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#basically an autobiography without names attached
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The First Bookcase of Sapphic Shelves!
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List of titles, authors, and synopses below the break!
Edit: Found a few typos, and that is simply unacceptable.
Shelf One:
"I Kissed a Girl" by Jennet Alexander - Find love where you work, if where you work is a B-horror movie set.
"Guava Flavored Lies" by JJ Arias - Cuban feudin'!
"The Winter Duke" by Claire Elizabeth Bartlett - Fake marriage trope, but to avoid a political assassination.
"Cinderella is Dead" by Kalynn Bayron - In the way Nietzsche said God is dead.
"Written in the Stars," "Hang the Moon," and "Count Your Lucky Stars" by Alexandria Bellefleur - Buzzfeed listicle writers and overzealous dating app creators blunder their way into relationships.
"Nevada" by Imogen Binnie - Disaster transbian meets egg. Not to be confused with "Idaho" by Emily Ruskovich.
"Delilah Green Doesn't Care" by Ashley Herring Blake - Wedding photographer x bridesmaid. Kind of like "A Date for Mad Mary" without the Irish accents.
"The Key to You and Me" by Jaye Robin Brown - Aw, the poor hyperprivileged kid doesn't know how to drive a car.
"Claire of the Moon" by Nicole Conn - The book of the film, itself a prime candidate for "How Did This Get Made?"
"Passion's Shadow" by Nicole Conn - Lesbian "Stacy's Mom."
"She Walks in Beauty" by Nicole Conn - A writer writing about a writer writing about a writer.
"Inkmistress" by Audrey Coulthurst - A thinly veiled metaphor for authors putting pieces of themselves into their writing. Not a Cornelia Funke novel.
"Of Fire and Stars" and "Of Ice and Shadows" by Audrey Coulthurst - A trilogy that abruptly ended after the second book, starring a firestarter and a horse girl named (I kid you not) Mare.
"Dragon Queens" by Kathleen Death Plume - a fun premise that gets mired in Plot.
"I Think I Love You" by Laurianne Desombre - Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers film students: one pretentious, one good. Think Nicole Conn and Marina Rice Bader.
"Hot Dog Girl" by Jennifer Dugan - Mascot love. Chapter 32 is a tour de force.
"Some Girls Do" by Jennifer Dugan - Some girls sue their former schools. Other girls escape their parents' attempts to live vicariously through them on the pageant circuit.
"Verona Comics" by Jennifer Dugan - A nuanced study of cycles of abuse and toxicity in different kinds of relationships. Also, there's a comic book store.
"The Raven and the Banshee" by Carolyn Elizabeth - Fictional lesbian pirates, because there were no real lesbian pirates ever.
"This Is How You Lose the Time War" by Amal El-Mothar and Max Gladstone - The Doctor and the Master in love, basically.
"Cheer Up!: Love and Pompoms" by Crystal Frasier and Val Wise - Cheer captain punches transphobia in the face, literally and figuratively.
"Her Royal Highness" by Rachel Hawkins - She actually /is/ a spoiled princess.
"She's Too Pretty to Burn" by Wendy Heard - Might remind you of an Oscar Wilde novel.
"The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith - The original lesbian road trip! Except that if you read it on a plane, it's edited to just be a story about two friends.
Shelf Two:
"A Song of Silver and Gold" by Melissa Karibian - Lesbian Little Mermaid.
"Read Between the Lines" by Rachel Lacey - If an indie bookstore fell in love with Amazon, basically.
"No Rings Attached" by Rachel Lacey - Fake girlfriends for a wedding plus-one? What could possibly go wrong?
"She Gets the Girl" by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick - An autobiography.
"Ash" by Malinda Lo - Cinderella sells her soul to the fairy godfather.
"Huntress" by Malinda Lo - All the worldbuilding that Lo wanted to put in "Ash," but the publisher thought would be a hard sell to yt readers.
"All I Want for Christmas," "All I Want for Valentine's," "All I Want for Spring," "All I Want for Summer," "All I Want for Fall," and "All I Want Forever" by Clare Lydon - Two roommates become Roommates; chaos ensues.
"Before You Say I Do" by Clare Lydon - The wedding planner spectacularly fails at her job.
"Change of Heart" by Clare Lydon - A discarded script for a medical procedural.
"It Started With A Kiss" by Clare Lyndon - How did it end up like this, it was only a kiss, it was only a kiss, etc.
"Nothing to Lose" by Clare Lydon - (in Linda Belcher's voice) It's the mayor! HI, MAY-UH!
"Once upon a Princess" by Clare Lydon and Harper Bliss - What happens when there is only one place to get breakfast in town.
"You're My Kind" by Clare Lydon - A pun.
"The Case of the Not-So-Nice Nurse," "The Case of the Good-For-Nothing Girlfriend," and "A Ghost in the Closet" by Mabel Maney - Slightly-gayer-than-average Nancy Drew mysteries.
"Kiss the Girls and Make Them Spy" and "The Girl with the Golden Bouffant" by Mabel Many - Jane Bond has to take over her brother's spy work because he has finally caught a venereal disease. That's not snark; that's literally the plot.
"The Unbinding of Mary Reade" by Miriam McNamara - Lesbian and GNC pirates. The title is a pun.
"One Last Stop" by Casey McQuiston - Lesbian separatism, across the fourth dimension!
"Gearbreakers" by Zoe Hanna Mikuta - Power Glove.
"The Girl from the Sea" by Molly Knox Ostertag - Selkies!
"When Katie Met Cassidy" by Camille Perri - GNC women in suits sepremacy.
"Her Name in the Sky" by Kelly Quindlen - If gay bad, why girl pretty
"She Drives Me Crazy" by Kelly Quindlen - Enemies to fake lovers (while still enemies) to frenemies to actual lovers maybe to enemies to lovers. High school is hard.
Shelf Three:
"Late to the Party" by Kelly Quindlen - "Her Name in the Sky" for a mass-market audience.
"Catch and Cradle" by Katia Rose - Lesbian Lacrosse. Very Canadian™.
"Stop and Stare" by Katia Rose - Serial monogamist notices that their best friend exists.
"The Devil Wears Tartan" by Katia Rose - An examination of the negative influence of toxic authority figures. Also, highland dance enemies-to-lovers. What is "niche?"
"Just Might Work" by Katia Rose - A send-up of cringe love scenes and bad romance tropes.
"This Used to Be Easier" by Katia Rose - What I imagine all writers say at some point.
"Desert of the Heart" by Jane Rule - The original lesbian age-gap romance!
"Carmilla and Laura" by SD Simper - Unbury your gays (or unstake them, in this case)!
"The Falling in Love Montage" by Ciara Smyth - A mishmash of tropes, but on purpose.
"Not my Problem" by Ciara Smyth - She figures out that it is.
"These Witches Don't Burn" and "This Coven Won't Break" by Isabel Sterling - An interrogation of respectability politics and "us-vs-them" in queer discourse, but witchy.
"Satisfaction Guaranteed" by Karelia Strenz-Waters - Woman inherits her grandmother's sex shop. Chaos ensues.
"Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me" by Mario Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell - I start breaking up with her.
"The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea" by Maggie Tokuda-Hall - There's a genderqueer protagonist too, who apparently didn't merit top billing.
"Squad" by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle - The love child of "Mean Girls" and "Teen Wolf."
"Crier's War" and "Iron Heart" by Nina Varela - Robosexuals! Spoilers in the timeline.
"Malice" and "Misrule" by Heather Walter - Angsty lesbian Sleeping Beauty. Headcannon: Princess Aurora is a mspec lesbian; her name is literally Aurora.
"Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters - Waters really takes off the kid gloves for this one!
"The Paying Guests" by Sarah Waters - They are in love, your honor.
"Tipping the Velvet" by Sarah Waters - Shipping the velvet.
Shelf Four:
"Something to Talk About" by Meryl Wilsner - The slowest of burns.
"City of Shattered Light" by Clare Winn - Cyberpunk 2069.
"Mooncakes" by Wendy Xu, Suzanne Walker, and Joamette Gil - Cue the discourse on sapphic inclusivity.
"Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite," edited by Zoraida Córdova and Natalie C. Parker - Killed it first.
"Godslayers" by Zoe Hanna Mikuta - A sequel, I guess.
"I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston - Who hasn't, at this point?
"Scarlet Sun" by Isabel Hansen - Transbian Canadian Road Trip™!
"Amber Stars" by Isabel Hansen - Enemies-to-lovers summer reading program.
"The Fate of Stars," "Heart of Silver Flame," and "Death's Abyss" by SD Simper - Grimdark lesbian Little Mermaid duels with eldritch horrors.
"A Memory Called Empire" and "A Desolation Called Peace" by Arkady Martine - Mass Effect: Mesoamerica, basically.
"Honey Girl" by Morgan Rogers - Drunk Vegas wedding brides-to-lovers.
"Skye Falling" by Mia McKenzie - A lesbian disaster with a level of sarcasm I can only aspire to.
"The Boy in the Red Dress" by Kristin Lambert - Gatsby's Drag Race.
"Love and Other Disasters" by Anita Kelly - Sapphic Master Chef, basically.
"Yerba Buena" by Nina Labour - Don't let a tragic backstory get in the way of a good ship!
"Girl, Serpent, Thorn" by Melissa Bashardoust - He's a literal snake in the grass.
Life is Strange: "Dust," "Waves," and "Strings" - Pricefield? Amberprice? Who needs ship wars when we have parallel realities?!
The Legend of Korra: "Turf Wars" and "Ruins of the Empire" - It's canon Korrasami; literally nothing else matters.
Kim Reaper: "Grim Beginnings" and "Vampire Island" by Sarah Graley - Sure, it's basically just a pun, but it deserved a longer run.
Stay tuned for a Sapphic Shelves Two, once I finish my TBR (and find another bookcase...)
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amethystpath-writes · 3 years
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A Phone Call and Music
Protagonist sat on her bed, legs crossed as she leaned over what she called her ‘dinotop.’ It was a laptop that her mom gave to her after many years of little use. She wrote books. Usually, she did so in journals, but having the desire to publish, she needed her books digitalized. So, she sat now, on her bed, dinotop in front of her.
It was hard telling how long she sat there or what time of day it was. All she knew was that her phone started ringing. A part of her expected it to be her grandfather, who often called at random to check in on her. Who called her instead surprised her. Hero.
The last Hero had called her, it’d been in hopes of assistance. He’d been buying pants for his girlfriend and couldn’t figure out what the sizes meant. It was a short conversation, but no less one Protagonist remembered.
Did she say hello first or did Hero? Oh, she didn’t know anymore. It’d been too long. What Protagonist did remember, though, was that Hero needed to talk. He told her that he considered her a close friend and that he needed a distraction. A distraction because he’d just broken up with his girlfriend.
The two were always friends, and there was always a closeness that neither expanded on while in school, especially seeing as they were both in...occupying relationships. There was hardly time for a deeper friendship- not one that was scandalous, but a simple friendship, a platonic one. Either way, they were close and it became even more evident when Hero called.
Chance must have laughed at the both of them, for Hero didn’t know Protagonist had broken up with her boyfriend not too long before Hero had with his own partner. Of course, this meant nothing once the two established the fact. It only meant they had better opportunity to be friends, to hang out and be the friends they didn’t get to be before while in relationships. Neither had any great expectation beyond being friends.
Hero visited Protagonist’s house. They went to her backyard and she brought her guitar out so he could teach her to play it- she didn’t have time to teach herself. He attempted to show her how to play Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart. Her fingers were too soft for the thin strings; she didn’t do well, but she reminded him that she could play piano. They should play together sometime.
He came to her house a few more times, when the temperature was below freezing and both were shivering or curling into themselves on separate seats outside. The two wore masks, stayed distanced from one other. They used hand warmers to rid the chills. It was still freezing, but it was worth it to spend time together, laughing at jokes, and talking about, well, just about anything.
Maybe they should have known, then- while they were willingly freezing with chittering teeth and pink hands and cheeks- that they were falling for each other. For crying out loud, the two began making a movie list as if they would never end up on the same couch cushion sharing snacks.
They went for a hike, when the season was dying and warmth was returning to their region once again. It was still chilly, still icy, and Protagonist even berated Hero for not dressing warm enough. She kidded that he could wear her hoodie- she was significantly smaller than him. (If she didn’t think he’d get stuck now, she’d still like to have him try one of her shirts.)
After a beautiful hike- one with hundreds of fossils, wet shoes, moments of silent awe, and marbles of ice- the two went out to eat. (To this day they still joke about a pocket dimension- where a truck stop was in the middle of the road and they went to the strangest Wendy’s they’d ever seen.) They debated on the proper pronunciation of the show ‘Naruto’- Protagonist was proven correctly, although Hero still won’t admit it.
On the way home, they talked about their feelings, and you know what they did? They agreed not to date. Can you believe it? They agreed that, since they were going into such different occupations, ones in different parts of the country- and world- that they should save themselves the heartbreak. They should remain friends as to not fall too deeply for one another and have their feelings broken when life forced them to split.
But what changed that?
Well, they continued on as friends. Hero continued to come over. They texted nearly nonstop. He even dated another girl, trying to move on.
“There’s no music when I’m around her,” he told Protagonist about the girl. “With you, I can hear music.”
Some time after this, Protagonist went to play tennis with a friend she hadn’t seen a little while. Friend asked about Hero, since they’d spoken about him before. “So, are you two dating?” Friend had asked.
“Um. I- I don’t know actually.”
“What do you mean ‘you don’t know’?!”
Well, it was a legitimate answer in Protagonist’s book. She truly didn’t know- because she and Hero had spoken before and they’d agreed they shouldn’t date. And yet...and yet they still hung out every chance they got. They texted nonstop. Mighties, they had admitted to liking each other- whether they agreed to date or not, they had feelings for one another. So were they dating? They might as well have been, right?
So, she brought it to Hero days later. There were many uh’s and um’s, an obvious sign of nervousness, even through text. Could she have erased the uh’s and um’s to prevent sounding nervous over text? Of course. But was that an authentic representation of her feelings as she was texting him? No. So, she left the uh’s and um’s.
Truthfully, Hero hadn’t known whether they were dating or not either. Laughing emojis were exchanged.
By some miracle, the two agreed that all the memories they could make would be worth the heartbreak, and now they could hardly see a reason they couldn’t be together for a very long time.
:))
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doctorsloth33-blog · 6 years
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Destan “Doc” Loche Autobiography, Part II
The first eight months I spent in Hammerfell consisted mostly of treating minor injuries and setting the basic standard for care within the Legion. I was stationed in Hegathe where the General resided with his Staff and, to my surprise, was placed as second in command of the entire detachment of Healers. The former Adept had deserted in the middle of the night; camp rumor claimed that he eloped with a local woman. Most of the Healers under the command were fresh graduates from the various magic schools across Tamriel, with only a half dozen veterans. Our commander was an old Nord Master by the name of Lorrick, who hated Hammerfell, the heat, the ocean, and hated us most of all. We were generally seen as an annoyance by the curmudgeonly Master and anyone who was injured less than mortally was a malingerer and a "milk-drinker." I was informed by him that he expected me to handle day to day operations.
I had fifty mages under my charge, and of the fifty as many as forty of them could be out in the field with the Legion at any given time. I myself occasionally became attached to units conducting training exercises simply because I ran out of other personnel to send. Around twenty of my Healers were permanently attached to units in other cities including Sentinel, where the General was forced to declare martial law. The Legion suffered its first combat-related fatality during a riot there; three others were so grievously wounded that they had to be transported back to Hegathe for Master Lorrick to attend. I was required to assist him in their treatment and learned a great deal. While working, Lorrick was surprisingly forthcoming and receptive to questions. We placed a metal plate in one young Imperial's skull that had been fractured by an unknown missile dropped from above. It was delicate and tense work. We first removed the splintered pieces of bone, then cut a circular hole in the man's skull to match the measurements of the plate around the fracture. It was made of gold and I queried Master Lorrick if it would not be cheaper to use steel or even iron. Without answer, he gently placed the plate inside the man's skull, held it with a long thin instrument, and summoned a flame incantation. He carefully traced the perimeter of the metal circle with a glowing finger until the edges began to glow. Once he'd made a complete round he changed his spell to a freezing touch and placed his palm directly on the plate. He stepped back and gestured for me to look, and I saw now the need for such an expensive material. The gold, which melted quickly and at a low enough heat that there was no danger of damage to the surrounding bone, had fused directly to the skull.
"This technique removes the necessity of using pins or screws which can damage the brain," Lorrick's tone was that of an instructor, his usual vitriolic demeanor softened. "You listen well, and have a good mind for this work Adept." I was floored by the compliment and barely managed to utter my gratitude. Thus began my tutelage under Master Lorrick. I owe everything I know of the Restorative Arts, both mundane and magical, to what that old Nord taught me. He showed me that nearly all the schools of magic can be used to help heal. A powerful illusionary incantation to make the patient feel a pleasant massaging sensation in place of the tremendous and horrible pain of a scalpel slicing through flesh. Swift application of flame can seal the ends of vessels that are pouring lifeblood from a wound, and an apprentice level spell of Alteration can make the wicked barbed head of an embedded arrow as soft and pliable as freshly made dough, allowing easy removal without the risk of further damage. Master Lorrick taught me infinitely more in six months than I had learned in four years at the College. He also insisted I, and all of our men, attend general combat training at least twice a week. "A dead healer is no use to anyone and a blade is the surest way to safeguard your own life." I started a sick call where the Legionnaires were allowed to come before duty and be seen by one of the Healers for basic ills and injuries. I kept five Apprentices on duty from 5 o clock to 8 o clock, and I set up a separate tent for general and staff officers. It was here that I met my closest and dearest friend Lucius. He was the Legion Vexillary and, as tradition dictated, the youngest and most junior officer in the entire Legion. I had begun packing my things up after an uneventful morning when he pushed the flap aside and lingered, hesitant, in the entryway.
"Come in," I waved to him and began taking things out of my bag, "come in and have a seat." "Yes, Adept." he paused for a moment, unsure, and then snapped to attention and saluted, adding a "Sir." It took me so much by surprise that I laughed. He tried very hard not to scowl but did not succeed. "Sorry, sorry. Vexillary right?" He nodded, relaxing, "I assure you it wasn't my intention to mock you. I'm almost sure that either you outrank me, or that we're peers at the very least, so there's no need to 'sir' me," I gestured to the chair again, "please have a seat. My name is Destan Loche, Adept second grade. You may call me Destan. What is your name?" "Vexillary Sulla, Adept," he grumbled, taking his seat. I ignored his stubbornness and sat across from him, rolling my sleeves. "Well Monsieur Sulla," he snorted derisively, "what is it that ails you?" His scowl quickly subsided and, under the deep tan natural to Cyrodiils, I could almost detect a redness to his cheeks. "Well Adept," he shifted in the camp seat uncomfortably, "when I awoke this morning to make water I," he paused and the redness increased, "I noticed an intense burning sensation and some sort of discharge," he finally blurted, eyes on the dirt floor. I nodded and asked him a few basic questions, much to his ever-growing discomfort, and ascertained that he had picked up a common malady gained from acquiring less than reputable female companionship; generally of the kind that requires an exchange of currency. A common enough occurrence in the camp of an army, but potentially embarrassing for a member of the General's staff. "Well, there are two options available to you." I stood up and retrieved a pack of instruments neatly rolled up in my bag, "The first is that you return to your quarters and drink large amounts of water until the malady passes." His face scrunched up.
"And what's the second option Adept?"
"The second option," I unrolled the pack and retrieved a long skinny metal rod with a small, smooth cone at the tip, " is that I insert this instrument into the affected area and draw it back out to clear the puss, and then flush the area out with a salve." Lucius blinked at me, expressionless. He sat like that for a while, considering.
"How long will it take the malady to pass on its own?"
"It could pass within a week," I shrugged, "or it could fester and worsen for another month and you'll be right back here having the procedure done anyway."
"Understood. Shall I return, or can you perform it now?"
"Now would be best, " He nodded and I added,  "it will take me a few moments to prepare the salve and clean the instrument. I will give you something to numb the pain but if you keep a flask I suggest you empty it."
"Sound advice Adept, I was just thinking the same thing,"
By the time I completed simmering the potion for pain, Lucius had drunk half of the brandy in his flask. When I returned after cleaning the instruments and preparing the salve, there was only a swallow left, which I took for myself to steady my hand. He was well and truly prepared, giggling and singing half-comprehensible songs learned in taverns. I used oil from coconuts to lubricate the instrument and gave Lucius a belt to bite down on. Without a word, he clenched the leather between his teeth and gave me a nod. A sharp intake of breath on entry and a deep, guttural grunt on the retrieval were the only noises he made. I could hear the leather of the belt squeaking and an alarming crack came from the arms of the examination chair underneath white-knuckled hands. I used a large syringe to take up the salve and applied it to the entry of the phallus to clean the urethra and held the shaft upright for around two minutes. I had mixed in some Juniper berry with the salve and could see that the cooling sensation brought great relief. I released the phallus and instructed him to remain disrobed until it had completed draining. The entire procedure had taken less than five minutes.
"All done, Vexillary," I'd decided to not further tease the man over formality given the pain I'd just put him through, " there may be blood in your water for a few days and there will be some sensitivity, these are both normal and expected. I'm sending you back to your quarters with an order for two days rest and I expect you to use them. This," I handed him a green bottle, "is medication for the pain.  Only take a swallow twice a day, evenly spaced. It should last you for four days." I began tidying up, putting the instrument back into the boiling water, scraping the salve and oil back into their respective containers. Lucius secured his tunic and sword belt once he verified that he was no longer draining salve.  He sat back down and remained, pale and sweating, for a long while. I realized once I finished cleaning that he hadn't spoken since before the procedure.
"Vexillary, are you alright? Did you understand my instructions?" He nodded, still staring off into a corner, "Do you need me to do anything else for you? I can escort you to your quarters, or call for a runner if you'd like."
He finally looked up at me. His cheeks puffed and he blew out a long, exhausted breath.
"Doc," his was voice strained, "I believe you can take me for a drink." He smiled and I found myself grinning along with him.
"Of course Vexillary," I held my hand out. He grasped it and pulled me down to eye level.
"Lucius. My name is Lucius, doc. My friends call me Luc."
"Alright Luc, let's get you that drink."
I have been friends with Markus Lucius Sulla ever since. During the rest of our time in Hammerfell, we were inseparable. I taught him to conjure forth flame and he showed me the proper way to backswing the mace I carried. He showed me how to compose poetry, and I showed him how to cast a net to catch fish in a river. We chased Redguard women and brawled with their jealous suitors. He would make up terrible drunken songs of our imagined conquests, and I would knit our scrapes and cuts back together before muster. It was a wild and enjoyable time, but one that is enormously bittersweet. Two boys, barely past the threshold of manhood, who were just enjoying life. Perhaps we would have done something differently if we'd known what was coming. Perhaps we would have prepared.
On the eighth month, second week, and third day I was assigned to the Tenth Legion in Hammerfell the Dominion army fell upon our heads and brought the world down around us.
End Part II.
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because solitary confinement and sensory deprivation* are considered torture and begin messing with your head after only a few days or weeks, some stupid headcanons about Erik dealing with the aftermath of shitty writing DOFP - ignoring basically all canon for Apocalypse 
- Metal. He surrounds himself with it.  It’s no coincidence that DOFP is the first time we see him with metal attached to his Magneto-outfit or that the Brotherhood hide-out where we see Oldneto for the first time is almost completely made of stone and metal. Without metal, he was helpless and he won’t let that happen again. It makes him feel safe. He also tends to carry around little metal trinkets with him, just to feel them tugging at his ferro-perception.
- Sometimes he can’t stop pacing, can’t stop moving or goes out for runs or flights that can take until deep into the night. Other times he sits almost motionless for hours on end.
- Erik doesn’t care what people think of him. It’s Charles who decides to clear his name in the JFK-case. Raven helps, Hank does too (begrudgingly). Peter is surprisingly helpful, but only Charles and him know the reason why. While they can clear him of that, he’s still the guy who threw a stadium on the president. It turns out that throwing buildings on politicians is the perfect way to impress young mutant radicals and thus the Brotherhood is born.
- Wide, open spaces make him feel lightheaded and dizzy, but it’s better than small spaces. He’s always been claustrophobic, but more so now.
- He suffers severe insomnia at night and instead catnaps whenever wherever he can, sometimes at inopportune moments. Hardly anything can keep him on his feet when he’s feeling tired. The first few months after the White House incident are the worst, but it doesn’t ever really go away for the rest of his life.
Prison really wrecked his sleep schedule, because he had no way of telling time in his cell. (He tried, at first, based on the meals, but with the years he simply lost the will-power to do try, hence we find him napping in the middle of the day when Peter breaks into the Pentagon, because who gives a fuck anymore if he’s to stay there forever?) The result when he gets out is that he’s no longer used to sleeping at a specific time rather than just sleep when he feels tired (or bored or sad, because for years sleep was his only escape). Most people who know him get pretty much used to walking in on him sleeping on literally any vaguely flat surface at any time of the day or to find him walking through the Mansion/Brotherhood hide-outs in the middle of the night
- Alex advise is to ‘pull your ass out of your head and move on’. Also to take walks.
- For the rest of his life, there will be mornings when he wakes up and expects to find himself back in that cell.
- Erik never got Stockholm’s Syndrom, he’s pretty sure of it. But there was one guard that he almost liked, because he’d whistle to himself when he brought Erik his food and the melody stuck with him. Out of all of them, Erik killed him in the least painful fashion. 
- It took him several years until he went back to destroy the prison cell beneath the Pentagon. He knew the very existence of a place that could hold him was a risk, but the thought of going back there always filled him with intense dread. Now they would have to kill him if they ever caught him again.
- His sight isn’t as good as it used to be, but his ferro-perception is stronger than ever.
- If he has an irrational fear of blank, white rooms, no one needs to know. If anyone has noticed that he will barely enter them on his own, they don’t let him know. Charles knows. Charles knows how he feels when the walls close in, when shadows appear where they shouldn’t be and they begin to whisper.
- He’s hyper-aware of all his surroundings at all time, painfully so. The slightest changes in temperature make him feel ill. Smells burn his throat. Sounds are the most difficult of all and that doesn’t go away for a long time. They overwhelm him and make his head swim. Too many lights and colours make him feel kind of dizzy.
Because Erik is Erik, he tries to hide it and withdraws when things gets too much. Both Charles and Raven catch on quickly. Charles sometimes uses his powers to help him cope better, Raven stands in for him when he can’t bear to be around people. Despite his dislike for Erik, Hank tries to teach him some of his strategies for coping with sensory overload. Most of them fall on deaf ears, but the few Erik adopts work for him.
- As much as he hates noise, silence is even worse and makes him panic even in familiar surroundings. One night and literally out of nowhere that silver-haired kid that has been hanging around the Mansion lately drops a bunch of tapes in his lap. An obviously stolen radio pops up in his room in the Mansion. How the boy knows, he doesn’t know, but even if his taste in music is horrid, it’s better than silence. Maybe Curtis Mayfield isn’t half-bad.
- Sometimes his memory is a bit blurry. Sometimes he asks for Emma, Azazel or Riptide. One time he asked Charles what happened to his legs.
- Against Charles’ and Raven’s advice, he reads reports and autobiographies about other people who suffered isolation or sensory deprivation, only to see others put into words what he can’t. Nothingness is difficult to describe. Time stretching out, looping, contracting makes no sense to anyone who hasn’t experienced it.
- Again, metal - Erik kinda has a baseline magnetic field surrounding him at all times which he has to control if he doesn’t want to be surrounded by a cloud of flying shrapnel  - sometimes he doesn’t pay attention and it does happen, like in that mid-credit scene of The Wolverine when he moves the coins by accident. 
After ten years without metal, he let that baseline control slip and it tends to happen more often, especially during the first few weeks after his escape and especially when he’s emotional. Sometimes he misses the odd metal coin sticking to his body or a fork clinging to his back. Sometimes, when he’s angry, he can rearrange an entire room or almost take down a place. 
His nightmares are as bad now as they were when Charles first met Erik, if not worse.
- The smallest things mean the world, throw him off. He knows he’s unfair in his anger, he knows his mood swings seem like madness to others and yet it’s so hard to take things for granted again, things like food and sleep and water and dignity. Sometimes he disappears for weeks. He doesn’t want to hurt his friends more than he already has.
- Sometimes, Erik is as eloquent as he used to be. Other times, simple conversation exhausts him. He forgets his turns to speak, doesn’t wait for someone to answer when he asks a question.
- When his joints ache, he blames it on his age. Lack of sunlight doesn’t occur to him until it gets better.
- On the one hand, he’s really starved for human interaction and touch but on the other hand he’s Erik and can’t really communicate that and can’t stand the idea of being vulnerable. Charles obviously sees through it and talks to him and instigates touch when he feels Erik needs to touch and let’s Erik pretend he’s the only indulging Charles.
- Erik hates hates hates the smell of almonds and lavender now. Almonds remind him of the sound of air-ducts being opened and falling asleep in the blink of an eye. Lavender reminds him of waking up in a freshly washed prison uniform and a cell smelling of chemical detergent.
- Food is good and bad and a mess.  After ten years of eating the same bland gruel at the same time every day with no way of telling the time hunger comes suddenly and intensely with no warning. He has a hard time getting back into a proper diet.
He has cravings too, especially fruit and sugar. He never had cravings before, but after ten years of gruel, even the mention of a specific food can set him off and he needs to eat just that just now, even if it’s something he remembers he didn’t even like in the past. At the same time he has difficulties getting used to eating food that actually tastes like food again and in the first few weeks any kind of seasoning or alcohol make him feel sick. (that sip on the plane? Really regretted that the rest of the flight)
He really gets into cooking. He used to be a capable cook before and successfully took care of himself for years, but usually it was about valuable sustenance to keep his body functioning, but he never really got into the art of cooking before. He tries to reconstruct some of his mothers old family recipes. Cooking at late hours of the night even helps with the insomnia a bit. Since he can’t eat all of it on his own, people around him get used to waking up to plates of food wrapped in cling film on their nightstand.
- Talking to the silver kid is simple. The boy simply doesn’t care if someone doesn’t talk as much as he does - in fact, he seems glad to have someone listen to him when he talks about all kinds of things. He’s got a new guitar. His Mom wants him to get a job. He’s got a twin sister who’s in college in L.A.
- When he was in the cell, he knew when he was hallucinating. Back outside, it’s more difficult to tell. Even the smallest lapse could betray him, could betray that the leader of the Brotherhood sometimes sees a guard lingering just in the corner of his eye. Sometimes in a blue uniform. Sometimes in green and grey with Siegrunen on his collar. Sometimes everything is a hallucination, sometimes he’s sure that he has finally cracked, that everything is a lie and that he’s still in that place. Lying down for hours, he waits for it to go away, for the world to fade and for his cell to reappear so that at least he’d have his sanity back. Other times, he doesn’t care, other times he accepts the world is mad and goes along with it. Everything is better than that place. 
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tratct · 6 years
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DD And MT Is Jace Beleren Being Courteous?
DD And MT Schedule
Second Post: DD And MT Is Jace Beleren Being Courteous?
Table of Content
Prelude: Co-exist
1. The DD In My Life
2. VIP Tickets
3. Responding To Adversity
4. Facing Reality (“You Are Going Nowhere”)
5. Preservation (You Cannot Go Against All Of Them): What is the Causes? Did it happen for a reason or coincidence?
6. Constructing My First MT Deck
7. Level One “Increase Knowledge” Deck
8. The Day Of The Redemption MT (Redemption “Increase Knowledge” Deck Experience And Gameplay Biography)
9. Fans Claim
“Sege” Deck Biography And Beyond (Mainly On MTG Tournament Tip)
10. Level One “Sege” (“Increase Knowledge”) Deck Biography (Read #7 For MT Experience)
11. Level Two “Sege” Deck Biography
12. Redemption (High Level or Level 3) “Sege” Deck Biography And The Final Act (For The Fans. Redemption.  Just Once Before The Expiration Date.)
13. MT Tournament Tip (Beyond “Sege” Deck Biography)
14. MTG Note And Abbreviation
Glossary And Index
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Co-exist
Borderline.  Guideline.  Co-exist.  My “Stardragon Treasure” started when I was in middle school.  Ever since then, my trade had been the center of attention among those who was a part of the “Stardragon Treasure”.  One of the reason was because I was able to meet the demand.  The coming up post, “DD And MT Stardragon Treasure” will have full coverage on “Stardragon Treasure”.
Also, my parents who was isolated, because of the English language gap and adjusting to the USA.  I was able to provide them with English translation, because beside going to a regular public school, I had been taking extra courses such as after-school programs, Summer school programs, student-counselor programs, and etc.  Other than providing my parents with English translation, I been serving term after term at my schools such as Equipment Room Monitor, Recess Monitor, Gate Monitor, Cafeteria, and Attendant Monitor.  So, basically I had been taking charge early in my life.
At my house, I had done my share of house chores.  In the article, “Cranberry Sauce” I wrote about the house chores early in life.  Also, how it was transition into our contemporary thinking and our traditional thinking.  Example: The conflicts between them such as contemporary and dynasty (tradition).
In the articles, “Invigorous” and “Invigorous: Community And Independent”, I wrote about energy and invigoration such as the community interpretation on those topics.  Example: What it is like to hold the mile run record in my PE classes, being the first person to complete my cross-country run even with the extra distance, being called “Track Star”, and last but not least, try-out for sport’s teams.  Those articles not only focus on the things listed in the example, but there were things that we might neglected such as isolation, out-casted, and etc.
In addition, those articles covered more than the energy and invigoration, there were also Straight As and Top Classes, and the connection with honor programs.  Quoted, “The role models of our future.”  Same as above, mainly on community interpretation on those topics, but this time a more austerely argument such as harden and callus of our everyday life.  Another reason was I wanted to express my decision making during that time such as while I had straight As and top classes and at the same time was deciding on if I should enroll in the honor programs.
To sum it all up, the articles, “Invigorous” and “Invigorous: Community And Independent”, finding results from my past where there were conflicts with I am being invigorous.  Possibility of how it might connected to my present time (now).
Another thing, coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS (Champion Streak Series) line, I had maintain the PT (Pokemon Tournament) for a long time.   Beside maintain the PT for a long time, I had also maintaining my images as Pokemon Master with a CSS line.  Example: As Pokemon Master I gave out tips, advices, suggestions, and recommendations to Pokemon Players.  I also tutors and teaches about deck construction and plays.
As for the customs and traditions in the USA, beside being courteous and practicing mannerism, my life is like what I wrote above.  In the article, “Cranberry Sauce” one of the argument would be that because of our traditional thinking, when we see a person who is being courteous and practicing mannerism, we would think (stereotype) that person as being classy, noble, and/or importance.  In other words that traditional thinking is like a stereotype.  Then, the stereotype would lead into more conflicts such as conflicts about a person who is classy, noble, and/or importance.  Some example conflicts:  Bloodline, Legacy, Prodigy, Pride, Hair, and Mafia.
In conclusion, because of my up-bringing, there are some different guidelines in our everyday life and everyday thinking, many of that differences I had wrote about in my articles, PTTS (Pokemon Tournament Tip Session) writing, Autobiography, and etc.  Also, many of the topics was talked about while hosting the Daily Sessions and PTTS.
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The DD (Double Dilemma) In My Life
In my articles, “Marathon” and “Metropolis” I wrote about the conflicts I had with my parents.  My parents was not the topic of the articles, but they were part of the argument.  I also wrote that I was conditioning myself. So, the question, what am I preparing for?  What is my parents preparing me for?  During my PE class cross-country run, I am the first one to complete the run.  Also, I took the extra credit by doing the extra distance.
The DD (Double Dilemma)…  it is not my articles or cross-country runs, I am living the DD.  How much I wished it was one of my articles or it was a cross-country run.
I immediately purchase a Magnum for protection.  Every night, I counted the bullets I had.  Maybe a way to comfort myself.  I remember when I first just purchase my Magnum and ammunition, before I unpacked my ammunition, I noticed it came with one bullet.  There were a note attached to the bullet.  The note written, “You only need 1 bullet.”
I unpacked my ammunition.  Loaded my Magnum.  I drove my vehicle to a deserted area.  Close to the train track.  Thinking the train would cover-up the sound that my Magnum going to make.  When the train starting to get close, I would fire my Magnum at target for practice.  I could still hear the loud sound from my Magnum, but I think the train does cover-up some of the sound.
If I was to stop and think, I would probably agree with the note.  “Why suffer when I could just ended my life?” A very simple concept, but I did not stop to think.  The powerful force from that one shot will blow up my head clean.  A quick and instant dead.  I was glad, I purchase the ammunition with my Magnum.  Because, I don’t think I will get a second chance such as going to the Gunshop for ammunition.
I had always questioned the stability of the Magnum even after I had tested before at Gunshop, until I finally purchase my own.  For a handgun with a lot of power, it is very stable.  I did not felt too much of the kick after firing each shot.
I could probably make the full 6 shots in a row without feeling any kick. I did tried before during the testing at Gunshop, but I haven’t tried with my Magnum, because I might need the ammo.  Also, it would probably make too much sound.  The train probably won’t be able to cover up all the sound.
In one those articles, my parent had argued, “After a mountain climber climbed all the mountains in the world, they will suicide.”  They would repeated to me loud and clear.  “Is the DD what my parents been trying to tell me all this time? Or a wake-up call, so that my life would not have to face a DD?”  The education system taught us to state the point of argument at all time.
“Don’t cry Abe, I know what to do.”
“We are so much better than you!  You and Abe get to stay cute all the time!”  I blocked those memories.  They would not.  Or Abe and I already left for training camp, so they don’t have that opportunity.  I blocked too much memories.  They would not.  But, it is an argument.
I don’t wanted to say this, “I think I am living one of my article that I wrote or similar.”
When a person come to a point in his or her life.  Where all hope seem so far away.  There are creatures from the darkness all around.  How would this person overcome these situations?
While writing the article, “Marathon” I had thought about it.  A person from the past time-traveled into the future.  He only got what he wore on him.  Into a world, where he no longer exist.  In that scenario, he eventually found time-traveler agents who guided him in the new world.  Together they solved the problems between the old world and new world.  But, before getting to the time-traveler agents, he had to overcome a series of obstacles and problems.  One of the problem was the ghosts of the old world.  The line he used, “The future of the worlds is depend on me such as how far can a person go, it is all depended on me.”
He fought until the very end.  Just when all of the ghosts of the past about to drag him down.  They were all over him, then all sudden a hand was reached out to him.  “Grab on!” I categorized that thought as futuristic science-fiction.  Maybe joggers wear headphone, so they don’t have to hear their thoughts when they are jogging.
Beside the contemporary conflicts in our modern world, I think that thought might serve it purpose.  Also, I interpreted in my article, “Marathon”.
… …  Technically, I am a merchant since I open up two Online stores.  Also, the “Stardragon Treasure” had a long history. I had seen label of brand name showing their history such as generations of history.
… …  I have not stop to think about the DD…  …  “Brian Robeson survive the wilderness twice.”  I think any person in my situation would also be upset.
To comprehend about what I am going through their might be sources a person might relied on.  Example: From the film and video game, “Max Payne”.  The protagonist on a raging revenge.
Sooner or later, there might be sources I don’t even know about.  Beside, coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line, serving terms at my schools, club president, and opened up two Online store there were not much about me.  Also, I would fall into the category as being competitive.
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VIP Tickets (Months Away From The DD)
“I don’t know why, but… I did try… I don’t know why, I even try…”
From my first semester at the College until now, my “Stardragon Treasure” and I had came a long way.  I am the club president at my college.  My multimedia instructors had wrote me “letters” (to be use on my projects, jobs, contracts, and etc.)  I had a stable income from my job.  My two Online stores had a long history such as transition from my “Stardragon Treasure”. Also, I might just open up my Online stores for a few years, but I had been an Ebay Star Seller (accounts; stores) for many years.  I even make time in my schedule to stop by “Artifact” (MT store) once in a while. By stopping by “Artifact” mean I am digging up my MTG (Magic The Gathering) collection of cards I had accumulated for many years.  Basically, enough MTG cards to post up for sell in my two Online stores.
What could possibly go wrong at this point?
Yes, I am isolated.  Yes, I do feel lonely sometime.
A flashback: “You are taking charge…  As the club president… grand event… many people will be there…”  My adviser wanted to congrated me, but those were the lines he used.  “What could possibly go wrong at this point?”  I repeated again to myself.  The reasons I am having this talk with my adviser because I had just accepted a few big projects with my adviser.  I will be the one working on the big projects, but he will be there to help me any ways he can.
I got back from my flashback.  “I don’t know why, but… I did try… I don’t know why, I even try…”  That same line again.  In that flashback, we would probably open up a few fancy cigar packs and fine champagne bottles and laugh and celebrated our achievements.
“WHERE?!  Where are the cigars and champagnes?  Where are the laughs and celebration?”  I stop my thoughts.  I then look over to the fine suits I had set on my bed.  There were a few suits.  I need a suit that will match me as the club president.
I must be very sad, because I don’t feel any of it.  Then, I noticed some event tickets my adviser handed to me. “He probably thought I might have someone coming with me…”  I feel like throwing up.  I was just about to rip those tickets to pieces.
I remember a while ago in one of my E-mail page, I could not come up with a reason, I wrote that I am busy because I was about to get marry.  But, that was a while ago.  Also, it should have been understandable, because my schedule was full.
I am not angry at those event tickets.  It just those tickets reminded me how lonely I am.  Maybe that was why I did not know I had them until now, I just noticed I had some event tickets.  I quickly try to come up with a reason, before I am going to rip them to pieces.  “HE MIGHT… want them BACK!”  I shouted out.  “Those tickets are expensive… it is about $100 per ticket.”  Also, those are not the regular tickets being sold, those are the VIP tickets.  “U-N-R-E-P-L-A-C-E-A-B-L-E.”
“Just in case he need them back.  But I don’t want to see them again.”  I told myself.  Then, I put them deep inside my drawer.  I pretend I did not noticed them in the first place.
The coming event is a big event that happen once a year, and had been going on for many years.
“I am not going to ruin this big event…  Instead, I am usually this perfect person in the event.  I don’t know how I do it every time.  It does not matter how I feel or what I had to go through, but I am always this perfect person.”
Then, in one of my voice mails, my financier left me a voice-mail.  Basically, the voice-mail was asking me if I had receive an invitation to a gathering.  “I don’t know why, but… I did try… I don’t know why, I even try…”  I repeated to myself again.
I am usually professional about these things.  “Oh My God.  I had reversed everything.  I am the president.  I am in charge.  I run all these things.”
“That is why I had those VIP tickets, so I could distribute them among all the different departments who are a part of this big event.”  I am basically trying to clear my thoughts. Take a few breath of air.
“Extra Double Espresso in the morning.  A few glasses of fine wine in the evening.”  One more time, I’ll try again.  I am going to repeat that line again to myself.  “I don’t know why, but… I did try… I don’t know why, I even try…”
“I’ll stop by.  Just for a few minutes.”  I response to my financier’s voice-mail.  I just wanted to drop off the presents, and leave.  I been handling all of my affairs on my own, not that long ago, I started having a financier.  Just for the tax part at least or something like that.  As club president having financier or assistance should be something I have to get use to.
I am usually professional.  But, that evening while stopping by the gathering and dropping off the presents, I told them about the big event I am going to be in charge of.  “Probably I just had to be perfect all the time.”
Reflection: By saying that line, just said that my financier gathering cannot even compare to the big event that is about to happen.  I cannot change what already happen.  Again, “I don’t know why, but… I did try… I don’t know why, I even try…”
I was right, those tickets are the VIP tickets, I was supposed to distribute them, but my adviser thought I already know that.  He also had his mind set on nothing could possibly ruin this big event for us.  “No problem, if you wanted to keep those tickets.”  He would said something like that to me.
My financier wanted to do the same thing I did to them.  But, I don’t know that.  I still haven’t done my reflection.  My financier know about my life, so it was not too difficult for them to get me back.  I supposed getting even is consider justify.
It was until getting very close to the event, I noticed my financier’s scheme. Again, “I don’t know why, but… I did try… I don’t know why, I even try…”  My financier’s scheme was to get me to acquire as many tickets as possible for them, then on the last minute they will tell me they cannot make it for the event.
My adviser also notice something, but again, he had his mind set on nothing could possibly ruin this big event for us.  So, when I am instead of distributing those VIP tickets, asking for more tickets.  He knew something was wary.
“What have they done to my president?” Would probably be my adviser reaction.  Just a tiny little bit of reaction from my adviser, I knew about my financier’s scheme. But, he been holding his reaction until it was close to the event.
A few days away from the event, he was saying something about the tickets. He did not said he could not get the ticket for me.  But, I knew I fell into a trap.  “I supposed getting even consider justify.”
I had not let down my adviser before.  He forget all about it the next day.  He even don’t care I had some VIP tickets that I did not distribute.  He probably took all the blame already from all the other departments.
In conclusion, whenever I feel lonely I repeat this line, “I don’t know why, but… I did try… I don’t know why, I even try…”
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Responding To Adversity
Probably not a soul in the world know about the Double Dilemma (DD), because I have not say a word to anyone about it.  Again, I did have meets and appointments with my manager and assistance manager to talk about my working hour.  Long story.  They were the ones that caused the Double Dilemma (DD), so it probably don’t count toward “I have not say a word to anyone about it.”
Relatives (Including family members) had portrayed a various situations that happen in life.  Example: A situation when getting layoff (employee no long working for the company) from work.  The relatives said something like, “You got layoff, you could borrow my car anytime if you want.  Or, sleep over at my place anytime, until you are back on your feet.”
I did not engage in talk too much with relatives.  If we talk too long, probably they still remember, back when I still have not got my first gaming system.  When relatives brought over a gaming system, I would be the first person to wake up, and started the gaming system while still in my pajama.  Because now, I am club president.  I have two Online stores.  I did not say a word about it to any of my relatives.
Maybe it is better that way.  Probably relatives might say something like, “Still like those time when I brought over the gaming system.”  Such as once I start something, I don’t let go.  Could I be a part of those portraits my relatives portrayed?
I am not mute.  I could talk such as the meets and appointments I had with my assistance manager and manager. As club president, I had to make announcement to my club.  As for my Online stores’ transactions, a few time as part of the transactions, I would have Email communication and Online chat for weeks of time.  Other time, I would have to go through hundreds of Emails during the busy weeks.
Again, the two Online stores is from my “Stardragon Treasure”.  I don’t know if having Online stores was the best way such as continue my “Stardragon Treasure” Online by open up two Online stores.  In college, I was taking Multimedia classes, so from those studies, there were researches saying that the Online world (AKA cyber world) are starting to rise in business.  That was one of the reason, I took that step.
I have to stop my thought, I had done a lot of reflection in my writing...  Change Scene...
“I know every cards in almost every sets such as the reprint, promotion, event, MT, and etc.”  A Magic Player show up with a collection cards, want to engage in trade with me.
It is like a dream come true for an Elf deck to have “Nissa Revane” at that point of time.  “Sorin Markov” was used in Vampire deck.  There was something missing.  I don’t know. I hear something about barrier.
I have more Vampire cards than Elf cards.  Maybe I wanted to trade Nissa, but I know how important it is to his or her deck. Also, that person remind me of the dedication I put into Pokemon TCG.
“Nissa, just release, I heard Nissa work well with the elves?”  I already knew the answer, because I know he or she had an “Elf” deck.  Just saying that to continue the conversation.  That person look at me for a moment.  “You are new here.”  The person surprised I don’t know about his or her “Elf” deck.  “I am also looking for Nissa.”  I did not said I was looking for Nissa.  “I’ll let you know if I find some.”
As I am walking away, “But, I am also willing to make exception to trading my Nissa.”  That person added.
If I were to watch a match, I’ll probably want to see that person’s Elf deck match-play.  He or she is dedicated to Magic TCG.  Maybe, I needed to say that line to that person, “I’ll let you know if I find some.”
Magic and Elf seem like a combination that goes together.  In other words, the magic and elf combination been going on for a while, might be at multiple level.  With an experienced Elf deck in the MT…
Having Magic Players like that person in the MT, I felt that coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line might not needed introduction.  I don’t know how many time that person had got first place in the MT, but he or she is one of them who got first place.
Even though, I am sneaking into the MT, and having some magic time, it is okay to know about the environment.  There is another person with a vampire deck.  He or she also got first place before.  Since I just joined the MT, the DCI system would not match me up with them. Maybe I accidentally saw their decks. To see Magic Players who are dedicated to Magic TCG was kind of like the line, “It is okay if you cross over my fence a bit.”
Again, I sneak into the MT, because the MT allow me to keep my mind away from the DD.  If I were thinking, I would say that, “But, I think the Vampire deck and Elf deck, would be a match that have audience.”
The DD and MT happened all sudden.  Probably at that point, I wanted to make the MT place as a regular MT that I go to each week.
I had a few talks with the store keeper, store keeper would told me, that the MT store, “Artifact” are usually open.  Even at time when store keeper is not available such as store keeper said that one of those usual Magic Players sometime would watch over “Artifact”, so that it would stay open.  Remind me of the PT place such as me and those Garnet Pokemon Players maintaining the PT, and sometime watch over “Name Of The Game” (PT store).
Again, the magic time does work to keep my mind away from the Double Dilemma (DD). Once a week.  The beginning part (stage) of the Double Dilemma (DD) probably the most difficult part.  Especially seeing relatives, don’t know what to say.  Maybe that is why I haven’t say a word about it.  So the MT environment should not matter to me, but because I been maintain the PT for a long time, maybe that is why knowing the environment come natural to me.  Also, I have not see a Pokemon Player, Magic Player, or any kind of TCG Player who had come close to my CSS, so I felt that maybe there might needed an introduction or something (probably courteous).  Example: Only so few got First place, fewer got first place streak.  As for first place streak record, I haven’t see anyone got that many first place or close to that many first place (not talking about the character of the person).
In conclusion, those actions I took in the MT is part of my Pokemon Master with a CSS line responsibility.  So, I guess that might be why that person saying, “Is Jace Beleren being courteous?” That person meant to say, he or she noticed those responsibility I took in the MT.
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Facing Reality (“You are going nowhere.”)
They might be right.  “Brian Robeson survived the wilderness twice (two time).”  Because he got out of the city.  As twisted as it is, that might be true.  Each time, I am starting to use my mind, I am losing myself.
“What are you doing, man?”  Probably people might argued that the right way to handle the Double Dilemma (DD) is like the portrait that portrayed by my relatives:  Again, Example: A situation when getting layoff (employee no long working for the company) from work.  The relatives said something like, “You got layoff, you could borrow my car anytime if you want.  Or, sleep over at my place anytime, until you are back on your feet.”
Also, since I had not told anyone about it, probably mean that I have decided to handle it myself.  So, I would answer that question as, “I am doing fine.”
“You are going nowhere.”  One of the assistance manager told me.  When I went to pick up my last paycheck.  Long story. They were the ones who created the Double Dilemma (DD).  Also, that confirm that those meets and appointments with my manager and assistance manager probably does not mean anything.  Again, I did my part.  Long story. (“You are going nowhere.” Mean that I am trapped.)
Again, each time, I am starting to use my mind, I am losing myself.  As long as I don’t use my mind I could manage. So, I was glad I got the MT to go to, it really help to keep my mind away from the DD.
“Ninja Gaiden” is my only way, but it is so far from reality.  Because that way is probably like in a dream or during one of my video special effect session.  Again, the DD was a sudden.  Example: my workplace was fine.  I had never receive a negative feedback before about my two Online stores, then all sudden the DD happen such as first, I am not schedule to work and second, I got a patch of negative feedbacks about my two Online stores.  My life all sudden had a turn (curve), so I felt I needed to react to it fast, before it is too late.  Example: I am picturing myself like in “Ninja Gaiden” the main character Ryu Hayabusa, loaned my car with weapons, driving at full speed.  Determined.  No matter what I am going out of the city.  So, even though Ryu is a ninja, and he usually use katana, but I am driving, and I am firing guns.  Destroying anything that is blocking my way.  But, each day passed by, this dream or session is further away.  It would have worked, if I had done it, the moment it came to my mind.  After a few days, I felt maybe I needed a hostage along to pass border with patrols.
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Preservation (You Can Not Go Against All Of Them): What is the causes? Did it happen for a reason or coincidence?
Even Super Man have weakness.  Super Man have strength of many men combined.  He could fly.  Rotated the world backward, so time reverse.  I don’t even have those powers.
MT is temporary.  But, that thought still had not register in my head, because I was not thinking.  I did not stop to think.  When I have time in my schedule, I would have my Zombie deck against my Fire deck.  So, I might be new to the MT, but I needed the speed.  I also needed game-play that is fast and non-stop, so there are no in between in my schedule such as so that I don’t have time to think.  Also, coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line, lacking speed don’t know what it mean.  As for the reasons to use those decks to accelerate my game-play speed, because in the Zombie deck, the zombies keep coming from graveyard continuously (non-stop), as for the Fire deck, the fire-spells are some of the fastest spell in the Magic TCG.
After a few of those fast and non-stop matches.  While during the DD, everything that is happening (going on) seem like it should not be happening, but it is happening.  So, it like a blend of reality and dream.  I have to constantly occupying my schedule, because I cannot have time in my schedule to think.
So, in the midst of what is happening (going on), I remember having a dream. The dream took place during the night time, cover with fog.  Only a few survivors are left, the whole place had been taken over by zombies, ghouls, skeletons, spirits, and etc.
There were only a few lamp-poles close by.  The only light source are from those lamp-poles.  So, those survivors are gathered on one of the lamp-pole. Then, all sudden, they could hear the sound of the zombies, ghouls, skeletons, spirits, and etc. coming closer and closer.  “I’ll handle this.  I’ll meet up with you guys afterward.”  One of the elite/legend wizard among them said, while his back is facing them.  He is glazing toward the sound, and set up the spells he going to use.
I am calm and cool.  “Preservation.”  I felt that showing anything beyond that, my relative or people might know about the DD. As the club president, having two Online stores, and coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line would put me on the competitive side.  An argument would be, “I should know the consequence for being competitive.”
Before DD And MT I had schedule to write titles that I started, but when the DD started many things had changed.  Example: A regular greeting from relative might sound luxurious. Maybe the relative might sense something about me that is not right or something.
In the film, “Batman Begin” was based on Comic series titled “Batman”.  “Batman Begin” directed by Christopher Nolan.  In the story, Bruce Wayne masked as Batman.  The Wayne company was the most wealthiest company in the whole city (Gotham city).  Bruce’s parents did not take part of their family company business, instead Bruce’s father is a doctor.  Bruce’s father would said to Bruce that he does not take part in his family company business, but the people of the city been kind to his family.  So, Bruce’s father used his company’s fund to build a transportation that connected the city.  Give the people of the city an easy, accessible, and affordable transportation.  Repaying the city for their kindness.  Other than the transportation Bruce’s father constructed, he is not part of the Wayne family company business.
Bruce and his parents, during a night out to watch theater’s play, while Bruce needed to go outside to get some air.  When they were outside, his parents got robbed and murdered.
The city been saying many things about his parents, but Bruce was very protective about his parents.  So, instead listening to the things that was being said about his parents, he took the blame for his parents’ death to cover up what might be the reasons for the murders.
Bruce was still a child when his parents got murdered, so the police force took him in.  The police force justice of making up for the justice that the city lacked.  Example: how could Gotham city allow this to happen?
When Bruce was old enough, he bought a gun, and decided to take justice in his hand by killing the murderer who murder his parents.  Also, right after the court had done with the trials, and decided to release the murderer.  While the murderer was surrounded by reporters, Bruce was only a few feet away from him.  Just moment from pulling his gun trigger.  But, an assassin open fire and killed the murderer just seconds before Bruce could pull his trigger.  The assassin was send by a leader of the mobsters.
Bruce personally went to meet the leader of the mobsters.  As the prince of the Gotham city, after the gang of mobsters had some beating on him then, the leader of mobsters had a few words with him. Telling Bruce, he will never understand. Example: The Wayne family is the wealthiest family in Gotham city.  Bruce been living in mansion with servants.  He don’t know the meaning of poor.
This is showing that Gotham city cannot have people like Bruce’s parents to exist.  Because Bruce’s parents are neglecting their fortune and wealth, to become doctor. Also, his parents provided the city with an easy, accessible, and affordable transportation.  Bruce’s parent was too good and too kind.  So, even if being the wealthiest people in the city could not make up for being too good and too kind.  This mean people who are too good and too kind cannot exist. Gotham city could not have Bruce’s parents to exist.  It is the city, the Gotham city to blame.  The leader of the mobsters was saying, Bruce will never understand. Because he is too protective of his parents.  Also, he don’t know the meaning of poor.
Maybe the city could not have my CSS (first place streak record) to exist. Only half the participants could get to semi-final rounds.  How many could get first place?  How many could get first place streak?  How many could get first place streak record?  Because Bruce’s parents were the wealthiest family in the city, they got an easy way out.  As for me, I don’t think I have the wealth like the Wayne family.  So, the “Ninja Gaiden” way out would be my best choice.
I don’t think the Double Dilemma (DD) is a coincidence.  I don’t think, my assistance manager and manager purposely ignoring me is a coincidence.  I don’t think all sudden, I got a patch of negative feedbacks about my two of my Online stores is a coincidence, I don’t think my relatives portraying those situations was a coincidence.  “Don’t say, I did not said so.”
If there is justice, my relatives could use the time like when I still have not got my first gaming system, when they brought their gaming system over I was the first person who wake up and I was still wearing my pajama when I started the gaming system.
An anti-Pokemon or anti-PT, could argued, “Do you know how many first place you have to get to have that CSS (Champion Streak Series)?  There were people who don’t even a get a percentage of that number of first place you had in their whole life time.”
In conclusion, if Gotham city cannot tolerate noble people such as people who are too good and too kind even if they are the wealthiest in the city. Then, the city cannot tolerate my CSS as well.  Now things are much clearer.  I could at least know what had happen such as it was not just a coincidence.  As I continue my MT matches, I now registered that the MT is probably temporary.  I have to look for an opportunity such as a fighting chance. Maybe might not be like “Ninja Gaiden” how I pictured, but probably would not be far away.
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Constructing My First MT Deck
The talk with the Magic Player with an Elf deck.  That Magic Player was some what right.  Also, right after our talk, immediate, without second thought, he or she rushed to the store display , and bought the only “Nissa Revane” card in the MT store display.  “That could have been me.”
By somewhat right, because I have 3 holographic “Elvish Champion” cards. Those cards are getting close to “Expiration Date”.  At this point, expiration date are second in the priority.  I have a lot of Magic TCG cards.  I don’t know which ones had reprint such as which ones are Standard MT playable.  Because I own two Online stores, Magic TCG was going to be put up for sell in either or both of my Online stores.
First holographic “Elvish Champion” card was a prize from one of the Wizards booth promotion contest.  Second one, Magic TCG Online promotional event.  Third one, probably trade, since I already got two.
Other noticeable Elf cards: “Elvish Archdruid”, “Elvish Pipper”, and “Nissa Revane”.  And “Eldazi Monument” (AKA The Barrier).  I don’t know about The Barrier at that point of time such as when it had just released.
DCI System would not match me up with those experienced Magic Players, because I just joined the MT.  I supposedly according to the DCI System, the talk I had with the Magic Player with the Elf deck would consider uncommon.
A flashback from Gen Con, “5 Minutes until the Tournament begin.”  I don’t have a lot places to go to.  I usually stay at the tournament area.  I had joined more tournament than I would have in a year duration in those few days at Gen Con, because of non-stop tournament one after another.  The 5 minutes grace period was probably the longest in between tournament.  Because of the non-stop, I might have got some food and drink, but skipped sleep.  “Maybe this is where I belong.”
The classmates that I went to Gen Con with asked me, “So how many tournament did you joined?”  I answered, “Three.”  “That is it!” They were surprised.  “I haven’t finish.  Three days in a row.”  “Non-stop without sleep.”
Again, the MT was not part of my schedule, I joined the MT, because the DD happened.  I don’t even know why I had that flashback.  “I had a job. Two Online stores.”
I must have felt a bit of my exhaustion from my full schedule, so I dozed into those flashbacks.
When I returned from those flashbacks, the store keeper from the counter said, “There are many Magic Players.  The store could not keep up with the Magic TCG cards demand.  So, if you want to help out by selling some the cards you don’t need that would help out a lot.  But, I see you making a lot trade, so I didn’t want you to miss out on some the trade you might make.”
I look over to the 4X “Time Warp” cards in the store display.  Earlier, there were even “Nissa Revane” in the display. Just one “Nissa Revane” card.  I been having my eye on both the “Time Warp” and “Nissa Revane”.  I might not know a lot about the MTG at that time, but I do know that Magic and elves goes all the way back.  I would mostly be the store most value customer, instead there might be a possible trade.
I been visiting “Artifact” many time, but did not joined the MT.  That might be why the store keeper asked me if I wanted to sell my cards.  “I just read the Standard MT rule the other day.  Reprint was allowed.  So, it was a surprise, now I might be joining the MT.”  The store keeper was very understanding.  “The Magic Players going to be glad to hear this.”
I usually dwell.  The correct word is reflection, because I been journal keeping regularly.  But, not since the DD started.  Again, each time I use my mind, I am losing myself.
There were films, trying portray the wars such as the soldiers are surrounded by guns firing and bombs exploding.  There were History Channel, Discovery Channel, and etc. had documentary films on the past wars.  There were differences between the hollywood film and documentary film.  Also, the documentary films had to through production process and editing process. But, I haven’t really thought of arguing about any of those films such as the films and documentary films.
The DD are not too far from those war films.  “I choose to go to Gen Con.  At Gen Con, I choose to join those tournament non-stop for three days without sleep.  But, I did not choose for the DD to happen.”  Maybe that might make some sense.
I am on the road driving my car.  “In the face of adversity, a person true-self will show.”  A wisdom that was pass down.  How much will I have to show?  Instead of using my mind, I am facing my adversity.  Then all sudden, I went to the other side of the road.  With cars coming on the opposite side. “Probably need to have nerve of steel.” Then, after some seconds, I went back to my side of the road.  “Was that enough?”
Maybe that was just a taste.  “What happen if I found out I was set up?  Will it be worst than having a car collision?”  Again, each time I use my mind, I am losing myself.  “I will join the MT.  Decided.”
“Jace Beleren”.  He is blue color.  I will stay in the character of “Jace Beleren” like my deck.  My deck will be focusing on Increase Knowledge.  The blue color is known for that.  I will sign up for the MT, the next time I stop by “Artifact”.  I have either 2 or 3 “Jace Beleren” cards. So, to have a set of 4, I probably need to purchase 1 or 2 card(s) at “Artifact”.
The next time I stop by, “Artifact”, I rushed to the register counter as fast I could without greeting the Magic Players.  “Sign me up for the MT.  Also, I need to purchase “Jace Beleren”.”
“We been selling Planeswalker cards very quickly.  But, I think I might have a couple of “Jace Beleren”.”  I just saw “Nissa Revane” Planeswalker card the other day in the display.  So, the store keeper was right, those Planeswalker cards does sell quickly.
I probably might have to face “Nissa Revane” and “Sorin Markov” in the MT.
My eye glowed as the store keeper handed the “Jace Beleren” to me.  “I knew I was going to use “Jace Beleren”.  But, I got use to having reflection.”  “I know.  I know.  There are pros and cons.”  I already pictured myself defending “Jace Beleren”.
“Again, the Planeswalker been selling fast.  I apologize, but that is all I got.  Might not be the complete set of 4, but you could get started with them.” The store keeper said as he handed the “Jace Beleren” to me.  I quickly opened my binder, and quickly flipped to “Jace Beleren” page.  “I already got a few of them.”  “Holographic “Jace Beleren”, that is the first time I see holographic “Jace Beleren”.  From the promotional Jace VS Chandra.”
After the store keeper done with the transaction of my purchase, “We talked about it the other day, reprint are allowed in the Standard MT.  So, you are set.  I’ll see you when the MT start.”  The store keeper did said something about the application as well such as it will only take less than a minute.  Or the first few MT, I don’t have to fill out the application would be fine.  (DCI System application)  As the MT coordinator, he or she probably know ways around the DCI System.
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Level One “Increase Knowledge” Deck
Coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line, I am familiar with the PT.  I cannot said the same thing for the MT at that point of time.
Even though, I sneak into the MT, but I notice fans been watching my first MT matches, but they did not claim as fans at that point (basically those fans did not comment much at that point).
As for my Pokemon Master with a CSS line, like I wrote in the TFPD CSS (Tounament First Place Deck Champion Streak Series) Schedule, my first few first place at the PT seem as those they were unofficial.  I started having recognition, after I started my first place streak with my “Haymaker” deck and at the same time having a show and tell of my “Haymaker” in a front of a group of gathered Champion Pokemon Players, Experienced (Veteran) Pokemon Players, and Magic Players.
The reason I said that I had a lot of Magic The Gathering (MTG) cards, because I was planning to post them up on either or both of my Online stores.
Before the DD started.  After some visit at “Artifact” (MT store), there might be Magic Players who saw my binders (folders) of collection of MTG cards.  Basically, there were cards from Alliances Block (1996), Ice Age Block (1995), and older Block.  In other words, from look of my binder of cards mean that I had more than 10+ years of MTG experience such as I had finally completed my MTG training.  Like the trilogy films, “Star Wars” Episode 4 A New Hope, the protagonists just complete his or her training.  (“Where were him or her train at?”  “Belle of the beast.”) The trackers and bounty hunters could not find the protagonist because he or she was in the belle of the beast.
As for my side of the story, my “Stardragon Treasure” been very active when I first started during my Middle School year.  Pokemon TCG is consider as TCG, and MTG is also consider as TCG. But, MTG was the first TCG to release and had 10+ years of history.  So, in my “Stardragon Treasure” trade I accumulated a lot of MTG cards.  “I should know what to do with those MTG cards, right?  Because I come from Pokemon Master with a CSS line such as I am an expert TCG Player.” In conclusion, that is why I took that step and went to “Artifact”.
Either way, even though, after a few visits, we all sat down and had a full house MTG matches.  But, we only use cards we gathered from tables and counters.  Stacked them into one huge deck.  We also made exception to the rule.
“I had gone over this many time.  My “Increase Knowledge” deck is at level one.  Also, this is during the Double Dilemma (DD).  I have to drive a long way to get to the MT.  I paid the entrance fee.  I just want to have some magic time.”
Dreams that seem so real yet, it is in a fantasy realm.  The lights in my house flicker and flashes as I am engage in my MTG matches.  Sometime even the earth starting to quake and tremble.  “I just want to have some magic time.”  This is another reason I join the MT (beyond the reasons I already had for joining).
Just having some magic time in the MT matches.  Able to use “Jace Beleren” in the MT.  The “Counter Spells” are sleek and manageable.  Again, the “Increase Knowledge” deck is at level one. I did not expected to get first place. Especially with the DCI system running the MT.  According to the DCI system, I just sign in the MT for the first time in my life.  A theory: if I am not pair up with experienced Magic Players, how would I score point(s), and able to advance to championship round?
Either way, the DD already gave me enough problems.  I am joining the MT, so that I could keep my mind away from the DD.
By my second MT, I added “Tezzeret the Seeker”.  My opponent about to laugh instead there were a few chuckles, “How are you going to win, all you got is Counter Spells?”  (I substitute the words Counter Spells in his or her line.)  By using the word, “Win” he or she mean how I am going to do enough Life Point Damage to win.
Usually I waited for my opponent to open their mouth, then I use “Tezzeret the Seeker” which I been holding in my hand.  But, he or she does got a point.  A few days before, I joined my first MT, a fan did comment, Something about keeping track of my matches.
“Maybe “Tezzeret the Seeker” belong to a renowned deck.  But, I been holding it in my hand, because I am not going to let Tezzeret steal Jace MT time.”  When I decided to win the match, then I will play Tezzeret.  The theory about the DCI system seem reasonable.  Example: If I have no possibility to advance to championship round, then my MT rounds might not be as important to me as for those Magic Players who have a possibility of advancing to championship round.
The fans could not hold it in anymore, “Come on.  Show us that combination with Tezzeret.”  So, my opponent about to laugh, all sudden went into a panic.  “Huh. What you said?  I haven’t seen any other Planeswalker other than “Jace Beleren”.” “Well, he mean this combination.” So, I played my Tezzeret.  My opponent quickly snap back, “I have 30 Life Points.  Almost double my starting Life Points.  The “Jace Beleren” deck barely do any damage.  Also, he is down to a few Life Points.  This match already over for “Jace Beleren”.”
“Unless you have a “Jace Beleren” deck, otherwise, don’t use those words is already over.”  That would probably be the fans response.  But, the fans hold it in this time.  Instead the fans kept quiet, and let the match continue.  “This Magic Player might misunderstand that “Counter Spells” are used for aggravation.”  I thought to myself.
My opponent is going for the “STACK”.  “Ugly.  Eeeke.” All sudden, all the fans came hurried to watch my match.  Again, “Counter Spells” are not used for aggravation.  He or she should have expected, he or she said earlier in his or her own sentence that my “Increase Knowledge” had many “Counter Spells”.  “Usually the stack happen during championship round.” A fan commented.
“Thank you very much DCI system.  This is my second MT, and I have to experienced stack.”  Example of the stack: Bottom of the stack, Tezzeret card, then opponent’s Counter Spell, then my Counter Spell, then opponent Counter Spell, and then finally my Counter Spell.  Opponent cussed a few “cuss words”, then in aggravation said, “This is bullshit.”
“Another win for “Increase Knowledge” deck.”  A fan commented proudly.
The fans.  The stack. The turnaround.  All of it seem so natural.  Again, I was there to keep my mind away from the DD.  So, I did not post questions.
If I were posting questions:
MT experience argument: “It is natural for a Magic Player to have fans on his second MT?”
My answer: Coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line, almost every matches I have fans cheering and celebrating along the way.  So, reflexes from my Pokemon Master with a CSS line.
Cards quantity and quality argument: Magic Players had seen my binders of collection of cards, but they had not heard of my “Stardragon Treasure” or my two Online stores.  In addition, those binders of cards went all the way back to the Alliance Block (1996), Ice Age Block (1995), and older Blocks.  Those Blocks are more than 10 years ago, so they might think I had 10+ years of MTG experience.  Also, I have multiple binders of cards, so they might think that I had all the cards I needed to construct my deck.  Also, they don’t know that I am currently have to handle the DD.
My answer: This is my second MT.  As for my binders of cards, I still have not got the chance to look through all of my MTG cards or sorted those cards out.  But, I did found many reprint cards in my binders of cards.  Especially, because of the Core Set releases such as Core Sets are made out of almost entirely reprint cards.  In conclusion, I have a handful of cards that I could use to construct my deck for the standard MT, but definitely not enough cards to construct a deck I wanted to construct.
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The Day Of The Redemption MT (Redemption “Increase Knowledge” Deck Experience And Gameplay Biography)
Plan:
1. At around noon, eat my lunch.  I usually cook my meal.  But, today, I am going to get a few “Big MaC” at McDonald.
2. Drive to the first MT place
3. Park my car
4. Enter the MT place
5. Greet the fans and store keeper
6. Talk with the fans and store keeper like usual
7. I needed to purchase many cards.  After I selected all the cards I wanted to purchase (usually in binder and some time in boxes), then I am ready to purchase the cards in the display.  I would say something like, “Those “Time Warp” you just cannot separate them.  You know what I mean?”  (I usually limited to one line since I needed to go to another MT store and get ready for the MT in the evening) The store keeper would answer, “I was wondering when you going to say that.”  Priority #1 are those “Time Warp” cards.  As for the 4X “Day Of Judgement” cards, the store keeper would understand some time even Magic Player could get a break.  Same with the land cards, but I only missing 1 or 2.  Then, purchase some dices, sleeves, boxes, tokens, counters, mats, and etc.  Make it like I am on a shopping (spending) streak...   “I am just buying”  (Also, it is a rare occasion)
Repeat the following to myself:
“Drawing “Time Warp” card around the “Fourth Turn” will make all my trouble worth it.  Would be much better to draw it earlier than the “Fourth Turn” than later.  Redemption Tournament.”
“Day Of Judgement cards will buy me time, if I cannot draw the “Time Warp” card(s) in time.”
“By now the whole MT should know my deck focus on “Increase Knowledge”, so drawing the cards I needed is part of it.”
8. Depart from fans and store keeper
9. Repeat 1-7, but it is getting close to the evening, so I am eating dinner
10. DESTINY.  My final chance, to trade with Magic Players to get the rest of the cards, such as cards that was sold out (I did not find ) in the two different MT stores.  MT should start any time sooner.
11. MT Begin.
DESTINY: A period of 15-60 Minutes right before the beginning of the MT. Last chance to trade with Magic Players for cards that you needed for your deck.
By now, the Magic Players probably already came up with comment about my “Jace Beleren” cards. Examples: “This is a Magic Tournament.”  “I am not holding back.”  “Is “Jace Beleren” being courteous?”  “Is rare to see “Jace Beleren” being use in the Magic Tournament.” “The new version of Jace had better powers, but required more mana to play.”  “The Only Playable cards in his deck are Twincast.”
Could have been the result of the comments, there were Magic Player(s) know that I had “Twincast” cards in my deck, and they still use “Diabolic Tutor” card. Basically, saving me all the trouble of using cards that allow me to draw cards from my library.  In a way, “Diabolic Tutor” is limit to only drawing 1 card, but you get to search your whole library for any card.  Example: “Increase Knowledge” mean drawing cards from the library. “Diabolic Tutor” card effect allow a Player to search his or her library for any 1 card.
Full description of “Diabolic Tutor” card, it is Swarm (dark color element), and it is Uncommon.  As for the other 4 colors, you might have do a lot of searching to find similar effect as “Diabolic Tutor”.  When you found them, they are not Uncommon instead those cards are usually Mystic Rare or Rare.  Also, most likely those cards had already expired, so have to wait until those cards reprint to use in standard MT.
Finally, I am going to get it all back.  Also, “Sege” is at a high level.  Now they will understanding why I been trading to get the cards I need.
“Believe me you wanted to save your comment(s) until the match is over.”
First Match In The MT: “The first one will be…  “attractive”.  If it is just somewhat attractive…  that Magic Player would add comment to make it more attractive.”
After the first round, there were a lot of talking.  Fans and Magic Players calling other Fans and Magic Players to come watch “Time Warp” cards “IN ACTION” (Live).  “Check it out.  A lot of the Magic Players thought “Time Warp” would work better at another Block.” All sudden, I felt that my “Time Warp” cards had just multiplied in value.
“HOW MANY TIME?”  The Store Keeper would raise his or her voice so that he or she could be heard from the register.  “His whole deck (library)!  So, that was all 4 of the “Time Warp”.”  “NO… He “Twincast” his “Time Warp”” Another Fan would added.  I think by taking all the extra turns from the “Time Warp”, I did 6-7 turns in a row before.  But, at average MT matches, I do 3-4 turns in a row.  Using my whole deck is not a rare thing since my deck is called “Increase Knowledge”.  The reason for that line is because there are a lot of cards that allow me to draw from my deck, and I could easily draw my whole library.  So, not drawing all the cards at once is the strategy.
The fans after watching the first few rounds thought I was going to get first place.  A few of the fans gathered their cards collection and trade or borrow cards in the MT store and MT place asked me about some cards they might have missed in my matches.  Then, quickly they constructed the “Increase Knowledge” deck like mine.  To test out the combination I was using, because they said they had seen many TFPDs (tournament first place decks) before Online, but they have not seen a deck like mine.  So while in between my rounds, there were fans asking me about my plays, and I would show those plays to them.
The following are Redemption “Sege” Plays:
The “Time Warp” Play
“Time Warp” ability allow the Player to take another (extra) turn. “Time Warp” required 5 manas to cast/play (use the card/spell).  By following the regular playing 1 land per turn, “Time Warp” could only be use on the “Fifth Turn”  (Example: 1 mana = “First Turn”.  5 manas = “Fifth Turn”)
Set Up: So, the setup, have creature, artifact, enchantment, sorcery, and etc. to increase that regular playing 1 land per turn to able to use “Time Warp” earlier than the “Fifth Turn”.  The following cards are example of cards that provide Mana like the land cards: “Bird of Paradise” card is a Creature Type (commonly use Rare cards, reprinted many time), the various Borderpost and Obelisks cards are Artifact Type, “Trace of abundance” card is an Enchantment Type, and “Rampant Growth” card is a Sorcery Type.
1. Play “Time Warp”: Take an extra turn
2. The next turn (during the extra turn), play “Time Warp” again, take an extra turn
3. Continue playing “Time Warp” to have multiple turns in a row.  My average MT matches, I do 3-4 turns in a row.  If you have extra “Twincast” card(s) then, use “Twincast” to copy “Time Warp” for 2 extra turns. (“Twincast” ability allow the Player to copy a Sorcery Spell or Instant Spell)
Opponent use “Twincast” card Scenario: As long as you play “Time Warp” or “Twincast” to copy “Time Warp” each turn or every 2 turns, even if your opponent use “Twincast” to copy your “Time Warp”, you may still continue your extra turn(s) until you are done with taking all of your extra turn(s).
 “Runeflare Trap” Play
“Runeflare Trap” does damage to your opponent equal to the number of card(s) in your opponent’s hand.  Example: 1 Card = 1 Damage.  7 Cards = 7 Damage.  (Only at the end of the Player turn, if a Player have more than 7 cards, then that Player will have to discard his hand down to 7 cards.)
The Set Up: You want your opponent to have as much cards as possible in his or her hand.
The “Runeflare Trap” Play had ways to play, the way I played was just a few of the plays (ways).  Also, In my average MT matches, I do 3-4 “Time Warp” in a row.  In other words, I usually end my matches right after I use the “Time Warp” play.
1. During 3-4 “Time Warp” (Turns): Use “Jace Beleren” to add cards to your opponent’s hand.  You could end the match by the following: #2 or #3-4.
2. Check to see if you have enough “Runeflare Trap” cards in your hand to end the match.  (Each Player start with 20 Life Points)  Also, “Runeflare Trap” cost 6 Manas to cast.  After the first “Runeflare Trap”, you could use “Twincast” card to copy it. “Twincast” cost 2 Manas to cast. Did not have enough Mana or did not do enough Damage?  Then do #3-4 instead.
3. Before ending 3-4 “Time Warps” (Turns): depending on the color of your opponent deck, have a few spells ready, because your opponent now have cards in his or her hand and Manas from his or her “Untap Step”.
4. During your opponent’s “Draw Step”: Have “Howling Mine” card(s) and “Font of Mythos” card(s) to add cards to your opponent’s hand.  If he or she drew 3 or more cards, “Runeflare Trap” only cost 1 Mana (instead of 6 Manas) to use (cast).  You should have at least 2-3 “Runeflare Trap” cards in your hand.  If for some reasons, not enough, then “Twincast” the “Runeflare Trap”.
About my side deck:  I believe the DESTINY period could have been just eough to complete Redemption “Sege” deck.  As for my side deck, it is second in priority.
1. I have “Safe Passage” cards, just in case a Magic Player decided to use “Sadistic Sacrament” card(s) to remove the “Fog”.  Another reason to switch in “Safe Passage” because “Fog” is not enough against Goblin Rush.  Example: from the talks, it is faster than Soldier Rush.
2. When against Soldier Rush, Goblin Rush, and etc., the “Volcanic Fallout” cards could destroy multiple creatures at once (a similar card to “Day of Judgement” card, but cost 1 less mana to cast which mean 1 turn ealier to cast.).
3. As for Negate, to negate the “Sadistic Sacrament” or Negate against “Runeflare Trap”.
4. “Celestial Purge”:  For those people who had seen a boxing match before.  Picture a signature punch that the audience will stand up and in loud cheer or roar, and started clapping.  This card pack a punch.
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Fans Claim
When the MT result came out, even though, I won all my matches, but I did not get first place.  The fans match-played the first place deck against my deck multiple time.  They said the outcome had always been mine.  Meaning my deck won each time.  I did not said anything.  Like in my PTTS, talking about Pokemon Players creating scenes.  So, I did not wanted to be the Magic Player who caused a scene.  In other words, I knew my deck was the better TFPDs in the MT.  That could be the reason, I did not keep track who got first place.  I think the first place deck could have been the Goblin Deck.  “Warren Instigator” card a Goblin creature was just released. Combined with “Goblin Chieftain” card and “Siege-Gang Commander” card.  On the Third turn (Second turn if “Instigator” have haste) if you don’t have mana left, that combination does 15 Life Points of Damage, 75% of the Starting Life Point (each Magic Player start with 20 Life Points).  If you still have mana, that combination could do up to 25 Life Points of Damage.  Note: the 10 out of the 25 Damage from “Siege-Gang Commander” required 10 mana (2 Damage Per 2 mana).
Soldier Deck (Other names Champion And Noble Deck, and etc.) usually end the match at around fourth turn or fifth turn.  But, those matches are in a regular all-out battle.  Example: not using cards like Fog or Safe Passage. Goblin Deck are similar to Soldier Deck. But, Magic Players had said that Goblin Rush is faster than Soldier Rush.  Goblin Rush might be faster but, Soldier Rush had a better defense.  In addition, Soldier Rush with some tactic could avoid being countered.  As for Goblin Rush, after the rush, you are left open for counter attack. Furthermore, in Innistrad set, there are Champion card and Noble card.  Soldier Deck reminded me of my “Haymaker” Deck from Pokemon TCG. (“Haymaker” started my first place streak in the PT.)
The following is the step by step of the fans claim:
MT Rule “Passes”: A round where the participant is not in the matches, he or she get a “Pass”.
Higher Rank: More experience Magic Player (By using the database from DCI system)
Even though, I won all my matches.  But, because there are “Passes” and “Rank”.  I did not get first place.  Example 1: Let say during Round 2, the DCI system paired me with a Magic Player who lost in Round 1.  As for Mary, she is paired with a Magic Player who won in Round 1.  According to the DCI system, if Mary and I both won our matches, Mary would score more points than me.  Example 2: The DCI system paired me with a Magic Player who just join the MT.  As for Chris, he is paired with the Highest Rank Magic Player in San Diego.  If Chris and I both won our matches, Chris would score more point.
As I am continue with my Rounds, there were fans trying out the plays (combinations) I was using.
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Level One “Sege” (“Increase Knowledge”) Deck Biography
“Sege”, take the last two letters from “Increase” and last two letters from “Knowledge”, put those letters together.  Those letters will make up the word, “Sege”.  Instead of calling it, “Increase Knowledge”, you may called it, “Sege”.
Se [from Increa(se)] + ge [from Knowled(ge)] = “Sege”
“Sege” is like my blimp.  “I had drove a distance on the road.  Purchase all the cards that needed for the MT.  Paid my participation fee.  Now wanted some magic time.”
Timeline
October 2007- October 2009 Roughly around the time I start constructing my MT deck
October 2010- May 2012 Constructing the “Blademaster” deck
October 2010- July 2012 Constructing the “Golden Sorin” deck
The Standard Tournament Format: The playable cards are limited at about 1-2 year(s) duration (the length of the duration such as 1-2 years are depended on the regulation).  Example of 1 year duration: From October 2007 released (Core Set Tenth Edition) to the October 2008 (Shards Of Alara).
Like I wrote in previous post about joining the MT for the first time, I was immediately drawn to the Sleek and Manageable Counter Spells.  Not until later on, I was able to get pass that stage. Example: when first just joining the MT, my side deck usually had “Meddling Mage” and “Pithing Needle”. Sometime I also included “Sadistic Sacrament”.  Just in case for an unexpected play(s).  “Not going to fall for the same play(s) again.”
One of the conflicts I had while constructing my MT deck: Lorwyn Block cards and Core Set Tenth Edition set cards was very close to the “Expiration Date”. If I have those card(s), then my deck will need an update soon.  In # 13 Beyond “Sege” Deck Biography, I listed cards with MT tips and notes from Lorwyn Block and Core Set Tenth Edition.  Mainly Island Element, because my “Sege” deck is mainly Island Element.
The following cards are some examples I could have used in my “Sege”: Spiketail Hatchling, Cloud Sprite, Bottle Gnomes, Mind Stone, Persuasion, and etc. were some of the cards I would use to construct my MT deck, but it was about to expire.  (In # 13 Beyond “Sege” Deck Biography, I listed cards tips on Deck Construction)
In addition, the Island Creature Types such as Faerie, Merfolk, and Wizard were also close to expire.  Mainly in the Lorwyn Block.  A “Sege” deck with Faerie, Merfolk, and/or Wizard would be a deck I definitely want to construct.  (Important Note: “Jace Beleren” is also in Lorwyn Block, but had reprinted in Core Set 2010)
“Jace Beleren” had traveled the many different worlds.  He even adventured into the multiverse.  The level one “Sege” is mainly Blue color. Because of the pressure from the DD, I don’t have much time.  There were only a handful of cards I could found in my collection that I could use in the “Standard Format” MT.
The noticeable things about my “Sege”: first, “Increase Knowledge” mean drawing cards from your library.  So, “Sege” have many cards that allow me to draw from my library.  This was also because I would sometime during trade, start out by asking, “Do you have any drawing cards for trade?”  (Not only noticeable, but increasing.  Hinted the name, “Increase Knowledge”.)  Second, the Counter Spells.  “I am not here to aggravate you.  My “Sege” deck happen to have to a good amount of Counter Spells.” 
The reason I called my “Sege”, my blimp, because I am not too picky on Counter opponents’ spells.  Because, if I was to felt regret afterward about not countering a spell I let my opponents’ played, then I could eight use “Mind Control” or “Persuasion” on it to join my side.  Last but not least, there are also “Ice Cage” if needed it to Ice Cage opponents’ spells. (Useful note: “Sorin, Lord of Innistrad” not only could get creature(s) to join your side, but also Planeswalker(s).)
Level 1 “Sege” (Before Zendikar)
Planeswalker: Jace Beleren x4
Creature: Cloud Sprite (CSX) x4, Zephyr Sprite x3, Spiketail Hatchling (CSX) x4, Illusionary Servant x3, Esperzoa x2
Sorcery: Divination x3, Flow of Ideas (CSX) x1
Instant: Worldly Counsel x3 Instant Counter Spell: Twincast x3, Essence Scatter x2, Negate x2, Cancel x1
Enchantment: Ice Cage x3, Persuasion (CSX) x2, Mind Control x1
Land: Island x19
Level 1 “Sege” (After Zendikar)
Planeswalker (5 Total) Jace Beleren x3 Tezzeret the Seeker x2
Creature (13 Total) Zephyr Sprite x3 Etherium Sculptor x4 Gomazoa Sculptor x3 Esperzoa x3
Sorcery (4 Total) Fabricate x2 Sleep x2
Instant (8 Total) Worldly Counsel x2 Twincast x3 Spell Pierce x3
Artifact (11 Total) Ornihopter (Artifact Creature) x3 Spellbook x2 Bone Saw x1 Courier's Capsule x2 Howling Mine x3
Land (19 Total) Island x19
Tezzeret’s Ultimate Plays
1. Set Up: Have enough artifacts in the battlefield.  “Etherium Sculptor” lower artifacts Mana cost to play by 1.  There are some artifacts that are 0 Mana cost to play.  Possible to hold some artifacts in your hands, until you want to use Tezzeret’s Ultimate, because of the 0 Mana cost to play.  But, make sure all those artifacts must be played before your turn start.  Even though, artifacts could be use on the turn it is play, but Artifact Creature still have to follow the creature attacking rule.
After the Set Up, you could use 2-5 or 6-10.
2. Play Tezzeret, it start out with 4 Loyalty Counter.  Use Tezzeret’s +1 ability to add 1 Loyalty Counter.  Now Tezzeret have 5 Loyalty Counter, so on your next turn you could use Tezzeret’s Ultimate (Require 5 Loyalty).
3. Play all artifacts that cost 0 Mana to play.  If you have Mana and you still have not got enough artifacts to end the game, then play more artifact(s).
4. After 2-3, end your turn.  When it is your turn, play “Sleep” to tap all of your opponent’s creatures.
5. Use Tezzeret’s Ultimate.  All of your artifacts will become 5/5 Artifact Creatures.  Start your combat step.  Declare all those Artifact Creatures as Attacking Creatures.  You win.
6. Play “Sleep”.   “Sleep” tap all of your opponent’s creatures.  Those creatures does not untap during opponent’s Untap Step.  By playing “Sleep” you safe from opponent’s creatures, because those creature will all stay tapped.
7. On the same turn of playing “Sleep”, play Tezzeret, it start out with 4 Loyalty Counter.  Use Tezzeret’s +1 ability to add 1 Loyalty Counter.  Now Tezzeret have 5 Loyalty Counter, so on your next turn you could use Tezzeret’s Ultimate (Require 5 Loyalty).
8. Last but not least, play all artifacts that cost 0 Mana to play.  All of Planeswalker(s) and all of the creatures you control are safe, because of the “Sleep” spell.
9. After 6-8, end your turn.  Even though, the deck list shown “Spell Pierce”, but a lot of the time, I would have “Flashfreeze”.  The “Flashfreeze” could use to counter the creature(s) your opponent going to play.
10. When it is your turn again.  Use Tezzeret’s Ultimate.  All of your artifacts will become 5/5 Artifact Creatures.  All of your opponent’s creature is still tapped.  If you did not use “Flashfreeze”, then the creature(s) your opponent just played are untap.  Start your combat step.  Declare all those Artifact Creatures as Attacking Creatures.  You should still able to win the match, if you did the Set Up correctly.
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Level 2 “Sege” Deck Biography
The Level 2 “Sege” Deck Biography, just limited to how to use it and how to construct it.  Read the content stories to know how the Level 1 "Sege" Deck did in the MT such as MT experience and how the Magic Players and fans reaction on it.  Also, how did I able to get to that stage of completion.  Example: First, idea and concept.  Second, going to "Artifact".  Third, gathering information from accessible resources.  Fourth, engage in trading transaction and other MTG activities.
Flashbacks, use "Tezzeret The Seeker" Ultimate, turn all the artifacts to 5/5 artifact creatures.  Then, use "Sleep" to sleep (tap) all of opponent's creatures.  Then, go for the win.  The fans claimed to me, that they don't get bore or tired of watching that play even if they had already seen me done it many time.
But, I need a backup plan, just in case, someone found an escape from that play.  Or worst a counter to go against that play...  So it is time to move to Level 2.  Note, even though, that Tezzeret’s Ultimate Play is effective, and I use that play often to win the match, but "Jace Beleren" made the steps to those wins possible.
Zendikar.  "There were "Gomazoa" in Level 1 "Sege", so I did not neglected Zendikar."  Partial true about that statement, because for a few reasons.  First, DCI System theory (below is my thought about it).  Second, the DD, again I don’t want to have attachment with the MT.
"Blame the DCI System such as when will they put me against those Magic Players who... I was gonna said got to the Final round or Championship round.  But, instead, the Vampire Deck or the Elf Deck.  Of Course, I cannot neglect the Barrier.  From Vampire deck, you could see the Vampiric Bloodline and its hierarchy.  Protected not only by the “Sorin Markov”, but also other Vampire lord(s).  The same with the Elves."  I would probably construct my Vampire Deck like how I thought.  But, I have not watch those matches before, maybe just a few glances from a distance.  Also, I am not constructing a Vampire deck, so beside trading and searching for the cards I needed for my “Sege” deck, I am not searching for the Vampire cards yet (not until later on in the schedule).
Zendikar was just release.  “Nissa Revane” and the Barrier were the talks of the MT.  Same story for me, the DD is still putting pressure.  Again, I don't want any attachment with the MT.
Anyway, I purchase a few Zendikar booster packs or could have been prizes from the MT.  In those packs, I got "Child of the Night", "Vampire Hexmage", "Vampire Gatekeeper", "Bloodgast", and a few other Vampire cards.  I am not going to construct a Vampire deck any time soon.  Also, there are already Vampire decks in the MT.  But, the "Bloodgast" work with the "Parasitic Strix".  I been searching a way for the "Parasitic Strix" combination to work, because it is artificial owl.  It is affordable.  Now, the card to make “Parasitic Strix” Plays work finally release.
“Vampire D” in the anime film titled "Vampire D" is consider hardcore and acclaimed.  "A man with a few words.  I like that."  My interpretation such as there were a scene.  A character was telling Vampire D he don’t talk much, but she don’t mind.  The film is consider a classic cult film.  With a remake version titled “Vampire D: Bloodlust”.  Both Versions the Classic Cult Version and Bloodlust Version get high rate from anime fans.  That is why I said it is hardcore and acclaimed.  The anime films had formulas that might consider epic proportion for those who don’t usually watch anime or don’t like watching anime.  I think Vampire D probably consider an anime grandeur.  Example: Vampire D actually step into Dracula Castle by himself.  Also, he is a half Vampire.  He could live under the sun light.  I had talked and written about the inventories in my “Stardragon Treasure” or my two Online stores, but “Vampire D” was not one of the inventory.  If Vampire D is half-blooded, then what side will he choose?
There are films that had something to do with Dracula Castle.  There are also the Castlevania Series and Castlevania: Lords of shadow series from Video Game Industry also have good sources of Dracula castle.  My opinion the “Darkstalker Revenge” is a great source for Dracula castle reference.  The opening line from “Darkstalker Revenge”, “The Darks shall be with us always.”
Since “Bloodgast” is the only Vampire in my deck, and there are so many Vampire cards had released.  Especially, in Zendikar Set, had argued as the best set to get the Vampire cards.  “Sorin Markov” also released in Zendikar set.  The other solo Vampire that came to my mind was Vampire D, so that is why I brought Vampire D anime film up.
"Bloodgast" is a full vampire.  Again, beside "Gomazoa", I felt like I had neglected Zendikar completely.  "I don't even know that inside my binder, there were a handful of Land fletch.  Many Magic Players will fight over them, and would trade me anything for them."  (Supposedly Land fletch is the hottest thing in Zendikar.)  In conclusion, if I add "Bloodgast" mean I had noticed Zendikar.  "Gomazoa" is a great card.  Did anyone noticed?  I bet the Vampire card will be noticed right away.  "It is true, Vampire D does not talk much.  But he is hardcore and acclaimed."
I am not constructing a Vampire deck, I am just adding "Bloodgast" in my "Sege" deck.  "Parasitic Strix" is an Artifact Owl.  The benefits of having it in my deck: First, Tezzeret’s Ultimate would turn it to a 5/5 artifact creature.  Second, Owl and Blue color seem like a better match than Vampire and blue color.  Third, Artifact Owl in my "Sege", would make it seem artificial and wise.
Anyway, even though, "Parasitic Strix" is an Artifact Owl, but it does not look Artifact at all.  In fact, it actually look like a real owl.  With the exception of its blade like wing.  Usually Artifact bird had wing like a blade.  "Tidehollow Strix" also an Artifact Owl, but it look more like an artifact than "Parasitic Strix".
One of “Jace Beleren” ability is “Archive Trap”.  Meaning Jace could deck opponent.
The first version of Level 2 "Sege" had "Bloodgast" and "Hedron Crab".  I don't even deck my opponent.  But, they were all ready to be decked.  Once in a while, I do decked my opponent.  "That is one of “Jace Beleren” ability."
The reason I had “Hedron Crab” in my deck, because I wanted to use "Hedron Crab" Landfall ability to get "Bloodgast".  But, it is known for being use in the MT as a creature that decks its opponents.  I could see why they were ready to be decked when they saw it.
Basically, the "Bloodgast" and "Mistvein Borderpost" in my "Sege", because of "Parasitic Strix" effect.  Example: When "Parasitic Strix" enter the battlefield I needed to control a Swamp permanent to gain 2 life and my opponent lose 2 life.  "Bloodgast" and "Mistvein Borderpost" are both Swamp permanent.  "Bloodgast" is a very persistence Swamp permanent.  More persistence than I thought.  Even though, the "Mistvein Borderpost" mainly for "Parasistic Stric" effect, but there are other reasons such as it increase "Bloodgast" persistency and "Hedron Crab" Landfall ability.  Tezzeret could untap two of them for two extra Mana.  Or use Tezzeret’s Ultimate to turn it into 5/5 artifact creature.
My "Sege" is like a blimp high in the sky.  Now, it is becoming Level 2, so I am modifying it.  "Parasistic Strix", Oh yeah, it feel good.  So, I called Level 2, I was satisfy with the changes.
"General, whatever come out.  We fight them together."  "Vampire D is hardcore and acclaimed."
Anyway, the Level 2 completed version was not far away.  Along the way, I got a piece of the hottest thing about Zendikar such as the Land Fletch and Landfall.
In conclusion, I decided to construct all the creatures in my "Sege" into artifact creatures.  Capping on (potentializing) my already pushed artifact Sculptors, Transmuters, and Summoners to their fullest.  "Esperzoa" was also pushed to its fullest.  Finally, I called completed level 2 "Sege".  I should start getting first place by now. "If I continue to wander why I don't get first place...  probably the same with putting a shotgun in my mouth and pulling the trigger."
Level 2 "Sege" Deck: First Version Planeswalker (3 Total) Jace Beleren x2 Tezzeret The Seeker x1
Creature (24 Total) Hedron Crab x4 Bloodgast x4 Etherium Sculptor x4 Merfolk Looter x1 Parasitic Strix x4 Esperzoa x3 Master Transmuter x2 Sphinx Summoner x2
Artifact (9 Total) Howling Mine x3 Etherium Astrolabe x3 Mistvein Borderpost x3
Sorcery (3 Total) Fabricate x2 Sleep x1
Land (21 Total) Misty Rainforest x4 Esper Panorama x2 Drowned Catacomb x4 Island x10 Swamp x1
Level 2 "Sege" Deck: Complete Version Planeswalker (3 Total) Jace Beleren x2 Tezzeret The Seeker x1
Creature (20 Total) Etherium Sculptor x4 Tidehollow Strix x3 Parasitic Strix x4 Esperzoa x3 Master of Etherium x2 Master Transmuter x2 Sphinx Summoner x2
Artifact (13 Total) Executionner's Capsule x4 Howling Mine x3 Etherium Astrolabe x3 Mistvein Borderpost x3
Sorcery (3 Total) Fabricate x2 Sleep x1
Land (21 Total) Island x9 Swamp x8 Drowned Catacomb x4
The Following Plays Are From Level 2 “Sege” Deck Complete Version:
“Parasitic Strix” Plays (It feel good, because it is an artificial owl in a “Sege” deck)
Like I had been written before, there are play(s) to develop.
“Parasitic Strix” effect seem moderate comparing to the powerful spells, so Magic Players don’t fess over it.  Even if you play it a few time.  Anyway, in these Plays your goal is to play “Parasitic Strix” as many time as you can on a single turn.  Example: Play it 8-9 time in a row on a single turn.  So, your opponent might rethink about “Parasitic Strix” effect once it is over.
1. Set up: Get the “Parasitic Strix” effect to be seamlessly.  As thought, there are no requirement to the effect.  Example: There are plenty of artifacts that count as Swamp permanents.  In other words, have a Swamp permanent handy at all time is not a problem.
2. Playing each Sculptor will lower the cost to play “Parasitic Strix” (all the artifacts) by 1 Mana.  Example: 1 Sculptor in play = 1 lesser Mana to play.  2 Sculptors = 2 lesser Mana to play.  Play Sculptor first before “Parasitic Strix”.
3. “Esperzoa” is consider overpower for a creature with 3 converted Mana cost, but it is understandable, because of the requirement.  Example: at the beginning of your upkeep, you have to return a creature you control to your hand.  Basically, use this requirement from “Esperzoa” to return “Parasitic Strix” to your hand, so you could play it multiple time.
4. As for the Transmuter, it might seem like overdone.  Because, Transmuter are usually use to play very difficult to play artifacts or very expensive (costly) to play artifacts.  But, Sculptor already taking care of the cost. Basically, use Transmuter to cycle “Parasitic Strix”, increase the playing it multiple time.  Example: Transmuter requirement is to return an artifact to your hand.  So return “Parasitic Strix”.  As for the Transmuter effect, you could play any artifact in your hand, so play “Parasitic Strix”.
5. The Summoner effect is to search library for an artifact and added it to your hand.  So, you could use Summoner to get “Parasitic Strix” from your library.  Just in case, if you don’t have enough Sculptor(s) to lower the 5 Mana requirement, you could use Transmuter to play it without any Mana cost.
Once you get the hang of it you could Eperzoa, Sculpt, Transmute, and Summon “Parasitic Strix” with smoothness and precision.  Also, time “Parasitic Strix” Plays to end the match.  If you do time it correctly, you could incorporate “Etherium Astrolabe” Plays with the “Parasitic Strix” Plays.
“Etherium Astrolabe” Plays
1. Set up: Sculptor will lower the Mana cost to play.  Use Transmuter to play without paying any Mana cost.  Also, because Transmuter is an Activate ability, so you could still use the Flash ability from “Etherium Astrolabe”.
2. “Tidehollow Strix” have Deathtouch.  So, use it to destroy any attacking creature.
3. While blocking with “Tidehollow Strix” and right when it does damage to the attacking creature, immediately play “Etherium Astrolabe” you could draw a card from sacrificing “Tidehollow Strix”.  Example: “Tidehollow Strix” only got 1 Toughness, it is usually destroy after it block.  Since it is going to be destroy, when combination with “Etherium Astrolabe” instead of destroy it is being sacrifice to draw a draw, so in a way you are drawing a card without “Etherium Astrolabe” requirement.  Basically, this combination neutralized “Etherium Astrolabe” requirement of sacrificing an artifact.  One more thing, this combination work with any number of blocking creatures.  Once you get the hang of it, it will be smooth. (In the Fourth Post MT Advance Rule Content will have detail and demonstration)
4. Like #3, any time one of your artifacts is destroy by your opponent’s spell, you may play “Etherium Astrolabe” to draw a card.
5. Using “Etherium Astrolabe” right before your opponents draw step, you could stop them from drawing the additional card with “Howling Mine”. Also, you get to draw a card.
6. Combination with “Parasitic Strix” Plays to end the match.  Since you are going to end the match mean you don’t need those artifact(s) once the match is over, so you may sacrifice any number of artifact(s) to draw that many number of card(s).  Only if you going to end the match, because if you don’t end the match, you might be in trouble.  Use this plays after the first match with your opponent, so you have some idea about your opponent deck.
Tezzeret’s Ultimate Plays (The classic Level One “Sege” Play)
By any chance, if you have “Tezzeret The Seeker” card and “Sleep” card in your hand.  You could set up for the Tezzeret’s Ultimate Play. It had proven to be successful and effective.  Go to #10. Level 1 “Sege” Deck Biography for Tezzeret’s Ultimate Plays.
“Master of Etherium” Plays (Mind as well since there are so many artifacts)
After the first match such as during your second or third match or when you know your opponent deck well enough.  Mainly if opponent see “Master of Etherium”, then they will know your deck have a lot of artifacts.  If you draw “Master of Etherium” in your starting hand, you could make an exception. Tips, anything too usual there are usually counter(s) against them.
1. Set up: Pile up on your artifacts.  “Master of Etherium” Power and Toughness is depended on the number of artifacts you have in play.  Also all artifact creature(s) you control get +1/+1.
2. All the creatures are artifact creatures
3. More than half of the deck is artifacts
4. If play “Master of Etherium” with Tezzeret’s Ultimate all of your artifacts will becomes 6/6 instead of 5/5 artifact creatures.  Or higher than 6/6 if there are more than one “Master of Etherium”.
Card Note and Side Deck Note
“Esperzoa”: at the beginning of your upkeep, you have to return a creature you control to your hand.
“Etherium Sculptor”: “Etherium Sculptor” is known as Sculptor.  The creature ability effect is all artifacts cost 1 Mana lesser to play.
“Master Transmuter”: “Master Transmuter” is known as Transmuter.  1 Island Mana, Activate.  Return an artifact to your hand, put an artifact from your hand into play.
“Sphinx Summoner”: “Sphinx Summoner” is known as Summoner.  When Sphinx Summoner enter the battlefield, you may search your library for an artifact and put it in your hand.
Side Deck Note: (15 Cards Total)
There are cards like “Austere Command” (LO) destroy all artifacts.  It is commonly used in tournament side deck. From the beyond the “Sege” Deck Biography content, I listed cards like “Glen Elendra Archmage”, “Declaration of Naught” (MO), and etc.  But, again those cards even if you have money or been trading at the MT place, you still could not get them.  So, I usually have to side deck Counter Spells like “Spell Pierce”.  Might be a common card, but it is worth more than a rare card.  “Oh, it is just a common card.”  “Yes. Finally.  I been looking for a person who does not use “Spell Pierce”.”
1. “Spell Pierce” x2
2. “Master of Etherium” x1: if the MT is being kind.  “Austere Command” is about to expire.
3. “Countersquall” x3: Not only could counter spell, but also opponent lose 2 life.
4. “Filigree Angel”x1: could restore a lot of Life Point, but must use Transmute to play this card.
5. “Tezzeret The Seeker” x1, “Sleep” x2, “Jace Beleren” x1, “Diabolic Tutor” x1
6. “Quest for Ancient Secrets” x3: could recover your library from “Traumatize” and “Archive Trap”
I usually go with the “Parasitic Strix” Plays, because it feel good.  Possible to win a match without attacking or decking opponent’s library.
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Redemption (High Level or Level 3) “Sege” Deck Biography And The Final Act
“What Is There For Me?”
On the contrary, because I was so involved (caught up) with the DD, I neglected that there were fans asking about my MT matches before I even joined my first MT.
Another reason I neglecting my fans, because I sneak into the MT, and I joined the MT, because I wanted to keep my mind away from the DD.
Another thing, coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line, I have many fans watching all of my matches.  I got so use to that.  In other words, the numbers of fans are in a huge number and also the number continuously going up after each PT.
In conclusion, I put myself as sneaking into the MT.  Also, I joined the MT, because I wanted to keep my mind away from the DD.  In other words, I have no attachment with the MT such as fans and Magic Players.  That also explained why I might have neglected the fans during the beginning part.  “The fans, how they know I am going to join the MT, I am still deciding?”
Beyond the no attachment, the theory about DCI system seem reasonable. So, the DCI System would sorted me in a beginning level zone.  Example: “Am I supposed to unreleased my play(s) that even National Level champion Magic Player cannot counter on a beginner level Magic Player?”
“General.”  I was greeted by a few of my opponents when we had declared to start our MT match.  A scenario: maybe I am human and my opponents are also humans.  We are still in control.  So, they greeted me as “General.” Saying that I have the control and command over the match. There were even very few Magic Players go beyond just the greeting.  They would said, “When the creatures come out, we will fight them together.” Again, the DCI system could have sorted me in the beginning level zone.
Question: Were there angry (resentful; upset) fans or opponents that was causing you problems?
Answer: Even though, in the MT there were regulation, standard, and etc., but like any other competition there were those who advanced to next round, and there were those who don’t advanced to next round.
Beyond the competition, there are values and beliefs.  My fans and opponents know that I spend a lot of time and put a lot of efforts to avoid having to deal with causing problems. Example: Coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line I had maintain the PT for a long time.  My PTTS had been going on for some years.
 The Final Act
In my article, “Marathon”, I wrote about a futuristic science-fiction about a protagonist who time-traveled to the future, and had overcame a series of obstacles and problems.  But, even that protagonist need to joined force to overcome “greater forces”.
I been occupying my schedule, so that I do not have time to think.  But, like what I wrote above, there are limit to a person capability and ability.  “I am…  just in case, before I declare anything, I am going to have a look at my life…”
Beyond the DD and MT, I am club president at my college, and I am taking college classes.
As for my parents who sacrifice themselves so that my siblings and I could live in the USA and have proper education.  “I found something.”  My father been asking about helping him with his autobiography book on his family as refugees who had to survive through a regime.
I feel like something very bad going to happen.  Example: maybe the DD going to take over me completely.  I should make some time in my schedule to help my father.  I did. Afterward, I finally reached my limit.
During the time I reached my limit, while in my college class, I met a female companion.  We immediate made connection, and shared intimate things together.  We also went on a few dates together.
After a while, I have not heard anything about my female companion.
During the time we were together, there were a few time, we listened to “Final Fantasy 13” (FF 13) theme song, Leona Lewis “My Hands”.  The singer is singing about they won’t let her go.
“FF 13 is so emotional.”  Now that my female companion and I watched the theme song and some scenes together. “FF 13 in a way hold sentimental value.”
So whenever I watched FF 13 I was wandering:  Was it emotional?  Or because it hold sentimental value?  Example: Lightning and Snow got into a fight, then in the midst of their fight they hugged each other.  Their eyes are in tears, and they said to each others, “We will see her again, right?” “Yes.  We will.  Hang on.” Their eye beginning to have more tears.
Even though, my female companion and I only together for a short period, but it is like Lightning and Snow saying to each others, “Yes.  We will.  Hang on.”
In conclusion, after I helped my father and reached my limit.  If I ended my life, then I would not met my female companion.  Then, we don’t know about Lightning and Snow.
So, I decided that I could still overcome the DD.  As for the MT, it is not too late, I could still back out of it. (This is roughly around the time of Redemption MT. Also, “Artifact” (MT place) all sudden got shut down.  My fist place got robbed (according to the fans).)
In summary, the MT did not meet up to my Pokemon Master with a CSS line. Especially, during the time of PT, the DCI System did not exist.  Example: How could I get first place such as according to the DCI System theory, I have no possibility of getting to the championship round?  Even if I could get first place in the MT, but how will I ever going to meet up with my Pokemon Master with a CSS line?  Again, the MT was a temporary.  That temporary period is coming to an end.  If I don’t act soon, then that chance of “Ninja Gaiden” how I pictured will be far away.
Not a soul in the world know about the DD.  “Ahhhh…”  I opened my mouth for a loud cry.  There were some seconds of silence.  Even though, my mouth was open for the loud cry, but only after some seconds then I could hear my loud cry.
There were a Chinese Tradition, with the lunar calendar on the 7th month and 15th day, it is a tradition to pray (visit elder’s grave(s) at the cemetery and pray) for elder(s) who had pass away.
So, my cousin and I, we drove to Los Angeles (LA) to visit the elder’s graves. My cousin told me that we have not got a chance to talk for a long time.  Also, my cousin notice I was bothered by something.  I told my cousin just some down time that is all.  “You are the club president.  You are handsome, charming, and charismatic.  You shouldn’t be in down time.”
Basically, probably just a few cheering words.  “Wait a minute, you think that those were cheering words?”
“I’ll be fine.  Lets get back to visiting the elder’s graves.”  “I am not done.  I’ll prove it to you.”
So, my cousin and I, we went to a restaurant to din in.  As we are seated in the restaurant, we are paying attention to the waiter and waitress.  Without raising our voices, often the waiters and waitress would come to our table.  As for other tables, there were shouting and raising voices and could barely get the waiter and waitress.  “Probably because we tip well.  That is why they came to our table.”  I wanted to say that line, but for the sake of avoiding argument I did not.  Instead I did not say anything.
“Lets have a walk.”  My cousin suggested.  While we were walking we notice that there were staring and glancing at us.  There were even a few ladies while staring at us had bummed into door, pole, or other people.  “Is that handsome, charming, and charismatic enough, club president?”
In conclusion, maybe I was so use to my Pokemon Master with a CSS line such as having many fans, so I do not pay attention to those things.  But, my cousin does got a point.
“For the Fans.  Redemption. Once before the expiration date.”
Redemption "Sege" Deck Planeswalker Jace Beleren x4
Artifact And Enchantment Howling Mine x4 Font of Mythos x4 Trace of abundance x3
Sorcery And Instant Time Warp x4 Twincast x3 Runefare Trap x4 Fog x4 Day of Judgement x4
Land Terramorphic Expanse x4 Sunpetal Grove x3 Glacial Fortress x4 Forest x5 Island x3 Mountain x1 Plains x2
Side Deck Negate x3 Volcanic Fallout x4 Celestial Purge x4 Safe Passage x4
The Redemption “Sege” Deck Plays are listed in #8 The Day of the Redemption MT.
“My “Sege” should have already got first place a while ago, but the DCI System did not announce as first place.  The Redemption “Sege” will be renowned as a better TFPD (Tournament First Place Deck).”  Finally, a chance for redemption.
I had wrote many time through-out the contents about coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line such as I had maintain the PT for a long time.  Beside maintain the PT for a long time, I had also maintaining my images as Pokemon Master with a CSS line.  The following are examples of maintaining my images:
1. The 4x “Time Warp” and 4x “Day of Judgement” was in the MT stores display. “Force of nature.”  Even though, I also purchased many cards at the MT stores during the same day, but those cards did not stand out like “Time Warp” or “Day of Judgement”.
2. Tezzeret’s Ultimate and “Sleep” were the most powerful spells I had used before the Redemption MT.  Unless, I decided to deck my opponent, then I would use Jace’s Ultimate.
3. Jace’s Ultimate Plays could win matches.  But, my Pokemon Master with a CSS line multiple level TCG skill are at an “Unbelievable Level”, so I don’t have to relied on Jace’s Ultimate Plays to win matches.  For example: my Level 2 “Sege” Deck, if you stay in the tournament long enough, it is possible to detect cards like “Austere Command” before it being play. So, it don’t have to come down to Jace using his Ultimate.
To get to the Level 2 “Sege” Complete Version took some time.  Like I wrote in the Level One “Sege” Deck Biography, “My “Sege” Deck is like my Blimp.”  A Blimp could stay in the air for a long time.  Also, it only used limit amount of energy.  Could have been the 3 reasons the Blimp is high above the ground, it could stay in the air for a long time, and it is energy efficient.  So, my MT experience from beginning until my Level 2 “Sege” Complete Version would seem smooth and transition so well.  To some fans and Magic Players, they might not notice too much difference. But, it had came a long way. Meaning I had spend a lot of time in the MT places searching the cards I needed.  All of that finally got to completion.  I did not neglected my Level 2 “Sege” when I constructed my Redemption (Level 3) “Sege”.  Beyond, the reasons I had repeated many time already such as for the fans, redemption, and once before the expiration date.  The following are some more reasons:
1. Coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line, I had many “Awed” reactions from Pokemon Players and Pokemon Players who would shout out comment like, “Unbelievable.”:  I have not got to that level of “Awed” from Magic Players.  There were a lot of surprised and amazed reactions from Magic Players, but not yet to that level like the PT.  The Redemption “Sege” will get to that level like the PT which will redeem myself as coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line.
2. This reason the same as in #8 Day of Redemption MT.  By now, the Magic Players probably already came up with comment about my “Jace Beleren” cards. Examples: “This is a Magic Tournament.” “I am not holding back.”  “Is “Jace Beleren” being courteous?”  “Is rare to see “Jace Beleren” being use in the Magic Tournament.”  “The new version of Jace had better powers, but required more mana to play.”  “The Only Playable cards in his deck are Twincast.”
3. I am in my own world away from the MT.  Example: I am going to be the Magic Player who stay and did not get criticize.  Also, because of the DD, I been trying not to have attachment to the MT.  Now a chance to redeem all of that.
4. Similar reason #2.  I had explained this reason in #7 Level One “Increase Knowledge” Deck.  My binders of cards show that I had cards from Blocks that are more than 10 years ago.  Also, Magic Players don’t know about my “Stardragon Treasure” and my two Online stores.  I had not joined the MT for that long. Those comments from reason #2 could mean that I am holding back.  When I first joined my first MT, I did not have that many years of experience like my binders of cards might show.  So, I just needed some time until I could meet up with my Pokemon Master with a CSS line.
5. Last but not least, “What happen if there is an “Austere Command” under the radar?”  Because of reason #2 and #4, my MT plays they were nothing like coming from Pokemon Master with a CSS line.  Now with the concern about “Austere Command” under the radar.  (“Austere Command” destroy all artifacts) Mainly because my Level 2 “Sege” more than half of the deck are artifacts.  So, “Austere Command” is being cast, my side of the battlefield will most likely be entirely destroyed.  In conclusion, my MT plays had been hindered lately.  I hate to see my Level 2 “Sege” get destroyed completely by cards like “Austere Command”, because it took me a while to get it to reached completion.
A few weeks after the Redemption MT, I stop by “Artifact”…  Continue On the Fourth Post
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MT Tournament Tip (Beyond “Sege” Deck Biography) 
For the following tips read the “MTG Note And Abbreviation” for description, detail, and definition.  These tips are from Core Set Tenth Edition (CSX), Lorwyn (LO), Morningtide (MO), Shadowmoor (SH), and Eventide (EV).  All the tips focus only on the Island Element.  Unless, they are exceptional tips.
Core Set Tenth Edition (CSX)
Island Element
Earth Creature Type: Human, Serpent, Beast, Vedalken
Sea Creature Type: Merfolk, Crab
Air Creature Type: Elemental, Bird, Faerie, Drake
Intangible Creature Type: Illusion
Mix Creature Type: Spirit, Wall
Unique Creature Type: Cephalid, Djinn, Metathran
Specific Creature Type: Wizard, Soldier, Rogue, Warrior
Shapeshifter: Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.)
  Increase Knowledge: Counsel of the Soratami 3 SOR (Draw 2 Cards), Sift 4 SOR (Draw 3 Cards, Discard 1 Card), Tiding 5 (Draw 4 Cards), Thieving Magpie 4 Bird Flying (Deals Damage To An Opponent)
Cards With Landwalk Ability: Rootwater Commando 3 Merfolk IW
Cards With Word(s) of The Five Colors: Flashfreeze 3 INS (Red Or Green), Mind Bend 1 INS (Change Permanent or Basic Land), Sky Weaver 2 Metathran Wizard (White Or Black)
Cards With Uniqueness:
Archive Trap: Ambassador Laquatus 3 Merfolk Wizard (Mana Creature Ability), Dreamborn Muse 4 Spirit (Passive Creature Ability), Scalpelexis 5 Beast Flying (Deals Combat Damage To A Player), Traumatize 5 SOR (Half of Library)
Archive Trap Counter: Reminisce 3 SOR (Shuffles Graveyard Into Library)
Sigil of Sleep: Boomerang 2 INS (Permanent To Hand), Cephalid Constable 3 Cephalid Wizard (Deals Combat Damage To A Player), Evacuation 5 INS (Return All Creature(s) To Hand), Hurkyl’s Recall 2 INS (Return All Artifact(s) To Hand), Sunken Hope 5 ENC (Esperzoa Effect On All Players), Unsummon 1 INS, Vedalken Mastermind 2 Vedalken Wizard (Activate Permanent To Hand)
Tap Or Untap:
Counter Spells: Discombobulate 4 INS (Arrange 4 Cards On Top Of Library), Cancel 3 INS, Remove Soul 2 INS (Creature Spell), Twincast 2 INS (Copy INS Or SOR), Spiketail Hatchling 2 Drake Flying (Unless Pays 1)
Affiliation Bonus:
Ambiguous Card: Aura Graft 2 INS (Gain Control Of Aura), Arcanis the Omnipotent 6 Wizard (Activate: Draw 3 Cards), Clone 4 Shapesifter, March of the Machines 4 ENC (Tezzeret Ultimate), Plagiarize 4 INS (Opponent Skip Draw), Telling Time 2 INS, Time Stop 6 INS (End the Turn), Time Stretch 10 SOR (2 Extra Turns)
Off Topic Note: Brainstorm, Serum Visions, Telling Time, Ponder
Lorwyn (LO) Set
Lorwyn Block (Lorwyn, Morningtide, Shadowmoor, Eventide)
Island Element
Earth Creature Type:
Sea Creature Type: Elemental, Merfolk
Air Creature Type: Faerie
Intangible Creature Type:
Mix Creature Type:
Unique Creature Type: Incarnation
Specific Creature Type: Rogue, Wizard, Soldier, Scout
Shapeshifter: Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.)
 Creature Type Search: Faerie Harbinger 4 Faerie Wizard (Faerie Search), Merrow Harbinger 4 Merfolk Wizard (Merfolk Search) IW*
Increase Knowledge: Fathom Trawl 5 SOR (Reveal 3 Nonland Cards), Mulldrifter 5 Elemental Evoke 3
Cards With Landwalk Ability: Aquitect’s Will 1 Tribal SOR Merfolk (IW), Deeptread Merrow 2 Merfolk Rogue (IW), Inkfathom Divers 5 Merfolk Soldier (IW), Streambed Aquitects 3 Merfolk Scout (IW)
Cards With Word(s) of The Five Colors:
Cards With Uniqueness: Champion A Card
Archive Trap: Drowner of Secrets 3 Merfolk Wizard (Tap Merfolk: Top Card Into Graveyard), Forced Fruition 6 ENC (Opponent Draw 7 Cards)
Archive Trap Counter:
Sigil of Sleep: Athersnipe 6 Elemental Evoke 3
Tap Or Untap: Pestermite 3 Faerie Rogue Flash (Comes Into Play), Stonybrook Angler 2 Merfolk Wizard (Activate With Mana Cost)
Counter Spells (Look at Spellstutter Combo.):
Spellstutter Sprite Combination: Familiar’s Ruse 2 INS, Glen Elendra Pranksters 4 Faerie Wizard (During An Opponent’s Turn), Surgespanner 4 Merfolk Wizard (Become Tapped With Mana Cost)
Affiliation Bonus: Merrow Commerce 2 Tribal ENC Merfolk (End Turn, Untap All Merfolk) Merrow Reejerey 3 Merfolk Soldier (+1/+1 And Tap or Untap), Scion of Oona 3 Faerie Soldier (+1/+1 And Shroud), Shapesharer 3 Shapeshifter Changeling (Becomes A Copy Of Target Creature), Silvergill Douser 2 Merfolk Wizard (Activate Merfolk and/or Faeries Increase Power)
Ambiguous Card: Cryptic Command 4 INS (4 Choices), Fallowsage 4 Merfolk Wizard (Becomes Tapped, Draw A Card), Guile 6 Elemental Incarnation, Mistbind Clique 4 Faerie Wizard Flash (Tap All Land(s)), Silvergill Adept 2 Merfolk Wizard (Comes Into Play, Draw A Card), Sower of Temptation 4 Faerie Wizard (Comes Into Play, Gain Control Of Creature), Tideshaper Mystic 1 Merfolk Wizard (Activate Basic Land Type Change)/Grixis Illusionist 1 Human Wizard (CFX), Wanderwine Phophets 6 Merfolk Wizard
 Cards With Clash: Broken Ambitions 1 INS (4 Cards Into Graveyard), Captivating Glance 3 ENC (Win = Success), Paperfin Rascal (Merfolk Rogue), Scattering Stroke (Instant), Ringskipper (Faerie Wizard), Whirlpool Whelm (Instant)
Tribal Card: Ego Erasure 3 INS Shapeshifter, Faerie Trickery 3 INS Faerie, Merrow Commerce Merfolk 2 ENC Merfolk, Wings of Velis Vel 2 INS Shapeshifter (4/4 Flying) 
Morningtide (MO) Set
Island Element
Earth Creature Type:
Sea Creature Type: Elemental, Merfolk
Air Creature Type: Faerie
Intangible Creature Type:
Mix Creature Type:
Unique Creature Type:
Specific Creature Type: Rogue, Soldier, Wizard
Shapeshifter: Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.)
  Increase Knowledge: Distant Melody 4 INS (Creature Type Affiliation), Mind Spring 2 SOR (Draw X cards), Slithermuse 4 Elemental Evoke 4 (Draw Cards = Opponent’s Hand)
Cards With Landwalk Ability: Floodchaser 6 Elemental
Cards With Word(s) of The Five Colors:
Cards With Uniqueness: Champion A Card
Archive Trap: Grimoire Thief 2 Merfolk Rogue (Exile Library Cards), Ink Dissolver 2 Merfolk Wizard (Kinship)
Archive Trap Counter:
Sigil of Sleep: Nevermaker 4 Elemental Evoke 4 (Top Library)
Tap Or Untap:
Counter Spells: Declaration of Naught 2 ENC (Naming Spell), Vendilion Clique 3 Faerie Wizard (Shuffle 1 Card From Opponent’s Hand Into Library)
Affiliation Bonus: Inspired Sprite 4 Faerie Wizard (When Wizard Spell Are Cast: Tap Or Untap), Sage of Fables 3 Merfolk Wizard (Wizard Creature Get +1/+1 Counter), Sigil Tracer 3 Merfolk Wizard (Tap 2 Wizards: Twincast), Stonybrook Banneret 2 Merfolk Wizard (1 Less To Play) IW*, Waterspout Weavers 5 Merfolk Wizard (Kinship), Supreme Exemplar 7 Elemental (Champion An Elemental 10/10)
Ambiguous Card:
Card With Clash: Research the Deep 2 SOR (Return To Hand)
Card With Prowl Cost: Latchkey Faerie 4 Faerie Rogue Prowl 3 (Draw a card)
Tribal Card: Knowledge Exploitation 7 SOR Rouge Prowl 4 (Opponent’s Library), Notorious Throng 4 SOR Rogue Prowl 6 (Put Token(s) Into Play), Sage’s Dousing 3 INS Wizard (Counter Spell), Stream of Unconsciousness 1 INS Wizard (-4/-0 And Draw A Card), Thieve’s Fortune 3 INS Rogue Prowl 1 (4 Cards, Put 1 In Hand)
Shadowmoor (SH) Set
Island Element
Earth Creature Type: Kithkin, Beast
Sea Creature Type: Merfolk, Kraken, Elemental
Air Creature Type: Faerie
Intangible Creature Type:
Mix Creature Type:
Unique Creature Type:
Specific Creature Type: Soldier, Wizard, Rogue
Shapeshifter: Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.)
 Increase Knowledge: Advice from the Fae 3 or 6 SOR (Look And Draw), Flow of Ideas 6 SOR (Draw Card = To Island), Ghastly Discoery 3 SOR Conspire (Draw 2 And Discard 1), River Kelpie 5 Beast Persist (Put Into Play From A Graveyard And Played From A Graveyard), Thought Reflection 7 ENC (Draw 2 Instead Of 1), Augury Adept 3 P/I Kithkin Wizard (Deals Combat Damage To A Player)
Cards With Landwalk Ability:
Cards With Word(s) of The Five Colors: Cerulean Wisps 1 INS (Blue; Draw A Card), Consign to Dream 3 INS (Red Or Green), Deepchanner Mentor 6 Merfolk Rogue (Blue), Barenton Cragtreads 4 P/I Kirhkin Scout (Red),
Cards With Uniqueness: Untap Activate, Conspire
Archive Trap: Drowner Initiate 1 Merfolk Wizard Blue* (Passive Creature Ability)
Archive Trap Counter:
Sigil of Sleep: Athertow 4 P/I INS Conspire (Attacking Or Blocking),
Tap Or Untap:
Counter Spells: Counterbore 5 INS (Graveyard, Hand, and Library), Cursecatcher 1 Merfolk Wizard (Unless Pays 1), Spell Syphon 2 INS (Pays 1 For Blue Permanent)
Affiliation Bonus: Faerie Swarm 4 Faerie Flying (Blue Permanents Increase Power And Toughness),
Ambiguous Card: Knacksaw Clique 4 Faerie Rogue Flying (“Untap Activate” Playing Opponent Spell), Leech Bonder 3 Merfolk Soldier (“Untap Activate” Move Counter), Puca’s Mischief 4 ENC (Exchange Permanent), Savor the Moment 3 SOR (Extra Turn)
Hybrid Mana: Plains (P), Island (I), Swamp (S), Mountain (M), And Forest (F). P/I is Plains And Island Hybrid Mana. Hybrid Mana will be right next to Converted Mana Cost.
Eventide (EV) Set
Island Element
Earth Creature Type:
Sea Creature Type: Merfolk, Elemental
Air Creature Type: Faerie
Intangible Creature Type:
Mix Creature Type:
Unique Creature Type:
Specific Creature Type: Rogue, Wizard, Soldier
Shapeshifter: Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.)
 Increase Knowledge: Idle Thoughts 4 ENC (Draw A Card If No Cards In Hand), Oona’s Grace 3 INS Retrace (Draw A Card)
Cards With Landwalk Ability:
Cards With Word(s) of The Five Colors: Glamerdye 2 INS Retrace (Change Target Spell Or Permanent), Indigo Faerie 2 Faerie Wizard Flying (Blue), Wilderness Hypnotist 4 Merfolk Wizard (Red Or Green)
Cards With Uniqueness: Chroma
Archive Trap: Sanity Grinding 3 SOR Chroma
Archive Trap Counter:
Sigil of Sleep: Banishing Knack 1 INS (Activate Return Permanent To Hand), Cache Raiders 5 Merfolk Rogue (Eperzoa Effect; Permanent), Inundate 6 SOR (Return All Nonblue Creatures To Hands), Razorfin Abolisher 3 Merfolk Wizard (Activate Return Creature With Counter To Hand)
Tap Or Untap: Merrow Levitator 4 Merfolk Wizard (Play A Blue Spell)
Counter Spells: Dream Fracture 3 INS (Draw A Card), Glen Elendra Archmage 4 Faerie Wizard Flying Persist (Noncreature Spell),
Affiliation Bonus:
Ambiguous Card: Wake Thrasher 3 Merfolk Soldier (Permanent Becomes Untapped, Increase Power And Toughness)
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Magic The Gathering (MTG) Note And Abbreviation
 These contents (pages) are description, detail, and definition for the tips in the “MT Tournament Tip” contents (pages).  The sets are Core Set Tenth Edition (CSX), Lorwyn (LO), Morningtide (MO), Shadowmoor (SH), Eventide (EV).  Focus only on the Island Element.  There are cards that belong in more than one category.  When no card is listed in a category, there is a possibility of finding card(s) from that category.
 Island Element: Island Element is the Blue Color Element among the five different colors. The Island Element mana is a blue color water symbol.  In my writing sometime I referred Island Element as the “Blue Color”.
Brief Description: The brief description is in the ().  Describing a card with as few words as possible.
Total Converted Mana Cost: The number right next to the card name
Card Type Abbreviation: Sorcery (SOR), Instant (INS), Enchantment (ENC), Artifact (ART), Basic Land (BASL), Unique Land (UNIL).  As for Creature, the creature type(s) will be listed, and usually there will be more than 1 creature type name(s).
Cards With Landwalk Ability (Landwalk Ability Abbreviation): Plainswalk (PW), Islandwalk (IW), Swampwalk (SW), Mountainwalk (MW), Forestwalk (FW)
Card With Word(s) of The Five Colors: The Five Colors are White, Blue, Black, Red, And Green.
Cards With Uniqueness: Uniqueness is usually a card with an unique feature distinctive in that Block or Set.  The name of the Uniqueness will be right next to Card Type.  Example: Flashback, Retrace, Buyback, Fateful hour, Hellbent, Metalcraft, and etc.  Also, Uniqueness is different from Creature Ability such as First Strike, Lifelink, Indestructible, Regenerate, and etc.  Last but not least, sometime Creature ability like Soulbound and Undying are commonly found in Innistrad Block, so could mix up as Uniqueness. (Read Creature Ability below for Creature Ability Description)
Archive Trap: Archive Trap is when you are using spell(s) on opponent’s library, so that he or she will run out of cards in it.  One of the way to win a match in MTG match.  Archive Trap (ZE) is a MTG card name.
Sigil of Sleep: Sigil of Sleep effects are in the range of returning (Put) target permanent to hand, into library, or on top of library.  The following divide up the effects: Esperzoa Effect: return target creature into hand at the beginning of Upkeep.  Gomazoa Effect: return target creature to library, and shuffle it.  Top Library: put target creature or permanent on top of library.  Another thing, the Sigil of Sleep are not limited to those range of effects.  Sigil of Sleep (UR), Esperzoa (CFX), and Gomazoa (ZE) are MTG card names.
Tap Or Untap: Card effect or card ability that cause Tap and/or Untap.  This category might seem as though it had lesser priority than the other category such as when a card belong in multiple categories.  But, it is another category.  This mix up happen, because there are cards like “Mistbind Clique” and “Sleep” such as I would most likely list those cards in Ambiguous Card category.  Example: when you are searching for “Mistbind Clique”, because you wanted a card that could tap out all of your opponent lands, so that they cannot counter your spell(s).  Or, searching for “Sleep”, because “Sleep” is often used to end the match. Sleep 5 SOR (Tap All Opponent’s Creature(s)).  “Sleep is Island Element, and it is from CS10.  In conclusion, there are strategy that require Tap and/or Untap.
Counter Spell: Counter Spells are spells usually played on opponent’s turn. Usually Counter Spell(s) are casted (played) in response and/or interact to opponent’s spell(s).
Affiliation Bonus: When having (controlling) the same creature type among all of your creatures in the battlefield.  But, it is not limited to creature type or in the battlefield. Example of having the same creature type bonus: “Coat of Arms” 5 ART (CS10).  Increase Power and Toughness when you having the same creature type among all of your creatures.  In addition, the more you have, the more the Power and Toughness will increase.
 Tribal Card: Tribal Card have Tribal Type and Subtype (Creature Type).  Like Artifact Card, Tribal Card could be categorized in more than one card types, but Tribal Cards are usually count as 2 card types.  Example: Tribal Enchantment Merfolk would count as a Merfolk Creature Type Card and Enchantment Type Card.  Tribal Instant Wizard count as a Wizard Creature Type Card and Instant Type Card.
Champion A Card: A Common Requirement To Play Creature In Lorwyn Block.  When a Creature with Champion A Card comes into play, sacrifice it unless you remove a distinctive creature type that is written (specified) on that card you control from the game.  When this creature leaves play, that card returns to play. Example: Champion a Faerie: When this comes into play, sacrifice it unless you remove another Faerie you control from the game.  When this leave play, that card return to play.
Ambiguous Card: Could be in multiple or none of the categories.  Also, cards that stand out such as very powerful, very difficult to get, expensive, and etc.
Word With *: If a word had *, then the card had either or both Landwalk or/and word(s) of the five Colors.  Also, the card was not listed in either or both categories.
 Archive Trap Brief Summary: Archive Trap is when you are using spell(s) on opponent’s library, so that he or she will run out of cards in it.  One of the way to win a match in MTG match.  Cards like “Archangel’s Light” (IN), “Laboratory Maniac” (IN), “Elixir of Immortality” (CS10), and “Quest for Ancient Secrets” (ZE) could prevent or take advantage of the Archive Trap.  There are cards with Retrace, Flashback, Unearth, Threshold, could also take advantage of Archive Trap.  Innistrad Block: beyond cards with those ability listed above, the following cards effect focus on the graveyard (discard pile) such as the effects are usually effective only when there are some cars in the graveyard: Boneyard Wurm, Creeping Renaissance, Gnaw to the Bone, Splinterfright, Wreath of Geists, Runechanter’s Pike.  The following cards have Archive Trap effect: Trepanation Blade, Ghoulcaller’s Bell. Beside Innistrad Block: Visions of Beyond (Draw 3 cards instead 1), Accumulated Knowledge (Draw up to 4+ card(s))
The following cards had something to do with Archive Trap:
Odyssey Block: Threshold (You have threshold as long as seven or more cards are in your graveyard)
Masques Block: Ghoul’s Feast (Attack Power Increase), Avatar of Woe (Lower the Mana cost to play), Raven Guild Master 2 Human Wizard Mutant (Deals Combat Damage To A Player)
 Creature Ability: Creature Ability are divided into multiple categories.  The categories: (Common) Creature Ability, Activate Creature Ability, Passive Creature Ability, Mana Creature Ability.  Common Creature Ability (or Creature Ability) could be found commonly printed on Creature Type such as First Strike, Lifelink, Indestructible, Regenerate, and etc.  Usually the Creature Card have description about the Creature Ability.  The following is a brief description about each of the categories: Activate Creature Ability have a curve arrow symbol and to use it require usually tap that creature.  With exception of sometime the requirement could be untap instead of tap.  Passive Creature Ability are usually on-going.  Mana Creature Ability require paying the Mana cost to use it.
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Glossary And Index (In Progress)
Will have update.
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pattyrv9 · 7 years
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Making a list of all the CDs I own cause I tend to forget while buying more xD
5 Seconds of Summer - 5 Seconds of Summer 5 Seconds of Summer - Don’t Stop EP 5 Seconds of Summer - LIVESOS 5 Seconds of Summer - She looks so perfect EP 5 Seconds of Summer - Sounds Good Feels Good Ada Szulc & DJ Adamus - 1000 miejsc Alain Clark - Live it out Alesha Dixon - The Alesha Show ALEKSEEV - Pyanoe Solnce Alicia Keys - The element of freedom Ania Rusowicz - Mój big-bit Abraham Mateo - #AreYouReady? Alexandra Burke - Overcome Alvaro Soler - Eterno Agosto American Hustle OST Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman Ariana Grande - My Everything Ariana Grande - Yours Truly Ashlee Simpson - Autobiography Avril Lavigne - Let Go Avril Lavigne - The best damn thing Beyonce - 4 Beyonce - B’Day Beyonce - I am...Sasha Fierce (Deluxe) Beyonce - Beyonce Beyonce - Crazy in Love (single) Beyonce - Dangerously In Love Blog 27 - <LOL> Blue - One Love Bownik - Bownik Bridgit Mendler - Hello My name is... Brodka - Clashes Bruno Mars - 24K Magic Bruno Mars - Doo-woops & Hooligans Bruno Mars - Unorthodox Jukebox Bry - Bry Busted - A ticket for everyone Live Busted - Busted Camila Cabello - Camila Camp Rock OST Camp Rock OST Collectors Edition Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam OST Charli XCX - True Romance Chico - In Limbo Chris Brown - Graffiti Christina Aguilera - Back to basics Christina Aguilera - Christina Aguilera Christina Aguilera - Stripped CNCO - Primera Cita Cris Cab - Where I belong Cody Simpson - Paradise Coldplay - A head full of dreams Coldplay - A rush of blood to the head Coldplay - Ghost stories Coldplay - Kaleidoscope EP Coldplay - Live 2012 Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto Curly Heads - Ruby Dress Skinny Dog Dawid Kwiatkowski - Element trzeci (SPRZEDAM) Daniel Bedingfield - Gotta get thru this Daniel Bedingfield - Second first impression Daria Zawiałow - A kysz! Dawid Podsiadło - Annoyance and Disappointment Dawid Podsiadło - Annoyance and Disappointment (Deluxe) Dawid Podsiadło - Annoyance and Disappointment  2.0 Dawid Podsiadło - Comfort and Happiness Dawid Podsiadło - Comfort and Happiness (CD+DVD) David Guetta - Listen Demi Lovato - Demi Demi Lovato - Don’t forget Demi Lovato - Here we go again Destiny’s Child - Destiny Fulfilled Destiny’s Child - Destiny’s Child Ed Sheeran - Multiply (X) Ella Eyre - Feline Ella Henderson - Chapter One Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP Eros Ramazzotti - Noi Ewa Farna - Ewakuacja Example - Playing in the shadows Example - The evolution of man Foster The People - Torches Fismoll - At glade Fismoll - Box of feathers G-Eazy - The Beautiful & Damned G-Eazy - These things happen G-Eazy - When it’s dark out George Ezra - Staying at Tamara’s Girls Aloud - Out of control (x2) Girls Aloud - Sound of the underground Girls Aloud - Tangled Up Girls Aloud - Ten Green Day - 21st Century Breakdown Gouryella - From the heavens Gosia Andrzejewicz - The best of XD Gwen Stefani - The sweet escape Hairspray OST Halsey - Badlands Halsey - Hopeless Fountain Kingdom Harry Styles - Harry Styles High School Musical 2 OST High School Musical 2 Non-Stop Party Edition Hilary Duff - Most Wanted HONNE - Warm on a cold night Hozier - Hozier Hurts - Exile Hurts - Surrender Imagine Dragons - Smoke + Mirrors Imagine Dragons - Night Visions Imagine Dragons - Night Visions (Deluxe) Imany - The shape of a broken heart (Deluxe) Imany - There were tears Imany - The wrong kind of war Izzy Bizu - A moment of madness Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg Jamelia - Thank you James Arthur - Back from the edge James Arthur - James Arthur James Bay - Chaos and the calm James Blunt - Chasing Time: The Bedlam Sessions James Blunt - Moon Landing James Blunt - Moon Landing (Apollo Edition) James Blunt - Moon Landing (Deluxe) James Blunt - Some kind of trouble James Blunt - You’re Beautiful (single) James Morrison - The awakening James Morrison - Undiscovered Janet Jackson - The Best Janet Jackson - The velvet rope Jedward - Planet Jedward JLS - Exlusive DVD: The videos JLS - JLS JLS - Jukebox JLS - Love you more (single) JLS - Outta this world Jonas Brothers - A little bit longer Jonas Brothers - Jonas Brothers Jonas Brothers - Lines, vines and trying times Justin Bieber - Believe Justin Bieber - Believe Acoustic Justin Bieber - My World Justin Bieber - My Worlds Justin Bieber - My Worlds: The Collection Justin Bieber - Purpose Justin Bieber - Under the Mistletoe Justin Timberlake - Future Sex/Love Sounds Justin Timberlake - Justified Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak Katy B - Little Red Katy Perry - Prism Katy Perry - Teenage Dreams Kelly Rowland - Simply deep Kings of Leon - Come around sundown Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite (Experience Edition) Kylie Minogue - Fever Kylie Minogue - Kiss me once Lady Gaga - Artpop Lady Gaga - Born this way Lady Gaga - Joanne Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster La La Land OST Lana del Rey - Ultraviolence LemON - Etiuda zimowa LemON - LemON LemON - LemON (CD+DVD) LemON - Scarlett Leona Lewis - Echo Leona Lewis - Spirit Leski - Splot Lily Allen - It’s not me, it’s you Lilly Hates Roses - Mokotów Loic Nottet - Selfocracy Loreen - Heal Olly Murs - Right Place Right Time Organek - Głupi Manchester - Manchester Mans Zelmerlow - Chameleon Mans Zelmerlow - MZW Mans Zelmerlow - Perfectly Re:damaged Mans Zelmerlow - Stand by for... Matt Cardle - Letters Matt Dusk - My funny valentine McFly - Motion in the ocean McFly - Room on the 3rd floor (x2) Mela Koteluk - Migracje (Edycja specjalna) Męskie Granie 2014 Męskie Granie 2015 Mika - Life in cartoon motion Mike Dignam EP Miley Cyrus - Bangerz Miley Cyrus - Breakout Miley Cyrus - Hannah Montana The Movie OST Miley Cyrus - Younger Now Milky Wishlake - Wait for us Mrozu - Rollercoaster Mutya Buena - Real Girl Nadine - Insatiable Natalie Imbruglia - Left of the middle Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten Negatyw - Albinos Nelly Furtado - Loose Nelly Furtado - The best of Nextpop’s Tunnel Vision Vol.1: Slow Burning Nick Jonas and The Administration - Who I am One Direction - Best Song Ever (single) One Direction - Four One Direction - Live While We’re Young (single) One Direction - Made in the A.M. (Deluxe) One Direction - Midnight Memories One Direction - Midnight Memories (single) One Direction - Take Me Home One Direction - Up All Night Paloma Faith - A perfect contradiction Paloma Faith - Fall to grace Paloma Faith - The Architect Patrick The Pan - Something of an End Pharrell Williams - Girl Pink - The truth about love (Fan Edition) Piotr Lisiecki - Rules Changed Up Plastic - I Want U (single) Plastic - Living in the iWorld Plastic - p.o.p. Rebecca Ferguson - Heaven (Deluxe) Rihanna - Good girl gone bad Ronan Keating - 10 years of hits Ronan Keating - Ronan Room 94 - No strings attached Sam Smith - In the lonely hour Sam Smith - The thrill of it all Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah September - Dancing shoes Shakira - Laundry Service Shayne Ward - Breathless Sia - 1000 forms of fear Snoop Dogg - Bush Snow Patrol - Up to now SoundGirl - I’m the fool (single) South Blunt System - Potęga w czynie Star Guard Muffin - Jamaican Trip Sugababes - Angels with dirty faces Sugababes - Change Sugababes - Overloaded: The singles collection Sugababes - Taller in more ways Sylwia Grzeszczak - Komponując Siebie Tegan and Sara - Heartthrob Terrific Sunday - Strangers/Lovers Timbaland - Shock value Tokio Hotel - Schrei so laut du kannst The 1975 - The 1975 The 1975 - I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It The Killers - Direct Hits The Neighbourhood - I Love You The Neighbourhood - The Neighbourhood The Neighbourhood - Wiped Out The Pussycat Dolls - PCD The Script - #3 The Script - No sound without silence The Script - Science & Faith The Wanted - The Wanted The Weeknd - Starboy Tom Odell - Long Way Down Troye Sivan - Blue Neighbourhood twenty one pilots - blurryface twenty one pilots - vessel US5 - Here we go US5 - In control Usher - Raymond VS Raymond Westlife - Back home Will Smith - Willenium Will Young - Friday’s Child Will Young - Let it go Yannick Bovy - Better Man Years & Years - Communion Young Stars 2014? Zayn - Mind of mine
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astralmouseart · 5 years
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2018 Book Haul
So, 2018 is over and the new year sucks so far, so it’s time to take a look back at it. Was writing it since January and only now I got to finishing it XD .
I managed to rebuild most important parts of my military history/science library after selling 90% of it in 2017. 
Books that I finished reading are marked by / and books that I re-bought for my military history library are marked * .
So, when it comes to books, in 2018, I bought:
February
24 February
Hitchcock / Truffaut - Francois Truffaut.
This was after I sold some of my comic book albums - Incal, Metabaron saga and Castaka. Actually I wonder what I did with the rest of the money. Oh, I know. I bought a collector’s edition of Torment: Tides of Numenora for 1/5 of the original price. Sold them because I considered them decadent. Regretting selling Incal now.
Original post about it.
March
20 March
J.R.R. Tolkien Artist & Illustrator - Wayne G. Hammond
Got it on my birthday. That’s something that was on my to-buy list for a few years.
Here are my two posts about it. post1  post2 .
April
In April, I started the course. Also, I got my first smartphone since there was a new phone deal and my mother still haven’t started using hers from the last one so I finally got one as a part of the new deal.
April was when the contracts finally started and also the course/internship thing started for me. So, I started having some money.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - Susan Cain
This book really pissed me off because it was a lot about the author showing off her privilege. For example not being subjected to psychological liquidation. So I have sold it.
19 April
The Tale of Kullervo  - J.R.R. Tolkien
May
12 May
Durer - Ruth Dangelmaier
An album and biography of Albrecht Durer. Turned out to be a horrible disappointment because the illustrations were low resolution with visible raster. Sold it immediately.
Delta Venus - Anaïs Nin
Diary 1934-1939 - Anaïs Nin
I don’t quite understand how it happened, but I bought my first Anaïs Nin diary - 1931-1934 in November 2017. I don’t remember how it happened. The era of purity has ended only on 20180426, so it makes no sense. Though maybe I bought it without intention of indulging in decadence. I remembered reading the redacted version of the diaries around 2003 and not encountering anything especially sexual there. Perhaps I bought it out of curiosity or to enjoy her writing once again. Oh, now I remember. I saw that diary on used books market. Then it got sold before I decided to buy it so I ordered it from the internet.
My first incident with damaged book this year. Sold it in used book store because I was too exhausted to report it.
Anyway, apparently I was already reading the diary 1931-1934 because I wrote this on the same day:
link
22 May
This is where I got my course stipend. My mother allowed me to keep it all. I very rarely have this kind of money (it was, like, 100$).
HTML & CSS: design and build websites   - Jon Duckett This book was very helpful for me. It’s very nice and colour and big. I could take it to coffee houses. I got it because I always ended up forgetting the basics. Unfortunately it’s a bit outdated because it was written in the early days of HTML5 and CSS3.
books webpage
Diary 1939-1944, Diary 1944-1947 - Anaïs Nin
Nicoletto Giganti’s The School of the Sword - Nicoletto Giganti
About rapier fencing.
The Flowers of Evil COMPLETE vol 1 - Shuzo Oshimi /
Finally! One of mangas that I actually found monocle got published in 2017! It’s the one after which I named the current era of my life.
June
02 June
Little Birds - Anaïs Nin
Henry and June - Anaïs Nin /
Actually have read it and it was quite messed up and made me feel much worse. Lots of lying and cheating and she was getting worse and worse ideas with every page. From what I understand, the publication of these underacted diaries in 90s made lots of readers/critics turn against her and made her fade into obscurity. I finished reading it on 01 October. My impressions were following:
“Finally finished reading it. It was very interesting, but also very sad and twisted. Anaïs Nin had some serious issues and unfortunately she ended up making some seriously evil decisions basing on twisted way of thinking. From what I understand. From one side it was like watching a trainwreck, from another it was just distasteful, but the third side was seeing the amazing inspiring relationship between two writers - Anaïs and Henry. It was a real tragedy that they couldn't just live together but she was stuck with a wagecuck banker husband, he was stuck with a woman with which they were a horrible anti-inspiration for each other. I guess it was very interesting reading this knowing who Anaïs and Henry were on level of their inherent nature and why that stuff that happened was possibly happening on level of social alchemy. Anyway could be treated as a sordid warning tale about cost of ignorance and degeneracy. Like the level of neuroticism she experienced just from not knowing the human nature, not knowing social alchemy and living in environment poisoned with sexist memes was sad. And add to that childhood trauma and degenerate ideologies by some psychoanalyst and you get a complete trainwreck. The ending was getting more and more disjointed with her getting worse and worse ideas, like every day.”
11 June
Schhneider CA, St. Chamond - Witold J. Ławrynowicz *
24 June
Emperor’s Mercy - Henry Zou /
Pretty nice Wh40k novel about an Inquisitor. Lots of brutal combat and named characters dying left and right.
26 June
Angels of Darkness - Gav Thorpe /
Enjoyed it a lot because of discussions between characters.
War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells
Armoured Platoon of Battalion Zośka - Anna Wyganowska-Eriksson
29 June
Red Tithe - Robbie Macniven /
Another very brutal Wh40k novel.
July
July is when I got my first internship stipend. I received the stipend for three months. Being able to spend 1/5 of the stipend (again about 100$ per month) for myself was what kept me going through the whole internship and allowed me to finish the Responsive Web Design Certification (300 hours) course on freeCodeCamp.
02 July
Renault FT Tank - Witold J. Ławrynowicz *
06 July
Fall of King Arthur  - J.R.R. Tolkien
Bryan Peterson's Understanding Composition Field Guide: How to See and Photograph Images with Impact - Bryan Peterson
11 July
Battle of Monte Cassino - Melchior Wańkowicz
Polish Armour in 1939 - Krzysztof M. Gaj *
This was the most precious book from my military history/science book collection. A PHD paper about organization and equipment of Polish armoured forces in 1939. Amazing stuff. The big blue book - 800 A4 pages. Ranging from detailed tables of organization and equipment prices to information about optics and gun accuracy.
Port Arthur - Tsushima 1904-1905 - Józef W. Dyskant, Andrzej Michałek *
Another precious big book. Sold both of these only because I have quit military history.
13 July
Blackwing: The Raven’s Mark Book One - Ed McDonald /
A nice dark fantasy book written by a HEMA practitioner. Awesome! Recently finished reading it.
The Flowers of Evil COMPLETE vol 2 - Shuzo Oshimi /
It’s What I Do - Lynsey Addario
An autobiography of a war photographer.
20 July
Catechism of Hate - Gav Thorpe /
A Wh40k novella. Quite nice.
28 July
Churchill Vol 1. - Leszek Moczulski
JavaScript & jQuery: Interactive Front-End Web Development - Jon Duckett
31 July
Iran - Iraq War 1980-1988 - Jarosław Dobrzelewski
August
04 August
Infantry Combat - Emile Allehaut
11 August
The First Tank Crews: The Lives of the Tankmen Who Fought at the Battle of Flers Courcelette 15 September 1916  - Stephen Pope
Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle-Earth - John Garth
Milton’s Paradise Lost - John Milton, illustrated by Gustave Dore
12 August
Tales of Heresy - Nick Kyme and Lyndsey Priestley
16 August
Japanese-Soviet Conflict at Khalkin Ghol River *
17 August
Tank War - Ludwik von Eimannsberger *
I remember this book especially fondly because it introduced me to the excellent Polish military history/science book publisher - NapoleonV - in 2012, I think. I was looking for new interesting books about WWI in a local history book store and saw the cover with A7V on it and immediately knew I have to have it!
I loved the theories of the author - especially that he predicted the need of massive saturation of infantry units with AT guns. He proposed giving each infantry battalion an organic AT gun company of 6 47mm infantry guns and then attaching even multiple companies of 47mm infantry guns to infantry battalions.
It’s very similar to the American tank destroyer doctrine. 
T-55AM Tank And The Derived (T-55AD-1M, T-55AD-2M, T-55AMS) - Krzysztof M. Gaj *
Another super detailed book by that author. I wish he’d publish more!
28 August
Sketchbook for the Artist - Sarah Simblet
29 August
Warhammer 40000 Rulebook 3rd and 5th editions.
Tanks in The Great War, 1914-1918 - J.F.C. Fuller *
A7V and Precursors Of German Armour - Witold J. Ławrynowicz *
September
In September I got the last payment for the internship.
04 September
Blitzkrieg Legend - Karl-Heinz Frieser *
Nuclear Weapons in Shaping of International Security - Zarychta Stanisław *
07 September
I Am Providence: The Life and Times of H. P. Lovecraft - S.T. Joshi
09 September
Ways of Seeing - John Berger
Fear: A Novel of World War I - Gabriel Chevallier
Raising Churchill’s Army: The British Army and the War against Germany 1919-1945 - David French.
13 September
Mechanicum /, Thousand Sons - Graham McNeill
24 September
Outer Dark - Robbie Macniven
25 September
The Flowers of Evil COMPLETE vol 3 - Shuzo Oshimi /
27 September
Berem and Luthien  - J.R.R. Tolkien
Forever War - Marvano, Haldeman
28 September
Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling (the illustrated one)
29 September
Permanent Fortification - Karol Kleczke, Władysław Wyszyński
Tigers, Sturmeshutzes and Jagdpanthers - Daniel Koreś *
Imperator: Wrath of Ommissiah - Gav Thorpe /
30 September
Spy in a House of Love - Anaïs Nin
Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy and Art - Susan Aberth
October
02 October
Passchendaele the Campaign in Flanders - Krzysztof Marcinek *
03 October
Handbook of WWII German Military Symbols and Abbreviations 1943-45 - Booth Terry
04 October
The Bachman Books - Richard Bachman, Stephen King
This one contains his infamous novella - Rage.
05 October
At The Mountains of Madness - Tanabe Gou /
Amazing manga adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s novella. I only finished reading it in March because when I first started reading it I paid way too much attention to the details of the excellent graphics. When I’ve read it in March it took me an hour or so to finish it.
10 October
Incest - Anaïs Nin
That book was basically the breaking point where I decided I just can’t continue reading that stuff. Also, a big mistake since I already was disturbed by Henry and June.
12 October
Used ebook reader with wifi and working buttons. The cover is cracked but it doesn’t seem to affect its functioning. My old reader doesn’t have wifi and apps and has malfunctioning buttons that work randomly.
It was a great purchase because it allows browsing the internet - which means reading text-heavy blogs on e-ink screen. Also, allows me to do it from bed which puts less burden on my bad back.
I installed Brave browser on it. Have read a lot of internet fiction and blog entries on it. Great stuff. Except that it’s still basically the cheapest ebook reader with wifi and touchscreen with outdated android and is somewhat crude.
I wish more websites would be designed to be ebook reader friendly, though.
18 October
Diary 1934-1939 - Anaïs Nin
25 October
Tirant lo Blanc - Joanot Martorell, Marti Joan De Galba, D.H. Rosenthal
A medieval novel about a knight.
That was the last month where I had larger amount of money because internships and work was over.
November
02 November
Nuclear Weapons and Development of Tactics. Anti-tank Warfare
An old publication of ministry of defence from 1969. Very interesting.
Flesh and Iron - Henry Zou
Blood Gorgons - Henry Zou 
05 November
Sold almost all of Anaïs Nin books I got because of how disturbing the un-redacted diaries were.
27 November
The Flowers of Evil COMPLETE vol 4 - Shuzo Oshimi /
Great manga. Wish there was more stuff like this out there.
December
04 December
T-35 Su 14 - Maksim Kołomyjec, Ilja Moszczański
07 December
Total Sell Out - Brian Michael Bendis
Wanted to see how he draws.
Yoshitaka Amano : Illustrations - Yoshitaka Amano
Another artist I wanted to check out. He seems to be somewhat dysgraphic and draws on ridiculously large formats for the amount of details he does.
He’s the reason why I tried out brush markers.
When it comes to music:
February:
Lana Del Rey - Hollywood
Tove Styrke - KIDDO
October:
Melanie Martinez - Crybaby
November:
Grimes - Art Angels
Grimes - Visions
Send Request - Perspectives
December:
The Pretty Reckless - Light Me Up
The Pretty Reckless - Who Are You Selling For
The Pretty Reckless - Going to Hell
Aurora - All My Demons Greeting Me A Friend
All used except for Kiddo, Who Are You Selling For and All My Demons Greeting Me A Friend and got pretty sweet deals on these. Got Kiddo with a 75% discount.
It’s weird to realise that books got so much less expensive here that if I’d have a minimal wage job, for like two years, I’d fill all of my shelves.
In 2008 a Wh40k novel would cost 81% of daily minimum wage I was earning cleaning in a factory. Nowadays same novel would not only be physically cheaper - the old price in bookstore after inflation would be 44pln and new price ordered and collected in a bookstore within 1 day of order would be 31pln.
So it would cost 40% of today's daily minimum wage. It’s funny how privilege works.
Anyway, when I sold the Anaïs Nin books, I got 1/7,7th of cover price for them. When I was selling my Forgotten Realms books in 2006, I got 1/3 of cover price for them. So, nowadays, selling books essentially just buys shelf space.
Even when I was selling out my military history book collection, in the beginning, I’d get 1/4-1/3 for them but then the prices just collapsed because it would be norm for books to be available for, like 1/2 of cover prices on auction sites.
Additionally, all the cheap bookstores created a bizarre situation where ebooks are more expensive than paper or even hardcover books sent from another end of Europe.
Big problem was fear of missing out due to books going out of print and disappearing from the market. Saw multiple books disappear from stores during the first half of they year, so when I got money, I was buying everything I could.
As a result, I wasted quite a lot of money on Anaïs Nin books because I got all the diaries and erotic stories instead of buying them after finishing previous ones. So, when I gave up mid-first expunged diary/in the beginning of the second unexpunged diary, it turned out I’ll have to sell whole collection. I actually saw some disappear from a local bookstore chain to never appear again and it scared me into buying the whole thing ASAP.
The threat of books disappearing from the market is a big problem with printed books. tfw ebooks are more expensive and also not the same as hardcovers.
It’s generally a big problem because I have literally, like 90 unread books.
Though I’m slowly going through the ones I have accumulated. At least I have something to enjoy when I’m broke.
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automationgeeks · 7 years
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What's The Difference: Writing An Article Vs Writing A Blog Post - How Writers Can Earn More
Which is kind of the thing about most blogging advice.
Your service or product is your voice, Your area of expertise is your worldview.
Your interests and passions range across a whole inner landscape. It's a well fiction Writer. Relates to why readers get obsessed with books and authors, the things that keep the writer up at night. With that said, this also encourages people to find that core thread in their work -the questions you mention. I have one client with whom I always use the word article when talking about these pieces, and another with whom I use the word blog.
Time to raise my rates for the blog client and remember to use the word article when appropriate!
Not surprisingly, rates for my article client are a big bit higher than my blog client for quite similar work.
Danielle, there's nobody best thing to blog about if there were, every single blog will be about it, right? It's intending to depend on your experience and interests, and your research into whether a particular niche is easily monetized or not. Their audience doesn't care. However, a couple of us are sticklers for grammar and some not, Shivani…I know p bloggers who have a typo in every article, and are earning huge sums. With all that said... It depends on the audience. I'm sure it sounds familiar. I've even seen ebooks that are riddled with grammar and spelling quite a few more at $ 600- $ 2000, determined by length and complexity. Remember, where most writers are lucky to get $ 100 a post for blog posts and I recommend you try to make that your floor for blog writing article rates are usually a whole lot better.
One difference between a blog post and a magazine article is that blog posts often contain links to other posts on a company's site, that is a means of keeping the reader on the site for as long as possible.
They are written so that shows readers how they can benefit from these services, albeit these can be articles.
Articles for corporate blogs, for sake of example, often discuss some problem in the industry and after that illustrate how the company is working to solve it. I agree that posts are essentially articles and might be compensated as such, especially when you must have deep knowledge of a company or industry to write the material, the word blog sounds hipper. Blog posts are often written with the intention of convincing readers that they need a particular service offered by the company. Let me tell you something. These posts have great value to companies as they may result in thousands of dollars of business every time a tally new client is acquired and a sale is made. I think they thought they'd get a n of unqualified people if they knew who the employer was.
I responded to one ad once, for example, and it turned out to be a website owned by CBS. I agree quite a few there are scams, there can be legit reasons for not revealing the company. Recently, I got plenty of response to my call for freelance writers to stop writing blog posts. Lots of writers were confused about just what the difference is. That's not the dividing line. Shampa, look, there're certainly articles that lack interviews, and blog posts that have them. I mean technically, an article is in a magazine, and a blog post is on a blog…but the point of my article is that if you look for to be paid more for blogging, you have to do work more on the order of what you'd do for a typical article namely, interviews and more indepth research. Nonetheless, sEO focused junk writing will never pay well, and it's also a shrinking marketplace, would start moving away from the stigma of a blog post being a cheap fix. Here's what to do instead. It doesn't have to be complex. Normally, even simple sentences can be well written. As a result, I disagree with you on one point. For example, it's a really helpful post. We must always encourage people to write with correct spelling and grammar as that helps the case for clear writing. However, they presented interesting data. Posts got longer as bloggers sought to stand out and deliver more value, until 1000 words has become fairly standard, and 2000 word posts are not uncommon. Blog posts began to have more interviews. Nevertheless, sEO keywords' value lessened as Google cracked down on 'keywordstuffed' content. As blogs got more professional, lots of hired editors. Sometimes these get mixed by many who may consider it to be essentially identical. Very much interesting and enlightening comparison which most people often miss. Thanks and I going to be sharing. You see, this excellent write up will also what actually is expected of them as they take a venture. Notice that you also get the bonus of learning to report a story, that lays the groundwork for getting betterpaying articles in future, from businesses or magazines.
Have the advantage of giving you more impressive clips for your portfolio, loads of smaller daily papers pay in the $ 75- $ 100 range for short articles. I would like to ask you something. I am working on my autobiography and someone suggested that I do a blog instead but I have to find out whether that is the writer forum for my story plus how do I protect the rights to my story?
Will you not suggest writing an autobiography on a blog?
I come from a journalism background so I'm comfortable with the more traditional article approach.
I've tried doing some seo content writing and found it really difficult and not very enjoyable. Thanks for the clarification, it's really useful to be aware of this developing trend. We look for posts to be fun and easy to read, not stuffy and dry. We expect factual and wellsourced posts, not rambling rehashes of other people's work or wild conjecture, Accuracy and strong attention to detail are an absolute must. Now let me tell you something. It's a good idea to also be cognizant of online publishing realities and be able to use key search engine keywords in your posts and headlines without sounding robotic, you must have an ideal ear for language.
It's a high visibility opportunity and we are looking for the very best writing talent, that is why we pay a premium over other blogs. We look for to hear from you, Therefore if you think you are a great fit. I have recently started my own blog. Actually, I also write poetry. Also, how should I market that to my readers? I'm sure you heard about this. In order for me to get it up and running I've been doing some research. Should that also correlate to your blog, as far as the articles. Is it best to keep it to the theme of the blog or write about what interests you? So, my question for you is what really is better thing to blog about? I like the fact that you distinguished between an article and a blog. It must definitely stick to a niche, though all successful blogs do.
I have a couple resources to recommend on blogging I learned to build my blog from AList Blogging's Kickstart Your Blog course, and my How to Be a Well Paid Freelance Blogger e book is packed with tips on how to leverage your personal blog to get paying gigs from clients.
Your blog post has come out at the right time.
I am sure they need to be educated about the difference between blog post and article. Basically, I wish to say that all the time, those hire writers are not clear about exactly what they look for. It's more ‘blog post' type writing than article writing. Besides, I wouldn't expect to be well paid for this work type. Since you're not adding any value, simply recycling previously written biographies is more of a blog post.
Uneducated clients who don't really know these two forms been busy muddying up the conversation about them for years. That's made it hard for writers to define writing projects and bid them appropriately. Mostly, copyright attaches at the time of publication on your blog, and you can prove when you wrote it because of how blogs date things…and who is planning to steal your life story? I think most people who're blogging a book don't put it all on their blog they put parts of it, and similar parts are exclusive to the final book. For instance, probably not a huge concern. Lots of print magazines began posting copies of their articles online. They published more opiniondriven pieces from thought leaders. Some also put up blogs where they let writers hit the ‘publish' button on their own. That's interesting. Suddenly, magazine headlines needed to drive traffic, just like blogpost headlines, and headline styles evolved. Yes, that's right! On the 'articlewriting' side, there was also movement. Now look. They impress more of your client's customers.
Then the projects might be more successful, and those clients gonna be more going to hire you back to write more.
As long as they'll be happier with the results they get, it's a classic 'win' you can charge more at the start. I'm sure that the fact is, articles and articlestyle blog posts convey more authority. Do not send story clips as an attachment. Nonetheless, applications that do not meet shall not be considered really. Now regarding the aforementioned fact... Your email subject line must read gooseberry application followed by your full name or it may be deleted, when responding. Please also include three brief story ideas that meet the criteria outlined above so we can get a feeling of your understanding of the audience and the foregoing story guidelines. Your resume might be a single attachment to your email.
Please send your resume, a letter of interest, and clips to published samples of work that is of relevance to the individual biz space.
Blog posts are growing up they're increasingly not the ugly stepsister of articles.
Good news is, the convergence of blog posts and articles should offer writers better pay opportunities. They ought to pay more like the articles they often are. Yes, occasionally a real company wanders on there and posts, not this kind of a poor reputation with freelancers for offering up mostly junk. I know an awful lot of writers for whom $ 2K a month for writing one post a day would've been heaven, Amel! By the way, a long 'writeup' that does not contain any interview and is written about the achievements of some great personalities hereafter in that case, will this work be called an article or blog? Is interview necessary for an article? Oftentimes I know blog is a first person writeup but the write up I am talking about is in third person but is simply based upon biography so, how must I term it?
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mastcomm · 4 years
Text
Questions for a Wedding D.J.
Monique Proctor became known as DJ Smiles Davis 11 years ago.
“My career as a D.J. happened organically,” said Ms. Davis, 35, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., in the 1980s and was introduced to music at her grandparents’ record store there.
In her early 20s, she began working at Amoeba Music, where she was in charge of organizing cassettes and doing inventory at one store. “I’d take home 10 CDs a day and burn them,” she said. “During that time, my neighbor had a turntable and I become obsessed with mixing vinyls. It was stimulating and exciting. I started doing parties and that took off.”
At 24, Ms. Davis left Amoeba to become a D.J. full time. By then she had amassed a collection of more than 100,000 songs. And during the last seven years she has worked at more than 200 weddings. In addition, she has been a D.J. for various celebrities, including Martha Stewart, Gwen Stefani and Bruno Mars, and has performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Last year Ms. Davis started her own creative agency, All the Favors, which represents D.J.’s, bands and designers who do installations for weddings. She lives in Silver Lakes, Calif.
How did you choose your D.J. name?
I was reading the autobiography of Miles Davis when it was popular to change your name to something iconic while giving it a new spin. I smile a lot. The second it came out of my mouth that was it.
What songs typically work well at weddings?
Aretha Franklin, “Respect.” Diana Ross, “I’m Coming Out.” Skee-lo, “I Wish.” Stevie Wonder, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Redbone, “Come and Get Your Love.” Young MC, “Bust a Move.” Talking Heads, “This Must Be the Place.” And A-ha, “Take on Me.” They’re strong, iconic and legendary with sing-along value. Even if you didn’t know the lyrics when you hear the repetitiveness, it’s easy for people to catch on.
Any pet peeves?
When clients send long lists of what to play, and what not to; when their parents make too many suggestions; and when they give me a Google document in real time and start crossing things off and adding more songs.
What are some of your rules?
I don’t play cheesy disco, the “YMCA,” “Macarena” or “Stayin’ Alive.” I don’t play hip-hop during dinner. I try to set a vibe early on. I play a little bit of everything during that first hour so I can determine what people are gravitating toward and then go hard with that later.
What distinguishes wedding music?
These are songs that resonate with people who are feeling love in the air. They don’t have to be love songs, but they have to create nostalgia and memories. You want music that attaches songs to certain moments. When people sing out loud collectively, there’s a shared connectivity. Shouting at the top of your lungs creates endorphins. I want to pull people out of their comfort zone and to dance like no one is watching.
What is the main job of the D.J.?
To read the room, pick up on energy cues, and if one genre is working to keep playing it. It’s knowing when to go high and low and when to increase the tempo and energy. When people make requests, I know a vibe needs to shift or something hasn’t been played enough. All of this has to be done while accounting for different ages and cultural and ethnic demographics on the floor without losing members of the crowd.
[Sign up for Love Letter and always get the latest in Modern Love, weddings, and relationships in the news by email.]
What is your fee?
$1,000 per hour, minimum of three hours of playtime. I don’t charge for set up or breakdown, which can take an additional three hours. Gear can cost an additional $1,000 or more, and includes a basic sound system, two speakers, two turntables, a wireless mic, a mixer, and an assistant.
How many songs will you play throughout the night?
About 200. During the dancing hours I’m mixing one song per minute.
What should couples ask a D.J.?
Do you M.C.? Some D.J.’s don’t feel comfortable on the mic. Can you play genres that speak to me? If a D.J. can only play Top 40 they may not be for you. Do you have video content on your website I can watch? Do you have playlists from past weddings, and examples of how you transition, like going from dinner to dancing, that you can send me? You can ask them to make you a custom playlist, too. They should be willing to meet you in person before you hire them. If the gig is local they should be open to bringing their own sound system and open to traveling for work.
What differentiates you from others?
My song selection and personality. I’m a former dancer, so I may come out from behind the booth and dance with you. I bring more feminine energy in the room. I want people to feel sensual. I use my music knowledge and music history to connect dots sonically. That keeps people connected to the music even if they don’t know the song. That’s always a goal: getting people on the dance floor. I’m really good at creating the right energy for the moment.
What’s your favorite part of the night?
The last hour when ties have been undone and the bride has slipped into a more comfortable outfit. The energy is relaxed. Drinks have been poured and guzzled. I can go on a musical journey and play whatever I want and guests will go with me. There’s a sense of emotional high. I see my clients at this part of the night. We got through the hard stuff and we got to this point together and everyone is satisfied.
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kamandzak · 6 years
Text
Excerpt | TX
This is the beginning of a futuristic love story full of gayness and robots. You’re welcome
It’s all a bit fuzzy. That’s what I’m going to name my autobiography. ‘It’s All A Bit Fuzzy’ by Craig Donaghue. ‘It’s All A Bit Fuzzy in the Year 2097.’
Dr. Peeler thinks I need therapy. Not just the physical kind, but the emotional and mental kind too. He thinks that it will make me feel better, whatever that means. He thinks that in the end, I’ll be ‘happier’ and ‘less bitter’ or whatever. But I’m done keeping feelings at bay. If I want to be angry over the situation, who am I to withhold such pleasures from myself?
Fuck Dr. Peeler.
I’m not going to lie here and pretend that I’m not full of feelings, but I think that after having several tons of concrete fall on me, I’m allowed to feel something else besides strength and motivation to feel better. I know that there are those stories that circulate every few months about some tragic event being the catalyst for a great fundraiser effort or a viral video, but Craig Donaghue is not one to make waves. He’s not the one to immediately feel overcome with the need to educate the masses about construction site safety.
He’s not usually the one to refer to himself in the third person.
Every time the door opens, I hope it’s the face of CB-464, the construction bot that made sure I didn’t completely bite it from the collapse. Even though my uncle died before he had a chance to try and make robots feel something other than cold, practical truth, I’d like to think that thanking CB-464 would mean something to him. Robots don’t have gender, but after talking to them, you sort of develop an idea that they are male-ish or female-ish. Or maybe it’s something to do with their careers. Who knows.
The door opens. It is not CB-464.
“How are you?” Dr. Peeler asks for the thousandth time since I was admitted two weeks ago. Behind him is a glint of metal. Maybe it’s CB-464. Maybe I shouldn’t give the doctor the same snarky retort I’ve exhausted.
“Alive,” I manage out, which is much more genuine than my customary response, believe it or not.
“That’s good to hear,” the doctor smiles at me. I don’t have the will to smile back.
“What’s up?” I ask instead.
“I wanted to talk to you about participating in a Beta program. A robot Beta program.”
Those are the magic words, or word, for that matter. Robot. Peeler knew the minute he saw me that I was the nephew of the man behind the Career Robot Initiative. Damn man knows how to hold my attention.
“What’s it about?”
“Do you know a man by the name of Jason Sudsman?”
“No?”
“Your uncle worked with him. Kind of his right hand man.”
Uncle Connor was a private man, with the exception of his entire life’s work now being an integral part of every American’s existence. I shake my head again and Peeler continues.
“He was working on how to instill free will into robots without causing an uprising, your uncle, and Jason was helping him. In an effort to carry out that idea, he’s come up with a very basic and very safe idea that we are introducing here, which makes sense, obviously.”
To me, and everyone else in the country, it does make sense. Sigma is the only hospital across the nation that has SR-073 robots, and even then, they only have five. SR-073’s are the surgical bots. It would make sense that Sigma would be the only hospital to have these free will bots.
Uncle Connor had a difficult time convincing scientists and engineers that putting free will into robots was a good idea. I’m glad that this Jason guy is around to carry on my uncle’s legacy. What with all the science fiction movies and plots involving evil corporations and free will gone wrong, the community is… skeptical. Uncle Connor fought for the rights of those who do enough work to have rights but never seemed to be granted them.
“Tell me more.”
“The TX initiative is an effort to test out, for lack of better wording, therapy robots. These first TX robots, there are only three as of now, will be partnered with three of our expert physical therapists and follow them around, living together, working together. You will be assigned both a human and robot therapist. Would you be interested?”
Before I have a chance to speak, a man walks in behind Peeler and steps into view. I have never seen him before in my life.
“Craig?”
“Yes?”
“I’m Jason. Your uncles assistant. Just wanted to meet you,” he sticks a hand out before realizing his error and retracting his arm, embarrassed. I nod.
“I’ll do it.” Jason and Peeler’s eyes both light up.
“Really?”
“Really.”
“You’re the first to agree. Why?”
“I just I trust my uncle. And you,” I say in Jason’s direction. “But if this robot kills me, we’re going to have an issue.” Peeler and Jason crack small smiles and nod. “I need one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
“What happened to 464?”
“He was taken for resurfacing and then he’ll report back to work.”
“I want to see him.”
“That’s fair.”
Without another word the two men leave, myself remaining helpless in bed. That’s the part of this whole shitshow that’s the worst. You know when you have a cold or allergies and you’re all congested and you realize you’ve taken breathing for granted? Turns out I took moving for granted.
It could have been way worse, Peeler told me, along with SR-073.1, the bot that performed the eleven hour surgery to try and fix me up. Again, fuck Dr. Peeler. I know that he probably sees much worse. I’m not dead and I can still think for myself and communicate, which is more than he can ask for. Peeler ran military hospitals during the war of 2045. That’s where he experienced the war-time robots and learned about uncle Connor. When Peeler moved to the US permanently he and uncle Connor met up and decided to open Sigma. I have no doubt Peeler has seen some shit. I haven’t, though. I hadn’t been through or seen any kind of out-of-the-ordinary experiences before last week. I know I need to accept it. I know that I have no other choice.
“Craig?”
I crane my neck to look at the door. The way the bed’s reclined, I have to strain to see anything chest level. Standing in my doorway is a man I’ve never seen before; likely a nurse to perform some humiliating task that reminds me of my new life.
“Fu-.”
“I have 464 for you. Would you like to sit up?”
I immediately clam up and nod. The man approaches and rests a hand on a digital panel on the wall, pressing a touch-screen button. The bed lurches into motion, rising, pulling at the back of my gown and beginnings of a mullet. I desperately need a haircut. I needed one before the accident. Now it tickles my ears and I have no way of moving it out of the way. Excruciating.
The bed comes to a halt and for a second I forget that I’m about to see my chromium savior. It’s my first time being able to take a real look at myself, covered in blankets up to my waist, arms and hands that used to drive stakes into pieces of cement four times the size of me already thinning from lack of use.
I look like hell.
Mr. Donoghue.
“464.”
Are you okay?
“Not really”
I am sorry.
“For what?”
For moving you. I was re-programmed and resurfaced today. According to my new information, I should not have moved you. It might have made you worse.
“What else did you learn?”
You are not mad?
“I may be stuck like this for a while but at least I’m alive, right?”
Stuck like this? Can SR-073 not fix you?
“They’ve done all the fixing they can.”
I am sorry.
I know robots don’t have emotions but I can feel 464’s concern and it feels nice. I have yet to have visitors.
“It’s okay, 464. I’ll hang in there. You look extra shiny today.”
I was re-programmed and resurfaced.
“Thanks for coming by.”
Have you had a lot of visitors?
“Not really, but that’s okay.”
Why not?
Talking to robots is usually easy for me. I guess the idea of explaining my dead family to a piece of machinery seems unnecessary. If 464 will give me a formulate response to something emotional, I’d rather not think about my past anymore than I already do.
“It’s a long story.”
I understand. I need to get back to work now. 464 extends a robotic arm with a startlingly human-like hand attached. It’s the first time I’ve seen him with one. Not like I can do anything with it but stare at it anyway.
“I can’t…-.”
Right. Good-bye Mr. Donoghue.
464 leaves, walking haltingly out of my door and closing it behind him.
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mastcomm · 4 years
Text
Questions for a Wedding D.J.
Monique Proctor became known as DJ Smiles Davis 11 years ago.
“My career as a D.J. happened organically,” said Ms. Davis, 35, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Mich., in the 1980s and was introduced to music at her grandparents’ record store there.
In her early 20s, she began working at Amoeba Music, where she was in charge of organizing cassettes and doing inventory at one store. “I’d take home 10 CDs a day and burn them,” she said. “During that time, my neighbor had a turntable and I become obsessed with mixing vinyls. It was stimulating and exciting. I started doing parties and that took off.”
At 24, Ms. Davis left Amoeba to become a D.J. full time. By then she had amassed a collection of more than 100,000 songs. And during the last seven years she has worked at more than 200 weddings. In addition, she has been a D.J. for various celebrities, including Martha Stewart, Gwen Stefani and Bruno Mars, and has performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Last year Ms. Davis started her own creative agency, All the Favors, which represents D.J.’s, bands and designers who do installations for weddings. She lives in Silver Lakes, Calif.
How did you choose your D.J. name?
I was reading the autobiography of Miles Davis when it was popular to change your name to something iconic while giving it a new spin. I smile a lot. The second it came out of my mouth that was it.
What songs typically work well at weddings?
Aretha Franklin, “Respect.” Diana Ross, “I’m Coming Out.” Skee-lo, “I Wish.” Stevie Wonder, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Redbone, “Come and Get Your Love.” Young MC, “Bust a Move.” Talking Heads, “This Must Be the Place.” And A-ha, “Take on Me.” They’re strong, iconic and legendary with sing-along value. Even if you didn’t know the lyrics when you hear the repetitiveness, it’s easy for people to catch on.
Any pet peeves?
When clients send long lists of what to play, and what not to; when their parents make too many suggestions; and when they give me a Google document in real time and start crossing things off and adding more songs.
What are some of your rules?
I don’t play cheesy disco, the “YMCA,” “Macarena” or “Stayin’ Alive.” I don’t play hip-hop during dinner. I try to set a vibe early on. I play a little bit of everything during that first hour so I can determine what people are gravitating toward and then go hard with that later.
What distinguishes wedding music?
These are songs that resonate with people who are feeling love in the air. They don’t have to be love songs, but they have to create nostalgia and memories. You want music that attaches songs to certain moments. When people sing out loud collectively, there’s a shared connectivity. Shouting at the top of your lungs creates endorphins. I want to pull people out of their comfort zone and to dance like no one is watching.
What is the main job of the D.J.?
To read the room, pick up on energy cues, and if one genre is working to keep playing it. It’s knowing when to go high and low and when to increase the tempo and energy. When people make requests, I know a vibe needs to shift or something hasn’t been played enough. All of this has to be done while accounting for different ages and cultural and ethnic demographics on the floor without losing members of the crowd.
[Sign up for Love Letter and always get the latest in Modern Love, weddings, and relationships in the news by email.]
What is your fee?
$1,000 per hour, minimum of three hours of playtime. I don’t charge for set up or breakdown, which can take an additional three hours. Gear can cost an additional $1,000 or more, and includes a basic sound system, two speakers, two turntables, a wireless mic, a mixer, and an assistant.
How many songs will you play throughout the night?
About 200. During the dancing hours I’m mixing one song per minute.
What should couples ask a D.J.?
Do you M.C.? Some D.J.’s don’t feel comfortable on the mic. Can you play genres that speak to me? If a D.J. can only play Top 40 they may not be for you. Do you have video content on your website I can watch? Do you have playlists from past weddings, and examples of how you transition, like going from dinner to dancing, that you can send me? You can ask them to make you a custom playlist, too. They should be willing to meet you in person before you hire them. If the gig is local they should be open to bringing their own sound system and open to traveling for work.
What differentiates you from others?
My song selection and personality. I’m a former dancer, so I may come out from behind the booth and dance with you. I bring more feminine energy in the room. I want people to feel sensual. I use my music knowledge and music history to connect dots sonically. That keeps people connected to the music even if they don’t know the song. That’s always a goal: getting people on the dance floor. I’m really good at creating the right energy for the moment.
What’s your favorite part of the night?
The last hour when ties have been undone and the bride has slipped into a more comfortable outfit. The energy is relaxed. Drinks have been poured and guzzled. I can go on a musical journey and play whatever I want and guests will go with me. There’s a sense of emotional high. I see my clients at this part of the night. We got through the hard stuff and we got to this point together and everyone is satisfied.
Continue following our fashion and lifestyle coverage on Facebook (Styles and Modern Love), Twitter (Styles, Fashion and Weddings) and Instagram.
from WordPress https://mastcomm.com/questions-for-a-wedding-d-j/
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