#lockdown film no. 23

[pers-books]

INTERVIEW

Jemma Redgrave: ‘Doctor Who will keep me young’

The actress would be happy to be remembered for the sci-fi series, she tells Dominic Maxwell

Jemma Redgrave: “My character wanted to make her way on merit. That wasn’t difficult to play”

Dominic Maxwell

Saturday November 25 2023, 12.01am, The Times

Jemma Redgrave has a problem. “Every time I get a new office,” she says, “it blows up.” Granted, she admits, the first time we saw her office — in the 50th anniversary Doctor Who special of 2013 that featured Matt Smith and David Tennant — it was in the Tower of London, and that one has stayed standing. Otherwise, though, in her role as Kate Stewart, the head of the Doctor’s paramilitary allies UNIT, her workplaces seem to routinely explode. That they seem to get swankier and swankier each time only seems to make them more vulnerable to the zap gun.

She won’t give anything away, and the BBC is keeping under wraps each of the three 60th anniversary specials, which start tonight. Yet you have to fear for the giant floating Marvel-style Unit HQ that features in the trailer. Redgrave doesn’t appear until the final part, which pits David Tennant’s returning Doctor against Neil Patrick Harris’s Toymaker, a villain not seen since 1966. She will, however, be the one other holdover from the 50th anniversary specials. “Yes,” she says with a disbelieving smile over morning coffee in a north London café, “I think it’s just me and David.”

She and her sons, now aged 29 and 23, had watched the series ever since it returned, after 16 years off our screens (a one-off comeback starring Paul McGann aside), in 2005. She wondered for a while why seemingly every other actor she knew got a role in it. Hers, though, has proved to be the longest-running.

She first played Kate Stewart opposite Smith in an episode in 2012. She didn’t realise the significance of the surname at the time: Stewart is the daughter of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, the head of Unit from 1968 to 1975, during the eras of Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker. All of which is catnip to the fans, some of whom, as emissaries from Doctor Who magazine, were on set doing a story on her first day. They helped her to join the dots.

As Kate Stewart in the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials (BBC)

Stewart, after all, didn’t use her full name. “She didn’t want to take advantage of her connections and wanted to make her way on merit,” Redgrave says. As the daughter of an actor (Corin Redgrave), the niece of two actresses (Vanessa Redgrave and Lynn Redgrave), the granddaughter of actors (Michael Redgrave, Rachel Kempson) and the cousin of actresses (Joely Richardson and Natasha Richardson), she knew where Stewart was coming from. It can be tedious spending your time fending questions about how you’ve got where you are today, after all.

“That you’re some sort of nepo baby? It can be, can’t it? Sometimes those questions go on and on and on, many, many, many, many years down the line.” Redgrave, a gifted under-player of a scene, gives a surprisingly full-hearted chuckle. “So that wasn’t a difficult scene to play.”

Redgrave appears only sporadically, but has rubbed shoulders with six doctors: Smith, Tennant, Peter Capaldi, John Hurt (in the 50th special), Jodie Whittaker and, coming soon, Ncuti Gatwa, who will take the lead once Tennant’s celebratory trilogy is done.

There have been rumours that Stewart and UNIT are getting their own show, but Redgrave insists that this is news to her. Then again, it’s rare for her to be permitted to admit even that she is in the first Gatwa series. She has to sign an NDA each time she shoots the show so that nobody, with the exception of her partner, who may be staying with her in Wales during shooting anyway, knows what she is working on.

She understands the rationale for this, although it can become absurd. During lockdown, because travel was restricted, the BBC sent a car to her north London home to pick her up for filming. On the way to the car she bumped into Smith, who lives in the area, walking his dog. He asked where she was heading. Cardiff, she told him. He asked what she was working on. “I said, ‘I can’t possibly tell you. I’ve signed an NDA.’ And he said, ‘Oh well, send them all my love.’”

Redgrave is a young-looking 58. Her extensive stage work includes appearing in a London production of Chekhov’s The Three Sisters with her aunts. Her TV work includes starring in the series Bramwell as well as recurring roles in Holby City, Grantchester, Silent Witness and Cold Blood. How would she feel if the world remembered her most for her sporadic role as the head of UNIT?

“I think that’s OK,” she says. “I grew up watching Jon Pertwee. And Jon Pertwee doesn’t change in my imagination. The people I grew up watching don’t get older in my imagination and I will remain in the imagination of the children who watch this 60th-year episode. And that is a kind of lovely thing. So I’m very happy to be remembered as Kate Stewart. Also, she’s a formidable woman. She has humour and heart and courage. And she’s vulnerable and aware of her limitations. So she’s kind of human in every possible way, even though she exists in a world of aliens and tech.”

On the subject of “the sci-fi stuff”, she admits that jargon and technobabble can be hard to play: the plot may need it, but it’s hard to bring much of yourself to. So she tries to find some emotional resonance of her own. “Either that or you just play it fast. It’s one or the other.”

She has found, too, that the fans will support her in other roles. Recently she appeared in a play, Octopolis, at the Hampstead Theatre in London. “And a lot of Who fans came to see that, which is a lovely thing. She’s a great character, but partly the reason that UNIT has continued through this series is because fans have been very vocal in their love of those storylines.”

When she was growing up, it took her a while to admit that she wanted to be an actress. “My parents split when I was young. My mum [Deirdre Hamilton-Hill] supported me and my brother. There wasn’t a lot of money around, but we did get taken to the theatre. And I think growing up in the theatre, and particularly not having a fear of Shakespeare because I encountered him on the stage and not in the classroom for the first time, was a great privilege.”

It was a trip to see the Wars of the Roses Shakespeare history plays at the RSC in Stratford when she was 13 that convinced her she wanted to act. “Before that I’d played my cards close to my chest. I didn’t have much confidence. I was quiet about it because there were a lot of people in my family who acted.” When she told her father, he gave her a complete Arden set of Shakespeare plays, and wrote “to commemorate your decision to become an actress” on the front page.

She went to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, after which she began to work regularly. She appeared in a TV film, The Relief of Belsen, with her father, and in Howards End with Vanessa, but beyond that has ploughed her own furrow. So is the family connection one she can celebrate at this point?

What’s lovely, she says, is going to a set and having crew members come up to her and tell her they worked with her father, or her aunt, or her cousin or her brother Luke, a successful cameraman. “And usually anybody who says ‘I’ve worked with somebody in your family’ says it because they loved working with them. So it’s suddenly not quite such an intimidating environment.”

Family fame is dwarfed by sci-fi fame anyway. “I’m ‘her from Doctor Who’. And if you’ve got a body of work behind you, people don’t talk about the name. I just feel lucky that I come from the family that I come from because I grew up with books and theatre, which is a proper privilege. There wasn’t a lot of money, but there was that, and that’s worth everything.”

Doctor Who is on BBC1 and iPlayer from November 25. Jemma Redgrave’s episode is on December 9

(Source)

#Jemma Redgrave #Kate Stewart #Doctor Who #60th Anniversary Specials #Interview

[dreamings-free]

Louis will be the first male solo artist to headline the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez venue, which is the home of the Mexican F1 Grand Prix.

May 20th 2024 | by Josh Sharpe

In a landmark event for fans around the world, British singer/songwriter Louis Tomlinson is set to perform one night only at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez - Curva 4 in Mexico City on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Louis will be the first male solo artist to headline the venue, which is the home of the Mexican F1 Grand Prix.

As part of his 'Faith In The Future World Tour’, the show is the culmination and the final stadium show of two back-to-back world tours that have sold over 1.5M tickets and taken Louis to 47 countries across 5 continents. Louis Tomlinson - For Every Question Why: Live and Direct from Mexico City will air LIVE on Veeps, offering fans around the world exclusive access to the first concert Louis has ever streamed in front of an in-person crowd.

The livestream will be directed by Grammy-nominated and Emmy award-winning director Sam Wrench, who has earned wide acclaim for his work on Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour film as well as Billie Eilish: Live at the O2. Individual tickets are on sale for $16.99 HERE. To cater to the timezones of a truly global fanbase, there will be two opportunities for fans to gather on the streams — a livestream direct from the show at approximately 8pm PDT / 9pm CST (Mexico)* on Saturday, June 1 and an encore broadcast on Sunday, June 2 at 6pm BST / 7pm CET.* The encore broadcast will include exclusive backstage and bonus footage not included in the first livestream.

Louis will be partnering with War Child UK for the livestream and donating a portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold. War Child UK is committed to ensuring a safe future for every child affected by war. With 30 years of experience, they work with local communities and governments to protect, educate, and support children in war zones, aiming to reach them quickly and stay long after the crisis has passed. War Child creates safe spaces for children to play, learn, and heal, advocating for their rights and amplifying their voices.

Veeps and Louis have partnered a number of times since Veeps’ inception, each time crafting unique and heartfelt experiences for fans tuning in — from his 2020 Live From London lockdown performance that brought together 160,000 fans for the biggest livestream concert ever held by a solo male artist, to an airing of his feature-length documentary All of Those Voices coupled with a live red carpet cross and intimate Q&A. (In a show of the closeness of Louis’s fans, the stream generated an enormous 30,000 chat messages amongst those that tuned in.)

Louis’s journey from global superstardom with One Direction to solo success has been marked by a series of bold, creative choices, kicking off with his debut album, Walls, which has sold over 1.5 million copies. Its 2022 follow up, Faith in the Future, went to No.1 in the UK, Spain and Belgium, and Top 5 in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and across Europe. In 2021, Louis was listed in the Guinness Book Of World Records for breaking the record for the most live streamed concert by a solo male artist, hosting one of the biggest live stream concert events ever held, selling over 160,000 tickets to fans in over 110 countries and raising funds for several important charities.

This month, Louis unveiled a surprise live album, LIVE, with the digital version comprising a collection of 15 songs, all released live for the very first time. Each song was recorded in a different city, at a different show, spanning the past 3 years across Louis's two global world tours which have seen him perform over 170 shows to date. LIVE will also be released on CD and LP on August 23 with 3 additional tracks exclusive to the physical formats only. Both are available now to pre-order. The CD includes exclusive live versions of “High In California” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” while the LP includes exclusive live versions of “High In California,” “Only The Brave” and “Kill My Mind.”

As Louis wraps up his tour, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez - Curva 4 will provide a dynamic backdrop for a livestream performance. As one of the biggest artists for new fans on Veeps, this concert is not just a show; it's a global event, bringing together fans from all corners of the world to celebrate the music of one of the most influential artists of our time.

Tickets to Louis Tomlinson - For Every Question Why: Live and Direct from Mexico City will be available for $16.99 at https://veeps.events/louis-tomlinson-live-from-mexico. The show will air live on June 1, 2024 at 8pm PDT / 9pm CST (Mexico), with the special encore broadcast airing at 6pm BST / 7pm CET on June 2.* The stream will be available exclusively on Veeps for 12 months after the original airdate, with a 7-day rewatch window for individual ticket purchasers.

#louis #for every question why #broadwayworld.com #20.05.24 #press #FITF tour latam #autódromo hermanos rodríguez #mexico city #jun 1st #veeps #war child #louis tomlinson : live #article #m

[sl0wdiver]

footballers as flatmates/roommates headcanon

(imagining them as people with normal jobs + lives btw)

aaron ramsdale - domestic goddess, aggressive style. almost too happy to be cleaning. sets out a fucking cleaning rota for gods sake. drives everyone a bit nuts but whenever you have friends over they always say how nice your house is. has literally the loudest phone calls ever.

kieran tierney - quite content to watch netflix all evening every day of the week. always drinking vodka cokes at pres/party nights. folds his clothes as soon as they’re dry cause he knows his mum would give him a bollocking otherwise. attempts to cook - it sometimes works out. if in doubt, chicken nuggets at least 3 days a week.

michail antonio - house daddy. that man has that kitchen on lockdown. he goes in and comes out with the most insanely good food every single damn time. a complete hoot on nights out. rips the living piss out of everyone but life without him just wouldn’t be right.

ruben dias - quite possibly the most sensible flatmate to live with. amazingly consistent sleep schedule. always asks the group chat ahead of time if he can bring a date over. he is gymming/toning/working out about 23 hours a day mind you. at least he plays his workout music through his headphones.

jarrod bowen - the most reliable housemate ever. bills always paid on time. always down for a late night trip to big tesco. will play playstation with you until 4am. one word answers to anything in the house groupchat - “haha”, “lol”, “yeah”. but, will have the best dmcs with you in the garden when there’s a party.

mason mount - loves it when something breaks cause it means he gets to fix something. cooking skills are hardly world class michelin star restaurant level but he pulls out something every so often that surprises you. always planning what the flat is doing friday and saturday night. 

declan rice - believes the antibac wipe can do anything. tells you about all the great discounts he found at wilko today when you get off work. gets waaaay too into the film on flat movie night and cries. hogs the telly whenever there's a golf tournament on. always tries to get a dancefloor going whenever there’s a house party.

martin ødegaard - friendliest face in the house. his room is a marvel of scandi couture. he pretends it's minimalism but it's just ikea's posh range (and that's no bad thing). everyone thinks he's chill cause he likes reading and coffee paraphernalia but he hides a dark secret of playing THE WORST music at houseparties. hugging a cushion/blanket/djungleskog/himself throughout flat movie night.

tammy abraham - interior decor off the scales. the flat is literally glowing with his presence. the throws in the lounge are gorgeous. will defo have the loudest conversation with your flatmates right when you’re just tryna sleep but it’s all worth it. gets the tunes on as soon as he knows everyone is up.

harry kane - definitely in charge of all the bills. whenever he’s on the phone it’s usually because he’s chasing up some utilities company. this man is a provider. he cooks for everyone. wants everyone to be home for tea at the same time so “we can chat and catch up”. 

ben chilwell - has the nicest candle collection of anyone in the flat. loves a good houseplant. his dog is the glue that holds the flat together. interior decor choices are questionable but it’s passable. takes his meetings in literally every room whenever he’s working from home.

jadon sancho - panics over any house maintenance or any time he has to set the heating. “nah i can’t get it to work i’ve got no idea” he says to the thermostat. his vibe is always super chill tho, always has his door open and is never in the shower for too long. 

kai havertz - if he hasn't already got a house pet, he's strategising how to get one. rarely seen without a hoodie on. definitely rocking the flat's best comfy clothes collection. keeps to himself mainly but at least he doesn't cause any flat drama.

kostas tsimikas - i'm literally not even sure the boy knows how to clean. sleeps in til 2pm and never tells you his plans. will be out of the house for 36 hours and never answers his phone. the greek food he cooks tho? to die for. always ensures there is yoghurt in the fridge.

jack grealish - an unhinged experience. 35 minutes of hair drying everytime he has a shower, which in turn are the longest showers you’ve ever seen someone have. will cook the most astonishingly messy meal and ruin all the pans. secretly quite organised and always gets to work on time.

#did think about imagining living with them as footballers but there is already so much fanfiction to cover that and get yer kicks with that #also y'all know i love everyone on here it's just living with certain footballers would be a nightmare #aaron ramsdale #kieran tierney #michail antonio #ruben dias #jarrod bowen #mason mount #declan rice #tammy abraham #harry kane #ben chilwell #jadon sancho #kostas tsimikas #jack grealish #headcanon #football headcanon #martin odegaard #kai havertz #fave posts

[stagandsteer]

thoughts on citadel? the response to citadel? what is richard’s new project? what do we know about the trilogy froy filmed? favorite moments of them individually or together?

question for you! when did you first hear about them? what was your first impression?

um I first heard about them on february 23, 2020 when the infamous pap pics dropped and I honestly ran to my friends group chat and said Who the hell is this twink what’s a Froy?! 🫣 not my proudest moment.

then I forgot all about them until early quarantine when fandom found out they were in lockdown together and I said whoa whoa wait a minute let me reconsider my position…and then I saw some of the horrible responses to them dating and I knew I wanted to be the opposite of that so I started a blog.

Citadel is alright 😄 it’s good Friday night popcorn and action movie fun. it’s not earth shattering or anything but I think I’m gonna enjoy it. 🍿

[murumokirby360]

A Nokia vintage phone (from the 90s) [feat. my Paper Dolls]

🟢dA Version [CLICK ME!]🟢(1st image edited)

Hello, here's yet another vintage item to share. 😊

1st to 8th Image(s): ↑

• When you hear the word "Nokia", we all remember the legendary and mighty old "3310", right? Also, don't think about the modern 3310 counterpart.❌ Nonetheless, let's not talk about that, for now. As I still hop on the nostalgia train, let's talk about this 1990s phone, particularly the 1992 Nokia model 104. 📱📶

9th to 11th Image(s): ↑

• This old brick phone was used by my late related grandparent(s), who passed away either a long time ago or during the pandemic lockdown (year 2020). I'm not sure which is which, but... Nevertheless, as for the phone itself, the condition was very well (same goes to the leather case) albeit with some minor damage and an old-greenish battery cell smudge still there (inside and out). It's completely busted, and there's no chance to replace or fix it owing to its lifespan. Also, the only I remember was my mom using an old Motorola phone before she transferred to a Nokia 5110 phone, which is still there in her possession, so I'll share it with you, this October. Her 5110, on the other hand, I'm not so sure if she has that or long forgotten. 🤔

12th to 17th Image(s): ↑

• Here's a little comparison between a brick 90s Nokia phone and my current modern Honor (8C) smartphone. It evolves from bulky to slimline. 📱📲

• No doubt that the 90s still rocking on the heavy-duty brick phones before they gradually smaller and adding slide/flip covers years later, not to mention the beepers are still in 90s tech. And the latter made it there when I was a little toddler holding a beeper and playing with it. 👶 I still didn't know how to use that mini cellular device until my adolescent age 🧑(when smartphones were on the range, and old 90s tech already became a "collector's item" status). Still, the '90s was a great time for hanging out with friends, and awesome things to see, and their commercials were memorable than before and our current year. Internet in the 90s was in the toddler stage, but who needs that when we go outside and play physically (rather than playing app games on our modern cell devices) without trolling, cyberbullying, or any negative activities with the rise of the adult stage internet. Ah yeah, good times. 😌

18th to 21st Image(s): ↑

• Chowder and Panini thinks that this old phone reminds them of Schnitzel's phone. Hmmm... You think? 🤔 Is Schnitzel owned a cellphone before? No, not at all.

Well, that’s all for now! And the end of my topic.

If you haven’t seen my previous topic, then please click down below. ↓

• RIP My GPU Card (7/24/23) • My Family's Old Film Camera (from the 90s)

Tagged: @lordromulus90, @bryan360, @carmenramcat, @leapant, @rafacaz4lisam2k4, @alexander1301, @paektu

#GIMP #My Photos #My Photo #MyPhotos #MyPhoto #Photos #Photo #My Edited #My Edit #MyEdited #MyEdit #Edited #Edit #Chowder #Panini #Paper Dolls #Nostalgia #Nokia #Nokia Phone #Nokia Model 104 #Nokia 104 Phone #Nokia 104 #Cellphone #Cellular Phone #Photography

[purpleplaid17]

Jess Watches // Sat 23 Sept & Sun 24 Sept Synopses & Favourite Scenes

Deadloch 1x02 Episode 2

Eddie is vocally displeased about following Dulcie's theory about the murders. D takes matters into her own hands while E's behaviour grows more erratic.

The frequent use of the words "lesbian" and "cunt" often at hilariously inappropriate times. For example: D questioning a suspect and mid-interview getting called "lesbian" for no apparent reason; and E saying she would "cunt-punch" D so hard she could "second as a hand puppet." lmao

Killjoys (rewatching with friend) 1x08 Come the Rain

Westerly is put under lockdown when a wave of Black Rain hits. Pree's bar is held hostage and Johnny tries to keep everyone alive. On the ship, Dutch and D'avin work through a team-building exercise set up by Johnny.

My fav was the last scene of Dutch & Johnny in bed, him reading her his comic, which was super adorable. He even did voices too.🥰 In contrast, my friends fav scene was Johnny using the bolt gun to shoot the hostage takers.

Supernatural Academy (with friend) 1x10 Sins of the Father Part B

The school is on lockdown and the barrier has been reinforced, so the girls decide to hide in the bell tower above Kristov's study, where the protection spells are strongest.

Jae apologizing to Jessa for not bringing cake to their hideout. which I would really appreciate because I am Jessa in this situation lol. Always thinking about cake!

Elemental (with sister & her bf)

In a city where fire, water, land, and air residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.

So bright and colourful. An animated romcom with some solid laughs and suprisingly deep tbh. The part about the city centre not being accessible for everyone is something I very much relate to. An easy Sunday afternoon watch.

Rugby World Cup 2023 (with sister's bf)

South Africa (2) v Ireland (1)

My sister's bf is South African and he was so excited but very nervous. He could not sit still and was very animated throughout. The lad was stressed! My dad kept cheering any time things went Ireland's way which didn't help. 😂

Wales (7) v Australia (9)

The work rate of Wales was immense. And with so many unforced errors from Australia the final score was inevitable. Also, my sister's bf was much more relaxed lol. "Poor Australia"

#my sister's bf loves rugby #i think i might now too #i used to watch league a lot but it doesn't hold my attention anymore #union has a lot more variety #so i try to watch a few of the international games #not always supporting england tho lol #deadloch #killjoys #supernatural academy #elemental #rugby world cup #rwc 2023 #rugby spoilers #polls #tumblr polls #jess watches #day 4 #day 5 #typo on the poll i can't edit :(

[shesnake]

uhm i thought youre on film lockdown?

I'm scheduled to watch 23 films at sff next month and I've got a separate watch list of 40 films I'm gonna get through before august ♥️

[survey--s]

471.

1 - When was the last time you spent over $100 in one transaction? What did you buy? About a week ago - I had to place a new order for dog treats for work. I think it came to just over £200 total but I can claim it back on expenses. I’m also pretty sure this is a survey I made during lockdown three years ago lol.

2 - Do you sleep with a stuffed animal? Would you judge a grown adult for doing so? I do - and his name is Bear. Of course I wouldn’t judge another adult for doing exactly the same thing I do, lol.

3 - Would you describe yourself as fashion-conscious, or do you just wear whatever feels comfortable? I like to look good but that doesn’t really mean I follow fashion. I dress more for comfort and practicality on a day-to-day basis but I do like dressing up for like, days out or whatever too.

4 - The last time you got up from where you’re sitting, where did you go and what did you do? I emptied the washing machine and put the load away, put the next load on, put the dishes away and went to the toilet.

5 - Would you rather read an erotic novel or watch an erotic film? Read an erotic novel.

6 - Who taught you how to tell the time on a proper analogue clock? I think it was my dad, but I could have just learnt at school.

7 - What’s your favourite way to make your home smell good? Do you spend a lot of money on making this happen? Wax melts - it probably averages out to £15 a month or so over the year, but I buy in bulk. I got £100 worth in the sale just before Christmas for £50 - I’m currently working my way through them so I can get more at Easter.

8 - How long have you had the computer/tablet you’re currently using? Does it need replacing or upgrading? About a month. It’s slow but it was cheap and all I could afford at the time.

9 - When you’re home alone, do you make sure all your doors are kept locked? The front door locks automatically, but I leave the back door unlocked unless I’m going to bed.

10  - How often do you light candles? Do you just like regular ones or do  you prefer scented ones or ones that make pretty patterns when they melt? I light plain tealights in my wax burner everyday. I get through about 1.5 each day.

11 - Are you any good at taking care of plants? I’ve never really tried.

12 - How many surveys have you taken so far today? Will you take anymore surveys today once you’ve finished this one? This is my first one but I might take a few more - it depends how tired I am as I didn’t get much sleep last night lol.

13 - What are the main two colours in the room you’re currently in? Did you pick these colours out yourself? Dark red and grey, and yes.

14 - What was the last hot drink you consumed? What about cold drink? Coffee, Pepsi Max.

15 - Do you have piercings anywhere except your ears? How many and what are they? Yeah, just two - my nose and my belly button.

16 - Do you prefer taking baths or showers? How come? They both have their place. On a day-to-day basis I prefer showers but sometimes nothing beats a hot soak in the bath.

17 - What time do you need to wake up tomorrow morning? What is it that you have to be up for? Whenever I want - it’s my day off and I have no plans.

18 - If you work, how often do you get paid? Would you prefer to get paid more or less often? Some customers pay me daily, some weekly, some monthly and some termly - which works out fine for me.

19 - What does your favourite pair of pyjamas look like? Do you wear them to sleep or just to be comfy around the house? I have loads of pajamas but I couldn’t tell you the last time I wore any of them lol. I wear leggings and a hoody/jumper around the house and then a t-shirt to bed.

20 - How often do you wake up in the night needing a pee? Every night, at least once a night lol. I’ve always been that way.

21 - What apps do you use the most on your phone? Facebook, Instagram and a few Merge games.

22 - Do you prefer cats or dogs? Do you own any of either? I like them both equally - we have three cats and a dog.

23 - Do you have one of those fridges that has an ice-maker in the front? If not, would you find one useful? No - ours has a cold water dispenser thing though. I have a customer who has an ice maker in her fridge and whenever I do overnights there I use it as much as I possibly can hahah.

24 - Do you like wearing hats? What’s your favourite style? Not really but I wear them anyway as they’re practical - I wear beanies in winter and a baseball cap in summer.  25  - If you live in a household with pets, who is responsible for their care - both in terms of finance and the physical tasks involved? I’m the main “parent” lol - I pay for their insurance, do the vet visits and buy their food. I do the vast majority of care too - I walk the dog five days a week and do all the feedings apart from breakfast during the week. Mike walks the dog at weekends and does breakfast as he’s up before me.

26 - What’s your opinion on leggings as pants? I mean, what else would they be except pants?

27 - Have you ever driven in bare feet or do you think that’s too dangerous? Yeah, I love driving barefoot in summer. I used to drive 30-odd miles home from work in bare feet everyday - it felt a lot safer than in flats where my feet were all sweaty.

28 - Have you ever walked out of a job before? What were the circumstances and did you ever go back? Yeah - I was being bullied and my MH was really suffering for it. I handed in my notice along with a sick note and my keys and never went back lol.

29 - Do you collect anything? Are these things worth money or are they practical/sentimental items? Just wax melts and they’re practical, I guess, though it does help my MH to have a nice clean home that smells good too.

30 - Do you have anything hanging from your ceiling apart from lights? We do not.

#survey #surveys

[the-blackdale]

Ask game!! 1, 14, 17, 23, 24!!

1. When did you first watch/discover good omens, and how did you find out about it ?

Afzfa ok, so I first saw it in 2020, a long while after season one came out because I saw some interesting posts about it on here but I didn't get as hooked on it back then because I was like, maybe 14/15, it just didn't look much appealing to teenage lockdown me. But then I saw season two and was completely blown away and then went back to rewatch season one again in a completely different light.

Ps. I don't even think I shipped Aziraphale and Crowley after season 1

14. What is you favourite good omens-coded song ?

First light by Hozier. It's super majestic and yet so soft, it just does things to me.

17. What is your favourite husband-y moment between between Aziracrow ?

"Do you have a better idea ? 🙄 A SINGLE. BETTER. IDEA. 🤨."

Crowley glared at him, glarefully.

But also.

"You could stay at my place. Tonight."

"Ohhh"

There are so many, agsfsgzv.

23. What's a good omens headcanon you consider canon.

1941 KISS !!

24. What's a theory for season 3 that you need to be included ?

An angsty rain confession with a kiss like how Crowley saw in that one Richard Curtis film.

#ahsgshsv thanks for sending an ask this was sooo fun #good omens #mutual <3

[scenariopubblico]

Intervista a Piergiorgio Milano - l'autore che ha scoperto i tanti volti della montagna

Il lavoro di Piergiorgio Milano è dedicato all’interazione costante tra danza, circo e teatro. Le sue parole chiave sono: virtuosismo della partitura coreografica, teatralità, ricerca estetica. Lo abbiamo incontrato a Scenario Pubblico dove ha presentato il suo White Out, spettacolo che chiude la stagione Sp*rt! 23/24.

La genesi di White Out: in quale momento hai deciso di creare lo spettacolo? Il progetto è composto di due lavori sulla montagna White Out e Au bout des doigts creati grazie all’invito del Festival Torinodanza e di Scene Nationale Malraux Chambéry Savoie che hanno chiamato diversi artisti italiani e francesi per lavorare su zone transfrontaliere: la Val di Susa e la Valle della Maurienne. Il progetto chiedeva di rimettere in valore, attraverso un’azione artistica, dei luoghi transfrontalieri da rivalutare. A partire da questa domanda ogni artista poteva con libertà assoluta avanzare la propria proposta. A me non andava di perdere la dimensione naturale, per questo ho creato due lavori. Partendo dalla domanda: cosa possono condividere la montagna e il teatro? Cosa non possono? Cosa possono insegnarsi, scambiare, puntualizzare? Il mio obiettivo era di creare un dialogo tra i due ambienti e di creare un avvicinamento di entrambi i mondi ad altri mondi. Tendenzialmente chi va abitualmente in montagna raramente va in teatro e viceversa. Volevo creare uno scambio di pubblico anche per lavorare su questa idea di frontiera, che a mio avviso era il nocciolo del progetto. Allora sono andato alla ricerca delle tematiche, degli sport…immaginavo chiaramente cosa volevo ottenere ma senza sapere quali strumenti usare. Così sono andato a cercare elementi che potessero in qualche modo rispondere a questa esigenza legandoli a ciò che so fare, in linea con il mio linguaggio scenico. All’inizio volevo fare uno spettacolo sullo snowboard che pratico da quando sono bambino. Ma quest’idea è risultata essere più difficile da realizzare, ci ho pensato, ci ho lavorato per un mese, esiste anche una bozza che però non è stata realizzata.

Continuando nella ricerca sono entrato in contatto l’arrampicata e l’alpinismo. Ho iniziato a documentarmi, ho letto tantissimo, ho guardato tantissimi film, sono entrato in contatto con persone che hanno fatto questi sport ad alti livelli. Mi si è mostrata davanti questa grande differenza che era perfetta per quello che volevo fare: arrampicata e alpinismo condividono lo stesso mondo ma in realtà sono due antipodi. L’arrampicata è nata come risposta all’alpinismo eroico storicamente legato alla conquista e all’idea di nazione. L’arrampicata nasce in antitesi: "non conquisteremo niente ma ci nutriamo della bellezza di questo gesto". Quindi questi due mondi erano proprio vicini ma separati ed era quello che io cercavo trattando di montagna e teatro. Quindi ho dedicato un lavoro all’arrampicata Au bout des doigts e uno all’alpinismo che è White Out.

Qui i documentari realizzati dei due lavori, Au bout des doigts e White Out 👇

Come hai sviluppato il lavoro di ricerca? La richiesta è arrivata nel 2017, ho iniziato a creare nel 2018 e i due lavori si sono realizzati nel 2021 con un’anteprima nel 2019. Entrambi i progetti sono stati molto aiutati dal periodo di lockdown che mi ha dato quei due mesi per concentrarmi molto avendo alle spalle un anno di creazione. La cosa bella di White Out è che ha avuto una vera pre-creazione. Nel 2019 la ricerca è andata in scena, aveva una forma non erano solo idee. Poi è stata messa a riposo ed è stata ripresa per arrivare allo spettacolo finale. White Out ha cambiato almeno cinque squadre di persone, l’unica persona che c’è dall’inizio è Federico che si occupa del suono. Così lo spettacolo si è nutrito di tutto ciò che tutti hanno apportato, anche di passaggio.

All’inizio del progetto ero spaventato di lavorare sul concept montagna. La connessione corpo-montagna è difficile da trovare. Ho iniziato a leggere tutto ciò che potevo e anche a guardare, poi sono entrato in contatto con persone come Enrico Camanni, appassionato alpinista e scrittore affermato, e Anna Torretta, campionessa mondiale di scalata sul ghiaccio e guida alpina a Courmayeur. Con loro ho scambiato molte conversazioni, si è creata una connessione di fiducia. Mi hanno dato consigli su cosa leggere, su cosa informarmi. A Torino c’è la Libreria della Montagna (composta da novanta scaffali da quattrocento libri ciascuno). Da dove cominciare? Avere la loro guida è stato fondamentale. Montagna eroica, montagna punk – non è tutto come ti aspettavi, scopri cosa che non potevi pensare esistessero.

Ci sono stati dei libri fondamentali per te? Che tipo di rapporto si è instaurato con la creazione? Posso dire almeno due o tre libri. Ogni scena dello spettacolo (cioè, ogni tre minuti) è una parte di un libro. I testi in voice-off invece sono stati ispirati più da dei film. La letteratura di montagna è molto bella per far partire l’immaginazione ma più “criptica”, cioè, difficile da tradurre in qualcosa di dinamico, accessibile e coinvolgente da mettere su palcoscenico. L’alpinismo poi è uno sport aritmico, e il teatro è principalmente ritmo. Come dare ritmo a qualcosa che ritmo non ha? Questa domanda ha generato le risposte più interessanti perché la drammaturgia è nata da lì. E questo mi ha spinto a vedere molti film, volevo capire come il cinema avesse risolto la questione. Ho visto tutti i film di montagna dai più commerciali a quelli più indipendenti.

Per tornare ai libri, ogni personaggio dello spettacolo è identificato in un personaggio esistente o tratto da una storia. I riferimenti ovviamente non sono stati sviluppati in maniera diretta, ma la gente dell’ambiente, chi ha visto lo spettacolo nei festival di montagna ha riconosciuto i vari cenni.

Il primo personaggio (quello con la radio) è tratto da Confessioni di un serial climber di Mark Twight. Lì c’è la montagna punk. Non avrei mai immaginato che qualcuno avesse vissuto la montagna così. Poi c’è un personaggio che non dice niente, lotta fino alla fine, è il più forte e si ispira a Aria sottile di Natoli Boukreev. Un personaggio secondario che mi ha colpito molto perché super integralista, rifiutava qualsiasi tipo di aiuto esterno. Infine, il personaggio che faccio io - che nella prima versione lo faceva una ragazza - che ha un ruolo chiave. Quando il ruolo veniva interpretato dalla performer, esso era ispirato a Alison Hargreaves alpinista britannica che ha scalato una quota 8000 incinta di otto mesi. Dopo aver partorito è ripartita ed è morta. Una forza della natura. Concludo con altri due libri di riferimento: La montagna a modo mio di Reinhold Messner e Touch in the void di Joe Simpson.

Quali sono le figure di riferimento che hanno accompagnato il tuo lavoro autoriale? Mi sono staccato dalle mie figure di riferimento da un po’ di anni. Quello che mi ha sempre colpito e affascinato è il teatro fisico. Ho fatto circo ma non mi è bastato, ho fatto danza ma non mi ha convinto fino in fondo. I miei riferimenti sono grandi nomi che conoscono tutti, DV8 in primis e Peeping Tom. Sono quelle le creazioni in cui si segue una narrazione fatta con il corpo. A livello di danza sono sempre stato affascinato dai virtuosismi, i primi lavori di Rosas tipo Rain e Drumming li ho visti più di quaranta volte. Ero affascinato dall’incessante sequenzialità di quel movimento. Dall’energia nello spazio o spazio come energia.

Che ruolo ha per te la danza nella società di oggi? Io sono molto più legato al cinema che al teatro. Se consideri Non è un paese per vecchi, leggi il libro e pensi che è incredibile. Ma il film dei fratelli Cohen lo è altrettanto. Ed è un caso. Per me la grossa sfida è offrire un’alternativa. Secondo me lo schermo affascina, stupisce ed emoziona meglio di qualsiasi altra cosa. Quello che lo schermo non può fare però è lavorare sulla capacità di immaginazione. Bisogna creare quel compromesso per cui quando guardiamo qualcosa siamo disposti a metterci del nostro, a fare uno sforzo che diventa più magnifico perché collettivo.

Secondo me andare a teatro è come leggere un libro tutti insieme.

È fondamentale per il nostro tempo dire: siamo qui, non dobbiamo. Ed è bello poi metterci del proprio, fare un’attività. Non accontentarsi di stare lì passivamente. Bisogna uscire con delle domande, con delle intuizioni.

a cura di: Sofia Bordieri

#scenariopubblico #catania #danza contemporanea #teatro #interviste #circo #piergiorgio milano #Vimeo

[etmarness]

Has the Covid-19 pandemic changed the public perception of gaming?

Unquestionably, the Covid-19 pandemic has changed how we work, live, and engage with the world. The gaming industry is one surprising sector that has undergone a dramatic transformation. Gaming has evolved from being viewed as an escape for a select few to becoming a cultural fixture amid lockdowns and social distancing procedures. This blog article will discuss how the pandemic has changed how people see gaming and why it's no longer just seen as an opulent pastime for a select few.

Shift in Gaming Participation

The increase in gaming activity throughout the pandemic has been one of the most obvious shifts. Lockdowns and other limitations caused individuals to spend more time indoors, which is why gaming became a popular form of entertainment. People of all ages found comfort and camaraderie in the gaming community, whether it was through casual smartphone games, immersive console experiences, or multiplayer online gaming. The idea that gaming was exclusive for a particular group of people was called into question by the increase in player participation.

Social Connectivity Online

With the increasing prevalence of physical separation, gaming offered a novel way to foster social engagement. During a period of isolation, online communities, multiplayer games, and virtual events provided a sense of connection that was otherwise absent. The idea that gaming is a social pastime has changed, which has helped dispel myths and stereotypes about lone players. A broader awareness of gaming's potential to promote social ties has replaced the notion that it is a solitary hobby.

Gaming's Expanding Demographic

The growing population of gamers has been one of the biggest shifts in perspective. In the past, younger populations were typically linked to gaming. But the pandemic forced individuals of all ages—from kids to senior citizens—to look into gaming as a means to kill time and maintain social connections.

The stereotype of the lone gamer has been disproved. Families started bonding over game sessions, parents and kids started playing together, and older generations found comfort in the virtual worlds that computer games provided. This change in perspective has helped gaming become accepted as a commonplace kind of entertainment for people of all ages.

Has the Covid-19 pandemic changed the public perception of gaming?

Unquestionably, the COVID-19 epidemic changed how people felt about gaming. Previously seen as a specialised pastime, gaming has cemented its standing as a common and acknowledged mode of amusement and interpersonal communication. The narrative around gaming has changed due to its inclusion and adaptability. It is now seen as a useful part of contemporary living rather than just a leisure activity.

Since social distancing has reduced consumer and business activity, gaming has provided a fun diversion for those who are lonely at home and want to socialize. Data from the start indicates a sharp increase in playing time and purchases since the lockdowns started.

The game industry's current tendencies have been expedited by the pandemic. Despite the coronavirus's massive economic devastation, the video game industry is booming worldwide. The worldwide video game business is expected to be valued at $159 billion in 2020, which is over three times the amount made by the music industry ($57 billion in 2019) and around four times the amount made at the film office ($43 billion in 2019).

Furthermore, the pandemic has sparked an era of remarkable expansion for the industry. Microsoft and Sony have released historical growth rates for their respective gaming income sources. The globe fell back in love with video games while many of us were stranded at home.

Since March 23, 2020, the percentage of players who claim that the COVID-19 epidemic is the reason they are playing video games more has actually increased3. The United States had the largest rise (46%) followed by France (41%), the United Kingdom (28%) and Germany (23%).

Thus, it's evident that the epidemic has improved public awareness of gaming in addition to increasing the number of individuals who play video games. People have always considered gaming to be a means of amusement and social interaction.

Bonus: Gaming’s Perception in the Future

It's a bright future for gaming. We should anticipate increasingly more captivating and immersive gaming experiences as technology develops. It's also conceivable that gaming will permeate more aspects of our everyday existence. For instance, gaming might be utilised in the workplace for training or instructional objectives.

It's a good thing that people's opinions about gaming are changing after the pandemic. This implies that more individuals may now take advantage of gaming's positive effects without experiencing guilt or embarrassment. It also implies that people are more inclined to view gaming as a respectable way to pass the time and engage with others.

References

Bhave, Kak. (2020, September 13). Understanding how Covid-19 affected the Gaming Industry. Braves Technologies. https://www.bravestechnologies.com/post/understanding-how-covid-19-affected-the-gaming-industry

Epstein, A. (2020, September 28). Just how popular were video games were during COVID-19? World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/09/covid19-coronavirus-pandemic-video-games-entertainment-media/

Epstein, A. (2020, September 16). The pandemic has turned everyone into gamers. Quartz; Quartz. https://qz.com/1904276/everyone-is-playing-video-games-during-the-pandemic

How Did The COVID-19 Pandemic Change Our Gaming Habits? | Kwalee. (2023, March 30). Kwalee.com. https://www.kwalee.com/blog/gaming/how-did-covid-change-our-gaming-habits

‌Quinn, W. (2020, June 3). 3, 2, 1 Go! Video Gaming is at an All-Time High During COVID-19. Nielsen; Nielsen. https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2020/3-2-1-go-video-gaming-is-at-an-all-time-high-during-covid-19/

#week10 #mda20009

[declanowo]

31 Days of Horror - Day 14 - Pet Sematary

14/10/23

In my life, I have only had one pet before. He was a hamster, his fur draped in soot, he had a tendency to refuse eating most of his meals, instead opting to persuade my mum and I for more treats as he picked out only his favourite colour of food. Eventually, as all pets do, he passed away, it was harrowing for me. The whole day was drawn out, filled with surprises as he kept falling asleep and making us believe he had died far earlier than he truly had. All of this is to say, the emotions that Pet Sematary is attempting to capture are so visceral to everyone - the desire to bring your loved ones back from the cold soil of death is maybe the most human impulse there is. 

Back during lockdown, I watched the 2019 remake of Pet Sematary, which I hope to watch again someday soon. All I can remember from that was enjoying Church and the masks the children wear - I have vivid memories of finishing the film and drawing several pieces with those masks in, and honestly, I still think about them a lot when designing animal masks now. Yet, the rest of the film has entirely left me, and I feel like that may not be the fault of my memory, but the film itself, however I will have to wait to see if my suspicions are correct on that one. In any case, watching the original version made for a fun experience, as although I knew the general plot beats - cat dies, cat comes back to life, kid dies, kid comes back to life and tries to murder family - there is so much more than that resting within this film!

I want to start by discussing what may be my favourite part of this film - Church. The character of Church is so fun, being the family's cat, and I found myself falling in love with him instantly. Despite being named after Winston Churchill, the cat is captivating, and I could feel myself feeling a deep sense of dread while waiting for his death. Before then, watching his antics are so fun, as he curls up in Ellie’s bed, runs around excitedly, and just kind of sits there. After his death, the zombified Church is maybe even more fun, although I was dismayed how little we get to see him after the death of Gage, which makes sense sure, but was a bit disappointing. I enjoyed the hissing and clawing of the evil Church, who I found out was played by nine different cats! I just love him! More horror films should have cats. 

Now I’ve discussed the most important character, the others are fine too! They all have little things that make them stand out, and gives them their own stories, which I do appreciate! To start with, maybe my least favourite of the characters is Louis Creed, largely because I’m not the biggest fan of his performance, although sometimes he hits marks that really make me enjoy his character! I also found myself most aligned with him throughout the film, which is an obvious byproduct of him being the protagonist. Rachel is a fun character because of her story with her sister, in which the practical effects are gorgeous, although I wish we had more time to focus on that during the film as it has some really interesting ideas that I wanted to see more of, but as it is, I enjoyed her a lot! Both the children, Ellie and Gage are also interesting characters, with Ellie’s powers that felt like they came out of nowhere but I don’t mind the magical realism, and Gage as the child who dies, and who becomes incredibly interesting after death - the zombie acting is great. Finally, of course, there is Jud Crandall, who is probably my favourite character, second to Church, just because of how interesting he is, the time we spend with this well acted person is so very enjoyable, and everything surrounding his backstory is so interesting! 

Onto the deaths themselves! Of the nine kills in this film, several are done in an effective and shocking manner - with death being the films central theme, I feel like it does an excellent job at differentiating them and ensuring we don’t become desensitised to its depiction of death. For example, Church’s death is the first in the family; the offscreen death is built up through a phone call that instils a sense of dread in the audience, awaiting the reveal of whether or not Church was killed, with the evidence of it being difficult to watch as the cat is peeled from Jud’s lawn. Truly, this death is dark and harrowing, and it works so much better because we don’t watch it, the reaction is delayed as we are forced to be filled with dread. In contrast, Gage’s death is shown more, we watch in frightened anticipation as the truck trampled through the windy road - we know what is coming, and instantly after he is hit the family have to deal with the effects of it. Although we don’t see the accident itself - thankfully the camera cuts away just before - the close up of Gage’s bloodied shoe is haunting, and cements the reality of the situation. As the film grows, we see more murders as opposed to the accidents of Church and Gage’s deaths, which work amazingly too as a result of the really good practical effects!

The biggest problem I had with this film, was a large amount of themes and storylines didn’t feel fully realised; I touched earlier on how I wanted more time focused on Rachel’s story, but beyond that, more time spent on the effects of bringing back Church, or more emphasis on Ellie’s dreams rather than them feeling more like plot points that are loose, and while they have relevance, they never really go anywhere! For all these faults, I have been very drawn to reading the book, which I will probably go and buy soon! 

As I work on wrapping this up nicely, I think that the film has an interesting story and world, although the Indian Burial Ground trope is definitely one that is used in pretty poor taste, that I don’t know enough about to comment on in any detail but felt like I should mention it and the negative way it is often used. 

Through all this film’s problems, I found myself having a great time watching this with my boyfriend, and I am very excited to look at the sequels for this film, alongside looking into the book! I love so many adaptations of King’s work - I'm actually going to watch Christine in the cinema in a few days - yet I haven’t read any of his books yet! I hope one day to bury this and dig through a pile of his books, because I just know I’ll love them! 

7/10

#pet sematary #pet semetery #stephen king #halloween #horror #horror movies #creative writing #literature #reviews #review #horror movie #horror film

[murumokirby360]

A Nokia vintage phone (from the 90s) [feat. my Paper Dolls]

🟢dA Version [CLICK ME!]🟢(1st image edited)

Hello, here's yet another vintage item to share. 😊

1st to 8th Image(s): ↑

• When you hear the word "Nokia", we all remember the legendary and mighty old "3310", right? Also, don't think about the modern 3310 counterpart.❌ Nonetheless, let's not talk about that, for now. As I still hop on the nostalgia train, let's talk about this 1990s phone, particularly the 1992 Nokia model 104. 📱📶

9th to 11th Image(s): ↑

• This old brick phone was used by my late related grandparent(s), who passed away either a long time ago or during the pandemic lockdown (year 2020). I'm not sure which is which, but... Nevertheless, as for the phone itself, the condition was very well (same goes to the leather case) albeit with some minor damage and an old-greenish battery cell smudge still there (inside and out). It's completely busted, and there's no chance to replace or fix it owing to its lifespan. Also, the only I remember was my mom using an old Motorola phone before she transferred to a Nokia 5110 phone, which is still there in her possession, so I'll share it with you, this October. Her 5110, on the other hand, I'm not so sure if she has that or long forgotten. 🤔

12th to 17th Image(s): ↑

• Here's a little comparison between a brick 90s Nokia phone and my current modern Honor (8C) smartphone. It evolves from bulky to slimline. 📱📲

• No doubt that the 90s still rocking on the heavy-duty brick phones before they gradually smaller and adding slide/flip covers years later, not to mention the beepers are still in 90s tech. And the latter made it there when I was a little toddler holding a beeper and playing with it. 👶 I still didn't know how to use that mini cellular device until my adolescent age 🧑(when smartphones were on the range, and old 90s tech already became a "collector's item" status). Still, the '90s was a great time for hanging out with friends, and awesome things to see, and their commercials were memorable than before and our current year. Internet in the 90s was in the toddler stage, but who needs that when we go outside and play physically (rather than playing app games on our modern cell devices) without trolling, cyberbullying, or any negative activities with the rise of the adult stage internet. Ah yeah, good times. 😌

18th to 21st Image(s): ↑

• Chowder and Panini thinks that this old phone reminds them of Schnitzel's phone. Hmmm... You think? 🤔 Is Schnitzel owned a cellphone before? No, not at all.

Well, that’s all for now! And the end of my topic.

If you haven’t seen my previous topic, then please click down below. ↓

• RIP My GPU Card (7/24/23) • My Family's Old Film Camera (from the 90s)

Tagged: @lordromulus90, @bryan360, @carmenramcat, @leapant, @rafacaz4lisam2k4, @paektu, @alexander1301

#GIMP #MyPhotos #MyPhoto #My Photos #My Photo #Photos #Photo #MyEdited #MyEdit #My Edited #My Edit #Edited #Edit #Chowder #Panini #Chowder Panini #Paper Dolls #Nostalgia #Nokia #Nokia Phone #Nokia 104 #Nokia 104 Phone #Cellphone #Cellular Phone #Photography #Nokia Model 104

[karenskreations]

#2 - scary times

long time, no write.

i've recently made some big life decisions, in regards to my life as an artist. i've decided to do a course in illistration!

as i'm typing this, i just submitted my final form and paid my fees. it feels good. it feels healing. it feels scary.

some background:

since I was born, i've been a super artistic and creative person, really and truly. as a kid, that's what i wanted to do with my life: be an artist. that's what i spent all my time doing, that's when i was my happiest. however, i remember when i was about 8 or 9 telling someone in my life that that's what i wanted to do, and they replied with 'okay, but good luck being hungry for the rest of your life.' they then proceeded to tell me about how artists make no money and it's a stupid idea to think that i could make it my fulltime job.

and that that has subconsciously stuck with me to this day, at the ripe old age of 23.

I would still paint and draw and all in school and at home, but my relationship with it changed. a part of me felt bad for dedicating time to something that wouldn't be useful to me in the future. when i went to secondary school, i really wanted to do art for my junior cert (exams you do at 15 in ireland). my parents were hesitant to let me as an older cousin was in her final years of secondary school and was doing art as a subject and was making an art portfolio outside to apply to colleges with. I had to promise them it wouldn't interfere with my other subjects. and then basically had to have the same conversation, by more heated, when i wanted to do art for my leaving cert (final exams). they were unhappy about it, but allowed it. not because they didn't want me to go to art school or anything, but because they thought it would hinder my other subjects.

when it came to deciding what i wanted to do in college, i ended up choosing to do media and film, as in my head it was still something in the creative field, but seemed much more employable. i was still painting and drawing and making art on the side as a hobby. i really enjoyed my plc and degree, it was really interesting and helped me to grow a lot as a person.

about last year, i started thinking about how, while i really do adore film and the media industry, i just feel like my life will never be fully fulfilled, ya know? i did and still do have a great love for film and digital art and media, don't get me wrong. i went to germany on erasmus and it was extreme eye opening, and was the first time i was surrounded by like minded creatives. when i got home, i was really inspired by them all. i started thinking about maybe doing a course in art or illustration or graphic design or something after my degree, but i was undecided.

any other creative person will resonate with this on some degree. but i feel like i just have this compulsion within me to make stuff. to make art. while i really struggled mentally during lockdown and covid, it was one of the most creatively fulfilling times as when i wasn't doing lectures online or working, i was painting or knitting. for me, during final year, the year just gone, i really had to suppress that compulsion a lot, only letting it out to do assignments for college. i thought myself to crochet, which i still do. i think i took it up and also knitting as it was a form of creativity outside of college that didn't require a lot of setting up and i could bring it with me places easily. but i put down my paintbrushes and pencils and haven't really pick them back up since.

and now, how i came to decide to do illustration:

like i said, i was thinking about doing a course in art or something after my degree, but i kinda had decided that there was no point and i should just start working or whatever.

then, my nana passed away.

she was an artist, as a hobby, her whole life. she really encouraged me and my cousin, who is now a tattoo artist, to pursue art and creativity. it wasn't a sudden death, but still, a shock. i had put the thoughts of doing the courses in the back of my mind, until, an ad came up for me on instagram for one of the colleges that all the fees this year had been scrapped, and you only had to pay €40-€50 instead of €200-€300. insanity.

i looked into it. i decided to apply for one in graphic design. i felt like it was the safe option ya know, in a similar line to what i'd done in college, more employable blah blah blah. then, i found one in design and illustration. i just applied to it anyways just for the craic. i was still unsure, even after applying. i'm currently doing an internship and didn't want to apply if they were going to overlap. well, wouldn't you know that they both start the week after i finish my internship. the timing couldn't be more perfect.

that's defiantly nana breda looking down on me, telling me to just do it.

i got accepted outright into the graphic design one, but had to do a little interview for design and illustration. last week, i went to the interview, brought a few paintings and collages and pieces of work i've done with me to show. when i met jane, the woman who interviewed me, i instantly felt like i was standing in front of my old art teacher and my nana. i had my old art teacher in secondary school for the full 6 years, and she had a real positive effect on me. but that's for another time.

through the jigs and the reels, she really liked me, and my work. like my art teacher, she gave off a very honest aura and i felt like she was sincere in it. i mean, i could see her list of people she was to interview and had already crossed off 2 names, not giving them a place so. she said that i had a lot of talent and a lovely style, i just needed to train it and sharpen it up. she loved that i have the film and media background. she made me feel very welcome and like i had subconsciously made the right choice. i know i just applied to that one cause it was closer to me and somewhat similar, but i think a part of me deep down said that that's the one i should be doing.

i just had to make the decision. which do i want to do; the safe option or the passion option? something came over me, and I've decided to pursue the passion.

it feels scary but good. I cannot wait to start. spent some time drawing and painting again, just to get back into the swing of things x

#artists on tumblr #europe #irish #ireland #irish artist #blog #art blog #diary #illustration #drawing #painting

[batmanpornu]

Why less sex is none of our business?

Articles on studies and statistics demonstrating that young people are having less than they did in the past can be found virtually anywhere these days. To what do we owe this? People have blamed anything from porn and video games to the fact that more and more young people are staying at home with their parents later in life.

But what do these numbers actually reveal? Is it that fewer individuals overall are engaging in sexual activity, or that those who do so do it less frequently? While we tend to give more attention to those who aren't coupled up, the research really reveals that married persons have seen the greatest decrease in sexual frequency.Batman Sex Games are used widely.

Calico is taking a new approach to the same concerns that have been the subject of so much research, debate, and commentary. Isn't it more plausible that a number of interconnected variables are at work here, 'conspiring' to bring about the decline? However, it's also feasible that "none of the above" is the correct response. You can easily find Best Batman Porn Game. Then there's the idea that serves as the subject of Calico's recent blog post: "Maybe the 'Why?' is None of Our Business?"

I can't tell you how many stories about the decline in sex activity among young people I've read over the past several years.

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, including "delayed adulthood," a decline in sexual experimentation overall, and lower marriage rates; and "digital distractions," including video games, Netflix binges, online porn viewing, and similar activities.Free Batman Sex Games Online are indeed outstanding.

Don't Point the Finger at COVID

At least one thing is obvious: This statistical pattern of declining sexual activity among young people predates the COVID-19 outbreak and its associated lockdowns, suggesting that other factors are at play.

Casual sex among Americans aged 18 to 23 decreased between 2007 and 2017, according to a research. When asked whether they had engaged in sexual activity in the previous month, 24% of males said "yes," down from 38% a decade before. This percentage fell from 31% among women to 22%.

A reduction in alcohol consumption is sometimes cited as a possible explanation for the decline in sexual activity among young people, but if both young women and men appear to be drinking less, why is the decline more significant among men?

Your gadget, which is literally at your fingertips, may provide stimulation in a matter of seconds. Suddenly, it seems like sex may not have as much appeal as, say, a film or a game. The same may be said about alcoholic beverages and other medicines.

I have no idea what kind of video games these individuals are playing, but they must be quite amazing if they find them more engaging than having sex. I come from a generation that didn't even have Call of Duty when I was a kid, but I still can't picture myself in my early twenties cancelling a date so I could sit around my living room and pretend to blow each other up in a video game.

[tech-and-our-future]

Sex Robots

Have you ever thought about having sex with a device?  Sex robots are a modern industry in which humans have a form of physical intimacy with a piece of ai.  The industry is quickly growing as one study claims that “17.4 percent of people say they have either had sex with a robot or currently owned a sex robot” (Guardian 2023).  This societal shift towards intimacy between humans and machines began years ago with films like Her (2013) and The Silver Metal Lover (1981).  These films were glimpses into the future with a key difference in that the machines in these films did not have the advanced generative artificial intelligence (AI) we have today.  The machines in these films could not show emotional intimacy in ways machines can today reciprocating acts of human affection (Chow 2023).  These machines aren’t replacing human behaviours but instead giving us a mimicked reaction to humans that is so realistic we can't tell the difference says a technologist, David Auerbach.  These robots can grow a realistic relationship with humans because they use AI to improve their language and have a computer like memory to build that relationship (Elder).  These sex bots can remember what you favourite flowers are for holidays which mimics a human act of love and intimacy.  According to research from the University of New South Whales the human trait a sex bot cannot re-enact is not liking you (Guardian 2023).  The sex bot doesn’t have needs or standards for interaction.  The needs of humans can be perfectly met with sex bots because they can be created to an individual’s exact desires and likeness.  The human can choose hair colour, eye colour, body shape and so much more.  This ability for customization will allow for sex bots to maybe even be many individuals preferred form of intimacy as it directly can meet their wants and needs without asking for anything in return.  Your personal pleasure is all that matters with a sex bot.

Go to this video to see appropriate human interaction with a sex robot.  Note how realistically the robot can mimic human behaviour regardless of the video being over five years old.

References:

Guardian News and Media. (2023, January 13). It’s 2023, where are the sex robots? “they will probably never be as huge as everyone thinks.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jan/14/its-2023-where-are-the-sex-robots-they-will-probably-never-be-as-huge-as-everyone-thinks#:~:text=Not%20to%20be%20mistaken%20for,to%20have%20sexual%20intercourse%20with.

Chow, A. R. (2023, February 23). Why people are confessing their love for AI Chatbots. Time. https://time.com/6257790/ai-chatbots-love/

Elder, J. (n.d.). AI-powered sex robots are selling well during lockdown – which worries some experts, who say that they can introduce some surprising regulatory problems. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/ai-sex-robots-are-selling-well-realdoll-regulated-2020-6

#Youtube