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soullessjack · 2 months

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so im on s5 of miraculous and i keep thinking about cat noirs whole “kept at a distance” arc bc it’s genuinely really interesting but gets so wasted by always winding up with him basically validating ladybugs nonsensical decisions and treatment—the same treatment that we were already shown upset him enough to destroy public properly about it. the most consistent reason LB ever gives cat about why he can’t be fully trusted or relied on is that he’s too much of a liability for their partnership to work—either because he’s too reckless, too in love with her, or his cataclysm would be too dangerous to use.

whatever it is, the baseline is that she thinks he’s a liability, and obviously that’s like salt in the wound for cat since he genuinely loves her and enjoys being partners with her, but it’s also just sad to see him continue to respect her decision and act like it isn’t a problem for him when he’s literally upset enough to physically lash out and use his powers to do so. and I know a lot of it can probably be explained by ladybug’s experience in the cat blanc timeline, but 1) she starts holding him at a distance way before that even happens, 2) she’s actively making it worse by not telling cat noir about cat blanc and why she thinks she has to exclude him for his own safety, and 3) SHE SHOULD HAVE TOLD HIM ABOUT CAT BLANC TO BEGIN WITH BECAUSE IT’S LITERALLY A WORLD ENDING SITUATION INVOLVING HIM DIRECTLY‼️‼️‼️‼️

instead she just allows him think he’s unwanted and unnecessary, calls the shots on how he should feel about “having more free time” and ironically makes him even more susceptible to being Akumatized because of it. ladybug might not be aware that cat is adrien and has a terrible home life he actively uses his miraculous to escape from, but she’s playing right into all the key aspects that adrien resents from his father; she decides what he wants without considering or asking him, she trusts him conditionally and still distances herself enough for him to just not know certain things. it’s done with good intentions, but it still clearly affects adrien very poorly, and it’s just such a frustrating glass-chewing miscommunication that only needlessly complicates the situation

don’t even get me started on Kuro Neko where ladybug falls head over heels for the changed version of her partner and narrowly avoiding her having to actually screw up and learn a lesson about accepting cat for who he actually is because catwalker is just “too perfect” for her to function—instead of being an obedient idealized version of her best friend who lets her be in control of everything (WHEN ADRIEN LITERALLY USES HIS DOUBLE LIFE TO HAVE THE CONTROL HE DOESN’T GET AT HOME).

theres so much potential for the base concept of the miraculous of destruction and its Kwami/holder being distrusted outliers among the rest of the Kwami/holders, but the magic system sucks and it kind of loses any chance when the other Kwamis are established to be catastrophic if they use their powers without a holder. and it gets even more confusing if you consider that Fu specifically chose adrien to hold that miraculous, but then encourages Marinette to keep her distance from him and barely acknowledges him as a hero in general. Like why did you even bother testing adrien for his worthiness or whatever if you obviously don’t think he’s worthy of knowing anything about you or the rest of the miraculous OR his best friend’s identity??? but you’re totally okay with her just giving them out to anyone in Paris who’s conveniently around and having her know their identity???? master fu when I catch you master fu

auugghhhfgg I don’t know the magic system thing could be its own separate post but likeeeeee I just think the miraculous of destruction whos constantly mistrusted for no reason and goes Kamehameha Krazy in another timeline is very special and could be treated so much better if the writers were good at their job and didn’t make every character’s sole purpose be validating ladybug/marinette even when she’s in the wrong

#honestly he deserves to be a villain #at the very least an antihero. gotta push my antihero propaganda into everything I enjoy #like the same way Luka got Akumatized over his frustration with people keeping secrets #that should 100% happen to cat noir im so deadass #because like imagine if you found out your best friend saw an alternate timeline where you lost control and destroyed the city #and spent months completely isolated by what you did and slowly goinf crazy with grief and guilt and just wanting to fix it all #and she just doesnt tell you about it but she clearly sees you differently than she used to because of it #that is literally such juicy material for him to get Akumatized and yet.#Thomas Astruc you and I are public enemies now #cal.txt #miraculous ladybug #cat noir #adrien agreste #cat blanc #ladybug and chat noir #marinette dupain cheng #master fu #I need to fix this show I need to or I will also blow up Paris #I LOVE BEING AUTISTIC 🗣️🗣️‼️‼️

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litres-of-cocaine · 1 year

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i cannot believe that people genuinely dislike skyler white it is so strange!!! like even my dad called her manipulative and yes, sure but like that’s what makes her so fun??

like i think the direction they took her in s5 was the right and logical one for her character but s4 was PEAK come on.

in the early seasons she is essentially the embodiment of the stay-at-home mum existence and she’s an interesting and assertive character in conversation with that but ultimately used a plot device. like the family life she represents conflicts with the meth trade that walt is getting involved in. obviously she has an inner life going on, i.e. her pregnancy and the arguments with marie about the shoplifting, but she more seems like an individualised portrait used for walt’s deception. she’s propping up the narrative where walt lies to himself about the reasons he does it and parallels his family life to his business life.

like this is not to diminish that side of her character at all (although it is irritating that we don’t get a female character that isn’t a family member or love interest be a larger part of the narrative until s5) but i feel it’s more of a setup not just for walt but her later arc.

s4 where she is actively involved in the money laundering, buying of the car wash etc. is so so dear to me as it’s such an interesting view into her naivety but her skills in doing this.

where krazy 8 said walter wasn’t suited to that life and then he turned out to be works in a similar to manner to how skyler adjusts to this sudden criminal enterprise that she is a major part of. she also turns out to be good and criminal-minded when she gets involved even if she is unsceptical that what walt (and her by extension) are doing is hurting people.

she doesn’t want to be involved because she’s afraid for walt but it’s undeniable that she is good at it. i would argue that this characterisation of her as so overly cautious and nearly paranoid is paralleled to gus’s cautiousness and care and is probably the most successful businessman that we see throughout breaking bad. certainly more successful if we are thinking in terms of caution and longevity. skyler. beyond this parallel she is already shown to be good with tax evasion in that whole ted plotline and then manages to get him off of prison after the irs discovered him. the irs. the people who are literally ruthless when it comes to that kind of stuff.

it creates such an interesting contrast with walt who likes that world not only because he is good at it but also because he likes the power it gives him over others. it makes him ‘feel alive’ blah blah blah etc etc. but skyler doesn’t enjoy this power. when ted is afraid of her she is devastated and feels the guilt of her actions come up on her all at once and this is the start of her unhappiness and fear of walt. like in s4 she’s not *happy* but she’s not necessarily unhappy either. there’s a whole ass scene of her bouncing holly on her knee while she’s looking up money laundering on wikipedia.

this all comes crashing down in s5 and becomes particularly obvious after the midpoint of the series. she’s practically a shell of herself. those looks between her and jesse at the car wash?? could not be more obvious kind of submission to walt’s gross authority from either of them.

(don’t get me talking about the parallels between skyler and jesse it will set me on a roll)

and again this makes sense for the changing dynamic between her involvement and the increased understanding of how violent the business the both of them are a part of is. her character is not less interesting but definitely less fun to watch. it’s not presented as cathartic suffering for the audience either which i think brba did a good job with. she’s not assertive anymore and i think that’s a great example of the effects it’s had on her. she’s lost a key component of her character. like i guess you could call her high-maintenance or difficult in s1 if you found her annoying and that’s an opinion but realistically i’d say she was just assertive in way that’s alienating for some of the misogynistic sides of the fanbase.

she regains some of this right at the very end where she confronts walter thinking he’s going to say he did it for the family again. it’s only a small thing in refusing to let walt walk all over her but at least it has some reclamation of her initial character!

this has been a ramble and i think i had other things to say but in conclusion:

skyler white is overhated

#revolutionary take i know /s #brba #breaking bad #skyler white #jesse pinkman #walter white #genuinely as much as jesse is my fav #skyler’s run in s4 rivalled his for me #i mean i don’t think they are comparable in terms of what’s ‘better’ (they are both fantastic)#but still skyler was so compelling in that period #and overall

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alln64games · 4 months

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Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon

JP release: 7st August 1997

NA release: 16th April 1998

PAL release: 18th April 1998

Developer: Konami

Publisher: Konami

N64 Magazine Score: 90%

I remember seeing the scores for Mystical Ninja in N64 magazine, but it didn’t seem like my kind of game. I was very wrong about that – Goemon’s first N64 game is kind of a hybrid of Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time, mixed with edo era Japan and a gloriously absurd plot of musical performers trying to turn Japan into their stage.

The game starts out in a Zelda-style town, but what’s impressive is that this is from before Ocarina of Time. You can swap between Goemon and Ebisumaru (plus more you meet along the way) at any time, each with their own set of weapons and abilities. These are uses sparingly throughout the game, so for the most part you can play as who you prefer.

Connecting each town is a large overworld with some nice locations. The first one I encountered brought back strong childhood memories as I recognised the music from Krazy Konami Racers, but the rest of the music in the game is also great, with lots of great tracks throughout the game. I was bopping my head to quite a lot of the music which mixes classical and modern instrument sounds.

Dungeons also play a big part in the game. While there are map/compass items to collect and keys to find, they’re a lot more platform-oriented than Zelda dungeons. One downside is the game’s camera (which can be turned holding R and using the c-buttons), but it’s something you get used to. While there are some bottomless pits, other areas just have you fall to a section where you work your way back – although one handy thing is that there’s no fall damage.

There’s also a variety of other sections, including multiple giant robot boss fights, which treat you to a song each time you use your giant robot, Impact. Each starts off with an arcade-style section to build up your health and ammo before taking a first person perspective as you shoot and punch your opponent. It’s a lot of fun, although they do become more frustrating the longer they go on.

Goemon is an incredibly charming game that’s still a ton of fun to play. Some of the puzzles do have a sign flat out telling you what to do, although these mainly relate to Ebisumaru’s camera item, which reveals hidden things, so I would probably get stuck without being reminded that the object exists. Even with that, the main story is amusingly silly and the game likes throwing new things at you. It’s a great game.

It’s a clever game, not only because there’s simply so much to do, but because you’re never quite sure what’s going to come next. Mini boss? End-of-level boss? Ludicrous sub-game involving a big yellow man and some falling shrinking pills? Erm, yes, quite. Mystical Ninja is a supreme example of game invention.

- Tim Weaver, N64 Magazine #14

Remake or remaster?

An updated version of Mystical Ninja would be great, with a better camera and fine tuned controls. A bit of extra side content would also be welcome. And perhaps a quest log as instructions are a but unclear at times.

Official ways to get the game.

There is no official way to get Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon.

#goemon #mystical ninja #n64 #n64 games #nintendo 64 #retro games #gaming

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ms-cellanies · 8 months

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I hope the addition I added to this old post will show up. This original post is from 2020 & now there is actual HOPE FOR SAVING THE LIVES OF CATS WHO CONTRACTED FIP.

@russalex @angreav @iamthebadwolf85 @catedevalois @maneth985 @ogtumble @amatasera @booksandcatslover @fuckdumblr @ladyoftheteaandblood @sirrah22 @stripedsilverfeline @larouau12 @ughseriously @usearki @ladytuarach @glendathegoodone @cricketcat9 @aregrettablehullabaloo @micaleann @toasty-hancock @hellcatblues @middleagedandoutoftouch @sabbykatt3 @cursethedarkness @gretchenk0720 @aliceliddellsmirror @inkededucatednnerdy @notpedeka @photoboybg69 @contemplatingoutlander @nildespirandum @izhunny @ladytigrane @wolfsmom1 @phoenix-maat @writernotwaiting @glitterypeanutmugnickel @captain-krazy @bitchycatwizard @paulfe @mishlady @dorcascristyforever @beerboy100 @ultimatenutshackfangirl @lokilickedme @bakufuhakutaku @a-sundry-bag @prettyhatemachine01 @texmexdarling @oshea52 @posttexasstressdisorder @evieplease @queen-of-cats @catchester @jimbr549 @ladygreytea76 @azusalover

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jeffgerstmann · 2 years

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Can we get a live stack ranked energy drink list? The people need this information!! G-FUEL Tetris Blast is vile, but that Snow Code is fantastic. - Nate from Indianapolis

Here's the current list. Still more work to be done, obviously.

Rockstar Zero Fruit Punch

Reign Orange Dreamsicle

GHOST Sour Patch Kids Redberry

C4 Starburst Cherry

Bang Cherry Blade Lemonade

Rockstar Recovery Lemonade

Bang Black Cherry Vanilla

C4 Energy Frozen Bombsicle

Rockstar Recovery Orange

C4 Smart Energy Black Cherry

C4 Energy Original Skittles

GHOST Tropical Mango

Reign Inferno Red Dragon

Reign Inferno Watermelon Warlord

GFUEL Crash Bandicoot 4 It’s About Time Wumpa Fruit

Reign Reignbow Sherbet

Bang Swirly Pop

Monster Energy Ultra Rosa

Bang Krazy Key Lime Pie

GFUEL Sour Chug Rug

Monster Energy Zero Ultra

GFUEL Sonic the Hedgehog Peach Rings

GFUEL Naruto Shippuden Sage Mode

Monster Energy Ultra Paradise

Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen

GFUEL Mega Man Blue Bomber Slushee

Rockstar Xdurance Blue Raz

Ciclon Energy Drink Zero Acai

Rockstar Recovery Pineapple Coconut

Bang Purple Haze

GFUEL PewDiePie

Bang Delish Strawberry Kiss

Rockstar Throwback Edition Sugar Free OG Flavor

ZOA Fruit Punch

GFUEL Fazeberry

Bang Sour Heads

Bang Whole Lotta Chocolata

Rockstar Xdurance Marshmallow

Bang Star Blast

GFUEL Tetris Blast

#energy drink

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southernroyaltyus · 1 year

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This was the first time I tried the krazy key lime pie flavor and all I can say is kudos @bangenergy because they nailed it. It’s in my top 5 favorite flavors now💯❤️ #bangenergy #bangenergydrink #energydrink #newflavor #topfive https://www.instagram.com/p/CqQ2wvmvc_l/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#bangenergy #bangenergydrink #energydrink #newflavor #topfive

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monkey-network · 2 years

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The Legacy of Calvin & Hobbes

As a child, it was difficult for me to get into reading. I’ll say it was stressful for me to read more than the graphic novels I could find at either my school or the library in my neighborhood. I remember for an assignment that I had to find something for a reading log and this was notably the first time I ever read Calvin and Hobbes. It was a big collection of the comic series that had memorably designed characters, memorable running gags, and a jovial energy to it all.

Long story short after that assignment, this comic struck a chord with me as opposed to others I knew from the Sunday papers. Even when I didn’t read it religiously, I could recognize it so easily. It was later in my life that I got a small collection book myself and in it I finally saw that it had a lot more to say. It was more observational in its writing, but it never felt preachy in its nature. There were nuances to the series that I know I didn’t recognize as a kid so in my spare time, I followed the series and reread it from beginning to end. Everything came to a head when I found the fate of this comic strip, and my respect for this only grew. Calvin and Hobbes was allowed to say so much but never diminished the goal of being entertaining accounts of childhood. It’s a series unlike most I’ve read before, and I want to explore how it is able to solidify its unique legacy. This legacy all starts with…

A Man and his Love for Comics

Bill Watterson generally grew up to become a professional cartoonist, citing the Peanuts, Krazy Kat, and Pogo series respectively as his key inspirations. However, he wanted his profession to lean more towards political cartoons before going into less serious matters. Jim Borgman, known for his comic strip Zits, helped him pursue getting into editorial work but the responsibilities didn’t match Watterson’s attempts of experimentation.

“I don't know to what extent the comparison played a role in my editor's not liking my work, but I was very intimidated by working on a major city paper and I didn't feel free to experiment, really, or to travel down my own path. I very early caught on that the editor had something specific in mind that he was looking for, and I tried to accommodate him in order to get published. His idea was that he was going to publish only my very best work so that I wouldn't embarrass the newspaper while I learned the ropes. As sound as that idea may be from the management standpoint, it was disastrous for me because I was only getting a couple cartoons a week printed.” - (Watterson, Jan. 1987)

Soon after being fired from his first newspaper gig, he would soon experiment with his comics to get syndicated somehow after realizing political cartoons weren’t his forte. Getting hired to a press syndicate wasn’t easy, with the best material a cartoonist could make also had to meet marketable, or in Bill’s case imaginable, qualifications to get accepted. Eventually, he figured out that what the artist found funny could align with the audience. Bill Watterson had many great ideas, Calvin and Hobbes weren’t exactly one of them. This isn’t an insult, more that it wasn’t an idea he thought would’ve worked. This is a notable idea in the minds of other cartoonists like Charles Schulz, Berkeley Breathed, or Jim Davis. The characters you see being iconic weren’t the ones you thought could work.

“One of the strips I'd sent had Calvin and Hobbes as minor characters. Calvin was the little brother of the strip's main character, and Hobbes was like he is now, a stuffed tiger that came to life in Calvin's imagination. One of the syndicates suggested that these two characters were the strongest and why didn't I develop a strip around them? I had thought they were the funniest characters myself, but I was unsure as to whether they could hold their own strip. I was afraid that maybe the key to their wackiness was the contrast between them and the more normal characters in the rest of the strip. I wasn't sure Calvin and Hobbes would be able to maintain that intensity on their own.” - (Watterson, Jan. 1987)

The syndicate that suggested the idea to Bill rejected his work, this led to how the comic strip could live elsewhere, what Bill was aiming for and of course, the direction Bill wanted to go with his career. He immediately identified with what Calvin and Hobbes were supposed to be, making the work of putting them in good scenarios or material often easier. Understanding the characters made the insertion of more abstract and conversational ideas Bill had work just as well. The characters being…

A 6 Year Old Kid and His Stuffed Tiger

One thing I’ve come to learn is an important trick with this comic series: Calvin is the smartest person in his own room. A common story in the series revolves around Calvin waxing philosophical conversations about the universe or his everyday existence. He doesn’t go off saying big words he no doubt doesn’t understand, but is described as being more able to say what’s on his mind as fast as he can think it. Calvin doesn’t have all the answers, but the beauty comes in him looking to try. This plays into the style of Peanuts strips where the kids of that series talk about how they feel about life. It’s a trend of giving the kids a chance to say what’s on their mind. It allows kids to bear a more cynical side to them without making it feel like they might as well have been adults. On the other hand, Calvin’s thoughtfulness was explicitly contrasted with his eccentric, more troublesome personality. He’s essentially what happens if Charlie Brown had all the confidence, energy, outspokenness, and imaginative capabilities but still has none of the luck; or the Bart Simpson before his time. He gets in trouble with his parents, with his regular babysitter Rosalyn, at his school, with the local bully Moe, even his one other friend, Susie Derkins, for the fact that she’s a girl. This doesn’t make him a hateable character, far from it, but the most relatable. He’s the kid you probably found yourself being or was at his age; playful, egocentric, not undisciplined but doesn’t accept everything he doesn’t care for or understands. He enjoys being with Susie, but as children, their friendship can’t be expressed so easily. He’s not a fan of school or being told what to do, but that never meant he didn’t make the most of his childhood. And this is helped by the one other character that’s the most important: his best friend and stuffed tiger Hobbes.

Hobbes’ existence is genuinely one of the most timeless tricks in all of comics. He was an indirect teacher about childhood perception, all because of how everyone saw him. To Calvin, he was the larger than life deuteragonist, with a voice and the idea that he could be standing right beside you. To everyone else, he’s just a stuffed tiger. What made this work was that Calvin never tried to make a big deal out of making Hobbes appear real to other’s eyes, you mainly went along with everyone seeing the aftermath of their antics. He existed as both Calvin’s angel on the shoulder and his just as brash equal, all while never feeling like he was a figment of his imagination. Bill Watterson made him as real as you could imagine. In Watterson’s words,

“Most of the time, the strip is drawn simply from Calvin's perspective, and Hobbes is as real as anyone. So when Calvin is careening down the hillside, I don't feel compelled to insert reminders that Hobbes is a stuffed toy. I try to get the reader completely swept up into Calvin's world by ignoring adult perspective. Hobbes, therefore, isn't just a cute gimmick. I'm not making the strip revolve around the transformation. The viewpoint of the strip fluctuates, and this allows Hobbes to be a "real" character.” - (Watterson, Jan. 1987)

Hobbes’s existence remained consistent throughout the comics as the character was always Calvin’s best friend. Their friendship is the crux of the comic series and what made it work was the evergreen and simple process of the writing. Watterson’s writing skill lined up with his influences where, whether the character exerted mischievous or conversational antics, the punchline was never tongue-in-cheek. Again, there was a dash of realism in the dialogue that walked a tightrope to make the main duo clever but never unbelievable intellects. It gave readers that old idea of your children knowing more than let on in an idealized fashion. Calvin’s imagination existed for more than his relationship with Hobbes. The comic had full portrait page stories for alter-egos like Spaceman Spiff, Stupendous Man, upon other instances of Calvin being something or somewhere else juxtaposing his more quiet suburban childhood. Calvin was an active kid and that energy, along with his equally enjoyable partner, carried the series in ways that were simple by design.

A Boy and His Parents

Calvin’s more grounded parents can appear like extras, but in actuality they exist as the preceding facets of the boy’s personality. Their appearances make the series not just modest, but… uplifting because they exist as that external link between kids and adult readers. They were purposefully not given names, but that made their roles all the more prominent. Calvin and Hobbes was Rugrats before its time where the adults got to be just as involved in the series if not more. They're not made to be a perfect, conflict free family but Watterson worked in making them enjoyably imperfect. The comic makes it clear that their child faces consequences but they’re not negligible of him all together. Giving them a face benefitted from having the main character have to carry the series by themselves.

And you can see how they raised Calvin into the kid he is, Calvin’s mom being the more outspoken that has the energy to keep up with her son and his dad being the more imaginative storyteller that contrasted with his more socially stricter interests. Needless to say, they were Calvin’s parents, and you could tell that despite the rabble rousing the love they had was sincere. There’s a prime example that showcases not just the familial love, but the grounded vulnerability of the series overall. Calvin and Hobbes was not afraid to discuss death and mortality.

In March of ‘87, Bill Watterson started an arc of Calvin and Hobbes finding a raccoon while out in the neighborhood woods. Only two years after the series began, this was the first time where Calvin wasn’t his typical happy, fun-having self and while there were a couple punchlines here and there, this was the rare time where the series got genuinely serious. Calvin’s mom and dad were supportive to the character that felt like an actual kid put in the same situation. It was a series of strips that showed a vulnerable side to the world without getting too grim, able to have a bittersweet ending that brought the family together and the duo together. This was the arc that stuck with me the most because it showed that this comic got to be more than an average gag of the week series. It was a series that opened up to you; Bill’s vision felt it was the best compromise between fun and reality that anyone could enjoy. That’s why it always feels conflicting when you learn how it all ended.

A Comic Strip and It’s Ending

For those who don’t know, Calvin and Hobbes ended on December 31st, 1995, a little over ten years after it launched. In full color, it depicts Calvin and Hobbes reveling in the wonders of the winter outdoors of the new year before optimistically sledding down the hill. It wasn’t just the last strip made by Watterson, it was basically the last we would truly get of Calvin and Hobbes officially. Beyond the selected collection books of the series, there would be nothing in terms of licensed merchandise or adaptations. Bill fought and won several times for the complete rights to his series and since then had a strict rule against his work being sold as anything more. If you could only know one thing about Bill Watterson, it was that he put his foot down for the integrity of the craft.

“Some very good strips have been cheapened by licensing. Licensed products, of course, are incapable of capturing the subtleties of the original strip, and the merchandise can alter the public perception of the strip, especially when the merchandise is aimed at a younger audience than the strip is. The deeper concerns of some strips are ignored or condensed to fit the simple gag requirements of mugs and T-shirts. In addition, no one cartoonist has the time to write and draw a daily strip and do all the work of a licensing program. Inevitably, extra assistants and business people are required, and having so many cooks in the kitchen usually encourages a blandness to suit all tastes. Strips that once had integrity and heart become simply cute as the business moguls cash in.[...] I don't buy the argument that licensing can go at full throttle without affecting the strip. Licensing has become a monster. Cartoonists have not been very good at recognizing it, and the syndicates don't care.” - (Watterson, Oct. 1989)

There’s been a debate over whether he was right or whether he was too strict in his stance. One could see where he’s coming from with the excessive commodification some comics like Peanuts and Garfield grew to have. Does the licensing diminish what made reading the original strips special and can that affect its future? He makes it clear that restricting all rights of Calvin and Hobbes to his estate was not an easy choice, but is it wrong to consider something official in either an animated film or a toy. In truth, it’s hard to know because not every artist is or could be like Watterson. Personally, I could see the benefit of his stance because I say it helped me respect this comic a lot more than most.

A Series and It’s Closure

It would be one thing for Calvin and Hobbes to have gone on as long it could, whether or not Bill was alive. A fully animated movie akin to Blue Sky Studios’s The Peanuts Movie would’ve meant the world to me either as a kid or adult. I could think of the joy people probably would’ve had owning their own Hobbes plush. Then again, Bill was right in that I appreciate the art far more than I would have on wishful thinking. I’m glad it got to have an ending at all, and that it got to stay finished on the creator’s terms. If there was anything I learned from this upon long-lasting properties like The Simpsons is that it can be better to go out young than to witness them wither away into shells of their former glory. I wasn’t alive when this series was around, and it astounds me how this series amounted to but a small fraction of those that live to this day, but Bill made sure that it could exist however possible. Even in the age of the internet, on top of fan projects made by the dedicated, the comic alone got to persist in the eyes of readers regardless of generation.

For me, Calvin and Hobbes is a series that got to exist as perfectly as its creators. It isn’t the only series I love but it’s a series I idolized for how much it did, all without making some grand plan. As methodical as it can all appear, it felt perfect in what it set out to do. Make people laugh, tear up, and think about what they’re reading. All that mattered to this series was being a kid. All that mattered was having an imagination, a friend to console even if it’s just a stuffed animal. It’s something to consider that this got to stand out, even to this day, as a jovial comic that had elements of growing up but didn’t force the readers to grow up through its messages.

Somedays I wish I could go back to being that kid I was, do things over if not make better choices. Sadly I can’t, but I can remember what it was like. Not just making friends, but being able to create friends to have adventures without a care in the world. Calvin and Hobbes provided that reflection in a way that makes me proud that I got to grow up but also cherish why a childhood can matter.

SOURCES

An Interview With Bill Watterson, Andrew Christie, January 1987

Speech: The Cheapening of the Comics, October 27, 1989

#calvin and hobbes #calvin & hobbes #C&H #comics #comic strip #analysis #retrospective #long post #long reads #Good Stuff #Happy Birthday Bill

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fantasyfestinkeywestflorida · 1 year

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Hi there,,,,I've been to FF 17 times since 1999 and somethings are pretty consistent. Singles are welcome along with the 50-70,000+ people that come to the island of Key West and much of the action is on both sides of Duval Street. Every event is clearly advertized and many unofficial parties happen in all the bars and venuesd and night. Accommodations are pricey and only go up. I use Susie Rodnan for my room (www.keywestkey.com) as she lives there and knows the island rooms so well. Be sure to tell her Ann (TheTravelSlut or UltimateCougar) referred you. Keep your eyes and ears open for private parties that are often spontaneous in the various events and venues. And heed what was said above about making contacts before you go. Annie

UPDATED: 2023 TIPS FOR 1ST TIMERS TO FANTASY FEST (or anyone else) Hello and get ready to enter the world of Fantasy Fest in Key West, Florida which I have often referred to as "Mardi Gras on Steroids".

You may want to consider some of these ideas before you go as either a FF veteran or 1st timer to FF.

In addition, while in Key West, learn about the nightly meets by various groups (including the Krewe de Krazy Life group @ Capt. Tony's Saloon nightly) and learn where the best parties are for each night as many are announced only on the day of the party. Check out www.krazykrewe.com which includes access to a photo gallery, weekly Monday & Thursday night online chatrooms as FF approaches, nightly meetings @ Capt. Tony's, and even a newsletter). The Krewe de Krazy Life is THE MOST AWESOME & VETERAN GROUP OF FF.

My Tips for First Time Fantasy Fest attendees:

You are in for a treat both for the Fantasy Fest event itself and for Key West which is a great, eclectic island-city in and of itself. While I've only been 17 times to Fantasy Fest since 1999 (and about 30 times to Key West), I have learned a few things through personal experience or from the experience of others (in no particular order):

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Key West is a walking town especially on and around Duval Street so comfortable shoes or sandals are a must. Don't walk downtown in barefeet as the streets are likely to have either debris or glass, etc. that could cut your feet. Also, in the heat, both streets and sidewalks heat up tremendously and you don't want to either burn your feet or have to do an emergency purchase of shoes/sandals from a downtown vendor unless absolutely necessary. Consider having a lightweight/foldable rain poncho for those occasional showers to protect bodypaint or costumes.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Essentials (especially if you plan do to a "Duval Crawl" include: Aleve/Tylenol, antacids, Pepto-Bismol, and or special hangover OTC meds. Also have available at your hotel/B and B some insect repellent, sunscreen, and aloe vera gel or know where the nearest source of these items can be found (Walgreens on Duval is a great source for just about anything from souvenirs to sundries). And be sure to check out my extensive FF travel item checklist also in this site.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you plan to do the beaches, bring a blanket and or chair and some sort of strong UV sun protection. The sun is brutal on skin not normally exposed to this heat and UV's at this latitude. A beach or gear bag works also for carrying around Key West even at night while in costume.

Transportation: During high season or any major event like FF parking can be almost non-existent near Duval Street even if you have a reservation at your Bed and Breakfast, motel/hotel. Don't even think about parking in a resident's zone unless you have specific permission or blocking a driveway/access point as the fine and/or tow bills will be huge. There are parking garages, meters and some free side-street parking but again, Key West parking during Fantasy Fest will be both expensive and extremely limited when Key West's island population swells from 26,000+ to well over 50,000+.

Be cautious driving on the one-way streets and the narrow streets where the Conch Train operates. Watch out for bicycles, pedal cabs, small (silent) electric vehicles, mopeds and of course, pedestrians==tourists & FantasyFesters. Open drinking and walking occurs 24/7 so be careful in all regards with driving and/or walking. Expect detours at times also. Key West, while small and compact in size, has some streets that are both very narrow and have obscured sidewalks/driveways so watch your step--especially at night. Some walkways are not level, some are obstructed, or even have debris of some type. Be extremely careful driving as pedestrians (sometimes intoxicated and/or jaywalking) will walk right out in front of you from previously hidden or obscured areas. Be wary on the streets for bicyclists and people riding scooters/mopeds that may not be careful or skilled in operating them. Finally, it is easy to be distracted while looking at the people and sites of Key West so concentrate on both your driving and your walking. Key West's "Conch Train" & Shuttle Bus operates on both main and side streets so be sure to give it leeway and right of way as it is a very large and long train. Driving into Key West's "new town" at the north end of the island there can be a culture shock after driving the previous 50 miles or so. Key West is modern and developed and always seems to have ongoing renovations/construction. Be cautious of traffic controls, traffic workers, and slow-downs. Don't be in a hurry. Remember, you are on "Island Time" now and the 25,000+ full time residents will appreciate patience as will your additional fellow 50,000+ Fantasy Fest revelers. Traveling along Highway US 1 (aka North Roosevelt Blvd. and at mid-town, Truman Avenue), you will start to see the signs of the Fantasy Fest celebration as many people decorate their homes and businesses in the colors or theme of the event.

2023's theme is “Uniforms and Unicorns" and is the 44th Anniversary of Fantasy Fest and this year runs from Friday, Oct. 20 to Sunday, Oct. 29. Key West during Fantasy Fest is definitely not for the timid or shy and small children should not be downtown after dark (or at all if possible). Bodypaint, nudity and skimpy, sexy/see through clothing rules day and night and is very prevalent especially in the Fantasy Zone on Duval Street! Be aware. New rules for 2022 may be extended (despite lack of enforcement in 2022) so watch for any changes that affect nudity, costumes and events. Nightly confirmed & cancelled costume themes & events--both official and unofficial--can be found on the main Fantasy Fest website at: www.fantasyfest.com and krazykrewe.com

You really should consider costumes for every night for the most interactions and best-fun participation--and expect to be photographed/videotaped in all public areas. If you are camera shy for any reason (work, kids, etc), then wear a mask of some type or some costume disguise. And do get bodypainted for a fun time! I highly recommend Pashur House of Pashur the Bodypainter fame who is not only creative and super-talented but the creator of many official FF posters & advertisements, a long time member of the Krewe de Krazy Life group, and a fun and friendly guy & awesome friend. www.canvasalive.com and tell him Ann TheTravelSlut/Ann TheUltimateCougar referred you but book early.

Refer to the official FF events, activities, & party options here: www.fantasyfest.com/schedule/ Other unofficial events, parties and activities occur regularly around Key West and some are even spontaneous so ask veteran Fantasyfesters for the latest updates on happenings you might enjoy. NOTE: I am usually only at Fantasy Fest from noon on the 1st Saturday until 5 pm on Wednesday.

Some of my favorite parties with the Krewe de Krazy Life that I have experienced since 1999 with nightly gatherings from 7 pm or so at Capt. Tony's Saloon on Greene St. near Duval include: 1st SATURDAY NIGHT-- Little Black Dress Night at Capt. Tony's Saloon. Anything goes but keep it PG on the streets as there are still many tourists and residents prepping for FF and unaware of the quasi-clothing-optional nature of FF. Save the risque fun for the bars and clubs and use common sense to cover up on the street especially while walking from and to your accommodations. SUNDAY NIGHT--Zombie Night (formerly Pirate Night) with the earlybirds of Fantasy Fest getting warmed up at various venues around town and Capt. Tony's has been the place to be the past few years to the point that police have shut down Greene Street near Duval Street to accommodate the overflow. MONDAY NIGHT-- Fetish Night features all those in leather, vinyl, rubber and all types of Fetish and Fantasy wear up to and including bodypaint (which is acceptable any night). It's not uncommon to see 100's (if not 1,000's) of people dressed in leather or latex or some variation for this various parties. Many others parties exist in non-sanctioned venues. Again, Capt. Tony's has a special celebration in their Dungeon side room called Capt. Tony's Rubber Fetish Ball.

MONDAY NIGHT-- Fetish Night features all those in leather, vinyl, rubber and all types of Fetish and Fantasy wear up to and including bodypaint (which is acceptable any night). It's not uncommon to see 100's (if not 1,000's) of people dressed in leather or latex or some variation for this various parties. Many others parties exist in non-sanctioned venues. Again, Capt. Tony's has a special celebration in their Dungeon side room called Capt. Tony's Rubber Fetish Ball. Also, MONDAY is Leather and Fetish costume theme night@ at First Flight (formerly Kelly's) Kinky Karnival. I've attended this leather-fetish party @ Kelly's for many years and this is definitely NOT the place for anyone shy, timid or shocked easily as you will see (or experience) just about everything and anything. Plan to be amazed at what you see, hear or even experience on the streets, in the bars and at the private parties. The costumes and actions of the crowds are often awesome and amazing. Some of the photos in my Flickr Group and some of my YouTube videos only reveal a small aspect of FF happenings.. TUESDAY NIGHT--features the Plaid Party @ Capt. Tony's Saloon and in addition to the other parties throughout Key West. Crowded parties are the norm especially as the week goes on. Be courteous and patient with everything and everyone WEDNESDAY -SUNDAY---refer to both the official FF website events for the latest info as well as the Krewe de Krazy Life website & chat for their concurrent events All the while these official events are occurring, many bars and saloons feature their own party theme and of course, thousands of people flock into the streets and sidewalks of Duval where people-watching takes on a new level. Again, Duval Street becomes an event in itself with thousands of people costumed and as many taking photos or just people watching and cruise ship passengers that happen to be in port during the week sure get an eyeful. The festival has many events that are jam packed (some require tickets or cover charges to access) with costumed people, parties and activities The drive or the flight back home is always a challenge. Between hangovers, crowds, and general dismay about returning to reality, leaving Key West and Fantasy Fest can be tough except for the knowledge that the next Fantasy Fest is less than 360 days away!

Now, for some important DO's AND DON'T's of Fantasy Fest:

Don't wear a mask you can't drink in or see out of. Don't choose a costume you can't use the bathroom in. Don't wear shoes you can't walk in. Walking on streets & sidewalks can be a challenge for some. Do dress sexier than you thought you might initially (but no total nudity in public and if walking from residential areas, consider a cover-up for modesty purposes). Do make sure you have a place to stay before you get too drunk and find yourself under a tree or on a sidewalk. Do realize that the shape or size of your breasts/penis will not change with spray paint (but get body painted!). Don't wear your thong with your leg in the wrong hole. Do trim your private areas within the limits of your costume ...please. Do donate your leftover items to locals who want to enjoy Fantasy Fest as much as the rest of us but often just make room for us. Don't flash the cops. Not cool, not legal. Don't ask the cops to flash you. REALLY not cool. Do understand that just because you are near-naked doesn't mean that others will accept your choice of costume. Don't go out carrying valuable items that you are likely to lose if/when you get drunk--- such as a purse wallet, expensive jewelry or your spouse. Do wrap your money in plastic or a ziplock first if you have nothing to carry it in but your bikini bottoms or sweaty shorts. No one wants to handle sweaty-wet cash. Do know that unoccupied bathrooms will be scarce all week Don't verbally abuse anyone---ever!---- Everyone is there to have a good, laid-back time. Don't be in a hurry---remember you are on (overcrowded) island time Don't step in front of moving parade floats to pick up candy or beads. If you DO take pictures, be polite, patient, and asking 1st if it is OK to take a photo will usually result in a yes answer and you will get a nicer, posed shot or two. Also, have your camera ready to shoot FIRST before you ask. Do exercise some tact and courtesy with the folks working in the bars and cafes. They may be there working their days off for your enjoyment. Drinks take time to create and be served as do meals. Don't tip in beads - service workers don't want or need beads--- tip with cash always---please. Don't ask the female servers to show you their boobs--there are thousands of women on Duval Street dying to show you all that they've got. Don't try to touch, kiss, etc service workers or Fantasy Fest workers or other costumed Fantasyfesters...ever. Unwanted, unexpected touching will create major problems for you. Do carry some info or business card of your hotel/B and B address so someone can help get you home if you need help late at night should you be too intoxicated (over-served). Don't be afraid to dress up. Have an outrageously fun time and tip BIG!.

And here are my online links to all my Fantasy Fest photos, videos, tips, checklists, trip reports, updates, etc:

https://fetlife.com/groups/159141 http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfesters http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfest2022 http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfest2023 https://onlyfans.com/TheUltimateCougar (videos & photos) https://www.reddit.com/r/FantasyFestKeyWest/ https://mewe.com/group/5be9dd519619704267f87e05 https://twitter.com/UltimateCougr https://www.krazykrewe.com/ (currently undergoing maintenance) https://www.tumblr.com/blog/fantasyfestinkeywestflorida

A note on nudity at Fantasy Fest and in Key West from a good friend, FF veteran of many years and a keen Key West observer and historian.

“Nudity is expressly forbidden on the street all the time, as are exposed genitals. KW ordinances say cover must be "opaque" (not sheer) and body paint as a breast cover is allowed in the fantasy zone only during "Fantasy Fest Week" which the KW police have been told by the city to interpret as starting at Midnight Sunday/Monday, and have done so for the past several years. Since the zone is specifically mentioned in the ordinance in conjunction with "Fantasy Fest Week", the zone isn't just the last two days (much as they might like you to think it is). However the "zone" boundary is never defined legally and the actual duration of the "week" has been left vague - it seems to extend for most of the night after the Saturday parade, but not necessarily into Sunday day (a short week LOL).”

That said ... interpretation of these statutes seems to depend on the political environment each year, the individual LEO (law enforcement officer) and the time and place (some events are family oriented) so always have a cover-up handy. Some KW LEOs seem more motivated to be "clothes police" than others. New LEOs from other agencies are imported to supplement the KW officers and Monroe County sheriffs as the week goes on and may have different perspectives so can be very zealous at first, but gradually get jaded. Bar owners have been instructed (and threatened) by a politically motivated FF Committee to self enforce an arbitrary interpretation of the rules that seems to change each year. Most realize this is untenable and not in their best financial interest. It all adds up to a lot of confusion.

Bottom line is that LEO's really don't want to the waste time and paperwork to bust you for nudity unless you are having actual sex in the street. But if they see nudity, they are instructed to correct it and move on. LEOs in KW during FF are only likely to arrest you if you become belligerent, combative or uncooperative and resist their instructions. Even then they go out of their way to exert control with aggressive warnings which reserves manpower for arresting the real troublemakers, rather than reducing their presence on the street by taking the time out to process minor offenses. They concentrate on crowd control, so don't draw a crowd of paparazzi taking pictures of your cleverly costumed nakedness. If your costumes are revealing then learn where the LEOs hang out and avoid them (hint street corners and alleys especially in the 200 and 300 block of Duval). There are a lot less LEOs on the street at the beginning of the week and most are local KW or Monroe County. You may be challenged and told to cover up if you have minimal breast or genital coverings of any kind (or they think you do). These challenges are often arbitrary, confrontational and unpleasant by design to project authority and scare you into compliance. Don't bother to debate or protest .. no matter how unfair you think it is, its unlikely he/she will back down and risk losing control .. just be submissive and do what the LEO tells you, then move on. Don't let them get into your head and spoil your fun. When you are out of their sight, do what you like. Bob & Fran, The Holy HellRaisers

In the meantime, take care, travel safe and have safe fun!

Annie, TheUltimateCougar

#fantasy fest #fantasyfest #fantasyfest2023 #keywest #festival

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gearslips · 2 years

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breaking bad but when jesse puts the bike lock around his own neck in "cat's in the bag" to test whether or not he can use it to restrain krazy-8, he loses the key for it and for the rest of season 1 jesse is wearing a bike lock and pretending that it's for fashion and not because he fucked up.

#darb.txt #breaking bad #idk if this is funny you guys just have to put up w my posting. sorry.

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snackpointcharlie · 2 years

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In a world that's rapidly splintering, Snackpoint Charlie is your audio Krazy Glue. Music from elsewhere and beyond that really ties the room together, every first and third Wednesday from 10pm to midnight on WGXC 90.7 FM and served up as a podcast with a danged smile NOW at https://wavefarm.org/wf/archive/bksvv4

Snackpoint Charlie - Transmission 099 - 2022.09.21 PLAYLIST https://wavefarm.org/wf/archive/bksvv4

1) Hugo Randulv - “1” from RADIO ARKTIS (SAMLADE LJUD FRÅN DEN NORRA POLCIRKELN) [COLLECTED SOUNDS FROM THE ARCTIC CIRCLE] https://discreetmusicgbg.bandcamp.com/album/hugo-randulv-radio-arktis-samlade-ljud-fr-n-den-norra-polcirkeln https://daily.bandcamp.com/scene-report/gothenburg-underground-scene-report

2) Stone Tapes - “Owera Camila” from BRASILIA CASACÁJÁ SESSIONS https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/2022-artist-in-residence

(underbed throughout:) Pinchas Gurevich - “farkchicadas” Pat Methane - “Yugo To Be Kidding” from NEBULOUS GAS ERUPTION

3) Wau Wau Collectif - “Xale (Toubab Dialaw Kids Rhyme)” from MARIAGE https://wauwaucollectif.bandcamp.com/album/mariage

4) Yao Bobby & Simon Grab - “Every Day” from WUM https://lavalavarecords.bandcamp.com/

5) Peter Jefferies and Victoria Singh - “The Space Between” from CECI N'EST PAS UNE FRITE https://almosthalloweentimerecords.bandcamp.com

6) Catherine Graindorge featuring Iggy Pop - “Mud I” from THE DICTATOR https://catherinegraindorge.bandcamp.com/album/the-dictator

7) Fairuz - “Something is Happening” from KIFAK INTA https://wewantsounds.bandcamp.com/merch/fairuz-kifak-inta-lp-deluxe-edition-black-vinyl

8) Karen & Peter - “En Hiver” from AGGRO DOLCE https://cruelnaturerecordings.bandcamp.com

9) Al-Qasar - “Ya Malak (feat. Jello Biafra)” from WHO ARE WE? https://alqasar.bandcamp.com/album/who-are-we

10) Vieux Farka Touré & Khruangbin - “Savanne” from ALI https://khruangbin.bandcamp.com/album/ali

11) Ali Farka Toure - “Tulumba” from NIAFUNKÉ https://www.discogs.com/release/13724217-Ali-Farka-Toure-Niafunk%C3%A9

12) Kaja - “Hanja Miis” from KULDSEST LÄANEST https://www.discogs.com/release/2094671-Kaja-Kuldsest-L%C3%A4%C3%A4nest

13) Bogdan Jankowski - “Radio II” from HIMALAYA AND KARAKORAM • VOICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS • 1971–2003 https://saamleng.bandcamp.com/album/himalaya-and-karakoram-voices-from-the-mountains-1971-2003

14) Primary Mini-Band - “最后の時 (地獄のワルツ) [Last Time (Hell Waltz)]” from KIMAMANAHIBI https://www.discogs.com/master/1600043-Primary-Mini-Band-Kimamanahibi-%E3%81%8D%E3%81%BE%E3%81%BE%E3%81%AA%E3%81%B2%E3%81%B3 https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2022/09/12/first-last-japanese-private-press-vol-6/

15) Allen Ravenstine - “The Longing of Boat Key” from CROSSING DAYLIGHT https://allenravenstine22.bandcamp.com/album/crossing-daylight

16) Z’ev - “(Untitled excerpt from LIGHTNING MUSIC)” from N.A.M.E. GALLERY, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 03.01.86 https://www.discogs.com/release/672129-ZEV-NAME-Gallery-Chicago-Illinois-030186

17) Mirt - “Distant Music from Kathmandu” from SONGS AND PRAYERS FROM THE KATHMANDU VALLEY https://saamleng.bandcamp.com/album/songs-and-prayers-from-the-kathmandu-valley

18) Karen Constance - “?” from ?????? https://bloodstereo.bandcamp.com/album/- https://foxydigitalis.zone/2022/03/24/constance-nyoukis/

19) Yara Asmar - “We Put Her in a Box and Never Spoke of it Again” from HOME RECORDINGS 2018 - 2021 https://yaraasmar.bandcamp.com/album/home-recordings-2018-2021 https://yaraasmar.com/

#snackpointcharliewgxc #snackpointcharlieradio #radioforopenears #hellsdonuthouse #communityradio #freeformradio #outernational #hudsonvalley #globalmusic #worldmusic #globalbeat #wgxcradio #hudsonny #wgxc

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