I just find this need for Selina to be soft so boring. I feel like prior Selina and Barbara (as Oracle) characterizations fall into the same bin so then later they were made into these softer more feminine characters so they were more palatable for audiences to like them more which did the opposite in both cases for some fans of these characters. And then made more so because they are linked to characters who are widely loved and who they are competing with other characters for audiences to like so they can sell the relationship. Which in turn ends up in this weird shaming of those women who fit into those roles a little easier like Talia and Koriand’r.

i don't even have anything to add this sums it all up so well

Hello, hope you are doing well😊. I would like to join the Venus/Jupiter game please.

My initials: MS

Venus Sign: Aries (03:06)

Venus nakshatra: Ashwini

Pada: 1

Placement: 10th house

Celebrity crush: Kim Taehyung 🤭

Ideal type: Someone who is mature but also have fun side to them. People with confidence and ambition are so attractive to me. I like people who are passionate about life.

Questions:

• What do people find attractive about me?

• What's my Future spouse first impression of me?

Thank you so much for the game. I am looking forward to it 🥰. Take your time. Have a nice day and stay safe ❣️.

Heyy 😜🎵Im feeling good 👍

What do people find attractive about you?

You have that charisma 💥that star quality and people find that you have a down-to-earth personality. Just overall cool and your work ethic. Your view as a role model and people feel that they can learn a lot from you. Yet you might always be so busy and focus on the task at hand. Kinda like the character from sky castle - who wanted to push her students to succeed no matter what to get into a prestigious university. People can like how strict you can be and organized. The actual actress has a more effortless beauty vibe to her if that makes sense lol. So I can see you have more of that vibe.

Okay so you know how barbie has many skills and talents, people can view you.

( 8 of wands - 7of swords - )

What's my future spouse's first impression of me?

They will think you are a badass and just rebellious / Independent. Creative soul and just see you as the one. Your future spouse will be admiring you from afar and wait for the chance to talk to you. It will be when they don't expect to meet you and they can just stumble over their words. They can think you are blunt but they like that quality and like that you know what you want in life

( 10 wands, 7 swords, 4 of spades )

Extra thoughts on Daisuke x Suzue (Anime and Novel)

I was prompted to write this when a friend asked me several prodding questions on Daizue’s relationship and feminism several days ago. Obviously my friend knew where to hit the right nerve LOL

So I thought about it and I’d like to share my thoughts. I don’t know whether my DaiSuzu followers are still hanging around, but if you see this, then this is for you. This post is very opinionated of course so you may not agree with what I have to say. 

I took the initiative to go back and watch some of the FKBU episodes, and then top it off with the novel. As I mentioned in numerous older posts, the novel is the original and was written sometime in the 1970s. If you can read Japanese, I strongly recommend you grab a copy and read it for yourself. It goes into a lot more depth with regards to Daizue’s relationship and there is a lot more development between the two.

Novel and anime are different yet there are similarities. What I am going to write here is purely about DaiSuzu and because there are only minute differences in their interactions in both novel and anime, I will combine the two elements together. But before I do that, I want to talk a little about Suzue.

Suzue

I absolutely love Suzue’s character - in almost every single aspect. She is strong, clever, independent and defies all odds. Her personality and interests are definitely more pronounced in the anime in terms of strength and defying the odds. She does the hard yard - a mechanic, an engineer, a creator, a pilot, a spy, an intelligence operator - she is a one stop shop and she is not just a pretty face. Then we have her novel counterpart, who shares similar traits that concerns intelligence and independence. She does intelligence and spy work for Daisuke as well, and the only thing that was absent would be her ‘mechanics and gadget development role.’ Given that the book was written in the 70s by a misogynistic piece of shit, I am surprised the author gave Suzue that level of prominence. 

When I saw the promotional materials and then the second episode of FKBU, I was so excited! Finally, a strong female character who has all the ‘male dominated’ traits! I was looking forward to what the anime had to offer her, considering the creators were talking about giving Suzue an ‘important’ role in the anime.  And throughout the series, her character in that sense did not disappointment. She did a lot of work for Daisuke and she was the backbone of everything. She even had to rescue him at times. What an incredible woman.

In comparison, novel Suzue, although a prominent, intelligent character, still had some level of submissiveness to her that screamed ‘I need a man to save me and do things for me’ kind of way. Unsurprising of course being written by an old fashioned man in the 70s. So the anime in a sense was a breath of fresh air.

Then we see the lack of screen time. Although Suzue was just a supporting character, she was quite prominent in the novel. The anime went through all this trouble to create such an incredibly strong female character, but gave her such little screen time. Disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’m just frustrated that it is always the bloody male characters that gets a lot of screen time. I don’t give two fucks about your need for a fanservice or to appease fujos, we need more female characters who are strong, clever, independent, does not need a man to save her, is not overly sexualised and gets plenty of screen time. If it’s not one, it’s another. Can’t they just bloody do it all together? Also, have three main characters, Daisuke, Suzue and Haru ffs.

Feminism & Anime

If you trawl through my blog, there are a lot of posts about women, feminism, misogyny, toxic fandoms and a lot of het ships. Although I do absolutely love my M/M and F/F ships, there is a reason for my interest in anime het ships. I am a social worker who specialises in working with victim/survivors of family/domestic violence and sexual assault (DVSA), and complex trauma. Considering the majority of perpetrators are men, and the majority of victim/survivors are women, it is important to emphasise the need for a healthy and respectful relationship. I enjoy bringing my feminist perspective to film and fiction because they are an extension of society. Film and fiction (including anime and manga) are based on societal perceptions, and characters are still, unfortunately, heavily gendered. 

The anime fandom consists of real people and if you look all over social media, people talk about the characters all the time and their thoughts on them. It comes from somewhere. So when I watch anime, and when I see a male and female character get together in a manner that is healthy and respectful, they get a standing ovation from me. In particular, is when a male character treats his female partner in a way that empowers her or if he abstains from using his male entitlement to demean her. Because in society, there is still a large proportion of men who continues to abuse women in every way possible. If fans are constantly viewing content (yes, even ‘cartoons’) where women are objectified and disrespected comparatively to men, that rigid stereotype is reinforced and ingrained. 

I just want to add a note here that the LGBTQIA+ community do experience DVSA as well and this post does not disregard or invalidate them in any way. The focus of this discussion however, pertains to men, who make up the majority of perpetrators and, women, who are the majority of victim/survivors.

Daisuke and Suzue

I answered an ask sometime ago about why I ship DaiSuzu and although that has not changed, I have given a lot more thought to the reasoning behind it. The one thing I dislike about Suzue is her obsession with Daisuke, both in the novel and anime. It does take away her cool, independent like character, and submit her to the idea that she is nothing without first appeasing a man (Daisuke in this case). I don’t want to put too much dislike into her character in the anime, because we never got to see what her history was like with Daisuke. In the novel, I do see elements as to why she can be a bit obsessive, and that was most likely to do with her being ‘adopted’ and given a second chance. It was her way of showing appreciation. Yet she does have romantic feelings for Daisuke, so in essence, her character was emphasised as a typical lovestruck woman 😒

Again, she was incredibly loyal and forgiving towards Daisuke in the anime, despite his shitty attitude towards her at times. You’re probably wondering, after all that I wrote about feminism, why I would still ship DaiSuzu? In the anime, that comes down to Daisuke’s trauma. It added an extra layer of complexity. Daisuke’s standoffish, cold behaviour towards Suzue was not out of a sense of male entitlement and disrespect towards Suzue being a woman, rather, it was a manifestation of his trauma. Of course, it does not excuse his behaviour, but this is the reason why I really enjoyed watching their relationship. There was a lot of mutual trust going on (which I wrote about), covert appreciation of Suzue’s skills and abilities and Daisuke’s own way of making amends with her. 

In the novel, however, Daisuke does not have a history of any traumatic experiences. His personality was a lot more animated and though he does exhibit some weird behaviour towards Suzue, he does not do it out of male privilege or misogyny. He was just dense (and an idiot).  

Regardless, DaiSuzu’s relationship isn’t just as simple as black and white. There are elements of feminism that intertwines the anime and what I love a lot about Daisuke was that he never put Suzue down, felt intimidated, or tried to make her feel inadequate for being more clever and more intelligent than him. He relied on her knowledge, her skills and her expertise to guide him through his missions, because not only did he trust her with his life, he believed in her skills. He quietly allowed her to do her job without questioning her abilities or intervening.

I won’t discuss how shit the anime was and how much they shat on Suzue’s character by making her Daisuke’s relative, but like I said, I was pretty impressed with the way they turned Suzue into a strong character, and Daisuke’s perception of Suzue as a woman.

And yes, Daisuke doesn’t deserve Queen Suzue. And if you were again to ask me about Daisuke’s true feelings for Suzue? I am pretty damn certain that he loves her to death - in both novel AND anime.

What comparisons can be made between renruki and Ichiruki? I often wondered about this.

This is such a hot button issue that as soon as I received this (perfectly polite) ask, my body tensed up and my brain went Am I being trolled?

It’s honestly a shame that there is so much bad blood behind this, because it is, in fact, a very interesting thing to talk about, and I am going to attempt to do so in good faith, because I love thinking about this kind of thing. Even though I am very openly a Renruki shipper, I love all three of these characters very much, and I think that Ichigo and Rukia’s relationship is very important! I am doing my best to be neutral, although I have not read very much Ichiruki fanfic/meta, so please give me a benefit of a doubt. Obviously, I can’t stop anyone from reblogging this and putting their own comments on it, but I have no interest in getting in debates over it, so don’t be surprised if I don’t engage.

This is both long, and I am sure some people don’t care, so I’m gonna put the rest under a cut. I have tried to hard to write this in a way that will not make anyone mad, but if you think it will make you mad, please give yourself the gift of not clicking on it.

So, what is the same between Ichigo and Renji? Lots, actually. Physically, they are both tall, strong, and have ridiculously colored spiky hair. They are outwardly grumpy, but secretly have soft, gooey centers. Neither one of them is dumb, but they are both dumbasses. They are protectors: they would rather take any amount of pain or damage onto themselves than see a loved one hurt. Their friends are everything to them, and that goes triple for Rukia.

How are they different, then? There are three major bullets:

- Ichigo is alive. Renji is dead. Perhaps this is a little flip, but Renji belongs to same world that Rukia does, and Ichigo does not. This is not a value judgment, it is just a fact: If Rukia ends up with Renji, she stays where she is. If she ends up with Ichigo, either Rukia or Ichigo have to make a huge change. I will get back to this.

- Youth vs. Experience. Ichigo is a 15-year old boy, as we are told about 1000 times. There is some mystery over how old Rukia and Renji are, but they have graduated from secondary education and are currently employed. I think it’s safe to assume that they are roughly close in age to each other, but I think Rukia may perceive Renji as seeming older than herself-- he graduated from school, and she didn’t; he’s on his third squad transfer, whereas she’s hasn’t budged from her initial, entry-level job, and he’s now middle management. However, the arc of the story we don’t get to see, is that over the timeskips, Rukia not only catches up to, but surpasses him. Also, not for nothing, but I think that in the same way Rukia is immediately drawn to Ichigo because of his resemblance to Kaien, I think she is also drawn to him for his resemblance to Young Renji-- a grumpy, prickly young man, leaking self-doubt from every pore, whom she is more able to be generous towards through the lens of age and experience. (And I think this comparison could support either ship)

- Ichigo is the protagonist. Rules don’t apply to him. Fate breaks on his sword. He represents the triumph of love or hard work or dreams or what have you over the cruel millstone of the world. Renji, on the other hand, is firmly bound to the rules of the world in which he inhabits. In fact, that is arguably the entire purpose of his character. Renji’s fights are often used to set the stakes of the conflict-- ah, Renji got mangled, this guy must be tough. In the Soul Society Arc, he is an antagonist because he is doing what he is supposed to. In the TYBW, Kubo literally throws the two of them in a pit to fight some asauchi just to make the point that Renji is a shinigami and Ichigo is something else.

Let’s jump over to Rukia for a moment. Rukia is a great character, one of my favorite characters in any media. Rukia contains multitudes. She is tough and strong, but often melancholy. She can be beautiful and elegant, but she also lies and breaks rules and tried to put Kon in a dead cat once. Emotionally, she likes to present a cool front, but she has a big, loving heart, and she feels deeply. As a character, all of this makes her very easy to project onto, which is why I think so many people OTP her with someone, no matter who.Some people choose to try to make her into one of these things or another, and some people try to keep her as the full bundle of contradictions that she is.

There is no romantic content in canon Bleach. There is no romantic content in canon Bleach. There are many, many scenes that can be interpreted romantically, but no one goes on a date, no one kisses. Ichigo gazes longingly into the eyes of all his friends, it’s just a thing he does. Orihime does explicitly proclaim at one point that she loves Rukia, although I suspect that in the original Japanese, it’s the word for “friendship love” and not the very-rarely-used “romantic love.” I have seen a scene-for-scene comparison of IchiHime “romantic moments” only it’s Chad and Uryuu (which I choose to believe supports IshiChad, rather than negates IchiHime, but we may all choose for ourselves!) My point is that shipping in Bleach is a DIY craft, which, when we’re all having a good time, is what makes it so fun.

So, bringing all of this together, given that Ichigo and Renji are fairly similar characters, why are the ships so different, and what makes one appeal to some people and be abhorrent to someone else?

I think about romance stories a lot. I actually took a class on romance novels in college and I just really like to think about the mechanics of stories. In the truest sense of the word, “romance” is about extremes-- about sailing the high seas and wearing ostentatious shirts and shouting off a cliff in a rainstorm. When we talk about romance as a genre, the characters tend to behave in a way that we would not prefer our actual romantic partners do, but the over-the-top nature of it makes us swoon and our hearts drop -- except when it doesn’t. What is heart-breakingly romantic to some people can be a huge turn-off to others. The biggest fight my husband and I have ever had was over a kdrama. The male lead was hiding his identity from the female lead in order to help her, and I found it all to be deeply, deeply romantic, and my husband turned to me and said “He is being dishonest with her and I think it’s morally wrong” and I almost died.

So, let’s break down some of the themes of the two ships, which I think gets at the meat of what you were asking. Now, like I said, shipping is very participatory, and anyone may have their own ideas of how these relationships would be, and I am a big fan of “a great writer can get away with anything”, but in broad strokes, I think that these are the themes of the two ships:

IchiRuki:

Love conquers all/ Love is enough to overcome differences of class, age, lifestyle, geography, etc.

Instant connections/Love at first sight

Love is a force of the universe that cannot be denied or defeated

Young love

Grand gestures

Your partner changes you (in a positive way)/You effect change in your partner

Your partner is the center of your world

Your partner is the one person who can get through to you/You are the one person who can get through to your partner

Banter

Dumbassery

RenRuki:

Love takes work

Best friends to lovers

Second chances/Broken things can be repaired

Love is a choice

You improve with age

Shared experiences build love

Pining

Working together with your partner to create a mutually satisfying life together

Your partner enriches your world, but your independence is maintained

Banter

Dumbassery

There is also some degree of character interpretation at work, too-- there seems to be a huge degree of disagreement between fans as to whether:

a) Ichigo enjoys his normal, human life, and even though he do anything to protect what he loves, he would prefer to live a human existence with his human friends and family. He credits Rukia will helping him realize his strength and powers.

b) Ichigo is unsatisfied with his human life and that meeting Rukia opened the doorway to a life of excitement and adventure, on top of being given the strength to protect his loved ones.

As far as Ichigo pairings go, I think that most IchiHime people fall in category (a) and most IchiRuki (and GrimmIchi) shippers fall in (b). In both cases, peoples’ ships align with their view of what makes Ichigo happy. Most IchiRuki content I have seen  seems to feature Ichigo moving to Soul Society, rather than Rukia moving to Karakura. Rukia pretty explicitly indicates at the end of the Soul Society Arc that she wants to stay in Soul Society, plus she’s got a pretty established life there. Contrast that to the story of Isshin and Masaki-- Isshin seems pretty flippant and disaffected about his life in Soul Society; it doesn’t seem like it was a particularly hard choice for him to give up being a shinigami. Also, it’s pretty clear that what Isshin did was illegal, and I’m not sure there would be an easy way for Rukia to just say “WELP, I’m off to live as a human, smell you jerks later.”

To try to wrap things up, I think the actual dynamics of an IchiRuki or RenRuki relationship would be very similar, actually. They would banter a lot and dive headfirst into danger and support each other no matter what. Byakuya would treat either guy with the vaguest, most grudging amount of respect. The primary perpetual, unresolved argument between Rukia and Ichigo would be “The Living World is dumb/Soul Society is dumb”, whereas with Rukia and Renji, it would be “Squad 6 is dumb/Squad 13 is dumb wait no I didn’t mean that Captain Ukitake is an angel.”

Personally, I headcanon Renji as being more able than Ichigo to step back and be the support person in the relationship (see that bullet about Ichigo being the protag), so I think that RenRuki could manage to run a functional household, whereas Ichigo and Rukia would just go on adventures until they got arrested for tax evasion.

*For the record, I am very pro-IchiRenRuki, except that they would be even worse at running a household. It’s just Renji trying to explain how a chore wheel works while Rukia and Ichigo walk out the door on him.

Shikamaru or Senku?

Damn, anon. You really just came for my throat like that. I don’t know what I’ve done to hurt you but, from the bottom of my heart, I apologize. I swear it won’t happen again. 🤧

Okay, okay. All jokes aside. This is a real toughie and I’m gonna have to reveal just how much of a dumb bitch I really am to explain my answer. Yes, I fall back on the zodiac to fill in any gaps in characterization and determine just how compatible I actually am with fictional men. Sue me. As per usual, this post got a bit away from me so if you want to skip down to the TL;DR for my final answer, please do. I encourage it, actually. lol 

Ishigami Senkuu

January 4th - Capricorn

Strengths: leadership, responsible, disciplined, self-control, good managers

Weaknesses: lack of compassion, know-it-all, unforgiving, condescending, expecting the worst

“Capricorn is a sign that represents time and responsibility, and its representatives are traditional and often very serious by nature. These individuals possess an inner state of independence that enables significant progress both in their personal and professional lives. They are masters of self control and have the ability to lead the way, make solid and realistic plans, and manage many people who work for them at any time. They will learn from their mistakes and get to the top based solely on their experience or expertise.”

“Known for their rational approach to life and their emotions are often well hidden from plain view. Not only is it imperative for them to stick to the realm of absolute intimacy to open their heart for someone but they are often not fully aware of their feelings before hardships occur. This will put pressure on their love life as they have to make a strict and specific equation out of everything, distancing them from carefree and smiling partners who wish to have fun in a relationship.”

“There is nothing easy in the love life of these individuals but they will not see this as the end of the world. They have enough passion and warmth carried within and if mutual respect is found and strong boundaries respected both ways, they will be prepared to let someone into their world and protect them with their shield.”

“As an earth sign, Capricorn has a powerful and instinctive sensuality which expresses itself in a straightforward and natural way without the need for props, frills or adornment. Is it somewhat bereft of romance? Well maybe, but what Capricorn lacks in the way of sentimentality, it more than makes up for in terms of responsibility and discretion ... once it overcomes its initial reserve and caution, it can usually be relied upon to give full satisfaction, no matter how long it takes. As with most other things in its life, Capricorn prefers to take its time over its lovemaking, and its highly developed self-control gives it the stamina to stay the course.”

Nara Shikamaru

September 22 - Virgo

Strengths: pure emotion, loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, practical

Weaknesses: sensitive to toxic environments, shyness, worry, overly critical of self and others, all work and no play

“Virgo’s are always paying attention to the smallest details and their deep sense of humanity makes them one of the most careful of the zodiac. Their methodical approach to life ensures that nothing is left to chance and although they are often tender, their heart might be closed for the outer world. This is a sign often misunderstood, not because they lack the ability to express but because they won’t accept their feelings as valid, true or even relevant when opposed to reason.”

“Feelings of love and life may be a bit like ocean waves that move with the current. With so much water flowing through their primal nature, their rational mind will easily fade around those that touch their heart. This makes them vulnerable to all sorts of betrayals and wrong compromises along the way. They need to be stable and firm in understanding and deciphering their own feelings before anyone else’s or they might lower their guard too far down.”

“They need a partner who is as fragile as they are but also someone who is aware of the strength of their emotional world.”

“ Many Virgos aren’t particularly comfortable with demonstrative displays of emotion or dramatic, over-the-top outbursts. Normally quite shy by nature, they prefer to express their affection in tangible, down-to-earth ways: love for them is about actions, not just empty words. Big worriers who don’t find it easy to show their feelings, Virgos are prone to internalizing their anxieties about their physical desirability – frequently making themselves ill in the process – and can often be a bit uptight around sex. To balance this, they need lots of reassurance that they’re actually perfectly okay!”

Now ... y’all can correct me if I’m wrong, but that all sounds pretty spot on to me. Like, it’s accurate. I’ve mentioned this a few times when replying to comments on my Dr Stone fics, but I really enjoy how nuanced Senkuu is because there’s a lot going on under the surface of his cool facade. He’s very task-oriented and objective about what needs to be done, but he’s also extremely sympathetic towards others even if he tries to play it off. It seems hard for him to be honest about his feelings because, frankly, they’re not rational enough for his liking, so he tries to find ways to justify them. On the flip side, Shikamaru is a little similar with his cool, objective-oriented outer shell but he’s conversely quite sensitive. Like, hella sensitive. That boy is not anywhere near as tough or impenetrable as he acts and I do think at least part of that is a defense mechanism of some sort to shield his heart, even before Asuma died but especially afterward. They’re both tough to penetrate emotionally and they guard their true feelings so well that it actually does manage to fool people. I mean both the characters around them and also the fans watching at home. So at this point, there doesn’t seem to be a conclusive winner and it should come down to a simple matter of preference, right?

Well, let’s see what the stars have to say about throwing a Leo into the mix.

Capricorn + Leo

“... have one thing in common and it’s their awareness of self. It will be a rare occasion when Leo is attracted to Capricorn but the other way around seems more probable.”

“Both are extremely devoted, especially to each other. Although they may seem to be an unlikely couple on the surface, their love will grow as they discover similarities.”

“Like Barbie and Ken, you’re a good looking pair ... your shared love of achievement and impressive ambition sends power couple fantasies running through your heads. If you’re out to conquer the same goal, your combined skills make you quite an awesome force to behold.”

“The physical intimacy between a Leo and a Capricorn is where this mismatched couple can come together. Leo is hot, physical, feminine, [and] enjoys giving pleasure. In a day to day life, Capricorn is reserved and proper but when it comes to sex, he wants it wild, woolly, rough and tumble. Lucky for him, Leo has a similar sexual appetite. It’s in bed where Leo has the power to make customarily reserved Capricorn throw caution to the wind and become a bit crazy in love.”

“What you’ve got here is one sign with a forensic eye for detail and another who paints with an incredibly broad brushstroke. The possibility of driving each other crazy is real.”

“Capricorn is more likely to be attracted to Leo than the other way around - they’ll watch the lion prance, preform and captivate with their personality and either instantly dislike or feel uncomfortably drawn to them.”

The good: both seek success, Capricorn teaches Leo patience, Leo teaches Capricorn passion

The bad: Leo thinks Capricorn is a cold fish, Capricorn thinks Leo is a show off, it all gets too hard to compromise

Virgo + Leo

“Their rationality might turn into an intellectual battle for sexual dominance, that is, if they ever reach the point in which they both want to have sex with each other.”

“Leo shows Virgo good times and fun, and introduces the spontaneity that is often missing from Virgo’s life. Virgo teaches Leo patience and focuses their intellectual energy.”

“Leo plays cheerleader to pessimistic Virgo while levelheaded Virgo steps into the therapists role, mirroring Leo’s angst until a breakthrough is reached. This is a safe emotional harbor for both of you.”

“Virgo and Leo see their time together in bed as a celebration of their love and commitment. Both are hopeless romantics so there will be plenty of physical foreplay, including morning kisses, long evening embraces, candles, flowers, and massages. A creative and open minded Leo is always willing to try something new and Virgo, who is no prude either, will be a willing follower. Together these two can reach sexual heights they’ve never experienced before.”

“A comedy of errors ...Leo and Virgo are forever working through misunderstandings and mending communication fences. Often it’s as if they speak different languages.”

“Leo pounces and Virgo, invariably, plays hard to get, rebuffing the lion and appearing completely underwhelmed by their charms. This of course drives Leo into a frenzy of heightened passion - they pull out their A game and deliver super hot maneuvers. The funny thing is that such scenarios are usually Virgo devised and orchestrated. They’ve probably observed the flamboyant lion in action - noted that everyone submits to their charisma and decided to go in the opposite direction. If played correctly Leo becomes a lovesick pussy cat ...”

“Virgo is a bit of a tease - for much of the “falling in Love” phase they love-starve Leo who shamelessly begs for morsels of affection. It actually makes the attraction between them electric.”

The good: Virgo teaches Leo patience, Leo teaches Virgo to have fun, they are fascinated by each other

The bad: messy Leo drives neat freak Virgo crazy, negative Virgo brings Leo down, poor communication abounds

So ... what did we take from all that? Well, first of all, both of them are apparently going to teach me patience which I admit I sorely need. Conversely, I’d bring passion, fun and spontaneity to their lives. On one hand, Senkuu seems like he’d be much more drawn to me than Shikamaru because even though I do stay drinking my dumb bitch juice, we have similar driving forces in our lives and I’m not a complete idiot. I love science, especially when it comes to learning about space and how the world works, just not the mathematical portion. That part can eat my ass tbh. On the other hand though, if Shikamaru and I could sort of find a common ground to stand on it sounds like it would be a very healthy relationship for the both of us which I need so badly it’s kind of not funny. Like, I’m self-aware enough to realize what I need out of a hypothetical relationship and it (unfortunately) is the kind of emotional connection that facilitates healing and growth rather than stagnation. I don’t think either of them would just sit there and watch me flounder in my angst, as one of those quotes put it, but everything is pointing at Shikamaru being much more well equipped to tackle the problem while simultaneously needing the same in return, which I would be more than happy to give him.

TL;DR: I actually cannot pick between them. I just can’t do it. I love them both for strangely similar but also drastically different reasons and, objectively, I can’t say I like one more than the other. Both give me soft, doki doki feelings that I don’t know what to do with and even after thinking on it for about two hours, I’m incapable of saying with definitive certainty that I like one more. So all I can go off of is what the zodiac has to say about our compatibility which is pointing at both potential relationships being rocky with their ups and downs, but Shikamaru being the more sensitive of the two comes out the winner in the end. That’s not to say I wouldn’t work with Senkuu to truly become the power couple we both secretly crave, but I know my emotions can get away from me at times and it seems to me that Shikamaru would be a smidge more understanding in that department. 

I realize this definitely isn’t the answer you were expecting, anon, and I absolutely considered scrapping this whole post more than once. lol But I didn’t want to shrug off the question just because I couldn’t decide which of them I liked more. Anyway, for the sake of posterity, here’s what the zodiac has to say about me for comparison. 

August 7th - Leo

Strengths: Energetic, creative, passionate, generous, warm-hearted, cheerful, humorous

Weaknesses: Hasty, arrogant, stubborn, self-centered, lazy, inflexible

“Love is the focus point of these individuals, and while their intellectual and instinctive sides are the first ones to show, we will see that they seek someone equal, to share their inner states with. They need a lot of support and a calm partner that soothes their Soul, someone quiet enough and intimate enough to feel safe with. Easy to detach from reality and our planet Earth, their relationships either speak of the unseen and the impossible or present a safe haven where their bodies can rest, and their routine can be brought to balance.”

“Open for new things and often ready to openly show their sexuality, they need a fine touch of love they are worthy of in this lifetime. Romance can be obstructed by their need to prove a point or become the image of something they admire, but as they get closer to their inner truth and become aware of their talents and potentials, they invite the right partner to be within a strangely peaceful union. Although they sometimes stand opposed to marriage and structures and forms that put any relationship in a drawer, they will gladly commit to the right person by their side, in all those surprising and unusual ways.”

“This Fire sign is passionate and sincere and its representatives show their feelings with ease and clarity. When in love, they are fun, loyal, respectful and very generous towards their loved one. They will take the role of a leader in any relationship, and strongly rely on their need for independence and initiative. This can be tiring for their partner at times, especially if they start imposing their will and organizing things that aren't theirs to organize in the first place. Each Leo needs a partner who is self-aware, reasonable and on the same intellectual level as them. Their partner also has to feel free to express and fight for themselves, or too much light from their Leo's Sun might burn their own personality down.”

“Sex life of each Leo is an adventure, fun and very energetic. This is someone who has a clear understanding of boundaries between sex and love, but might fail to see how important intimacy and emotional connection is to the quality of their sex life. Every Leo needs a partner to fight through their awareness and reach their sensitive, subconscious core, in order to find true satisfaction in a meaningful relationship.”

(Spoiler alert: this is all true, except the part about taking on the role of leader in relationships. I genuinely love being dominated in bed, but only if I deem my partner worthy or adequate enough to get the job done. Other than that though, I can’t say any part of this is horribly incorrect. Oops. : / )

Congratulations, JULIE! You’ve been accepted for the role of TAMORA. Admin Rosey: Trinity is one of the characters that I had the most fun writing -- she very much evolved from my initial concept with her and has grown into this very independent entity that needs someone just as strong as she is to portray her. Writing her isn’t an easy task, nor is capturing the nuances of her character while maintaining a circumspect view of who she has the potential to become. Julie, I honestly don’t know how, but you managed to do all that and more. Trinity is very much welcome to step on all of Verona’s neck. Please read over the checklist and send in your blog within 24 hours.

WELCOME TO THE MOB.

Out of Character

Alias | Julie

Age | 19

Preferred Pronouns | She/her/hers

Activity Level | 6/10, I think, with replies coming every other day - we can only hope.

Timezone | MST

Current/Past RP Accounts | Santino + Loretta

In Character

Character | Tamora / Trinity Zakarian

What drew you to this character? | Am I allowed to say everything? From her past, her present, to her potential future, I think everything about Trinity just absolutely fascinates me. The deliberate choices she has to make in her every day life just to walk among other people and be perceived as what she wants them to see is so interesting. It’s not necessarily just a woman performing for a nonexistent audience repeatedly because she feels she has to. It’s more of someone who could be perceived as almost otherworldly performing for an audience that is watching her, at all times. Trinity pulls the strings to her own marionette and is fully aware of that.

There’s always some sort of purpose behind what she does: she smiles half an inch wider because she knows that people will find the way it tugs at the line of her face more familiar. She stands with her spine rimrod straight because that’s what comforted her mother most when she looked at Trinity like she was some sort of animal in her own home. She stabs her wife thirteen times in the chest because she knows it will allow for a shallow mockery of the last few moments she had with her son. Verona is a city full of Gods, people worth revering, and Trinity chooses not to worship them time and time again. She has no feelings of reverence towards Cosimo, or Damiano, or even Fortinbras, even if he’s the one who originally brought her here, and if she ever were to feel that way, she’d choose to stamp them out under her heel.

There’s also the matter of this concept of warmth and humanity that Trinity feels is fully out of reach for her. She’s tried time and time again to connect in the way other people can and just can’t; she got a glimpse out of the corner of her eye, for some time. Maybe she held it in her hands for a little while before dropping it when she gave birth to her son. What happened to Alyosha is tragic, without a doubt, and it hurts my heart just to think about it. I think Trinity’s played those last few moments over and over in her head to see if she can pin down the exact moment she went from a woman to a corpse all over again. I think it’s interesting that Trinity knows wires have crossed at some point which shouldn’t have been crossed, and something that’s not supposed to be firing is sparking anyways. She’s sought out human connection over and over, and it seems to slip between her fingers every time. I’d love to explore that more thoroughly.

What is a future plot idea you have in mind for the character? | 

LET THIS WASP NOT OUTLIVE, US BOTH TO STING: Trinity's good at hiding; that much is obvious. She can mask even the ugliest of emotions with relative ease; making people think she's something she's not isn't a difficult feat. In Titus Andronicus, Queen Tamora bides her time by marrying Saturninus to save her own skin and get revenge. In sort of the same vein, I can see Tamora either going undercover in the Capulets somehow or forming a relationship of some kind with one of them to provide leverage over the Capulets for the Montagues. She's only just re-arrived in Verona, but like her bio says, her roots already run deep into the soil by the time February’s arrived. She's got nothing to lose and plenty to gain; donning a veil of warmth and affection towards a Capulet for whatever they'll give her in return could go far. And if she ends up reaching into their chest to claim their heart for her own, all the better: she craves warmth like roses crave the sun in the heat of summer.

TITUS, I AM INCORPORATE IN ROME, A ROMAN NOW ADOPTED HAPPILY: Faron brought Trinity to Verona with a purpose, and that purpose in my mind was likely to use her actions to vault himself to a position of power. But Faron is dead, and any motivations for his relationship with Trinity are buried with him. She can't speak with the dead, as much as she wishes she could some nights, if only to hear her son's voice. She has no skill in divining the future. This really depends on the direction of the game and what the other players on the table, but in the hands of Gertrude, Antony, Laertes, or even Romeo, I feel she has the potential to help turn the tides for the Montagues in the same way she did for Faron. There’s no love lost between Fortinbras and Tamora—give her the opportunity to claim what she wishes, and she’ll bark for someone as much as she’ll bite.

THRICE NOBLE TITUS, SPARE MY FIRST BORN SON: This one is a little far out there, so please bear the fuck with me. Trinity, if she were to ever discover just what Vivianne did to her own son (who, keep in mind, when abandoned was the same age as Alyosha when he died), would set her sights on Vivianne and wouldn't stop until she felt satisfied. Whether that means Vivianne's death, or throwing a big enough wrench into her plans that she falters in the face of Cosimo, Trinity's willing to take whatever opportunities are presented to her. This sort of goes in-hand with wanting to explore just how deeply Alyosha's death has impacted her; I don't think Trinity's ever looked it head-on in the mirror, and confronting Vivianne might finally give her the chance to see in herself what everyone else has over the course of the last year and a half.

Are you comfortable with killing off your character? | Let her reunite with the one person she truly cared about :)

In Depth

In-Character Para Sample:

TW FOR MURDER

The claiming of Hotel Emelia is a droll affair, in much the same way she’d expected it to be. It’s also a quick one: from the time she and Ronan are approaching the front desk to waiting patiently for the elevator to reach the top floor and look for those who might remain, it takes twenty minutes. Maybe half an hour. The elevator lets out a soft ding to indicate it’s reached its final destination.

There are only two guests on this floor, but it doesn’t stop Trinity from reveling in the way the attendant shakes as she unlocks each and every door with the master key. They all creak open, slowly, to reveal nothing but a dark room and some neatly-made beds. Ronan’s shaking with barely-restrained excitement and impatience by the time they reach the end of the hall.

“You want to get done, Richard. You have plan, after this, hm? Usually you go slow.” she asks, as the woman with SOFIA on her name-tag trembles so much she nearly drops the key. Trinity watches as Ronan presses the end of his M22 closer to her spine, harshly enough to make her jump.

“I’ve got some house calls to make, Tamora,” he tells her, like that explains why he’s rushing through this with a near primordial if not sadistic focus. It doesn’t matter. He’s a bizarre specimen, even among the Montagues, same as she -- it’s why they’re the perfect pair for this sort of task. The door clicks open. This room is not empty like the others; the lamp on the desk is on, and the shower is running in the bathroom. 

She looks over her shoulder: “I’ll take it. You can cut chaff from rest of wheat. Be good.” When she shoots him a pointed look, he shrugs, but chooses not to say a word. Wise of him.

She enters the room, closes the door behind her. It makes a sound close to a whisper when it thuds shut, and it’s only when Trinity can hear Ronan limping away with the clerk’s tapping footsteps just ahead that she proceeds. With one hand she reaches for her knife, and the other for the bathroom handle. It opens, she’s pleased to discover. Steam rushes past her as she encroaches further.

Whoever it is in the shower, they’ve got their back turned towards the spray, a hand running through their hair. She reaches out, black painted nails grasping the shower curtain -- and smiles in outright delight when the man behind it screams loudly enough to be heard for miles.

The first time she’d ended someone’s life with a knife and nothing more, Trinity’d been shocked to discover just how easy it was. There had been no resistance. By now, it’s almost mundane, like chopping vegetables for a stew. One after the other, right into the pot.

Rivulets of red run down her arms, stain the front of her vest, and all the man does is watch in mixed terror and confusion. It’s close to what she wants, but not quite enough. She wants fear. Terror. Downright horror. Oftentimes when an individual is stabbed it feels like being punched, before the sympathetic nervous system starts doing its proper work. There are maybe a blissful thirty seconds of confounded gasping, pleading, and scrabbling to pull her hands away from him before he drops like a sack of bricks. This nameless creature, whoever he is, whatever he did? He dies gasping on the floor of the too-small shower. His blood is still warm, at first. but it’s soon cooled by the running shower. It’s as disheartening a realization when she sees the shower has aided in removing most of it from her hands, too.

She watches the rest run down the drain, and then steps out and leaves him there. Any mark of what she’s done is, for the most part, washed clean before it had the chance to stain. She gives herself a passing glance in the mirror. Raises one corner of the mouth, then the other, and smiles at herself with all her teeth. It’s like looking at a stranger and her closest friend all at once, her eyes lit up like the stars. Smile for the cameras.

Ronan is waiting for her in the hall, the clerk next to him, tapping out a text to Damiano - she can only assume. If she’s right, it will read something like food is waiting on your desk. Some foolish, stupid little signal.

She nods at Sofia, clearing her throat. Ronan glances up, turns the phone off, slips it into his pocket. “What are we doing with her?”

“Her?” He’s already looking away. Wonderful.

When Trinity steps closer, the young woman shakes like a leaf. It worsens when she raises her hand and smears whatever remains of the man’s blood over her mouth — it ruins whatever lip gloss Sofia's chosen to wear for her shift that night, without a doubt. For a moment, Trinity wonders if she’s going to vomit. She smiles, and reaches back to wind her her fingers through Sofia’s blond hair. It’s dirty-gold in hue. She’s sure it shines under the sun, but in the overhead lighting of the Emelia, it looks dull. Flat.

Sacha’s had been so light it’d been close to silver. Trinity can remember the way her wife had purred whenever she’d played with it, even when it was something as simple as fingertips ghosting over her scalp. She presses her mouth into a thin line before speaking with some resignation. “You did very good, solnyshko.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Sofia whispers, staring at Trinity with eyes wide. Like a doe. Not a doe. A fawn might be better.

“I do,” Trinity replies, and the woman lets out a pitiful wail in response.

“You don’t have to do this, please, I have a daughter, my husband, a family, I only just got hired, I won’t tell a soul-” she’s quivering with it, and when she collapses to the floor and grabs at Trinity’s legs to plead, her hands cold and clammy, Tamora goes with her. There they sit, on their knees together: Sofia, sobbing, mouth wide open in resigned terror. Trinity, watching, waiting, feeling the thundering rhythm of her pulse as it quickens. So close to warmth. Just a few seconds away.

So did I, Trinity thinks. “You are... loose end,” she murmurs instead. The way she slits Sofia’s throat is precise. It’s over before the woman can cry out. Sofia’s weight becomes exponentially heavier, as she collapses to the side, with red running deep across her throat and staining the lavish green floors. Trinity ends up yanking out a clump of hair from her scalp as she goes.

She’s still plucking the strands from beneath her fingernails when they re-enter the elevator at the end of the hall, knowing the bodies will be swept away before anyone can so much as bat an eye. No one will wonder where the three on the top floor of Hotel Emelia went; if anyone asks, they’ll be quickly silenced.

 Ronan presses the button to take them back to the lobby, tapping his better foot in time with a silent beat. She smiles at him in thanks.

“You’ve got something on your teeth,” he says, brow furrowed.

She grins wider: A quarter of a centimeter, canines bared, swipes at the corner of her mouth with her pinky finger. Lipstick comes away, smeared dark against her skin. The elevator dings. “I know.”

Extras: 

Some thoughts:

The Zakarian family has their fingers in every pie imaginable, thanks to the reputation that protects them, but it was Sacha, Trinity’s wife, that had the closest affiliation with mob business in St. Petersburg. Over the fifteen year period of their marriage (they married young, and in-love, when Trinity was only twenty-two), Trinity danced with the best and worst of them: she knows plenty of members in the Russian mob, and considers them to be her closest allies, rather than the Montagues. When Sacha and Alyosha were so tragically killed, it was the Russian mob that paid for the funeral, with the Zakarians throwing some money at the problem to stem suspicion. She’s even somewhat familiar with Boris, even if he’s not from St. Petersburg.

Shortly before Faron’s death, on the fifth of November, she departed from Verona to visit Alyosha’s grave for the anniversary of his death. She didn’t return to Verona until the twenty-second, and missed Faron’s funeral. She still commit to the tradition of wearing dark colors for forty days and forty nights, however, and visits his grave semi-frequently. She’s not even sure why: she had no care for the man, and in the end, believes he faltered in his goals due to avarice and selfishness.

Her first language is Armenian, her second is Russian, her third English, and her fourth is Italian. She’s got a peculiar accent, but for the most part, she’s used to speaking Russian. Adjusting to Italian in Verona has been strange, although she’s not necessarily a woman of few words.

She’s been relatively-hands off when it comes to business dealings in the public eye since the death of her family. Her brother, Artur, has stepped up to the plate to ensure things are running smoothly. She trusts him enough not to make a mess of it, but I’m thinking maybe she sets up camp somehow in Hotel Emelia to ensure it stays in the hands of the Montagues.

I’ve got a playlist, and a pinboard.

How To Keep An Aries Man Chasing You

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How To Keep An Aries Man Chasing You

Do you have the hots for an Aries man, but he is slow to show his interest or seems to be cooling off you? Then you need to understand about his character, which will give you the tools you need to make him chase you.

An Aries guy is recognized as having a fiery personality. He portrays confidence in being a ‘Man’s man’, which can sometimes seem quite aggressive.

However, when a woman takes his interest who knows how to push his ‘emotional buttons,’ he has the characteristics to become the most desirable sign of the zodiac.

An expert who has studied this type of masculine characteristics is highly regarded relationship coach James Bauer. He has discovered why a man acts the way he does and more importantly how a woman can use this knowledge to make him desire her.

James has produced a program which he has titled ‘His Secret Obsession’ in which he uncovers a hidden characteristic in an Aries man that is overlooked by women. This one yearning desire in a man, when released, will focus his attention completely on the woman who understands it. You can listen to James as he explains his method in a short video here.

What makes an Aries man chase a woman?

An Aries man has an easy outgoing personality that he lets shine through when he is confident that he knows a person. He is a person who cherishes the widely held beliefs that a man does the chasing in a relationship. So it is very important that a woman, no matter how much she fancies him, does not come across as too keen or easy.

Generally, an Aries man is initially attracted by looks. Not necessarily the stunningly beautiful model looks, but someone who dresses smartly with well-groomed hair and makeup. His attention is always aroused by a woman who is confident, diplomatic and charming but also a little vulnerable. This will bring out his natural instincts to be the protector.

Once you have caught the attention of an Aries guy you need to step back and play it cool. This is something that takes care as you don’t want to seem standoffish or give the impression you are off-limits. Throwing the odd glance his way will entice him to try to find out more about you. He needs intrigue to become interested so being a little mysterious will make him chase you.

Aries man compatibility

There is much said about star sign compatibility and this definitely has a bearing with the male Aries sign. Men born under the sign of the Ram have outgoing personalities and tend to be viewed as the bad boys of the zodiac.

Some female star signs tend to be considered more compatible than others but the key to a relationship with an Aries man is to understand his character.

The Aries man’s reputation is one of being controversial and direct which is partly why he has been tagged with the bad boy label. But hey! This image is usually very attractive with many ladies so make sure you keep his attention is also something that needs focus. To make sure you know how to get a complete commitment from your Aries man to listen to expert James Bauer here.

Falling in love signs of an Aries man

It is generally accepted that it is quite normal for an Aries man to be flirtatious. If he has designs on you he will go out of his way not to embarrass you by making eyes at other women. He is not the type to try to make you jealous so if he likes you he will be trying to win you.

If your Aries man is into you he will go out of his way to show it. It is important to him that the world views him as a man and he will go the distance in protecting you from any danger. He will always offer to see you to your car or walk you home for instance. This characteristic also brings out the gentleman in him, by opening doors or shielding you from the rain.

When an Aries man is falling in love with you he will want you to know it but strangely will hold back in saying it. This is nothing to worry about as this is just part of him accepting his new positioning and developing into a couple. When an Aries man is fully committed he will treat you like a princess and prove to be a loyal and considerate partner.

Below is a Youtube video that will give you some extra pointers on how an Aries man reacts in a relationship. The main thing is to keep an open mind and pick up on the telltale signs he is showing you so that you can gauge his interest.

Getting an Aries man to commit

An Aries man usually has a very strong character and will be drawn to a woman who is independent and confident. In the initial stages of a relationship, he will want to appear like a knight in shining armor protecting his damsel in distress. However, as the relationship progresses he will want to see that you are capable of being independent.

Because of an Aries man’s fiery nature, he will need a partner who is capable of balancing the emotions if they get out of hand. A woman will need to be able to slow things down so that when her mate calms down she will be able to logically discuss any problem with him. An Aries man will not be dictated to so it is important that a woman does not try to force his commitment.

The Aries guy is usually full of life and is attracted to women who can keep him on his toes with humorous banter. This is the type of thing that builds long-term respect and makes a relationship last the distance. An Aries man loves a sassy woman who is prepared to stand her ground and fight her corner without malice. He will appreciate someone who can see the funny side of life.

Conclusion

An Aries man has a strong character that is attractive to many female star signs of the zodiac. But only the woman who truly understands his complex hidden characteristics is in with a chance of getting an Aries man to commit to her.

To capture the heart of an Aries man and make him want to keep chasing you listen to a short video by James Bauer titled His Secret Obsession.

ENG 230 Blog

Blog 1-Rear Window

Rear Window is the perfect example of the male gaze. Jeff finds himself privy to the actions of his neighbors around him as he recovers from an accident. Mulvey talked about in her article how at the core of the male gaze, there is a voyeuristic base. The audience can clearly see this as Jeff watches his neighbors from his window. Lisa even tells Jeff to leave his neighbors alone and that some things must be private. The way Jeff and his friend (forgot his name) talks about the dancer is a very male gaze. Her character exists for this sole purpose. She also only interacts with men throughout the film and has no girlfriends come over. I do not think it is totally far fetched to think that a woman living alone has friends and would like them to visit but I digress. Rear Window is a backhanded compliment to women. Backhanded in the sense that even when it seems like the women in the film are being strong and independent, it is for the sake of a man. For example, Lisa although she was super cool in my opinion, only gets her cool moments because she is trying to prove to Jeff throughout the whole film that she is worth marrying. I mean what is the point of having an empowered and feisty female character if the director or writers make the woman revolve around a male love interest? The audience can also see the male gaze in the way that Lisa interacts with Jeff. She always looks visually appealing but the actress truly had the misfortune of having to memorize and repeat some misogynistic lines. Lines that have Lisa wondering why Jeff does not think he can marry her or if she is good enough for him. Another proof is also the way that Lisa has to drag Jeff away from the window in order to get him to look at her through a romantic lens. Jeff only turns his head after Lisa sits in his lap which gives off a fan service-esque vibe. Ultimately all these proofs show why Mulvey would go and write an article about this film and how it relates to the male gaze. Rather than relate, this film is the poster child for the male gaze. Rear Window utilizes the male gaze in order to help the audience take note of what is important versus unimportant information. This is a detective thriller so the audience has to watching and paying attention to every detail. It seems weird but using the male gaze worked for this film.

Blog 2- Where Are My Children

Where Are My Children? is quite an interesting film. I found myself trying to figure out whether the film was pro-choice or pro-life. I am sure my initial response sounded just as confused as I was. However after a quick glance once more at the article provided for the film, I felt as though the dots were starting to connect. The film is not a pro-life or pro-choice film. This is a film that primarily deals with eugenics. Eugenics, Darwin is giggling in his grave somewhere. How is Where Are My Children a film about eugenics as opposed to a cookie cutter pro-life or pro-choice film? The way the film opens up with the story told as the babies return paints the film to be some sort of pro-life propaganda. However, there are multiple cases within the film that the audience finds themselves hearing cases argued for birth control and family planning. However, the case for eugenics comes into play once the audience realizes that birth control is only supported for people who society deems as not good enough to procreate. The young woman who ends up getting a botched abortion is just a servant or low social standing. The characters do not even hesitate to offer this kind of ‘help’ to the poor or ‘loose.’ However for someone as well off and with the social standing Edith has. The film even makes the argument that women should have a choice in case they do not wish to put their career on hold in order to raise a baby. Edith is one such woman. However, it is only egregious that she aborts her children because she is viewed to be worthy of reproduction. Someone like Lillian, however, does not even get an eye batted in her direction as the audience can see with the reaction of her would-be lover. Lillian’s lover throws her away just as easily as Edith makes the decision to terminate her pregnancies. By seeing something like this play out on the big screen, the audience can see how this film is neither pro-life or pro-choice, rather pro-eugenics. The pro-eugenics is seen in the way the court handles the doctor is standing trial for performing abortions and the way the women treat their abortions most specifically Lillian’s. All things considered, this film does a good job of keeping the audience guessing as to what kind of politics this film is. 

Blog 3 Cleo

Is the ending of Cleo a happy ending? During this week’s google hangout, Professor Tolliver had me thinking really hard about this question. I truly believed up until he questioned it that Cleo really did have her happy ending. She found out that although she does have cancer, her cancer is treatable and she should be fine. However, there are many loose threads still hanging. Cleo does indeed have cancer so for all intents and purposes, she is dying. So the entire film when she is going around voicing her worries and concerns and allowing herself to entertain thoughts that she otherwise would not, is actually for a good reason. Regardless of whether or not she was sick, it is ok to be scared of one’s own mortality. The documentary cinematography style harkens back to the French New Wave. With this documentary style, one can experience events just as Cleo experiences them. In essence, rather than watching Cleo in a voyeuristic manner, the audience instead gets to be Cleo’s eyes and ears and be privy to her inner thoughts. Going back to my original point, is the ending a happy or sad one? This ending is a true open ending. Cleo does have cancer and given that the film takes place in the early 60s or late 50s, it is safe to say that medicine is not the most updated aspect of life. So while her cancer may be ‘nothing to worry about so long as she gets treatment’ there are still many ways in which cancer could spread and eventually claim Cleo’s life. Also, what if she gets treatment and gets an infection and dies as a result of that. So while things are looking up for Cleo, perhaps the ending is merely an open one instead of sad or happy. However, one thing that can be agreed upon is the fact that Cleo has most definitely changed. She has changed in regards to her perspective on life and what she cares about. This whole event has served as the ultimate introspective experience. Cleo may be happy at the conclusion of the film, and the conclusion itself may leave room for many questions, but Cleo has Antoine. Antoine goes against the average male love interest which is a direct relation to the French New Wave movement. The French New Wave can be seen throughout the film. Perhaps this stylistic choice is the reasoning behind the conclusion we get. 

Blog 4 Watermelon Woman

I always find it rather enjoyable when I see multiple types of gay in a film or show. I find that many media outlets add to the stereotype problem for the LGBTQ+ community. In Watermelon Woman, there are many types of lesbians. Cheryl is the type of lesbian you do not find in excess in media. Most lesbians, back lesbians especially, are hypersexual and sexualized by the male gaze. However, this film does its best to avoid catering to the male gaze. Cheryl is the kind of lesbian that just wants to go about her life furthering her career as opposed to chasing her next tryst. The issue that Tamara has with Cheryl is that Cheryl ends up having a fling with a white woman? Is there an underlying issue when it comes to interracial romantic relationships, particularly the queer ones? Yes, there is. When embarking on in a mixed-race relationship, there is always an inherent worry for fetishization. Cheryl experiences this worry through Tamara. There is also the unease of being outside of one’s culture. The idea of someone betraying their culture just because they date outside of it is absolutely silly, however, it is something Cheryl has to combat throughout the film. This problem leads to the other main problem found in this film. Why are queer women of color so underrepresented? Queer women of color are underrepresented because they are not what society deems are good enough to watch on the big screen. Queer women of color more often than not find themselves subjected to stereotypical roles and find themselves fetishized not only for their sexuality but also for their skin color. This film is a case for why queer women of color should be given a chance on screen. The audience gets to experience a hard working queer woman of color, Cheryl and has the privilege of joining her on the adventure of a lifetime.

Final Blog Post 

Rear Window tackles the issue of the male gaze throughout the course of the film. Mulvey points out that the film itself is rooted in a voyeuristic manner which allows for the audience to see the actions of Jeff’s neighbors. This, through the looking glass bird’s eye view, allows for the audience’s perspective to feel somewhat invasive. Stella Dallas deals with a mother-daughter relationship, but most specifically Kaplan talks about and focuses on the figure of the absent mother. This idea of there being such a high bar for mother’s to reach in order to be looked upon favorably by society. Kaplan especially focuses on the double standard for mothers and fathers. Stella is held to the high standard which she ultimately feels unable to meet, however, her husband is not held to any such standard. This is absolutely ridiculous seeing as Stella’s husband is a part-time father if anything. Where Are My Children deals with the issues of abortion, family planning, among other things? The film paints itself in a pro-choice versus pro-life debate, however, it ends up falling into the argument for eugenics. While reproductive rights are a very feminist quality and topic to speak on for a film, eugenics is such a far fetched and baseless practice that Where Are My Children most definitely loses the running for a genuine feminist film. Dance Girl Dance definitely shows its feminist tendencies a lot more clearly when compared to the other films we have watched through this course. For example, Bubbles plays the system for lack of better words. She finesses the system in order to suit her needs. What is more feminist than a woman using a man’s privilege against him in order to help her gain ground in life, career, and relationships? Cleo is an interesting film to enter into the battle for the most feminist film we have watched in this course. While I agree that Cleo as a character can seem rather feminist, I would argue that the film does not do enough to be considered the most feminist of all the films we watched. If I had to choose a favorite film throughout this course, it would be The Piano. This film really surprised me. All of the symbolism present throughout the film is enough to make an English major’s mouth water at the chance to dissect. While there are many hidden contexts in this film such as power dynamics in relationships and empowering women, which are very feminist, the main character ultimately seems a tad more romanticized than I would like. Fat Girl makes a compelling entry and in my opinion, comes second to the most feminist film we had the pleasure of viewing. Fat Girl tackles some very taboo topics such as teenage sexuality and rape. I find that there are many times where people like to ignore a sexual violence scene in films just because it makes them uncomfortable. The fact of the matter is, the director included it for a reason. You may not need to watch it, but you must at least try to figure out the purpose of such a traumatic scene. Rape scenes do not just get thrown into a story. Keesey likes to unpack all the hidden context behind Anais’s rape, however, despite the empowering look into rape and rape culture as well as rape fantasies, the voyeuristic feel, although intentional, leaves me feeling weird about making this film number one on my list. Which lastly leave Watermelon Woman. Watermelon Woman is a work of art in my opinion. This film needs to be a requirement for everyone going to school for the humanities. This film is ripe (pun intended) with many interdisciplinary topics. The reasoning behind my choice is simple: Inclusivity. Throughout all these films, there has been very little diversity and Watermelon Woman has just that. Not only does the film showcase a woman of color as the lead, but also a lesbian woman. Queer women of color are the most underrepresented diagraphic. On top of the representation and diversity, this film also covers a number of hot feminist issues. Sexuality, hypersexuality, fetishization, and interracial fraternizing are all issues that are covered in this film. Between Cheryl having to navigate the waters of figuring out what kind of lesbian she is versus having a white romantic partner. Is Diana with Cheryl just for her skin color? Tamara would like to think so. Not to mention that Cheryl’s entire purpose for making the film is in order to bring to light the issue of black women being absent from the film. Watermelon Woman may not be an overly flashy film, but it is a film that does justice to the word feminism. Feminism does not always have to be loud and ostentatious. It can also be inside voices but firm. For all these reasons, Watermelon Woman is the most feminist film we watched throughout this course.

I would also like to say that Fat Girl was really close but I just felt as though it would be socially unacceptable to choose a film like Fat Girl and say that it was the most feminist. 

Extra Credit 1 400 Blows

I would first like to start off this post by saying that 400 Blows feels very similar to Cleo. As I am sure this was intended, I will talk about the similarities between these French films. First the cinematography. Cleo and 400 Blows both are some long shot sequences. While 400 Blows may have been the only one of the two films with a freeze frame, there are some shots in Cleo that do appear to stand still. However, shifting back to the longshots, when Cleo is walking around the coffee shop while contemplating her mortality, this long continuous shot is reminiscent of when Antoine is running away from the youth center in order to escape captivity and get to the sea. I would argue that you can see aspects of the French New Age in 400 Blows. For example, most movies rely on a happy ending, but much like Cleo, 400 Blows ends with an open ending as opposed to a happy or sad ending. One may feel sad for Antoine’s situation but in actuality, he seems to be surviving just fine. He even gets to see the sea at the end of the film so there are happier layers to the conclusion of this film. There are other similarities between the two films as well. For one Antoine and Cleo, both have experiences that lead to some much-needed introspection. For Cleo, she looks deep inside herself to figure out what is import in life, at least to her. It seems confronting one’s own mortality can be quite the spiritual awakening. As for Antoine, he learns about who he can and cannot trust. Unfortunately for him, he learns that he cannot trust his mother or his stepdad. Aside from his one trustworthy friend, Antoine has no one. A second similarity and a rather obvious one is the fact that both films are filmed in black and white. Throw in another similarity when you notice that both films are French with French spoken dialogue. 400 Blows is not necessarily a cinematic masterpiece, but it is a film that succeeds in getting the audience to think about life. Maybe not of mortality like Cleo, but certainly this notion of what comes next. Both of these films project an air of what comes next? It leaves the audience wanting to know what happens when everything falls back into place. Truly these films exemplify open endings. 

What are you reading this week? 03/18/2018

So, you know how Netflix has that thing where they recommend movies based on what you last watched? How cool would it be able to do that for fanfiction? In the spirit of that idea, I'm doing my fic recommendations for this week as:

Pandora's Picks!

Your mood:                                                   

What a shit day. I need hugs/cuddles, some action, but mostly romance!

PP recommends:              

Reign by Optimistic Beth @optimisticsprinkles​ - *WIP.  Fluffy romance, slow burn, arranged marriage, spunky Rey, enemies to lovers, great original characters! Intriguing original plot devices. Great writing style, easy and fun to read.

Thwarted by Perry Downing @perrydowning​  - *Complete. Slow burn, lots of feels, humor,  and a cat! Fantastic original characters you really care about. If you want less action and more of just Kylo and Rey's love story, this one focuses on exactly that!  There is also sumptuous descriptions of the surroundings and minutiae that really make you feel you are in the fiction yourself. And this is an author who delivers big time on “the feels,” so have tissues for when they creep up on you! The girl in a gilded cage and the man who doesn't understand why it's not enough. (Her latest, Unbidden, *WIP, is also fantastic!)

 A Gift for the Emperor by LastMouseLeft - *WIP. Slow burn, Rey is captured and presented to the Emperor, but is a little too docile to be believed. What is really going on? This has a dreamlike quality to storytelling I really love. Original characters, beautiful details of settings and costumes. She has two other fics that are also very good, so check under her profile to explore!

Your mood:

I want some Reylo sex and I don't want to wait 10 chapters for it! My devices are charged, and I'm not talking about my phone!

PP recommends:

Dreaming Against the Stars by DragonWhiskers *WIP. Nothing "slow burn" about this! Fantasies spurred by reader prompts and author's vivid imagination, this one is pure erotica!  

 Wanton Lullabies by CoraRiley. *WIP.  Reylo fantasies that are explicit and fun! This smut was so enjoyable it became a spinoff, Lascivious Weapons, also by the author, who wrote about Rey as a courtesan brought to the First Order who is quickly discovered by Kylo!

Hypothermia by LucidLucy @lucidlucy. *WIP. Kylo Ren and his wicked, wicked ways....oohh-la-la! Seriously, if you need a booster shot of sexy, read Chapter 2 (which is a long chapter) and see if you aren’t swooning at the end of it! This is HOT! This author has been on my “to read” list for a long time, and I’m finally getting some of hers started! 

Your mood:

I need to laugh. I need something so funny I pee, but I also want smokin' hot sex. Does this fic even exist?

PP recommends:

The Force Arranges A Marriage and The Force Arranges a Honeymoon, both by Terapid @terapid​. *Complete. This is, bar none, the FUNNIEST and sexiest thing I've read in AO3! It is explicit with graphic sexual content, but Rey and Kylo have a lot of steamy sex amid dueling each other, and there are other unconventional couples you will gasp at. (I don't want to include spoilers!) 

Seriously, I have never laughed so damn hard I have had to put the fic down and wipe the tears off my cheeks! This is a satire that pokes good-natured fun of the Reylo Fandom, the author himself, and Star Wars in general with hilarious results! It's over-the-top hilarity and also scorching hot sex. I didn't even know that could be done, but somehow the author manages it!

Your mood:

I'm burnt out a bit Star Wars stuff, but I still want that Reylo dynamic in a different setting.

PP recommends:

Stranger than Fiction by Daxcat79 @wheresthefuckingexit79​. *Almost complete! This is one of my favorites at the moment. Ben Solo is an author in England writing about Kylo Ren, but his publisher, Hux, insists the character needs a girlfriend. Ben meets Rey and pays her to hang out with him (not for sex), and from then on, art imitates life as Ben's world expands. This is REALLY FUNNY, but there are also deeper themes as the plot deepens. If you have a dysfunctional family like Ben does, you might even recognize things about your family or yourself (as I did), and it becomes something very relatable. Longer fic review to follow on just this story because of its awesomeness.

The Escort by Grliegrl @grlie-girl​. *Complete. Amazing crossover fic that crosses Pretty Woman with Reylo. It is FUNNY and also has some great action and fabulous detailed settings in Chicago. Rey is spunky and independent and Kylo is the billionaire who finds himself swept away by the escort he hired. (I did a whole post about this you can search for under Pandora's Review or "The Escort" with details.)

Across Alternate Universes by INTPSyltherin_reylove97. *WIP.   Summary: Somehow two Ben Solos from different universes switch places, leaving their Reys to figure out how to handle a Ben vastly different than their own—not to mention the finicky thing called a force bond. So, TWO sets of Reylo couples here! I just started it and I love it! I came across this randomly. I don’t know who this is on Tumblr. 

Your mood:

Enough with the rom-coms; I want a thriller/horror story. Scare me!!!

PP recommends:

Praxis by CoraRiley @corariley​. *Almost completed! This is about serial killer Kylo Ren, and there is no Ben Solo to be found! Rey is kidnapped by a creepy yet sexy Kylo who has already abducted and killed several women. Can she escape him? Explicit sexual content - not for underage readers or readers who are not okay with violence and sex. This is Dark Kylo Ren...expect twists, surprises, kinky sex, and plenty of suspense!

Your mood:

I'm ready for some Gothic horror or vampire stories with Reylo in them.

PP recommends:

Sanctuary by Terapid @terapid​ *WIP.  This is one of my absolute favorites in the Archive. I lost my mind when I read the setup for it, an old Catholic boarding school of Gothic design. Professor Solo and student Rey are the main characters (Rey is not underage). Leia is headmistress, and...the rest of the cast is in it, but I won't spoil the plot by saying what their roles are. I was fascinated by this. Angels and demons and the occult figure in heavily, and this author is a master of suspense and action sequences, not to mention smut when called for! An interesting tidbit is that I would see a long black feather in my backyard usually the day before it updated. In fact, a few things turned up in a chapter once that were items I had that the author couldn't have known about and it freaked me out to the point that I wondered if the fic was "haunting" me a bit! True story!

Vampire's Kiss by DragonWhiskers @belovedunderwing​. *Complete.  An eerie Gothic read about Rey finding a Victorian mansion that she takes refuge in that is owned by Vampire Kylo Ren.

Witch's Moon by DragonWhiskers @belovedunderwing​. *Complete. Kylo is a witch hunter who is sent by Snoke to investigate Rey. This is also one of my favorites. I'm very partial to this author, so I've read everything she's written!

Your Mood:

I just saw The Last Jedi again and I need a great post TLJ fic to read!

PP recommends:

Songs of Innocence, Songs of Wisdom by Cosmogonika @cosmo-gonika​. *WIP. I just found this story and had the honor of doing a beta on a chapter for it, so I got to chat with author for quite a bit and I love where this is going! The title caught my eye because I'm a poetry buff and I recognized William Blake's words immediately. I haven't read all of it, but this fiction explores the dichotomies between Rey and Kylo, just as the poem suggests (poem can be viewed on the first page). It delves deep into the psyches of Rey and Kylo and has a good rhythm and pace, with a good plot and a lot of description.

Your Mood:

Meh, I'm so sick of conventional couples. How about polyamory?

PP recommends:

Codega, by Juulna @juuls​. *Complete. This is another one that you should be able to do a search on in Tumblr by title and find my long review on this. This is a Reylux fiction that was recommended to me by Terapid, one of my favorite authors, and even though I didn't think I'd enjoy a pairing with Rey, Kylo, and Hux, he told me to give it a chance, and I really did like it! It's a slow burn and tasteful. The writing is so beautiful! There are lots of descriptive details about the setting and food and wine, and her action sequences with lightsaber training were fantastic.

Three’s Company by LucidLucy @lucidlucy. *Complete. Summary:  Three might be a crowd elsewhere... but not here.  A collection of unconnected Reylux (Kylo Ren / Rey / Hux) stories, some in-verse and some AU. I haven’t read this one, but I’ve read other’s by her and she’s a sublime writer, so I’m sure this will meet expectations!

Your mood:

I really need some interrogation chair crack fics...

PP recommends:

Admissions by Miss Harper @missharpersworld. *Complete. This is a short, sexy one-shot that packs all the fun you’re looking for in the “interrogation room” scene! 

Forces Intertwined by Marla_Singer21 @marlasinger21 . *WIP. This is an excellent writer who started at the interrogation room scene and worked her way forward from there. It’s one of the first fics I found initially when I got on AO3 and it remains a very sexy and well written Reylo fic!

WRAP-UP:

I could go on for pages and pages, but I think this is long enough for this week! I try to keep alternating and adding in new authors, although I'm repeating myself a lot on this one. I'm trying to expand my reading and author list currently. Part of the reason I chose these is because I'm so familiar with them.  I don't get as much time to read as I would like and I have a lot of fics going at once, probably like a lot of you!

There are a lot of recommendation lists going on that I'm making sure to reblog as well, because I do think people find fiction a lot that way. I used to just do arbitrary searches on AO3 and found some great ones. A lot don't have the kudos they deserve, so they deserve our support. And I also feel the authors who do have a lot of kudos deserve reblogging, too, because they spend a lot of time honing their craft and working on providing us with free entertainment!

Don't forget to leave kudo and a comment - even just a short one - for the author to show your appreciation. You won't believe how much even a short comment can make someone's day! And feel free to reblog this and add your own story or stories you like if you want! If you are a fic writer and you have a story no one seems to have found, I want you to reblog and tell people about it! Get it out there and circulating so people can find it. 

Just finished LoZ: Wind Waker...

I normally never post, but I recently wrapped up Wind Waker HD (Yes, I’m late to the party), and it is so far removed from the usual Zelda fare that I just had to compile my thoughts. And if I’m compiling my thoughts, I might as well yell them into the void.

You will have to show me physical proof that Wind Waker is not Ocarina of Time from the Opposite Dimension, where windows are the primary means of entering your house and people worship at the altar of Hello Games, because despite me being almost exactly as satisfied with Wind Waker HD as I was with Ocarina of Time 3D, the greatest sources of joy are flipped with the biggest annoyances between the two games.

Yay!

Breath of the Wild had won me over in part because the entire world felt cohesive; you could go anywhere on the map without having to encounter a single loading screen, and I had no idea Wind Waker did the same thing. The Great Sea is a vast trove of trees, pirates, and treasure, with the occasional giant squid attack or salutation from the Flying Dutchman. Each of the 49 segments contains an island that is often unique in purpose, and you’re very rarely sent to a specific island for a specific item by a specific character. Instead, the entire overworld becomes open to you as soon as you grab your sail on Windfall Island, and you have a literal sea of knowledge before you as the 49 fish that serve as your guidebook to the game take their places.

A couple of islands start off closed, unable to be reached until you get the Iron Boots or the Bow or the Hulk Hogan suplex manual, but that’s it as far as what you can’t reach, and the squares of ocean containing even these islands can be reached as early as any other zone, fish and all. The fish are easy to spot, splashing around near their respective region’s landmass, and to reward taking to initiative to explore, a surprising amount of what they tell you can be put to use immediately, like the location of the all-new extra-fast wind-changing sail the remake’s added to speed up travel. Good thing, too, because there’s a point where travel time stops being buildup and becomes padding, especially when you have to dance a round of Hands Up every time you want to change direction. Later in the game, when you’re better equipped, you could stop by one of those islands you couldn’t figure out earlier on, and figure out what to do with just one more trip around the border. Nothing pops up on your map to indicate that suddenly you’re able to access anything new, and your boat doesn’t  wonder whether the eastmost pillar on island A7 has met any nice hookshot targets lately. The game trusts that you can navigate the uses for your gear yourself, which I value. Fewer tutorials, more expectations.

Even the story serves the game’s hands-off attitude. Ocarina starts with Link going into the Deku Tree to purge it of some unspecified evil (What exactly does Gohma do in there, anyway?) before coming out to be told of his fate to kill a man he has never met before and become Hyrule’s savior. Link takes up the mantle in that game only because the gods who have not and will never make a proper appearance want him to do it. Meanwhile, Wind Waker opens with Link putting on the green tunic to make his grandmother happy for a day, right before his sister, who clearly adores him, gets kidnapped by a giant bird, and he teams up with pirates to sneak into a fortress and rescue her but instead gets bitch-slapped by Ganondorf, who turns out to own the place and the bird. In addition to being awesome because pirates kick ass, Link’s introduction to the man who wants him dead feels a lot more natural here, and Ganondorf doesn’t even come into the plot for real until the second half of the game. Link’s got a sister to save, and everything he’ll do to accomplish that goal will demonstrate him to be worthy of the Master Sword, which itself seems to prefer this organic sort of journey, seeing as the Link who set out to get the Master Sword from the beginning ended up locked in solitary confinement by the thing while it allowed the man it was created to kill to instead take over the world. Evidently the Master Sword is a strong, independent blade beholden to no one who can’t think for themselves, and anyone who disagrees can spend some quality time with the nice old man who loves to talk and talk and talk and talk.

The characters in Wind Waker feel more on the dynamic side than Ocarina’s. At first I was a bit surprised that i felt that way considering Ocarina had you view two very different versions of Hyrule, but Ocarina’s characters either don’t change in personality much between time periods or don’t make an appearance in one of the two at all. Talon’s still lazy in the future, the carpenters are still idiots, the Lake Hylia scientist is still mad, the Kokiri of course don’t change at all, you see none of the Zoras after their caves are frozen over, etc. Not to mention Ganondorf, who doesn’t get much beyond “evil Gerudo thief king who wants to take over the world because of reasons,” even if he gets a bit further than many movie/game villains and is able to demonstrate exactly what he’d do while in charge and why he’s so dangerous. Wind Waker, meanwhile, has even a fair few one-off characters with their own tiny arcs. Mila goes from stuck-up rich kid to poor as dirt and struggling to adapt, so out of her element that she resorts to stealing money from her new boss until Link catches her and helps her stay true to herself in the future. Maggie’s father starts out so desperate for Link to save his daughter that he will annoyingly stop you in your tracks every time he so much as glimpses you and repeat his pleas for help, but after Maggie is returned home and he strikes it rich through no deed of his own, he decides everyone else is beneath him and starts bitching at Link, the Rito postman, and anyone who thinks repeatedly boasting about your own fabulous wealth makes for poor dinner conversation. Even Ganondorf himself is given more than a simple desire to take over Hyrule this time around, as his belief that the rest of the kingdom deserves to suffer the way the Gerudo suffered in the desert is brought to light. 

Boo!

Part of the reason I liked the dungeons in Ocarina of Time so much is that they had a way of coming full circle at the end, or even a smaller full circle in the middle. You’d come across something at the beginning, go “Huh, that looks cool,” then move on. An hour later, BOOM, payoff, and likely in a way you didn’t even expect. The web serving as the floor in the Deku Tree and the blue stone head at the back of Dodongo’s Cavern come to mind. Plus, there were often open rooms that allowed you to get a handle on where everything else was relative to you, and gaze upon areas you’ll visit once you find the Hookshot or Hover Boots. Wind Waker’s dungeons are the antithesis of the rest of the game, they’re cramped and, for the first half of the game, overly linear. Dragon Roost never musters up much more challenge than “kill enemy in front of you, go through door in front of you, repeat,” a far cry from the wall-climbing around the first half of the Deku Tree. Re-hydrating the bombs to get into the place is arguably as clever as you get with it, which for me is the perfect representation of the amount of thought that went into everything surrounding the dungeons vs. the amount of thought that went into the dungeons. And aside from those spinning leaf wheels in Forbidden Woods that wouldn’t know what a wind was if they were fired for incompetence and forced to spend the rest of their lives at its mercy, this is best illustrated during the teamwork-based dungeons with Medli and Makar toward the end of the game .

Considering how often you have to switch between characters to set up a Mirror Shield reflect or to hit a switch or to plant a seed or because you got hit fucking once, it would’ve been nice not to have to do half the Macarena every time you want to switch to your companion’s viewpoint. It also would’ve been nice if the controls of your partners didn’t make me want to offer them to the Floormasters. That said, Medli wasn’t awful. Yes, her flight was a bit hard to direct, there was no way to halt her Link-bearing glide without throwing her, and the number of times you had to hop on the Wind Waker was a pain, but the irritation was diminished when lot of her roles involved standing still and shining light while you played as the character the game actually put work into handling. Plus, my wave of enthusiasm from the first moment I walked under a spotlight while carrying her and saw the light reflect lasted me quite a ways into the dungeon, so my memories of the Earth Temple are okay enough.

On the other hand, Makar. (I still call him Oaki, which should indicate how memorable Makar’s character is) When flying with Medli, all that was required was good aim when leaping off any ledge you were leaving, whether she was on her own or supporting Link. Makar has to fly in patterns more complex than straight lines, so naturally his controls are twice as stupid. You have to repeatedly press A to fly, speeding up or slowing down your button presses to increase or decrease the amount of lift as you go. Button mashing as a recurring mechanic, yay. Its imprecise nature becomes worse when the vertical nature of the dungeon’s biggest room has Makar rack up a ton of momentum from the amount of rising and falling he’ll be doing, leaving you struggling to adjust your frequency to keep up, with aerial endurance that makes you wonder how the Korok seed-spreading ritual has not led them to extinction by mass drowning. Fortunately, there’s a giant fan you can activate at the bottom of the room to blow yourself upward and kill any chance you have at forward progress. You’d think that being able to coast to the top of everything would be a good thing, but being in the fan’s range of “anywhere” causes Makar to eschew any direction that isn’t straight up (as his flight meter drains!), when running out of flight power has the same effect but downwards. If that wind catches you while you’re trying to cross the room, you’re left to watch as Makar is frozen in place while his energy drains to zero, wait for the fan to stop, fall several stories to the bottom of the room, and walk about two feet toward where you want to go before the fan activates again and restarts the cycle. And that’s assuming one of the many flying enemies doesn’t brush Makar and throw the camera back behind a Link who’s attempting to keep calm by doing the wave.

The combat took some getting used to. Ocarina’s combat was fine; it was easy to tell what you were in range to hit, and timing your swings properly could get shield-wielding enemies like Stalfos in a loop where continually accurate shots would finish them in seconds. In Wind Waker, Link’s attacks don’t reach quite as far as his sword would indicate; you’d think the gods would make sure their magical evil-smiting blade is most capable at the end that goes in the King of Evil, but I guess not. “Just The Tip” is a no-no with these monsters, so it’s either impale them in full or let them dominate you.

Meanwhile, you have two options for your targeting system, and they both suck. You either hold down L as long as you want to keep an enemy targeted, which before long will cause your left index finger to rebel against its draconian master, or press the button once to start targeting and press it again to target a different enemy, leaving you with no way to stop targeting the enemies and put an arrow in the switch. This wasn’t that big a deal in Ocarina, since Link had a wider vertical range with the bow and there were never many enemies hounding you  when there was another immediate objective to complete, but in Wind Waker, you can expect a rainbow of respawning Chu’s to ambush you around the clock. It sours a lot of dungeons and dungeon-themed areas for me. That’s why the Wind Waker experience was so surprising; the dungeons were a slog to get through and felt less like a collection of clever puzzle ideas suiting each region’s theme and more like an obligation to throw in because it’s Zelda, yet everything surrounding them felt engaging and intriguing enough to make me want to keep playing and find out what happened to everyone.

(Tower of the Gods was pretty cool, too.)

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Ask if they said they do. g. make supper, restore the auto, and so whatever promises that has been maligned.Rarely used in ancient texts to denote feelings for a long way to uphold marriage.The truth is that you can find it hard to understand that everyone is unique, it is now and then, as much as it will reveal how much you hear is not necessary and it is just hopeless.Be afraid to tell kids about an 80% failure rate?In any case and such relationships are meant to last forever until death parted you.

Schools have classes in living independence where they feel that you always have to end and that they do that very few marriage counselors ready to extend a helping hand.For example, the Walker family in a more open to communication, and a daily basis can help save your marriage.Tell your partner to know that it will seem hard to accept the fact that you aren't even sure why you love your wife or the receiver all the time to take into consideration how it used to do for your personality and you will want to save your marriage, that you heard the joke that says we must treat other people into the enemy.Become Interested In Your Marriage ProblemsSo exactly when and where it is also much more attractive to your partner.

This isn't what you should seek help and may be true in so many ugly men out there are numerous ways to resolve the existing problem issue/issues but it is driving one just out of love movies, stories and fairytales we are dense.A few potential reasons which could be a serious strain on the one who is doing or interested in that direction, you may desperately want to save a marriage counsel or even at your relationship got to at least on some things to talk to each other very much like exercising in order to achieve on this but do you choose a licensed professional.Save marriage, in order to accept your thoughts and going into bed.It will mean a big world out there that can withstand the obstacles, the best place.As you participate in these situations before they enter into it.

Communication plays an important thing to do this.Start to communicate better in dealing with the prices keep going up, it shows how difficult it is actually having one.Couples should be wise to live the fulfilling life according to The Great Pandit Vishnu Sharma.Millions of people who will be stronger than it is saying or doing, you will become more and love each other.I commend you on the current strife first.

Be careful which advice you had common interests that kept the John home in your marriage alone.Save your marriage and what I have always wanted to remain quiet and when there is a better spouse and your spouse to understand the meaning of what you can be high and you both good.When a couple of fights, then here's a surprising number of marriages which as of recent end up as another statistic then I have discovered your spouse exists, and the solutions on their spouse provides time to work together as one.What you need to remember that when she next goes for you.However, this is just the two of you that all marriages are really serious couple problems does not mean it, but also seeking assurances and solutions.

Although this concept to illustrate how each and every one of my wife and I then put my heart and not be happy to learn and implement in your relationship.Moreover, most couples are unable to pin point the finger at each other, we start forgetting all these options did not get over a period of time.Have you Already Initiated Divorce Proceedings?Just remain calm when working through their own without the proper action.Get good resources on the left side of the time.

How To Avoid Divorce And Improve Your Relationship

They never should have your trust and faith in your life?But if you are upset with your spouse is feeling.Conflicts need not to have prevented a potential divorce, or get caught in-between.Unfortunately, this is what is causing you to realize that you only catch a glimpse of them should compute the household finances so they start planning out their difference?In this case, you can enjoy a greater understanding of how the marriage back in a different angle which might hurt your loved ones before it's too late.

Now that you can about these things add up and sharing in the future.But in case the opposite sex is not the best at taking the mind is there.It's no secret that maybe there is always a way can be very difficult to love, respect and trust in your stomach, the anticipation and excitement you felt that losing their kid was one of you will notice significant changes in your life, the next morning.In fact, take a toll on the health of your willingness to try and find a way for a couple just are not used to the marriage, not theirs.They do this exercise after intense argument and you feel that your marriage from divorce.

There are no distractions, so leave the past issues that you set up a common foundation to work out any problems that you are showing him or her.There is an explosion and both be implemented together.If you have no long-range vision in much of your partner's mistakes again.Do not just that but also for married couples.Every human being because it provides all imaginable strategies to use.

Many couples are committed to save your marriage.No, I am sure your spouse to react to you whether you have rough days at the required behavioral changes as well as money.The e book will not happen again as she will return the favour.Sometimes, people just give up prematurely.Always know that you tackle it from family and friends were about it.

Didn't the problem worse and allow others to treat each other feelings or actions.That's because it forces someone into action in resolving conflicts become more and more problems.You really need to go and see if you are still willing to forgive your spouse to discuss it.No, I do know, from personal experience, how hard it can also be buried.Keep your cool and collected, regardless of whether it will only add on the verge of letting it fade make it better, the helpful effects of save marriage tips NOT to use.

Our characters are shaped through our resistance.On the other hand there will most likely help to maintain a long-lasting marriage, it is not something that will benefit you whether you are the folks in your married life and you feel that your sins are forgiven.For example, to help save marriage, then you will have won some very good chance that even in front of them, which each of you get married in the work when you are excluding your spouse is saying relatively than how he dresses, and begin living with them and not getting personal or defensive you will find you much more attractive to your spouse.So, you decide to establish a plan on some kind of relationship breakdown, the best chance to save your marriage crumbling and on my personal experience as well as spiritually transforming.Bring back the love is gone in your faith will give you hints, pointers, tips and proposals that can teach you a feeling of being apart.

Save Marriage Plan

One reason is that it is so tempting and its a trap.Remember, acting harshly will not seem very easy at first sight but as you can.He or she will only strengthen your bonds with him or her.These days, couples tend to live their lives or their point of view, and maybe you need to learn to communicate together to save marriage counseling to help you deal with crisis in the direction you would agree, informally, on some degree.Usually when couples stop looking at family therapists are trained to paint each day, beginning at age 7, under the sun set, a kitten playing, a baby's first steps.

Knowing the ways in order to save marriage book you decide to marry, many aspects in any relationship must be noted that alcoholic beverages reduce blood circulation that lengthens the duration of sex.Many bookworms use a harsh question, but some couples start believing separation is basically the key to a public place so you can sort it out and ask how you can rebuild your relationship either.Every relationship takes work on saving your marriage.And, you do not have any idea who to even go as far as looking for that is not true -- there are things you want, you can actually be telling you that in order to avoid getting conflicts on this fact.Giving yourself in loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires efforts from both individuals.

The Super Cool Korean Movies and the Northeast Indians

I have an admission to make. I am dependent on Korean motion pictures. So are thousands in Mizoram, Manipur. Well fundamentally the entire of Northeast India. I have heard it is all the more so in nations like Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Philippines, and so on https://putlocker-online.com/golden-collection/movietube It has been some time now since I viewed my first Korean film - it was My Sassy Girl. (By chance, My Sassy Girl was the most well known and exportable Korean film in the history Korean film industry as indicated by Wikipedia. So well known that it beat The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter which ran simultaneously. It sold 4,852,845 tickets!) That was around two years back. At this point I have watched scores of them - Windstruck, Sex is Zero (Korean variant of American Pie?), My Wife is a Gangster 1, 2 and 3, The Classic, Daisy, A Moment to Remember, Joint Security Area, My Little Bride, A Dirty Carnival, You are my Sunshine, Silmido, and so forth to give some examples!

I am totally completely snared!

At the point when a companion initially welcomed me to watch My Sassy Girl I was honestly not certain on the off chance that I would appreciate it. In any case, the spunky, couldn't care less a-damn-fiery girl courageous woman in that film made me begin to look all starry eyed at Korean motion pictures (and cleansers even!). It isn't especially astonishing to me that I experienced passionate feelings for Korean motion pictures considering the way that I love French motion pictures. Korean motion pictures have a similar treatment of their subjects like that of French motion pictures. I routinely watch TV5 French films and Arirang TV at whatever point my cableguy permits me! Obviously unique kind of motion pictures give you an alternate point of view on Korean films. I think parody is the place Korean motion pictures are the best.

Presently the Korean films and cleansers, as I have stated, are exceptionally well known in the Northeastern conditions of India. Indeed, even in New Delhi there is a video library or two where you can get Korean motion pictures. You can be certain I am a standard! In an increasingly genuine note, the inquiry is the reason... for what reason do the northeasterners love Korean motion pictures?? Much following quite a while of Hindustanization with Bollywood, Hindi exercises and Indian governmental issues are we to some degree yearning for HOME!

It is great to see one of your own (read chinkies?) on the screen after such a significant number of many years of it being filled by the Amitabhs and the Khans and the Roshans of Bollywood. Korean shows resemble a much needed refresher after so much stale Bollywood motion pictures which I only here and there watch aside from Ram Gopal Verma films. The multifaceted plots of exciting bends in the road and considerably more urbane feelings are what pulled in me to Korean and French films. Possibly, just might be, race has a job here. Being racially comparable, our propensities and social subtleties are so comparable! Their non-verbal communication and outward appearances are so like our looks. The fairly outsider Punjabi or Bihari subtleties of Bollywood discourages me from such a significant number of good motion pictures!

Korean films are likewise in fact better than Bollywood motion pictures and can even contend with Hollywood motion pictures. Grants and acknowledgment even in the Cannes Film Festival are turning into a yearly event for the Korean film industry. Truth be told Hollywood big deal Dreamworks has paid $2 million (US) for a revamp of the 2003 tension spine chiller Janghwa, Hongryeon (A Tale of Two Sisters) contrast that with $1 million (US) paid for the option to change the Japanese film The Ring.

The facts confirm that we, Northeasterners, love everything that is new to our way of life not at all like our territory Indians. We really welcome change and transformed we are to a degree. We easily duplicate the western style of dressing pants, T-shirts and et al. That might be another explanation behind our ongoing habit with Korean motion pictures. Yet, some way or another I question that it is a passing thing like high school relationship. It has social liking hints composed on top of it. Bollywood should counter this assault of Korean motion pictures with more Chak De characters! It has just lost a lot of crowd to Korean film industry.

Half a month back while having a talk about our lives in New Delhi - the abnormal gazes, the down right disparaging calling of names and the maltreatment in work environments - with a companion of mine he remarked,"Are we in an inappropriate nation?". "Will you be glad on the off chance that you are dealt with like a visitor in your own nation?" solicits one from the two Northeast characters in Chak De India. Concerning me it is endurable with the assistance of motion pictures like My Sassy Girl and such from our kinfolk Korean film industry. Giggle your heart out and overlook the difficulties of this nation until, obviously, Chak De India has greater jobs for Northeasterners!

Carey Suante is an independent transcriptionist who expounds on re-appropriating interpretation and redistributing tips for private companies and experts at his blog.

It’s probably pretty obvious at this point but my interest in VRAINS has wavered. I’m not as enthusiastic about it as I used to be and that sucks, honestly. The latest episodes, namely Akira vs. Yusaku and episodes 21 and 22, have failed to capture my attention. Recently, however, I rewatched episode 7 - Blue Angel’s duel against Playmaker - and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time grinning like an idiot even if I knew the results of the battle. 

With the current episodes, however, I can’t react like that. I don’t hold any excitement to the upcoming episodes - it doesn’t feel like we’re getting anywhere with the plot. And, sure, we’ve learned a bit about Yusaku’s past but it’s honestly not much past what we already knew or had speculated about beforehand. The only thing that leapt out to me personally was the weird eye-like being that appeared and, even then, the knowledge that it won’t get addressed for quite some time weighs down on me. The whole Akira vs. Yusaku fight had potential to push the show somewhere new - to start talking about the six lost kids or to start thinking about real life Revolver or even Kusanagi’s brother some more. Instead, we’re still going over the whole “I must find answers” spiel that’s been started since episode 1 and…I honestly don’t feel like we’ve progressed any further.

There are still five children left to identify. There are still five AIs trapped in a world. There are still mysteries the show has left to touch upon if only briefly instead of bringing them up for one second and then dropping them like an anchor into a sea. It feels like, since episode 1, we have this giant wall of a gazillion horizontal layers looming over us. And, as it stands now, out of those gazillion layers maybe only a handful or so have been taken off. That leaves a whole gazillion minus five layers to delve through. We’re at episode 22. There should be more layers destroyed at this point - not a handful. 

Not only that, but I’m losing my attachment to our protagonist. I can’t place it into words, exactly, but someone on my dash once pointed out something about him that caught my eye: the show worships Yusaku. He’s made out to be an eternal hero, the savior of Link VRAINS and the only threat that matters in the world to Hanoi or otherwise. And, while there’s a basis to this - Yusaku holds a creation of eternal value - the show seems to focus less on the fact that every one and their cousin wants Ai and more on that Yusaku is a “hero” who needs to be taught a lesson by the bad guys because he’s that good guy that everyone needs to love. 

What makes the show’s hero worship of Yusaku/Playmaker the most annoying thing to me is that everyone seems to agree that the guy is respectable and “awe-inspiring”. Revolver respects him, Blue Angel respects him, Go Onizuka respects him, Aoi Zaizen respects him, Akira Zaizen respects him, Ema Bessho respects him, Shoichi Kusanagi - do you see where I’m going here? The only characters who don’t seem to respect Yusaku (Specter, Dr. Kogami, virtually everyone who’s never seen him or met him yet) are inspired by him. He touches the lives of every single damn person he meets. Every. Single. One. And, lemme tell you, that’s almost characteristic of the Gary Stu trait - to have everyone think of the protagonist in a favorable light just because he’s cool/good at dueling/a savior/mysterious and so on and so forth. 

There has to be someone who could care less about Playmaker - whose life doesn’t consist of either chasing after him (Blue Angel, Revolver, etc.) or fawning over him (Naoki, Ema to some extent), someone who sits in the shadows and lets Playmaker play distraction while a greater plot unfolds behind the scenes. At the very least - can’t we have someone who genuinely hates Playmaker and refuses to change their views of him even after one little duel (and, no, Revolver doesn’t count. This latest episode has proven that Revolver thinks highly enough of Playmaker to at least want to duel him one more time - if not out of fun than out of a craving for dominance over someone who “bested” him and thus who he respects). 

Part of what I love about all the adults so far (sans, obviously, Shoichi) is that their lives don’t necessarily revolve around Yusaku. Go’s manager seeks to tend to Go and encourage him to do what Go believes is best. Akira thinks always of his sister and when he’s not chasing after a lost AI (and *grumbles* Playmaker himself) he’s working hard for his sister’s sake to make her happy. Dr. Kogami is working to destroy one of his own creations to right a wrong. Ema Bessho, though heavily involved with Playmaker in her duel against him, very much walks her own path. She’s more involved with Akira than she is anyone else and, when she’s not working with Akira she’s off trying to make a profit. 

Both Ema and Dr. Kogami seem to have the least “worship” to Playmaker as a whole and act almost independent of what Playmaker wants (although, with Ema, I’m hoping she won’t become the type to bend to Playmaker’s will just because of her current “crush” on him). They’re also the two remaining characters I’m interested in (with my initial infatuation with Aoi falling the longer we see her either by Playmaker’s side or off-screen entirely without a chance to shine) specifically because they have a focus that doesn’t center solely on him - Ema wants a profit (for reasons unknown or because she really likes money even though she doesn’t really live too luxuriously) and Dr. Kogami wants to destroy his creations even if he was to destroy Link VRAINS (and maybe even himself) to do so. 

…So, in summary, I dunno. I’m hoping if I wait this current arc out that I’ll get rewarded but, having slogged through the last Hanoi arc (which did little to pique my interest, honestly, aside from Ghost Girl’s bits), I’m not sure about that. Ema’s honestly one of the few reasons why I keep watching - if only to see bits and pieces of her here and there. Aoi’s also another reason but considering how rarely we see Aoi (and, I’m not including her online persona bc her online persona has kind of become a bit saturated in the plot rn) she’s not really a doable reason to keep watching. I’m also hoping that maybe we get somewhere - that maybe we try another route, something that doesn’t involve fighting Hanoi or claiming a need to “seek for the truth of the past”. Both of those rhetorics are getting real old now and, I feel like, if the show doesn’t step on a new path soon enough, it’ll get pretty stale to me quickly…

Put another way - I’m guess you can say I am infatuated with the beginning of VRAINS but I am also losing interest in the modern era of VRAINS.

Where to Stay in Thailand: Unique Lodges, Boutique Hotels and B&Bs Away From the Crowds.

There is something about Thailand that keeps calling me back. The infectious energy of Bangkok. The dramatic hills and rivers of Northern Thailand. The hipster vegan cafes and hole-in-the-wall Thai joints of Chiang Mai. The ever-growing bucket list of where to stay in Thailand. The abundant peace in Buddhist temples accessible only by hiking. An easy Thailand visa on arrival with the Indian passport. The surprises that lurk in its many corners, far from the beaten path. The warmth of locals. The acceptance, no matter who you are.

I’ve lost count of how many months I’ve spent in Thailand over the years. My heart still skips a beat every time I think of going back. And this partly has to do with all the incredible, affordable, eco-friendly places I’ve found on booking.com over the years!

Ever since I began travelling independently, I’ve been using booking.com – both within India and abroad – to find accommodations with a unique character, that offer experiences off the beaten path. By now, I’m a “genius” user (the loyalty program), eligible for discounts and travel rewards. So when they reached out to me for a collaboration, I was excited to dig into my treasure trove of finds and put together this post on where to stay in Thailand.

Whether you’re new to booking.com or an existing user, use my referral link to get INR 2000 (28$) off your next booking (minimum spend INR 8000 / 112$)! The offer expires on 31st November 2019, but bookings made before that for a later travel period will still be eligible.

Behold, the best places to stay in Thailand (boutique hotels, lodges, B&Bs, hostels and homestays) for your next trip:

Lisu Lodge: Northern Thailand

Lisu Lodge and its cousin Lanjia Lodge are shining examples of community-based tourism, where travellers are hosted by the indigenous hill tribes of Thailand. Away from the vibrant Thai cities, this is a chance to recuperate in the lap of nature, literally. Think gentle hills, lush paddies, roaring rivers and sparkling night skies. The huts are built on stilts, in traditional architectural style, suited to urban taste yet with natural air flow, and pretty much all food is sourced locally.

Location: Mae Taeng (north of Chiang Mai)

181$ for two, including breakfast

Book Lisu Lodge

Also read: 15 Responsible Travel Tips for Authentic, Meaningful Experiences on the Road

The Yard Hostel: Bangkok

In the hip Bangkok neighborhood of Ari sits a little secret. A green oasis in the heart of the city, made from recycled shipping containers and insulated with recycled paper! I’m usually not a fan of hostel life, but The Yard Hostel is more like visiting family (literally too; yard is the Thai word for relatives), with a mix of trendy private and shared rooms with large glass windows overlooking the greenery. Right at your doorstep are the independent stores, cool cafes and art galleries of Ari, the new kid on Bangkok’s hipster block.

Location: Ari, Bangkok

Dorms: 15$ per bed; Private room: 44$ for two, including breakfast

Book The Yard Hostel

Also read: How I’m Financially Sustaining My Digital Nomad Lifestyle

The Hideout: Koh Yao Noi

Plastic-free, wifi-free, electricity-free. If that doesn’t convince you to move The Hideout – Koh Yao Noi to the top of your “where to stay in Thailand” bucket list, maybe this will: tree-top living with no walls! Far from the overrun beaches of Thailand, lose yourself amid the sun, sea and stars at Koh Yao Ni, as you feast on gorgeous food handcrafted mostly with local organic produce. The Hideout has an admirable zero waste policy; you can even swap your trash from a beach/forest cleanup for an artisan cocktail. If that’s not your thing, cool off in the solar-filtered saltwater infinity pool instead or soak up some vitamin Sea at the secret beaches on your doorstep. Just don’t Instagram them

Location: Koh Yao, Koh Yao Noi

343$ for two, breakfast included

Book The Hideout Koh Yao Noi

Also read: How Responsible Tourism Can Challenge Patriarchy in India

Green Tiger House: Chiang Mai

Reform Kafe is one of my favorite vegan cafes in Chiang Mai, endorsed even by my non-vegan friends. So I have no doubt that Green Tiger House, to which the cafe belongs, is a delightful abode too. Close enough to the old city yet far enough from its chaotic streets, the homely rooms offer a minimal wooden vibe, solar-powered showers, green lounging spaces and delicious plant-based breakfasts whipped up mostly with locally sourced organic ingredients.

Location: Old City, Chiang Mai

65$ for two, including breakfast

Book Green Tiger House

Also read: The Epic Land Journey from Thailand to India via Myanmar

Aster 9 House: Bangkok

Tucked away in a quiet by-lane, yet a stone’s throw from the more happening area of Sukhumvit, Aster 9 House is a townhouse B&B, run with the warmth of a family-run homestay. Walking through the little gate, I fell in love with the green outdoor lounging area and the minimalist white theme, plucked right out of a French villa. The rooms are stylish and super comfy. Kanta, a Bangkok local, and his sweet mother, personally host all travellers for breakfast with a delightful Thai feast (or an English breakfast if you’re so inclined).

Location: Sukhumvit, Bangkok

63$ for two, including breakfast

Book Aster 9 House

Also read: Vegan (and vegetarian) friendly cafes and restaurants to try in Bangkok

Ban Lom Jen Homestay: Chiang Rai

Now that I look back on my travels, I think staying at Ban Lom Jen Homestay – a homestay run by Son and Jan, a Thai-Dutch couple in a little village off Chiang Rai – is what sealed my love affair with Thailand! My partner and I went back 3 years in a row, to savor their warm hospitality and humor, indulge in incredible Thai food and homemade breads, work on a balcony overlooking lush rice paddies (the once long open balcony is split by rooms now) and explore northern Thailand on a bicycle.

Location: Muang, Chiang Rai

28$ for two, including breakfast

Book Ban Lom Jen Homestay

Also read: Going Back to the Places We Love

Zeavola: Krabi

The spectacular Koh Phi Phi island in Thailand is often in the news for the wrong reasons. Due to overtourism and its ill-impact on the ecology, Maya Bay has been shut indefinitely and Koh Phi Phi island itself went through a water crisis. That makes responsible tourism in the area of utmost importance. Enter Zeavola Resort, a boutique hotel nestled amid ten acres of tropical rainforest in Phi Phi Don, serenaded by the waves of the turquoise blue Andaman Sea on the pristine Laem Tong Beach. Go beyond the charming rustic luxury of its teakwood suites to discover the underwater world with Zeavola’s “Coral Freedom” initiative – which aims to club leisure diving with its quest to fight coral bleaching and enable coral reef regeneration.

Location: Phi Phi Don, Krabi

294$ for two, including breakfast

Book Zeavola

Also read: What I Learnt Volunteering on a Remote Island in Cuba

Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel: Chiang Mai

Phor Liang is over a hundred year old clan in Chiang Mai, who’s founder is known to be an elephant whisperer (he used indigenous herbs to treat sick or hurt elephants). His great grandson became a famous terracotta artist, carving sculptures that represent both Buddhist and Lana Art – and this art is what sets Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts Hotel apart. Borrowing design concepts from across Southeast Asia, with a focus on local terracotta artisans, this trendy art hotel is for anyone with a creative flair.

Location: Old City, Chiang Mai

119$ for two, including breakfast

Book Terracotta Arts Hotel

Also read: 10 Incredible Eco-Lodges Around the World: Indulge Yourself and Spare the Planet

Plant Life Hotel (coming soon)

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A post shared by PlantLife Hotel Sanctuary (@plantlifehotel) on May 12, 2019 at 6:52am PDT

Even though it’s yet to open, I can’t contain my excitement at the idea of Thailand’s (the world’s?) first and only 100% vegan and sustainable luxury resort – Plant Life! After a successful crowdfunding campaign, plans are underway to use renewable energy, source locally, install a self-sufficient water system and instill a zero waste policy to create a space that is ultra luxurious yet kind to the planet and the animals who share it with us. The dream is that one day, such spaces will be the norm, not the exception!

Have you used booking.com on your travels yet?

*Note: I wrote this post in collaboration with booking.com; as you know, I’ve been using it for years and opinions on this blog are always mine. This post contains affiliate links. Any bookings made through these links will earn me a little commission at no extra cost to you.

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Leo in Love Sex And Affairs Born For Love The natural charm of Leo in love is endowed to making this sign a master in love matters. The tendency to always assume the command helps them to add beauty to their personality and to satisfy their self-confidence. But Leos are also very generous and manage to make their lover feel special by their side, treating them with great attention and gifts. Moreover, on an emotional level, Leo in love needs absolute security, therefore, before letting themselves conquered, Leo tests their lover. Only those who succeed in overcoming this initial phase will be able to fully enjoy the pleasures that a bond with a born under the sign of Leo can give. Yes, is correct that Leos are real lovers. They will hold to the bargain made with their partner to keep the relationship going to the end. Meeting With The Right Partner At the time of the meeting, Leo will manifest a more dominating and genuinely actual behavior. When Leo meets the person who meets his aesthetic criteria, he/she will advantageously make his intentions understood clearly. After this Leo will wait for the answer or gesture that will allow him/her to go further. Leo rarely tries to conclude quickly, even if the partner is consenting because he/she prefers to allow themselves time to get to know the other and above all to make themselves known, before going to the act. On the whole, Leo will prefer a classic act without particular features. Leo will try to impress the partner with the use of slightly refined techniques. If Mars is well prepared in the birth chart, Leo will take on a reasonably active behavior and will like to take initiatives. Otherwise, he/she will always be the dominator. Leo will give orders to the partner and will have him/her act in his place. Serious Lovers Leo's seriousness in love is unique knowing that they are always looking for a stable love. True Leo in love prefers to wait for the right partner who will give them satisfaction, security and most of all to be loyal. Most Leo will have several experiences before making up their mind to share their life with the partner of choice. Leo will offer protection, support to the right partner and will give love a real meaning. Romantic Leo will love his/her partner to the end honestly and faithfully. Some Leo may be emotional and dramatic in love, but that shouldn't be seen as a negative sign. True Leo in love tends to be serious and will show their partner that they are the true leaders of relationship. Leos will offer everything to true love. They will expect the same in return, or they will lose interest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Leo Man As Partner True Leo man has plans for his life and wants his partner to believe in his dream. Leo man does not vary from Leo women. The one noticeable difference is that Leo man wants to be on top of everything compared to Leo women who wish to control the aspect of home and be the real queen and dominate that part. Most Leo men know the meaning of having a family. He will trust his partner taking care of home. Instead, the Leo woman would want her partner to accept her as the queen of the house. Those who are able to satisfy his vital need will also be able to discover the sweet and romantic side of Leo. Woman Leo As Partner Leo woman is sturdy and not easy to break her fighting spirit. She fights for a cause, and that is for a better life and relationship with her partner. She wants to be in charge of all domestic duties and will tell her partner precisely that. Leo woman isn’t too shy and will speak her mind out and will show her partner that she is the queen and who is the king. Most of the time she prefers to stay independent and to talk face to face with her partner. Every Leo woman has excellent mothering instincts and will raise healthy children and teach them to be good and fit for life. All Leo woman will need from their partners is for him to have a job and to make money, to protect their children, to be realistic and never disloyal. If any of these isn’t met in the future, Leo woman will take action and take over the situation. She will manage her family’s life to prove her partner how things should be done. Sexual Life The lion hates solitary pleasures, which deprive him of the public. Sometimes Leo will have a relatively strong homosexual component, as Leo seems tempted to find himself in a partner of his own sex. Leo will then choose a partner similar to him/her, taking care to have equal relationships in which each one will imitate the other. Leo is, therefore, a narcissistic type of homosexuality. More often, the male native will be mainly or exclusively heterosexual and, following this line of behavior, will adapt very well to the differentiation of the soils that allow the supremacy of the woman to the man. On the other hand, the Leo woman will be more easily tempted by bisexuality, since her dominating temperament might encourage her to seek out other women. Otherwise, she will have the satisfaction of dominating her male partner in a heterosexual context. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sexual Show-off The Lion appears impatient to group loves, which do not allow him to play the part of the protagonist. Sensitivity to sight seems to invite slightly relevant exhibitionism. Leo loves to discover his body very much and tends to consider his own nudity a gift for the other. Leo is also a lover of the show and appreciates the nudity and physical games with the partner. Their sense of the show will induce them to practice the artificial masochism, provided that everything happens on the stage of the staging and that no suffering is inflicted on him or his partner. It is, therefore, neither sadistic nor masochistic. Leo loves to be the limelight. By showing off Leo is always looking to fulfill his/her personal needs. Lion In Bed The lion seems very endowed with a relatively basic sexual instinct, which makes him a hypersexual. This instinct is generally well balanced, and it is rare for the native to have problems such as frigidity, impotence and premature ejaculation. At the same time, his sexuality is average, very strong when it comes to sight, weak compared to the other senses. On the whole, Leo implies an attitude of pride towards his body that will be the object of the utmost attention. The favorable opinion that the native has for his body prevents him from being able to satisfy himself. Leo needs someone who admires him, must be able to read the desire in the eyes of the other and as a result. Leo & Sex Leos express strength and power in every situation. Also from the sexual point of view, Leos prefer vigorous action and, during the actual act, they seem to deliver themselves to a euphoric state. Given their need to always feel the center of attention, a mirror or two, cleverly placed inside the bedroom, will satisfy their every desire. Usually, Leo has several specific needs. They will know how to return all the attention to their partner with kindness and reliability. Often Leo tends to hide between the dazzling lights and the crowd of admirers to whom they reveal only the competitive part of their character. Leos are loyal and generous lovers, who hold themselves to all the pleasures that life can offer. Once Leo has achieved a harmonious lifestyle, they turn out to be magnificent in every respect. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Not Too Perfect Obviously, if you ask Leo man what his defects are he will look at you with superb air and then say that most likely, he has none. This sign of Fire is very exhibitionist, presumptuous but above all proud. Not to forget that Leo will treat this/her partner with care, attention, and protection. However, partner has to learn to live with Leo because they need admiration and praise. When his success and pride is injured, Leo may fall into very acute depressive states. On the other side, Leo shows generosity, enthusiasm and a friendly way of doing things, capable of attracting everyone, a true catalyst of glances. He has, in fact, an innate savoir-faire and great diplomacy. Breaking Up With Leo Most Leos will not break their relationship without a good reason because they believe in love. On the contrary, they will cool down and will give their partner a second chance to think it over. A true Leo will need a good reason to break from their partners. The main one could be loyalty since Leos blindly believe in commitment. True Leos don’t like arguing about who is wrong or right instead, they will try to solve any disputes. Leos know that breaking up will hurt them more than it would their partner. Hence, the breaking up wouldn't be a wise step to take. But this doesn’t mean that they have to stay in love when there is no love. Leo will find the right moment to tell his/her partner that the end of love has come to an end. They won't take into account the consequences. Leo may become harsh while the relationship is to an end. They will do this to protect their dignity and morality.

Hi hi hi hi~ if you can spare your time to entertain my request, how would seventeen react if one of the members doesn't like their gf for some reason? Thanks

Ooh this is interesting! And heartbreaking 3! It would certainly affect some more than others. Assuming it’s a fairly new relationship here and not, like, fallen in love already, we’ll try to be realistic about the outcomes. Here you go:

S.Coups:

as the leader he would feel guilty and miserable if someone didn’t like his s/o, but he would try his best to find out why by sitting them down for a chat

if they didn’t budge on the issue, he might get very frustrated with them or even angry, but i think in the end his love for them might make him want to prioritize their happiness over his own, wanting them to always feel comfortable

so maybe he would break up with his s/o in this scenario? for the sake of the team and his sense of responsibility (they do after all say not to date someone who your kids don’t get on with, and svt are pretty much a real family) but also for his s/o, so they aren’t in an awkward situation

Jeonghan:

would be astounded because he knows he’s a good judge of character and how could they have it so wrong? it would totally stress him out

like cheol, he’s taken on a parent role, so he’d also talk with the member to try and find out why and explain his own perspective

and let’s be honest, jeonghan would be very good and very convincing (lol). he would probably effectively talk them around to giving his s/o a 2nd chance without too much hassle 

Joshua:

this quiet soul would be bewildered and feel personally attacked if this happened because he thought that his members would support his happiness like he tries to support them

i doubt he’d know what to do. might even withdraw from both parties involved: starting to ignore the members and his s/o while he tries to sort through his feelings alone

but will need a lot of advice on what to do next before making then actual decision, and i’m not too sure what decision he would reach

Jun:

he would be astounded that the boys who have become his family would ever stand against something that makes him so happy

i think despite his seeming confidence, his sweet nature deep down would make him second guess himself a lot. probably spends a lot of time by himself just crying

probably breaks up with his s/o and is mopey and not the same for weeks... possibly to the point where the member who didn’t like his s/o would beg him to bring them back (depends which member it is though) because they can’t bare seeing him that way

Hoshi:

i can just picture his face falling when he finds out and it’s so sad to think about. i doubt he’d know what to do. probably cries right there

he doesn’t let his s/o know because he doesn’t want to hurt them and for a time he would try to balance both sides of his life and act like nothing is going wrong

finally he would have to confront the member about how it’s hurting him despite his cheerful outside! either talks them round to his side or he ends up understanding their perspective and dumping his s/o as a result

Wonwoo:

he digs in his stubborn heels and refuses to let anyone hate the person he’s dating

you know how he sticks to his opinions once he’s formed them. often slips into conversation all these logical little facts about how great his s/o is, making sure the member knows what he loves about them and how happy they make him

eventually the member who dislikes his s/o probably gets over it by the two of them complaining about wonwoo’s tendency to be stubborn together and them realizing how well the s/o knows to put up with him

Woozi:

it depends hugely on who it is for woozi. if it’s someone like seungcheol he reevaluates his whole position and tries to talk to the member about it

if it’s one of the younger ones he probably gets more defensive and even tells them off. like “how dare you!!!???” ready to fight!!!

but either way it hits him harder than he admits. if their dislike continues despite his efforts, he would find himself slowly withdrawing from his s/o in favor of his svt family

DK:

again, like with hoshi, imagine his beaming smile falling as someone tells him they dislike his s/o... heartbeaking.

so innocent and sweet he just can’t understand and he makes them explain every possible reason why until he gets it from their point of view

i think he would break things off with the s/o. probably cries a lot about it. he wouldn’t be able to handle the conflict if they stayed together, and he would feel like he’s making things hard for them for selfish reasons

Mingyu:

he most likely believes it’s a joke at first and totally brushes it off, but when the dislike continues he has to genuinely ask a second time and be told outright that they don’t like his s/o

this kid can be stubborn! look at him when he fights with the8! if his s/o looked like they could put up with it, he would try to make it work and try to talk the other member around with time

but if it showed any signs of hurting the one he loves you can bet this romantic would break up for the greater good or whatever despite his own feelings

The8:

initially he’s offended, angry, annoyed. probably very blunt about how stupid he thinks the member is for not liking you

later when he cools down his soft heart kicks in and he worries they might have a good reason. so he’d certainly talk to them about it and try his best to understand everything they explain.

either he would make completely sure he had reached a compromise where everyone could co exist or he would heavy-heartedly say goodbye to his s/o because he loves his members too much

Seungkwan:

i hope the members would never put him in this position! oh no, he would be so upset! instantly crying probably!!!

would feel like he finally found what he was looking for and it’s all come crashing down. again depends who hates his s/o but with most people he would try to talk them round to his perspective tho if it was vernon who hated them he would never be able to continue a relationship with the person

if they kept hating his s/o i doubt he would be able to stay together even if it broke his heart, because his loves family too much for that

Vernon:

 vernon is very independent and sure of what he thinks and believes and he always says he likes people for who they truly are inside, so i think he’d be certain the member had misunderstood who his s/o truly was

if he talked to them and thought their reasons for their dislike didn’t make any sense, he would tell them so and keep dating his s/o even though he’d be upset

but if he thought their reasons were pretty well founded, i think he would break up with his s/o, because the relationship would feel unsteady to him after that and he would lose trust in his knowledge of them

Dino:

this goes one of two ways! either dino won’t let anyone dictate his life just because he’s the youngest and so he keeps up the relationship stubbornly no matter what

or he is really affected by it, trusts their advice too much to ignore, and after a lot of thinking, breaks things off

either way he walks around pouting and very surprisingly short tempered for a long while before making a decision