#the potential to have a really strong debut line up is there

[knize-strachkvas]

so under the influence of local anaesthetics and pretty strong painkillers, i made the very questionable decision to watch fantasy boys. it was a mistake and you're going to suffer with me.

first things first. i dont think the editing is bad? surprisingly it doesn't look like they are trying to evil edit some trainees? which is surprising and it also shows how low the bar is lmao (im looking at you mnet).

the first two eps were okay. they showed a lot of performances without evil editing them that much? i hated the way they made myungjae look incompetent but he was the only one used for the drama value? i think? as i said i was not really focused while i was watching it lol. also the way they sorted them to the grades using the id card was very dramatic and i like the idea

the most questionable thing is the dorm situation. that one trainee saying it look like the squid game room was not far from the truth lmao. them sleeping in one big room is just creepy, especially when they don't really switch the light off during the night in the halls?? i would not be able to fall asleep in such an open space. and them having to spend their free time there? nope NOPE :D

their idea for the visual battle was cool. them knowing only the visual concept and choosing without knowing the song was evil. and the songs seemed equally impactful. whoever chose them did a good job.

now the participants. maybe im just way too old but why does it seems like the majority of the trainees have an extremely huge ego? i know that this is survival show and pretending you are better than you actually are and creating an interesting persona is literally part of their job but boiiiii its so annoying? i have zero interest in stanning a 15yo who thinks they're best at absolutely everything while lacking a basic human decency. idk im just not vibing with this attitude. most of the teams had very bad teamwork bc they are all self-centric and not able to cooperate with the rest of the team. they are all there to become a part of a boy group. that's literally an endless group project where you need to be in close proximity with your teammates 24/7. sounds like hell but as far as i know they all went there willingly.

mentioning annoying participants, it's time for the defenestration team, also known as the participants somebody should throw out of the window as the human garbage they are. the honourable members of this excellent team are the stealer team (except for ivan, ling qi and wooseok) and ksoul. the stealer team is here for obvious reasons. they are a bunch of xenophobic idiots. yes, if you're already debuted idol in korea and you can't speak korean at all - that would be a problem. but neither of the chinese boys was already debuted idols and they still have time to perfect their korean. they were just a bunch of insecure meanies who were jealous that some foreign kids were better than them. and with ksoul. god, i can't stand the kid. well....kid. uhm how old is he really? that's the real question here lmao. anyway, ksoul is an annoying, arrogant and self-centred jerk that does not have an ounce of will to cooperate in his body. that boy is not fit to be in a boy group consisting of 12 members. he needs to be permanently the centre of attention, being the best and not having any competition. having him in a team would be a punishment to the rest of the team.

other trainees i would love to talk about santa and yacht (no i will not call him yaya). wabi sabi what the actual fuck. why. i have so many questions. (ksoul immediately knowing who they are was the only funny thing ksoul did on that show). with santa, i kinda get it. he is good, his skills on the same level as some of the other trainees and there is a potential for him to blend together perfectly. but yacht? he is the oldest here and his skills are lacking in every way possible. i read somewhere that yacht is there just to accompany santa and that sounds about right to me. them leading the global voting even before the 1st ep airing just showed that having a solid fanbase (consisting mainly of bl fans) can do a lot. the ranking was not deserved at ALL, especially yacht's. (would also like to mention that being on a survival show and having to communicate constantly in a language you're not familiar with is hard and all the foreign trainees are brave for going for it. the stealer team situation just proves it. and the fact that they actually show it there is a miracle.)

right now (ep4) this is my top 12. surprisingly, after only 4 episodes, there are a lot of trainees that are a good choice for the debuting team. it's more about not letting the red flags (aka the defenestration team) debut and not giving them more attention than is necessary. top3 caught my attention during 1st episode (i knew junwon from &audition), the rest of them did great during the visual battle, especially jinho, seunghyun and myungjae.

okay that's it for now. can't believe i now need to watch eight (?) more episodes. i love to make myself suffer :))

#fantasy boys #junwon #taeseon #here we go again #i used my delirious yelling i sent to my gc to write this and it shows #i cant believe i made myself watch the whole episodes #the potential to have a really strong debut line up is there #but so are the red flags #the boy wanting to eat the special sendwitch and then being told its another broadcasting station was the best part of the whole show #will be back with update lmao

[pluckyredhead]

Red Hood and the Outlaws #4 (2011)

Back on Lobdell's bullshit!

There had been vague references to Roy being a "screwup" in the first three issues of the book, but this issue confirms that he is, as he was pre-Flashpoint, an addict in recovery. There are two major differences, though: one, his sobriety seems a lot shakier than it was pre-Flashpoint (at least, before Lian's death), and two, he is now an alcoholic, rather than a narcotics addict. Pre-Flashpoint, Roy was regularly shown drinking casually and sometimes even actively drunk (Ollie's bachelor party), and it was never depicted as a problem for him, though Kyle at one point gently teases him about staying away from booze. (Interestingly, Ollie is occasionally depicted as having an unhealthy relationship with alcohol himself, but no line is ever drawn between his potential addiction and Roy's, in any continuity.)

I'm of two minds about the change. On the one hand, though I have a strong attachment to the original "Snowbirds Don't Fly," it was very much commenting on a specific cultural moment, as well as being very deliberately designed to open up conversation about drugs and drug addiction in comic books (prior to "Snowbirds," the depiction of drug use was banned by the Comics Code Authority). There's no reason to stick specifically to heroin, other than tradition. I hate to praise Tom King, and I have quibbles with him giving Roy an addiction to prescription drugs in Heroes in Crisis (if injuries in the field led to Roy's reliance on and then addiction to prescription painkillers, why is he the only superhero to develop an addiction? it should be like a third of them!), but it's a choice that feels very current, the way that heroin felt very current in 1971. (People obviously still do heroin, but you know what I mean.)

Making Roy an alcoholic instead of a heroin addict provides an interesting opportunity to compare the two addictions. Alcoholism is much more culturally accepted (and, you know, legal), easier to hide, and carries far less stigma, both when using and when in recovery. And yet RHATO depicts a Roy who appears to be in greater disgrace with the superhero community than pre-Flashpoint Roy ever was. It would have been interesting to explore the difference in how the two addictions are received, in getting and staying sober, in the dangers of using any substance to excess, even legal and widely accepted ones. A thoughtful writer could have told a really moving story with this change.

Of course, we're talking about Lobdell here, so the change feels completely arbitrary and downright lazy, especially since Lobdell (and King) has a habit of doing zero research and changing things at random. Both the alcoholism and the prescription drug addiction wind up coming across like all addictions are interchangeable, which is...shitty.

But, you know. It could have been good.

On the other hand, here we have the debut of the single best thing about all of RHATO: the Jaybird nickname. Drink it in, friends.

Meanwhile, Kori gets attacked by this guy, Crux:

She's TAMARANEAN. In fact, the word "Tamaranean" is used later on the same page. What a shitshow.

Crux is a human whose parents were killed when a random Tamaranean spaceship hit their car (why were Tamaraneans just cruising by Earth? no idea), so he devoted his life to destroying aliens in general and Tamaraneans in particular, including using alien DNA so he can turn himself into a giant bat-lizard at will.

Meanwhile, the hot lady sheriff turns out to be an Untitled, and she and Jason frisk each other sexily before she turns into a monster and attacks. It's boring.

The issue ends with Roy going to help Kori, who is losing her fight, and Jason facing off against the Untitled. So to sum of the events of the issue, two fights start and Roy calls Jason "Jaybird" for the first time. It's amazing how little story you can tell in when you average like two panels per page!

#jason todd #red hood #roy harper #arsenal #starfire #red hood and the outlaws #rhato reread

[helluvapurf]

*claps* Just finished the newest HB dropped today, lets talk about it! :>

TL;DR version: Found it a... "decent" ride overall (prob among the "better" eps of the S2 lineup so far), though nothing really to write home about compared to other fave eps-

Longer Version: *warning ahead for spoilers*

So, positives out of the way first!

-Striker's back again... and YAY, didn't end up dying after all 🙏😭Was kinda scared with him going against Stolas they were gonna start watering him down to a "mwaha I'm macho~" cliche, but imo he remained pretty competent from start to finish (and even still carried that whole "f*ck the monarchy" attitude towards Goetias while interacting with Stolas (whilst simultaneously working under Stella)... which I really hope the show builds on more for any future appearances down the line)

-M&M themselves got to lead the show in chasing Striker/fighting him (no Blitz or Loona intervention whatsoever), which was also pretty refreshing! 👍 I enjoyed their antics in the Wrath ring and the eventual fight scene itself proved a fairly entertaining one too (*that music change midway though lol*)

-Ngl, I was kinda worried that with Stolas' "damsel" bit it was gonna get old quick... but I'm pleasantly surprised to see the guy actually bite back fairly strong in his own way (both with words and a bit with physical strength too like the stone-stare attempt). And with the inclusion of that "heavenly" rope voiding his powers, it helped offset him feeling too "woobified" compared to past eps .3.

-Blitz and Loona stuck together throughout their visit to the hospital, which proved sweet & funny to watch too ^^. Always nice to see some vulnerable sides in this girl aside from just being moody all the time imo.

-We finally get Andrealphus' canon debut, and he proved to be a fairly decent villain himself too. Being smart enough to recognize the risk in killing off Stolas too quickly (esp. while Via's still his only other heir), and seems to be generally manipulative in steering his sister in the "right" direction (while talking down to her at the same time like a ditzy child), which I'm curious to see played out as well as the season progresses further.

-Bit more of a "minor" point, admittedly... but yay! A Via mention~ 🥺Looks like she'll eventually be more involved in Andre & Stella's plot in the far future, so that'll be interesting to see~ :o

Now... for the negatives? ...Weeeell-

-Stella... just, *sighs*. What more can I say about her that others haven't done so before? 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️While I never really minded her being a bitchy villain tbh, I was expecting at least a little competency written in to her role trying to tear Stolas (+Blitz) apart... but, now? She's... literally just so one-tracked & immature onto wanting Stolas dead (not even reacting to Andre mentioning her daughter during their "plan"), that even her own brother is calling her out of how stupid she's being...? 😐Just... yikes, man...

And like, even all this I wouldn't so much mind if HB was a strictly comedic cartoon/Stella herself was just a one-off threat (like Martha & those old guys from the "Cherub" ep)... but with Stella clearly being framed as the new "big bad" of the series after first calling that hit on Stolas back in "Harvest Moon" (framed all dramatic-like both there and later on in "The Circus")... its otherwise embarrassing that Stella's about as complex as a slice of white bread... 😒😒

(*Heck, if you think about it I don't get why we couldn't have Andrealphus be Stolas' evil ex since he's clearly gonna be given more substance than his sister by the looks of it (esp if those potentially dangerous ice powers of his are any indicator)... but, idk I'm just rambling at this point lol >>*)

-I feel like some of the emotional beats didn't... quite hit as they should've, at points? Like, that last shot of Stolas browsing through his phone messages w/ Blitz seemed like it was trying to address what happened in "Ozzie's" (with Stolas even seeming to respect Blitz' boundaries better while their "deal" is still ongoing)... but then with the sad music playing and Stolas just turning away all sadly at the end, I wasn't sure whether to take that as hopeful or... just angsty, I guess? .-.

-In terms of the humor this time, while def a step-up from the last couple eps... I feel like some of the jokes didn't land as strongly compared to others? Like, for every decent bits like Striker (then later Millie lol) telling off the annoying music band, others like the... erm, "endowed" Striker statue & the karen fight Blitz had at the hospital just felt a bit too... "on-the-nose", I guess? 🤷‍♀️

-While I don't really mind this being a shorter episode, pacing-wise I feel like got a bit rushed at certain points (Like, I'm surprised Andre just kinda randomly showed up right at the first few seconds with how "hyped up" his initial concept was lol). Which could easily be fixed by just tweaking down some of the unnecessary filler bits imo.

#helluva boss #helluva boss spoilers #helluva boss review

[l3tterk]

REVIEW: Whirlybird - Dove is a Pidgeon

Dove is a Pigeon is the debut album by New York/Atlanta based band, Whirlybird.

The group consists of one Avery Milner who serves as lyricist, vocalist and plays guitar, as well as Matthew Hare on bass and PJ McFarlane who is (primarily) on lead guitar.

On this LP, Milner and the group work with long-time collaborator, Matt Mattson of Pendulum Studios, who takes charge of production, engineering and mixing. Finally, this record was mastered by Greg Hendler of Meadowlark Audioworks.

I first found out about this project back in 2020 as they performed as part of a charity live stream hosted by fellow New York/Atlanta based band, Lowertown (who you may recognise as former Dirty Hit signees). At that point, Whirlybird’s discography was fairly small, being comprised of one EP (Hot Flashes) and a series of covers and singles uploaded between Soundcloud and Bandcamp. The set was good, Milner showcased strong vocals and guitar work as well as perseverance through what I understood to be technical difficulties.

What particularly struck me during the set, however, was the newer works that were premiered - songs that later came to be known as “Borough Trash” and “New Bird Call”.  In the weeks and months following this introduction, I delved deeper into the Whirlybird back catalogue, picking out new favourites in “Corner of k and 22nd” and “I’m green (ode to trees)” but all the while still humming the tune to Borough Trash as it soundtracked my own travels to and from the “suburbs”.

It would be another two years before we received a studio version of that song, and during that time, we were treated to a spattering of song ideas on TikTok (in a collection aptly titled “song yard”), a cover of Liz Phair’s “Flower”, two live recordings as part of the “Eat, Dog Eat!” Festival (June 2022) and finally, a short (but very sweet) set of demos titled “Carriage House Sessions”.

After that, we had the rollout to the album that I (soon!) will be reviewing today.

At 8 songs and 31 minutes, this LP is very tight - with little meandering into half-baked ideas, providing a concise showcase of what I believe to be a lot of potential.

We start with “New Bird Call” which, as I mentioned was premiered some time ago. This is a straightforward acoustic opener, both introducing us to, and highlighting Milner’s vocals, which have subtle, old-timey flavour. The tempo ebbs and flows as we move between sections, giving off a distinctly human feel.

What I really enjoyed about the studio version of this older track is that Milner and Mattson opt for a stripped back approach. The instinct in many cases would be to try and build this instrumental up, fleshing out the landscape with extraneous bells and whistles, but there’s a remarkable sense of restraint in the production choices - it’s very honest, and feels as though we can hear all the details of the room in which it was captured. There is even background chatter, which again bolsters the human quality of this song - and speaking of bells and whistles, there’s actually a solitary “bell” sound on this which punctuates the instrumental perfectly. Lyrically, this track sees Milner work in some beautiful poetic lines, with favourites of mine being “Warm wet rain fills my head, tossing, turning inside me” and “the weeping willow decides when tears will fall”.

On “Morning Do”, we pick up the pace a little, introducing shakers and drums. I liked Milner’s doubled vocals - a staple of alternative guitar music.  My only gripe is that I felt it to be a little short, Milner does well to lyrically illustrate how time can often be felt to accelerate when around those we love (so perhaps that was the point of this track), though I would’ve wanted to linger in the moment a bit longer.

As I said earlier, “Borough Trash” has been one of my favourites since I first heard it. There's something about this one that feels bright and nostalgic (not in an overbearing way, though) and it never fails to put me in a better mood. The distortion on the guitar gives the track a nice sense of warmth and the panned slides make for some nice ear candy. In terms of the song’s musical progression, I’m a sucker for major-to-major movements on guitar, so when it goes from A to Am on the refrain/chorus I’m a very happy reviewer. I was grateful that they added the extended outro because it is my favourite part of the song and when the single version omitted it, I was slightly disappointed. Overall, this track is just a solid jam, and my favourite lyric must be "If time makes no sense, then spring forward and fall back again”.

“Reciprocity” was the last single dropped before release day. I really love the tempo shifts in this one - it initially took me out of the experience, but as I kept listening, it grew on me. Lyrically, there’s a real sense of proximity both emotionally and physically, with mentions of “sharing an orange”, “watching tv” and of course… being sick, which I think nicely communicates the depth of the connection Milner describes.

“Bridge under water” This one sees, Milner describe dealing with a flood in one’s residence. There’s a nice swing to this, almost as if we, the listener are bobbing in the water alongside Milner’s possessions. I’m loving the line “I brought a show dog to a gun fight” – suggesting that Milner (or the speaker of the song) was ill equipped to deal with the flood. I’m also a big wordplay fan, so the section that ends in “Water under the bridge” is highly enjoyable.

In the case of track 6, titled “Ghosts in the Garden” I feel as though this is sort of the spiritual successor to “Too Early” off Whirlybird’s first EP, the gurgling low-end on this number has an addictive quality to it, and I love the flashes of distorted guitar – hinting at a stormy, emotionally turbulent mood that contrasts nicely with the steadiness of Milner’s voice.

“Sidewalk” I heard this track as part of the “Eat, Dog Eat!” compilation tape that dropped in 2022. The guitars have an interesting ambling pattern, reminiscent of walking. I like the addition of tambourine and piano - its subtle, but effective, with the piano being so delicate that it but fleetingly catches your attention.

“Hunting song” is a wonderfully penned closer, Milner completes the throughline of bird references that suffuse the record with flying colours. I loved the line “I'll send the cat to go catch your tongue” and the way the instrumental explodes after “Now there’s a moment” is simply wonderful.

Whirlybird have come through with a very respectable record and I hope to hear more in the future!

Listen here:

Apple Music

Spotify

Youtube

#guitar music #new music #whirlybird #atlanta #new york #review #long reads #music #acoustic #indie folk #alternative rock #shoutout #bandcamp #youtube #spotify #apple music #Bandcamp

[kimberlyannharts]

Give it to me straight because its gonna be FOREVER til I can make myself catch up w/ the PR comics… did the Death Ranger end up being cool or interesting in any way? Bc i remember seeing them announced and then never seeing a WORD about this character beyond “and did you know they are nonbinary?”

um........yes and no?

They had a strong start in their debut in Charge to 100, where they were the main villain; they had a decent backstory that explained their species doesn't recognize death like we do and thus couldn't accept the passing of their friend, and then a somewhat morally gray motive in killing and zombifying the modern day Omegas because they believe the team is doing more harm than good in the universe and decided to take matters into their own hands. Of course they're defeated, but as they're already dead, they just exist as a consciousness until their next appearance.

skip ahead to the Darkest Hour event and they were given a body and recruited by Rita to serve Dark Specter, which they did so happily and willingly with no mention of how they previously wanted to SAVE the universe from threats like Dark Specter. (Like, literally, in Charge to 100 they namedrop Dark Specter as one of the threats they have to stop.) They capture the Wild Force Rangers and have a very interesting interaction with Kim until they're called back, beaten by Dark Specter for stepping out of line, and then Rita blasts them away. It's unknown if they're perma-gone or if they'll come back later.

So, like........I'd say Charge to 100 was a good start for them, with potential to flesh them out in further appearances, but Darkest Hour didn't do that. They ended up turning into just another one of Rita's evil mooks, which is a shame, especially if they really are perma-gone now. At this point yeah they're really just carried by their zombie-making gimmick and being non-binary

#transmission #washipink #also i don't think they ever ended up using their axe weapon.

[ohwiseswami]

WARNING: LONG POST.

NCT Wish is the most compelling boy group to debut in awhile and that's no shade to any of these other boy groups. They just have a perfect combination of talent, potential, good production/vision for what they're going to be, charisma, hyung line visuals, and it-factor.

Like when Sion performs he serves in a way that reminds me of Yeonjun. Man dances his ass off and adds his own sense of musicality to every move. His lines are always so precise and his body shape adds to the look of the moves (long ass legs).

When Riku exists, his face card and charisma is unmatched. And he performs like old-school YG idols. Plus, he has that confident idgaf but am grateful for my opportunity vibe (lmao) that is so hard to cultivate in kpop idols. I straight up cannot name a single idol, ever, let alone one that has debuted under SM, that has that type of it factor.

Vocal Line. Their vocal line is solid for 4th/5th gen standards and I can definitely see them improving to the NCT standard. But what they already have with a 19-year-old leading the pack is wild already and covers different tonal ranges (Yushi and Daeyoung for the higher register light and round vocal, respectively; and Ryo and Sion for the lower register light and round vocal, respectively).

Rap Line. Flow-wise rap line is already one of the strongest in SM. Listen, we all know that's not SM's strong suit so it's not a high bar to clear lmao. But even within NCT--with SM's strongest rappers--you can see Wish's rapline's placement. I think Riku and Sakuya are really only second to Mark and Taeyong and we shouldn't even argue this point. Also, Wish's rap line has rule of cool w/Riku fronting which adds a lot. Cherry on top is that, like other SM rap lines, Riku and Sakuya also have pleasant vocals (especially Riku) to go along with their nice rap style.

Dance Line. Dance line is led by one of the most musical and natural dancers I've seen in awhile (Sion). Then there's a lot of young talent in Ryo and a cool/confident-efficient style in Riku. Some might consider Yushi to be one of the best dancers in Wish but--and I say this respectfully--no. (S/n: Respectfully, their dance ranking is like this: Sion, Ryo, Riku, Yushi, [a brick wall] Sakuya, Daeyoung. I think Sakuya's big problem is his taller height making him look a little awkward at times--but that can be overcome with age and practice). A Sion-Ryo-Riku dance line has potential to be one of the better dance lines in their generation (though Ryo will need to grow more since sometimes I notice his small stature physically limits him, and Riku will have to execute every move with the same power and fluidity as he does in killing parts).

Overall Performance Skills. Their overall performance style is energetic and visually interesting, if a bit stiff/awkward sometimes (probably due to nervousness). But one thing I can really appreciate is their stable live vocals while dancing. No one else can do that in the past couple of generations' boy groups and I commend them for that. And they've gotten some really unique choreographies so far that would look stupid if performed by anyone else, yet look nice on them (kind of like some of SHINee's choreos). Lastly on this point, their sound is very appropriate and matches their voices.

Variety/Personalities/Image. As for their variety skills, we haven't seen much from them and SM is obviously pushing certain images on them. Like it's clear what they're going for:

parent-type leader Sion

hot guy/possessor of a single brain cell that sometimes works Riku

complete idol/perfect role model-type Yushi

pure vocal/older brother-type Daeyoung (or Jaehee, whatever they're wanting him to go by)

super baby genius/atheletically gifted Ryo

chaotic maknae Sakuya

Despite the personalities SM is assigning them, their real personalities seem to shine through (which heavily contrasts their assigned roles in the group). This is a good thing. And as they get more experienced, I expect that what seems to be their real personalities will come out more in variety, social media, and interviews (a la TXT). This will do wonders for them because everybody knows that SM's assigned personalities are always boring and patronizing lmao.

The Issue All The Dumb People Have With Them. Now, the elephants in the room: the two 16 year olds and predominantly recent trainees under the NCT brand. Honestly, this doesn't bother me as much as it does other people. I know people want a mature/suave concept but like...that doesn't mean the kids aren't talented? I admit I'd like to see Sion and Riku do something a little more akin to 127 style but what they have so far is actually pretty good and very on brand with 127. Despite the fact that they skew younger, they don't sound too kidz-boppy like when Dream first debuted.

And when it comes to watching their content/you hoes wanting something to thirst after, you can just choose to only pay attention to hyung line lmao. Like the group as a whole is super talented and ready to debut to the world. HOWEVER, to me, clearly Sion-Riku-Yushi catch your attention very easily, with Sion and Riku feeling like damn near generations apart from Sakuya. I've watched some of their variety and Sion and Riku give similar vibes with Sakuya as Taeyong & Doyoung do with Mark & Haechan. And when it's just Sion and Riku, you feel a completely different vibe than when they're with the other members. I like that, so I tend to gravitate toward Sion-Riku (and sometimes Yushi) content.

I find the line of thought that you have to bias every single member weird because it puts people in fucked up positions. You don't have to force yourself to be interested in every member. Of course there's even downsides to that (like people thinking you only like, say, Sion, for his visuals/so you can thirst), but it's not nearly as dire as the other scenario. If you naturally like Sion more, even if it's for a superficial reason, you shouldn't feel bad about being perceived as an akgae. You don't have to want to get to know all the members. Plus, if someone is policing the way you consume your entertainment they're a loser lmao.

Also, that being said, if you're over 18, it's not that you can't find Sakuya/Ryo entertaining. You can obviously think they're talented, funny, etc.

Also want to say that all the people mad at this group for existing because of their ages are moving real weird because half of y'all stan enhypen and also stanned older groups when they had underage maknaes (despite you yourselves being adults at the time). It comes off as hateration.

Then there's the folks mad at them for not being RIIZE lmao. Those people are just weirdos that honestly don't even deserve to be addressed. Like who cares that SungTaro aren't in NCT? They got to debut, didn't they? They're successful, aren't they? And they will probably continue to interact with 127, Way-V, and Dream more than even Wish will lol. You can still ship RIIZE with NCT folks (since that's really what this is about...), calm down.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to Wish and hope SM will give them bangers.

#nct wish #sion #riku #yushi #daeyoung jaehee ryo sakuya

[lotlvision]

Time for a full listen to all the Eesti Laul 2024 songs!

The reveal only gave us snippets of them all so I haven't done a proper ranking yet, so here we go! I'll listen to them all first, then you can find my rankings here!

1. 5miinust & Puuluup - "(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi"

surprising no one, i fucking love this. this is what i want to win. this is what i want to go to malmo. nothing else left such an impact on me from the previews that were shown, and if spotify was still collecting data for my wrapped i assure you this would be my number 1 song. 10/10

2. Anet Vaikmaa - "Serotoniin"

i stand by my original opinion that the artist and the video are giving avril lavigne vibes, though the song isn't quite as rocky as avril. i don't remember my first impression of this one. it's fun enough, i like her voice. it doesn't feel like there's anything special it can pull on for fun staging or costume, so i'm not sure if i'd want it to win, but it's a nice enough song to listen to. 7/10

3. Antsud - "Vetevaim"

as a song, this is not my usual taste. as a potential eurovision entry, i love it. it's weird, it's whimsical, the staging and the costumes and the lighting all have such high huge potentials. i hope they don't just do the band standing around like they have in the music video, i hope they bring the phil is not on fire whiskers and do something insane. this has the potential to be either a huge let down, or be a surprise winner. a hopeful 8/10

4. Brother Apollo - "Bad Boy"

the only other song that got added to my esc '24 playlist from the preview alone. it doesn't take itself too seriously, but the song is still good. i hope they'll take that attitude into the performance, it could be really fun to watch. 8.5/10

5. Carlos Ukareda - "Never Growing Up"

look. the song is fine. i am a swiftie through and through, but if it sounds like it should be on debut it's probably not a eurovision song. for that, a very harsh 5.5/10

6. Cecilia - "FOMO"

this is (very faintly) giving me lights off vibes. i don't hate it. it doesn't stand out to me really as a eurovision song, but it's catchy, it's got a good beat, it's fun to dance to. 7.5/10

7. Daniel Levi - "Over the Moon"

it's a ballad, so i'm not immediately enthralled by it. however, this is a ballad that could grow on me. i think the staging will be beautiful, if the live vocals are polished and everything lines up, this could be a really strong contender. i don't want to admit it, but this is a 9/10

8. Ewert and the Two Dragons - "Hold Me Now"

this gives "dead last in the semi final" vibes, but there's an issue with that. the music video is clearly made up of videos of (what i assume to be) their fans, who've responded to a call from the artist asking for videos of people hugging to be submitted. and if that's the case, then they clearly have a lot of fans, so they'll get a lot of votes.

it's not a eurovision song. it doesn't build, it never really changes, it just feels so damn repetitive. it's boring. 4/10

9. Inga - "No Dog On a Leash"

the music video gives hatari vibes, the artist gives ke$ha vibes. i'm not sure the song is really something that stands out at all, but if the music video is anything to go by then i think the staging will capture people's attention. if her voice sounds good, the song itself might not matter that much. 7/10

10. Ingmar - "Dreaming"

i don't like this song. his voice is good! but the song just feels so boring. it's the usual schtick in a eurovision ballad, there's nothing that makes it stand out, and i just can't pretend there's anything about it that excites me. 5/10

11. Laura - "Here's Where I Draw the Line"

i also don't like this song. and i like it less than ingmar's song. 4.5/10

12. Multikas & Ewert Sundja - "Oblivion"

the opening is unsettling but in a way that makes me quite curious. i do think the song is a little bit underwhelming, personally? the intro really piqued my interest and i don't think the rest of the song holds that, which is a shame. 7/10

13. Nele-Liis Vaiksoo - "Käte ümber jää"

admittedly, the song isn't for me: it's a ballad, no one is surprised by this. objectively, it's a fairly nice song. it doesn't feel special enough to really grow on me though, but it's not bad. and it's actually in estonian, which is always a bonus! 7/10

14. Ollie - "My Friend"

full disclosure, knowing that this is one of the more popular songs - and a real contender for malmo - i am naturally biased against it. i don't want it to win, so i'm probably going to be harsher on it than i have been with the other songs.

it's a darker version of venom, i think. it follows the same sort of structure (which, i have to imagine, is because it's the same artist xD). it's not got the eurovision pizzazz i like, and it's in english rather than estonian, but aside from that i don't think there's anything i can really critique. i will be fair and give it 9/10, but i will not be happy if it wins over (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi

15. Peter Põder - "Korra veel"

i am SO torn about this one. the song itself is pretty plain, the real selling point with it is the visuals. it could be great staging, but i don't think that would be enough to qualify in malmo. also, some of the graphics in the video are really off-putting. the merge from the guy's real face to his edited face is actually quite scary! i think i have to go 6/10 here

16. Silver Jusilo - "Lately"

this is just kind of boring. i don't think there's anything else to say here. 4/10

17. Sofia Rubina - "Be Good"

look, i'm not under any illusions that this is a good song. it's not even a good music video. they just got a bunch of scantily clad women to shake their butts and - for some reason - and american flag. i wrote those sentences with the hopes that there'd be a "but", but there isn't. it's bad. 3/10

18. Traffic - "Wunderbar"

y'know, i'm not quite sure how to feel about this one. it feels like it'll have fun staging, but it's another one that feels more like club music than eurovision. another one that gives me "lights off" vibes. the star in the video gives me vegas sphere vibes - that doesn't really do anything but i thought i'd mention it. 7/10

19. Uudo Sepp & Sarah Murray - "Still Love"

another one that's just a bit too boring for my taste. i don't really have anything else to say, again. the line "you live rent free in my heart" did make me cringe substantially, though. it does feel a bit like they're trying to be "down with the kids". 4.5/10

20. Yonna - "I Don't Know About You"

last but not least! at least, i hope not least.

usual ballad disclaimer. not my kind of thing, but objectively not a bad song. 6.5/10

#eesti laul #eesti laul 2024 #eesti laul 24 #esc 24

[citrus-cactus]

Digimon Ghost Game #45 as a Celebration/Homage to Appmon

As promised, here is a post in which I attempt to detail all of the elements that I noticed in Ghost Game episode 45 that seemed like a reference or allusion to Appmon. Which, let me be clear right now, I do not view as a bad thing. I think it's awesome; a deliberate choice to celebrate Appmon's 6th anniversary and assert (once again!) that Appmon is 100% a main-line Digimon series.

It seems to me that DGG’s showrunners placed several Appmon Easter eggs in this episode, and while I acknowledge that I may be reading a bit too much into it, I wanted to be comprehensive, so you get everything I noticed, no matter how small and possibly coincidental.

This post is going to contain minor spoilers for Appmon episodes 51 & 52, so proceed at your own risk.

First, the obvious. Publimon is apparently a brand-new digimon who is very obviously derived from Reviewmon and Kosomon (both featured most prominently in Appmon episode 11). 

Publimon’s MO (writing news headlines about accidents that take place in the future, and then engineering circumstances around the subjects of those headlines to ensure they become true) and motivation (doing it all for attention/likes/clicks/engagement) was basically that of an Appmon Monster-of-the-Day: a manifestation of real-world technology which, when infected, runs amuck and tampers with humanity’s relationship with that technology (often while drawing parallels to additional real-world issues, including over-reliance on certain apps/computer systems, deepfakes, flame wars, etc.). “Fake news” was a pretty nascent term when Appmon debuted in 2016 and (I don’t think) explicitly inspired any episodes, so it’s interesting that Ghost Game touches on this concept (Hiro to Publimon: “You’re just fabricating events!”). In that way, Ghost Game gets to update the list of human/technology topics that Appmon was so diligent in referencing six years previously.

Some additional (potential) Easter eggs regarding Publimon: although I don’t know anything concrete about how his design and attacks were codified (if it was by Toei/DGG staff or Bandai… presumably the latter), it is also interesting to me that Publimon uses multiple keyboards in a way that is very reminiscent of Rei’s “Double Hack” and “Triple Hack” assists to Hackmon, and the attack in which Publimon enlarges those keyboards and attempts to smash a target between them is reminiscent of Sakusimon’s trap, also from episode 11. 

Is Publimon that much of a walking, talking reference to Appmon 11?

(how meta can you get?)

As @shihalyfie pointed out, this episode aired as close as possible to Appmon’s 1st episode anniversary air date (Oct. 1), and, much how Appmon episode 13 "weaponized" the date of August 1, DGG 45 weaponizes October 1, and has some of its action take place then as well. 

(It is also probably worth mentioning that Appmon #45 did a similar homage to the wider Digimon franchise by having Haru not only admit to playing a Digimon video game, but teaming up with the Agumon from that game! The episode numbering definitely seems like a coincidence given the GG hiatus caused by the Toei hack, but it’s a really fun little bonus that it happened to work out this way!)

Moreover, DGG45 is structured a bit more like an Appmon episode (or really, a large percentage of several other Toei properties/MotD Digimon episodes that are not based primarily around horror). There is a fair bit of time spent with the main characters and the Victims of the Day outside of DGG’s usually-very-tense horror setting, and the horror itself is brief and relatively light, to the point that Ghost Game’s trademark visual cue (edge-of-the-frame color-separation, which usually shows us when DGG’s MotD is exerting a particularly strong influence on their victim) is, as far as I can recall, completely absent... a strong indicator that Ghost Game is intentionally taking a break from its usual format. Not to mention how very important smartphones are...

Once the D-Topics are introduced, the inclusion of a three-idol group is immediately interesting to me as well. Narratively speaking, you only need one celebrity (and, once they chose to focus on idols, would have seemed like a nod to Eri Karan of Appmon regardless). If they had still wanted to write the “cooking competition” aspect that put skydiving as a "punishment" for losing on the table, they could have gotten by with two idols (this would have also worked without needing to bring Ryudamon into the Gammamon/Kiyoshiro dynamic, as well as matching the number of special guest stars they had for this episode—see below). But they went with three, which (aside from giving us more time with Ryudamon!) still seems like a deliberate nod to Appmon. After all, when Eri was shown in her day-to-day idol life with any members of the (comically oversized) AppliYama 470, it was usually Alice and Elena– the three of them are even shown in the epilogue in (new) matching uniforms doing some sort of promotion, so them being a trio is very prominent and is the last image you see of Eri’s life as an idol!

There’s also the fact that the big climax of this episode occurs during a skydiving incident. When Gammamon dove out of the plane and pulled Hiro along with him, I couldn’t help being reminded of Haru’s “it all comes down to this” unassisted jump and accidental freefall that served as the cliffhanger in the penultimate episode. Luckily for both Haru and Hiro, their partners came through!!

Finally, the addition of some Adventure Easter eggs (using FujiTV as a location, and two of D-Topi’s three idols being voiced by none other than AiM [original Mimi] and Mimi’s voice actress from Adventure: —thanks for that tip @digitalgate02!) brings it full circle. With DGG45, you’re actively watching 24 minutes of a Digimon series paying homage to two other ones. Adventure, Appmon, Ghost Game… it’s all one big beautiful franchise, baby!

Thanks for reading!

#digimon ghost game #appmon #appli monsters #the cactus speaks #the cactus watches ghost game #meta

[theninthdoor]

Believe me that the final line up of r u next it’s really bad in therms of fairness and marketing strategy of success.

Hybe had the opportunity to make a balanced /strong /mature/slay girl group. The best of al , the girls had an amazing teamwork and friendship together. They wanted to debut together.

Chanelle, minju, jiwoo, jeemin, youngseo, jihyun, yunah - this would be the line up most of the people wanted and it matched the fairness and balanced we all wanted and they deserved.

As for wonhee - instead of debuting her now because it’s obvious she wasn’t as prepared as the other girls, she had good vocals but she really lacked stage presence because of her short training period and she wasn’t comfortable with cameras yet. Which it’s totally understandable, i don’t hate her but it’s obvious unfair she got to debut unprepared while there were many amazing and well trained people.

I do think that the judges could not debuted her now and keep her as a trainee for their next girl group she would have the necessary time to get comfortable with cameras and improve stage presence because she has high potential to be a great performer and possibly a main vocal.

That’s what got me mad

the company or wtv picked 4 out of the 6 girls, isn't that right?? like, they rigged it "legally", at plain sight 🤡

[127-spring]

since we're at most only two weeks away from having the official line-up for nct's japan unit, i figured i'd share my thoughts on the potential members now before the final lastart episodes air.

sion - he's already confirmed for debut which i'm happy about because he strikes me as very talented, and his (on camera) personality is charming. he's also very much bringing team leader vibes, which would be great except idk how to feel about the japan unit having a korean leader.

yushi - also confirmed for debut, which i'm happy about too! he's a fantastic dancer, and his voice strikes me as different in a pleasing way, but i also agree with some of the critiques he's received about how to improve his vocals. also, i love that he was so happy to meet xiumin that he cried.

jungmin - my favourite of the trainees, he's got wonderful vocals, kills the high notes every time, and i feel like he has really good stage presence. i'm confident he'll make the final line-up.

riku - he really does feel quite blatantly earmarked by sm as the unit's main rapper, but he has the skills to back it up and he always grabs my attention when he performs. i think he's a good fit for nct's general style.

minjae - i really do feel like they're too harsh on him for his dancing when overall he does a good job, and especially considering his vocal skills are so strong. unfortunately i don't think he'll make the line-up, but i am rooting for him.

ryu - i know he'd only been a trainee for two weeks when the show started filming so logically he could probably benefit from more time... but he's also very talented already and has so much potential for further growth. i don't think he has good chances of making it into the group, but i'd like it if he did.

anderson - he's a nice kid (so far as we see on camera, at least) and he's got great enthusiasm for performing. but something about him just doesn't really strike me as ready for debut? i can't explain it. regardless of my opinions, i do think he has good odds of debuting anyway. (and admittedly yeah, it would be pretty fun if the nct canada line doubled.)

kassho - i agree with one of the comments made in his last mission evaluation, he works hard at his role but he doesn't stand out much... tbh i don't tend to remember him, and i feel like he'd benefit from more training.

haruta - like kassho, he doesn't stand out a whole lot, but i do think he's stronger, performance-wise, and he can be striking sometimes. there's still room for a lot of growth in terms of developing an individual performance style, and grabbing more attention during his parts, but he has good potential.

daeyoung - he's definitely got strong vocal skills, and i'm impressed by his ability to keep up with the others given his short training period and having been dropped into the show halfway through. i do suspect sm wanted him to debut from the beginning, hence the big attention on him as soon as he arrived, and he'll probably make the line-up.

heitetsu - look, i agree with a lot of the critiques he's getting, but at this point it's ridiculous, the way he ranks at the bottom every single mission. he's not that bad.

sakuya & ryo - they're both very talented and their 'chewing gum' performance was freaking adorable, but neither of these kiddos should even be thinking about debuting yet. let them live!! unfortunately, sakuya in particular seems likely to make the final line-up...

#nct #nct lastart #i realize everything about the creation of this unit is a fucking mess that's turned a lot of people off engaging with it at all #but let's be real no amount of sm bullshit is gonna make me quit nct at this point #i'm in this neo shit for life #and that includes the new unit #and tbh i do have a lot of confidence in the level of skill displayed by some of these trainees #jungmin and riku in particular i'd be VERY surprised if they didn't make the cut they're very good #and i would hope this unit doesn't exist entirely separately from the rest of nct #the fact that some nct members are getting involved in the trainees' last mission is probably a good sign #i guess we'll just have to wait and see how this last mission plays out! #and by we i mean. me and like. five other people on tumblr. who have any interest in this unit.

[hirocimacruiser]

ARISTO vs SUPRA

go fast or have fun

Aristo vs Supra lap time comparison

ARISTO

1'11'33, 1'11'84, 1'11'84, 1'12'41, 1'11'19

SUPRA

1'11'79, 1'11'95, 1'12'51, 1'16'65, 1'13'00, 1'12'85

After all, the Aristo was faster... I didn't feel like it was when I was driving, but I was able to get a good lap time..." It's a word. "But I think the Supra is better when it comes to the fun of controlling it."

Recently, the surroundings of the car called Aristo are harsh. It is said to be the monster of a sedan with the largest torque of a domestic car.

As the voice grows louder,

I really wanted to confirm its ability.

Driver Takayuki Kinoshita, against Supra Twin Turbo R

And the stage is Tsukuba. Now, the actors are ready.

Text/Takayuki Kinoshita, Photos/Akira Takahashi

"It seems that a terrifyingly fast luxury sedan will be born, and it is said to be a sister car of the Crown." Is it true?

Indeed, in the Japanese automobile market, sporty cars with unparalleled potential are making their debuts one after another. However, even if Japan is a privilege, is it possible to establish a sporty model that belongs to the ultra-luxury car genre? If true, how much performance is hidden? I waited with bated breath for the appearance of the new model.

The engine, which combines an in-line 6-cylinder 3-liter DOHC unit with a two-way turbo, is the heart of a sporty car. It can be said that it is the real thing without any extra value. It exhibits excessive tenacity at low revs, and it blows all the way up to high revs.

An engine that draws a flat curve like NA

In addition to being given characteristics, maneuverability is somewhat

This is based on excellent stability that will not cause bankruptcy. Despite the fact that it has such extreme characteristics wrapped in oblate, it cannot hide the high power performance hidden inside. Although seemingly obedient, once it turns its fangs, it will turn into a ferocious wolf. It exuded an atmosphere similar to the killing that is peculiar to meat-eating animals. In that case, I want to release the chains and let it go wild. I want it to run around thoroughly. It is only natural to be seduced by such impulses. Therefore, there was no hesitation in running this kind of model with saloon characteristics.

Fast or slow? Fun or shrew?

In order to evaluate it, I ran it with Supra's top sporty grade "2.5 Twin Turbo R" on a circuit where there was no room for false intervention.

Aristo: There is something I would like to confirm before making an impression. "The Aristo is better than the Supra.

It was fast!" is the fact. It certainly did quite well on public roads. I feel the outstanding speed with my whole body. There was also the thought of “What if?” However, when it becomes a reality, Aristo's latent strength

I have no choice but to do it. Most likely, when I thought about running it on the circuit, I already had a premonition that Aristo would win. Or perhaps, somewhere in his heart, he was hoping that the refined driving that he experienced on the public road would lead to a lap time. Just making us think that is enough, isn't it? But Aristotle doesn't give up. In a world where there is no excuse for one lap time, the Supra was mercilessly thrown into the dust.

On the backstretch, the speedometer needle was pointing at 170km/h. Despite being a 4-speed AT, which should have a disadvantage in startup acceleration, it slightly exceeds the speed of the Supra. What's more, the four-wheel bench disc with hydraulic servo exerts a braking force approaching that of Gran Turismo in recent years. Therefore, it is possible to push deep into the corner.

The 245/40R16 tires (ADVAN HF-TU Type F), which are one size larger than the front, are overwhelmed by the rear, and will not break easily even at such times. Slightly higher speed than common sense

ARISTO IS DIGITAL AND SUPRA IS ANALOG

Even if you invade while creating a strong front wheel load from the road, you will still be firmly gripping the road surface. That's why you can attack without worrying about it. The grounding of the rear around here is at a high level that is by no means inferior even compared to the recently debuted sporty bike.

Sustainability at the front is similarly high. The responsiveness of the steering is tailored so that it cuts directly. The Piezo TEM S setting works to increase the roll rigidity from the beginning of the turn, so it does not roll more than necessary. As a result, it is possible to obtain handling that responds quickly and a feeling of turning without feeling uneasy.

However, it seems that the front response during cornering is set to be moderately lost, and understeer due to the pushing out of the rear wheels is slight but always occurring. Therefore, even if the throttle is opened roughly, the tail does not get in the way, and this setting allows the car to stand up with a stable tendency. I felt that the reason for the superior time was the excellent stability that allowed us to actively use the brakes and power. However, if you ask whether it is fun to run, the answer is "no" at this point. Because stability outweighs power, the driver doesn't feel like he's in control. There are almost no scenes where the tail sticks out and is pushed down on the counter, and it is driven within the range that does not exceed the performance of the car. Even if you try to force the tail slide and drive hard, the behavior will only become nervous as soon as the tire limit is exceeded. It is even more difficult to determine power drift within the limit

Moreover, the fact that information is transmitted only digitally is a factor that spoils the enjoyment. Steering always maintains the same steering force, so it is difficult to grasp the feel of the tires. Even TEMS, which is effective in ensuring squeezability, does not have a linear roll feeling, leaving a sense of incongruity in sporty runs.

It didn't feel like the car was lapping faster than the Supra.

As for my impression, "It's leaner than the Supra, but it doesn't look too fast." This is similar to the impression felt by the driver.

TWO DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES

In terms of this fun part, on the contrary, the Supra is leading by a large margin. Especially the fans who come from the high controllability near the actual world.

Verticality was overwhelming.

Certainly, the grip limit is inferior to Aristo

However, the flow and convergence of the rear wheels are poignant, and they are conveyed as if they were picked up. that's why,

Feel free to drift even in high-speed corners

All about driving

He clearly communicates his feelings analogically to Wakelists under his control.

To conclude, the Aristo is fast, but that's it, and the Supra is a fun car to drive.

However, the point that I do not feel fun with Aristo,

I have no intention of denying that it was inferior to the Supra's speed for this one shot. each

It's because the personality that can be put in is different.

The Mercedes 300E, BMW M5, which Aristo says is a rival, also cuts down on the fun of swinging at the price of outstanding stability, and even with the Z, which is a competitor of the Supra.

In addition, the control

Emphasis is placed on rollability.

If the concept is divided into the big genre of sporty cars, the concept becomes ambiguous. have a distinct personality

It's a sign of what you're trying to do.

As a means of transportation to safely reach your destination, Aristo is one of the world's highest standards.

become a car. If you want to enjoy the journey,

It's the world of the Supra. "Aristotle

or the Supra's time is slow."

That's what I mean.

PIC CAPTIONS

Aristo's corner link at the second hairpin in Tsukuba. As far as I can see, its behavior is stable and does not make me feel uneasy. Let's call it "quiet" cornering. It is so calm that it sometimes feels lacking in power. On the contrary, it will be a run with plenty of room.

Compared to the corner link of the Aristo, Supra, which also runs in the first hairpin, the behavior is greater. On the contrary, it also gives the impression that the driver is controlling the car and driving it.

#JZS147 #Aristo #Toyota Aristo #JZS147 Aristo #2JZ-GTE #1JZ-GTE #JZA70 #Supra #1JZ-GTE Supra #Supra twin turbo R #JDM

[wakeupfreanz]

Talking about nct, sm is expanding the universe, another trainwreck nct hollywood. Next year, nct Japan new subunit is expected to debut with the 3 new rookies.

Can you do a reading on whether these two unit debut is happening? What about nct127 members? I don't think anyone from that group will get solo. Surprisingly jaehyun solo song did well, even mark too. 🤔

Let's get into it! NCT Hollywood?: Lovers, Temp rev, 8oS. Gemini season, with delays up to August the latest? Gemini is very very strong, maybe on the rarest chance, Sagittarius season. NCT Japan?: March, march, march. Aries season is VERY strong here. If there is delays, expect things to roll up around potentially Taurus or Cancer season. Also possibly the April end of Aries. Emperor, 4oP, QOC. Any more 127 solos up til the end of 2022?: QoW, likely yes. How will NCT hollywood be received?: KnoC rev, Magi, 7oP, KnoP, PoC, 5oC, 3oW. So in just looking at their vibes, they're likely to have an entirely different vibe than the current units around them. They're going to seem a lot more serious and older. This group is going to be composed of a lot of ready made idols, which is its strength and bane in the same breath. Why? Because each provides their strength to the megazord that makes their unit what it is. But the problem is, their initial debut of their talents isn't going to be as impactful initially. It might seem underwhelming from what the public, especially nctzens might expect immediately. Back to the ready made idols comment, these will likely be talented people who have basic-mediocre skills in some aspects and be experts in others. They have the potential to grow but they were picked because it wouldn't be playing build a bear at their current state. Their first debut is going to be a little questionable. Non Koreans in NCT hollywood?: 4oW, QoC. Strong maybe. I feel that the original line up could have consisted of mostly koreans but they may have decided along the way to throw in a mixed race person or a non korean person around the last minute. This is likely to turn out for the best though.

Non asians in NCT hollywood?: World, likely yes? Seems like SM of all companies is going to try the footrace/lane that isn't mainstream. How will NCT Japan be received?: PoC, Star, KnoP, 10oC, 9oC, 8oC. They're likely to start off very strong in the public eye. There might even be a particular member who might have strong air placements who is going to be snatching up attention/eyes left and right. They're going to be having a bit of a noble story, or at least some of the members will. Those who worked their hardest to get in and get through the process to get it done. There will be a majority of members who are permanent in the group and will likely be able to move through and collab with whichever units they're allowed. But there is something strange that may surround them or be in the background. Something like a member who almost crossed the finish line to join the group but they were barred from the public because of controversy surrounding them. Like they managed to lie their past away well enough up until it came back to bite them. Like they could have bullied or scared away other trainees to clear their path for their self perceived "right" to debut. I feel like this person will not make the lineup period. But if they happen to do so, they're going to be turned away and are likely to leave pretty publicly after causing a big stink. Could be something that remains in peoples mouths for a looooong time that helps and really hurts the group in a way. Also, we may see some strange hostility between members, probably not the final lineup, but the group of trainees that were working to make the cut. Only if we're allowed to see their interactions though.

[fayevalcntine]

The whole bridgerton cast is so great and it’s so disappointing to see how crappy the fandom is, and it’s even more disgusting to see how they target their hate to Charithra, because they hate her character for stupid misogynistic/racist reasons. She is extremely talented and I loved her addition to the plot. ( I haven’t read the books but I heard that she had a smaller more passive role in the books) also even though edwina was really harsh to Kate (the half sister comment 👎).

I did really feel for her when she got super upset after Anthony didn’t propose at that dinner and was basically having a panic attack telling Kate that she will try to do and be better. Like my heart just broke for her and you could just see how much pressure she had placed on herself to be the “perfect debutant”. I feel a lot of sympathy for her and as a younger sister myself I feel a strong need to defend her.

I have grown to love Bridgeton (tv series) because of all the wonderfully flawed and complex characters, it sad to see that people don’t appreciate them.

Yeah, I was actually surprised by how tight-knit the cast and crew seem to be when it's lauded as such a big show based on the viewing hours it's managed to rack up on Netflix, but it does make sense given how all the actors either mainly come from a theater background or they're just starting off with it. The fandom in comparison though is wild to even experience from a distance because some of them deliberately make themselves miserable for things that didn't even happen on the show.

I'm not staunchly in support of the half-sister comment either, mainly because I feel like it serves more as a biting remark from Edwina in order to hurt Kate than anything else, and I feel at least the only line I would've definitely changed is that because in the conversation where it's said, it's obvious that Kate and Edwina's relationship has the added facet of Kate almost being like a second parent to Edwina and telling her what she should do with her life while Edwina fights back on that. But yeah, while Edwina never had the specific struggles Kate did I feel like people just acting like she was free to do whatever completely dismiss on the obvious notes throughout the narrative that her behavior and at times "lack of drive" is because she needs to play a role in order to succeed in getting a proposal. Like Kate said, Edwina's had to work twice as hard in order to be a better potential than any of the other debutantes in the ton in order for her behavior to secure the appreciation of society and the attention of possible suitors, which is why when Anthony doesn't propose immediately, Edwina keeps panicking and thinks she must be doing something wrong if she can't secure a proposal from him despite his supposed enthusiasm to get to court her in the beginning. While Kate's struggles in the season have to do with her duty to her family versus her personal desires for Anthony, Edwina's struggles have to do with what she would do as the proper diamond of the season and how to continue having the favoritism of the ton after her mother suffered from their shunning of her and her family. This is why it's significant that Edwina refuses to marry Anthony by the end despite that decision leading to both their families being caught up in a scandal.

#bridgerton #kate sharma #edwina sharma #anon #asks #answered #anonymous #ask

[f1]

AlphaTauri retain Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for the 2023 Formula One season

AlphaTauri retain Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for the 2023 Formula One season... despite a difficult second campaign having failed to score points in his last ten races AlphaTauri have announced that Yuki Tsunoda will stay on for the 2023 season The Japanese driver will enter his third year with the Red Bull sister team  Tsunoda has struggled this year in an underperforming AlphaTauri car He is currently lined up to partner Frenchman Pierre Gasly for the team  By Kieran Lynch For Mailonline Published: 04:07 EDT, 22 September 2022 | Updated: 04:07 EDT, 22 September 2022 AlphaTauri have confirmed that Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda will get a third year with the team as he has been kept on for the 2023 Formula One season.  The 22-year-old joined the Red Bull sister team at the start of 2021 and has scored 43 points in that time, with a best race finish of fourth at last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.  Despite a tough second season, in which he has failed to score a point since May's Spanish Grand Prix, he will get a third year with the Italian outfit. Yuki Tsunoda has been kept on by Red Bull sister AlphaTauri for his third season in F1 Speaking of his new deal, he said: 'I want to say a huge thank you to Red Bull, Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri for continuing to give me the opportunity to drive in F1. 'Having moved to Italy last year, to be closer to the factory, I really feel part of the team and am glad that I get to carry on racing with them in 2023.  'Of course, our 2022 season isn't over yet and we're still pushing hard in the midfield battle, so I'm fully focused on finishing it on a high and then we will look forward to next year.' Team boss Franz Tost added: 'As we've seen since he joined us last year, Yuki is a very talented driver and has improved a lot this season.  Tsunoda has endured a difficult second year in the sport with AlphaTauri underperforming in comparison to last season 'The pace he has shown recently is clear evidence of a steep learning curve, which proves he deserves a seat in F1, and I still expect some strong results from him in the last six races of 2022.  'As I always say, a driver needs at least three years to fully get to grips with Formula 1, so I'm pleased he's been given the time to show his full potential.' Tsunoda started the 2022 season off strongly with three points finishes inside the first six races - with a season best seventh at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Since then though he has failed to score a point, with more experienced team-mate Pierre Gasly scoring 22 points this season in comparison to Tsunoda's 11. The team though have struggled for pace under the new regulations and are currently eighth on 33 points - compared to last year which they scored 142 points and finished sixth. He's currently set to partner Pierre Gasly (left) though the Frenchman is reportedly the source of interest by Alpine who are looking to recruit a replacement for Fernando Alonso The announcement means AlphaTauri currently has a complete line-up for 2023 after revealing back in June that Pierre Gasly would be staying in Faenza. But with Gasly attracting interest from Alpine as a replacement for Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso, Red Bull is known to be exploring options for the second seat at AlphaTauri next year. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko met with 2019 Formula 2 champion Nyck de Vries in Austria last week to discuss a possible drive for 2023 after his impressive display on his debut at the Italian GP. They are said to have given up though on trying to sign IndyCar race winner Colton Herta as he could not obtain a superlicence. Red Bull has made clear it will only release Gasly to Alpine if it has another driver in place to take the seat alongside Tsunoda.  Advertisement Share or comment on this article: AlphaTauri retain Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for the 2023 Formula One season via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

#F1 #AlphaTauri retain Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for the 2023 Formula One season #Formula 1

[lgcxmax]

FUTURE DREAMS S5 • Scenario Solo

Ranking System.

“Where do you see yourself?” 

Max freezes.

He wasn’t sure what to expect when they were called in one by one once more and while he’d somewhat dreaded this moment to come, the mental preparation for it would have never been enough. He exhales a deep sigh, his brows furrowed in self-reflection as his eyes scan across the names of individuals who impressed him, friends he’s trained with for aeons and people he had yet to get to know better to have an actual opinion about them.

He’s not a judgmental nor a competitive person. He’d always believed as long as he was good enough, he didn’t have to think far enough that he was better or worse than someone. Max was fine with being just enough to make the cut, no matter what rank he was on.

Even now- was he on this show to win? Or was he here to go beyond a solo single and actually get into one of the groups whose song he’d been performing for the trainee eval? 

His lips purse before he parts them to reply. “First.” His response is certain, quick and secure but the wobble in his smile as it widens across his lips is present. “Not because I actually think I am but because I want to be. I was average for so long in my life... I finally want to be the best at something,” he admits honestly before lowering his eyes with a bashful smile.

Thinking he had the worst behind him, his heartbeat slows, only to skip when he’s told to pick someone he’d go up against in all three categories. God, how he hated pitching himself against people. Max could make this easily for himself, name Cameron for all three since they’d been pitched up against each other since the trainee eval started and Max had slowly gotten used to the thought it’d be either him or Max.

But that would be untrue. So he decides to be honest, perhaps painfully so.

“For singing I have to name Teddy ( @lgcteddy ). He’s a great vocalist,  his performance had character and soul but I think I can match him in performance. I want to have the same intensity in my performance and I think I could potentially actually keep up with him- even if I’m better at guitar then piano,” he admits with a laugh his hand reaching up to rub nervously at the back of his neck. He could have named Parker ( @lgcparker ). There is no doubt he’s one of the best vocals though and Max is too chicken to name him only to end up losing embarrassingly to his blood’s brother.

“As for rapping... Hyoseop ( @lgchyoseop ) probably? He’s a strong rapper despite being a trainee for such a short time compared to me. I think it’s because I never really focused on a skill but now that I settled for rapping, I want to beat him. I want to learn to be good enough to surpass him.” Somehow it’s easy for him to admit his own short comings and boost those he names instead. Max wonders if it makes him look humble or just like a loser and a fool. 

The last one, he knows for certain, will make him look like an utter fool.

“For dance.... Wookjin ( @lgcwookjin ) . He may have had a blackout but he’s still one of the best dancers I know. We’ve been training together since we got into Legacy, always motivating each other to get better, to work harder, to push further- I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I’m the better rapper but he’s the better dancer and while I’m not blessed with a beautiful singing voice like his, I have my own vocal tone that I can work with. We compliment each other and can push each other to work on our weaknesses at the same time. He’s one of my best friends and definitely someone I consider a person that helped me grow the most in the company.” His exhale is shaky as he concludes. Too emotional- he’s too emotional again. Max really should learn how to control himself better and not be so unapologetically raw.

He can already tell he’s going to regret it. He just hopes they won’t use his words to patch together some dramatic story line of pitching him against a person he’d love to debut side by side with.

#solo: reise muss weitergehen; #lgc:fdscenarios #(chosen ppl are mentioned with one honorary mention uwu)

[enterprisewired]

From Sponge to Success: The Story of Scrub Daddy Shark Tank Pitch

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How many of you have dreamt of starting your own business after seeing pitches on the TV reality show Shark Tank?

The TV show “Shark Tank” in America has helped many people with cool ideas to start their own businesses. It’s had such a big impact that now many young people want to be their own boss instead of working a regular job. One person who did just that is Aaron Krause, who came up with Scrub Daddy. In this article, we’ll talk about how Aaron pitched Scrub Daddy on Shark Tank and how it became really popular after being on the show.

The Scrub Daddy Shark Tank Pitch

The Birth of Scrub Daddy

Before we dive into the pitch itself, let’s understand what Scrub Daddy is. Scrub Daddy is a smiley-faced sponge that changes its texture based on water temperature. When exposed to hot water, it becomes soft, making it ideal for gentle cleaning. In contrast, when exposed to cold water, it becomes firm, perfect for tackling tougher stains and messes. This ingenious product was invented by Aaron Krause, a self-described “serial entrepreneur” who had a history of creating unique cleaning products.

The Shark Tank Pitch

Scrub Daddy made its debut on Season 4, Episode 7 of Shark Tank. Aaron Krause entered the tank seeking a $100,000 investment for a 10% equity stake in his company. As he presented his product, the sharks were immediately intrigued by the smiling sponge that could adapt to different cleaning needs. However, Krause faced some tough questions and negotiations.

Mark Cuban was concerned about Scrub Daddy’s sales and profitability. Lori Greiner, known as the “Queen of QVC,” saw potential in the product and offered Krause a deal of $200,000 for 20% equity. This offer set the stage for a bidding war between the sharks. In the end, Aaron Krause struck a deal with Lori Greiner, accepting her offer of $200,000 for 20% equity.

The Scrub Daddy shark tank pitch showed not only the uniqueness of the product but also Krause’s ability to convey its value to potential investors. With Lori Greiner on board, the journey of Scrub Daddy was about to take a remarkable turn.

Scrub Daddy Before and After Shark Tank

· Pre-Shark Tank Struggles

Before appearing on Shark Tank, Scrub Daddy faced its fair share of challenges. Despite having an innovative product, the company was struggling to gain traction in the market. Sales were inconsistent, and the business needed a substantial infusion of capital to scale up production and marketing efforts.

· Post-Shark Tank Surge

Lori Greiner’s investment and mentorship proved to be a turning point for Scrub Daddy. With her guidance and the exposure gained from Shark Tank, the company experienced an incredible surge in demand. Sales skyrocketed, and Scrub Daddy became a household name in the cleaning industry. It didn’t take long for the product to be featured on QVC, where it became a best-seller.

The unique appeal of the smiling sponge, combined with Lori Greiner’s marketing prowess, propelled Scrub Daddy to new heights. The company expanded its product line to include variations of the original sponge, catering to different cleaning needs and preferences. From scrubbing dishes to cleaning surfaces, Scrub Daddy has become a versatile cleaning brand.

· Beyond the Sponge

Where is Scrub Daddy Today?

· Ongoing Innovation

Scrub Daddy has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new cleaning solutions and accessories to meet the growing needs of consumers. The company’s commitment to creating innovative, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning products has solidified its position in the market.

· A Global Presence

Scrub Daddy’s success isn’t limited to the United States. The brand has expanded its reach globally, making its products available in various countries. Its international presence has been marked by strong partnerships and collaborations, further cementing its reputation as a leading player in the cleaning industry.

· Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Scrub Daddy has received many awards and accolades for its innovative products. These awards validate the quality and effectiveness of their cleaning solutions and serve as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence.

· Giving Back

Scrub Daddy has also shown a commitment to social responsibility. The company has been involved in charitable initiatives and partnerships that aim to make a positive impact on the community and the environment.

Certainly, let’s dive deeper into Scrub Daddy’s journey, its impact on the cleaning industry, and its enduring popularity among consumers.

Industry Disruption

Scrub Daddy’s success story is not just about a quirky sponge; it’s also about how innovation can disrupt traditional industries. Before Scrub Daddy, cleaning sponges were mostly mundane and uninspiring. A smiling sponge that changed texture based on water temperature changed the game altogether. It challenged the status quo and proved that even in a market as traditional as cleaning products, there’s room for innovation and improvement.

The Power of Branding

Scrub Daddy’s success isn’t solely attributed to its innovative product design but also to its branding and marketing efforts. The smiling face of the sponge, along with its eye-catching colors, made it instantly recognizable. The branding conveyed a sense of approachability and friendliness, which resonated with consumers.

The company’s clever tagline, “Change the way you clean,” became a mantra for those who embraced Scrub Daddy. This branding strategy not only helped Scrub Daddy stand out on store shelves but also contributed to its status as a household name.

Lessons from Scrub Daddy’s Journey

Scrub Daddy’s journey through Shark Tank and beyond offers several valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders:

1. Differentiate Your Product: Scrub Daddy’s success began with a unique and differentiating product feature which is the ability to change texture based on water temperature. Entrepreneurs should focus on creating products or services that offer a clear advantage over competitors.

2. Effective Pitching: Aaron Krause’s Shark Tank pitch was interesting because it effectively communicated the value of his product. Entrepreneurs should be prepared to convey the benefits and potential of their offerings to investors or customers.

3. Strategic Partnerships: Lori Greiner’s investment and mentorship played a pivotal role in Scrub Daddy’s success. Building strategic partnerships can provide the expertise, resources, and guidance needed to scale a business.

4. Adapt and Innovate: Scrub Daddy’s ability to adapt and expand its product line shows the importance of innovation and staying responsive to changing consumer needs and preferences.

5. Strong Branding: The branding and marketing efforts behind Scrub Daddy played a big role in creating a recognizable and memorable brand. Entrepreneurs should invest in branding to establish a strong market presence.

6. Sustainability: In an increasingly eco-conscious world, Scrub Daddy’s commitment to eco-friendly cleaning solutions has resonated with environmentally aware consumers. Sustainability can be a key selling point for products and brands.

Conclusion

In the competitive business world, Scrub Daddy’s journey stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through innovation, effective pitching, and strategic partnerships. From its humble beginnings as a unique sponge to becoming a global cleaning brand, Scrub Daddy’s story continues to captivate and motivate entrepreneurs worldwide.

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Marks & Spencer has embarked on an innovative CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) campaign called “Shwopping” to revolutionize the fashion industry’s approach to sustainability. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Shwopping campaign, exploring its origins, goals, impact, and how it has influenced the fashion industry.

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#sharktank #sharks #shark #sharkweek #sharktooth #sharkattack #entrepreneur #sharkteeth #sharkbait #sharkdiving