All of Sherlock Holmes' tummy tapping! (unless I missed some)

Sonic Seducer - February 2003, interview with Till

Thanks to ramjohn for the scans!

Till Lindemann doesn't like to talk. Since 1995, the Leipzig-born Berliner-by-choice has been sharing what he has to say with the lyrics of his band Rammstein, using his very own imagery to the music world, which is now taking notice around the world. There were almost never any explanations; Misunderstandings and misinterpretations, on the other hand, by the meter. His first volume of poetry, Messer, was recently published. Now we must speak. Plain text with Till Lindemann.

Probably only a few local bands of popular music have been misinterpreted, misunderstood or simply slandered to a similar extent as Rammstein, who already with their first album 'Herzeleid' more or less intentionally became the typical German problem child from supposedly violence-glorifying Leni Riefenstahl aesthetics meets Bodybuilding studio sledgehammer charm support Teutonic lyrics of the most morbid color and international mega rock stardom. One of the main people responsible: Frontman and lyricist Till Lindemann, who now gives an insight into collected poems from a good two decades in 'Messer' and who today, after many years of reluctance, publishes such as Der Spiegel, Focus, Welt am Sonntag, TAZ and similar speech and answer stands. Escape to the feuilleton or the real end of the cold (information) war?

Lindemann, the eternally misunderstood one.

« Neither of the two. The fact is that I very rarely and very reluctantly give interviews about my work. So many things have been overrated in the past that I actually don't feel like expressing myself anymore. But this time there are unfortunately not five colleagues who could represent me at this point. It's not that I'm still annoyed by any rumours, half-truths and strange interpretations, but I don't have to actively contribute to their creation. In the case of Rammstein, the success proves us right and makes us above any stupid accusations. There is this typical German calf-biting mentality of wanting to pee on everyone's leg. We now smile at this with a clear conscience. Certainly, with 'Messer' I make myself vulnerable again in a certain way. If the media are not able to reproduce my statements in the actual context this time either, there will probably be no more statements from me in the future. »

Clear words. However, one should be all the more free with the poems in 'Messer', which, roughly in the manner of Rammstein, express in their very own way Lindemann's fondness for explicit and metaphorical depictions of the primal instincts of violence, sex and death, which are often misunderstood, and thus express the millennia-old Reflect the engine of human development between plush pink prose and the gnarliest gutter expressionism in all its range. Lindemann, the versatile one. Strictly speaking, a rather unusual career that began in 1979 in the then workers' and farmers' state as the son of a writer from Schwerin with an apprenticeship as a carpenter and defined itself over the years through the intersections of carpenter and basket maker. Subsequent work as a gallery technician, drummer for the punk band First Arsch and ultimately Rammstein's lyrical and visual figurehead left their mark. Today: Till Lindemann 2003 - artificial figure or multifunctional personal union of musician, lyricist, lyricist, entertainer, rock star, artist?

“Definitely not an artificial figure. Basically, I see myself as a copywriter who is currently making the first steps as a poet. The whole book is a kind of flashback; a conclusion, a showcase. Comparable to the existence of a band that, after 20 songs, decides to immortalize the whole thing on an album. The publisher Gerd Hof and I made a selection from more than 1000 poems from a good 15 years, which we wanted to publish in Messer. Like probably every artist, I am to a large extent inspired by my environment. In a way, the texts represent a reckoning with myself, revenge on myself and also a coming to terms with myself. It doesn't matter whether this is caused by dreams, nightmares, films, books and just a walk. I'm actually a 24/7 receptive medium who usually has my notepad within reach. My type of texts is almost exclusively subconscious. When I sit down with the thought of writing something positive, something dark comes out of it anyway, because there seems to be some kind of automatic negative flow inside me. » Which in the final form of the text can of course not be enjoyed without the necessary, tongue-in-cheek and often neglected distance and, on closer inspection, does not want to deny certain (albeit dark) humoresque intersections with 1960s comedy icon Heinz Erhardt. ‘Herzeleid’ without sheet music? Lindemann does not play melodies. But he laughs and nods. And vowels aren't rrrrolled this time.

« That is indeed a very good paraphrase. Surely the lyrics are superficially characterized by violence and every kind of provocation. But a closer reading also reveals a latent, almost comic-like joke that most people go unnoticed. Although the lyrics are almost exclusively created subconsciously from a word, a vague idea or a story, I still leave a kind of back door open somewhere, so that you can usually still somehow smile about the lyrics. This is certainly most evident in the poem 'Big In Japan', which I wrote after visiting a night bar in Tokyo. There was an artist there who hung really enormous weights from his cock. It is well known that the Japanese aren't very well endowed by nature, but the whole thing was raised so big that the pastiche based on the Alphaville song was simply compelling. There is nothing more satisfying and interesting for an artist than creating friction, polarizing and observing the many different reactions. In the case of Messer, this ranges from fear to dismay to genuine pleasure. I'm sure I ask myself from time to time: what kind of monster did I actually create? But on the other hand, you also chuckle to yourself now and then and are happy about your little, dirty, black something. »

So willful provocation combined with negligently conjured up misinterpretation as a stylistic device to intentionally break a taboo? The name Rammstein was used more as a battle cry than as an elementary contextual component, and not only in the chorus of the debut single ‘Wollt Ihr das Bett in Flammen sehen’? Till Lindemann: Federal citizen terror. Enfant terrible. Gigolo of morbid eroticism.

« We/I don't aim to be misunderstood at any price, but on the other hand it's always very fun to watch how people get upset in this country and what waves this band is making. Otherwise, the tool of provocation is no longer as interesting for us today as it was after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Back then it was almost all about being as evil, provocative and bold as possible; just doing something new and wacky in German. Today it's about other things, the art and the overall result are our top priority. On the other hand, it's not my thing to interpret my texts in a great way and to give content a certain direction. It's much more exciting for everyone when people can make up their own minds about art such as pictures, texts or sculptures and the artist doesn't also have to be enlightened. I've found that many people have been disappointed in the real meaning of my lyrics since they've already made up their own minds and my final explanation must have seemed far more unspectacular than they imagined. Some things are better left unsaid... »

The specially made photos also play an important role in 'Messer', which show Lindemann in an unusual pose in the midst of a whole army of naked mannequins as an androgynous outsider - supposedly far removed from the self-chosen, superficial gloomy macho image of the muscle-bound pyromaniac on the prowl female prey. « The interpretation is completely free in the context of the poem/photo and vice versa. It is a very interesting experiment to see how the perspective on the poems changes with the help of the photos, what different variations are possible. There is no direct correspondence between the two art forms, but if you want, a small dialogue can be established. The pictures certainly show me from another side that you may not have known about me before... », but which, on closer inspection, reveal exactly the individual who, at its core, constitutes the true protagonist in Lindemann's work: the vulnerable one, looking for affection and security the craving oddball, the outcast freak, the sensitive love killer in search of fulfillment - there are many role descriptions in his very own personality pattern, potential misunderstandings always included.

Alternative scenario for the 10 year gap between the carpenter sisters.

Sam is 20 years old and hasn’t contacted her mother in over decade after she was taken by the social worker and bounced from foster home to another until she’s an adult.

One evening, someone knocks on her door and it’s the same social worker that took her, except she’s holding hands with a small girl whose backpack is barely holding on to her shoulder. The kid looks at Sam right in the eye, her gaze mixed with anger, fear, and, confusion and she doesn’t look a day older than 7.

The social worker introduces her as Tara, her little half sister and hopes dearly that Sam can take her in temporarily since she’s the closest living relative and ensured a weekly allowance to take of things financially. Just until best case scenario (mom gets clean and stable) or worst case (looking into adoption/foster care).

While feeling really empathic towards Tara, Sam wanted to say no because she was NOT ready to take of a severely asthmatic 10 year old (yes, she skimmed through her papers while they were talking) however she recognized that look in the girl’s face all too well and while she was reluctant and kinda shocked at this familial revelation, she said “okay, until you find something better.”

But there wasn’t anything better.

It wasn’t sisterly love at first sight. That took a while and they both had deep issues within regarding family, trust, and abandonment to work on and heal from.

They grew to love each other over time, they took care of each other in the ways they could, built their lives around each other that one can’t imagine life without the other.

3.5 years later, they’re at a courtroom and Sam finally got to sign the adoption papers and there was no going back.

We're one step away from straight up making Sam Tara's mum lmao.

Ok, so, anon, I fucking LOVE this. I adore you. I had to get back out of bed and onto my computer to respond to this. I've taken this in a slightly different direction, I hope that's ok? It hits the same beats, but I make it even sadder, because apparently, I love tragic backstories now.

So, nearly-10-year-old Sam gets removed from the Carpenter household, and Christina immediately gets pregnant again. She wants to fill the void that having her daughter taken from her has left (it was already there, it began the day her lover died, but she drowns those thoughts in alcohol), but it's not the same. This girl isn't like Sam, she isn't strong, she isn't his, she can't bring herself to feel anything for this mewling child.

Sam was removed because her mother was a constant drunk, she got behind the wheel with her daughter in the backseat, and crashed the car. They tell her she can have her daughter back if she gets sober, she never gets sober. Between constant drinking, barely eating, and baggy clothes, they never catch on that she's pregnant again, until 5 years later when the police are called about a domestic disturbance. Hicks finds the child hiding in a cupboard, hands cupped around her head, drawn by the noise of her wheezing.

The mostly absent father never bothered trying to get Sam back, he had a suspicion she wasn't his in the first place, drunken rambles from his wife suggesting so. He checked out of his marriage long ago, has lovers in every state he travels to for work. It's a marriage in name only, he considers leaving, until she reveals she's pregnant. He makes sure to get a paternity test this time, privately of course.

After the incident with the police, they threaten to take his daughter away from him, so he kicks Christina out, and takes custody of the girl. She never ends up going to school, he takes her with him when he travels. She spends the next 3 years mostly alone in hotel rooms, it's still not as bad as being with her mother. He still gets rough when he's mad, but she has cleaner clothes now - because sometimes he takes her with him to meetings to endear himself to the clients. And she gets sweets sometimes, a regular meal once a day. And medicine! She never knew what breathing was supposed to be like until the day the doctor handed her an inhaler.

She's 8 when her father overdoses in a seedy hotel room. She spends several days hiding in the shower, until the door is forced open by a lone security guard and a cleaner. Somehow she ends up back with her mother. That's where she stays until the day her mother tries to kill her. The neighbours hear the screaming and the crying and call the police. She doesn't put down the knife even when they point their guns at her. She just holds the child's hair in one hand and a knife to her throat with the other. They make a decision.

When Sam's first contacted, she thinks it's a joke. Both her parents are dead, and they left everything to her. Oh, and also she has a little sister, if she's interested in taking her in? She says no. They say understandable, and that she'll be handed over to the state. The man on the phone mentions the name of the home she'll be sent to - in case Sam is ever interested in connecting with her, and goes to hang up. She says wait. She remembers that home and how criminal it is that it's still open. Fuck it, she'll think about it. She wants to meet the girl.

Sam meets the girl at the social worker's office, in a room designed for children to play in. The girl sits, hunched over, in a chair at the table. She's still and doesn't lift her eyes. Sam thinks of the files she was given, the medical file, the police reports, and she wonders how this happened. Her father was absent and her mother a drunk, a little neglectful, but they weren't a bad people (not like some of the people who ran the foster homes). The files told another story, one Sam wished she remained ignorant of.

The girl is 10, but you wouldn't know it. So small and fragile, hair long and greasy, and skin pallid. It all serves to make the bruises stand out. The girl is wearing baggy clothes that Sam almost recognises, they used to be hers once upon a time.

Sam sits down and tries to greet the girl, and introduces herself. The social worker informs her that they can't get her to talk, that they think she can, that she just won't. Sam sits there for a while, observing the girl. After a while of silence, Tara looks up and the woman before her, and her eyes go wide. This woman looks like her mother, not quite the same, but enough for her heart to begin to thump. Sam sees the fear in her eyes as she looks at her, sees the way she clenches her jaw as she looks away, how she frowns, hands fisting in her lap. She remembers being this girl once upon a time, sitting in a similar room as a social worker spoke down to her.

The social worker sighs and ends the session shortly after, disappointed at the lack of progress. She takes Sam outside and apologises for wasting her time. Sam tells her she'll take her.

Sexy Bespectacled

(Dieter x horror loving female reader)

Summary: you find out Dieter’s big secret

Warnings: does bad eyesight count? Dieter gets silly and horny, lots of film directors get mentioned, saucy suggestions, being woken up is always unpleasant

Check out masterlist here

A fact not many people now about Dieter Bravo is that he requires glasses.

He can see fine right in front of him and at a small distance, but any further and he’s squinting to see. He managed to get away with hiding his poor eyesight by wearing his prescription sunglasses, having lost one too many pairs of regular glasses and hating contact lenses.

He never watches any of his films because he could never see the screen at any premiere.

He had to reveal this secret to you early on in the relationship as you wanted to go on dates to the cinema and he wanted to actually see the cinema screen.

You didn’t realise you had a thing for glasses until you saw Dieter wearing his own; he somehow managed to look both adorable, sophisticated and sexy. He needed to be seen out in public, but he seemed reluctant about that.

“I think everyone will really like the glasses look”.

“Nah, big celebrities don’t go out in glasses”.

“Lots of them do”.

“Which ones”

This required some thinking: “John Landis, Guillermo del Toro, Bong Joon-ho, Ari Aster, John Carpenter…”

“Ones that haven’t directed horror films?”

That required more thinking: “George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola…”

“You’re only naming directors, honey cakes”.

“I don’t know much about actors; I don’t have that much interest in them, except you, of course”

“Of course” he nuzzled into your neck.

“I’m sure there’s at least one actor I know who wears glasses” you said, ignoring Dieter’s ministrations “I can’t remember though and it annoys me. I just need to not think about it and I’m sure it’ll pop into my head”

“I can think of a good distraction…” he was curling his arms around you so you could no longer ignore him.

Later that night, you remembered. You almost jumped out of bed, excited that you remembered.

“Stanley Tucci!”

Dieter awoke with a start, mumbling something about evil canaries.

“Stanley Tucci wears glasses!”

“What time is it?”

“And everyone like Stanley Tucci”

“How are you awake?”

“He’s a very likeable man and I don’t know why more people aren’t trying to be like him and wear glasses. You like him, don’t you?”

Dieter just nodded sleepily.

“And you’re just as sexy, so you’ll have that added sophistication. Don’t you agree?”

Dieter just sleepily nodded again.

“So you’ll go out wearing your glasses more?”

“At this point, I’d agree to being tied up naked to a bay hale and being spanked”.

It was only then that you realised how late it was.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry I woke you! The thought just came to my head, and I wanted to get it out of my head in case I forgot it in the morning”

Dieter mumbled something akin to an “it’s okay” as you pulled his head into your chest, kissing the top of his head.

“Honey cakes”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t tie me up naked to a hay bale”.

“Don’t worry I won’t”.

“Feel free to spank me though.”

Christmas Mystery Picks!

A Christmas Vanishing by Anne Perry

Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s grandmother, accepts her longtime friend Sadie’s gracious invitation to spend Christmas with her and her husband, Barton, in their picturesque village. But upon arrival, Mariah discovers that Sadie has vanished without a trace, and Barton rudely rescinds the invitation. Once Mariah finds another acquaintance to stay with during the holiday season, she begins investigating Sadie’s disappearance.

Mariah’s uncanny knack for solving mysteries serves her well during her search, which is driven by gossip as icy as the December weather. Did Sadie run off with another man? Was she kidnapped? Has someone harmed her? Frustratingly, Mariah’s questions reveal more about the villagers themselves than about her friend’s whereabouts. Yet in the process of getting to know Sadie’s neighbors, Mariah finds a kind of redemption, as she rediscovers her kinder side, and her ability to love. 

It is up to Mariah to master her own feelings, drown out the noise, and get to the bottom of what occurred, all before Christmas day. With the holiday rapidly approaching, will she succeed in bringing Sadie home in time for them to celebrate it together - or is that too much to hope for?

Have Yourself a Deadly Little Christmas by Vicki Delany

It’s the beginning of December in Rudolph, New York, America's Christmas Town, and business is brisk at Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, a gift and décor shop owned by Merry Wilkinson. The local amateur dramatic society is intensely preparing a special musical production of A Christmas Carol. But it’s not a happy set, as rivalries between cast and crew threaten the production.

Tensions come to a head when a member of the group is found dead shortly after a shopping excursion to Mrs. Claus's Treasures. Was someone looking to cut out the competition? Everyone in the cast and crew is a potential suspect, including Aline, Merry’s mother, and Merry's shop assistant Jackie O'Reilly, who was desperate for a starring role.

It could be curtains for Christmas - and for Merry - unless the killer can be ferreted out of the wings.

This is the sixth volume of the "A Year-Round Christmas Mystery" series.

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas by David Rosenfelt

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter is at the Tara Foundation’s annual Christmas party. The dog rescue organization has always been his true calling, and this is one holiday tradition he can get behind because every dog that’s come through the rescue - and their families - are invited to celebrate.

This year’s party is no exception. But before the stockings can be hung by the chimney with care, homicide detectives ruin the evening. Derek Moore, one of the foundation’s best foster volunteers, is arrested for murder.

Andy discovers Derek - whose real name is Bobby - is in the witness protection program after giving evidence against his former gang. The police believe Bobby murdered a member. But Bobby swears to Andy he didn’t do this. He’s built a new life, a new business, has two new dogs after being a double foster-failure.

There isn’t much Andy likes about this case, but he likes Bobby. If he’s innocent, Andy wants to help. Before Andy can settle down for his long winter’s nap, he has a client’s name to clear, a murderer to catch, and two new dogs to look after: a golden and a Dalmatian. Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, will have to adjust to not being the only golden at the house while Andy gets to the bottom of this one…

This is the 28th volume of the "Andy Carpenter" series.

Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict

In the early hours of Christmas Eve, the sleeper train to the Highlands is derailed, along with the festive plans of its travellers. With the train stuck in snow in the middle of nowhere, a killer stalks its carriages, picking off passengers one by one. Those who sleep on the sleeper train may never wake again.

Can former Met detective Roz Parker find the killer before they kill again?

Ellie Carpenter Article

I'm really reluctant to commit to translating Le Progres articles on a regular basis, but since this covers Ellie Carpenter's rehab schedule, I am making an exception.

Dedicating this translation to those whose new hobby is going after Lyon's medical team xx

HOW DO YOU FEEL, ONE MONTH AFTER YOUR INJURY?

Carpenter: This Wednesday, it will have been exactly three weeks since my surgery (May 25th). I started my rehab at my club, in Lyon. Everything is going well so far, I'm making progress and the surgeon was happy with how my knee is coming along.

MORALLY, HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Carpenter: I'm staying positive. Obviously I was really disappointed when it happened. It broke my heart to not be able to continue playing, especially in a game like that. Now, I'm focused on what's coming next, which is to do the maximum to get back on the field as fast as possible. I'm ready and eager to take on this long rehab.

HOW DID YOU GET INJURED THAT DAY (MAY 21ST)?

Carpenter: I don't really want to relive it but it is still fresh in my mind. I got injured in the first tackle when I fell down (7th minute). When I was down, I thought I was okay. I tried to get back on the field to continue because it was the final of the Champions League, and I wanted to do everything to help my team. But I realized there wasn't much left of my knee. It gave out and I collapsed.

DID YOU KNOW IMMEDIATELY THAT IT WAS A BAD INJURY?

Carpenter: Normally I don't stay down when I get hurt, I'm pretty tough so I knew something wasn't right. It was hurting but I thought I could continue playing. But, no. I'm happy nonetheless that I got to take part in the title celebrations, in Turin and Saint Tropez so we could finish the season in style.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST MAJOR INJURY?

Carpenter: Yeah. It will be a huge challenge but I'm excited to push myself to get back to my best. I'm not too worried, I'm in good hands, everyone is supporting me, the club is doing everything to get me back as soon as possible. Other girls in the club went through the same thing, like Ada [Hegerberg], who came back even stronger after her ACL injury. Or Danielle [van de Donk], who came back from a serious injury as well. They are a good source of motivation for me.

WHAT IS YOUR SCHEDULE FOR THIS SUMMER?

Carpenter: I was supposed to have a really nice break, but that hasn't been the case so far. [laughs] I'm going to continue my rehab in Lyon for the next six weeks, and then with my family in Australia the following six weeks. I should be back with the club end of August. By then I should be able to run again!

Product design and psychology: The Exploitation of the Sunk Cost Fallacy in Video Game Design

Keywords: Sunk Cost Fallacy, Video Game Design, Player Behaviour, Psychological Manipulation, Game Engagement, In-Game Purchases, World of Warcraft, Clash of Clans, Game Progression, Ethical Implications, Gaming Addiction, Monetization, Product Design, Long-term Game Commitments, Psychological Principles in Gaming

Abstract:

This paper explores the concept of the sunk cost fallacy and its application within the realm of video game design. As a form of psychological manipulation, the sunk cost fallacy can significantly influence player behaviours and decisions. Through an in-depth study of specific examples, we provide a comprehensive understanding of this principle's deployment and implications from a product design standpoint.

Introduction:

The rapidly evolving landscape of the video game industry continuously leverages psychological principles to drive user engagement and monetization. One such principle, the sunk cost fallacy, has increasingly gained relevance due to its powerful influence on player behaviour. This paper explores the intricacies of the sunk cost fallacy in gaming, elucidating its application and implications for both game designers and players.

Sunk Cost Fallacy in Gaming: Conceptualization and Design

The sunk cost fallacy refers to the human propensity to continue an endeavour once an investment in time, money, or effort has been made, even when the endeavour is no longer beneficial. In gaming, this can manifest through mechanisms like ongoing game progression, in-game purchases, or long-term game commitments.

Progressive games, where players advance through levels or achieve incremental upgrades, capitalize on the sunk cost fallacy by creating a sense of loss if the player discontinues the game. Similarly, in-game purchases, especially those enhancing player ability or status, can foster a sense of commitment and deter players from discontinuing their engagement.

Case Study: World of Warcraft

Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft provides an excellent example of the sunk cost fallacy in action. Players invest significant amounts of time levelling up their characters and progressing through the game. This investment often leads players to continue playing, even when they may no longer find the game enjoyable or beneficial, due to the fear of wasting their previous investment.

Case Study: Clash of Clans

Supercell's Clash of Clans employs the sunk cost fallacy through its base-building mechanic and time-investment gameplay. Players invest considerable time and often real-world money to upgrade their base, train troops, and progress through the game. This investment leads to a reluctance to discontinue the game, even in the face of diminishing enjoyment, reflecting the sunk cost fallacy.

Implications for Game Design

While the sunk cost fallacy can be a potent tool for driving player engagement and in-game purchases, game designers need to be mindful of the potential ethical implications. Exploiting this principle can lead to situations where players feel obligated to continue playing, potentially leading to gaming addiction or financial issues. Designers must balance the drive for player engagement with promoting healthy gaming habits.

Conclusion

The application of the sunk cost fallacy in video game design presents a compelling mechanism for influencing player behaviour and enhancing game engagement. However, the ethical implications of this technique necessitate careful consideration and a responsible approach to game design. As the video game industry continues to innovate and evolve, it will be intriguing to observe how psychological principles like the sunk cost fallacy are utilized in an ethical and balanced manner.

References:

Arkes, H.R., & Blumer, C. (1985). The psychology of sunk cost. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 35(1), 124-140.

Just, M. A., & Carpenter, P. A. (1992). A capacity theory of comprehension: Individual differences in working memory. Psychological Review, 99(1), 122-149.

Przybylski, A.K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C.R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841-1848.

Blizzard Entertainment. (2004). World of Warcraft. [Video Game]. United States.

Supercell. (2012). Clash of Clans. [Video Game]. Helsinki, Finland.

Soman, D. (2001). The mental accounting of sunk time costs: Why time is not like money. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 14(3), 169-185.

Heidrich, K., & Charness, G. (2010). Investments in and payouts from relational contracts. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 75(3), 380-394.

Jaffe, L. (1998). Path of Least Resistance: Learning to Become the Creative Force in Your Own Life. San Francisco, CA: Delacorte Press.

Staw, B. M. (1976). Knee-deep in the big muddy: A study of escalating commitment to a chosen course of action. Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 16(1), 27-44.

Sutton, R. I. (1997). The virtues of closet qualitative research. Organization Science, 8(1), 97-106.

Thompson, L., Gentner, D., & Loewenstein, J. (2000). Avoiding missed opportunities in managerial life: Analogical training more powerful than individual case training. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 82(1), 60-75.

Zeelenberg, M., & van Dijk, E. (1997). A reverse sunk cost effect in risky decision making: Sometimes we have too much invested to gamble. Journal of Economic Psychology, 18(6), 677-691.

Sherlock Holmes (1954) (Episodes 21 - 30)

Продолжаю смотреть “Шерлока Холмса” 1954 года - осталось не так уж и много, что печально. Двадцать первый эпизод The Case of the Reluctant Carpenter начался восхитительно - Холмс “шпионит” за соседней квартирой через подзорную трубу, а Уотсон недоволен его поведением. Но выяснилось, что Холмс снял ту самую квартиру напротив, чтобы уже из нее потом шпионить за собственной квартирой. В самый ответственный момент туда пришли Лестрейд с констеблем и занялись химией за столиком Холмса, хотя Холмс вовсе и не их караулил. А вообще эта серия была про одного бомбиста и Холмсу в конце пришлось буквально выкидывать подальше бомбу - к ужасу Уотсона. Двадцать второй эпизод The Case of the Deadly Prophecy был любопытным, ведь здесь мальчик-лунатик прокрадывался из школы и писал мелом на ступеньках церкви имена тех, кто скоро умрет - и они умирали. Разумеется, все оказалось без мистики и очень интересно (а Холмс в конце блефовал, сказав, что у противника оружие не заряжено - Уотсон ему это потом наверняка еще припомнит). Двадцать третий эпизод The Case of the Christmas Pudding, несмотря на миленькое праздничное название, оказался роскошным эпизодом, в котором задействовались мотивы “Последнего дела Холмса” и “Пустого дома”. Преступник, которого Холмс засадил в тюрьму, поклялся убить Холмса, и Холмс ему поверил, хотя  самая большая загадка для него была, как именно преступник выберется из своей камеры. Нервы у Холмса в этой серии ни к черту и он постоянно пытался отослать Уотсона подальше из их опасной квартиры. Разрешилось это дело, как оно водится у Холмса, при помощи манекена, но потрепали тут нервишки - и Холмсу, и Уотсону, и даже мне. Юмора здесь, кстати, был минимум, но зато тут нервный, дерганый Холмс - все, как я люблю. Двадцать четвертый эпизод The Case of the Night Train Riddle - еще одна прекрасная серия, сюжет которой определенно навеян рассказом The Priory School. Холмсу, которого Уотсон вытащил на отдых, прямо в вагоне поезда предлагают заняться исчезновением мальчика и их расследование приводит их в цирк - ничего забавного в этой истории нет, все довольно напряженно и серьезно. Да и клоун здесь совсем, совсем не смешной и очень опасный. Ситуацию, кстати, в очередной раз спасает Уотсон - и на этот раз вовсе не своими кулаками, а смекалкой, достойной Холмса. Двадцать пятый эпизод The Case of the Violent Suitor начался с того, что Холмс играет на скрипке, а Уотсон мирно его слушает, читая книгу... правда, позднее выяснилось, что он закрыл себе уши ватой. А вообще сюжет был о крайне агрессивном молодом человеке, который напал на другого молодого юношу, который вел колонку женских советов под женским псевдонимом. Но это опять-таки был не совсем юмор, а опасная для его будущей жены ситуация, но Холмс, Уотсон и Лестрейд смогли придти ей на помощь. Лестрейд в какой-то момент смешно запутался в сетке, чем вызвал дружный смех “добрых” Холмса и Уотсона, а самого Холмса Уотсон под конец наградил прозвищем “тетя Лотти” (эм, в серии это более понятно). Двадцать шестой эпизод The Case of the Baker Street Nursemaids был прекрасен хотя бы тем, что на Бейкер-стрит подкидывают младенца и Холмс с Уотсоном по очереди пытаются его успокоить, используя в качестве колыбельной “Rule, Britannia!” Но еще в начале они уморительно ловили залетевшую к ним в квартиру пчелу. Ребенка потом, кстати, похитили, вырубив Уотсона (а Холмс трогательно приводил его в себя), зато потом, оказавшись в логове злодеев, Уотсон на ходу учил Холмса бить морды врагам (да-а-а, Холмс тут далеко не боксер). Двадцать седьмой эпизод The Case of the Perfect Husband был очень зловещим - муж спокойно и с улыбочкой сообщает жене, что убьет ее, как и других своих жен, но ей никто не верит. Кроме Холмса, конечно, который потом к ней даже через окно лез в ночи, чтобы не оставлять ее одну. Уотсона с собой он, кстати, не взял, но тот примчался сам, потому что обнаружил, что Холмс ушел, захватив с собой свой револьвер - а это значит, Холмс может быть в опасности! Разумеется, Уотсон появился как раз вовремя (а разгадка дела оказалась довольно криповой). Двадцать восьмой эпизод The Case of the Jolly Hangman тоже был далеко не юмористический, а даже страшный. Здесь мужа одной женщины нашли повешенным, но она не верит, что это самоубийство, а теперь и она сама в опасности, а ведь у нее на руках маленький ребенок. Единственный забавный момент в этом эпизоде, когда Холмс, между делом, проверяя теорию, чуть было не собрался подвесить Уотсона в петле, но тот вовремя заметил это и решил, что вешать за руки ничуть не хуже, чем за шею. Вообще вторая половина сериала гораздо мрачнее и серьезнее, чем первая, которая была порой на грани с комедией, а тут вполне жутковатые сюжеты и серьезные преступники. Да и концовка у этого эпизода была страшненькая. Двадцать девятый эпизод The Case of the Imposter Mystery - это настоящая передышка, потому что тут объявился двойник Холмса, который обвел вокруг пальца даже Лестрейда, и тут на кону уже профессиональная честь Холмса. Чтобы вывести подражателя на чистую воду, Холмс и Уотсон переодеваются махараджей и его визирем - и нет, вы не угадали, махараджей был Уотсон, и его задачей было сидеть в окружении красивых девушек, трескать фрукты и помалкивать. А в какой-то момент вместо двойника бравые Лестрейд с Уотсоном схватили самого Холмса, а ведь они, по сути, с “двойником” даже не похожи! Тридцатый эпизод The Case of the Eiffel Tower тоже был забавным - тут из-за шпионских страстей троица из Холмса, Уотсона и Лестрейда отправились в Париж, побывали на Эйфелевой башне и даже в кабаре, где Холмс попросил Уотсона пригласить танцовщиц к ним за стол (для дела!), а потом, когда Уотсон засмущался и отказался, Холмс сказал, что это “ради Англии”. Закончилась вся эта эпопея дракой и наручниками для всех троих (даже для Лестрейда). Следующий пост про этот сериал будет последним, так как мне осталось смотреть всего девять эпизодов.

Jamfiction The Legend of Futian - Chapter 2262 - Outcome disgusting temporary -p2

Fabulousnovel The Legend of Futian online - Chapter 2262 - Outcome carpenter demonic propose-p2

Novel-The Legend of Futian-The Legend of Futian Chapter 2262 - Outcome rinse guess Lord Taixuan with his fantastic bash continued to be. On their behalf, that they had a lot of likelihood to accomplish this. With Renhuang Chen’s tip of creating teleportation lavish matrixes between both areas, when design was total, they might go forward and backward between that starry aspect along with their own personal whenever they want. As soon as the herd listened to the Superior Elder’s terms, they nodded significantly. In the event that was conducted along with the Heavenly Mandate Kingdom and Ziwei Segmentum grew to become linked, they will create themselves as a superpower. That, along with the undeniable fact that the pushes on the Genuine Realm ended up astonished by and in many cases frightened of them, the Incredible Mandate Academy would, within a correct feeling, be standing for the pinnacle of strength among pushes during the Unique Kingdom. He endured up and got a glance within the fissured surface as well as the Incredible Mandate Academy that had been get rid of. Lord Taixuan as well as others sighed. They looked at the other and asked, “What need to we all do upcoming?” Most people sensed waves of sorrow. Chapter 2262: Result He withstood up and had taken a peek on the fissured land surface along with the Divine Mandate Academy which was you can forget. Lord Taixuan yet others sighed. They viewed one another and asked, “What should we all do subsequent?” It may be to rebuild the Heavenly Mandate Academy or something that is otherwise. With all aspects put together, there was clearly absolutely no reason for him to show down Emperor Xi’s get. “Go and acquire the others lower back,” stated Lord Taixuan. Following this combat, whether it be factors of your Genuine Kingdom or External Realms, it had been assumed that they can would not strong enough to provoke the Incredible Mandate Academy. Which has a guardian supposedly in the Imperial World, who would dare to make a proceed against them? Emperor Xi was somebody that experienced experienced a degree one Divine Tribulation. Knowing the Will from the Terrific Emperor was provide there, he wished for to get yourself a feel for it and see whether or not this can help you his cultivation. The Superior Elder on the Ziwei Imperial Palace, Renhuang Chen, mentioned, “I will take him into the Wonderful Emperor’s Cultivation Courtroom at the Ziwei Segmentum to recover. The Will on the Fantastic Emperor is there there. Furthermore, the Palace Lord himself has evolved resonance with the stars. Consequently, his rehabilitation might be hastened there.” If your master from the Four Spot Town needed a bloodbath, no-one could end him, and many aces would fall season. Having said that, he failed to accomplish that. But even so, no-one ought to be strong enough to respond with impetuosity ever again. “I’m reluctant he needs much more time,” that mankind stated inside a small guttural speech. When one’s divine heart and soul grew to be ruined, it expected enough time to recover. Recouping inside of a short time period was almost certainly not possible. Nyoi-Bo Studio He stood up and had a peek within the fissured terrain as well as Divine Mandate Academy which has been no longer. Lord Taixuan yet others sighed. They investigated one another and expected, “What really should we all do subsequent?” It could be to repair the Perfect Mandate Academy or something that is else. Editor: my classmate is 200 million years old manga Deciding on a batch of men and women and making suggested that only some effective types could be removed, while the others could be left behind and forsaken. With elements merged, there had been no reason at all for him to show down Emperor Xi’s require. Translator: three philosophies of life summary Lord Taixuan and the rest of the people were examining Ye Futian. An ace in the Ziwei Segmentum stepped in front. Purple starlight coiled up around his body, as well as a wisp of restorative healing power seeped into Ye Futian’s system. Everyone experienced waves of sorrow. “Go to get the others again,” said Lord Taixuan. Following this challenge, whether it be forces on the Genuine Realm or Outside Realms, it absolutely was speculated they would stop eye-catching enough to provoke the Divine Mandate Academy. Which has a guardian supposedly in the Imperial World, would you dare to generate a relocate against them? When Lord Taixuan finished, the aces parted means and began to work, mending the fissured ground. They commenced the rebuilding with the Divine Mandate Academy. Some aces also departed in the void to obtain the some others backside. Definitely, the now chaotic Genuine Realm did not involve just neighborhood factors as increasing numbers of of them actually emerged coming from the Exterior Realms. Most certainly, some causes were not intending to disband. On the other hand, these people were looking at whether or not to brain into the Heavenly Mandate Academy to beg for forgiveness, for peacefulness, and also to steel out of the grudge between all parties. Otherwise, regardless how huge the Original Realm was, they would have zero devote it! “Good.” Lord Taixuan and the other people nodded. This advice was obviously a optimistic an individual. Ye Futian had already acquired the excellent Emperor Ziwei’s inheritance. The starry cultivation courtroom that harbored the Will with the Great Emperor should assist Ye Futian along with his recuperation. At present, they are able to only position their expectations in it. Along with the relations.h.i.+p between the Shen Clan and the Heavenly Mandate Academy, in the event the other party were to get revenge, they might ruin the Shen Clan. Nyoi-Bo Studio room

Woe. I had it all wrong all this time. Carpenter isn't Achilles. She's Hector.

The reluctance combined with the willingness to fight like hell for the defenseless in her care. The uneasy relationship with the divine. The grim resolution to meet her fate bravely. The resignation to the reality that doing what must be done means getting your hands dirty. Down to the basket case brother! Hello it's ya boy horse taming Hector son of Priam!

Holmes is always fiddling with whatever is in his hands

AOT Characters’ Modern Jobs Headcanon; The Vets Edition!

The jobs that The Vets would have in modern!au, their workplace antics and their back story. There might be some inaccuracies when describing the job as obviously I don’t work at these industries to know its intricacies. Most of the jobs are office jobs. Enjoyyyy!

My Masterlist .::. Pt. II: Zeke Yeager’s Modern Jobs Headcanon   

Most recent work: Dream Me Home (Before Shiganshina) | reader x erwin smith

A/N: I really need to finish a presentation deck due tonight for an early morning meeting tomorrow but of course, this comes first hahaha 

erwin!

A/N: Basically lawyer!erwin is the way to go, innit?

He's in his 40s, so he may have a settled career

He came from a white-collar, middle-class family. So he wasn’t silverspoon-fed, but his parents had enough money to put him through good school

Got a scholarship to go to one of the nation’s finest law schools

Kept it lowkey in college’s social circle, graduated with summa cum laude, developed a strong academic relation with his professor, and got recommended for an internship at top law firm at the capital city

Starting his career as a corporate lawyer, but then built his expertise as white-collar crime attorney

In his early 30s, he represented a union suing against conglomerate corporation in a big case that had national coverage, from then on he began to know his calling

Expanding his portfolio and became well-known for defending workers, consumers and civilians against corporate fraud scheme

Currently doing a lot of pro-bono cases for deprived victims of big corporate fraud. You would see him frequently gracing your local newspaper we love us some socialist king

On the side, he often writes for law journal and fills in as guest professor at local universities for summer courses

Established his own law firm with some of his partners, specializing in white collar crime and labor & employment law

He’s damn accomplished, but never really had any time for self-indulgence. Even after he becomes a household name in the country, with tens of attorneys working under him, his employees would still see him working on New Year’s Eve

He was always attentive to his employees, though. Although he has a very strict, borderline no-life work ethics, he never forces his employees to follow his habit, in fact he despises when his employees works on holidays and can be seen blaming himself for it a bit of a hypocrite but thats ok

He still takes metro to work. He prefers a very lowkey, ordinary lifestyle because he fears if he shows any knack for indulgence, he will be susceptible to gratification from potential enemies or crooked politicians

Definitely a sight to see at the workplace, for he's tall and always oozes a sense of authority in the way he speaks and carries himself generally

His emotional intelligence is top-notch, you would never meet someone who is able to be very objective and calculating, while being kind and compassionate at the same time

His fellow attorneys put a lot for respect for him, and hundreds of applicants come to his considerably small firm every week, because a lot of aspiring attorney find him inspiring to work with

He wasn’t oblivious to his shiny reputation, but he’s trying his hardest to not let the compliments get to his head. Sometimes he doesn’t give himself enough credit for it

Was approached by one of the political party’s committee to run for local senate, but turned it down

basically he’s perfect if you like a man who’s never home for christmas

Hange!

A/N: Ok ok, I really wanna see Paleontologist!Hange because it has always been my fave dream job, but I want Hange to be out and about with people so here it is

Hange is the type to be incredibly good at one thing, that she will dedicate her whole life for that pursuit, but will be awfully oblivious to a whole lot of things (not intentional of course, they just have a very limited attention span) (they wouldn’t know who kanye west is or what tiktok is)

Like Erwin, they came from a middle-class family. While Erwin’s parents might have been teachers, accountants or other common profession, Hange came from a family of academician and researchers

Hange studied Human Geography at uni, but later found passion specifically in its relation to industrialization and urban development

Hange aims to advocate for a better living condition for workforce, and nearby inhabitants of industrialized city detroit would be a beautiful city if only they let hange designed it

Hange is a professor at university, where they also led a non-profit research think-thank that also serves as pressure group for better government policy.

The university that Hange teaches in, is also the uni where Erwin teaches in summer. They’re close-knitted colleagues as they share similar passion. Erwin relies on Hange a lot for some intellectual insights to help his cases  

Hange is relentless in their cause, you may find Hange everywhere! From street protest to a hearing in the government court. They are passionate and will do anything for the cause they believe in

Hange was once hired by the government as an independent consultant for a new housing project, but left because they grew to be frustrated by the government’s bureaucracy and their outward reluctance to follow Hange's recommendation

Hange spends a lot of time overseas, consulting and advocating development in newly industrialized countries

On Hange’s birthday, her fellow researchers surprised them with a ‘pampering day’ where they took them to an optometrist because Hange had been complaining about their eyesight for a YEAR that gave them a lot of migraines, but was always either too busy or too lazy to go

Hange never really considers themselves as working, because they enjoy their job very much. Hange likes to spend months observing a community, talking to people for hours, and trying their best in understanding their problem

Out of so many great qualities that Hange has as a researcher that meets different set of people everyday, prejudice or preconceived judgment is completely absent in Hange’s demeanor and perspective

Hange doesn’t get a lot of free-time, even if they do, they’d wander around the city to do a little observation. But when the weather’s bad and they’re stuck at home with their pet lizard, they would logged into Quora to answer random internet questions

They’re an avid writer for National Geographic, and one time Hange won a pitch to make a documentary about an industrial city project they were working on

After the docu-series got broadcasted, Hange gained a small but passionate and loyal fans on the internet. You could even find a subreddit dedicated for Hange’s works

for real I want to be Hange. I want to have that kind of passion in life

levi!

A/N: I spent a lot of times thinking about Levi’s job in modern!au. Because here’s the thing, either we adopt his unfortunate childhood into its modern!au equivalent, or let’s just recreate his whole upbringing. But I think his personality stems from a specific things he experienced during childhood, so let’s not dismiss that.

Levi came from a struggling working class family. I reckon his parents might have had worked multiple jobs to sustain their living expense. Unfortunately they both passed away when Levi was very little, and left little to no inheritance

Levi’s parents were not close to their extended family, so when they died, Levi was admitted to the system and had to brace several foster families who didn’t really pay attention to him

Little Levi had come to realize that life’s all about survival and so he had been able to fend on for himself since very young age, he never asked for things

His uncle, Kenny, finally won custody over Levi when he was in elementary. Kenny made money from small-scale racketeering here and there. Levi never asked what he did for living, as long as he got food to eat and tuition paid off

Kenny was emotionally absent, but he loved spending time with the oddly quiet little child, teaching him a lot of crafts, from carpentering to how to flay pig’s skin

Levi didn’t really care about getting into college, and thought that he’d probably end up working for his uncle, so he put his bare minimum throughout school, although he was really good with numbers, especially in math, accounting and finance

One time in high school, Levi’s teacher asked him to sign up for the olympiad team, Levi turned it down because he thought that was a rich kid thing

He didn’t even apply for college, and worked odd jobs after high school. Probably working as cashiers or assistant to retail shop’s owner for couple of years, enough for him to afford a cheap studio apartment on his own

One of his bosses came to acknowledge Levi’s talent, and trusted him to handle the company’s accounting

By sheer luck, the company hit it big, and Levi found himself running the day-to-day accounting of mid-sized business with over 300 employees

He made good money already without a college degree, but with a new-found confidence Levi applied for uni, where he chose to study accounting (of course)

Although he was confident with his skills, he understood he needed to widen his horizon and network -- thus uni

Levi was one of the oldest members of his cohort in uni, but graduated with highest distinction

After graduating, with his skills and experience, it wasn’t hard for Levi to score a job at top accounting firm

There, he discovered an interest for forensic accounting, where through audits, analysis and investigation, he basically finds out if a company is doing fraud and embezzlement or not

This is where he came to know and get acquainted with Erwin and Hange (yippie they’re together again)

The firm he works for was assigned to investigate the finances of a troublesome company that had been sued by its workers for a jeopardizing working condition. Erwin was on the case, and Levi helped him with evidences for legal proceeding.

By chance, Erwin introduced Levi to Hange. At first, Levi would find Hange annoying and overtly energized, but after learning the things they have done, Levi grew to appreciate Hange’s passion (and secretly wants to have more of his positive outlook)

Levi is fucking good his job. In short amount of time, he could get a really ideal position in the office. He was almost foolproof, finding even the tiniest bit of discrepancy in his audit. He’d get assigned to the big league case/project.

Although really good at his job, he’s not a social person, especially in his office. He couldn’t understand the lavish lifestyle that finance and banking people often lead. He will only show up to office party if it is really necessary for him to show up (usually to receive some kind of informal awards for, again, being so fucking good) 

He leads a no-bullshit attitude at the office, largely because of his background. He is a self-made man, and is not easy to impress by some young executives from posh school that talk bigger than they can chew

His cold, seemingly dismissive attitude gained him a reputation of being scary, when actually he is very considerate

One of the things he enjoys doing is to actually teach, he really likes when a new kid at the office come to him with none of that pretentious, big talk, and really asks for his guidance. He would love to teach you a thing or two

He would frequently check on his mentee, just to keep up with their development

And he doesn’t take credit too. When his mentee makes a milestone, he believes it’s 100% your work

If you’re his mentee, he probably doesn’t give a crap about your personal life, so don’t expect him to make small talk about that (and don’t ask him about his personal life either). But he really cares about your skill and career development

Same with Erwin, he leads a very ordinary lifestyle. He doesn’t go out often and would rather reading detective novel with his cat on the couch

He likes to spend Sunday at Uncle Kenny’s house, because he finds himself worried about the old man very often. They became close as Levi grew

Overall, Levi is a really kind and caring person if you know how not to push his button

Sherlockian Wednesday Watchalongs: Made it to 21

We’ve arrived in 2021! We’ll celebrate this month with a handful of half-hour Holmes TV series that made it to the (relatively) rare milestone of a 21st episode.

All Wednesday watchalong gatherings start at 8:30 pm US Eastern (aka New York) time. (Convert to your local time here.)

Wednesday, January 6 Sherlock Holmes (1954 TV series) Episode 21: The Case of the Reluctant Carpenter 💣 Holmes is on the trail of a blackmailing bomber.  

Wednesday, January 13 Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson (1979 TV series) Episode 21: The Case of the Shrunken Heads 📦 Holmes receives an unusual gift in the mail.  

Wednesday, January 20 Sherlock Hound (1984 TV series) Episode 21: The Disappearance of the Splendid Royal Horse 🐴 Holmes protects the Queen’s horse from London’s newest thief.  

Wednesday, January 27 Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century (1999 TV series) Episode 21: The Gloria Scott 🚀 Holmes solves a case that began on a spaceship 25 years ago.  

Here’s the deal: Like Sherlock Holmes? You’re welcome to join us in The Giant Chat of Sumatra to watch and chat with us. Just find a copy of the episode or movie we’re watching, and come make some goofy internet friends.

Keep an eye on my #the giant chat of sumatra tag and the calendar for updates on future chat events.

Team doesn't seem itself, maybe I'm being paranoid

They were fine - not bad - until the red card which completely affected their performance. They just collapsed after that.

I think there were two factors at play - one, they didn’t trust the ref, and two, they didn’t trust each other suddenly.

When you have inconsistent calls, and then a harsh call against you, you’re going to play on the back foot. I don’t think Lyon necessarily had a Plan B - and I blame Bompastor for this - aka a plan when they could no longer press Juventus into giving up the ball.

And the second factor, as I said, is they stopped trusting each other. I don’t think this team trusts Maro yet. The chemistry isn’t there with the younger players - Damaris, Macario, Carpenter - and the older players remember her crashing the Maserati. Taking Macario off, who was arguably our best player, and putting Marozsan on just affected the dynamic. The younger players just don’t trust her to make the right decisions, which means they are reluctant to give her the ball, and I think Marozsan senses that - and then the self-doubt pushes her into an error.

The chemistry also isn’t there with Horan (yet?) because as I said, it feels like she has been there for like 3-4 practices since January. I’m almost more inclined to give her a pass more than Marozsan because in this case they literally don’t know her.

When Le Sommer got the red earlier in the season (Bordeaux? I think?), it was (1) closer to the end and (2) didn’t cause as much of a blow because it didn’t affect their game plan as much. Losing Carpenter, who typically plays the full 90 minutes, was a blow because now they were down a defender instead of a forward and also meant they lost the beginning of the press.

I also think - and this could be bias - that there’s a lack of trust in the non-confirmed big game players (Malard, Laurent, and you can make a case for Renard for reasons I will go into). I’ve complained over and over again about Malard’s shit decision making. She hasn’t learned (yet?) when to make the right choice. And because of that, the team doesn’t trust her to make the right choice, which then triggers her to do something OTT to get back in their good graces, but when it doesn’t work, the team feels justified in their lack of trust. Laurent just can’t perform at this level.

But let’s talk about Renard. I think all defenders had a good first half. Renard made that really good tackle and I was like, yeah. I know this team. I trust this team. But following the red card the defense fell apart completely, and Renard stopped performing. The second goal was entirely her fault. When Renard is on, she is lethal. When she is off, you are carrying around dead weight.

I also think, maybe, they don’t trust (like?) Bouhaddi the way they trust (like?) Endler, and I think that shifts the dynamic as well. On the one hand they have known Bouhaddi for years. They know that you want her on your side in a UWCL final. But she also increases your stress levels and makes ~controversial choices which put you under pressure.

After the red card, Lyon’s fear spiked because they could no longer press, they were down a defender, which meant that Bouhaddi would be more exposed. And I think the fear dominated over the trust. Maybe they remember how Bouhaddi threw an ultimatum. Maybe they don’t trust her the way they do Endler to keep things calm. Maybe a lot of things.

Anyway, did the team seem off? Yeah. But let’s talk about why, too, because I feel that helps put things in context.

My Top Favorite Dragon Age Fanfics!

This includes all three (soon to be four--aaah!!) games including DLCs! The list is ever growing, and because I’m a nasty little dirty ho I’m including smut fics as well, at the very end tho in case no one is interested!

Also if any fanfic readers recognize any works I’ve listed with all of my love, affection, and disgusting obsession for more, please feel free tag them so I can immediately follow them! <3

Here we go, my Top Five Favorite Dragon Age Fics!

Trust by The_Tevinter_Biscuit

Rated G, Fenris/Male!Hawke, hurt/comfort, mentions of blood, part of series

I love me a broody elf, and I also love the relationship Hawk and Fenris have if pursued in DA2. The_Tevinter_Biscuit captures the struggle of acceptance of love in this relationship inside Fenris’s perspective, which I’m such a sucker of! 

Project Elvhen: An Elvhen Lexicon by FenxShiral

Unrated (does mention genitalia terms and phrases for sex), linguistics

Does this count as non-fiction? I think this counts as a non-fiction fanfic! As a writer (and a reader that hopes to teach future kids how to speak Elvhen) this was a very interesting read on the structure of the conlang language and how it differs from English (or whichever language you programmed your game to audibly speak). I would also love to list FenxShiral’s second project on Elvhen names, but I figured one is enough! As a nerd that lives for world building to the point of speaking the language, this was definitely the first I bookmarked.

Assassins Make Good Pillows by danceswithhamsters01

Rated G, Zevran/Fem!Amell Warden, fluff, nightmares, marriage

Apparently I really am a sucker for romance. I really love this post-Origins snippet of a married life between Zevran and Amell, and how calm, quiet and comforting the tone is even when she’s struggling with nightmares. (ALSO FANG IS IN IT. DOGGO.)

Once Upon A Dream by love_in_nature

Unrated (eets got smut, HELL YEH). Slow burn, Solas/OC, Modern Girl in Thedas, Elven Inquisitor, fluff and angst I cannot stress how difficult it is to both write a modern oc in thedas fic and also read in some cases, but love_in_nature really sells it through Emma Carpenter’s struggle to accept where she is. Love_in_nature is actually one of my many fic role models to this day!

The Revelation of All Things by EllenEmbee Rated E, Graphic depictions of violence, OC Mage Fem!Lavellan/Cullen Rutherford, slow burn, PTSD, angst, addiction, fluff

Any fic really has to sell to me well to adore someone’s OC, and EllenEmbee succeeded. Evana’s questioning of religion and her reluctance to become a leader of a massive cause is not only engaging and grips you to binge the entire fic, but also you can sympathize with every struggle she goes through. And the amount of times she and Cullen give hints they like each other and don’t get it are INFURIATINGLY ADORABLE.

~And now, reader inserts, because I’m CHAOTIC~

It’s mostly Solas and Cullen cuz I couldnt find any of my boys Fenris and Zevran sowwy

Endearing Curls by  Proxinge

Rated G, Cullen Rutherford/Fem!Reader, fluff

I CANT EVEN FORM WORDS THE AMOUNT OF AWKWARDNESS FROM CULLEN. I CANT. ITS SHORT AND SWEET AND FUCK ME.

Before Dawn by EarlGreyWardens

Rated M, Cullen/Reader, morning snuggles, slight suggestions of previous sex

I often like to pretend I’m all for bed fun and then run away like Fenris but I’m a goddamn sucker for snuggle time stories. There’s literally no plot in these types of fluffy gold nuggets but the whole point is a moment to just be, and I love how well EarlGreyWardens did with this.

Dreaming With You by fatale_distraction, Keturagh, Ladyayla121, lehavashadowsun, RedInkOfShame, Tress13, serpenstone and @dragynfox​ Rated E, Solas/Fem!Reader, smut, angst, fluff

The choice of choosing which outcome after the initial chapter is phenominal. Also congrats on writing an awesome smut fic together! Writing compilations with multiple authors can be super tricky, and these fic writers knocked the roof off the house (is that the phrase?) My ultimate favorite is the fluff chapter.

look I know. i KNOW its not posted yet but if/when it is. Isaac's confrontation and the intermission w/ ora and dia in "meddling" for the dev commentary meme

I've been waiting for AGES to talk about this. >:)

Meddlin' (meddling) is a piece I wrote to explore the relationships between my oc Ora and @1ore's Dia, Heath, and Isaac! I think my summary in the description says it best: Try as she might to remain aloof, Miss Walker had (and has) a habit of making unfinished business her own. When something isn't sitting right with her, she won't stand for it. Pun intended.

It took me so long but it's finally done YES yes yes yes.

To start: Isaac's confrontation. Bit of context: when Ora intermittently comes to visit Dia, she takes up working as a day laborer for the local carpenter, Isaac. She has a chronic case of not struggling to relax, wanting to feel useful, wanting to give Dia some space to work...so she ends up doing odd jobs here and there, but Isaac quickly becomes one of her favorite people. They just get along so well; the dry humor, his sarcastic air, their no-nonsense-but-plenty-of-nonsense attitudes... He really reminds her of her best friend, Tex, in a lot of ways (oof. and sometimes, a little too many ways.)

I think they're also similar in that their business is THEIR business. They're kind of reluctant to air it out when it's something deeply personal. Isaac is pretty hurt in this scene because Ora's well-meaning 👀 set-up with the local pastor turned out to be very loaded. There's a whole lot of context and over a decade of avoidance there and she didn't quite know she was stumbling in on. He's lashing out not really because he's mean or angry at Ora, but annoyed all over again about the reasons WHY he and Heath can't just let it go.

I knew I wanted him to be bitter and angry, but also show that he and Ora have an understanding as people and as friends. There's a lot of intermingled softness there. Apologies that say that yes, you are mad, but no, this is not forever. Ora's not really used to that; there's several moments where she fights herself and her instinct to run, or holds herself back from her old habits.

One habit, though, dies a little harder than the rest. Normally the first advice you give to someone trying to get out of a whole is to stop digging. Try as she might, Ora's not the type of person to let things be easily...but it's a lot easier to just let sleeping dogs lie when you're roaming on the back of a horse. But the thing about being a part of a community is that she doesn't get to run anymore, for better or for worse.

Favorite lines in this section is so easy. The whole reason I even wanted to write Meddling in the first place was because of:

“You calling me complicated?” Isaac huffs, playfully indignant. “Nah,” laughs Ora. “Just complex.”

I also am a sadist apparently and love the emotional bullet of Isaac snapping:

“He just—he just! Why don’t you go ask him? Go ask the good pastor for his word. He’s such a talented orator, I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it.” “Isaac—” she says, in that patient, placating way, so similar to his stained-hickory tenor— “Ask him,” Isaac snarls. “Ask him about Verot.”

I also love the clacking. And the cabinet door fidgeting. And when the sunbeams flicker back into the workshop. :)

Dia's portion is about being Known--Ora was going to drop it, until Dia dropped food in front of her. It's part of providing for each other that you start to recognize avoidance and tackle what's bothering you together. LOL it's not that deep. Dia could just see something was UP and Ora's scale tipped to caring enough to investigate and meddle. That's the thing about her...once you're in her affection, you're in for life. She battles a difficult conversation with Heath, one of the people she least relates to and takes the longest to get along with, for the sake of trying to mend the wedge between him and Isaac.

I also wanted to explore early Dia and Heath: why the separation, why the lost time despite them growing up together... I think a lot of it comes from the people in Dia's life leaving and coming back changed. Not in a good or bad way, just living their lives differently. I also got the impression that Dia is really strong in her principles and peoples' Presences in the southwest/her home.......so when young Heath leaves (perhaps an angrier, sadder version of himself, seeking meaning and wanting to be satisfied in where he finds it) I think she's rightfully afraid of what seminary will turn him into. What, in some ways, if even for a brief moment, what it did turn him into. I just like that Dia and Heath continue to challenge each other in productive ways, even if their relationship was fraught for a short period of time.

Favorite lines are pretty easy here for me too:

Rio leafs through the tortillas like an invigorating manuscript, swiftly peeling three, no, four, onto her plate, flapping her hand to save it from the scald of steam. Warmth floods into Ora’s chest with the motion.

I'm just really obsessed with this image ok leaf me awwone

“Some messes you run from. Some you’re chased from.”

I just think it's quintessential Ora. She's normally not so Talky I promise. (unfortunately though I am talky so it bleeds in more often than I'd like.) But I think this line nails the simple-but-poignant cowboy wisdom of it all.

In a word: trouble.

A late addition, but one I love nonetheless. Ora's nickname is Trouble ;) so I was being cheeky and slid it in there.

Rio gestures silently towards the food on her plate with her chin. Go on, eat, her motion says.

IN SUMMARY: I'M SOFT.

I think that about covers it and then some. Thanks for the quaaaaastion and for being patient with me while it took me literal months to answer. <3