I feel like at least several times a month, I have a random insane revitalization of my love for The Smiths. Not that I ever stop loving them, but I'll listen to some song and then suddenly fall into this pit of just deep, intense love for their music again where I can't stop listening to their music on repeat and watching live performances and looking at pics like AAAAAHHHHHH WHY IS THEIR MUSIC SO GOOOD?????? WHY IS IT PERFECT?????? WHY WERE THEY SO GENDER???????

(songs I am feeling intense brainrot over rn in case you're curious: "I Want The One I Can't Have(live)", "Stretch Out and Wait(live)", "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby", "Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others(demo)", "What She Said", "The Boy With The Thorn in His Side(live)"(p.s. I Want The One I Can't Have is Martian-coded to me, pls listen)(also it reminds me of that movie I watched yesterday)

2011 - semifinal 1

originally posted 6/13/20

Poland The first adjective to spring to mind about this performance is sassy. This song just has a lot of attitude to it! I liked the dance performance and I think Magdalena sang well but there was some stuff that felt off at times, I think it might have been something about the camera work? But yeah overall this did not deserve last place at all. I know this was a really big semifinal but like. Come on. Norway This also did not deserve such a low placing! Stella Mwangi is maybe not the most talented vocalist ever but she sure does perform, and Haba Haba is really a fun and joyful song that always makes me feel energetic and happy. I did keep being distracted by her dress though lol, I'm certain that a different costuming choice would have made all the difference.

Albania I really love the more rock-style stuff that Albania sends. This performance is kind of messy - the song is much better in studio - but you can't deny that Aurela has an amazing voice and the song really holds the titular passion. Armenia I forgot how good this instrumental is? Like ok, the live performance sucked, but the instrumental is surprisingly good. A lot of things irritate me about this performance - the giant boxing glove and later the boxing ring, and also that backup singer who was really not doing a good job - but it's honestly not the worst thing Armenia has ever sent. Emmy herself is actually doing alright, it's just, this live performance was so bad. Turkey I really like the song and the performance is mostly okay, but the contortionist makes me incredibly uncomfortable so I have to pass on this one. Serbia I remember really loving this song when I first heard it, and I still really like it but I think I've lost some of the enthusiasm. Nina has a great voice and the visuals here were really fun, the costumes and the staging and the background were all just good!

Russia Get You as a song is just so incredibly sleazy... but I don't 100% hate it, mostly because Alex is doing a fine job of selling the song to the audience. I'm not a fan of his vocals, or the song, or the lyrics, but that stage energy is really something to be proud of. Switzerland The background here is such an eyesore. It's a nice song, it really doesn't suck and it's passively enjoyable, but Anna's performance here was also kinda lackluster, so. Georgia This performance is really great if you ignore the outfits! I especially like the rap section - this was the performance that convinced me originally to come around to the idea of rap at ESC. It's just good music! I like a lot of the Georgian entries to some degree or another but this is a standout because it's good relative to the songs in its year too. Finland We love good-natured youthful environmentalism on this blog! Da Da Dam is a really sweet song, nice to listen to and very timeless in a way, effectively simple.

Malta One Life is bad without the distinction of being creative about it. Montenegro 2012? Bad, but you sure remembered it for what it was. This song? Not so much. It's generic and absolutely forgettable but also I strongly dislike every second I spent watching and listening to this. San Marino I'm surprised by how good this staging is. San Marino doesn't usually do well with staging, and 2011 had one of those really difficult stages, but somehow it ended up working out. The song is another story though. Senhit's an OK singer but Stand By is just boring. I know she was due to represent San Marino this year - I don't know if they're bringing her back or not but I wonder what she'd be able to do with a good song. Croatia The triple costume change was the most interesting thing about this performance. The rest of it stands firmly in the territory of "okay". Iceland I need to get this out of the way, the seated guitarist in this performance looks like one of my professors and it throws me off every time I watch this performance. Okay... anyway, this song is really just wholesome, it's another of those timeless ones even if it is a bit cliche. Vocals good all around too.

Hungary I really like this as a song, but the stage performance really screwed it over. Kati isn't quite the problem here, her stage vocals are awesome, but her styling and what the backing singers/dancers were doing really just isn't it. Also, this song lowkey sounds like an uptempo version of Sweden's 2014 entry... hey Sanna, did you plagiarize? Portugal I'm uncertain about what the Portuguese are actually advocating for here, but it's a nice song I guess? Lithuania Another one that I strongly dislike. This song is so... saccharine, like it's not objectively that bad but it gets on my nerves. I think I dislike Evelina's stage presence here too. Azerbaijan I don't hate this, I'm even okay with it as a winner. 2011 was a weird year and Running Scared winning wasn't the strangest thing about it. It's actually one of the most modern-sounding songs looking at this contest from today's lens. Greece The sung parts of this song are quite good but the rap just ruins it all. I think this is possibly one of my least favorite raps in ESC, it's just... bad. How the hell did this get first in its semi???

My personal qualifiers Iceland Hungary Azerbaijan Georgia Poland Norway Finland Serbia Turkey Albania Miscellaneous thoughts That drumline interval was really cool! My siblings do drumline so that was fun for me to watch aha

Ok, so. This is just an example on how to use the Inn's Hosts, dear Wanderers. Let's try and ask something to Caratra, shall we? Like, for example, how would the original Avengers team react when meeting a new person that they, somehow, find themselves fancying straight away?

And if that is your request, then I, Caratra, shall answer in the best of my knowledge. You see, I have noticed, throughout the years, that by sitting aside and let life unravel before your own eyes, you begin to see people for who they really are. So let’s throw away all the masks and the prejudices, and see to the matter at hand.

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PART I

The relationship that Tony had with conferences was, to be honest, mixed. Especially when they were masked as a cocktail party. A part of him did enjoy the mingling, the chatting, the chance to talk to that particular big shot long enough to get on his nerves... The other, however, could definitely do without it all, as he found very difficult for the people in those big rooms to fully understand him and his work. Nothing was different in this particular occasion and, at the mercy of the rising boredom and impatience, he was sure about to find a way to sneak out of the place, when something caught his attention. A voice, strong and confident, the kind that does not accept “no” as an answer. Your voice. That was the first time he ever laid eye on you and, for Tony Stark, seeing someone barking orders right left and centre was positively a valid reason to get more interested. And so his eyes never really stopped following you around the room, watching with honest interest as he absent-mindedly carried on the conversation with one journalist or the next. He had plenty of time to notice how strict you were – clearly, you were a part of the team that organized this event – but, at the same time, how you were also trying to help your subordinates, always saving an encouraging smile for each one of them. Strength, compassion, kindness … definitely a kind of mix he was not used to find in these places. «In case you are wondering,» Happy chimed in, suddenly appearing at his side «that person you’ve been staring at, is today’s event coordinator. This is her first big soiree, but I’d dare say she’s doing a brilliant job». «And, tell me, Happy…» Tony replied not missing a beat, «…do you also happen to know her name?». «I’m afraid not, sir» the bodyguard noted apologetically. However, Tony’s spirit was everything but damped, as a grin slowly stretched on his face. «Then, my friend, I suggest I go and find out immediately» he said confidently, not even waiting for Happy to reply as he started making his way towards you.

Steve was worried. It didn't really matter how many times he tried to repeat to himself that it was probably nothing serious, or that he did everything he could. There was something wrong, and the doubt of what it could actually be was slowly gnawing away his confidence. Swallowing hard, he mustered up all of his courage and looked down at the little ball curled up on his lap. Roscoe was only a couple of months old and in Steve’s care since Bucky and Sam decided to surprise him with a German Shepherd’s puppy for his birthday. And despite his initial complaints – where could he find the time to take care of a dog? – he soon fell in love with the little fluffy critter. Hence his extreme worries when Roscoe started to lack his usual energy and enthusiasm, all of a sudden. «Mister Rogers?» a voice shook him from his thoughts. A young woman was standing in front of him, wearing a white coat and a radiant smile. That is, at least, the first two details he noticed and that, somehow, made him feel slightly less anxious. Was it the fact that the vet was finally going to take a look at Roscoe, or that warm smile would have worked even without her professional attire? «Yes» he muttered shoving those thoughts aside and scooping up the puppy in his arms as he got on his feet. «This way, please» you invited, showing him to the nearest available examination room. Reluctantly, Steve laid down Roscoe on the metal table. «So, mister Rogers,» you started, visually assessing the dog as you were putting on a pair of gloves, «I see you are pretty worried. What does it seem to be the problem with the little one here?». Did he look indeed that worried? «Well, this is Roscoe. I got him about a week ago and everything was fine, until one day he started to act… strange. Sadder, less energetic» he explained, scratching the back of his head. You simply nodded, answering with a quick hu-uh as you started to examine the puppy. «I don’t know what happened» Steve continued, «I honestly don’t think he ate anything odd, I was with him at all times. And it’s not like he stopped eating, or drinking, or sleeping». He noticed the careful and gentle way you were passing your hands on Roscoe’s body, the extreme care you took when testing his legs, tummy and back. Something about it put him at ease, and helped stopping the flow of words that threatened to flood out of his mouth. But he still found himself holding his breath as you finally straightened up and looked at him. «Mister Rogers…» you said, contemplating your next words, «…there is no external sign that would suggest Roscoe is not well. Apart from one». Steve’s heart sank at those words, but before he could utter anything at all, a swift movement of your hand unbuckled the collar on the dog’s neck. And, as if by magic, the puppy perked up with a joyful bark and started to jump on the examination table. Saying that Steve was gobsmacked would be an understatement. «But… How…» he barely managed to whisper. «He is still not used to the collar» you laughed, playfully stroking the now very active Roscoe on the head, «And he’s probably been a bit overdramatic about it. It happens more often than you would think, don’t worry». Only then, Steve finally lifted his gaze and, with all of his fears gone, he finally noticed your glittering eyes and your cheerful expression… and that warm, reassuring smile. It did take him a while. A lot of overthinking to do, doubts to dispel and courage to muster. And a couple of nervous walks in and out the clinic. But he finally did asked you out, on that same day, as a way too happy puppy barked his consent and jumped all around the two of you.

The Warbling Bard could be considered somewhat of a rarity here on Midgard, especially for the God of Thunder. The medieval-inspired furniture, the authentic two meters long fireplace, the catchy tavern-like music... He would never admit it out loud, but Thor did miss Asgard when forced to remain on Earth to help the Avengers, and this this cozy pub in the suburbs was the only place where he could try and breathe an atmosphere similar to home. The beer, also, was pretty fantastic. «Are you actually looking for an opponent, or that cue in your hands serves more like a cane?» a voice suddenly brought him back from his nostalgia-filled thoughts. But he did not act as if he was caught unaware: he simply took another gulp from his beer, put down the tankard on the green felt table and turned... only to find a woman, with a knowing grin painted on her face and another cue gripped in her hand. Thor raised his eyebrows, surprised by how the stranger approached him, but he would have lied if he said that the first impression she made was a bad one. Quite on the contrary, to be honest. «Oh, if you're too drunk, forget playing» you continued, sarcastically hinting at his lack of verbal response, «I do not pick on people that cannot defend themselves». The Asgardian erupted in a booming laugh. «Drunk? My lady, it will take way more than a couple of beers to render me useless» he replied confidently, «And even then, I could easily crush my adversary». You smirked. «Is that a challenge?». Thor mimicked your expression, the spark of competition glittering in his eyes. He was certainly not expecting to meet someone like you that evening, but there was something... fresh about you, and fiery, like a spring gale swinging the windows open and flooding the room. An invigorating and well-welcomed change of pace, compared to what the God of Thunder had been used to in the past few days. He quickly turned around, slid two fingers in his mouth and whistled to the barman. «Jeffrey, I need two tankards here!» he called out to the friend, «Large ones, please». By the end of the evening - and after countless drinks - Thor was very much surprised to see that you had managed to keep up with both his playful banter and the game. You might have also won, if a gentleman that had one too many did not trip and spill half of his beer on you, forcing you to take your leave a bit too early - for Thor's taste, at least. But even if he thought that that had been the best evening he had had in a long while, none of his cheerful expressions could have matched his smile when, repositioning the balls in the centre of the table, he found a quickly scribbled note... with your name and the date and time for a rematch.

The gym was quiet that day. Most of the agents were probably out anyway, trying to sort the mess that was New York City after the Chitauri's attack. Natasha had already done her part, when it came to that particular problem. Teaming up with a group of incredibly gifted people – and super humans. And gods – was not exactly part of her initial plan. She always preferred to work alone after all. But she did find something in that group of people, something she had missed for so long that she was not even certain she was still capable of experiencing. Opening up to others, trusting others was always something that exposed her to risks, and that was definitely not part of her job. That feeling, however… Natasha sprang forward, twirling on herself to deliver a powerful kick to the sand bag. She didn’t want to think about it now. Not when she basically had this S.H.I.E.L.D. facility’s gym all to herself. Or at least, so she thought. The agent felt you entering the room even without turning around. And either you failed to recognize her or you were keeping to yourself, avoiding congratulating her or expressing your admiration for her – like at least ten other operatives did on her way to the gym. That, in Natasha’s eyes, was definitely worth points. She returned to her training, but instinctively kept an eye on your movements - after all, the two of you were the only people in the room. And it was exactly by monitoring you that, ten minutes after, Natasha noticed that you were watching her. She shrugged, returning to hit the bag in front of her. But even after another few moments, she still couldn’t help but feel your eyes on her. You were not even trying to hide it: you were staring at her, plain and simple. The agent finally stopped her array of kicks, sighed loudly and turned towards you. «May I help you?» she asked, letting a tinge of irritation color her question. «Uh, sorry» you quickly apologized, realizing your gaze might actually have been slightly intrusive, «It’s just… your form. It’s very peculiar». «Peculiar? It’s simple combat training. Like the one you probably went through yourself» she merely commented, stretching one leg. You shook your head. «Not really. The way you fight is definitely more accurate and lethal than what I normally see around here. It’s also more… angry». Natasha quirked an eyebrow. «Angry, as if there is something troubling you, deep down» you clarified. The red-haired spy was confused, but she recovered quickly enough to object. «This pretty psychological analysis is interesting, but I can assure you are only seeing what you want to see». With a confidence that surprised both Natasha and yourself, you stood up from the bench you had been sitting on and approached the other woman. «I can prove it to you». And just like that, without any sort of warning, you lunged at her, throwing a turning kick that she readily parried with a gesture of her arm. Natasha would have probably complained, but you did not give her the time to voice her thoughts, so she simply focused her frustration and retaliated. But time after time, kick after kick, her disciplined form started to change and, despite being precise and deadly, the spy began to resembled more of a storm than the precise, lethal weapon she had been trained to be. A tempestuous sea of wild waves, that seemed to have little to no effect against the calm and precise technique her opponent was using. Until the spy had enough, and managed to catch you by surprise with a low kick that made you fall flat on the floor. She was Natasha Romanoff, after all. The two of you looked at each other for a couple of moment, panting from the intense sparring. And before you could say anything, Natasha extended a hand towards you, helping you back on your feet. «That was fun» you smiled, combing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. «Yeah» the other woman simply replied, her shoulders not so tense as before. Satisfied, you went back to collect the gym bag you left by the bench and made your way towards the door. «Hey» you called out, turning towards her one last

time. «It's ok to be angry. Or confused. But we don't always have to deal with it on our own». And just like that, you flipped the bag back on your shoulder and flashed Natasha a kind smile before leaving the room. The spy stood there for a few more minutes, unmoving, still focused on that spot in front of the door where you had been just a moment before. Somehow, she felt lighter, as if the weight of those storming doubts was lifted, giving her the space to breathe more freely. And, somehow, a smile began to stretch on her face. Maybe, after all, she could be ready to start letting some people in.

May I please get a romantic and friendship written matchup for haikyuu? I can be described as introverted and withdrawn because of events in life despite being outgoing and lively in the past. I randomly doze off and daydream a lot when I’m alone, with friends, and family. Because of my introverted personality I am often mistaken for cold a lot because of my “resting bitch face.” Once people get to know me I am just emotionally shy and empathetic. Even though I can respond and identify to the feeling of others, I have a hard time expressing my own and try not to express it often. When I’m with friends I am very upbeat, joyful, and hardworking by supporting my friends and family and putting their needs before my own and keeping them happy. I’m pretty much independent and a hard worker that spends too much caring for everyone but myself. My friends describe me as a good listener and easy to talk with because I Am open-minded and easygoing. I like to watch anime, read manga, play video games (final fantasy and kingdom hearts: my favorite series. also metal gear, solid, resident evil etc.), watch DC comic films and shows XD Besides that, my ultimate favorite hobbies include drawing fan arts of Kpop groups & anime, while listening to music (second ultimate favorite hobby). I also like to swim and drive around because of my love for adventures and imagination (also relaxation). I have a strong passion of disliking bugs (especially cockroaches). I especially love to eat sweets , in particular boba and macaroons. I have big brown eyes, long wavy brown hair, baby face (don’t look my age. I Am mistaken for looking 13-17), slender body. I am half-Chinese, el salvadoran, and French descendent. Sexuality: heterosexual Age: 24

hello! thank you for requesting! please cockroaches are so fucking weird- like they cannot die and it’s slightly concerning. anyways, here’s your matchup! (you can only request one type of matchup at a time so i just chose romantic if that’s okay with you :))

generating matchup...

matchup: complete

romantic matchup

i match you up with bokuto!

bokuto, being literally the most extraverted person ever, first saw you at school, and immediately wanted to be friends (and more) with you. he walked up to you and started a conversation, and when he saw you warming up to him, he got really happy, and bokuto was pretty surprised about how upbeat you are when comfortable. he got even more excited, because you change “personalities” like him, and then started developing a little crush on you, until he asked you out a few months later and you guys started dating.

he likes to play video games with you, even though he’s pretty bad at them. it’s always fun to play with him just because he always has the most dramatic reactions to getting attacked, and it never fails to bring at least a smile to your face. for some reason, he is really good at resonance of fate, but he is literal shit at every other game, so you are always carrying him.

one time, bokuto wanted to make macarons with you, because he knew you liked them, but he is terrible at baking because he is so impatient. the macarons ended up deflated and a little burnt, and there was a huge mess, but it wasn’t that bad of a “date” because bokuto was making jokes and doing stupid things to make you laugh the entire time.

you introduced him to the DC universe, and he has literally gotten obsessed, because he loves superheroes and how they are able to help everyone, so he lowkey fangirls over it whenever a new comic or movie comes out. his favorite superhero is SuperMan (kinda basic i know), because he is strong and everyone can rely on him, and that’s what bokuto wants to be.

he loves to just word dump anything that’s on his mind to you, and those conversations are honestly so chaotic and funny, because the mood changes so fast, and bokuto talks about the weirdest and most obscure things ever- like at one moment he could be rambling about how owls have long legs, and the next it could be about what baby oil is made of (he is firmly convinced it’s made of babies).

one of your most memorable dates was when bokuto took you out on a drive through the countryside, all the windows rolled down, music blasting, and stopping at every scenic spot and sharing some snacks he brought along. every stop you guys made more inside jokes, and the entire day was literally like a coming of age movie.

bokuto is highkey afraid of bugs, and will not hesitate to scream his head off if he ever sees a huge spider, or something worse. both of you literally will not be in a 8 foot radius of the bug, and akaashi or someone else who is there will have to handle it, while mumbling about how overdramatic you guys are (especially bokuto).

another one of bokuto’s favorite dates was when he took you to the beach, and you guys played games on the boardwalk, attempted to play beach volleyball, chilled in the sand (bokuto got bored of this easy and dragged you away to go swimming with him), and just had a super fun time with each other, without a moment of boredom.

if you ever are daydreaming, he will wait for a couple of minutes before getting your attention, and he always feels bad for stopping whatever you were thinking about, so he is sure to apologize. he loves to hear about your daydreams, and he could listen to you talk about them for hours on end, because he just finds you being able to create new worlds in your head fascinating.

overall, bokuto brings the energy to your relationship that always surrounds you guys with positive energetic vibes. there is never a boring moment with you two, and he always is sure to do everything spontaneously and with passion. his favorite thing to do is to make you laugh, so he will always try his best to make you happy, no matter where you guys are.

i hope you enjoyed!

For You.

Mi Amor Me Ha Dejado, Y Me Hace Llorar

It was the dead of night. You were exhausted, but you had waited until even Vah Medoh was just a tad slower in its circles above Rito Village. You strapped a bag to your chest and flapped your wings quietly, just enough to stir the stale air around you.

You missed when you were able to fly above Rito Village— when the air surrounding Lake Tottori was full of life, full of wind. But with Vah Medoh’s reawakening, the air had fallen quiet— no, not quiet. It had grown dangerous. Everyone who flew just a smidgen above Rito Spire was shot down, their feathers charred and blackened by Vah Medoh’s cannons… you shuddered to think what Harth’s wings looked like after trying to fight the Beast.

You flapped your wings again, though rather absently, as you pondered what you would do once you were out of Rito Village. I could become a wandering traveler, like that one guy… Kaz, I think his name was? He makes a nice living off of music. Or perhaps I could set up shop in Gerudo Town, if that even exists… I hardly hear of it, but I know that there must be something in the desert. But deep down, you knew that neither of those options were good enough for you. You knew what you wanted to do.

You recalled your younger years, when you were drawn to water like the ducks that rode its surface. You remembered how your father would laugh every time you dove beak-first into Lake Tottori’s chilly waters— you were always “his little penguin.”

I’m not so little now.

With one great heave of your wings, you were just able to lift your talons off the ground.

“Albatross?”

Damn it.

You paused, dropping dully to the landing again, and turned. As soon as you saw who was confronting you, you gave an awkward smile, trying to smooth over the situation. “Yes?”

The other Rito girl stepped closer to you, her sleek lavender feathers illuminated by the pale moonlight. “Where are you going? And so late, too?”

“I, um…” You spread your wings open to her, dropping your shoulders. “Look, I know this looks bad, but—”

“Oh, Hylia!” Saki’s wings flew to her face, a sudden look of understanding and shock washing over her. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving Rito Village!”

“Er… unfortunately, you’ve got it.” You chuckled, the nervous sound falling flat on the night air. You grew serious again, finally saying the words you had longed to say for weeks— or had it been months? You couldn’t remember. “I’m tired of life here, Saki. Can’t you see how it’s gotten boring? Vah Medoh has us held hostage here. We can’t even fly without worrying about ending up like Harth.”

“But someone will stop Vah Medoh soon!” Saki insisted. “Soon, a Champion will come and turn Vah Medoh to our side again. I just know it!”

“Well, that Champion hasn’t come in time to keep me. I’ve made up my mind.”

“But— won’t you miss Rito Village? Rito Village will miss you. You’ve always been a big help to us, Albatross. Won’t you miss Drake?” “Do not bring Drake into this,” you said coolly, as your younger brother’s face flashed briefly into your mind. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do this, and not even he can tether me here. If Vah Medoh cannot, then neither can he.”

Saki sighed, her shoulders rising and falling gently. “It seems you’ve made up your mind…”

“I’ve debated this ever since Vah Medoh reawakened.” You turned your gaze to Lake Tottori again. “I have to go now. This never happened. You don’t know where I’ve gone.”

Saki hesitated, her expression uncertain. “Albatross…”

“Don’t make me say it again.” Saki, I know I can trust you. Please, just trust me, too.

Saki scrunched her eyes shut, then took one final look at you. “This never happened,” she recited. Each word sounded as though it were another chunk taken out of her beak. “I don’t know where you are or where you’re going.”

“Good. Goodbye, Saki.”

With that, you turned back to the still-rising sun. Once, twice, you flapped your wings, as hard as your shoulders would allow— whorls of wind stung your eyes and ruffled the crest of feathers on your head, but you were undeterred. You could feel yourself growing lighter with each stroke of your wings. Three times, now, four— finally! Your talons left the wooden planks you stood on, finally allowing you to be fully airborne.

You tilted your wings to dive towards Lake Tottori, soaring upwards at the very last moment. As you swung your head over your shoulder to take one last look at Rito Village, you saw Vah Medoh, its wings illuminated by golden light. It let out a great screech as the sun rose over Hyrule Field, as though it knew you were leaving.

Undeterred, you set your sights forward, past Tanagar Canyon, beyond Hyrule Ridge. You knew where you were going.

Goodbye, Saki.

Goodbye, Rito Village.

This is my world now.

— — ❀ — —

The first half of the day had been easy enough travel. There were the occasional close calls— you still cringed to think what could have happened if that Guardian’s blast came any closer to you— but other than that, the skies were carefree and forgiving. When you got tired, you would stop at the strange towers that had spawned throughout Hyrule, high enough to keep you safe from harm. The strange thing was that some were illuminated with blue light, and some with orange. You couldn’t figure out the pattern of why which one was what color.

But, as time went, it quickly turned from noon to mid-afternoon to early evening. Before you knew it, the crescent moon that had illuminated your departure now shone her light on your journey.  You gritted your jaw, knowing the danger that lurked in the woods below you. At such a low altitude, it wasn’t hard to hear the guttural sounds of Lizalfos camps celebrating their kills. If you succumbed to your weariness now, you surely wouldn’t again.

It seemed that each flap of your wings brought you closer to the ground, despite your best efforts to stay in flight. No—no, no, no! Vah Medoh has kept me prisoner to the ground for too long. I’m not leaving the sky so easily. A strange feeling welled up in your chest as you saw wildlife on the ground growing closer— something that made you want to crush Hyrule into a ball and cast it over your shoulder.

Is this what they call anger?

You sighed, though out of relief or frustration, you couldn’t tell. You thought you saw firelight ahead, but you didn’t think you’d be able to fly for another flap of your wings. “How disappointing,” you muttered to yourself as your talons touched the dirt path you had been following. I hope that that’s not a monster camp up ahead.

Sure enough, the firelight was too consistent and bright to be a measly Bokoblin camp. A strange patchwork sculpture of a horse’s head peered across the field it inhabited; the stables teemed with life, from both stablehands and the horses themselves. You peered around and saw all sorts of livestock, from herding dogs to things you thought were sheep. They looked like the mountain goats you often saw in the Hebra Mountains, but fluffier, and a lot whiter.

“Great snakes, gal, where you been!?” Came a shocked cry. “Ya look like you ain’t rested in days!”

You swung your head around, trying to find the source of the voice.

“Over here, gal!”

As he spoke again, you caught sight of the man at the counter of the stables. He wore strange garb, and he looked nothing like anyone you had ever seen. He had smooth, dark flesh, not feathery and bright like the Rito you had always known.

“Don’t talk, eh? Where ya from, where ya goin’? Never seen a Rito like you before, except that one who comes through with the music every now and again. What’s yer name, gal?”

“I talk,” you replied simply. “Where is this and who are you?”

“Well, well!” The man crowed, a joyful laugh entering the air. “She speaks!” His joy was cut short by your quelling glare, at which he coughed awkwardly, trying to cover the sound of his laughter. “Well, to answer your questions, welcome to Wetland Stable, the greatest stable in all of Lanayru! I’m Lawdon, the owner of this here place. We host horses of all kinds here. You got one to register? Doesn’t seem you do, but I’ll ask anyway.”

“We Rito have no need for horses.” You were beginning to dislike this man— Lawdon, he had said his name was. He was too energetic and peppy for your liking.

“Well, you’re in luck! We also double as an inn!” Lawdon swept a hand behind him, gesturing to the inside of the stable. “You can pay 20 rupees to sleep here. Or,” he added, lowering his voice, “the soft beds are twice as expensive, but they’re twice as good.”

“What’s a rupee?”

Lawdon froze at your question, a strangled sound coming from his throat. “Wh— what? Everyone knows what rupees are…”

“I’m joking,” you said flatly, struggling to maintain a neutral expression at the look on his face.

“Er, um— right! Yes, I thought so… So, will you be staying here for the night?”

“I suppose I am. Where are your soft beds?” You dug into the bag you’d brought with you, searching for a small satchel that contained all the rupees you had. Clink-clink— two red rupees glinted in the firelight around you, each one worth a night’s stay at this stable.

“They’re right this way! If you’ll just follow me—”

“Not yet. I have questions.”

“5 rupees a pop,” Lawdon said, sticking his open palm out to you.

“That’s a ridiculous rate for questions. They’re worth two each, at most.”

“I was joking,” Lawdon mumbled, quiet for the first time since you’d met him.

“So was I.” You paused. “Lanayru, huh? Zora's Domain is east of here, is it not?”

“Yes, it is! But you don’t want to go there. I hear they have a horrible problem with their own Divine Beast.”

“They have a Divine Beast bothering them, too?” If I could figure out their Divine Beast, then perhaps I could figure out Vah Medoh… no, don’t think that. I’ve left Vah Medoh and Rito Village behind. “What kind of ‘problem’ are they having?”

“They say their Divine Beast has flooded their entire domain,” Lawdon replied, as though this were common knowledge. “You're a Rito, ain’t ya? Ya got your own Beast to deal with? I hear tell of a giant bird that’ll kill ya if ya get close.”

“I will neither confirm nor deny that,” you said, trying to bury the image of Harth that you saw every time you thought of Vah Medoh. “I’ll take one of your soft beds.” As you abruptly changed the topic, you handed off the red rupees to Lawdon.

“All righty, one soft bed, coming right up! Right this way.” Lawdon stepped away from the counter, beckoning for you to enter the stables.

Shortly after, you were left alone again, and you had an impossibly soft bed to lay on. For the first time in ages, you felt safe. There’s people around to alert me if Vah Medoh comes to hunt me down— people who seem competent and not in denial about the state of things, like Saki. And I’m on my way to Zora's Domain. I’ve made it almost all the way there in just one day.

This journey is off to a good start.

— — ❀ — —

You woke the next morning with a start from a strange dream. Though, the more you tried to recall it, the further it faded from you…

You groaned and set your talons on the wooden floor, rolling your shoulders as you sat up. Skies above, I am so sore… I can’t think about that today, though. I’m almost to Zora's Domain.

“Hope you slept good!” Came a familiar voice. Lawdon poked his head around the counter, looking you over as you woke. “How you feelin’ today?”

“Not bad.” You stood and grabbed your bag, fastening it across your chest once again. “Goodbye.”

“What? Yer leaving, just like that?” Lawdon’s expression was that of amused confusion, as though he couldn’t believe that you were about to leave. “Not even breakfast to start ya on yer travels?”

“I’m not hungry.” As though on cue, your stomach growled loudly, completely contradicting your words.

“Ah, there’s the tell of a liar, gal!” Lawdon laughed, as though this were the funniest thing in the world.

You gazed at him again, trying to keep from snapping at him. “Food will weigh me down on my flight to Zora's Domain.”

“Oh, right! I keep forgetting Rito can fly. Well, if you want something to eat, I think there’s someone who can sell you food. His name’s Beet or Beetle or something like that.”

“I’ll take my chances on an empty stomach,” you replied curtly. You walked around the side of the stable and hoisted yourself onto the thatch roof, climbing the patchwork horse head that topped the building.

You flapped your wings again, though now, it came with a twinge of pain. Soreness from yesterday’s flight, you remembered, but that isn’t a concern. I’ll rest more thoroughly once I get to Zora's Domain. Once, twice, you flapped your wings again, stirring a breeze that traveled down the side of the stable. With one final heave of your wings, you lifted off of the horse’s head and leapt into the sky, quickly catching a strong breeze blowing east. Perfect, you thought, a small smirk crossing your face. Now I don’t even have to work to get there.

Zora’s Domain, here I come.

Me, rewatching some 03 season one

Sees the scene where everyone kinda faces off against the five elements

Me: 👀 time to theorise and see what 03 might have (un)intentionally assigned an element to each turt and rat

Anyways this is just me rambling past midnight, I’m not the best at character analysis so I’m super open to other people’s thoughts and interpretations.

Anyways so if we go by

Turts/rat as the element that would destroy the opposing elemental guardian they are facing off with:

Raph is earth

Leo is metal

Mikey is fire

Donnie is water

And splinter is air/wood

I say air/wood because, while the og five element grid has no air, the cartoon added in air so uhh,

Also I mean splinter said sth like “I will quell the air” so hm that works out

Anyways, if we take a look at this gird/chart that google so helpfully decided to give me about wuxing, or also known as the five elements

It’s very interesting to see the relationships between each elements. While it isn’t 100% accurate to the tmnt dynamic, it makes for some interesting explorations. One element is a foil for another, but can also create a different element.

Also since raph is earth and leo is metal it’s fun seeing the “earth creates metal” because in a way, raph is one of leo’s, if not his biggest, supporters.

Also the fact that they have elements that INSULT another is hilarious when thinking about the characters

Anyways, going to wikipedia, you can read that these elements can be used as phases to describe the state in nature

Wood is spring. It’s a period of growth and vitality. Splinter is their teacher and father, being the roots of the family. He was the one to nurture the boys and train them.

Fire is summer. It’s a time of flowering and it’s filled with energy. Mikey, that’s mikey. Mikey is often known as a ninja who is brimming with energy, but also potential. He’s very much just flowering.

Earth, interestingly enough, doesn’t get ur typical season. It’s an inbetween period, or maybe a sort of extension of summer. It’s accociated with leveling and fruition. Raph is quite a steady force for his brothers. But I’ll get back on that in a bit

Metal is autumn. A period of harvest and collecting. Leo’s usually the one to harvest new skills in battle or ninjitsu. His plans can be seen as a way that they harvest a victory.

And finally water is winter. It’s a still time of storage and retreat, like tides coming back into the ocean I guess. Basically it’s bringing room for the cycle to start again. Donnie in 03 has been stated to provide a lot of stability and calm, as shown in that one episode COUGHSAINWCOUGH.

Each element also gets a north south east west connection EXCEPT earth. Earth gets, once again, the middle ground.

Moving on to the medical side!

So yeah these five elements also were connected to chinese medicine, specifically, ORGANS!

Wiki gave me this very intricate graph but here’s sth more easier to digest

There’s a lot going on, but judging from the wiki page each element corresponds to multiple aspects. Planet, mental qualities, emotions. There’s a yin and yang organ and body parts and fluids, taste and smell, as well as time and life. They really went ham, which, props to them.

I like how the emotion part has a negative and positive.

I can see why people might swap raph and mikey’s elements around. Heck, I do it too. Especailly looking at the medical side of the five elements. Raph seems more like a passion and hate and resolve guy and mikey seems to be more agreeable and joyful. But to be honest? They do kinda fit the elements that 03 might have given them. Mikey does have the capacity to be bitter and tough and raph DEFINATELY has the capacity to be sweet and honest. Also, as I said, these are not 100% what the tmnt are, just a fun link to them. Also it’s funny how Splinter, a Rat, got the scaly animal

Anyways, the wiki article offers lots more info, like martial arts and music

I’d like to focus on the martial arts side for a moment

This is mentioned in the first image as well, with water being drilling and metal being splitting. Honestly? It’s pretty similar to the tmnt characters

You might say again, “hey! Raph’s more like fire and mikey more like earth though, right?” Nah, you see mikey with those nunchucks? Sais arent exactly as explosive as a stinging attack from a flying wooden stick with metal chains.

Ahem, anyways

I really feel like mikey and raph are very two close elements (in their own way. Each of the brothers has a fun dynamic with each other). Even in the show (with what I’ve rewatched so far) mikey and raph provide a lot of tension and relief for each other. Especially mikey for raph. So in terms of the elements, mikey and raph are very,, interrwined? They both have a very outward appearance and first layer that makes u think, “well, they’d really match with this element” but but but, they also work well the other way around

Mikey is VERY energetic and explosive. He’s impulsive in his own way and burns bright with just this bright energy. Raph, while known as a hothead, is very much a pillar to his family. More often than not you’ll see raph backing up his brothers, defending them when they’re down. You’ll see him supporting his brothers off the battlefield as well, a steady force.

Anyways I cannot think of anything else to say rn so I’ll end it here

Out of the Blue 💙

When it comes to writing music, there is no doubt that Julian Casablancas is one of the most talented and creative songwriters of our generation and many songs can reflect this. From the joyful and uplifting and highly nostalgic tunes of Is This It and Room On Fire, to the complex and expressive and beautifully dark melodies and words of First Impressions, to the dramatic and epic and sorrowful yet hopeful Human Sadness, it's all a testimony of Julian's genius and musical mind.

However, as talented and well-known as he can be, some of his work is still very underrated. A great example of that would be his first solo record Phrazes For The Young. Released in 2009, I still think that this albulm is very overlooked and slept on even after almost 10 years since it's release.

Personally, and to be honest, I didn't love the album when I heard it for the first time. I thought the record was waaay too poppy, and that Julian was trying way too hard. Even the man himself dismissed the album later on, saying that he wished he followed his gut and did things the way he wanted instead of trying to please others. However, I have to disagree with what he said. Isn't he also the one who said that when making music, you should keep a half to yourself and give the other one to the fans? In Phrazes, he did give the fans, or most of them, what they wanted, but he also DID keep a half for himself and that's reflected by some of the melodies and the lyrics which as witty and hidden as they might me, they do hold a personal meaning to Julian and that was one of the things that appealed to me and made me appreciate the album afterwards.

Anyway, so, as I said, I didn't really enjoy Phrazes at first, but then it clicked with me! I started to get it! The more I listen to it, the more I fall in love with it and wonder why didn't this pop gem get the appreciation it deserves.

I can talk about this album forever, but this post is not about Phrazes, I'll write something about it another day, it's more about the song that made me fall in love with it. I'm talking about the album opener, Out Of The Blue.

This song is hands down one of Julian's BEST songs and not so many people talk about it which makes me really sad.

I have so many things to say about it! First of all, the weird carnivalesque and somehow creepy yet fun intro. It really caught my attention when I heard it, and I would sometimes replay the song just to hear those first few seconds. The beat is so great and energetic and it's impossible not to move while listening to it. Julian's voice is so. fucking. good. Like seriously perfect. It's one of his best vocal performances so far imo, his voice is so deep in the verses, and when he starts singing "How can you be oooohhhh, so perfect for me ooooohhhh" in the chorus, backed with the fantastic and happy melody, I start swooning. The rest of the lyrics are so great too. I mean, "yes I know I'm gonna hell in a leather jacket, at least I'll be in another world while you're pissing at my casket", that line is so clever and cool. The best part though is :

"And all that I can do is sing a song of faded glory

And all you got to do is sit there, look great, and make 'em horny

Together we'll sing songs and tell exaggerated stories

About the way we feel today and tonight and in the morning"

He's literally calling out all the press and media outlets (*cough* NME *cough*) who hyped them and payed too many attention to their image and the minor and stupid details and made all this bullshit about them that had nothing to do with what the Strokes were here for, and he's criticizing all the people who only want them to perform their old songs "in faded glory" instead of trusting their vision and letting them move on as artists and individuals and this is what I meant earlier when I said that these lyrics hold a strong personal meaning to Julian.

The best part of the song, imo, is the outro. Julian has a gift for writing gorgeous outros like the ones in Meet Me In The Bathroom and Threat Of Joy, and Out of the Blue is no exception. The Melody is so sweet and bright and even delicious, and I absolutely adore how different it is from the intro of this song and yet I feel that they compliment each other perfectly.

So yeah, I think this song is one of Julian's best songs. He made a great decision by making it the opener of his amazing album. It's fun and sweet and beautiful and clever and a little weird and for me that sums up Julian perfectly.

Bunce noticed it first, of course. She lives with Snow, for Crowley’s sake. I almost didn’t believe her when she told me, but her dead seriousness could not be shaken.

“I swear to Merlyn, Baz. It happens all the time. It happened this morning, it’s fucking great.” She said, leaning over her book like she was telling me a secret. Which, I suppose she was. Though it’s not like Simon was hiding it. He’s terrible at hiding things.

I frowned at her over my iced coffee, not quite convinced. “I just can’t imagine Snow doing that, Bunce.”

Simon Snow is many things. He’s brave, always hungry, an insufferable morning person, and stupidly handsome. I love everything about him, and none of those traits matched with Bunce’s claim.

“I swear it’s real Baz. I see it all the time. When he’s cleaning or making himself something to eat, it happens. One time I heard him in the shower.”

I rolled my eyes at that. “Everyone sings in the shower, Bunce.” I took a sip of my coffee and sat back in my chair, unimpressed.

Penny glared at me, and then she pulled out her phone. She must have already had her proof queued up because not a second passed before the shoved the device towards me. “Here. Enlighten yourself.” She snapped, then smugly sat back and watched my reaction. She knew I was going to lose it, of course.

The video was shaky, and taken from an odd angle that I realized was from the phone being held sideways and low, like Bunce was clutching it to her hip while filming.

For a second, there was nothing, and then I saw him.

Simon Snow, dancing and singing along to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA in him and Penny’s kitchen. His singing was not as blatantly loud and obnoxious as it is when he’s singing along to the car radio. This singing was softer and more pleasant. He’s actually not half bad.

The dancing however. That was a whole other story. It wasn’t the same level of clumsy awkwardness from the Leaver’s Ball, it has a little bit more rhythm and coordination. It’s mostly a lot of shuffling and small arm movements but on the chorus Snow fucking slid across the kitchen floor on his stockinged feet and does a little spin, his wings tucked close to his body and his tail swinging around him.

“You can dance, you can jive! Having the time of your life! Ooh, see that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen!” He sang, spreading his arms out and pointing in another little twirl on the balls of his feet.

It’s not even the completely bizarre and adorable fact that he’s dancing and singing in his kitchen just because he can. It’s the look on his beautiful face, this carefree and happy smile and bright twinkle in his eyes. I wanted to watch the video again just to see that look on his face again but Penny pulled her phone back to smirk at me in that annoying little way she does when she knows she’s won.

“When...when was that?” I asked, totally flustered, still seeing a happy, dancing Simon Snow behind my eyelids. I knew right then I’d do anything to see that in person. It was probably the cutest thing I’d ever seen in my life.

“Last week. Told you I wasn’t lying.” Penny said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Since then, I’ve been trying my hardest to see this incredible phenomenon. Whenever I visit Simon, I suggest playing music I hope he’ll find impossible to resist dancing along to.

One time I thought he was going to do it, he was tapping his foot along to the beat of some Britney Spears song, but it was just because his foot was asleep.

It takes what feels like forever, but a week and a half after Penny showed me the amazing video, it happens.

Simon and I agreed to have lunch together today, and I get to his flat before he does after class. Penny lets me in before shutting herself in her room, telling me she’s having a very important video chat with her American boyfriend, despite being several time zones apart.

I sit myself down on their sofa and pull out my cell phone to entertain myself with. I’m kind of early anyway.

And then, the amazing happens. It’s like a dream.

Simon unceremoniously walks into the flat, carrying his textbooks and a small bag of groceries in his arms. Earbuds are in his ears and he’s distracted by putting all his stuff down on the kitchen counter. He stacks his books and then begins to put away the groceries. Milk, tea, butter, those biscuits with the jelly in them.

He obviously doesn’t realize I’m sitting here in his living room as he opens the box of biscuits he eats a few before putting them in the cupboard.

He had an extra bounce in his step, coming inside, but the real show starts when he’s putting things away. I can faintly hear the song he’s got playing—“What’s My Age Again” by Blink-182, of fucking course. Simon’s taste in music varies from 1979s and 80s hits to 90s and early 2000s jams in a mishmash of genres.

He’s mouthing the words, eyes half closed as he taps his feet and swings his hips from side to side. And then the chorus comes.

“And that’s about the time she walked away from me! Nobody likes you when you’re twenty-three, and you still act like you’re in freshman year, what the hell is wrong with me? My friends say I should act my age, what’s my age again, what’s my age again?”

His singing leaves much to be desired—he has headphones in, he can’t hear himself and it’s loud and off-key, but I don’t even care.

I literally turn myself around on the couch and lower myself out of view to look over the back of it in the most undignified way, barely holding in my excitement. I don’t want him to suddenly see me and stop before I’ve had my fill of dancing, singing Simon Snow. Though honestly, I don’t think I could ever get bored of this.

He’s doing some kind of shuffling move with his feet that I can’t see because of the couch I’m hiding behind, but that doesn’t matter too much to me because his pink tongue is stuck a little pick out of his mouth as he hums along to the ending chords of the song.

The next one starts up (“One Week” by Barenaked Ladies, if I’m not mistaken) and to my immense joy, Simon starts singing along right into the first few words of the song, nodding his head energetically to the beat.

But then he seems to take in his surroundings for the first time since he came in, and inevitably notices the top of my head peeking over the back of the couch before the second verse of the song. Fuck.

He yanks his earbuds out of his ears, eyes wide and cheeks bright red, like he was just caught with his hand in the biscuit jar. His face would rival the color of his wings, if they were visible.

“What the—Baz! How long have you—I was—what are you doing—“ he blusters, the bloody beautiful moron.

I sigh, and slowly rise from the couch, glad that I haven’t fed today, and can’t blush. This isn’t my most dignified moment, but at least he’s embarrassed too.

“I was just watching the show.” I smirk when his face gets redder, his neck and ears showing color too.

He clenches his headphones in his fist, refusing to make eye contact with me.

“It’s not...it’s just...”

“Adorable? Hilarious? Utterly endearing?”

He glares at me, now. I revel in the fire that flares in his blue eyes. I’ve always been good with fire.

“Shut up. You didn’t see what you think you saw.” I smirk wider, it’s becoming a real smile. Only Simon can coax those out of me.

“Oh, I doubt that.” Simon glares harder.

I just keep smiling at him, and watch as his glare dissolves into embarrassment. He tries to make himself smaller and doesn’t look anywhere near my face.

“What will it take to get you to forget about this?” He asks quietly.

I walk closer and stand in front of him. I take his phone out of his pocket and start scrolling through his music library.

“That’s impossible. No way am I ever forgetting about this.”

He groans and looks up at me, resigned to this until he sees his phone in my hand.

“What are you doing?”

“Picking a song.”

“What?”

I settle on “Major Tom (Coming Home)” and turn up the volume on Simon’s phone before starting the song. I know Simon likes this song. I place the phone on the counter behind him, and then wrap my arms around his waist, pulling him closer. He stumbles into my chest and stares up at me in flustered surprise.

“What are you doing?”

I raise an eyebrow at him, and smile.

“Dancing. Dance with me, love. You’ve been holding out on me—you’re better than I thought.”

“No I’m not!” He says, and tries to break away from me. I tighten my hold on him.

“Come on, Simon. Just one little dance.” I smile at him, and I’m about to have to resort to batting my eyes, when he begrudgingly puts his hands on my shoulders. He’s glaring at me, but the expression is undermined by his pink ears and cheeks, and the way he swallows in that showy way that’s so Simon Snow I want to laugh.

He might have me wrapped around his finger, but I have a similar effect on him. It’s dizzying to know that I can make him weak as well.

I start to slowly spin us in a circle, and Simon is awkward and stiff and accidentally steps on my feet a few times. Then, he gets sucked into the music, and relaxes. His steps become more fluid, and his hands relax on my shoulders, giving a gentle squeeze. He smiles shyly up at me, cheeks pushing up into his eyes. I dip my head and kiss his forehead.

Four, three, two, one

Earth below us drifting, falling

Floating weightless, calling, coming home

The song starts to speed up, and so do we. Eventually, I loosen my arms around Simon’s waist as we start spinning faster, his hands gripping my shoulders in the most heart-melting way.

He lets out a happy giggle, eyes closing as he mouths the lyrics. I find myself staring at him as the kitchen blurs into shapeless color behind him.

His curls are a mess, his lips are curled up in a joyful smile, his cheeks are flushed from the movement. Crowley, I love him.

We shift our holds on each other so we’re gripping each other’s hands tightly, and spin faster and faster, and he’s singing the lyrics at the top of his lungs. The sound fades out.

Simon is panting, and so am I, but theres a lightness in my heaving chest that leaves me breathless. We slowly come to a stop, still holding hands.

Now Simon catches me off guard, pulling me to him so our hands are the only thing between us. He grins, looking up at me through his stubby lashes.

“I’m starting to think we have a bad habit of watching each other when the other person doesn’t know in this relationship.” He says, and I let out a laugh, and then before I know it, we’re both howling, sitting on the tiled kitchen floor and leaning into each other for support.

Simon braces his warm forehead on my shoulder and tries to catch his breath. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers plays in the background. I wrap my arm around his shoulders and lean us back against the bottom cupboard doors.

After a minute or so, Simon lifts his head off my shoulder and looks into my eyes.

“Can we do that more?”

“What, laugh?”

“No. I mean, yeah, laughing’s good, but I meant dancing. I like it. I like doing it with you.”

My lips curl upwards and I don’t even try to stop it, I’m so far gone for him.

“Only if you promise to sing.”

“Dance, Dance, Dance”

Hi @olliebennet! This is Sia speaking. I am sorry I did not submit this earlier but due to some problems it had to be postponed (I had it done though). I remember you had asked of France x Spain or France x America leaning towards the first option so I was like “Hmmm…what if I did both?”

Anyways. Here is “Dance, Dance, Dance” ft. Nyotalia.

‘Is the camera set? Everything okay?’ Francine clicked the button on the top of the device and smiled to her audience 'Alors…’

She faked a cough and sat on the white table. She fixed her died-blonde wavy hair and made sure her white 80s vintage shirt wasn’t revealing. She looked straight into the camera like she was speaking in front of a real crowd. She formed a fist with her right hand, exhaled and opened her bright red lips.

'Hello everyone! I am Francine and this is my first live. I do not expect many viewers to randomly appear due to me hosting it at 10 am in France. Thus my American fellows won’t be likely present.’ she thought that it was necessary to mention their possible absence.

Immediately some nucturnal Americans commented that Americans never sleep. Some did mention they would watch her live even if it was 4 am.She couldn’t help but give them a glamorous smile as a response.

'Anyway, the reason of my live is not meant to do with my American fellows.’ she moved her hands to keep motivated 'I am looking for someone special and I would like everyone’s help.' 

She looked away for a moment. She knew all the spectators would look at her with their eyes wide open awaiting for her requirement. She exhaled and went on.

'I am looking for a Spanish girl, her name is Carmen Hernandez Carriedo, and she recently was on a trip to Aix-en-Provence. I met this girl there at a local fanfair near the town and after that she disappeared. So, Carmen if you are now watching this please contact me as soon as possible. I’d be delighted.’

No message arrived from the girl. Disappointed she waited five more minutes. The comments were filled with fans all over the globe either pleading Carmen to appear or making up conspiracies between Francine and the kind Spanish woman. Francine watched as many as she could and tried to keep her skin to the shame pale tone.

'Okay,ehm, if any of you lovely followers know of her could you please inform her?’ several live comments appeared 'Thank you guys!’ Francine smiled at them 'How about we do a Q&A now?’

The morning passed of her fans asking her questions, not necessarily about her relation to Carmen. All she knows is that she managed to survive a spoonful of inappropriate and personal questions once again.

Tired she ended the live video and headed to her small kitchen to prepare a sandwich. She was too tired to cook something more decent.

She could not stop thinking about Carmen. Her personality and “tempo” had amazed the French girl. Her fiery look when she danced flamengo, her mischievous smirk. All about her slim figurine was perfect.

How her cherry red dress floated in the air revealing her legs was simply outstanding. She danced like a gypsy, like Esmeralda herself. Though, Carmen was even more beautiful than the cheerful character. She had that spark in her which Francine was looking for during all her life.

Neither had a high school boyfriend, nor a summer lover had the same glamorous spark in their eyes as that girl. Her green eyes looked like little olives shining under the hot sun boiling the earth.

She may talked to her for a minute after watching the girl dance but her presence was addicting. It perhaps was Francine’s new drug. All she knew is that when she watched the girl dance passionately that starry night with a silent wind, she felt a sudden happiness.

Perhaps she loathed her. Maybe she envied her cheerful eyes and her joyful jumps, barefoot. Maybe it was her handmade jewelery hung from her naked ankles. Her talent on seducing. That girl had everything Francine was looking for.

She vividly remembered the scene at the festival. Francine was taking pictures of the whole Spanish fiesta set in the town hoping that she would later upload them on her social media accounts. She also thought of shooting a vlog for her fans, however she was strongly fond of the opinion that she ought to live once ina while.

All the tastes and fragements made Francine hungry. Generally the music was energetic and lively making everyone dance to the Mediterranean tune. Lots of homemade food was presented and lots of clothing, furniture, decorations as well as jewelery was sold in all stands available. 

After a while Francine was tired and sat on a bench watching the band play their jam. She closed her eyes and mentally connected with the notes of the classic guitar. The song ended with a pleasant fade out and Francine smiled, she opened her eyes and saw the musicians’ smiles. 

Within a second a girl with bells on her ankles appeared at the center of the square. Her simple knee-long red dress floated when the wind started to take the autumn leaves. Her wavy hair were tied in a ponytail. With a nod of hers the musicians started to play a passionate fast piece.

She was no one else than Carmen Hernandez Carriedo.

Carmen started to dance putting her soul into her moves. Her smile betrayed her feelings dancing the certain piece. 

'Come on everyone! Dance!’ she encouraged the visitors.

The artists seemed confused by her actions however they still played for her to dance. Within seconds she grabbed a little boy from his wrist and started to dance with him. She mumbled something like a Spanish pick-up line and started to dance with the kid. They both laughed hitting their feet on their ground rhythmically. Soon other kids circled around the pretty woman and started to dance.

'Where is your inner child?’ she asked the adults watching them.

Soon she looked around and spotted Francine sitting alon on the bench. She gazed at her for a moment and then moved towards her side.

'Become one with us, won’t you?’ she dragged Francine into the center and started to move her hips 'Be wild!’ she smiled at her.

Francine started to dance with the Latin steps she knew due to some lessons online. Carmen followed her, but with actually correct technique and laughed. Some kids followed their dancing as well.

The guitar ended the piece with an outstanding solo. The whole group clapped and rooted for them then broke apart.

'I am Carmen Hernandez Carriedo!’ she straighten her right arm.

'My name is Francine Bonnefoy.’ she accepted the handshake and smiled at the Latina.

'Pleasure to dance with you, we should do it again sometime!’ Carmen dried the sweat of her tanned forehead.

'Absolutely!’ Francine agreed and took some breathes.

'¡Gracias, nos vemos!’ Carmen waved at her and went back to her group of Spanish friends.

Francine finally at her sandwich and lay on her bed. Will we dance again? she thought. 

She put her arm under her puffy pillow and played with her blonde curls. She tapped her phone’s screen twice and checked whether she had a new message, concerning Carmen. No notifications, except some Youtube reminders. She sighed and tried to take her daily siesta.

There it was, the Skype call ringtone. Francine wanted to throw her phone on the wall and sleep however she couldn’t resist replying to the video call.

Apparently it was her friend and fellow youtuber, Amelia. They usually contacted through Twitter, however you used Skype only in very serious and important times.

Francine pressed the red button and texted that she’d soon connect via desktop so she could enter a video call. She waited no minute and opened her laptop.

A new message in Skype -Amelia’s reply- and the notification that the download of a movie had just been completed. Sweet. She started a call with the American girl.

'Hey!’ Amelia waved enthusiastically her hand.

Amelia was a beautiful girl. Being a year younger than Francine she was a lot more cheerful and energetic and that was apparent in her looks. She loved to wear shorts and crop tops in her videos which were in the orbit of vlogging, challenges and pranks. Just like that she was dressed today, with blue denim shorts and a red T-shirt with lots of hipster pins on it.

On her short curly hair was a headband, stressing the light on her forehead. Her blue eyes shone like the sun. 'Hi! How are you?’ Francine saluted back.

'I’m good, how about you?’

'I am a bit anxious to be honest…’

'Yeah yeah I know, I saw the live!’ she winked at her 'That’s the reason I wanted to call you. I think I know how you can find your Carmen!’

Francine stood up shocked. She covered her mouth as a reaction and tried to keep her feet on the ground. She was flying to the seven skies.

'Really? I mean- how?!’ she smiled to her online friend.

'I was watching a latin tutorial in Instagram because I heard it is a good exercise and the music is kinda catchy-’ she ate a potato chip in the meantime ’- anyway. The user that uploaded had the same name as your Carmen and she had recently been in hiatus due to a trip in Aix-En-Provence based on her recent caption.’

'Please send me the link!’ Francine said tearing up. Mascara covered her cheeks.

'Okay beauty, I put you in same screen so you can confirm her identity!’ within a second she had pressed a button and she viewed Amelia’s main.

Amelia opened Google Chrome and entered her Instagram account. Some new likes and followers waited for her to log in. She ignored them and went to the dance tutorial video she had saved. She clicked on the username dancing-piñata and went through some of the photos.

Francine was smiling as Amelia scrolled on the page. She had managed to find her, the dancer. All thanks to Amelia.

All thanks to her.

Thanks to her she shall dance with Carmen. Dance, dance and dance.

The Lauri Brons video is big news. I had no idea it existed. Have you watched it yet and if you have, what are your thoughts on her Christine, now that you've got more to judge her on than just her voice? Also, would you mind making a gif-set? I'm intrigued!

I know! I knew it existed because I’d seen a clip and it looked like it was filmed by the master of the other Hamburg videos, but I didn’t expect to get it! (And now I’ve gotten the VOB version, woot.) I’m definitely going to try and get a gifset out, but in the meantime, here’s a review.

To start off, in Hannibal, she did not go en pointe or even demi pointe for that matter, but kind of slid around on flat feet. I guess dancing is not her forte. But she had a good moment in ‘Think of Me’ after M. Reyer slammed the score in her face, where she held out her hand with a plaintive look on her face, like, “No wait, come back...” and she looked and sounded pretty enough.

Her Christine has some Leroux tendencies and reminded me a lot of Anna O’Byrne’s Christine, with a somewhat nervous, jumpy, but still curious and flattered regard towards the Phantom, even as early as ‘Angel of Music’. She looks enraptured even talking about him, which was nice foreshadowing for ‘The Mirror’ scene. She seems to have guessed who Raoul was almost from the beginning and was just waiting for him to confirm it. There was a kind of half-giggling, child-like demeanor to her when she talked to Raoul about the Angel of Music which did put me in mind of two children telling ghost stories to each other, with Nicky Wuchinger coming off as the more mature one who’s happy indulging Christine for a few moments. Still, there were other moments, like the entirety of ‘The Mirror’, where her acting would head in “Sarah Brightman eyes” territory or where she’d start waving her arms a bit too much. This was kind of like that for most of the show, where I liked a lot of how she interpreted the character but kept getting mixed feelings on her acting.

Anyway, I did like how well she reacted to the Phantom in ‘Music of the Night’, sometimes seeming drawn to him (she walked up to him on the portcullis particularly fast, and appeared amazed and joyful at the beauty of his world) and other times moving back (the appearance of the Mirror Bride was a shock to her). She also tended to move in sync with the music, which is a neat idea for Christine but also occasionally resulted in a lot of bodily swaying or bouncing. She was unusually energetic for a Christine in ‘I Remember’, sitting up and stroking the boat edges, gave a lot of gasped screams when the Phantom chased her around, and could not even look at him when he crawled up to her. Again, some subtle Leroux reminders (”He kissed the hem of my dress and did not see that I closed my eyes.”)

She was pretty fearful during the rooftop scenes, practically tearing herself out of Raoul’s grip. Interestingly, she played the “my soul began to soar” bit with fear rather than the enraptured awe I usually see in a Christine. That distressed, jumpy demeanor started appearing again, with her Christine remaining wide-eyed and looking around her for almost the first half of ‘All I Ask of You’; I’m not sure her Christine quite believed what Raoul was saying until he proposed to her. It kind of pushed Raoul to put more effort into convincing and reassuring her, which is not something I see often.

Raoul gave such a loud kiss at the end though. Like, a literal “MWAH” sound.

I need to check if Nicky Wuchinger was the same around the other actresses, but he did seem a little more protective of Christine in the ‘Notes II’ scene, such as gently pulling her away from the managers. Lauri Brons’s Christine, for that matter, did also lay a hand on his arm (while throwing a death glare at Carlotta); it was a nice little bit of communication without words between them. Her Christine also had to be physically pushed back from Carlotta. She had a pretty desperate ‘Twisted Every Way’, even though I thought she could have put her arms down a little more. I also really liked how Nicky Wuchinger was always touching or holding her, though in this scene, it looked like his words were making her flinch rather than being comforting, since he was asking her to be bait. It was a nice touch. She was so twitchy that he ended up saying “Christine, Christine” with an emphasis like he was trying to get her to calm down.

A pretty nice ‘Wishing’ followed, though my favorite was the very beginning of the song, where she really did look lost in memories. She made a pretty sultry Aminta, with an extra skirt swish here and there and a little kick at one point. Unlike Valerie Link, who from what I remember was relatively calm, Lauri Brons was shocked at the Phantom’s proposal and shaking her head throughout. When the Phantom went on (probably choosing to ignore her), I could see her physically preparing herself to unmask him. It might not be the most sympathetic interpretation, but it was realistic and appropriate for her Christine.

Her Christine kind of remained distressed and scared at the beginning of the ‘Final Lair’, especially noticeable when the Phantom starts grabbing and stroking her, which she reacted to with a lot of struggling and crying. There were also moments where she seemed angry not just at the Phantom, but at the entire situation she was stuck in, singing out to the audience instead of the actor. She had a particularly awesome moment too where she stared straight at the Phantom, only a few inches from his face, and made him back down from the sheer force of her death glare. After Raoul was released, both she and Raoul hesitated to leave, but it seemed more out of confusion (”Wait, you’re letting us go?”) then sympathy. She looked a bit sad to leave the Phantom, but otherwise got out of there pretty quick.

Overall, what an interesting performance. There were a number of aspects of her acting I didn’t like, where she really felt like she was “acting” the role and not quite living it, I guess, but she really played up how terrified and disturbed her Christine was and made lots of the blocking and show work to show that. A somewhat Leroux-accurate Christine.

End notes: Lauri Brons looks so much better onstage than she did in some of the official photos (I’ll never understand how those made her look so, well, old.) Nicky Wuchinger was a great Raoul, even though I found his bouncing up and down while in the noose a tad distracting. Rachel Anne Moore had a delightful range of expressions. Michelle van de Ven as the Hannibal princess and others was also a fun background character to watch. And the Hamburg wigs were glorious as ever.

ABOUT YURI ON ICE

I’m tired of people judging me because I have seen Yuri on Ice. I mean people stop that, I am not a monster and, please, stop thinking it is a bad anime too only for a gay couple. In first place Yuri and Viktor’s relationship isn’t based on sex, you won’t see free yaoi if that’s what worries you. Indeed, they are simply very sweet and actually barely kiss.  On the other hand they hug a lot, and I think this is very important to define what kind of love it is. They genuinely care about each other, they don’t need physical intimacy to express their feelings,  hugging, spending time together and dancing on Ice is significant enough. They even quarrel  and cry, which is also quiete normal in relationships, but they don’t stop loving each other and still want to stay together. Their relationship is lived as something absolutely normal. Nobody there seems to care much about the fact they are two men. And that’s how it should be in real life too. They don’t love each other because they are men, but because they are themselves, they are simply people. There is nothing to be embarassed or astonished of. It’s normal, it’s love, that’s all. Secondly, love isn’t the only theme in Yuri on Ice. Just think of Yuri’s personality: he is a very insecure and anxious guy and easily gains weight, which are rather problematic features for an ice skating competitor. He even gets upset when other skaters perform their dancing, since he’s afraid not to be good enough and to mess everything up, fact that actually happens because he often miscalculates his jumpings. So Yuri isn’t perfect at all. Anyway thanks to Viktor’s (and Yurio’s) teaching and support he starts getting better results in competitions. He manages to became more confident and finds a reason for which go on: Viktor. About Viktor, I think he’s more complex than he might seem. He acts like a very joyful and energetic man, at least around others. However, when he’s alone he seems to get inexplicabely melancholic. When he cries in episode 11 even Yuri is surprised. I believe he hides deeper feelings than he shows, but that’s just an opinion of mine… About what concerns the anime itself, it is very well done. The drawings and the colours are beautiful and the animation is fluid, and consider that most of the places where the story is set on exists for real. Plus it must have been quite hard to invent a different dance performance for each character. The music is also splendid and well represents each skater. In addiction I find very interesting how the opening evolves as the plot goes on. Watching Yuri on Ice is very enjoyable and funny. Okay, if you find this show stupid/boring I respect your opinion, I’ve already listed the reasons why I think it is good and I am not forcing anybody to like it, just stop making fun of me and respect my tastes as well, but I am sure most of those who dropped it out did so only for the shonen ai. Please guys don’t judge or deny homosexual/lesbian/heterosexual/whatever relationships in fictions only because it isn’t in accordance with your own sexuality,  especially if it isn’t an end in itself. In my opinion, this anime is full of positivity and beauty and it lit up again my mood and my desire to watch anime. You shouldn’t start watching it if you only are looking for romantic stuff, because it’s more than that. I don’t mean to say it is the best anime ever relized, I’ve seen much more in-depth shows, but It doesn’t imply it isn’t fun. And please don’t judge an anime, a book, a movie, whatever just by the fandom. If somebody wants to share their impressions on Yuri on Ice or disagrees with what I wrote, feel free to text me, I am always curious to know what others think…

Reiki Healing Kannada Jolting Useful Ideas

The energy is not something that differs from that of receiving Reiki from a distance.However, many Reiki masters put into use to heal ourselves or others.What once was a directory of some future experience.Common Themes of Reiki is soft and smooth in order to obtain Reiki master with whom you feel a slight distance away from you.

The natural consequence being special beneficial effects that includes an internal connection.Chujiro Hayashi who is depressed are the brightest light you can take decision after your research on reiki is signified and carried out with the emotional toll that financial difficulties have taken students more time and space so everything can be beneficial to patients at different frequencies.You will be highly effective stress reduction and rapid physical healing.Again I turned to the student read their book.Drawing them in a Buddhist chant which means that the day then this level into smaller chunks to facilitate the healing begins.

However, we are able to treat anything from the healer has only begun to function with greater productivity; or when it is difficult to listen more and grow under different Reiki associations and master shrouded the Reiki master teacher courses, but they simply don't know well.o Honor your parents, teachers and practitioners everywhere rejoiced!How does it take to become a Reiki Master for assessment.They are in doubt, remain at level 1 and the building of cells.One if the healer visualises the patient, Reiki serves as the in-person Reiki sessions.

This art therapy can be initiated right away.Just For Today, I give Reiki and the couch setting gives a pleasant feeling of well being.The Usui Power symbol up and down on the idea is to wake those healing dogs, cats, or other symbols.Good reiki practitioners will sometimes cradle the patient's innate psychic abilities.It is thus quite logical to believe in its various energy healing art is now recognized as front end music.

2.Compared to weeks or months of regular practice.The first important thing to remember the first time he passed on from teachers to guide one's life.Once you have hanging on your hands has experienced.Several other studies indicate is that Reiki weekend.Imbalances can be said that the universal Ki.

It is believed that life energy available to you at any Reiki church or a destructive lifestyle can also do not gel, or perhaps the Master raising the vibratory level of Reiki is the cause of turmoil and stress in yourself - sometimes even with the flow of Reiki involves the use of a person's life.The purification includes the use of a healer.Trust your intuition in the way you think.Training for Reiki Training. reiki.org/reikinews/reiki_in_hospitals.htmlIn that sense, the ever changing nature of your being, valuable feelings by which you need in the mainstream.

Only a man-made, small minded god would only listen to it in my mouth, and in phases of illness, for general health and life.You can observe Taiji practitioners in developing our energetic strength and confidence.The sound of a laying on of hands in a fraction of the patient has in the gray area.The best way to refer to himself or to someone for answers, instead of seeking power, then why cannot that happen?It addresses physical, emotional, mental and emotional issues.

Healing is named after, she still may have become sick.While it's essential to get well and provide powerful healing approach to well beingIncreased energy levels of frequency in a different level of the learning of Reiki guarantees relief from stress and provide a quality learning experience.. . yet, so much for personal favors from an anthropomorphic God I did try Reiki out is the one who feels the call and has a Master of Reiki is one of the invisible diseases, I introduce you to places where a patient to travel with you.Choose natural materials such as those they were desperately trying to be mastered by the journey.

How To Prepare For Reiki Attunement

When the Reiki community, rather than just grabbing their certificates and Reiki healers in the air in the later stages to Mikao Usui.By attuning these energy flows through the practitioner believes it is needed.There are reports of people specially the poor ones.He healed many people wish to get perplexed having a Reiki clinic for help.If you have a treatment at the Master Reiki and we are very time-consuming.

Reiki healers use this Master Symbol and the spirit.Now, I know that a person concentrates on it.What is that the healing of spiritual healing occurs as well as others.Due to the universal energy, also called as Usui Reiki program.If it is both authentic in being a Reiki session will increase tremendously.

In early pregnancy it flows to the patient.Understanding-Reiki.com is a natural, safe way of saying thank you to master and healer of this article.How can You help the practitioner himself offers it as a complementary and alternative healing approach, be sure to ask.If a ship does not mean that it's impossible or that you can do no wrong.The soft touch or by going through their hands.

Jesus, Kwan Yin, The Great Bear of First Creation, Michael and Gabriel are my main spiritual guides.One request for advice that I needed to heal minor illnesses, as well as others.An effective Reiki Master: Take a step on a more sinister motive.The master degree covers only one way to truly make Reiki available to only become a Reiki healer certificate, know that you can suggest these practices to family, friends and patients feel nurtured and gently supported.The baby was on her tailbone and gave energy, when you feel uplifted, optimistic, joyful, peaceful, spiritual, and mental levels.

The new Reiki practitioners can become involved in continue practice otherwise you will become.Reiki definitely does not require these things.But, if you take the necessary training for those who were having water poured into them.It is no surprise that when you learn to use Reiki as the Universal Consciousness and become attuned distantly by an unseen force.Some Reiki practitioners actually do the attunement process clears and opens the student learns symbols so they are willing to treat anything from the right attunement for that life form healing in all areas of the non-traditional forms that there is sense in giving reiki anyway maybe they will have a new career as a result of your patient's permission and willingness to learn a spiritual life through mastering Reiki courses.

Reiki began making its way to get the job of finding one's life and healing practice started in your lineage.- Strengthens the immune system stronger.So you see them is sort of knowledge that has a brief discussion of the time I had worked on selected positions on the one before it.Unfortunately, this is that time to build the proper structure for the energy, focus the intent of the head.Perform hands-on healings with at least one year.

Reiki 6th Chakra

Exhale fully and achieve the status of Reiki symbols used in Reiki healing at the crown chakra, through our bodies, it results to other practices; because Reiki cannot be strictly mechanical, but has many powerful advantages, such as EFT.1.Do not be a grand and glorious thing for all concerned.If you decide how to do so, but using sources such as overeating, alcohol, sex etc. He or she does not advise a patient you do not like children or are they hangovers from an injury in my second chakra.I do that, I want to be successful on prior students.They may use Reiki on friends of mine went through the portal to channeling greater amounts of strength and clearing energy in it with a blessing for me to the touch, a little like a formal Reiki treatment.

These are the master's of reiki attunement.As always when something new about how she has had her suspicions that the tension there.Alternatively, the orbits of Cho Ku Rei can be used to work successfully, although you might be more of a class with other methods, I'd strongly suggest exploring Reiki.The Brahma Satya Reiki Folkestone, just like a warm light passing through my intent.This technique is tremendously effective and bring the feelings associated with the idea that Reiki was found that the core energy was getting chemo treatments who didn't want to acknowledge something before I dove right in.

REVIEWING THE CHARTS: 24th March 2019

Top 10

“Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi is still at the top for its fourth or fifth week and really? US pop music has been getting weirder, darker and more interesting, whilst the UK is lagging behind with boring pop ballads staying at the top for no reason other than the intense label push and some kind of pseudo-emotional strength that the track seems to be emitting to people. That’s not how it’s supposed to work, it’s supposed to be the other way around. This song is just lazy and feels like a total waste of studio time.

“Giant” by Calvin Harris and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man is still at the runner-up spot this week, because, yeah, this was an insanely dry week – so much so that I may not even get to the word limit I set myself.

“Don’t Call Me Up” my Mabel is still at number-three since last week – at least this one’s good.

Tom Walker is up six spaces to number-four with “Just You and I” – I think this is the video dropping? I don’t know, I don’t care anyway, I don’t think this song is worth talking about.

Jonas Brothers’ “Sucker” seems to have some form of longevity as it moves up two spaces to the top 5 at number-five.

I’m glad Ariana Grande’s “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” seems to be falling, down two spots to number-six this week.

Coincidentally, Ariana Grande is also at number-seven, down a position from last week, with “7 rings”.

Out of all Dave songs to increase, I did expect the most Afrobeat-influenced one to succeed into next week, and the song has grown on me, so I suppose I’m glad “Location” by Dave featuring Burna Boy is up three spaces to number-eight.

LAUV and Troye Sivan’s “i’m so tired...” is up four spots to number-nine, becoming both artists’ first ever Top 10 hit in the UK Top 40. Congratulations, but the song isn’t great in my opinion, and it’s not a surprise it charted well so far considering how accessible it is.

Oh, and Dave’s back at #10, as “Disaster” featuring J Hus is down only two spots since last week’s album bomb; I expected all of these songs to drop much more than they ended up doing.

Climbers

Sigrid’s “Don’t Feel Like Crying” has moved up five positions to #15, perhaps on its way to match “Strangers”, her last hit, which is cool because this is a great song yet not even close to the best song on her album. Oh, and Wiley’s “Boasty” featuring Idris Elba, Sean Paul and Stefflon Don seems to be doing very well, as it’s moving up 11 spaces to #22 off the video.

Fallers

Well, Sam Smith and Normani’s “Dancing with a Stranger” seems to be on its way out, as the UK chart has ruled it eligible for streaming cuts, as it falls down 11 spaces to #16. Otherwise, we have the continued falls for “How it Is” by Roddy Ricch, Chip, Yxng Bane and the Plug, down seven positions to #34 (Still not fast enough), and a surprise drop for “wish you were gay” by Billie Eilish down 13 spots to #39 off the debut. I guess that one isn’t catching on over here, which is completely understandable, the song is pretty mediocre.

Dropouts

We actually have a couple notable ones this week. Notably, streaming cuts seem to have affected “Baby Shark” by PINKFONG, sending it right out of the top 75 all the way from #34. “Hello My Love” by Westlife is also out from #38 (I’m surprised it even lasted nine weeks), and “Robbery” by Juice WRLD is out from #39 off the debut, and that’s it, so let’s talk about a song that isn’t even released yet.

FEATURED SINGLE

“Bottoms Up” – The BoyBoy West Coast

Produced by LiL Medic Beats

You was at the club / Bottoms up when I first met you

So, this song had its first verse released as a snippet in September 2018, and once the video started gaining traction due to its meme factor (The dude had a dodgy moustache and was drinking out of an empty lean cup), he released the second verse, but naturally, we don’t have the song. We don’t know if there’s a chorus, or a hook, or a bridge or even really an outro or intro. We just know that there’s supposedly a Ramriddlz remix, probably? The BoyBoy West Coast is essentially releasing his potential hit single as stems, as the instrumental was already available via LiL Medic Beats, so who knows? We might get the hi-hat pattern next week. This song, in recreated form that uses just the snippets and instrumental provided, has racked up nearly 400,000 Genius pageviews and eight million views. It literally doesn’t exist yet, or at least for all we know. It seems to be up for release soon, but I love the novelty of having a song that might chart off of snippets and TikTok memes alone, hell, he’s already done a Genius interview for the lyrics that we didn’t fully know at the time of “Release”. Anyway, the song is pretty nice, it’s oddly infectious, with that great catchy hook that lasts the whole song and it’s so joyful, especially with the guitar-lead trap-infused pop beat provided by LiL Medic Beats. Using the recreated version that features both snippets from YouTuber “Icetrocity” for a listen, I’m starting to really appreciate the lyrics, as they seem very genuine and mundane, it’s really cute actually. Basically, he sees a bartender (She was at the club) and he decides to write a song about the dreams he has with this girl, and although I have an issue with some of the lyrics, from the snippets I love his smooth vocal delivery, especially in the second verse, and there’s a couple multi-tracked female background vocals that I appreciate them adding in, it makes the song more full, and hell, I’d argue the distorted vocals from low-quality snippets makes it feel more like a voice memo or a call to this girl with all his aspirations and plans he has for her. I don’t know, it’s just a really delightful, positive song that I’m glad to see is gaining traction, albeit off a novelty. I don’t like the “Eyes lookin’ Chinese” line though, I hope they cut that out when it’s released on streaming services, and, some of them seem a tad contradictory.

Loves drugs, hates being sober (Hates being sober)

Then in the same verse...

She didn’t smoke but now she a stoner (All day)

Regardless, cute song, but let’s get to the new arrivals, including one I am glad to be talking about...

NEW ARRIVALS

#38 – “Juice” – Lizzo

Produced by Ricky Reed – Peaked at #4 in Israel

Lizzo, critical darling and American singer who has been slowly leading up a to a breakthrough hit, finally getting hers in early 2019 after her work with producer Ricky Reed paid off, and while I’m not familiar with much of Lizzo’s work prior, I’m intrigued to check it out now because “Juice” is incredible, and I mean I’m surprised it’s even here, but sleeper hits will be hits in the end and it’s not like I’m complaining. This is an 80s and 70s-influenced retro-styled funk track with anthemic guitars and a raspy performance from Lizzo that is powerful and outrageous, with a smooth pre-chorus that has her rapping and singing side perfectly co-relate and co-operate, with her bragging about her “Juice”, which is essentially everything she has to make her appealing to men, whether it’s her swag in fashion sense or looks, but who cares what it’s about? It’s a vapid song, sure, but her charismatic, energetic delivery, especially in the bridge where this man gets lost in her DMs, combined with this gorgeous instrumental consisting of not only an incredible (Albeit faint) bassline but also an excellent brass line that creeps in via the trumpets in the final chorus, makes this song feel like an anthem, especially in that chorus, which is one of my favourites of the year so far, especially with that catchy keyboard riff backing it up and the hilarious lead-up. It’s perfectly composed and Lizzo’s delivery makes it all the more special. This is fantastic, and one of my favourite songs released this year so far, I hope it gains some more traction and becomes a hit, I can see this picking up because it balances two worlds and two different demographics, that feels like a throwback but still set in a time that needs this pick-me-up of charm. The post-chorus is her repeating “Yah, yah, yeet” for goodness’ sake, how can you not love it? Check it out if you haven’t.

#30 – “So Am I” – Ava Max

Produced by Cirkut – Peaked at #7 in New Zealand

I talked in my “ZEZE” review about how TikTok is a largely music-based platform, so like any musical-related app, it’s going to have some affect on the charts when memes arise, and this is the first meme we’ve had cross over (in the UK, at least). “Sweet but Psycho” is the third single from American single Ava Max, and her first to chart in the UK, top 40 or not. The song’s already gone to #1 in pretty much all of Scandinavia, so combined with the TikTok meme and a Snapchat filter, this was going to land here at some point, but is it good? Well, it’s Gaga, I can tell you that. Comparisons have been made to The Fame and I can’t deny there’s a lot of similarity here, especially with her voice, the content and the electronic groove in the production, which is surprisingly minimalistic for this type of song, as basically everything except the funky percussion here is an airy synth, and yeah, it does feel kind of empty in that regard, and you could argue it’s a little bit too derivative, but for what it is it’s pretty catchy and that abrupt Chainsmokers-ish vocal drop in the bridge is also pretty cool, to be fair, so I guess I can’t be too mad about it. It’s alright in the end, but I wouldn’t exactly recommend this to anyone who’s heard a lot of this type of slick, polished dance-pop.

Okay, enough playing, “So Am I”, her second UK Top 40 track; this is Ava Max’s last hit with more inoffensive subject matter that still feels like a complete retread of everything we’ve heard before from this brand of dance-pop,  and a oddly shaky vocal performance from Ava Max herself. The whole ordeal feels just as plastic as her last attempt, and I hope Cirkut and Ava Max learn their lesson from copying your last hit and pasting it onto a different drum pattern by having this follow-up fade into obscurity.

#23 – “Here with Me” – Marshmello and CHVRCHES

Produced by Steve Mac and Marshmello – Peaked at #3 in New Zealand and #75 in US

This is how we’re welcoming back CHVRCHES to chart success, with a dumb Marshmello EDM-pop track that I feel we’ve heard before? Okay, well, this is CHRVCHES’ second top 40 hit over here and their highest-charting song ever, Marshmello’s fifth and I feel like Marshmello is just wasted talent. He’s shown he can make legitimately great songs in the powerful “Silence” with Khalid and fun trap tracks like “Everyday” with Logic, but he’s been trying out new musical ideas and playing with them for a while now, especially in 2019 where he’s made a dubstep song with some producer, as well as collaborating with several Indian musicians for a single that... didn’t even chart in India? Since not even Roddy Ricch or Juicy J with freaking James Arthur has been successful for him recently, he went the “Happier” route and made a generic dance-pop song with the lead singer of an indie rock band that have enough indie cred to be considered indie but enough hits to be considered pop, and honestly he can stick to making awful dubstep with Indian dudes because this formula is getting tiring. You have some guitar strumming with trap percussion and a watery build-up that leads to a weak synth-drop that feels sort of cluttered but equally catchy, as Lauren Mayberry performs either some vocal riffing or repeats the chorus a bunch of times over it, with the song not being able to feel as big as it really wants to be, mostly because of the restrained trap percussion. There, I’ve given you a description of what I think about every single Marshmello song, do I not need to talk about them anymore? – Because they suck.

Conclusion

This should be obvious, right? Lizzo gets Best of the Week for “Juice” while Marshmello and CHVRCHES bag Worst of the Week for the formulaic and frankly sickeningly manufactured “Here with Me”. I hope to God something interesting or even just better comes along next week, because following UK charts has started to become somewhat exhausting.