has worked extremely well for me in real life. 

The key is this. What do you want to accomplish, in practical terms? Forget about "praxis" and "theory"; what are the concrete, fundamental changes you want to see, and the results you want in society and your community? Every change comes incrementally. Evolution is unavoidable. However, we have an existing system that we can use - and dare I say it, that we can apply our strength to if we're determined enough. 

How to change the world 

Writing actual letters to politicians in my city, province, and country, engaging in the community fight for preservation of a local Safe Consumption Site, signing petitions for various environmental protection causes, and applying pressure to politicians, as well as keeping an eye on actual local white supremacists, fascists, and extremists has done more and had a greater impact than anything in my decade or so of arguing with people on the internet. 

My only regret is that I didn't start using my skills in the real world much, much sooner. It turns out that all the people who insist that those in power won't listen to "us" are, unequivocally, wrong. And while I do have white and cis privilege to thank for some of my results, I would also argue that we on the left must not presume our own helplessness and confine ourselves to training arenas online.  Get out there. Talk to politicians. Stay up to date on the news and follow multiple sources, rather than reading 150-year-old essays. And above all, embrace the power of both individual actions and solidarity. 

I have more to say about this topic, but instead of creating another series, a few essays may be cropping up. Until then, however, I have real work to do, both in the political world and out of it. For one thing, books aren't going to finish themselves! 

***

Michelle Browne is a sci fi/fantasy writer and editor. She lives in Lethbridge, AB with her partner-in-crime and Max the cat. Her days revolve around freelance editing, knitting, jewelry, and learning too much. She is currently working on other people’s manuscripts, the next books in her series, and drinking as much tea as humanly possible.

Find her all over the internet: * OG Blog * Mailing list * Magpie Editing * Amazon * Medium * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook * Tumblr * Paypal.me * Ko-fi

#politics #discourse #tactics #leftism #liberal #how to #debate #activism

[auideas]

Ask the Admins 10.0

@genosha-meiuqer: This is to Admin M -- Out of curiosity, do you drive anything like a War Boy?

M: Yes. That is actually a problem I have irl. I drive far too fast. Haven’t gotten pulled over yet though! (knock on wood)

Anon asked: Describe yourself in one adjective.

Chamomile: Talkative

M: Witty

Syren: Enthusiastic

Jynn: Resilient

Vox: Amiable

Anon asked: Do you have other sister blogs or affiliate blogs about writing? Or maybe you can rec us other writing blogs? Not that auideas is not awesome, loving this blog! Just, you know, want to follow other blog. Thanks! Loving your aus btw!

Chamomile: We have @nsfw-auideas​, which has been inactive for a while since I became uncomfortable running it and the other admins sort of dropped of….but for blogs that inspire me, I always love @writing-prompt-s​ because they give me ideas for prompts with their prompts (if that makes sense, lmao) and also from fanfiction/fanart. I get //so// much inspiration from fanfiction/fanart.

M: Yeah we have our NSFW blog, but that’s pretty much it, and I don’t really have a lot of time at the moment to look at other blogs, so this is definitely one for the other admins to answer.

Syren: I second what Chamomile mentioned, and I also get a lot of inspiration from @inell​ who is a writing machine in the Sterek fandom. It's insane how many stories she churns out, and they often help me mindlessly brainstorm, if that makes any sense??

Jynn: I get a lot of inspiration from @otpprompts​!

Vox: @otpprompts​ and @writing-prompt-s​ are two other really great prompt blogs! ( ≧▽≦)

Anon asked: curious about the new assistant admins. mind doing information pages for them like you did for the admins?

Chamomile: Here’s all of our pages: Chamomile // M // Syren // Jynn // Vox

Anon asked: When I'm grown, a martyr I will never be. I won't cry for you. I won't suffer for the things you do. I won't cry for you, see. Even though I understand you, Kankri.

Chamomile: this is a sin

M: get outta here

Syren: *Castiel voice* I don't understand that reference.

Jynn: I had to actually go back and find this song again for Chamomile so I just have to say how dare you make me relive that.

Vox: This ask has 6een marked as triggera6le and will 6e taken d9wn by Kankri Vantas. (ง •̀_•́)ง

Anon asked: So I know that this blog is SFW, but do you mind if I use your prompts in a NSFW story?

Chamomile: That’s totally fine! Whatever you do with our prompts is totally up to you.

M: ^^^^^

Anon asked: Have you decided what theme you'll be using? I remember a while back one of the admins asked what the followers think about the current theme.

Chamomile: Oh yeah, we got this solved a long while back. If anybody has a theme that they think is really nice and that we should try out, then send it to us!

Anon asked: What is your opinion on "Shrek is Love, Shrek is Life"?

Chamomile: get out

M: leeeeeeeave

Syren: I am daily surrounded by meme trash and could probably recite it perfectly if I tried. I am only slightly ashamed.

Jynn: I'll never forget it. That being said, I never want it in my presence ever again.

Vox: You scream, I scream, we all scream for Dank Memes™

Anon asked: I finally talked to my future college roommate. Accidentally ignore her email for a week tho... Not really off to a great start?

Chamomile: I can’t tell if this is a prompt or you telling us about your day but my advice would be to get her a card that’s like “I’m sorry I ignored your email for a week” and then some candy or whatever else she likes.

M: Lol man that did not happen with my current roommate - we actually sent each other our first introductory emails at the exact same moment even though I was across the country. Thankfully, we’ve clicked very well, but I would recommend not getting on their bad side right away, or that’ll make your year not so much fun.

Syren: Dude, I am the worst person at communicating possibly ever. I have lost friends because I forget to reply to them for months, no joke. I've found the best way to make it up is to be as sincere with your apology as possible. I've learned not to make excuses. Don't sweat it!

Jynn: I'm glad you reached out to your roommate, good job! I'd go with Chamomiles card and candy idea.

Vox: -looks at the messages I have in Line that are months old- -l a u g h s- Oh honey.

Anon asked: Do you (admins and assistants) know how to make gifs? Also, how do you pronounce "gifs"? "Jifs" or "gifs".

Chamomile: I have no clue on how to make a gif, and I pronounce it like “gift” without a “t”.

M: Gifs. Hard G. I will fight you on this.

Syren: I have no clue how to make a gif, though I've been thinking about learning (barely any gifs out there for When We Rise). Hard g.

Jynn: There are tons of gif makers online, I also have an app for that. I pronounce it “Gif” with a hard G

Vox: I LOVE making gifs!! They’re super fun. Also I use both alternatively.

Anon asked: how do the admins like the new assistants? And how do the assistants like the admins?

Chamomile: I think they’re pretty great! Everybody has been really good with getting their prompts in the drafts so admin m and I can approve them. No real problems.

M: Two thumbs up from me! I can now feel more stress about my school and social life than about this darn blog...

Syren: They're all generally fabulous people and make me feel welcomed. I'm the youngest of the bunch, but that doesn't change anything. Also, I have a habit for apologizing for everything, and they always assure me that it's all good and that they've all been there.

Jynn: Chamomile, Em, and I have actually all been friends for upwards of a couple years now, and I've contributed to the blog here and there before so it hasn't been super different for me tbh.

Vox: If I could put emojis into replies, this right here would just be a string of sparkles and hearts. Everyone’s been really nice!!

Anon asked: I haven't been on this site since forever and I just got back. Nice to see more prompts that I can add to my growing list of things I want to try writing :) (Also, "Runaway" and "So Sad, So Sad" are some of my favorite songs! :D )

Chamomile: Eeeeee! Thanks for loving the blog! Also I know right, I have some pretty good music taste if I do say so myself ;)

Anon asked: Knowing that someone else uses Japanese emoticons makes me really happy. ＼＼\ (۶ÒワÒ)۶//／／ Where do you get yours from, Vox? An app, website, or other?

Vox: Yaaaaa, kaomoji are super funnnnn!! ☆⌒(*＾-°)v I have a Japanese keyboard on my phone so I automatically have a bunch of them readily available.

Anon asked: Choose five of the blog's followers that you've talked to a fair amount and say what story genre you think they would be a character in, and if they would be a protag or antag.

Chamomile: Instead of choosing just five, I went with all of them. Here’s the link

M: I willllllll do this over break - expect a post on my admin blog!

Anon asked: If life was a standardized test, you would be "Answer B" because I always turn to you when I don't know what to do.

Chamomile:....that’s actually really sweet?

M: Omfg.

Syren: This would be really cute if the thought of standardized tests didn't throw me into a panic over upcoming midterms, SATs, and ACTs

Jynn: Awwwwww!

Vox: I’m in various stages of oh god and that’s so sweet and lol my name is actually Bee so this is kind of great, are you flirting with me anon, winkwink. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Anon asked: What do you call a flirty Greek? A Socratease

Chamomile: The King of flirty Greeks is Mithridatetease (Mithridates)

M: Get out.

Syren: As long as they don't have an Oedipus complex, they can tease all they want

Jynn: More like MithriDATEs

Vox: Has war flashbacks to Greek myth lectures. Sweats nervously.

@all-made-of-stardust​ asked: So I love your blog, and I especially love all your Never Book quotes. I was wondering - what's your policy on using those quotes? Can I directly use the whole quote? Should I change it a bit? Should I not use it at all? There's several quotes I have been thinking about using, and I just wanted to make sure I was doing it right.

Chamomile: hey there! This is a pretty popular question, but our policy is that you can change it however you want (adding in words, changing pronouns, etc.) but don’t repost it anywhere without crediting us. Cutting our parts is also totally fine. If you write something inspired by TNB, or has a TNB quote in it, make sure to shoot us a message and we’ll make sure to add it to the follower’s works page!

@ihaveatheoryabouttimetravel​ asked: What exactly is the never book?

Chamomile: Hey! I’m the creator of The Never Book (TNB) and here’s the long version of how/why I created it (link), but the short version is that TNB is supposed to be a collection of writing prompts to help inspire you to write. Some of them are very dramatic, while other ones are humorous, and other ones are meant to be cliffhangers that make you want to write what happens next. The name “The Never Book” is supposed to imply that all of these quotes come from a story that has never been written, meaning that they’re free game for prompts as well as to make stories out of.

Note: I’ve entertained the idea of trying to write a piece of fiction with a ton of TNB quotes crammed into it. Might try to get around to that if anybody is interested.

Anon asked: Is it okay to Writer's Block shame a friend who has an almost complete first chapter for 57 different fanfiction pieces???

Chamomile: #me

M: Shame us all

Syren: I'm too fragile to be bombarded like this

Jynn: I'm being called out.

Vox: First of all how dare, it’s only 56. (ง •̀_•́)ง

anon asked: tbh between chamomile and m i really thought that chamomile was younger. i have been surprised but not unpleasantly so             

Chamomile: I’m definitely shorter and rounder than admin m, but I’m older by like, a year and a half? Something like that?

M: I am the alpha.

anon asked: assistant admins, what’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Syren: Blue Moon (it's an upper Midwest thing I guess)

Jynn: Chocolate

Vox: Mint chocolate chip

#admin m #admin chamomile #admin syren #admin jynn #admin vox #ask the admins #ata #faq #this has been a public broadcast #long post

[richhomienikole-blog]

Origins for Super Mario Characters Name

Nintendo characters create their VR (arcade) debut with innovative Vive driven Mario Kart

Bandai Namco revealed a virtual reality version of Mario Kart, Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, which will make its debut inside a VR arcade the business enterprise is opening using Tokyo, Japan upcoming month.

The game appears to draw the VR debut of one of Nintendo's flagship franchises, however, it is crucial to note it's certified by Nintendo as well as invented by Namco - just like its non-VR predecessor, Mario Kart Arcade GP.Not too many particulars are still for sale in English regarding the game, nevertheless, it is enumerated about the arcade's site as walking on HTC Vive headsets as well as specially-designed racing seats.

Nintendo has so far been publicly reticent concerning the promise of VR - previous annum frontman Shigeru Miyamoto told investors that for VR in particular, we are ongoing our research, and looking into development and have a mind to the way the current core products of ours are supposed for being played for a relatively long time of time.

We are considering the choices of delivering an experience that provides worth when played for a short time, he continued. And the way to do away with the issues of long duration use.

When I discovered that out I did 2 things. For starters, I whipped out the message of mine (yes, I keep it that real/nerdy that I still have a well used NES hooked up in my room) and then made certain I can still beat the game at will. (I can. Childhood not wasted.)

Secondly, I initiated down a rabbit hole of reading Mario sites and Wikis and Articles. In the operation, I stumbled upon the etymologies of the brands of several of the main players in the Mario universe. Therefore, in honor of the video game which changed the planet, right here they are, given in handy 11 item list form.

Mario.

When Mario debuted to the arcade game "Donkey Kong", he was just called Jumpman. (Which even happens to be the generic name regarding that Michael Jordan dispersed leg Nike logo. Two of the most renowned icons ever before both have generic versions of themselves called Jumpman. But merely one of them has now reached the attempt of simply being so effective that he shaved himself a Hitler mustache prior to filming a business and no one had the balls to fix him.)

In 1980, as the Nintendo of America staff imported Jumpman to lift him into a franchise-leading star (Hayden Christensen style), somebody discovered that he looked like their Seattle office building's landlord... a guy named Mario Segale.

Mario Segale didn't obtain a dime for becoming the namesake of probably the most famous video game character perhaps, although he probably isn't absurdly concerned; in 1998 he sold the asphalt small business of his for around sixty dolars million. (Or 600,000 additional lives.)

Luigi.

Luigi actually has among the weakest name roots of all the mario brothers characters in the Mario universe (once again showing exactly why, in life that is real, he would have a bigger inferiority complex compared to Frank Stallone, Abel or even that last Manning brother).

"Luigi" is merely the result of people of Japanese men trying to imagine an Italian brand to enhance "Mario." Why was the Italian brand they went with? When they all moved from Japan to Seattle, the pizza area nearest to the Nintendo headquarters referred to as Mario & Luigi's. (It has since gone out of business.)

Koopa.

Koopa is a transliterated model of the Japanese rap for the adversary turtles, "Kuppa." Stick with me here -- kuppa is the Japanese word for a Korean plate called gukbap. Basically it is a cup of soup with elmer rice. From what I definitely explain to it's completely unrelated to turtles, especially malicious ones.

In an interview, Mario's creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, stated he was deciding between 3 labels which are distinct for the racing of evil turtles, each one of which happened to be called after Korean foods. (The alternative two were yukhoe and bibimbap.) Which means one of 2 things: (one) Miyamoto adores Korean food and was looking to offer a tribute or perhaps (two) Miyamoto thinks Koreans are evil and should be jumped on.

Wario.

I kind of missed the debut of Wario -- he debuted in 1992, right around when I was hitting the age where I was way too cool for cartoon y Nintendo games. (Me and the middle school buddies of mine have been into Genesis just. I was again on Nintendo within 4 years.)

Seems the title of his functions equally in Japanese and english; I kinda assumed the English way but did not know about the Japanese feature. In English, he is an evil, bizarro world mirror image of Mario. The "M" turns to be a "W" and Wario is created. The name also functions in Japanese, wherever it is a mix of Mario and "warui," which means "bad."

That's a really high quality scenario, since, as I covered extensively in the list eleven Worst Japanese-To-English Translations In Nintendo History, don't assume all language disparity finesses again and forth so smoothly.

Waluigi.

When I first read "Waluigi" I believed it was hilarious. While Wario was a natural counterbalance to Mario, Waluigi sensed extremely comically shoehorned (just tacking the "wa" prefix before Luigi) -- like a giant inside joke that somehow cleared every single bureaucratic step and cracked the mainstream.

Well... according to the Nintendo men and women, Waluigi isn't just a gloriously idle choice or an inside joke also been substantial. They *say* it's based upon the Japanese phrase ijiwaru, which means "bad guy."

I don't understand. I think that we'd have to supply them more than halfway to get that.

Toad.

Toad is built to look like a mushroom (or perhaps toadstool) because of his giant mushroom hat. It is a great thing the games debuted before the entire model understood the right way to make penis jokes.

Anyway, in Japan, he's called Kinopio, which happens to be a combination of the word for mushroom ("kinoko") and also the Japanese version of Pinocchio ("pinokio"). Those combine being something along the lines of "A Real Mushroom Boy."

Goomba.

In Japanese, the guys are termed as kuribo, that typically results in "chestnut people." That is sensible because, ya know, if someone expected you "what do chestnut people look like?" you would probably arrive at something just about similar to these figures.

When they were shipped for the American model, the team caught with their Italian initiative and also known as them Goombas... dependent off of the Italian "goombah," that colloquially signifies something as "my fellow Italian friend." Furthermore, it type of evokes the picture of low-level mafia thugs without too many skills -- such as people's younger brothers as well as cousins who they had to employ or mother would yell at them. Which also is true for the Mario Bros. goombas.

Birdo.

Birdo has nothing to do with this particular first Japanese title. Right now there, he's named Kyasarin, which regularly translates to "Catherine."

In the instruction manual for Super Mario Bros. two, where Birdo debuted, the persona explanation of his reads: "Birdo believes he is a woman and likes to become known as Birdetta."

What In my opinion this all means? Nintendo shockingly decided to generate a character that battles with his gender identity and then referred to as him Catherine. When it was time to go to America, they have feet that are cold so they decided at the very last minute to telephone call him Birdo, though he's a dinosaur. (And don't give me the "birds are descended from dinosaurs" pop paleontology series. Not purchasing that connection.) That way, we'd just understand about the gender misunderstandings of his in case we look at the manual, and the Japanese were convinced Americans had been sometimes way too lazy or illiterate to do so en masse.

Princess Toadstool/Peach.

When everyone got introduced on the Princess, she was known as Princess Toadstool. I guess this made sense -- Mario was set in the Mushroom Kingdom, so why wouldn't its monarch be called Princess Toadstool. Them inbreeding blue bloods will always be naming their young children immediately after the country.

No person appears to be sure precisely why they went that direction, nevertheless. In Japan, she was known as Princess Peach from day one. That term didn't debut here before 1993, when Yoshi's Safari arrived on the scene for Super Nintendo. (By the manner -- have you ever had Yoshi's Safari? In an unconventional twist it is a first-person shooter, the only girl in the whole Mario times past. It is like the equivalent of a country music superstar creating a weird rock album.)

Bowser.

In Japan, there's simply no Bowser. He's simply called the King Koopa (or related variants, including Great Demon King Koopa). And so exactly where did Bowser come from?

During the import approach, there was an issue that the American crowd wouldn't recognize how the little turtles and big bad man might certainly be known as Koopa. Thus a marketing group developed many options for a name, they liked Bowser the very best, and also slapped it on him.

In Japan, he's still hardly ever referred to as Bowser. Over here, the label of his is now so ubiquitous that he's actually supplanted Sha Na Na's Bowzer as America's many famous Bowser.

Donkey Kong.

This's a more literal interpretation than you think. "Kong" is based off King Kong. "Donkey" is a family-friendly means of calling him an ass. That's right: His title is an useful model of "Ass Ape."

Fantastic Mario Bros. is a video game launched for the household Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. It shifted the gameplay away from the single screen arcade predecessor of its, Mario Bros., along with rather featured side scrolling platformer concentrations. While not the very first game of the Mario franchise, Super Mario Bros. is pretty famous, and presented a variety of sequence staples, from power-ups, to classic foes like Goombas, to the basic concept of rescuing Princess Toadstool coming from King Koopa. As well as kicking above a whole compilation of Super Mario platformer online games, the crazy results of Super Mario Bros. popularized the genre as a complete, helped revive the gaming industry as soon as the 1983 clip game crash, and was mostly the cause of the initial good results around the NES, with that it was actually bundled a launch title. Until it was finally exceeded by Wii Sports, Super Mario Bros. was the best marketing videos game of all of moment for nearly 3 decades, with over 40 thousand duplicates marketed internationally.

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