I laughed at your sweet Sam post. Not meanly but I did laugh because yours along with some others over the last few days show how very little there is to actually talk about. This fandom is almost completely dead. I've been here a long time and its been dying as the years and the wait between seasons lengthens and the engagement ceases, but this time seems the worse one by far. Tumblr is dead, Twitter is dead, IG does not lend itself to blog style posts so is also dead. Cast: giving nothing. TPTB: useless photos and occasional BTS videos with no new content/no context. It's a real bummer. I did smile to see Sam's sweet little face though.

Dear Dead Fandom Anon,

I think one of the most interesting things about a fandom experience (first and last, for me) is what you make of it.

Cast keeping it mum? No problem, but still intrigued.

Twitter dead? Twitter has been dead ever since it turned into X, this is barely news. But since it's also politically loaded, I am not going to discuss it: I have my red lines and do not see fit dragging my daily life in here.

Tumblr dead? Make no mistake: Tumblr is dormant. But throw this crowd something, like I inadvertently did with those old S&C pics, and just watch your clicks explode. This crowd is always hungry for more. Always. And mind you, people will still hang around at least until this show is over. Some to see the end of it, others to taunt the opposing faction, in a completely useless attempt to do some missionary work. So nope: not yet.

IG is, of course, a joke. It's primarily for selling a media profile to future studio honchos, agents and all the other Hollywood types you'd wish to work with in the foreseeable future. The day those uber-excitable ('SHOUTING, SCREAMING, THROWING UPPP TO SEE MY PARENTS LIKE THIS' - yes, this is fandom legit jargon, Anon) women will understand they are a tradeable digital commodity like any other is the day Insta will begin to crumble. We are not there yet and so I suppose we'll see more of those (young?) people shouting, and screaming and throwing up in celebration of 'their wonderful friendship for life' (🙄). Or C's make-up, since that's just about all she's showing her sans-culottes. Or S's biceps, since that's just about all he's showing his mommies (spare for the booze- and no, FMN not coming soon in a liquor store near you: moi aussi, je suis désolée). Your pick.

As for ***, well... Never ever in my life have I seen a company so endeavored to destroy whatever it managed to build, in terms of audience success, in such a short time span. Whoever planned the current wreck should get the sack, sooner or later and they have only themselves to blame.

Thankfully, this series will be over and done with. It is my deepest wish, Anon. And then, we shall see. We shall live and we shall see.

Keep calm and carry on: that's your (our, really) boredom speaking.

*sigh*

Y'know, this really doesn't/shouldn't matter, but as this particular accusation keeps getting thrown at me over and over again - oh fuck it, I'm gonna take the bait this one time and set the record straight once and for all. Honestly my "appetite" in this context is truly not anyone's business (and if you don't care to hear about it this is the one warning you'll get to click away lmao) but I've reached the point where if you really wanna attack my credibility based on who you think I enjoy fantasizing about, I'm gonna throw you a bone and tell you exactly what type that is - cuz as much as I'm sick of the ad hominem attacks the Aussie in me is even more sick of watching them miss so fucking hard. If you're gonna roast me, the least you can do is hit me where it hurts, goddamn it. Get it right or go home you uncooked noodles. Capiche?

When it comes to my taste in men, my "type" is: big, strong, hairy brutes. There, I said it. Give me lumberjacks, give me cavemen, I want my Jason Momoas, I want my Ma Dong-Seoks, I want them broad shoulders and tree-trunk calves and I wanna see those muscles bulge. If a fictional character ever gets me biting my lip at the screen, it's never gonna be a fine-featured pretty boy, it's gonna be a good thick daddy who can take my wrists, pin me against a wall and [--------------------------------‐---sustained bleep sound effect---------------------------------]

1:38-1:51 🤣

Personality wise, I'm a basic bitch who has approximately zero defenses for the "jerk with a heart of gold" stereotype. Gets me every time, without fail. The smooth-talking playboy who flirts with everyone and who could bed anyone he wanted, but who only lets you see him at his deepest, dearest, most vulnerable moments? Sorry, am I supposed to not fall for that shit or something? Well frankly I don't understand how and I'm not ashamed to admit it. If he happens to be built like a fortress on top of that? Yeah, I'm done. Have me bathed and brought to your tent, sir, please and thank you.

I admit, it's rare that a character with the physique I like also has that heartbreaker personality I'm a sucker for. Guys in fiction are usually strong and mean or they make up for their lighter frames with silver tongues and barbed promises - rarely do writers create a character who's stacked with both brains and brawn, so to speak. Makes sense though, as while irl people can max out any combination of stats that they put effort towards - in fiction a character who's too good at too many different attributes can come across unbalanced or Gary Stu-ish and will fail to resonate with audiences unless the writer really knows what they're doing.

That being said, there really isn't any character in ATLA who fits my type - either of them, actually. There are some bit characters like Chit Sang who get close in terms of physical build - but Chit Sang has very gaunt, angular facial features that I'm really not a fan of and tbh, while I get that I can't expect all my big buff boys to also be masters of wit and cunning and charm, being dumber than a box of rocks does seal it for me, sorry. In terms of personality, I guess the closest character would be Jet, and he's cool and all but yeah, the whole "would go as far as killing kids" thing makes him a bit of a hard sell for me too. (And yes, it's worth questioning the writers' choices to create him with those flaws to begin with but look, that's a discussion for another day 😂)

All this to say, if you wanna tease me about coveting fictional characters and allowing thirst to cloud my judgment - COME AT ME BOYS. But not with Zuko, for fuck's sake. The character that makes sneezy.exe blue-screen ain't him. It's actually the late great Carthaginian General Hannibal Barca, the man the myth the legend may he Rest in Peace if anyone's seriously wondering. Look, I do like the scar, and the awkwardness is endearing - he's definitely not ugly or unappealing by any means so please don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to bash him or nothin' - but if I'm being brutally honest, he's not my type! Not physically, not even emotionally. If I ship Zutara, it's because aspects of the ship appeal to me that are unrelated to my personal opinion of Zuko as an object of fantasy, which if you must know (and now you do, congratulations, you're welcome), the kind of boy I do fantasise about when I'm in the mood for that sort of thing could literally and figuratively sweep Zuko off his feet - and then sit on him. In either order.

P.S. While we're on this topic, the character I personally relate to most heavily is not Katara either btw. It's Toph. If you're going to accuse me of bias, questioning my views on Toph would make the most sense for that reason. But really, it's hardly my fault that she's basically the most perfect flawless irreproachable badass in ATLA or practically all of animation as a whole. Come on now. *whistles innocently*

Reading Digger Harkness as an Aussie: why he’s specifically written to wind me up, the undercurrents of many of his appearances, and why he’s voting No in the Voice referendum.

(Okay if you know ANYTHING about Digger and about the Voice you already knew that, but making this current-relevant!)

George “Digger” Harkness is Captain Boomerang. He’s traditionally written by DC to be specifically, deliberately annoying and disliked. Due to this he’s simultaneously quite cleverly written while also being the laziest character stereotype imaginable.

One of the things that drives me up the wall every time I read him in a book is that due to a clash of a few things in his character design, the subtext he’s evolved over time is remarkably complex, but also geared to make me despise him. Also I can’t tell how much of it is deliberate on the writer’s part.

The first thing you need to understand is that Harkness is very specifically putting on a level of Australianness for his audience (the usually American characters around him). The fascinating thing in this is that, unusually for this trope, his writers are often aware he’s doing this. The common term for this is ‘ocker’. You can notice this in the language he uses: it’s specifically peppered with ‘Australian’ words and phrases.

Now this is a pretty common thing for writers to do to demonstrate a character is Australian. It sounds like someone trying to write Crocodile Dundee or Steve Irwin. However, to my ear (and years of putting up with this), the way it’s done for Digger is…off. It’s not the standard terrible way it’s used in American media, but it’s equally not written naturally for how an Australian who natively speaks ocker/broad would use it. Digger’s playing it up, and he’s playing it up badly. (the closest comparison I can make than an Australian might understand is he sounds more like Russell Coight than Steve Irwin, with all that implies) He wants people to think he’s an Australian stereotype.

Heck, let’s break down his name for a demonstration of this.

Captain Boomerang: this is a very, very, loaded name. Digger’s specifically racist, and he’s racist in a very White Australia Policy sort of way. The writers are aware he’s racist. He uses a boomerang as a symbol as he’s Australian (surface level) but they’re also specifically drawn as white a lot of the time, both in his costume and in the weapons themselves. They’re not plain wood or decorated with traditional art. They’re white. He has a history of making boomerangs and promoting them in Australia for sale, as a white guy, which is uhhhh Not Great. He’s assumed a traditional piece of Australian Aboriginal weaponry and culture as his own, and he’s painted it white. He’s asserting that it’s his culture now and has stripped it of its traditional meaning. (Also his boomerangs often don’t come back, and have sharpened edges and are used wrongly). He doesn’t like Black People ™ but also uses a weapon specifically associated with an oppressed minority in his place of origin. The white supremacy attitude is very much coded in.

“Digger” as a nickname: oh the way this clashes and interacts with the fact he uses ‘Captain’ as a title! Digger as a term is a general nickname for Australian Army soldiers. It comes from the Gallipoli landings and the trenches of World War I. By using it as his nickname, Harkness is evoking a whole HOST of imagery and specifically nationalist cultural imagery surrounding Gallipoli as a ‘birthplace’ of Australian identity, something that’s been weaponised particularly by the Australian political right for the past 30 years as a national symbol. In the stories that a country tells itself about who they are, Harkness is evoking a very major one and also one that can read as quite toxic if not done carefully. (if you need a quick entry to the way the nickname makes me wince, look up ‘Cronulla Riots’. That’s the sort of person his name is evoking for me) The other problem on top of this – this is a soldier’s nickname. Harkness has never been in the Australian military (as far as I can tell). Combined with the fact he uses the title of ‘Captain’, he’s suggesting he’s got a military background that he 100% does not have. He’s a giant hypocrite. Now being part of the military in Australia reads differently to being part of the military in the USA, in how society sees it, but this is still not on. It’s not a natural nickname for an Australian to have, in his circumstances. It doesn’t even make sense as a traditional ironic nickname given by his friends. Which means he picked it himself. And for that style of nickname…choosing your own? That’s considered to be poor form and trying way too hard. (And nicknames are culturally important! For the personality Harkness is trying to present to his audience, he SHOULD have a nickname like this. My father’s is ‘Bones’, for instance. But choosing your own, and choosing one that implies traits that are not yours to display? Really really bad form)

Basically in summary, Harkness is very much coded in a lot of ways to essentially be the Australian equivalent of someone who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. With that sort of view of his home country.

What is fascinating is that when Harkness interacts with other Australian characters, they do not like him, so the writers are aware that he’s been written to be this level of objectionable.

Now, some of this coding in his character has just accumulated over 60+ years as stereotypes have evolved and things have become ever more socially unacceptable. But the interesting thing here is that the writers ACKNOWLEDGE that unacceptable behaviour from Harkness.

I hate him so much. And I also want to fix his dialogue, which suffers from being written by Americans, to include a bunch more extremely country ocker sayings. He NEEDS to be saying things like “stone the flaming crows” and “fair shake of the sauce bottle” and “flat out like a lizard drinking” and “I didn’t come here to fuck spiders”. Because he’s putting it on. And these are the sort of things he’d lean in to to convey that level of “oh I’m not from around here, I am quoting Crocodile Dundee at you but you didn’t even realise” that he’s written to have.

ok i just saw a commercial for the monster high live action sequel, which naturally reminded me of the first live action monster high movie, and now i'm mad. because, like, they massacred my boy. and my girl. and my other girl. oh, and a couple more of my girls. and for what?

I'm mad about all of them, obviously. i'm mad that fashionista Clawdeen has a newly garbage sense of style. i'm mad that the zombies speak english now. i'm mad that cleo is an irredeemable bitch instead of a fundamentally kind girl with a lot of mummy issues, and i'm mad that Lagoona is a bitch along with her. speaking of, i'm mad that Lagoona isn't aussie anymore. i'm mad about a lot of things.

but lord god above. what did they do to my boy deuce.

for one. he was kind of a himbo, but an absolute angel, and it worked. why the fuck did they change his personality?

for another.

my guy. why did you invent monster racism to give him more angst. i can understand wanting him to have more obstacles to overcome for the sake of a deeper character. obstacles for your characters are a hallmark of great writing. that being said, you do not need to invent a new flavor of racism.

he's fucking Medusa's son.

there's so much you can do with that. the obvious daddy issues. even some issues with mom? clearly, she loves him and she's trying her best, but maybe on bad days she can't look at him because he reminds her of Poseidon. maybe Posea goes to school with them, and you can have drama with the two of them. there's so much you can do. and you don't even have to spell out for the kids what exactly led to these shitty circumstances. they don't have to know why his father isn't in the picture. but if you just say that he is, everyone who's read Medusa's story will know, and the younger audience just won't. I fail to see what the problem with such a storyline would be.

and guess what. you don't have to invent a new kind of monster racism.

which wouldn't even make since in the larger world, btw. deuce's cousin is a world-renowned make up artist. if the greater monster society were actually that freaked out about gorgons potentially going nuts and turning them to stone, why would Elissabat, her manager, directors, crew members, etc. all be okay with having Viperine around Hauntlywood?

and what are they so worried about, anyway? even if gorgons were going nuts and turning people to stone all the time, it'll just wear off in a few hours! and if it was your intention that it not wear off in this version, then say that for all of us who are used to g1 and g2!

ok. i promise i'm done now.

Making a sudden shift to hating on Eurovision and people who have enjoyed it brings nothing to the table and, rather, closes the door to newcomers potentially being receptive to your message.

On top of that, it is my personal opinion that we can bring about substantial change by being vocal about our enjoyment of the show - what we enjoy about it in comparison to what we don't, and why we want it to get its act together. It's likely that the people who are the most passionate about Eurovision will be the ones to bring the loudest concerns to the EBU, broadcasters, artists and their labels. It is people who love Eurovision who are looking up official accounts and tags and paying attention to whether Israel is participating. It is people who love Eurovision who are aware, months ahead of the finale, that something bad is going on.

Complaining that the show isn't that good or that important or worth watching does not bring anything to the table. It's a fine personal opinion to hold, but it shouldn't be presented as an example of the right "activist" path. It does not teach anything about boycotts, why exactly we are calling for boycott, or how to boycott.

You can only really boycott if you were a customer in the first place.

I have also seen reactions from people who probably discovered Eurovision recently and seemed appalled that Israel was ever included and even won "one time" (they won four times). I think that if we want things to change we need to understand the history of the contest, why Israel was included and what happened as a result. I think it's possible that someone who makes such comments doesn't realise how long Eurovision has been going, how much has happened within it, and as such is likely to see it as just another problematic and unimportant show.

Everything can be unimportant if you want to be nihilistic. Realistically, though, I personally want to argue that the symbolism of a scandal about Israel's participation is influential.

It's important to be aware of your priorities - which won't look the exact same depending on your living conditions, your geographical position, and such factors - and to focus on actions that can impact Palestine positively in a direct manner. It's happening now, so it's important not to let yourself be distracted. However, that doesn't mean that you have to ignore Eurovision, what it's doing, and its impact. Our actions and debates about Eurovision can have their place on our to-do lists if we think we can make use of its influence to spread an important message to a large audience.

When so many people are watching their TV and a YouTube stream at the same time, whatever they see will impact them. Your personal distaste for Eurovision or lack of interest in it does not change its viewership.

Si vous êtes français et vous lisez ce post, je me permets de vous recommander de faire part de votre déception à l'agence de Slimane, qui a été sélectionné pour représenter la France. Vous pouvez aussi contacter France Inter, car c'est la pression des pays participants qui a causé le retrait de la Russie du concours par le passé. Même s'il y a peu de chances que la France, qui fait partie du Big Five et qui est confiante en sa défense d'Israël, soit vraiment un des pays qui décide d'exercer une pression sur ce sujet, que des français aient exprimé leur désaccord a un impact. Votre voix, votre boycott, votre vote, a toujours un impact. C'est juste comme ça.

The Akazaya start a tennis team, what are each of their special moves?

Okay...you know I'm gonna have to take this one way too seriously to the point it's uncomfortable for most of the audience or actually really fun.

See, first we need to understand two things. One, the Akazaya are used to using melee weapons. So ball-and-bat sports of any stripes are in their wheelhouse. Two, they are fiercely competitive with each other. So if we assume the type of team match structure like in Prince of Tennis...

Kiku/Kawamatsu: Second doubles team. The gang likes to lead with a nice, likely win to set the tone and these two are a phenomenal pair. Like Kikumaru/Oishi they're good at the Aussie Formation. Just like in real life, Kiku sits up at the net doing the work of two people with her speed and ridiculous reach...and Kawamatsu is the best at noticing when she's stretching herself too thin. Kiku's specialty is headgames, a big windup that can be absolutely smashing the ball but she can also pull back last second to have it just plop on the other side of the net. Calls it the Fainting Flower. Kawamatsu has his Tsuppari Smash...palms a racket for a sumo thrust that's just a freakin laser.

Kin'emon/Denjiro: First doubles. Kin is a lucky fuckup and Denjiro best knows how to capitalize. Kin's two-sword style makes him a gifted ambidextrous player. But he's not the quickest thinker so he focuses on the serve. His special one is the Foxfire Slice. Flame makes it hard to tell which direction it'll bounce. Denjiro...very skilled. Type to have something like the Tezuka Zone. A defensive pattern where he can really control his opponent. The two will also use Kin's fruit for shenanigans.

Ashura Doji: He had to work really, really hard late nights with Kiku to learn how to hit the ball gently enough it doesn't go out. Third singles, absolute bully on the court. His specialty? Smashing it at his opponent. Always thought tennis was lowkey hardcore for that being a feasible strategy.

Toki: Second singles. She was there when the game was invented. Always seeks it out and was the one who introduced it to Wano. It's a perfectly proper game for a noblewoman to play. She relies on a very refined shot she takes way too much pleasure in naming Togen Topspin.

Raizo: The star, he gets fair treatment in some of these. First singles, doesn't need his fruit to do this but he's the copycat player. Loves beating people with their own moves. Unfortunately, unlike Prince of Tennis's Hiroshi...this does not land Raizo a female fanbase.

Oh...and Neko/Inu. Look, nature wins out sometimes. You can't be good at tennis if your first instinct is to pounce on the ball & bat it around or chomp down and bring it back to your opponent.

FNAF Movie Thoughts

(relatively non-spoilers?)

Some people have been expecting some sort of revolutionary horror development. Now I seriously don't understand that. I feel like fandom expectations (especially after such a long wait) have made too much room for the collective mind to run wild with possibilities, and ignore the basics of the series.

Critics saying that it's 'too lore heavy' - it's really not. This could just be me thinking that it's straightforward and not properly being able to view the movie from a non-fan perspective, but I just can't agree with those claims entirely.

It's the bare bones of plot from the games, with more than enough nods to the games for fans to be pleased with. 'Bare bones' is not at all a negative statement, the simplicity of the plot was enjoyable, and I feel like everything was explained in a way that would make it easy for people who aren't aware of the depth of the franchise to watch, understand and enjoy the movie.

This movie doesn't try to be anything that it isn't. This isn't a revolutionary horror film that pushes the bounds of modern cinema, or try to be a decade defining horror - it doesn't need to be. It simply has to tell it's story, one which succeeds in being clearly conveyed throughout it's runtime.

It's a solid story, with the typical 'protagonist learns a heartfelt lesson' and 'villain receives his comeuppance'. It is satisfying, and not at all too convoluted, despite what others might say.

Some have shown disappointment at the film's PG-13 (M for Aussie folk) rating, which I personally have found bizarre. This goes back to the fandom expectations I mentioned earlier, wherein a large proportion are expecting a bloodbath (or the more scary possibility, the people who only think that horror movies are worth their fanfare if people are constantly being torn to shreds), but the games are not that gory in and of themselves. The story that is revealed throughout the series run, yes, may conjure horrific images in the mind's eye of utterly deplorable circumstances, but a large majority of the games gore and violence is implied, or shown through the lens of 8-bit videogame scenes. I understand that with this movie being a live action, people may have expected the filmmakers to push the envelope and go all out with realistic depictions of a character's gruesome demise, but I personally find that to go a little against the atmosphere that is established within the original media.

Also, one must consider that a lot of children would want to see this movie, and how that must have affected the rating. I know that a large majority of people who grew up with the games are now adults (myself included), but this series has had such longevity within horror and gaming communities, that it has continued to make an impression on audiences - and yes, that includes children/tweens. This is a good starting horror for that age group too, not too graphic, but scary enough. For some, I'm sure this is their equivalent of (for lack of a better equal) the Goosebumps series.

That being said, I found that the implied nature of the gore to be great. In one particular scene, it is conveyed wonderfully due to fantastic sound design and acting, which really sold the scene.

There is one other scene, which without spoiling, was incredibly surprising, and is probably the closest to the expected gore as the movie ever gets. Still, this is only one scene, and doesn't necessarily speak for the rest of the movie.

Overall, it's a movie made for the fans, and also serves as a good entry level bit of media for people who aren't into the game series, but are curious about the lore.

There are plenty of easter eggs to be found throughout the film, which I'm sure will become the subject of a YouTube video which points out every single one with eagle eyed precision. I found the animation during the opening credits to be a nice little nod to the 8-bit style parts of the games, and an interesting way to imply, if not outright state, backstory.

I don’t know if you’ve ever been asked this, but does a mime’s voice change once they take on a host?

Yes, it does! Some more than others.

Mimes take on the vocal cords (or whatever equivalent) that their host has, but their native voice may still have an influence over their overall sound depending on just how in or out of sync they are with their host. They also often take on the host's primary language and accent. Although mimes communicate in such a way that any and all language-bearing lifeforms understand (written as English, usually, for audience understanding of course!), they can sometimes still choose to speak/have a hard time not speaking their host's native tongue.

Chickenstab, for instance, is one of the most in-sync with his host: In most respects he acts about how you'd expect him to outside of his host, and as such he has a lot of control of himself and the host he puppeteers around. His voice changes marginally in-host, a little raspier maybe, but no noticeable accent change or desire to switch language even though his host spoke only Talpian.

Given all this though, he (and any mime that happens to be this in-sync with their host) can let the host's vocal cords & language take priorty and drop his voice. ...There isn't really any need to do this, though.

Someone a little more out of sync with their host, like Twiddle Niddle for instance, their voice can fluctuate as they struggle to have complete control. His original voice, very bouncy, low, sinister, Aussie, etc.; It struggles against his host's native French tongue & accent. He has a grip on his own accent-- though you may still find it to slip into his host's from time to time-- but he finds his voice higher and more gentle than he would normally project.

Uppsulka is a good example of a pretty extreme difference, actually. She is one of the most out of sync to her host, though she still holds together extremely well as is her nature. The way she speaks is left entirely up to her host, softer and flat and soothing to the ear. She is very monotone, and doesn't have the urge to speak often. Outside of her host though, her voice is full of emotion, bassier, and much more sing-songy.

It varies heavily between and mime and host. The mental aspect comes into play too-- their speech pattern, the extent of their vocabulary, their vocal attitude, all of these are influenced by the host too. It can be hard to believe it's the same mime sometimes with how drastic the speech can be in-host.

Buuuuut um. Long explanation! Can just be summed up to: yep, quite often.

Have you seen Oppenheimer??

OMG YES i literally forgot to talk about it but i saw barbie and oppenheimer back to back HAHAH! I also had my first ever imax experience with oppenheimer, living in london now in a place that imax exists! (my aussie hometown didn’t have any imax cinemas, so still haven’t seen dunkirk in all it’s glory, but I digress).

so i actually didn’t really know about the actual history of oppenheimer, and my partner encouraged me not to research it until after i saw the film so i could go in like those in history did, without knowing the end result (obvs i knew the end result but you know what i mean). if you ever get the chance to watch a historical you don’t know much about, i recommend doing what i did- it made things more surprising and suspenseful not to know the details that history would have taught me!

thoughts on oppenheimer under the cut:

masterpiece. nolan delivered again, obviously.

the opening scene with the quote and the explosion behind it gave me the most goosebumps/chills I have EVER experienced consuming media.

I loved the suspense that built up over time, I loved that it ebbed and flowed, unlike Dunkirk which only built. Uncharacteristically of me, I didn’t even really research the cast, so when it literally had half of hollywood in it, I kept thinking ‘oh there’s them!’ which made me happy lol.

Also my faceclaim for Peter’s brother played Heisenberg, which I didn’t know would happen, so that was a really nice surprise. (younger pics of him are the inspo I use for faceclaims of the older Dawson brother if you ever want to google Matthias!)

I thought the way they built the group of people around Oppenheimer was brilliant and that the film took the time to make us understand them all as their own people with their own lives was good, especially those who disagreed with Oppenheimer made it interesting.

When they detonated the test it was such a tense moment, and I was so glad to have a good cinema audience that was silent. I kinda forgot that they wouldn’t hear the blast immediately so when there was the audio delay I got chills. I loved that they waited almost enough time to make you think that maybe they just won’t include the audio at all, but then it hits you. hard.

The drawn out ‘not a court’ that Oppenheimer was put through I think really was a testament to all the actors’ skills, and did history justice in showing us a glimpse into how unfairly he was treated by the system.

I especially liked the little details in scenes at the start, like when Oppenheimer watched the raindrops and was thinking of atoms, and those litte details of his visions of science. Found those fascinating and actually really related to how he saw and processed things that way.

I also found the way they found out they had been dropped on japan to be shown very well. i didn’t know how they found out, as i said i went in pretty blind, so it was quite jarring to see that they found out the bombs were dropped from the news.

I feel like all my film reviews are sprawling and have no real structure, but those are the main points that come to my mind about just a few reasons I loved the film!! I think the mark of a good film is that if it’s a 3 hour one, it doesn’t feel that long- and Oppenheimer was just like that. It was gripping until the end and there was so much of its rich plot that it was not dull at all.

so yeah, did see oppenheimer, loved it, i give it 8.5/10 (dunkirk is a 9.5 in my books ((because i wish it was a bit longer)) i found oppenheimer maybe a teeeeny bit slow/laborious in some scenes).

Love your blog and sorry for the rant below, I have lots of feels!. I too am an Aussie VM fan and I really enjoy your dancing/skating/artistic focus on them, laced with the understanding that it all comes together magically because of their love and connection. I fell down the rabbit hole when I had covid a couple of months ago and soaked up all their performances, the beautiful imagery and hilarious/heartfelt interviews. Accidentally found myself on a couple of terrible websites full of conspiracy and venom and noped out quick as I could. I’ve come out the other side appreciating their skill and am keen to continue that, hoping to avoid all the weirdness sometimes associated with their fandom. Thanks for providing an avenue for that. I don’t want to be a part of anything that turns their talent, achievement and love into something else, remembering that they are human beings (and sound like pretty nice humans too) who deserve to live in privacy and make their own choices, without judgement. Their lives are their own - only their skating is public property and I love indulging in it!

G’DAY MATE 🐨🇦🇺

Yay there’s another Aussie on here!!

Thank you so much that’s so kind of you. It’s so funny how many of us have discovered or fallen back into this lil fandom over the last couple years/months, although I hope lots of people will continue too because lbh they are ice dance and as far as I’m concerned the sport doesn’t really exist with out them (at least I don’t care much about it).

I’m so glad you enjoy my artistic/athletic ramblings, sometimes I wonder if I’m making sense to the wider audience coz I have such a specify perspective but that’s really where my love for them lies and where the discussion I feel should mostly be- on their talent and their beautiful partnership.. not private stuff. I have some pretty detailed posts coming up that dive deep into connection and interaction artistically within their partnership so hopefully I can make it interesting enough and hope it makes some sense 😅

It’s so weird to me that there just seems to be that much negative, unwarranted BS out there that people who discover VM fall into it- when I got back into this I didn’t for a long time, my outlook always stayed so positive and I had no reason to think negatively, mostly because when it comes to new info (new to me or new in general) I just stick to what comes out of their mouths (and people very very close to them) coz that’s the only opinion and info about them that matters to me. So that’s so great you said ‘hell no’ to all that crap coz really it’s all BS and gossip like what happens to so many ‘famous’ people and really it’s just cyber bullying which is so low and shameful.

So anyway… so glad you’re here. ❤️❤️❤️

Affordable Social Media Marketing Services for Australian Businesses - Aussie Websites

"At Aussie Websites, we are dedicated to offering top-notch social media marketing solutions exclusively for Australian businesses. With years of experience, affordable packages, and detailed monthly reporting, we're here to elevate your brand's online presence."

What is Social Media Marketing?

Social Media Marketing (SMM) isn't just about posting updates; it's about creating meaningful connections and engagement with your audience. It involves using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to create a voice for your brand. At Aussie Websites, we understand the pulse of the Australian market and develop targeted strategies to help you reach potential customers, drive sales, and build brand loyalty.

Unveiling the Crowning Glory: A Look at the Major Players of the Hair Serum Market

Hair serums have become an essential part of many hair care routines, offering a concentrated dose of nutrients to address a variety of concerns, from dryness and damage to frizz and hair loss. But with a plethora of brands and products available, navigating the hair serum market can be daunting. To help you make informed choices, we’re taking a deep dive into the major players in this industry, analyzing their market presence, unique selling propositions (USPs), and target audiences.

A Glimpse into the Hair Serum Market Landscape

The global hair serum market is a flourishing one, expected to reach a value of US$5.8 billion by 2028, driven by increasing consumer awareness about hair health and a desire for convenient and effective hair care solutions. This growth is fueled by several factors, including:

Rising disposable income, leading to increased spending on personal care products.

Growing awareness about the damaging effects of heat styling and environmental factors on hair.

The influence of social media and beauty trends, promoting the use of hair serums for achieving salon-quality results at home.

Key Players: Defining the Hair Serum Market

L’Oréal: A global giant in the beauty industry, L’Oréal offers a diverse range of hair serums under various brands, including Kerastase, L’Oréal Professionnel, and Redken. Their serums cater to a wide range of hair types and concerns, with a focus on innovation and luxury formulations.

Unilever: Another major player, Unilever, boasts popular hair serum brands like TRESemmé and Dove. Their serums are known for their affordability and focus on everyday hair care needs, making them a popular choice for mass consumers.

Procter & Gamble: P&G has a strong presence in the hair serum market with brands like Pantene and Aussie. Their serums are known for their focus on damage repair and nourishment, targeting a broad audience with value-driven propositions.

Henkel: A well-established company, Henkel offers hair serums under the Schwarzkopf and Syoss brands. Their serums cater to both professional and consumer markets, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and targeted solutions.

The Estée Lauder Companies: This company owns popular hair care brands like Aveda and Bumble and bumble, which offer premium hair serums formulated with natural and botanical ingredients. They target environmentally conscious consumers seeking luxurious and effective hair care solutions.

Understanding a Specific Brand’s Market Presence: A Case Study

Let’s take a closer look at the market presence of one specific brand, Moroccan Oil. This brand has carved a niche for itself in the hair serum market with its iconic argan oil-infused hair oil, known for its frizz-fighting and shine-enhancing properties.

Moroccan Oil’s Market Presence:

USPs: Their unique selling proposition lies in the use of high-quality, ethically sourced argan oil as a key ingredient. They focus on natural ingredients and sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Target audience: Moroccan Oil targets a premium audience willing to pay for luxury hair care products. They market their serums as multi-benefit solutions for various hair types and concerns.

Distribution: The brand primarily focuses on professional hair salons and high-end retailers, creating an aspirational image and ensuring quality control.

Marketing and branding: Moroccan Oil leverages influencer marketing, social media engagement, and high-quality visuals to build brand awareness and loyalty. They position themselves as a trusted expert in hair care, offering educational content and personalized consultations.

Conclusion:

The hair serum market is a dynamic and competitive space, with various brands vying for consumer attention. Understanding the major players, their USPs, and target audiences is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions. By analyzing the market presence of specific brands like MoroccanOil, you can gain valuable insights into their strategies and offerings, allowing you to choose the hair serums that best suit your individual needs and preferences.

Billie Skye's Musical Diary: Insights into 'Amorous Mirage Billie Skye is an Aussie chica from Byron Bay, releasing her first EP “Amorous Mirage” at the age of nineteen. This four-track ride is like a music journey connecting R&B with little pop, blues and funk. Billie’s singing and subtle tone in songs like “lover boy” evoke a feeling that grips you, refusing to let go. In our interview with Billie, she lets the cat out of the bag on how he was brought up in a musical family through which songs linked off everyone. Being the daughter of a musician, Billie has been writing poetry since childhood; it was just natural to add guitar chords and melodies. The music of Billie is about being genuine. R&B drums but pop anthems- what sets her apart is the authentic mood. She is inspired by artists like Raveena and Sade, who have their style in which you immediately recognize it. “Amorous Mirage” is not merely songs but the heart and truth of Billie. In our conversation, she discusses why chose that title talking about desire and the difficult aspects of relationships. Going forward Billie wants to perform on a stage and in the future she would love more collab. For her audiences, she is super grateful for the love and affection they offer in every step of her music career. The EP Amorous Mirage has four songs on it, all the songs are unique and interesting. Now  lean back and chill with us in this Billie Skye conversation. It is all about her first EP, real talk, and the kind of music that cuts into your soul. Just prepare to dive into the sounds of “Amorous Mirage” and see why Billie’s music is so irresistible. Listen to Amorous Mirage https://open.spotify.com/album/5O5kJ2nSfvTfg4Pa8HnTdX Follow Billie Skye Spotify Instagram Tiktok What is your stage name - Billie Skye Is there a story behind your stage name? - There isn’t a good story behind my stage name apart from me just resonating more with Skye then my last name. Where do you find inspiration - inspiration is everywhere, my outer and inner worlds are always tangled together to create connections and deep understandings. My relationships both platonic and romantic have always been the biggest source though. What was the role of music in the early years of your life? - music was a way to connect in my younger years. It bought community and family together where words would sometimes fall short. It seemed to be the best way for intimate connection without having to get overly vulnerable. Are you from a musical or artistic family? - yes, both. Creativity seamlessly weaves itself through my family in different ways with my papa being a musician and my Mum just this expansive creative. I have writers, ceramicists, photographers and my siblings have an openness to explore all different creative avenues. Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry? - I believe I would have always been apart of some creative industry but my papa definitely inspired me to choose music. [caption id="attachment_53719" align="alignnone" width="2000"] I believe I would have always been apart of some creative industry[/caption] How did you learn to sing/write/to play? - I was always writing, I had books filled of poetry and random lyrics since i can remember. I have always been attracted to lyricism it it’s rawness so I guess it only made sense to pair it with a guitar and some Melodies. What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform? - I grew up watching my papa at locals pubs and bigger festivals, but the first concert I really remember seeing was Kendrick Lamar at our local blues festival in 2016, I had just turned 12 and got to go with friends. It was truly special. How could you describe your music? - My music could be described as R&B beats with pop melodies. I hope what really sets my music apart though is its authenticity and rawness. Every lyric and melody in 'Amorous Mirage' is a genuine reflection of my heart and truth. Describe your creative process.

- As I briefly explained above my love of lyricism was definitely a driving force into music, so that usually starts my creative process. So I’m either in the studio or with my guitar freestyle melodies with my poems in hand. The verses always come to me before the chorus, maybe it because I enjoy telling a story, I’m to to sure. What is your main inspiration? - Like I said before, just my connections with people and places. What musician do you admire most and why? - I have a lot of musicians I admire; Raveena, Orion Sun, Eloise, Sade, ASAP Rocky, Amy Whinehouse, Armani Caesar + more. They all carry such an original flare that translates throughout all there work. It’s this idea that you can be recognised just by your sound and the way you own your craft. Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career? - my style is constantly evolving as I grow and change. I hope one day to have a really defined sound though. Who do you see as your main competitor? - I have never thought about it. I hope my music becomes authentic and original enough it’s in its own lane entirely. What are your interests outside of music? - I love reading, surfing, film photography and seeing different parts of the world. If it wasn't a music career, what would you be doing? - I am particularly drawn to the art of event curation, where creativity meets strategic planning. The concept of crafting unique event experiences, from initial ideation to execution, fascinates me. What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music? - I’m not entirely sure, maybe not being in safe spaces when co-writing or finding the right people to play with. If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be? - I worry about the impact artificial intelligence will have on the industry. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dzyIzygzNgDODw1ZGuo9P?si=-NwDcaC4SH-kvRxxp2oWuA Why did you choose this as the title of this project? - Amorous Mirage captures the delicate balance of sexual desire and the longing for intimacy, harmonizing with the illusionary aspects of mirage, representing the smoke and mirrors of reality. The name challenges the notion of reducing a relationship to mere lust, emphasizing the realization that viewing it solely through that lens does injustice to the depth within What are your plans for the coming months? - hopefully playing live music and writing more. Do you have any artistic collaboration plans - nothing set in stone but I love co-writing, so hopefully more of that in my future. What message would you like to give to your fans? - Anyone who has listened to my music and enjoyed it or felt something. Thank you. Your support means the world to me.

Voxel use in games and art

Voxelmade is a website dedicated to the sharing of voxel art and resources. It has pages for tutorials, software, artists and feautured art. What else do you want me to say

Sir Carma:

Sir Carma is a French digital artist and Art Director at the Brace Yourself Game Studio, the team [well, half the team now] behind Crypt Of The Necrodancer. I really like his work due to the warmer palettes and softer, cohesive tones in the first two images. This is something I'd like to [be able to at least] emulate in my work. He works in 3D sculpture as well as voxels [although predominantly in the former]. Whilst I'm not going to be able to work on anywhere near the same scale, I do intend to recreate certain aspects of his work in my game.

Crossy Road:

2014??????

Crossy road is a 2014 game from Aussie studio Hipster Whale, based on the 'Why did the chicken cross the road' joke. It has since become comically popular and profitable. Using voxels in all of its visuals, it has a very simplistic style with bright, block colours and no unnescessary detailing or shading. This works well for the game due to appealing to its younger target audience. Although Crossy Road is a good example of how a voxel game could look, the artstyle wouldn't work in a first-person game due to be environment being far closer to the camera and so feeling more empty due to the lack of detail. However, this could be countered by using a number of smaller objects to build up the environment and make it feel alive despite being block colours.

Minecraft:

oh come on, you saw this coming a mile away.

Minecraft is the most popular example of a voxel game by a colossal margin. Instead of producing a [coherent] story and direction, Minecraft allows the player to shape the world however they like, with the only constraints being how much time and social interaction they're willing to sacrifice. Due to a simple but entertaining gameplay loop of mining and building [god how did this game get so big], players are encouraged to keep playing to expand their world, obtain new and better items and so on. Although the textures in my game will be more detailed than those of Crossy Road, they will likely not be as textured as Minecraft as certain parts of the world need to stand out more than others to direct the player.

Teardown:

I really wanna play Teardown.

Teardown is a combination destruction sandbox and puzzle game - like Payday but without penalty for killing civilians - where you stuff up, tear stuff down, and steal stuff. Fun! Developed by the swedish Tuxedo Labs, it uses a combination of Ray Tracing [actually simulating rays such as light - hugely expensive on hardware but stunning if used intelligently] and destructible voxels to accurately simulate what happens when you ram a mid-sized Sedan through a brick wall at 60kph. As much as I [if you couldn't tell] love Teardown, I will in no way be able to use the combination of Ray Tracing and destructible voxels - it's miles beyond my understanding. Even if I could, it wouldn't be the main feature of the game so Ray Tracing would annihilate the frames per second for insufficient benefit.

Skies Of The Past:

y e s

SotP is a vast open-world game developed by Sebirit. Still in pre-alpha, the game's entire aesthetic is designed to be calming and relaxing with soft colours, piano music, and quiet rain and wind. It just looks amazing, I don't have much else to say*. Although I don't intend to use this sort of aesthetic for my project, I absolutely plan to recreate something similar - maybe with more pastel colours than neutral tones though.

*he did, in fact, end up having more to say

Fugl:

Fugl - Norwegian for 'Bird'

Fugl is an open-world exploration game where you play as a slowly morphing bird flying through stunning procedural generated environments. Developed by English/Norwegian studio Fugl Studios [at least they're straight to the point], the player is able to fly about an infinite world as their bird absorbs the characteristsics of whatever inhabitants it encounters or create their own custom level or bird. As genuinely cool as Fugl is, I'd be unable to program the procedural generation aspect or the shape-shifting bird, both of which are kinda important.

How To Make Your Website Accessible To Everyone

In the world of website design services, creating a digital space that is truly accessible to everyone should be at the forefront of your mind. It's not just about aesthetics or functionality; it's about ensuring that every visitor, regardless of their abilities, can navigate and interact with your website seamlessly. In this guide, we'll delve into the importance of web accessibility, share practical tips on how to customise a website for inclusivity, and discuss the impact of website design on SEO. So, let's roll up our sleeves and make your online presence welcoming to all!

What is Web Accessibility?

Before diving into the "how," let's clarify what web accessibility means. In Aussie slang terms, it's about making sure your website is fair dinkum for everyone, including those with disabilities. It's like building a ramp for wheelchair users – you're providing an accessible path to all the great content on your site.

Web accessibility encompasses various aspects, such as designing for people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. It involves making sure that your website can be easily perceived, understood, and navigated by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Why is Web Accessibility important?

Mate, web accessibility is not just a nice-to-have; it's a must. Here are a few good reasons why:

Inclusivity: We're living in a diverse world, and your website should reflect that. Ensuring accessibility means welcoming all visitors, increasing your reach, and potentially attracting more customers.

Legal Compliance: In Australia website design, there are laws like the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 that require organisations to make their online content accessible. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and a tarnished reputation.

SEO Benefits: Yep, you read that right. The impact of website design on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is indeed significant, and the advantages of having an accessible website extend to improved search engine rankings. It's a win-win situation that can't be ignored. When your website is designed with accessibility in mind, it becomes more user-friendly for all visitors, including those with disabilities. This enhanced user experience sends positive signals to search engines like Google.

Enhanced User Experience: A more accessible website isn't just about meeting the needs of specific groups; it translates to a better user experience for everyone who visits your site. The advantages of easy navigation and clear content extend to every single one of your visitors, ensuring that your website is user-friendly and welcoming to a broad audience.

Now, let's delve into the details of what it takes to transform your website into a truly accessible platform.

Ensuring universal accessibility for your website

Let’s explore the fundamental steps you can take to guarantee that your website welcomes all visitors, regardless of their abilities. So, let's dive in and make your online presence truly accessible to a diverse audience.

Use accessible design principles

Start with the basics, mate. Choose color combinations that are easy on the eyes, with sufficient contrast between text and background. Use readable fonts and provide ample space between elements. Remember, a cluttered and confusing website isn't doing anyone any favors.

Avoid content that is difficult to read or understand

This one's straightforward. Keep your content clear and concise. Break it into manageable chunks with headings and subheadings. Use simple language – no need to bamboozle your readers with jargon. And don't forget to provide alternative text for images so that screen readers can describe them.

Make sure your website is compatible with assistive technologies

Assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition software, and braille displays help people with disabilities access the web. Ensure your website plays nice with these tools. This means using proper HTML markup, labeling form fields, and providing keyboard shortcuts for navigation.

Testing your website for accessibility

You can't just set and forget, mate. Regularly test your website to ensure it remains accessible.

Use online accessibility tools

There are plenty of online tools available to check your website's accessibility. Tools like WAVE, axe, or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) validator can help you identify issues and provide suggestions for improvement.

Ask people with disabilities to test your website

Nothing beats real-world testing. Reach out to individuals with disabilities and ask them to navigate your website. Their feedback is invaluable and can uncover accessibility issues you might have missed.

Conclusion

In the land Down Under, where inclusivity and fairness are cherished values, making your website accessible to everyone is not just good practice – it's the right thing to do. Remember, web accessibility is a continuous journey, not a destination. Keep learning and evolving your website to ensure it remains open and welcoming to all.So, if you're looking for an experienced website designer in Australia to help you navigate the path of web accessibility, you're on the right track. Building an accessible website is not just about following guidelines; it's about creating a digital space where everyone feels at home. Cheers to a more inclusive online world!

How To Optimise Your Website For Local Search

In today’s digital era, optimising your website for local searches can significantly enhance the visibility of your business in your locale. Leveraging local SEO Sydney services can be your golden ticket to appearing in local searches more frequently, effectively steering more traffic your way. Let's jump straight in and delve into the finer details of local SEO.

What is local SEO?

Local SEO revolves around enhancing your website's presence in local search queries. It entails optimising different aspects of your site to achieve better rankings in search results when individuals in your specific geographic region search for the services or products you provide. It’s all about letting your local mates know that you’re around and ready to serve them, adding that personal touch that Aussie businesses are renowned for.

Why is local SEO important?

When your business pops up in local searches, it means more foot traffic, enhanced brand visibility, and a better chance to bag sales. Especially in the booming digital marketplace, standing out in your local community gives you a fair dinkum shot at competing with larger entities. It brings the community closer to your brand, fostering a bond grounded in locality and shared experiences. Hence, local SEO is not just essential; it’s practically indispensable in the current landscape.

Optimising your website for local search

To get started with optimising your website for local search, it's highly advised to seek guidance from an experienced SEO expert Sydney team to ensure you're on the right track. Here, we've assembled a guide to help you get going:

Optimise your title tags and meta descriptions

Title tags and meta descriptions are like the welcoming signs of your website. Ensuring they are optimised with local keywords can be a real game-changer. It gives the search engines a clear picture of where you're located and what you offer, helping locals find you with ease.

Use local keywords throughout your website

Incorporating local keywords into your website’s content, including blogs and service descriptions, can significantly boost your visibility in local searches. Research and choose the right local keywords that resonate well with your target audience and sprinkle them organically throughout your content.

Create local content

Engage your audience with content that speaks to local events, news, or activities. Not only does it portray you as a business with its fingers on the local pulse, but it also gives more opportunities for local customers to connect with your brand.

Claim and optimise your Google My Business listing

It's time to remind you to optimise your Google My Business listing. It's a pivotal step in enhancing your website’s local SEO. Keep your listing updated with the latest information, add high-quality photos, and encourage customers to leave reviews. This platform can be your best mate in establishing a strong local online presence.

Get listed on local directories

Getting listed on local directories such as Yellow Pages or Yelp with consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information boosts your chances of being found by local customers. It’s an essential step in building a reliable local SEO strategy.

Build local backlinks

Local backlinks from well-respected local businesses and organisations can significantly bolster your website’s SEO. It's like a shoutout from the local crowd, enhancing your website’s credibility and consequently, its ranking in local search results.

Measuring your local SEO success

Understanding the effectiveness of your local SEO strategy is essential in making informed decisions and further optimisations. Here’s how you can measure your success:

Track your website traffic and rankings

Keep an eye on your website’s traffic and rankings to gauge the success of your SEO efforts. Utilise tools like Google Analytics to monitor the performance and make data-driven improvements.

Analyse your Google My Business insights

Dive deep into your Google My Business insights to understand how your audience interacts with your listing. It offers invaluable data on customer behaviour, which can be leveraged to refine your strategy further.

Get feedback from your customers

Encourage your customers to share their feedback and experiences. It not only builds trust with potential customers but also gives you an insight into areas where you can improve. Customer feedback is a goldmine for enhancing your services and fostering loyalty.

As you venture deeper into the world of local SEO, remember to continuously learn and adapt to modern marketing strategies. Staying updated with the latest trends and understanding your local market intricacies will help you steer your local SEO strategies in the right direction. Remember, it's all about being a friendly local face in the bustling digital marketplace, ready to offer a helping hand to your fellow Aussies. Good on you for taking this vital step in bolstering your local online presence!