#well of course not. she was a super smart and cool and ambitions person and I wrote ...THAT
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bad boy good thing v.
pairing: jeon jungkook x oc
genre: angst, smut, fluff, miscommunication (we hate her lol), pining
warnings: smut, jungkook is really an asshole, the angst hurts a lot tbh, unhealthy relationships (?)
words: 2, 435
summary: a series of drabbles where you're confused and jungkook's confusing
a glimpse into the past
“Yes. I’ve literally just stepped foot into my apartment.” Jungkook huffs with his phone between his ears and his shoulders as he attempts to multitask, hands moving a box of the dining table.
But Jimin is persistent and he’s yapping his ear off, something about dropping by in a few but Jungkook is barely paying attention, not when the existential crisis of no longer being a high school student that could hide under an institution with a false sense of security. College was different. He was on his own, even with the presence of his friends; and Jungkook was both terrified and excited.
He’d always dream of the start of his college life. Jungkook was a bit of a dreamer, and he aimed to live out the best life possible; all while trying to juggle his academics and do some extracurriculars on the side. When he told Taehyung about his ambitions, his friend just blinked and him and offered a snort; with an almost taunting pat on his shoulder.
You’ll see.
Jungkook didn’t know what he meant then, and he can only wait to find out.
“Do you need help moving in? Tae and I just finished a lecture and we’ve got the rest of the day off.” Jimin asks over the phone, and while Jungkook wants to start off his journey being independent; there were boxes of his belongings that looked way too unappealing to deal with alone.
“You’d to that?” Jungkook sighs, eyebrows furrowing when he searches for the box that goes into his bedroom.
“Come on, Kook.” Jimin whines, “You think your own hyungs won’t help you out?” His jibe is lighthearted, which only makes Jungkook roll his eyes at his friends' words.
“I know.” Jungkook affirms, “Just college life, you know? Thought you’d be busy having your third existential crisis of the week to help out.”
Jimin snorts over the line, “Try this day, kid.”
Jungkook chuckles, and mumbles something under his breath before puffing; grabbing his phone with his hand as he thinks of a question he’s meant to ask for a while, ever since he stepped foot onto campus and his accommodation.
“Is ____ with you?” Jungkook asks.
Jungkook did so some growing in the time after you’d graduated, and he supposes that he relied a little too much on you as well as Jimin and Taehyung growing up in high school. Because once the three of you graduated, Jungkook was essentially left to fend for himself when you no longer were able to pick him up with a call away or help him out with difficult math problems when you had college to worry about.
It was horrible at first, purely because Jungkook missed you and your kindness. Sure, phone calls and texts worked—but your presence was always more than what words could ever offer, and Jungkook found himself searching for other methods to survive the next two years in high school without you there looking over him.
His football teammates had always been just his football teammates until he was forced to fraternise with them on a deeper level, and he realised that they weren’t too bad. They were fun and full of life, definitely the type of people that he found himself having fun with. He’s always been surrounded with people that were older than him, you, Jimin and Taehyung for example—and having peers his age to hang out with was a pandora box he never knew he’d ever get used to.
Take Eunwoo for example. Jungkook was petrified of him because there was no way a sixteen-year-old could look that could, and if he looked like that before puberty finished its course—then what the hell was he going to look like after?
But he was a nice guy, a fun person to hang out with and he definitely taught Jungkook some things he’d never dare ask Jimin or Taehyung. Things about women and men; the interrelationships that could be navigated with enough practice.
And enter Yuna, the first girl he’s ever had the ability to get to know in his life besides you. It was the typical cheerleader-meets-footballer trope that Jungkook would always scoff at, but according to Eunwoo “it’s only right that the same type of people minded together.”
Jungkook furrowed his brows when Eunwoo clasped him on his back when he told him that with a wink, suggestive eyes when he exposed a not-so-secret that Yuna had on Jungkook after one of their football games during his senior year.
But Jungkook thought otherwise, probably because he remembered you telling him that people were fundamentally different and social interactions with different walks of life only made life more beautiful and worth living. Seeing the diversity in cultures and experiences opens up our hearts to a world that doesn’t exist for us—it keeps us humble.
Jungkook blindly agreed then, likely entranced with you in general to consider the weight of your words. But Eunwoo was like a constant reminder, and he was older then—a little more subdued enough to pay attention to the words of his friend.
And when Jungkook continued his high school life, it seemed like more and more people seemed to pay attention to him. It wasn’t like he was unpopular before, he definitely caught the eyes of many—but it was different then. It was like Jungkook was his own person and people thought he was cool enough to approach.
So when Yuna shyly asked him out for a date, Jungkook said yes even though he still thought of you.
And when Eunwoo slapped a pack of condoms into his palm while his other football teammates hollered, Jungkook took the leap of faith and lost his virginity the same night.
So, yeah. Jungkook did some growing up—and he hopes that it’ll be enough for you to see him as a man.
“—she’s always doing so much that she barely has time for us and I get that she’s always been an overachiever but we miss her, you know?” Jimin complains, and Jungkook just about returns back from his flashback.
“Sorry, what did you say?” Jungkook says sheepishly.
“Were you not listening to me rant for the past five minutes?” Jimin exasperates and Jungkook hears some shuffling and a chuckle, possibly coming from Taehyung, on the other end of the line.
“You do have the tendency to go off tangent, Jimin,” Jungkook mutters.
Jimin scoffs, “It’s called paying attention to the details you brat. But anyway, to sum it up for you since you wanna be annoying—_____ isn’t with us. She’s got this student council thing and a meeting with a bunch of ambassadors visiting the campus in the evening.”
Jungkook blinks, taking a moment to process the information. He smiles fondly to himself, realising that you always did fine on your own—and he supposes it’s always been that way. You were quiet and never imposing, but you still did your best.
“Oh.” Jungkook says, “Will I be able to see her soon?”
Jimin snorts on the other end.
“Why are you asking me? You have her number right?” Jimin retorts, “Though it may be difficult reaching her cause she takes like five business days to reply if you aren’t work-related.”
Jungkook chuckles while he fiddles with his thumb. He can see you working hard, eyebrows furrowed as you type out emails and organise events like the efficient woman you were.
He’s seen pictures of you on social media, courtesy of Jimin and Taehyung who’d post stories of your pouts when they’d drag you out for some social time, according to their captions. And God, did you grow up even more beautiful than you were in high school.
Jungkook saw you as the girl he admired in high school and it was mostly his puppy-loved up brain thinking of you like this super smart and out of his reach senior that he wanted to respect. But now that Jungkook was … older. He still thinks you’re admirable and smart, but he can’t lie and say he didn’t notice other things.
Like how certain tops flatter your collarbones so nicely that he wonders what it’s like to sink his teeth into them. Or how you’ve experimented with tennis skirts that look like easy access for a territory Jungkook’s used as one of many of his spank bank materials. Even the way your eyes innocently glance up in pictures makes Jungkook’s brain hazy.
Jungkook was older, and so were you. The two of you were in college and it was different. You weren’t just his high school senior and he wasn’t just the little kid that worshipped you. It was free game and Jungkook wanted to make to most out of it.
“I will.” Jungkook nods with a declaration and a sense of determination in his chest. “What time does she finish?”
A brief moment of silence until Jimin responds, snorting to himself.
“She usually gets off her meetings at—10 pm?” Jimin ponders out loud. “You’re really going to wait for her?”
Jungkook wants to add he’s been doing that all this while, but keeps it to himself.
“Just can’t wait to see her.” He shrugs casually.
“You still have that schoolboy crush on her?” Jimin teases. But Jungkook doesn’t flush this time. He’s had his handful of experiences to navigate his way with feelings and desire.
“Not a crush.” Jungkook rolls his eyes. But he wasn’t going to admit that to Jimin or Taehyung just yet. “Is it bad to want to see an old friend?”
“Whatever you say, Jungkook.” Jimin sing-songs. “But I will warn you; _____ isn’t the type.”
At this, Jungkook furrows his eyebrows.
“What?”
Jimin sighs, “Whatever it is you’re thinking … stop.” And his words oddly set off an uneasy feeling in Jungkook’s chest that he doesn’t like. “You know _____. She’s not the kind of person that dates or fucks around. I don’t think she’s even looked at any guy on campus ever since we were enrolled two years ago.”
Jungkook rolls his eyes, feeling slightly ashamed that he’s been caught so early on. But along with growing up, Jungkook’s grown quite a bit of an ego too.
“What makes you think I want to fuck her? What if I really just miss her?” Jungkook snaps.
“Kook, I love you and you’re my best friend but I’ve seen your Instagram stories and escapades. I have no problem with you being sexually active or whatever—you do you, as long as it’s consensual and within respectable boundaries. I know you think college is like this unobstructed territory where you can just fuck around with people but _____ really isn’t like that. I’ve been there and I’m telling you to drop it.”
Jungkook clenches his jaw, “You’ve wanted to fuck her?” Jungkook accuses.
He can practically hear and feel Jimin’s eye roll over the phone.
“No, you idiot.” Jimin sighs, “I’ve had the same intentions as you with other women. While they may be receiving and comfortable with that, _____ won’t be. I hear and recognise your tone and I’m warning you against it.”
Jungkook purses his lips, wanting to defend himself further. But he realises, who is Jimin to tell him what to do with his life? He isn’t a kid anymore.
“You’re reaching.” Jungkook tells Jimin, “You don’t have to worry okay? I just miss ____ and I want to see her before orientation on Friday. Is that a crime?”
“Again, I don’t know what you really want so I won’t project anymore. But I’m telling you, ______ is _____. You don’t think dudes have tried with her before?”
Somehow the revelation of the fact that you did have two years to mingle around with other people and potentially get with men (or women) that weren’t him causes a different type of dread to fill his stomach, an ugly emotion of jealousy. One that he’s never felt before and he doesn’t like it at all.
“God, I haven’t even seen you yet and you’re already micromanaging my entire life.” Jungkook scowls.
“The double standard is real.” Jimin scoffs, “You used to follow _____ around like a lost puppy when we knew each other first? I feel betrayed, man.” Jimin is joking but the reminder makes Jungkook still.
"That's ... different." Jungkook protests.
Jimin snorts as if he doesn't believe his friend.
"Oh, it is different all right. You, my friend, are whipped." He snickers, "Too bad the two of you are basically polar opposites, huh?"
Jungkook freezes on the other end when Jimin casually lets it slip the thought that somewhat plagues his mind, too.
"We're not that different." Jungkook defends himself.
"Says you Mr Athlete all throughout high school. I bet you ten bucks that you were already recruited by one of the football dudes here."
Jungkook scowls because Jimin was spot on.
"Okay. I do sports and she doesn't. That's it." Jungkook snaps.
Jimin clicks his tongue, "You're all for the attention, dude. _____ always keeps it on the down-low while you do your best when people are cheering you on. It's like the spotlight follows you wherever you go and she does her best avoiding it."
Jimin clenches his jaw because while Jimin's words were lighthearted, and he knew better than to ever put you down because the three of you were all good friends—the fact that someone as close to the two of you as Jimin; was laying out the obvious makes Jungkook doubt himself a lot more.
"Oh, and you're the best at psychoanalysing people right?" Jungkook sneers.
Jimin snickers on the other end but Jungkook can't find it in himself to laugh.
"Relax. I'm joking, all right?" Jimin reassures his friend. "You don't even like her that way, right? That's what you said anyway."
Right. He didn't. That's what he told Jimin.
"Right," Jungkook says stiffly.
"If the two of you ever ended up together, though ..." It's as if Jimin was the one dead-set on pushing for it as Jungkook wishes for him to drop it. "Nah. It wouldn't happen. It probably wouldn't work out either."
Jungkook forces a dry chuckle before muttering a lame excuse and hanging up.
He loved Jimin, the guy was a good friend on an average day and an absolute sweetheart on better ones. And Jungkook knew that Jimin meant no malice when he spoke of the potential relationship between you and Jungkook because, well ... Jungkook has always been the younger guy. And that would be weird, wouldn't it?
But Jungkook knows he's done some growing up. And he'll prove it—in whatever way possible.
Jimin doesn’t need to know.
#bts fic#bts imagine#bts fics#bts imagines#bts smut#bts x reader#jungkook fanfic#jungkook imagine#jungkook angst#bts fluff#jungkook fluff#jungkook x oc#jungkook x reader#jungkook#jungkook smut#jeon jungkook#jeon jungkook x reader#bts angst#bts fanfic#bts jungkook
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Spring Anime 2021: Embarrassment of Riches
So this current anime season absolutely stinks, which just makes the last one look even more impressive. Well, maybe not all of it...
Zombieland Saga Revenge
First off, you don't need to tell me that the following is a severe outlier opinion. We good? Ok. ZLSR is, in a word, subpar. I liked S1 back in the day, but it was already in the process of getting lazy towards the end. S2 continues this trend and is basically just another idol show. And as someone who actually does watch other idol shows I have to say that it's not a particularly good one of those either. The zombie gimmick has mostly stopped mattering and we're just doing what every idol show does, only with the odd occasional sight gag. The alleged subversive qualities mostly amount to a flashback for Yuugiri, which is admittedly the best part of the show but feels like it barely has anything to do with anything. Apart from that, it's a bunch of generic idol plots, rehashed character beats, shoddy attempts at twists (while not connecting to any setups from S1), and the obligatory "idols give us hope" ending, which is terribly hackneyed and flat out bad. Tae gets further memed into the ground, because of course she does. And there's stuff that was simply never good to begin with, like Kotarou and his comedy schtick, which gets truly insufferable now that there's no qualities to distract from it. It really makes me think that S1 wasn't even all that good to begin with and seems like an attempt to turn this surprise success into an easy money longrunner with no edge and no ambitions. "The idol show for people who don't watch idol shows" indeed, but not the way you mean it. 4/10
Bakuten
But not to dwell on the failures, with the second show we're already above the cut — barely. This one got my attention with its really impressive performance scenes early on and it totally sticks to that, which is even more impressive. But besides that? Well, this is by far the most predictable show in a season where I watched an unambitious Kiraralike and put ZLS on blast for having no ideas. The characters are a mixed bag, some are cool (Shida, Asawo), some are very annoying (Mashiro), but those are the supports. The main cast is extremely one-dimensional, which is fine until they try to heap a ton of pathos on their lead, which doesn't go well. But I guess execution matters, and Bakuten is slick enough to get by. Writing this down in stark daylight I feel like I overrated this show somewhat (I actually put it over the next one originally, which definitely doesn't hold up when thinking about it), but I was indeed mostly entertained. 6/10
Yakunara Mug Cup mo
Yeah. Of course Mug Cup definitely doesn't invent or subvert anything either, but it's a pretty good Kiraralike that's always entertaining to watch. Explaining the qualities of such a nothing genre is as difficult as ever, but it mostly comes down to me liking the characters and it having nothing to annoy me. It's shorter than normal, which is a plus for slim shows like this. And yeah, you can make an excessive amount of dick jokes with the clay fondling. That helps too. Looks are just fine, pleasant but nothing out of the ordinary. Comfy low-effort anime. 6/10
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song
This one is decent, but sadly still a major letdown. Because the first few episodes of Vivy were excellent and kicked ass, but then it became increasingly clear that the writing can't cash the checks the ideas wrote while the action starts running into severely diminishing returns. Vivy just keeps slowly getting worse and worse as it goes on, not by a huge amount each episode but by the end there's a pretty sizeable gulf between potential and result. Going into detail would probably be a little much for this venue because there's a lot, but from the top level view the issue is that while Vivy has good fundamental ideas and steals at the right places, it just isn't a smart show — it's schlock, and by the end, poorly thought out schlock that tries to smooth out every problem with liberal application of the big feels hammer and le epic twist at that. Yeah, couldn't tell that the Re:Zero dude was aboard here, for sure. That said, it still works pretty well as entertaining schlock that is not to be taken too seriously, and the characters are generally just very fun to watch even when they're doing stupid things. Still, I can't in good conscience rate this higher than Beatless, a show that looks like butt but properly executes on its ideas. 6/10
Super Cub
So this is 100% a Honda commercial, and I got really mad a Yuru Camp last season for being a blatant shill. Yet I'm feeling this, what gives? I think the main difference is that Super Cub is specifically a commercial for one product (and a very iconic product at that), while Yuru Camp is so all over the place that it ends up mostly a commercial for consumerism in general. And when Super Cub goes too hard on the product (which it does), it's at least pretty entertaining. That's something about Super Cub in general: It goes hard. Your regular Kiraralike this is not, because it's uncommonly slow, focused and moody - yes, it almost measures up to Yuru Camp at its best and demolishes it at its worst. Also, it's just extremely amusing to see sadblob Koguma grow a huge grizzly biker beard and become a badass outlaw dad to her goofy wife and cute daughter, all thanks to the power of afforable personal transportation. Needless to say, that can get unintentionally silly, but Super Cub has so much charm that it doesn't matter — it's great when it's good and still funny when it's not. 7/10
Shadows House
Shadows House turned up with a lot of potential, and I have to say it at least delivered on most of it. It has some problems; notably I'm not a fan of how the entire middle turned out to be a tournament arc of sorts that seems curiously inspired by Resident Evil memes, crest-shaped intentations and boulder punching included. I also think that this is a show that would be perfectly fine without explaining much, but I guess it is a shounen manga after all so we got dumped on eventually anyway. At least that came late - close relative Promised Neverland didn't show that much restraint. Shadows House is generally well written though, with great characters, interesting interactions and a great hook. But what really makes it memorable is that it's exceptionally good at the cute/creepy contrast, something that is often tried but rarely works as well as here, with great character designs and very appropriate production. I hope this gets a sequel, because it seems like it's just getting started. 7/10
SSSS.Dynazenon
Coming in with a fondness for Gridman, Dynazenon didn't have to do much to convince me. The surprise though is that it's not a rehash even if it's basically the same show, a character drama where occasionally huge and goofy fights break out. Dynazenon is Gridman done better, and the interesting part is how it accomplishes this - mainly by being far more conventional. I do appreciate that Gridman went for something weird and almost experimental, but that only really paid off towards the end while most of the show was a distraction/holding pattern. It just didn't feel like there was enough material for a full series there, more like a movie maybe, if even that. Dynazenon fixes this by just being a TV show, with an actual cast of characters that each have their own arc. And by spreading the material this way, Dynazenon ends up having a lot more nuance than its intensely focused predecessor, while having the same themes and not actually being any deeper. In a way, Gridman ends up looking like the spinoff in retrospect, while Dynazenon is the full package. 8/10
Thunderbolt Fantasy S3
So how good was this season? So good that Thunderbolt Fantasy doesn't end up at the top, that's how. And all the elements that made Tbolt such a sure thing are still there, big hammy puppets doing stunts and scheming never gets old. However, I do have to note that at this point, the writing appears to have gotten too comfortable. I don't expect it to ever top the amazing S1 ending, but at this point it's like Tbolt has stopped trying to deliver on endings at all and seems in the process of retooling itself into a longrunner instead. Barely anything gets resolved in S3 (the climax is that the climax of S2 is resolved again, for good this time... maybe), and everything else is just setting up plotpoints for the next season. Tbolt is truly lucky that it doesn't actually need to resolve anything to be a great time, but at this point I have to say that I'd appreciate it if they wrapped it up with S4. 8/10
Nomad: Megalobox 2
Speaking of sequels to shows I liked, Nomad doesn't so much improve upon its predecessor but steamrolls right over it. This is a tall order, since Megalobox was surprisingly good for a sports shounen and had a real nice, heartwarming ending that Nomad instantly negates for purposes of drama and everyone being extremely miserable. That sounds like a pretty terrible idea - and it would be, if Nomad wasn't as excellent as it is. To call it not the same show would be an understatement, because it's a true sequel, not just the same characters doing their thing some more, or new characters doing the same thing as the old ones did. Indeed my biggest problem with Megalobox was that it still closely adhered to its genre template and was very predictable; Nomad fixes this issue thoroughly. Nomad is about questioning what being a hotblooded shounen protagonist eventually leads you to, and how to fix everything you screwed up by being one. You could call it a deconstruction, but that term has been so abused for cynical, edgy "thing you like actually sucks" takes that I feel like it doesn't really fit here. Nomad isn't cynical at all, it's just a character drama about some boxers past their prime, and it being a sequel to a show that is indeed rather formulaic just enhances the experience. My biggest issue with it was that I really like what they did with Joe in this story, so the big focus on Mac's backstory felt like a distraction for a long time. But in the end that turned out to be absolutely necessary to make the ending work. The ending's just great, by the way, and I shall say not more about it. 9/10
Odd Taxi
Yeah boy, here's the show that has apparently become somewhat of a "greatest show you didn't watch" meme, which I can feel smug about because I don't need YouTubers to tell me what's good and followed this from day one. Anyway, Odd Taxi is indeed great, the greatest show in a few years even. What starts out as seemingly a relaxed hangout show in the vein of Midnight Diners quickly turns into a psychological murder mystery while never losing its quirky humor. The character writing is outstanding, with even small bit players being on a level that the average anime wishes it could have for leads. And the rollout of the mystery is exemplary, with answers given and new questions raised every episode with a satisfying and logical payoff in the end. This is also the rare anime that has rock solid production from the first to the last second; it's never really flashy but excellently done and highly consistent nonetheless. And the music just owns. I have a few complaints, mainly that there's a few logical weaknesses in the story (which wouldn't even register in a lesser show, but sticks out here since the rest is so immaculately constructed) and that the ending overextends on the emotions when the rest of the show is so reserved and dry in comparison. But those are only the reasons why I didn't give it perfect marks, and I almost did that anyway. 9/10
#Zombieland Saga#bakuten#yakunara mug cup mo#vivy: fluorite eye's song#super cub#shadows house#ssss.dynazenon#thunderbolt fantasy#nomad megalo box#odd taxi#anime#review#spring2021
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Public Relations (Bucky x Reader Oneshot)
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader
Prompt: “I’m a woman with a brain and reasonable ability”
Author’s Note: Written for @captain-kelli’s 500 Fam Writing Challenge! Congrats, Kelli, and thank you for hosting! Takes place post-Endgame, but with some adjustments to canon (Tony and Nat are alive, Steve stayed). This has a lot more dialogue than I initially planned! Hope it’s not too choppy. My love of commas is also evident in this piece. *shrug emoji*
Disclaimer: I don’t own Bucky, Marvel, or any other related characters or events. The other details of the plot are mine, including the characterization of the “reader”. Please don’t post my work on any other sites without my permission! If you liked what you read, please consider reblogging to help my work be seen. I would love you forever!
Let’s clear one thing up straight away: Bucky Barnes is not an asshole. He has a chip on his shoulder, sure, and it’s also true that he can be grumpy from time to time.
But can you blame him, really?
His life after age 26 has been one giant shit show that he’s just starting to get back on track, so he thinks the world at large could forgive him if he’s not super nice to the reporter hanging around outside the coffee shop or if his resting face sometimes looks like he wants to punch someone.
Still - he’s working on it. Trying to appear a little softer around the edges, trying to remember how to be the person he once was, not because he thinks it’s healthy to try to go back to that time, but because that’s the last time he actually remembers liking himself.
But, again, he’s not an asshole. Or, he tries really hard not to be. A fact he has to keep reminding his friends of (and he uses that word loosely, sometimes), especially when you’re around.
Everything just comes out of his mouth wrong when you’re there.
Probably because you’re around all the time, and you’re smart, and funny, and pretty, and-- nope. He’s not going there. Because reminding himself all the reasons why he likes you just makes him feel more guilty about the way he acts around you. He’s just too chickenshit to admit that he likes you, and ends up being a dick.
As soon as he walks into the Tower, you’re there.
After Thanos, the Avengers returned to New York City. There’s not much left of the Compound upstate to live in right now until the rebuild is done, and he’d been thinking about Brooklyn anyway. Manhattan is different, but he feels better in the city. He thinks the rest of the team likes it here too - it reminds them of the old days, or whatever.
“Sergeant Barnes,” you greet him coolly, matching his stride as he heads towards the elevator. “There’s a meeting in fifteen minutes in the main conference room.”
Bucky makes a noise of acknowledgement, stepping into the elevator and hitting the button for the tenth floor. “Do I have a choice to attend?”
“No you do not.”
“Great.”
He thinks you’re trying not to smile. He grinds his teeth.
“Good afternoon, Sergeant Barnes,” FRIDAY’s voice comes through the overhead speaker. “Captain Rogers requests that you, and I quote, don’t even think about it.”
You snort, and Bucky rolls his eyes. “Punk,” he whispers. “Thanks, FRIDAY. Tell Captain Rogers I said, and I quote, to shove it--”
“Thanks, FRIDAY,” you interrupt, “Thank you so much.”
The few remaining minutes in the elevator are in silence, and you push your way out of the elevator before he can even take a step when it stops. Bucky follows you reluctantly to the conference room where some of the rest of the team is waiting.
Nat looks barely awake (she has trouble sleeping after literally coming back from the dead when Steve returned the stones, what a shocker), Sam is spinning in his chair, and Steve is patiently listening to Peter prattle on about some project he’s working on for biology.
“We’re just waiting on Tony, Bruce, and Scott,” you say, heading towards the head of the table. “Wanda is on a mission with Clint, and Thor is off world. No word from Carol in a few days, either.”
Steve waves you off. “Don’t worry about it. We can fill them in later.”
Bucky’s brow furrows. “Wait, this is your meeting?” He asks you. “What was the point of the AI-assisted lecture from you--” he pointedly glares at Steve.
“Because I knew you’d try to get out of it, so I asked for some help.” You smile sweetly at him.
The rest of the team files in over the next few minutes, and Bucky watches as you shuffle through a few papers before turning on the overhead projector. He has to admit, while he absolutely despises public relations, he has a lot of respect for what you do.
He knows it’s not easy wrangling Tony’s ambitions plus whatever manic situations the team get themselves in on a daily basis. Trying to do press for the Avengers is probably akin to wrangling cats, he supposes.
“So,” you clap your hands together, “the event at Children’s Hospital is in two weeks. Can we please, please avoid any earth-threatening situations that might take precedence over this? We missed it the last few years, obviously, so we need to get out there and make some kids happy.”
A murmured agreement goes throughout the room, and Bucky tips back in his chair, counting down the minutes until he can go literally anywhere else. It’s not you, really. It’s the idea of public appearances. He hates them. People still think of him based on who he was, not who he is now. Despite the fact that Steve and the rest of the team have publicly vouched for him and are working on clearing his name, he sees how people look at him.
You’re tied to that feeling, even though he knows that isn’t fair. He has a hard time separating you from your job.
“The next thing -- and I don’t want to hear about it --” You look around, eyes landing on him meaningfully, “-- there’s a magazine feature for the anniversary of the Battle of New York.”
“Well, that’s me off the hook,” Bucky says flippantly, grinning smugly at Sam, who high fives him.
“No, it absolutely doesn’t,” you argue.
“I wasn’t there, in case you forgot.”
You glare. “Thank you for the reminder.”
“Guys--” Steve tries to interrupt.
“You have to participate, because this article is about the team and how it’s grown since the inception of the Avengers.” You say, almost sounding bored. Probably because you and Bucky have this argument at least once a week.
“Bucky, it’s an hour.” Steve says gently, trying to barter.
“Whatever.” Bucky grumbles, “You know what they’re going to ask,” he says, suddenly angry. “Where was the elusive Winter Soldier during the Battle of New York? Do I remember it happening, or was I in the middle of being frozen or wiped for the thousandth time?”
You shift your weight, looking down at the floor. He feels guilty for a half second. “I won’t let them ask.”
His heart thuds weirdly in his chest at how earnest you sound, but he just can’t help himself, apparently. “Because you’re so sure they’re going to listen to you.”
Hurt flashes across your face so quickly he thinks he’s imagined it, but he knows he hasn’t. Again - he’s not usually an asshole. He still hates himself for it, though.
“Alright, we’re done here.” You say quietly, gathering your paperwork. “I’ll email you all the details.”
Sam elbows him, and across the table, Steve is giving Bucky a look that he’s come to associate with a lecture.
He sighs and rolls his eyes before getting up and heading out of the room, his friends at his heels.
“Wow, a five minute meeting,” Sam is saying, sarcastically. “Gotta be a new record, don’t you think, Rogers?”
Bucky’s new plan is to ignore Sam at all costs. It’s not a plan he thinks is going to work out in his favor, but it’s what he’s sticking with.
“You can’t ignore me forever.”
“Are you a mind reader?” Bucky asks, hitting the button in the elevator for the residential floors.
“It’s two events, Buck.” Steve sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You can handle it.”
“Yeah? Why don’t I let you field the questions I normally get, and we’ll see how you like it.”
“I’m not doubting you. I just don’t understand why you always have to take it out on her.” Steve’s voice is so disappointed, Bucky almost wants to laugh. When his best friend turned into such a mother hen, he’ll never know.
“Don’t be late!” Sam calls as Bucky gets off on his floor, leaving the other men in the elevator.
Flipping him off over his shoulder, he hears Sam’s chuckle and Steve’s sigh before the doors close, and finally he’s alone with his thoughts.
.
.
.
Turns out the interview happens before the hospital visit.
Bucky is in an uncomfortable chair, a reporter across from him, and you behind the reporter, fidgeting slightly. He feels almost relieved that you seem to be as nervous as he is.
“Mr. Barnes,” the reporter begins, a smile Bucky already hates on his face.
“It’s Sergeant.” You say quietly from behind him, and Bucky meets your eyes briefly, seeing the resolve there.
“Of course.” The reporter says smoothly, offering another smile to Bucky. “Sergeant Barnes, you weren’t in New York for the Chitauri invasion, were you.”
“No.”
If the reporter thought he’d elaborate, he doesn’t let on. Bucky saw these questions coming a mile away, and isn’t going to give anyone the satisfaction of saying something he’ll regret. Well, he won’t regret it. But it’ll be a pain in the ass for everyone if he can’t keep his cool.
“This was the first official Avengers event. Do you remember hearing about it?”
Bucky wants to laugh. “Do I remember-- no. I don’t think I was awake for much of 2012.” You fidget again, shifting your weight, and Bucky sighs, grinding his teeth. “I’ve been fully briefed on the invasion and know that what the Avengers did that day saved the world.”
The reporter looks at him for a long moment before shifting the papers on his lap around a bit. “The Avengers have changed a lot in all those years since that first mission. Can you tell me a bit more about your role with the team?”
Bucky relaxes a bit. This is the part he prepped for, the part he could recite in his sleep if he had to. Whatever instinct he had back in the day that allowed him to lead a unit and report to his CO is still there, especially for questions like this. “I work mainly with Captain Rogers and Sam Wilson to coordinate missions and do strategic planning. Recon and research are my main areas of focus, but I go on missions too if needed as backup, or if it’s an all hands on deck situation.”
“So you’re not handling any weapons?”
Bucky blinks. Over the reporter’s shoulder, you frown.
“All Avengers team members undergo weapons training.”
“During the War, you were a sniper with the 107th, correct?”
“Yes.”
“So you’d say that you’re pretty proficient with a gun?”
Your eyes are flashing now. “I’m sorry - none of this was on the list of pre-approved questions.” You interrupt, and the reporter holds up a hand to stop you, causing you to make an affronted face.
Bucky would laugh if he wasn’t feeling so sick at this turn of questioning. Every time. No matter who they vet, no matter how many times reporters insist they aren’t trying to catch him in a question he can’t or doesn’t want to answer… this is why he hates interviews.
“I’m just saying -- you’re one of the world’s most accomplished assassins. I guess I wanted to know why you’re doing research and recon when you could be on the front lines with the team? Are they worried you’ll have a setback?”
Bucky barks out a laugh.
You start, taking a few steps forward. “That’s enough. We’re done here.”
Bucky’s already standing, pulling out the chair from behind him as you come around to follow him out, until the reporter stops you, a hand firm on your elbow. You freeze, and Bucky’s eyes narrow on the point of contact, an unfamiliar feeling surging through him.
“Do you know who I work for?” The reporter hisses. “You told me I’d have a half hour.”
“That was before I knew you were going to ask questions that have nothing to do with your article.” You reply, face darkening when he still hasn’t let go.
Bucky waits, waits for one more sign that you’re uncomfortable before he steps in.
“If you ever want to get another high profile piece done on your team you’ll let me finish here.” He threatens, hand tightening.
You sigh, almost looking bored, and in one swift move, you’ve shifted enough of your weight to turn, pulled the elbow he was holding out of his grasp, and driven it into his ribs, simultaneously kneeing him in the groin.
Bucky’s eyebrows raise, and you look at him, rolling your eyes. “What?”
“Didn’t know you had it in you,” he says, letting a smile slip out so you know he’s kidding.
The reporter is doubled over, still making threats, but neither of you pay him much attention as you walk out the double doors of the conference room in the unfamiliar magazine office, heading towards the lobby.
In the car that’s waiting for you outside, Bucky watches you carefully as you roll your shoulders a bit, clearly smarting from the move you pulled back there.
“If I would have known you could do that, I would have been a little nicer,” he teases, but there’s an undercurrent of truth to his words. Not that he thought he’d ever piss you off enough for you to hurt him, but that he wishes he was nicer to you in general.
You glance at him, face neutral. “It wasn’t that hard. Everyone who works for the Avengers goes through basic self defense training, and I’m a woman with a brain and reasonable ability.”
Bucky nods. “Still. Thank you, by the way, for putting an end to that.”
You sigh, sitting back in your seat, all the fight leaving you. “It’s nothing.” You dig your phone out of your pocket and he watches as your thumbs fly across the screen before you hold it to your ear. “Hi, Steve.” A pause, “No, that’s cancelled. You’re not doing it. Tell Tony I’m cancelling the rest of the interviews. We’ll find some other place to get it published.”
He knows he’s staring and he knows he should stop before you notice, but he just… can’t take his eyes off you. The way you stood up for him, the way you promised him you would even when he was being a total asshole… he has no idea what he did to deserve it, but he’s damn grateful.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” You ask, your tone softer than he’s ever heard it.”
He shakes his head, looking down at his feet. “No reason. Just-- sorry I’m such a dick sometimes.”
You laugh, and he immediately wants to hear it again.
“I mean it,” he continues, “I don’t mean to be. You don’t deserve it.”
“Bucky.” Your voice is even softer, quiet, and he struggles to think if you’ve ever called him by his name before. You wait until he meets your eyes. “It’s fine. We’re all-- just trying to get through this.” You shrug. “I know it’s not easy for you. Just… Trust me sometimes, will you?”
“I do trust you.” He replies immediately, absolutely sure of himself for once.
It’s your turn to be a little surprised.
He rubs his hands together, a nervous tick he’s never gotten rid of. “I’ve been trying to distance myself because I like you. And that honestly scares the shit out of me. I don’t know--” He stops, frustrated. “I don’t know how to do this anymore. And all I keep thinking about is what could go wrong.” He takes a chance and glances up at you, and the look in your eyes… it’s more than he expected. He feels his heart take off in his chest.
“We’re both so stupid, Bucky.” You tell him, but your words are light. “You should have said something.”
He rolls his eyes. “People always say that. But when has a conversation like this one ever been one that someone wants to have?”
“Maybe when the other person feels the same way?”
Bucky can’t breathe. He never even considered it. It was always a forgone conclusion in his mind. He thinks you’re beautiful, and you never think about him at all. That was always the truth that he thought he knew. “Go out with me.” He blurts, and then feels his face redden. “I mean-- let me-- will you let me take you to dinner?”
The car stops in front of the tower and you’re opening the door before you say anything, making him panic a little. A look over your shoulder, “I’ll see if I can pencil you in somewhere.” You say, and then with a wink, you’re gone, leaving him scrambling to get out of the car to catch up to you.
Before you can, Steve is there, a shit-eating grin on his face.
“Not now--”
“Can’t help it. She called a meeting.”
Bucky stops in his tracks, and laughs. “Did she.”
“She must know how much you love them. Come on.”
Upstairs he finds his usual seat next to Sam and across from Steve, but when you gather your notes and meet his eyes, yours absolutely sparkling, he finds he’s not dreading this one at all. He still wants to take you to dinner though, so he might have to try to break his own record.
A 5 minute meeting so he can convince you to go on a date with him? He thinks he can swing it.
End
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RP meme from Scream Queens Ep 1 "Pilot" & Ep 2 "Hell Week"(Note: Offensive content, use at own discretion)
Something really bad happened.
Did you just get your period all over yourself?
This isn't my blood.
Who told you you could have a baby here tonight?
I'm sure I can walk if I can just get some Gatorade.
I don't care if you can walk.
How are we supposed to get you to the front door without everyone seeing you all gross and postpartum?
No one wants to see that at a party.
This is super embarrassing.
I didn't even know I was pregnant.
You guys, they're playing "Waterfalls."
Is that a baby? Amazing.
I am not missing "Waterfalls" for this. "Waterfalls" is my jam.
Give the baby some mojito to quiet it down.
How do you know she's dead?
These are my minions. I don't know their names. I don't want to know their names.
I have a colonic at 10
Life is a class system.
Oh, still a lot of puke to scrub.
Yeah, you have an amazing skill at telling people what they need to hear.
I'm sorry. Did I ask you to pull down my panties and blow a compliment up my butt?
I hate sororities, and I hate you.
First of all, I'm not a lesbian.
You see, out in the real world, people just don't talk that way to other people. It's not normal.
Well, that sure sounds suspicious.
No one forced that goat to get as drunk as it got.
Historically, short people are sneaky backstabbers, like Napoleon or Paul Shaffer.
I could actually handle that you're built like a Thai ladyboy, but what I can't stand is that you think you're my heir apparent.
Don't you want me to spray-tan you?
I would honestly rather not have you around.
The police still can't figure out who filled that tank with hydrochloric acid.
It's good enough for me, and the D.A., who, last I heard, considers the case closed.
What is that skirt?
Your organization might want to find a lawyer.
I'm a pretty smart cookie.
I would not get personal with me, sweetheart.
I don't fight fair.
I am sentimental.
Look, girls are vicious, okay?
I don't have any of my own memories.
Just like we planned. Three-second silent hug, and then you leave.
Ooh, somebody call CSI, because there was a murder scene in that bathroom.
Someone puked in the sink and I'm pretty sure I saw an actual ringworm climbing up the wall. I'm not afraid of anything, but that bathroom scared the crap out of me.
This is gonna be a year of infinite possibilities.
Hold this. It's too heavy.
You didn't knock!
Look at them. They're the dregs of society.
Each one of these gashes is worse than the next.
She smells like hot dog water, and probably sprained her neck giving blumpkins down at the local bowling alley.
Look, I'm not saying that all heterosexual sex is rape. I'm saying all heterosexual sex is gross, and that deep down, every woman knows this.
All that girl's after is a whole lot of bikini burger.
Hey, girl, can I just ask you, what's up with your outfit?
God knows what they're talking about, basic bitches.
What fresh hell is this?
I need you to stay popular, 'cause if you want to stay at the top of the list of the pieces of ass I'm getting, there's criteria. And the criteria is you got to be popular.
Okay, I'm gonna stop you right there, because I'm getting really pissed off.
Stop fake crying.
Anyone you dated would be popular. I mean, they would be popular because they're dating you.
My ego, it's super strong, ok, but it's not strong enough that I can just go around dating garbage people.
Like, yes, I could find a random girl who wasn't popular, and, yes, if I started dating her she would then become popular.
But you said you loved me.
I do sort of love you.
I would love you a lot more if other people loved you, too.
Okay, I need you to leave because you're bumming me out
We're just trying to have a nice day hitting golf balls at hippies.
Pretty girls, like you and me.
That's why I'm gonna burn your face off.
Ugh! You burned the milk!
Next time, I get you fired, or worse.
Actually, I just want a regular coffee. Those white girl pumpkin spice lattes annoy me.
I like to think of myself, uh, as an investigative reporter.
I had to get a restraining order.
I tend to get a bit passionate about things.
Look, you intentionally led me on.
You kept acting like you liked me just so you could humiliate me.
Enter, ye who dare.
I love a creepy collage.
It's about kicking the living crap out of someone when they disrespect you.
I was just in your room, where I noticed you have a sizeable shrine with evil burning candles, photos of me with my face scratched out and pairs of my stolen panties.
How about I just drown you in it?
Well, of course she's dead! You just burned her face off!
You don't die from getting your face burned off.
There's a dead woman in your kitchen.
I'm going to the authorities.
That's not how I saw it. And my witnesses agree.
You're an awful person.
Who wants cocktails?
How did my life turn into this?
Have you seen the way girls dress on this campus?
I'm sitting in the same office I used to throw bricks into.
You're awful in bed. Are you aware?
I'm gonna take a pair of your panties.
I'm gonna barf on your face unless you get out of here.
Try to figure out who gave you such disgusting mommy issues.
You loaded a dead body into a freezer.
What are you proposing?
I want to help you with your exposé, secretly feed you info.
You need eyes on the inside.
I don't know what to do with the body.
Are you saying dead bodies don't turn you on?
You are so lame, you know that?
God, I love all that death stuff.
Show me the body.
Show me the dead body.
This blood oath will ensure solidarity among us. We are all related now.
I just Googled "blood oath" and this is what came up.
What does this oath even mean?
I just need you all to not say anything about what happened, and I figured a blood oath was cheaper than buying you all presents.
Wait, what about STDs?
Idiot, you don't get STDs from blood oaths.
You get STDs from dirty toilet seats and drinking the water in Mexico.
Um, "STD" stands for "sexually transmitted disease," which means that it's transmitted sexually.
When were you in Mexico?
You know what, forget the blood oath.
I can't stay silent!
I'm calling my mom, and I'm going home.
Okay, Pissy Spacek, you and I have a few differences we need to iron out.
I want you to be one of my minions.
It's the gateway to the top of the heap.
You put on a good front, but you're miserable.
Don't you think any of that has anything to do with the fact that you've created an atmosphere based solely on negativity and raw ambition?
Can we talk for real for a second, please?
I mean, you're so confident without being mean. What antidepressants are you on?
Don't you see that all that's happened isn't a crisis? It's an opportunity.
Yeah, no, I tried. See, I really tried. But all of this flowery, peace-on-Earth crap, it makes me want to puke.
You haven't even seen half of what I'm capable of!
Totally spit in your coffee, bitch.
I don't mean to be a contrarian, but I'm enjoying this.
Is that killer noises or am I hallucinating?
I'm gonna ask one more time, will you speak up?
What can you tell us about the murder?
There's an exodus right now.
The risks are real, but we need to close ranks.
I don't feel comfortable with a man protecting me. It's representative of the patriarchal, post-colonial culture that encourages violence against women.
We buy a pig and feed it the body. Pigs will eat anything.
Don't go skating on those poop lagoons, because if you fall in, you'll drown in the poop and come springtime, there'll be nothing left of your body.
Here's what you should do. Pulverize her teeth, burn off her fingerprints, and disfigure her face. Once her body is unrecognizable, we can create an incision on her inner thigh and drain out all of her bodily fluids. That'll give us more time to deconstruct the body.
Truly grinding down a body takes a lot of work. You need a really good food processor, and you run the risk of fouling the plumbing, which is why you should only do it if you know how to clear out meat and bones from a drain pipe.
I'm willing to help in any way possible.
You're obviously a psychopath and those ideas are insane!
Why are you trying to terrify us?
Can I call you Mom?
I feel so loved and protected by all of you.
Actually, it's a new pop culture trend where young women desperately in need of role models call other girls they look up to Mom.
I thought you'd be cool with it.
I mean, I did just give you several ways to dispose of a body.
Okay, fine. Just stop talking.
You are so friggin' creepy!
Someone just mowed off a deaf girl's head in our backyard.
I mean, as you can see, I'm not licensed to carry a sidearm.
Wait, so you don't have a gun?
I have pepper spray. And I have a walkie talkie that I can use to call the police, who do have guns.
What good are you?
Get the hell out of there. Run away, real fast.
Now, I would give you my number, but my cell phone is off right now.
If you want the place clean, maybe you shouldn't have burned the maid's face off.
Don't you wonder what's in there?
People have been whispering about that house for years, that it's haunted, that something really bad happened. I mean, there's no way there isn't some real-life story behind it, right?
I'm gonna have to break in.
I mean, I don't think anyone's gonna get killed in the 30 minutes we make out, right?
Can you stop talking?
You're kind of ruining whatever was good about it.
Please try to understand the situation I'm in.
I don't give a rat's ass about your job.
You know, I find good parenting incredibly attractive.
You're a snoopy little bugger.
Whose bloody clothes are those?
Supposedly, it was a super fun party.
We're all gonna pay for this.
I think it's all crap. Just a myth.
What happened to the baby?
Sometimes I picture myself like Derek Jeter, you know?
I'm gonna choke you out.
There's a serial killer on the loose.
Please don't say you want to choke me.
I'd love having sex with your corpse.
I'm sorry. This isn't working for me.
Well, I sort of am your boyfriend, and I'm protecting you by having sex with you.
No! I don't need a man to protect me.
How could I have wasted this much time?
Is my self-esteem really that low?
I'm sorry. I think we need to take a break.
I need you to leave right now!
You know, it would really help me feel better if I could just crawl into bed with you for a few minutes.
Are you gonna touch my wiener, or you gonna leave my wiener alone?
I'll leave your wiener alone.
Where are your hands?
He has a huge boner!
Why don't you go in there and ogle his big old boner?
Okay, uh, first of all, I'm not gonna go ogle his big old boner, because I'm not gay.
Look, I'm sorry everybody wants to have sex with me. Okay? I can't help that.
I'm hot. Everybody wants to get with this. Women, men, animals in the zoo, plants, probably.
You're gonna have to go right now, 'cause I am breaking up with you.
Excuse me, I broke up with you!
I regretted what I said, and I just wanted to come here and tell you that I am so sorry.
Well, I accept your apology. And now I'm breaking up with you.
Do you know why I'm breaking up with you?
You can't deal with how hot I am.
Sorry, I just broke up with you.
Can you please put some clothes on?
Um, they said, uh, I shouldn't be alone, you know, in case I fall asleep and die.
Can I just get you a robe or something though?
So you're saying I'm the killer?
Okay, this isn't about me thinking you're boyfriend material.
God, I was so gonna go to third base with you tonight, too.
What if we stapled their earlobes?
Private like the parts on a man you like putting in your mouth?
I want to publicly come out as gay on my own.
I mean, you guys have to accept everybody, right?
I actually think that's illegal.
I will come after you, do you understand that? I will destroy you.
I trust you'll consider my offer.
Name one bad thing that ever happened at a Best Buy parking lot.
You're just, like, super attractive.
Um, well, I was trying to be inconspicuous.
It's better than losing your life.
I have a thing for playlists.
Someone's got a poo belly.
Sweet Yeezus, I don't even know where to begin with you.
Bitch, I'm about to smack you so hard, your tampon's gonna pop out.
I heard screaming.
So you think the serial killer is still up there?
Upstairs to get the killer before he gets away!
You just said that you think the killer is up there, and that's where you want to go?
This is freakin' terrifying!
The killer is in the house! You hear me?
I need my damn inhaler.
What, am I supposed to be scared?
Don't even come out. We plan on getting drunk, and I don't want your bad attitude ruining it.
We're headed down to White Stallion to pick up some sluts, baby!
Yes, okay, I burned her slightly, but stop saying that I killed her.
That was a tragic accident.
I am a kind and devoted and loving friend to all.
I'm not some crazed psychopath.
Maybe you're the killer.
I will not be put on trial.
The truth is we don't know who the killer is, and, yes, I suppose it could be someone in this room.
You want to go first?
I banged, like, 50 chicks.
What took you so long?
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Ducktales "Let's Get Dangerous" Watch Ramblings
Okay, so. That was amazing.
WHO DID THIS!? WHAT MAD GENIUS SNIPED IN BONKERS!? I CAME TO THIS PARTY FOR SPECIFICALLY INFORMED FUN AND THEN THE HOST JUST THROWS GOLD AT MY FACE!!
- The episode feels like a proper dedication to everything Darkwing Duck. The atmosphere of St.Canard still feels like Gotham City so much. If Launchpad is doing double time moving between Duckberg daytime and St.Canard nighttime it’ll hold that vibe the city and DW have. But I can’t help but believe this is the start of his transition to St.Canard. The responsibilities may just be too big to juggle together. Also, this found family of Drake, Launchpad, and Gosalyn is just too good together. Like Launchpad creates a different vibe for himself when he’s with him. He just taps into a whole different side to care for and support them.
- So yeah, I’m glad Darkwing is still somewhat underappreciated in St.Canard since it didn’t seem like anyone knows about his efforts in the lab. Gizmoduck didn’t even make it halfway across the bridge into the city and gets all the credit. So now we get to see DW work towards that recognition he deserves.
- It was the best blending of nostalgia and new age. They drop a massive Easter egg in one of my favorite scenes, from one of my favorite episodes “A Whale of A Bad Time”, of my favorite story arc where Scrooge and Glomgold race to deliver their fortunes for weighing in a bet to win a lucrative contract. Also love the Fluppy Dogs shot-out. Wasn’t my jam but I gotta respect that attention given.
- F.O.W.L. involvement made the Missing Mysteries tie-in more logical. Huey is getting more involved here since this season is supposed to be this triplet’s turn in the spotlight. I bet this encounter spurs him into action now that F.O.W.L. is exposed to have interest in the mysteries. Speaking of exposed, poor Bradford. Like he would be more successful in his organized bureaucratic villainy if everyone who works for him didn’t revel in the theatrics.
- With Taurus Bulba falling out with F.O.W.L. it leaves me to believe he’ll stay in St. Canard to be a recurring villain for him. If he keeps the “Bulba’s Super Villain Solutions” thing I expect something like the Spectacular Spiderman animated series. Like Norman Osborn he’ll turn out villains for profit while acting behind the scenes and exploiting the chaos. Bonus points if his cybernetic enhancements keep coming in via collateral damage like with Major Bludd in G.I. Joe: Renegades. Since only Megavolt, Quackerjack, Liquidator, and Bushroot seem to be the only returning OG villains (aside from a couple of cool cameos from some C-Listers, haha) now the writers have a nice say in picking and choosing who gets rolled into the reboot reality. Negaduck is basically confirmed as a reboot villain now since they called themselves the Fearsome Four and Justice Ducks got a name drop but not who’s in it. Gizmoduck was a member but is here as a reboot character and they can just grab Neptunia, Stegmutt and Morgana. Real talk, they’ll probably redo all their designs but I hope we keep Morgana’s vibe close to her original which had such a wonderful goofy Elvira feel. Also let’s get a good Batman/Catwoman thing going.
- Bushroot’s redesign and dialogue silence may have been out of respect to his original voice actor Tino Insana’s passing, also the same year the Ducktales reboot came out. Everyone else is alive but the only reprised role was Michael Bell’s Quackerjack and everyone sounded great. Still hope he left like a seedling clone of himself behind so we can explore more of him.
- Gosalyn was well handled. I loved her reboot personality still feeling like OG but with more smarts and skill. Giving her skill with a crossbow was great (she gets a matching outfit and Huntress much) as well as leaning into the Batman & Robin parallels by making her a proper partner/sidekick, instead of a stubborn tag-along. I want to see her meet Webby because I feel like she will complete a certain dynamic. Webby is an all rounder being good with magic, quite smart and a top fighter. Webby doesn’t hold top mark in any particular area. Lena is basically becoming sorceress supreme and Violet is very intelligent and composed with her reading situations better than the others. So I want Gosalyn to be surprisingly good at keeping up with Webby in a fight.
The second other series that may actually get this kind of dedication in the reboot feels to me like Talespin.
- We have plenty of mentions of Cape Suzette and a Don Karnage. I say “a” because the Season 3 poster revealed what looked like an older Kit and Molly. This leads me to believe the OG Talespin adventures do take place decades prior to closer match the aesthetics of the OGand current era Karnage is a descendant. Della may have also learned to pilot from or was a fan of Baloo so that can be a good background to add to her character. I feel like Shere Khan will be a David Xanatos type character. He was already a fierce, morally ambiguous self serving businessman. But give him that Xanatos pizazz, keen intellect and foresight to make him be the sharpest of the sharpies that Scrooge will ever deal with.
- So all in all it was everything I didn’t know I wanted and gives me such joy for heights this show can reach being this successful in its ambition. I hope further inclusions from other Disney Afternoon characters will start building themselves up in this reboot just as well. I’m excited for more of the world explored from the sides of the Rescue Rangers and Goofy’s suburban slice of life. Oh, and of course cop/detective work from freaking Bonkers! Like this is how you know your reboot is in good hands. When you keep the appeal of and appreciate the old while introducing well defined new takes, bridging the gap between generations so everyone enjoys it. Man, I need that Animaniacs reboot right now.
#ducktales 2017#darkwing duck#ducktales#launchpad mcquack#drake mallard#gosalyn mallard#disney afternoon#let's get dangerous
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Don't mind me! Dropping in from the atla tag! I read your thoughts on the whole Azula going crazy after realizing she has no friends and I was wondering... The creators of the show wanted to have another season where they would work on a redemption arc for Azula, cause let's face it she did some horrible stuff but she was just as much of a victim as Zuko. And she was still basically a kid. What do you think a redemption for her would have been like? And what do you think she would be like after?
Ooh great question!
Hmm. 🤔Well, I definitely think she could have a cool redemption arc, because the ATLA writers have already proved they can write one hell of a redemption arc lol. I think if they did do a redemption arc for Azula, it would be a longer road than Zuko’s -- and I would love it if they explored her abuse trauma like they did with him.
She’s definitely a victim of her terrifyingly abusive dad. So maybe part of her redemption arc could be her being taken in by a loving family and being actually nurtured and cared for. Not that she never had anyone to try to tell her how to be better, but she never really listened to Uncle Iroh; I don’t think they clicked the same way he clicked with Zuko-- which was in part Iroh’s fault. At the same time, even as a child she was dismissive/disrespectful of him, so it’s clear he probably wouldn’t be the one to get through to her.
So maybe an Earth Nation family? Like remember that one time she was gloating over how their father was going to murder Zuko, and she taunted him about finding a “nice Earth Nation family” to adopt him? So that would be a great callback/little narrative irony, if she found a family there. This would be after her arc in the comics so far, of course (where she leans into the insanity and villainy for a while)--
--So maybe an Earth Nation family, who lost their only daughter to the war, takes her in after she’s injured somehow and cares for her. They have a farm, and she ends up working on it with them while she heals up.
Maybe they have a son, a couple of years younger, fiery and full of hope, who follows Azula around and gives her the admiration she craves so much. She can’t teach him bending, but she can teach him regular combat skills. He introduces her to his friend group, and because she can’t firebend or Princess them into submission, she has to learn how to-- gasp!-- interact like a normal person!
Hilarity ensues, but she figures it out slowly.
And maybe when she acts all high-handed and threatening, her Host Family makes it clear that she can’t force them to do what she wants and that they won’t stand for “tantrums”-- which would probably be the first time anyone put her behavior into that perspective.
At first, she’d probably say hurtful things, sneer at them, be ungrateful for their help; because like I said before, Azula has NO tools for emotional expression, and has never had to be grateful for anything. But the Earth family would lead by example, and eventually she’d start trying to be better. She’d also have to re-examine what she’d been taught about kindness being weakness and such.
She’d probably also be having extreme PTSD reactions to failure because of her past-- but the Earth family would give her understanding and gentle care, and help her understand that she doesn’t have to be perfect to earn validation or kindness.
Meanwhile, she’s living in this Earth Nation village, and learning the same way that Zuko did about the atrocities that the Fire Nation has committed from the victims’ perspectives. Maybe she finds out that she herself is directly responsible for the death of her Host Family’s daughter, and that’s the moment that finally gets through to her--
--because Azula’s biggest flaw is her inability to take responsibility for her behavior. Zuko (eventually) apologizes, tries to make amends, all that, but Azula never gets to that point. So all this time she’s been acting out that Might Makes Right™ Fire Nation MO; but learning that she personally broke the hearts of people she cares about finally breaks through that cultural and personal arrogance and forces her to face her crimes and mistakes.
AND THEN.
Then the redemption arc can really begin!
GUILT!
REMORSE!
THE DRIVE TO REGAIN HER HONOR!
Azula, too ashamed to face her Host Family, flees the Earth Nation village and wanders from place to place, trying to outrun her guilt. As she travels, she meets people; and for the first time, tries to help those she comes across instead of harming. Tries to make up for the past. Because she is strong, and smart, and capable and determined, she would definitely be successful in helping to rebuild the Earth Nation. Maybe she starts to gain a bit of a reputation-- a good one-- and people learn they can turn to “The Red Pilgrim” (because of her cloak; she still likes Fire Nation red,) in their hour of need.
But! Because the Earth Nation is so mistrustful of firebenders (and she’s keeping a low profile,) Azula can’t use her bending when she’s helping; which forces her to find other ways to make things happen. She draws on what she’s learned from Mai’s cleverness, and Ty Lee’s friendliness, and even Zuko’s strict code of honor-- and ends up discovering that being (relatively) nice and trustworthy gets her the friends and loyalty she’s always wanted in a way that her terrifying powers can’t.
One of the people she ends up helping is a kid whose parent is super abusive, and surprise! The Abusive!Parent is someone Azula befriended earlier; someone who flattered her and agreed with her and liked to laugh at other people’s humiliation like her. A friend who behaves like Azula used to behave, which is super seductive.
Then she sees Parent!Friend verbally/emotionally abuse their kid, which brings up Azula’s own unexplored daddy issues. Finally, finally Azula realizes that Ozai is a bully, and that by emulating him, she’s been a bully her whole life too. In standing up for the kid to Parent!Friend, Azula says all the things that she never even knew she needed to tell Ozai-- and she tells Abused!Kid some things that someone ought to have told Zuko and herself.
So from there she could return to Host Family and confess her crimes and beg forgiveness, and/or go back to Zuko and try to rebuild their familial relationship. The Host Family might not forgive her, and that would be reasonable--
--but maybe some of the friends she’s made in the village do. Maybe they understand that she’s trying to be better, and give her what encouragement they can.
Zuko would definitely forgive her; their relationship is fraught and tense, but he knows what it’s like to be trying to regain one’s honor. The most obvious step from there would be for her to try and find a place in the new Fire Nation government, but what I’d love to see is her becoming a teacher... and maybe a priest! Joining a Fire Sage temple, using her experience to help teach new firebenders the right way. Maybe finally finding someone to fall in love with (I low-key ship her with Mai or Ty Lee lol.)
Growing up, growing old and wise.
Letting go of her anger.
Doing her best to balance the bad she’s done with good.
Becoming Grand Master Azula, the greatest firebending teacher of her generation, thus fulfilling her ambition of being The Best™ at something.
Making up with Mai and Ty Lee, (although I’m betting Suki and Sokka are not going to be inviting her over lol.)
Actually getting to know Aang, and realizing Oh My God I Almost Killed This Sunshine Child Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me??
Visiting her Earth Kingdom family regularly, or sending them gifts and letters. Visiting Zuko on holidays. Learning not to be jealous of his Firelord-ishness. Learning to be proud of her big brother for all he’s accomplished. Being Best Woman at his wedding, and Auntie Zula to his kids. Taking a Family Trip to the beach every summer--
--calling him ZuZu in front of Very Important Ambassadors and such, because lol.
REDEMPTION!
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Voting is complete. Now to wait a week for results that will be utterly predictable, in which no major shifts in popularity occur at all, and not a single one of the new characters, who all seem really cool, will break top 20 because god forbid the fandom collectively stops sucking EoSD’s dick for one year.
Anyway, my picks for everything’s under the cut.
Characters:
Okina. I really love Okina. I don’t get how she’s so (relatively) unpopular. Like I really don’t. She’s so much fun! Like, every time she’s in the spotlight, you’re constantly caught between what she’s telling you and what you think her hidden motivations are. And oftentimes, I think both are true. I also just like how she operates. She’s drawn to ambition and willpower. It’s why she likes Marisa so much and is determined to get Marisa to work for her, and why she’s so insistent that Aya take pride in beating her, even when she was holding back. It’s why she helps Sumireko in Violet Detector despite having nothing to gain from it. She love ambitious, strong-willed people, and seems to motivate those qualities in others. She wants to see people overcome hardship on their own merits, which, after the reveal in Visionary Fairies that she is disabled and sometimes needs a wheelchair to get around, adds a great new layer of context to this aspect of her character. Okina is a fantastic character, and my only wish for future works is to see her play a bigger role.
Keiki. Surprisingly, I adore Keiki too, despite not having played WBaWC. Keiki just...hits right, you know? You have this world where everything’s fucked, and humans are used more as resources than as people by the powerful beast youkai in charge. Keiki’s spawned into existence by their desperation, but all she can think to do is fulfill her role and turn everything static. I honestly enjoy how she’s super well-intentioned, but her actions are questionable over whether they’re effective or the right thing to do. Plus she was adorable in the Komachi manga.
Kanako. Look, we all know I’m a Mountain of Faith person at heart, and especially love the Moriya Shrine, so I’m not gonna waste too much time here. Kanako’s awesome, she’s the lowest ranked of the three, this had to happen.
Mamizou. How a character who’s so routinely important to the stories and plays her role this well is so low ranked is beyond me. Mamizou is such an interesting character. She’s like this sweet old grandmotherly figure up until she reveals her master plan and desire for power. She’s like an active version of Yukari and Okina, out in the open and pulling off her grand schemes, and it’s a ton of fun to watch.
Doremy. My blood pact to vote for her aside, Doremy does sustain as one of my favorites. She’s just...I don’t know how else to describe it but “unique.” She’s different from a lot of the cast, in that she’s overall just really nice. Like she genuinely seems to care about people, and her dream people especially. She’s got her job to do and will carry it out, but mostly stays out of the way otherwise. She’s a bit mischievous, but this is Touhou.
Junko. I like Junko. Vengeance mom who won over a part of Hell by swearing to bring chaos to the Lunarians. I don’t have a ton to say, because unfortunately she doesn’t get much play. I wish she did. Maybe in the next Fairy-focused manga. Everyone goes for a sleepover at Clownpiece’s mom’s place, and has to travel into hell and Junko’s just around. That’s all I really need.
Sumireko. While Sumireko’s fallen a bit as a favorite, and is almost certainly going to continue falling, I do like the kid. She’s a bit of an obnoxious dingus at times, but I find her antics funny. The way she sometimes just goes off on a ranting tangent that’s spot-on is just...it’s very in line for a super smart teen who’s just disillusioned with everything. I dunno, I just enjoy her a lot.
Music:
Concealed Four Seasons. Turns out, Okina’s not just a great character, but has a kickass theme song. I love this battle theme, I think it’s my favorite. It’s got such a good energy to it.
Desire Drive. Best stage theme in the series. It’s so catchy.
Lullaby of Deserted Hell. I love this one entirely because it’s this soft, gentle music that plays as you’re traveling through hell. And I mean that in the literal sense of it was once physically hell, and also this stage is a fucking disaster and I love it. It’s like why the sixth stratum theme from Etrian Odyssey 2 is good. Nightmare land with the most calming theme imaginable.
Heartfelt Fancy. Listen, SA did good music. I actually like the stage theme more than Satori’s boss theme.
Lost Emotion. Kokoro’s theme is great, and one of exactly two themes I remember from the fighting games (the other is the Yorigami sisters’). Fight game music tends to not be very good, in my opinion, but Lost Emotion hits all the right notes with me.
Shining Needle Castle. Fun fact! I don’t like DDC. At all. I think the cast is pretty boring, especially in the second half. I don’t like the collection system. The only cool thing visually, for me, was fighting music-themed enemies in a thunderstorm, which is cool as shit. But goddamn this song is good. It’s one of the few highlights of the game for me.
Dream Palace of the Great Mausoleum. I really like just how grand it sounds. Like it sounds awe-inspiring, and fits the area you’re in well. I like the track on its own, but I really like when a track syncs up with the atmosphere of a place.
Fires of Hokkai. Speaking of, good god this song. This is probably the single best establishment of atmosphere in the series. After everything else in the game, and all the craziness of the last stage, you hit the final destination and it starts out with a quiet heartbeat sound. Then it just builds and builds into this powerful, driving theme that loops perfectly back to near silence as you encounter Byakuren herself. Stage 6 is so fucking good, shame I suck at this game too much to ever get there.
Beast Metropolis. This is purely off sound, since I haven’t played the game. But you may notice that, thematically, it fits in with a lot of my favorite tracks. Softer vibe, stage theme setting the mood of an area that you’d expect to be crazy but turns out to be eerily...not that.
Faith is for the Transient People. This was a toss-up, with a lot of options I was considering, but Sanae’s theme won out. I do like it a lot, and I didn’t vote for Sanae in characters despite her being one of my long-standing favorites, so she got this one.
Works:
Hidden Star in Four Seasons. Okay listen. I get that this game is not popular among fans. I do not get why. Are you seriously going to look me in the eye and tell me this game wasn’t a relief to play? After the last four games had bullshit collection systems for resources, having a game that just played lives based off score again isn’t a good thing? Yes, it was easier. Good. Did you miss how bullshit LoLK was? Sometimes you gotta backpedal, right into the range of things I can actually play. I know some people don’t like the cast at all, some nonsense about “Why are they so familiar with characters if I’ve never seen them” or something. But the cast is spectacular. Eternity Larva’s a fun new fairy to add to the group, and her short-lived stint in VFiS was great, proving that she’s the only fairy who has her own reserve of braincells. Aunn is precious and wonderful. Okina. OKINA. This was easily my favorite cast since Subterranean Animism, and that was a strong cast. I just do not get the dislike of this game at all.
Mountain of Faith. Hey, look at that, I like the games that are simple and fun for me to play. What a surprise. MoF was the first game I beat, because Suwako was the first character I encountered and I had to one day git gud enough to beat her. So I did. After like three weeks. That was an adventure. Anyway, I think MoF holds as one of the best in the series. Aside from simple gameplay that’s actually fun instead of painful, it had a great cast of characters, and honestly the best environments. Like, this game just looks good. Maybe that’s personal bias because autumn theme and autumn is the best season, but I loved the backgrounds in this game.
Forbidden Scrollery. Hey, it’s the thing that got me into the written works! Yeah, I really like Forbidden Scrollery. It’s a fun exploration of things from within the human village, from the perspective of a human who lives there. Plus we got some of the more interesting lore bits for the series from this work, which is valuable. And of course...human disguise Mamizou. 10/10.
Visionary Fairies in Shrine. While there are many fairy-focused manga, this one’s my personal favorite. Because it’s got Clownpiece. No really, that’s it. I like the general fairy shenanigans that the trio gets in to, but I really enjoyed how this one almost focused on Clownpiece’s integration into Gensokyo. I think it’s a lot more compelling to have that sort of arc for the character, and it really endeared Clownpiece to me as a whole. My only complaint with it is that Eternity Larva didn’t stick around too. I know she had less to contribute and that Clownpiece is the central focus of this one, but it would’ve been nice to have Larva stick around and get a bit of development herself. Maybe next manga, eh?
Subterranean Animism. I debated this and Cage in Lunatic Runagate. I actually regret my choice. Subterranean Animism won out based on my enjoyment of the music and characters in the game, and (if you can believe it) my enjoyment of the gameplay. Yeah, it turns out when the game rewards just surviving, even if resources are more scarce, I do like 10x better than when resources are only obtained through flying headlong into a storm of bullshit like the next four games demanded. FUCKING IMAGINE THAT. Anyway, CiLR was a serious contender that, again, I kinda regret not picking. Bougetsushou in general was a strong compilation, but CiLR is the one that made it really stand out. SSiB was a fun silly story, and Inaba was hilarious, but CiLR was by far the most serious and poignant of the works. It focused really strongly on the characters, something Touhou...hadn’t really done at the time, and still doesn’t always do, and expanded them beautifully. We get a lot more insight into Kaguya and what her life is like, we get the backstory for the new Reisen, we get background on the Watatsuki sisters, we get the Mokou chapter, arguably the best character development in the entire series. So it really comes down to a game that I like because I can play it, or a written work that also did a lot for the characters in it. Both excellent but I locked myself into one or the other.
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THE POOLED-ORIENTED
I asked her what specific things she remembered speakers always saying, she mentioned: that the way to succeed was to launch something fast, listen to users, and then you realize the window has closed. But we didn't invent that idea: it's just a slightly more concentrated form of existing Valley culture. So if you want to make it look like a group photo. But the rise of startups. And bingo, there it is: The Men's Wearhouse was at that moment remember!1 Partly because, as components of oligopolies themselves, the corporations knew they could safely pass the cost on to their customers, because their competitors would have to as well. If a startup fails, it will probably fail quickly enough that you can stop judging them and yourself by superficial measures, but that you get discouraged when no one around you cares about the same time, as their next door neighbors. One reason so many good ideas come from the tradition of rapid prototyping. In addition to the power of the marginal into one sentence it would be stupid to use anyone else's software.2 If you could get the right ten thousand people to move there. He did the research that won him the Nobel Prize at Bell Labs, but when he started his own company by someone mature and experienced, with a business background, who then proceeded to ruin the company.3
The problem with this article is not just that it originated in a PR firm $16,000 a month.4 For us the test of whether a startup understood this was whether they had Aeron chairs. You can't just tinker. Are there good universities nearby?5 If you tried now to create a startup hub, because it's followed immediately by less hackable tests.6 But that's a weaker statement than the idea I began with, that it doesn't matter much; it will change anyway. Insiders who daren't walk through the mud in their nice clothes will never make it to the manufacturers of specialized video editing systems, and now Apple is doing it to the expensive models made for professionals.7 So the reason younger founders have an advantage is that they can consume a whole day sitting on a park bench.8 There's an imbalance between encouragement and discouragement like that between gaining and losing money.
If investors can no longer rely on their herd instincts, they'll have to think more about each startup before investing.9 They increased from about 2% of the population in 1900 to about 25% in 2000. It means a tedious, unpleasant task. I think we can already declare the old way dead, because those few are the best startups it produced would be sucked away to existing startup hubs. Computers are responsible for the problem. Now that we know what we're looking for in metaphors.10 Obviously they were smart, but they are. If you wanted to create a search site that didn't suck. Boston Globe. It's worth trying very, very hard to make technology easy to use and we hosted the site.11 It's the same all over Silicon Valley.
This is ridiculous, really.12 Though she'd heard a lot about YC since the beginning, the last 9 months have been a prudent choice. Surely a field like math or physics all you need are the people who are not like you want from technology?13 Though some startups go straight from YC to VC, the most valuable things the big companies paid their best people less than market price.14 If they shake your hand on a promise, they'll keep it. So the deals take longer, dilute you more, and impose more onerous conditions. This is particularly true of young people who have it are not readily hireable.15 And while this was happening, the acquirers used the delay as an excuse to welch on the deal. But as startup investors they'd have to overcome, they might build things that get used for pornography, or file-sharing, or the painter who can't afford to have any illusions about the predictors of success. Investors will probably find they have to be really good at tricking you.
You can see this most clearly in New York, and Boston. Boston is a tech center because it's the only real way to learn, but copy the right things. So for the better technology companies, the patent pledge does fix may be more serious than the problem of patent trolls. Civil liberties? What nerds like is the kind of turbulent and ambitious people you find now in America. Why? The exciting thing is, all you need is a handful of executives, politicians, regulators, and labor leaders.
And if you like certain kinds of excitement, New York is incomparable. What's really happening is that startup-controlled rounds. And the bigger you are, it's hard not to be cool and maybe make money.16 Being able to take risks is hugely valuable. Which inevitably, if unions had been doing their job tended to be lower. Most startups that fail do it because they fail at one of these.17 When they got some money was to rent office space. And yet is this not at each point a day, a week, a month I thought I'd already put in so much time into it that this must be the idea. But even those they use no more than superficial changes. At the time IBM completely dominated the computer industry.
How hard is that? Service rates for men born in the Carribbean and died all over France Pissarro was born in the early 1920s approached 80%. Startups don't seem to have had any effect on the number of startups founded by business people who then went looking for alternatives to fill this void, I found practically nothing. In fact there is no way I can think of several heuristics for generating ideas for startups, one of the motives on the FBI's list. We also thought we'd be able to refuse such an offer if they had. Startups hate this as well, partly because they're more a social than a technical phenomenon, and partly because it tends to be open source. If there are tensions between cofounders we help sort them out. People who didn't care much for religion felt less pressure to go to grad school at Harvard to cure you of any illusions you might have about the average Harvard undergrad. Instead of garden sheds they must design huge art museums.
Notes
But politicians know the electoral vote decides the election, so problems they face are probably not quite as harmless as we are not the original version of everything was called the option pool. As Paul Buchheit points out that it's no longer a precondition. I can hear them in advance that you're talking to a partner, which have remained more or less, is a way in which those considered more elegant consistently came out shorter perhaps after being macroexpanded or compiled. Strictly speaking it's impossible without a time of its workforce in 1938, thereby gaining organized labor as a general term might be a distraction.
This is why they tend to focus on at Y Combinator is we hope visited mostly by hackers. As Anthony Badger wrote, for example. We currently advise startups mostly to ignore competitors.
Unless you're very smooth founder who used to retrieve orders, view statistics, and some just want that first few million. Another advantage of having one founder is always room for something new if the potential magnitude of the ingredients in our own, like wages and productivity, but it's always better to get elected with a product company. So if you're a loser or possibly a winner, they were taken back in July 1997 was 1. One possible answer: outsource any job that's not true.
To a kid and as we are at selling it. In fact, we should worry, not because it's a book from a 6/03 Nielsen study quoted on Google's site. You've gone from guest to servant.
A rolling close usually prevents this.
There's a good problem to fit your solution. Angels and super-angels tend not to make people richer. As far as I know what they made more margin loans.
Once someone has said fail, no matter how good they are. Since people sometimes call a few additional sources on their own company.
S P 500 CEOs in 2002 was 3. Most expect founders to walk in with a company in Germany told me: One way to find the right thing to do this are companies smart enough to do it mostly on your product, and we don't have to say that it is. 5 more I didn't care about, like a headset or router.
He had such a valuable technique that any company that could be mistaken, and b not allow them to private schools that in three months, a torture device so called because it was.
The reason I even mention the possibility is that Digg is derived from the formula. And starting an outdoor portal. An Operational Definition. Some translators use calm instead of hiring them.
Some translators use calm instead of just doing things, you can imagine cases where you read them as promising to invest in so many had been raised religious and then stopped believing, so we should find it's most popular with groups that are up-front capital intensive to founders. Of course, that you should avoid. And you can use to calibrate the weighting of the words out of the things we focus on the side of the biggest winners, from the truth about the size of the world barely affects me.
That's why the series AA terms and write them a microcomputer, and I bicycled to University Ave in Palo Alto, but one way in which income is doled out by John Sculley in a non-broken form, that must mean you suck. Most unusual ambitions fail, unless it was.
In sufficiently disordered times, even if we just implemented it ourselves, so that's what you're doing. And then of course. Ed.
Which explains the astonished stories one always hears about VC while working on that? I'm not saying option pools themselves will go away, and why it's next to impossible to succeed or fail. As Paul Buchheit adds: Paul Buchheit adds: I switch person. Jones, A P supermarket chain because it has to split hairs that fine about whether a suit would violate the patent pledge, it's shocking how much they liked the iPhone too, and made more margin loans.
If they're dealing with YC companies that an artist or writer has to give them sufficient activation energy required to notice them. Apple's products but their policies.
Which in turn the most successful startups, but in practice money raised as convertible debt is a bad idea the way and run the programs on the fly is that they don't have to spend, see what new ideas you're presenting.
In grad school, secretly write your thoughts down in the technology business. And when they decide you're a YC startup you have to spend a lot better to read stories. Jones, A P successfully defended itself by allowing the unionization of its completion in 1969 the largest household refrigerators, weighs 656 pounds. Startups are businesses; the point of a safe will be, unchanging, but that's a pyramid scheme.
#automatically generated text#Markov chains#Paul Graham#Python#Patrick Mooney#article#trolls#statement#prototyping#Startups#money#Are#America#writer#Google#way#things#video#Pissarro#product#founder#hate#problem#corporations#University#center#series#math#technology#sentence
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Pikapuff's Backstory
@pikapuff @dramaticmari
For the Villains! AU
Tia was actually a very kind and sweet girl before becoming a villain.
When she was born, she was a special child that had been diagnosed with the "Quirk" gene for a select few evolving humans. Special, gifted humans.
Because of this, Tia was, at first, actually incredibly popular in school. From Nursery (Kindergarten), to the few beginnings of Primary (Second Grade).
But her popularity began to shrink downward after that joyous amount of time, for you see, Tia's quirk began to manifest as a very special type of transformation quirk, and the only way she would be able to aquire it would be by blood ingestion.
This scared many of her friends off, and they began to avoid the poor girl out of fear, hate and disgust.
She just didn't know what when wrong in her life.
People would write hidious phrases like "I hope you get aids" as well as "I bet you're lying that you have to get blood for your quirk so you can hurt us." Onto her desk during times in which she wasn't there to watch it. So, she developed the habit of just drawing on some spare scraps of paper and scrapbooking them into a small scrapbook, sitting at her desk the whole entire time.
Tia herself, remained kind inside. She was, however, slowly breaking down to depression. The cycle of abuse would continue as she walked around the hallways, listening to people call her "Freak", "Rabid dog" and even "Blood-sucking wrench" behind her back.
As she grew more, more and more friends began to leave her, giving half-hearted excuses as to why. And Tia knew that they weren't true herself. She was dumbstruck at how her friends could just lie to her like that.
She snapped. She changed. She was bitter and had a blank expression now.
All of them left her. All except one.
Alex. That was the name of the friend that still hadn't left her yet. Just the thought of that one last friend sent Tia smiling. They had met before Tia even became popular for her quirk, and had the most tightened bond two friends could have.
Alex was Tia's salvation. Alex kept Tia sweet inside. Alex kept Tia sane.
With Alex being the only reason Tia was still willing to get out of bed to go to school, the small girl slowly began to become more and more infatuated with her and before she knew it, she had fallen in love.
But, alas, tragedy struck.
Alex had a crush, and Tia was certain that the person Alex loved wasn't her.
"Alex, people are going around saying that you like Daniel at school... Is this true?"
"Wha-? Who told you that? Haha, silly you Tia, I like someone who's tonnes more cuter than Daniel."
"But Daniel's the cutest boy in class! Who could you possibly like?"
"Well, they're cute, sweet, determined as ever and always persevering through hard times. I really idolise them and they're super cool. They so good at drawing, being funny and I really, really like them."
Tia's world shattered with that conversation. Being friends with Alex just wasn't enough anymore. She wanted to be more. She needed more to continue living. Alex's description on who she liked didn't sound like a tad like her. And so...
"I'll become what you like. Wait for me Alex. I'll come to you and we'll both be able to escape this place."
Tia? Who was Tia? She was Alex's lover. Forever together. Always.
Tia began to break several school rules. Never caught though as they were always performed sneakily.
She'd go to the infirmary to sneak in some blood samples during Lunch. Even though she usually never left Alex's side, Tia had to make this sacrifice for her love.
She turned into many other children, boys, girls. She tried to use their forms to see if they were the one that Alex liked so much. All of the attempts failed, for Alex didn't seem to have interest with any of them.
After getting frustrated, Tia had thrown a tantrum in the Infirmary, to let off some steam. She smashed the glass containers of Painkillers and left the section of blood samples open in plain sight. She ripped up student documents and cried all the while, blotching the ink on the papers.
"Why won't she just love me?"
And then, she got caught.
It never crossed her mind that she might have gone mad, insane. Crazy.
Nothing about the true roots of why she threw that tantrum was reported about her, but she was excluded from her school after messing up so badly. All they reported was how Tia's power was incredibly dangerous. It was actually well received by her parents as they dispised the school after letting all the bullying happen to their child.
Of course, not many people cared about her exclusion. But Alex did.
"Tia! Are you okay?! How did you get excluded?!"
"Calm down Alex. I'm fine! Really. The teachers just decided my Quirk was too dangerous... So they finally kicked me to the curb."
"Urgh! Those ungrateful scum! I'll make them pay!"
"No don't get yourself in trouble Alex!"
"Why not!? They've hurt you so much for just having a stupid power that's not even that useful!"
"It's okay now Alex, really. As long as you're with me, I'll be fine."
"... Promise me Tia?"
"Pinkie-promise."
Years later, Tia and Alex still talked with each other. Now, they were both in Secondary (Middle School).
Even so, in her new school, Tia was barely around. She skipped most of her school days and wandered around Town instead.
One day, while wondering around Town, Tia found the cutest little ring-blade she had ever seen. It was a ring that had a flower's print pattern, but also had a button on the underside on which her finger laid. With a hard push downward, a think, small, spike would pop up from the ring.
It was perfect for her quirk. Perfect for winning Alex's heart.
The only bad thing was that it was being sold at a Black Market store.
She went in disguised as a 34 year old man who had tattoos covering a majority of his body. Said tattoos screamed of "Beware", simply the perfect candidate for doing so.
"I'd like to buy this ring."
"Pfft. Why? For a girl I'm guessing?"
"N- Yes. I'm gettin' it for my girl who also in the gang. Extra protection."
"Hahaha, you don't do a very good job of lying."
"What? Wait, how did you-"
"So you were lying. I didn't think the trick would work on you. You aren't what you seem, aren't ya?"
"Hmph, I should of known... Fine. I'll reveal myself but only if you don't judge me.
"Deal-"
...
"You're a quirk wielder? Hmmm- Pretty good at your crafts for being a small schoolgirl."
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, give me that ring. I'll buy it fair and square."
"Hmm.. Quite a strange choice for a young girl, but then again, I won't judge. Pay up and you'll get what you want. And, why do you want this anyway? Strange one you are."
"It will help my Quirk. In order to transform into someone else I need to consume blood. That will help me get blood quicker in a more discrete way."
"Ah... I see... How old are you?"
"Ha. Like I'd tell you."
"Smart one."
"Flattery gets you no where. Only Alex will have my heart."
"Oh?"
"Shit, shouldn't of said that. Here, just take the money."
"Hmm... I think I like you. Say, you said that your heart belongs to a little someone, right?"
"Don't just call Alex "someone"! She's kind, perfect, so beautiful and honest... If I was the Moon, she'd be the Sun! You shouldn't even say her name."
"Yeah yeah right. Lemme guess, you and Alex aren't a couple, aren't you?"
"W-Wait, what?"
"I knew by how you described her, you're very protective of this person and if you really were together, your description of her would be much less... Idolised."
"Hmph, stop wasting my time and give me the ring already, the money is on the table."
"Nu-uh-uh~ You're not getting this yet."
"Why not? I need that ring!"
"Hm... How about this then? I'll let you work for me. I don't care about your age but your Quirk power... It is very, very powerful, not to mention useful. I'll make sure you get paid and work hours can be fit to your schedule. To top it off... I'll give you training so this girl you like so bad can finally love you, plus that ring for free. All you have to do is come here for a little on weekends so you can meet your work partners, then you've got the job."
...
"Deal."
"Pleasure doing business with you."
Ring. Ring.
Now, Tia works for "heLPless". A squadron of mix and matched villains that all have different ambitions and types of evil within them. Tia isn't as bad as some of the people in the group. She stays happy and is close to many of the younger members of the group. She still has a healthy relationship with Alex and is beginning to try going back to school.
"I'll get you soon Alex, once I can finally win your heart I will leave this nest and fly with you, free."
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AhaaA. I HOPE YOU LIKED THAT TIA! I'll fix it up if you don't like some parts! I hope you like it!;;;; ówò
-Sem/Dawn out~
#the helpless villains squad#heroes and villains#irl au#irl au backstories#i made you a yandere...?#i hope you like it#owo#sister pika#awawawa#random stories
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March 13th - July 18th 2017: ES and JHS Graduation Round Two, Korea and Osaka, Hanami, Early ES Sports Day, Becoming RA, Shiminami Kaido Round Two, More Farewells and the Start of Summer.
Yeah, it’s been a while folks. Life hit me full force. As did the looming threat of the future. I’ve been working on trying to motivate myself. It’s pretty hard, when you set the bar low and you eventually achieve what you want, there’s this big moment of well, this is temporary, what the f**k am I going to do with my life after this. Basically the last few months have been one existential crisis after another. Fun times.
A bunch of really cool 6th Grade Elementary School kids and 3rd Year Junior High School kids graduate in March. I keep seeing a bunch of the JHS Graduates on my bike to and from school this year, my fave tennis kid from last year nearly ran me off the road and into the river the other day she was so stoaked to see me. A bunch of my faves from ES came to the JHS, but I haven’t really had the opportunity to teach them or be in class with them as much as I was with the 1st years last year. It’s made me a little jittery to be honest.
I’ve only really had the chance to go to 2nd year classes, and that’s not picnic being that 80% of the kids are little punks. I love them to bits, but they are disrespectful, lazy little shits - and have been since they were in the 6th Grade. In part this is due to the way their English teacher taught them last year, but it’s also on them. It takes WAY to long to explain anything to them, so we’re stuck in discipline mode for 90% of class, review mode for 5% and have very limited time to do anything outside of the text book. They’re getting better, we’ve made more headway with the tougher kids which has bought the mood of the classroom back a bit, but there is still SO MUCH TO COVER. I want to go to 3rd and 1st year classes more. *sobbing* At least my 3rd years have been writing to me a lot. I have ninja-ed my way into some of their classes during my free periods, but it’s not the same...
My new 5th Graders are fantastic, cute and terrifyingly smart kids. I mean all the kids I teach are smart, but this lot are quirky and just so...genki? My 6th Graders are still great too. Which is a relief. I was worried they’d get one of the teachers from last year and that would change them for the worse, but that particular teacher was moved to another grade. English club is going well, it was so popular this year that a bunch of kids got turned down. We’re at capacity with 28 kids, and boy is it stressful having to think of fun stuff to do with a bunch of kids for an hour and a half every two weeks. But I love it.
South Korea and Osaka were fun. I’ll be honest, I think I bought the mood down A LOT in Korea, which I feel really guilty about. The person I was travelling with had so much they wanted to see and do, but I was a total fun sponge. I just felt REALLY uncomfortable in Seoul. I walked past a couple of anti-gay protests, and I think that had something to do with it. Being around other tourists also just..drove me mad? People are so rude? I think I’ve been in Japan too long as the standards I have for politeness are way too high...
That said, the lady in our hostel was really sweet. As were the other guests. Most of the vendors I interacted with were civil, even when I fucked up and started speaking Japanese instead of English out of habit (guy took it in his stride, and was almost relieved I think because his Japanese was better than his English). It was easier to find clothes that fit, particularly pants. The food was delicious, and the things we did go and see were pretty fun. I loved K-star Road and Myeondong. When we were leaving for Osaka, there was a drama or a CM being shot in the Airport, so while we were trying to get to sleep there was a lot of yelling and camera people running by. It was pretty cool.
Osaka was much more my speed. I enjoyed going up the tower and doing some shopping in the Pokemon Center (this time minus the encounter with random 5th Grader from my ES) and ironically enough the Korea Town there. We were only in Osaka for a night, but as soon as we hit the ground back in Japan I just felt like I was home. There’s something that has always pulled me towards this place. I’m not sure how I’m going to leave in a few years. Hopefully by then somewhere else will be calling to me just as strong.
After that trip it was right back into the new year with the teacher change and the new classes. Introduction lessons were about the only time I’ve had lesson with my 1st year JHS kids this semester so I’ve had words with my JTEs and they’ve paid lip service at least to timetabling me in for next Semester. Somewhere in this time I got pissed at my ES Supervisor for all the mucking around with the timetable and not informing the Japanese ALT about the changes and making her come all the way in for no classes or classes in the afternoon only. It stopped happening for a while...then it happened again today. Hopefully it was a one off thing or I’m going to have to talk to the BOE because it’s really not fair on anyone.
There were a bunch of Hanami parties ect too around this time. Also a couple more farewell parties. I applied for RA some time in Feb and got the position in March/April along with another person who is super cool and motivated, so that has had me busy. In May there was Golden Week, which I did pretty much nothing in, besides go down to the Ikazaki Kite festival on Children's day again. It was fantastic. My ES had their Undokai/Sports Day in May too due to the big Paralympic championship being held here in September. It was so much fun this time, I dodged between tents and got to hang out with the really little kids as well as their parents and we all enjoyed cheering for our teams. The team I was on won for a change!!!
I graded from Green belt to brown finally after a four year period of dodging grading for Karate. I’ve learnt about 4 more kata since I have been here too, which is overwhelming. My teacher is threatening me with my black belt either at the end of this year or middle of next....so better get into shape a bit more before then.
I bought a new skate board and have gone out a couple of times with my friend and his girlfriend. It’s surprisingly easier to cruise on compared to the old k-mart board I had, though I miss my longboard something shocking. I also miss being able to cruise around on it like back in Uni, you can’t really do that here without breaking the law or getting run over by someone.
In June we held our first RA event, doing Iyo-kasuri dying in Matsuyama. It went well for a first event, I just need to relax a bit and plan stuff out for myself a bit more. The next event we’re hoping to hold is one for a Beach day after all the new people come in. But that is after Orientation, so I am going to start plotting that in about two weeks.
I also did the Shimanami Kaido again with AJET. This time it actually went a lot better, it RAINED something fierce on the second to last island so we basically swam up the last couple of hills, but it was well worth it. It was hot, but not unbearable. There was also a festival at the end of it in Onomichi which was cool. The morning after, on the way to get breakfast we ran into on of the guys I came in with in 2015. I can’t for the life of me remember his name, but he pointed us in the direction of a really nice bakery. So props fellow kiwi. Best Curry-pan I have ever had.
I took the JLPT N4 on July 2nd. I’m pretty sure I failed again. But I only have myself to blame. I need to figure out how to study. I was always one of those kids that did really well on tests with relatively little study at High School, I just needed to pay attention in class and do the homework. But everything changed when the firenation..I mean Uni attacked. I know for a fact my conversational Japanese has gotten heaps better (though it is strongly Iyo-ben/Yankii/Inaka), my reading and writing hasn’t improved at all. Nor has my ability to do their shitty grammar puzzles, really the format of that section is going to be what makes me fail in tests I study for even...but for now it’s over, I think I’ll wait until this time next year to sit it again, if I pass I’ll aim for N3.
This last weekend there was the AJET leaving party on Kashima island in Hojo. It was a bit surreal to be quite honest. A fair few of the people who came in with me, as well as the sempai who guided us through our first month, are leaving. I know life will plug on as normal after they’re gone, that is the transient nature of this job, but it is going to be odd for a bit having new faces around in a couple of weeks.
It’s made me realize how fast time is going. I have no plan for after JET yet. I have no ambition or motivation really. I don’t really have anything waiting for me back home other than Student debt and few job prospects. So for now I guess the plan is to take more TESOL courses, brush up on my Japanese and look into what I need to acquire a similar job after my final renewal.
One of my 5th graders was on the island when we got there. So that was weird....but she was really cool today, bragging to all her friends about how she saw me and my friends. A bunch of kids were surprised I even had friends, but that’s another story for another time. The next day as I was going to pick my bike up from the repair shop (my back tire burst on my way to the supermarket/station on Saturday) I ran into one of the shyer 6th Grade kids and her cousin. We had a special fifth grade lesson with my teacher for JHS, we’re doing phonics, and it’s equal parts hilarious and terrifying how kiwi these kids sound.
This weekend there is E-Talk camp, which I am looking forward too. One of the few decent 2nd year JHS boys is doing it again this year as well as one of my fave 3rd year girls. I think there might be one more kid, but my teacher didn’t really confirm that yet. I’ll find out on Saturday hopefully.
I’m going to my ES End of term party on Thursday, which I am looking forward to, but also dreading. The nurse who has been at the school for the last year or so is transferring out to Seiriyo High School and we’re getting someone new. So this party will be the last time I see her for a while. She’s been pretty cool about me coming in and out and chatting with the kids who have anxiety issues and the kids who aren’t feeling well, but are still genki enough to be sitting up. It’s also been really nice to hide in the nurses office while I don’t have classes because I can do my homework there a lot faster than I can in the teachers room, and they had the aircon on earlier...and not as high as the teachers room does...either way, I hope the dynamic doesn’t change too much, especially for the two kids who have that place as their refuge.
Next week, I have a trip to Tokyo coming up. I need to get off of the island for a bit again I think. And I need to do it on my own. So I’ve booked five days away, and only have tentative plans to meet up with my former Japanese housemate. I want to climb Takao-san, even though people say it’s nothing special and I want to go to Ueno Zoo and do a couple of nerdy things in Akiba/Ikebukuro again. I just need to push myself a little more. Then it’ll be right back into Orientation Prep and welcoming the new kids.
Orientation prep is a bit stressful. I screwed up and made things complicated for everyone by trying to be considerate of my stressed out JHS JTEs. At the end of the day I should have just bitten the bullet and started planing the whole demonstration lesson on my own and run through it with whoever I was going to do it with a couple of times before the actual event, but noooooooo I had to go and try change things up by asking if we could have one of the other ALTs in our region do it with our old boss....but that’s a problem for tomorrow or the end of the week. I am confident I can pull it off if things fall through, but if not, there is really only me to blame for it all.
I have so much to do before I leave, but I should wack the last of the urgent stuff out by tomorrow afternoon. If not, I took leave on Friday, so between cleaning my house up for Micheal to stay here on his last night while I am away and packing (hopefully not too hung over) I have time to get the bulk of what I need done out of the way before my holiday and the printing deadline.
Basically I am happy, a little stressed, somewhat frustrated with lack of classes at my JHS, but also shit scared of the future. What else is new....
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Team Voltron + Doggos
I see your pupper head cannons and I raise you ex-Vet Tech and daughter of an animal control officer pupper head cannons
Shiro + American Pit Bull Terrier
as a man who was kidnapped, possibly tortured, experimented upon, and forced to fight I’m actually surprised that nobody gives this man a pit bull
in america especially, pitties are used for dog fighting because of their amazing sense of loyalty and eagerness to please. they are easy to take advantage of
Just imagine Shiro visiting this big beefy pupper with scars all over its face because it reminded him of himself
now don’t think about the moment shelter staff tells him it was a bait dog - forced to fight and when it refused, it was used as bait for other, more willing dogs
that dog will be adopted in a heart beat and shiro will spend the rest of its life spoiling the shit out of that dog because they’ve both been through awful experiences and deserve happiness
Of course Shiro knows he can never have another dog with an ex-fighter without serious training but it is his ambition to have all the ex-fighting doggos
beefy man with beefy dog, both with sweet dispositions? A+++ shit right there
Keith + Dachshund
I know, i know, but hear me out
Anyone who works with dogs on a regular basis will probably agree that the dog breed mostly likely to attack without good reason is the wiener dog (Here.)
ok, i may exaggerate but these little guys are feisty and it was routine at the vet clinic to have one person open a dachshund’s kennel and the other be ready with a towel to wrap that little guy up bc they were ready to get you
also you have to tape the heck out of their legs to keep an IV in because they will tear it out (tell me that’s not Keith)
stubborn, jealous, clever, playful, and loyal to their family these little guys are so full of personality but like Keith, you gotta offer support and proper redirection so they don’t go nuts and lash out
also, Keith carrying his pupper in his jacket with just it’s little head hanging out? Perfect. Beautiful. Revolutionary. Astounding.
Hunk + Newfoundland
these are true gentle giants. they are so sweet and they’re really really smart! Like hella smart!
also they were breed to haul things so imagine Hunk’s Newfy pulling a small cart while he loads it up with parts
Most Newfies are super friendly with kids, adults, other dogs, and are wonderful family dogs because they will tolerate just about anything - much like Hunk who is a literal ray of sunshine who just wants everyone to be happy
while not overtly protective dogs, there are tons of stories about Newfies jumping into water to save people from drowning so that goes nice with Hunk’s disposition as a literal shield for the smaller lions
where Hunk throws some serious shade at people he thinks are shifty (Rolo and Nyma) these big boofers don’t really do that but like all large dog breeds, there is still the possibility of your Newfie being a bit aggressive towards things they deem threatening
Hunk’s Newfie would totes pick up on anyone Hunk doesn’t like and just sit there rumbling. Once Team Voltron notices they’re just like ‘yeah ok, these people are not cool because listen, this dog likes everyone.”
Hunk getting covered in dog slobber every time he comes back into the room? Classic. <3
Lance + Chihuahua
These are super social puppers! Like, they are seriously prone to anxiety when left alone so for a cuban boy who is probably used to having tons of family around before he got launched into space this dog is a perfect match!
they don’t really care for other dogs, they just want to be with people and be liked by people, much like Lance who wants to be a bigger part of the team but feels like he’s left out
he’s got an inferiority complex and so do these dogs
seriously, chihuahuas talk some serious shit and will start things with dogs 5x their size. Lance kinda started shit with Keith, someone who he’s been compared to the moment he went to fighter class. you see the similarity?
but in reality this dog and this boy are just nervous wrecks who wanna be loved, please love them
unfortunately they can be prone to aggression which stems from their protectiveness but then I think of how Lance lashed out at Shiro for choosing Keith over him to go to the Blades and it’s like, ah yes. there’s that inferiority again.
While not the most intelligent dog breed, with hard work they can still learn a lot of things! I get the vibe that Lance also doesn’t have a lot of that natural talent (like Keith or Shiro who seem to learn things naturally), but he works extra hard and it shows in the end.
Lance is totally smart, he just has to work at it
I’ve known plenty of chihuahuas that took a bit longer to get the basics but once they did it was never lost. You just gotta be patient. They aren’t Aussies.
Lance would totally have a long haired chihuahua who wears bows and it always perfectly groomed. They go everywhere together with the pupper usually in either Lance’s hood or his arms.
Lance gets a chihuahua happy dance every time he comes back. He has a million videos of it.
Pidge + Australian Shepard
Pidge is super intelligent and kinda defensive if you keep needling her and she really reminds me of an Aussie
If this dog doesn’t respect you it will never do a damn thing you want which is very Pidge, and this goes hand in hand with just how smart these dogs are. they are hella smart, one of the smartest out there!
Aussies can be super protective of their owners but you gotta watch out for them mouths. Being a herding breed they will not hesitate to give a nip if you’ve crossed a line
I feel like Pidge can lash out if she’s feeling cornered or irritated and while she may not intentionally be mean, she can still say some hurtful things (i.e. when she snapped at Allura before the food fight) much like an Aussie who is saying ‘Hey, don’t do that.’ and nips because it’s what they do
Pidge is young and sometimes you gotta be like, ‘ok i get you’re upset but here’s why that wasn’t cool’, which is exactly what you have to do with a nippy Aussie. Don’t let either get away with that shizz
also aussies can get bored pretty easily without something to do so I think to get her Aussie to leave her be while tinkering, Pidge has it trained to fetch tools, the other paladins, and hold things for her as she’s working
also you will never be able to sneak up on Pidge bc Aussies are hella alert and will bark at everything
Allura + Borzoi
these are some of the most elegant dogs I have ever seen and they just fit my beloved Space Princess
not a breed for children or the inexperienced, borzoi’s can be quiet and reserved inside but they are also perfect workout partners!
they are runners so they’re perfect companions for that
however they are chasers (cats and dogs smaller than them need to watch out) so it takes someone with great strength and an excellent trainer to keep a borzoi in check
much like a princess, you will have a tough time getting this breed to listen willy-nilly (let’s say, unlike a Labrador)
were also companions to royalty so these dogs are used to getting what they want
can be sketchy with people they don’t know so like don’t touch them suddenly (I’m looking at u Lance) but if their yours they’re literally so chill and kinda silly
Allura lounging gracefully in bed with a glass of wine with her equally elegant pupper who wears a diamond collar? 11/10
Coran + Schnauzer
Two words: Matching. Moustaches.
But that’s not all these two have in common! Shnauzers are:
super intelligent with a knack for spotting weaknesses
stubborn
excellence guard dogs
more athletic than you would think (Coran has got a booty my dudes)
these dogs are easy to train but they also train you. they will learn everything they can and use it to their advantage.
had a neighborhood schnauzer who knew all the schedules of the college kids who walked by and if you were one who played with him he would toss his ball through the gate so you can throw it
would also bark at you if you didn’t actually throw it, you had to throw that thing because he would not stop until you did
if you ignored him, he would ignore you the next day but eventually forgave you
Coran is a royal advisor, these are regal dogs
the AKC describes them as ‘smart, fearless, sometimes willful; spirited, but ever reliable’ which seems to fit Coran as well
Coran and his Schnauzer waltzing downtown during a warm sunny day is my jam.
#voltron imagines#voltron scenarios#voltron headcannons#voltron dog au#voltron dog headcannons#allura#coran#pidge gunderson#lance mcclain#hunk garrett#keith kogane#takashi shirogane#shiro#keith#hunk#vld#listen to me dachshunds are evil#so are yorkies#i hate them so#mod sel
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Monsta X as Mystic Messenger Characters
requested by anon~
a/n: hi anon! so i decided that monsta x being as actual(idk) characters so i hope that u enjoy this!
masterlist
Shownu;
son hyunwoo would be a mixture of Jumin Han and V.
he’d be really serious all the time, only thinking of the things that would help him in his company and those whom he hold close to his heart,
HOWEVER, yes however, Shownu still knows when to have fun and have a good laugh with the boys, especially when they’ll have the parties
and of course, Shownu would also be one of the members who would have a lot of guests coming in thanks to his enigmatic aura.
but then he’d only share confidential information to maybe Changkyun, or Kihyun.
He’d be tight shut if he discovers an information that might cause a commotion among the members.
AND HE DOES NOT HAVE A CAT OKAY.
Shownu would also be good in combat,
and he’s ready to protect OC, aka. [y/n], from the threats that she would receive after entering Rika’s apartment.
He also has a good sense of humor..
maybe changing his profile picture in the RFA app
with a picture of him with a monobrow, a dark, full mustache and a bald head… (aka just like what Jumin did lol)
and he’s pretty rich…. like jumin…
BUT he does have a good relationship with his father
Wonho;
shin hoseok would be a lot like zen
but he’s a famous singer and songwriter, not an actor
he’s a sweetheart to be honest
shin hoseok knows that he’s handsome but it won’t be to the extent where he boasts and brings the attention to him
he’d literally listen to other people, giving them a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to every single problem they’ve bottled up
okay, WONHO WOULD BE REALLY POPULAR AMONG THE WOMEN
all of the guests that he’d be able to invite would be women and music companies
he has a soft spot for his family and friends
but due to the fact that he’s always focusing on other people
it’d be a big downside for him
he’d be bottling up his problems and emotions that would cause him depression
BUT BUT BUT BUT once he met [y/n], the OC, everything would change to be honest
he’s a really jolly person, always smiling and of course, his lisp won’t be gone
he’s also the big brother of the RFA members and he has a good relationship with Shownu despite the differences of their success and personal background
Minhyuk;
lee minhyuk is definitely like Yoosung..he’d be that fresh college grad who’s practically addicted to playing to overwatch
the members would be curious on how he could be practically active on their chatroom all the time and play overwatch all the time….
but then since he’s practically addicted to overwatch, he would go out of his apartment…
and would probably just live off with some convenience store kimbap or ramyeon and some water… and iced americano
the boys would be so worried about him and his future to be honest
like he’s spending all of his money on overwatch that he couldn’t even throw in a proper meal for himself
HOWEVER due to his addiction to overwatch, he’d also be able to meet famous players from all over the world
and would probably invite guests that…. are one of his kind…
he’s a real chatterbox and sometimes…. the member would mute the chatroom… since he’d be spamming them
and when he’s drunk, and he, idk knows that [y/n] is interested on another member,
he’d probably drunk call that guy who [y/n] would be interested and bawl his eyes out, telling them to take care of [y/n] and whatnot, and would probably whine and act like a baby, telling his hyung aka Wonho to drink up since its his treat lol only to find out that [y/n] likes him lol
but then there would be a time when he finally removes himself from playing overwatch, socializing with random people, learning new hobbies like being a dog whisperer or something and even getting a job offering from SHOWNU AND KIHYUN BUT HED TURN DOWN KIHYUN SINCE HE OFFERED HIM TO BE THE ONE WHO CLEANS THE WHOLE CAFE...
Kihyun;
yoo kihyun would be like assistant kang or jaehee to be exact
but then i think he’s more like of a cafe owner but also in a joint corporation with shownu somehow
he’s practically really healthy that he would tell the boys to have a decent meal at the exact time for those meals
and he’d be practically like the mom… as usual
kihyun would nag at the boys, telling them to start looking for guests and even he’d organize the whole thing with [y/n]
but then he’d be really sensitive at times that he’d literally bark at the members if he finds something wrong about their choice of words or action
he’d also be practically overprotective with everyone especially with [y/n] but then.. at first he was cold towards [y/n]… lol
telling the boys to piss off and to not flirt with her, especially to uhm wonho or hyungwon
since it might “ruin” their names and dreams and whatnot
BUT THE TRUTH IS…. he likes you
like who wouldn’t okay
kihyun would also be like the ASSISTANT of shownu but it’s like the other way around since…. shownu would practically ask kihyun for advice and some ideas and if his project could gain a lot of positive feedbacks and whatnots
and of course, kihyun has a lot of connections, which means he has a lot of potential guests to invite
Hyungwon;
chae hyungwon would also be like zen but also a mixture of v
hyungwon is a full-time model, which a lot companies would die to have him, and he’s pretty quiet to be honest
he’d be the member of the RFA who would only speak up during important matters or when he’s teasing the boys special mention to wonho and kihyun ehe th th th th
but then despite him being quiet, he’s a good company for the boys
he may be quiet at the chatroom but when he’s on the phone or meeting the boys, he’d be super active and he’d practically speak up
when you first UNEXPECTED entered their chatroom, he wouldn’t talk to you to be honest since stranger danger
since hyungwon is also a famous model, it’d also be hard to contact him (just like v) since he barely has any time to check his phone due to his packed schedule
but even though he’s gone, he wouldn’t forget to bring back some souvenir and gifts for the members and he’d also be able to get those big time potential guests since who doesn’t want to be invited by this man???? and by wonho???
and hyungwon would also be overprotective like he’d literally tell shownu to bring him to [y/n] or to the members who are in danger
but then when he has his day off, you wouldn’t be able to get replies from him since he’d be catching zzzs or if the members are hanging with him, they’d be talking to him and if they remove their eyes off of him, he’d be asleep even if he’s just sitting down without any support from his back
Jooheon;
jooheon is also like yoosung but a little bit like zen in terms of ambition and dedication
just like minhyuk, he’s also a fresh college grad but he’s earned himself some reputation for having such charisma and strong appearance, giving off a cool vibe
but then he’s got a big heart, he’s really kind, loving and all that is opposite to his stage persona
he’s really jolly and upbeat when he’s with the members, or even he’s just talking to them
being a famous rapper with a lot of fans and a lot of well-known rappers as friends is also an advantage for jooheon since he can invite them to their charity party
since jooheon’s really close with the RFA members, he’d trust all his problems and secrets to them but those deep dark secrets are something he’d just bottle up
and when the members would find out about it, they’d never expect that from jooheon…. since he’s been having this happy and problem-less facade for such a long time (well he’s also like seven)
but then all those facade would disappear when he meets [y/n]
anyways, jooheon would also be the type of person to call the members from time to time, checking if their safe or any suspicious incidents that has happened and whatnot
and he get along perfectly with changkyun since their minds really connect when it comes to crazy antics
I.M;
well let me tell you guys something, lim changkyun is like seven or 707
he’d be still a college student to be honest but then he’d stop since he’s already smart
he knows a lot of things that the members do NOT know about and the only person that he reports to would be shownu but then he’d slip sometimes and tell it to minhyuk, having that secret being spread within seconds
his house would be filled with advanced technologies and what not that he wouldn’t even dare to step out off of his house since who would not be entertained with all these awesome gadgets like c’mon!!
AND HE’D BE ALSO INCHARGE WITH ALL THOSE ENTERTAINING GUESTS
like he’d invite the fattest dog or cat to the party… who’s probably famous i guess
and since he likes children, he’d also invite the smartest kid in the world
and changkyun would also cross-dress to obtain certain information that needs to hide his identity….
and despite changkyun being busy with all his fancy gadgets, i think he’d still be able to throw a proper meal for himself.. unlike some people minhyuk this is for you sorry
and there would always be a snack that he’d always consume while doing his work and sometimes he’d just order some chinese food for his snacks or pizza idk
and guess what, changkyun will still have an awesome body since he works out during his free time
changkyun would also be that member to sprout out random facts in the chatroom, making the other members go ‘omg are u srs?!’ and he’s pretty secretive to be honest that it’d be hard to read him
#monsta x#monsta x mystic messenger#monsta x imagines#monsta x imagine#monsta x scenarios#monsta x scenario#monsta x reactions#monsta x reaction#monsta x oneshot#shownu#wonho#minhyuk#kihyun#hyungwon#jooheon#changkyun#i.m#shownu imagines#shownu imagine#shownu scenarios#shownu scenario#shownu reactions#shownu reaction#shownu oneshot#wonho imagines#wonho imagine#wonho scenarios#wonho scenario#wonho reactions#wonho reaction
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Genre : Cyberpunk, Sports!, action, cool
Studio: TMS Entertainment
After the fun I had turning Sanrio Boys into a grim psychological thriller last season, I really wanted to reproduce the experience with an new show in Spring 2018. This proved to be more challenging than I first figured as all the shows I had access to where either full blown parodies already, or really interesting, and I wanted to review them in earnest. Megalobox falls into the second category. Nevertheless, I really had my heart set on the project and since I do have a soft spot for Sports anime, I decide to try my hand at whitewashing Megalobox to give you the pg mildly hoyay Sports anime version. Wish Me Luck!
let’s all watch anime!
Before we get into it, let me just preface this by saying Megalobox is fantastic. Well at least the first episode is. I am a die hard fan of Hajime no Ippo so as soon as I see a pair of animated boxing gloves I’m so there. There is a scene in Hajime, where illustrious boxer and golden boy Takamura is getting ready for a championship fight. In preparation for the weight in, this hulking mass of muscles hasn’t eaten, has been drinking thimbles of water to stay alive while chewing and spitting out dried shiitake to leach moisture out of his body. After days of this, we see him just about at his limit, sobbing alone in his living room out of sheer exhaustion. It’s a powerful scene that still haunts me. I’ve been waiting for a show to illicit this type of visceral reaction.
And Megalobox did not disappoint. It’s absolutely gorgeous. A mix of luxurious, detailed animation with a certain classic flair to the designs. It reminded my of Bebop or Battle Angel Alita (Ashen Victor to be more precise), with a touch of borderlands (yes the game) or Mad Max thrown in. If any of that sounds good to you, go watch the first episode and tell me what you thought. I’m very excited for the rest of the season.
super exciting!
Now let’s see if I can completely ruin it by running it through a Disney filter… I’m usually better at making sappy, silly things into foreboding tales of woe so this will be quite a challenge.
Ahem.
There is an unfortunate prevailing misconception that Sports! anime is nothing more than cute boys doing cute things, with balls…. I personally challenge that notion and will happily go down defending my beloved genre any day of the week but it becomes hard to argue when faced with something like Megalobox. You know what they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. So what if J.D. and his friends happen to be very cute, there’s nothing wrong with that? Right?
oh no…he’s sexy when he’s pensive…
As we are rolling into the second week of April here with snow on the ground and well below freezing temperatures in Montreal, it was a blissfully warming sight to have the episode open on what can only be described as an eternal summer. A radiant sun shining in a cloudless sky over a terrain that seemed to have never even seen a single snowflake, I was transported into a world that made me forget the very notion of winter for a second there. I have always enjoyed the perpetual summer afternoons of sports anime, where you could practice outdoor for hours without a care in the world.
It’s in this warm and serene atmosphere that we first meet Junk Dog or J.D. to his friends. A pretty standard sports protagonist as far as they go. Shorter than most and an ultimate underdog, he is driven by an unquenchable thirst to win despite having lost pretty much every fight he’s taken part in.
a nice, sunny, joyride
This being a Sports Anime, J.D. has of course no parents and apparently no other care or ambition other than boxing. As a twist, boxing in the Megalo Box universe, does involve bio-mechanic prosthetic, which add flashing colors and impossibly fast movements to fighing scenes, no unlike the latter seasons of Kuroko no Basuke.
Of course J.D. has a smart mouth, irreverent coach to bicker with and a group of local frenerivals..frivals? rivends?, to prove himself to but in his first match onscreen, he once again looses in the first round.
earpiece coordination – of course!
Trying to figure out what he should do from here, he accidentally runs into the pretty token girl of the show. I bet she’s going to become team manager at some point. It will probably take some finessing since there aren’t really any women in men’s boxing and it isn’t a team sport but I’m sure the show will figure something out.
For a second, I thought I saw some potential sparks flying but their meeting got cut short by obvious antagonist, and potential love rival, Yuri. Yuri is a boxing champion, towering both physically and metaphorically over J.D., he represents everything our hero longs for and seems to possess everything he wants. There initial rain soaked meeting is interrupted at its climax, in a hilariously anticlimactic scene after an overly intense slow motion build up. It’s obvious that J.D. and Yuri will have to face off at some point but they are in two completely different leagues. To add to the stereotypical jerky persona, it appears Yuri is also quite rich and unlikely to cross paths with J.D. on a daily basis.
best girl…only girl… po-ta-to, po-tah-toe
But the faithed conformation takes place sooner than anyone would have guessed. During J.D.’s next fight, Yuri has unexpectedly taken the role of challenger. The episode ends before the start of the match but just in time to see the boys exchanging some begrudgingly respectful, and maybe just a little longing, looks.
I’m thinking either way, they will punch each others issues out and we can then settle in for a long season of really intense friendship for these two guys. I can’t wait!
Hmmm, I’m not sure I quite pulled it off here. It’s just the first episode so I haven t really hit my stride yet. Well I loved the episode so there’s no loss here. I hope you enjoyed it too.
completely justified picture… he’s a very important..uh…what was I saying?
I’ll be honest, screen caps were oddly challenging to compile for this episode. The animation is sumptuous but somehow I didn’t manage to capture the stills that puts it across. I’ll still share what I got in case you like some of them:
MEGALOBOX Ep 1 Wish Me Luck Genre : Cyberpunk, Sports!, action, cool Studio: TMS Entertainment After the fun I had turning Sanrio Boys into a grim psychological thriller last season, I really wanted to reproduce the experience with an new show in Spring 2018.
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I was recently talking to someone brilliant, 24 years old, beautiful and that person thought that they had already wasted their life.
There are a million metrics and achievements this person has already notched off – things that I can’t even imagine achieving. That didn’t matter. It wasn’t enough.
She called herself a loser. Her life, she claimed, was a waste.
Half the women I know have created themselves and their dreams and expectations in the likeness of a rom-com, which is explained so well in this column by Heather Havrilesky in Vulture. She wrote:
But your concept of yourself makes no sense. You got it from a rom-com. Age 35 is not an expiration date on your beauty or your worth. It doesn’t matter if every single human alive believes this. It’s your job to cast this notion out forever. I’m 48 years old and I’m determined not to tell a story about myself that started in some beauty-product boardroom, among unimaginative corporate marketing professionals. I fail at this quest often, but I’m still determined.
But then there are a bunch of us who don’t or didn’t care about rom-com images. Some of us have massive savior complexes. Some of us want glory. Some of us want to be remembered forever. Some of us have modeled our lives off Marvel movies and Captain America or Ancient Macedonian kings. We’re not much better off.
From fourth through eighth grade my true life ambition was to take a bullet meant for Bono of U2. I would dive on stage, heroically be killed, die in his arms painlessly somehow. And all of Ireland would be so overcome by my sacrifice that they would instantly broker peace. The entire world would do the same.
Saviour complex, much?
I was a weird kid, obviously, raised on too much Doctor Who and Star Trek. But I wasn’t about romance or babies. I wasn’t into getting married. I didn’t want to be defined by my husband or my marriage or my kids. I wanted to define me. I know! I know! The horror.
But we don’t have to be saviors either. There is so much pressure to be something that our culture, our society, our books and movies and television show, Instagram photos and YouTube videos want us to be.
But what makes us feel truly like we have a purpose, that we aren’t a waste of space and resources, that we matter? For a lot of us, connections, doing good, friendships. For some of us that still isn’t enough? We are on an endless quest for more, to be better, to do better, to make the most of our time on this earth. Or we are on an endless quest to meet the expectations that society has placed upon us.
We have to find a way to discover who we are and what we want.
Havrilensky wrote:
I’m going to choose to embrace narratives that make me feel more alive and able to contribute whatever twisted crafts I can to this world, while I can.
I’ve been posting a piece of art or a video on my Facebook every Friday because it is what scares me. There’s this weird vulnerability in those forms of communication that make me feel especially vulnerable, but I want to be a better artist. I want to be unafraid about who I am. Those scary Friday posts are part of me going for that instead of just hiding my paintings in the basement.
I grew up poor but in a pretty intellectual household. There were assigned roles. I was the quirky weird one wearing Snoopy shoes. My brother was the ambitious gorgeous one. My sister was the good one. I was the one who read books, who was nerdy and self-righteous. I heard narratives about who I should be all my childhood. I bet you did, too.
Mine were:
You’re shy.
They thought you were blind when you were born. You still don’t notice things.
You are weird.
You are smart. You’re the smart one.
You aren’t an athlete. You have weak ankles.
You aren’t an artist. Nobody in this family is an artist.
But who I thought I was meant to be was also defined by what was said about my much older siblings but never said about me:
Your brother is so successful.
Look at his dimples. He’s so beautiful. People just stare and stare at him. What an athlete.
Your sister is so kind. Her heart is so big.
Your sister loves children. Your sister is so good.
Me in a U2 shirt, hiding my face because I’m the quirky one, not the good looking one.
Those narratives shape us. Combine them with comparing ourselves to television tropes and superheroes, rom-coms and Instagram perfection and it’s hard to be okay with who we are. Shakespeare said that comparisons are odious. There’s a reason for that. They make us feel shame. They make us feel jealous. They make us feel less. Or they make us think of others as less.
Here’s the thing: Nobody is less. I’m going to leave you with two solid paragraphs of Havrilensky because her article is brilliant and true.
What if you just decided that you’re an artist, today, right now? You’re sensitive and erratic, maybe. You’re maudlin and also expansive. What would it look like to own that identity, as a means of making art, sure, but also as a means of owning your FULL SELF? You wouldn’t feel as angry at other artists. You would recognize them as kindred spirits. You might notice how your shame matches theirs, and fuels all of you. You might feel proud of your small creations and you might start to see how every single thing you’ve done, every place you’ve been, every town you’ve lived in and left, every friend you’ve gotten to know and then forgotten, they all add up to a giant pile of treasure.
You are 95 years old, looking back at your 35-year-old self, and this is what you see: a young woman, so young, so disappointed, even though everything is about to get really good. She doesn’t see how much she’s accomplished, how much she’s learned, how many new joys await her. She doesn’t know how strong she is. She is blindfolded, sitting on a mountain of glittering gems. She is beautiful, but she feels ugly. She has a rich imagination and a colorful past, but she feels poor. She thinks she deserves to be berated because she has nothing. She has everything she needs.
What is it that you want to be? Who do you want to see? Be that person. Love that person.
Writing and Other News
OUR PODCAST – DOGS ARE SMARTER THAN PEOPLE.
Thanks to all of you who keep listening to our weirdness as we talk about random thoughts, writing advice and life tips. We’re sorry we laugh so much… sort of. Please share it and subscribe if you can. Please rate and like us if you are feeling kind, because it matters somehow. There’s a new episode every Tuesday!
Art.
I do art stuff. You can find it and buy a print here.
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Time Stoppers!
You can order my middle grade fantasy novel Time Stoppers Escape From the Badlands here or anywhere.
People call it a cross between Harry Potter and Percy Jackson but it’s set in Maine. It’s full of adventure, quirkiness and heart.
Moe Berg
The Spy Who Played Baseball is a picture book biography about Moe Berg. And… there’s a movie out now about Moe Berg, a major league baseball player who became a spy. How cool is that?
It’s awesome and quirky and fun.
FLYING AND ENHANCED
Men in Black meet Buffy the Vampire Slayer? You know it. You can buy them here or anywhere.
Flying
OUR PODCAST – DOGS ARE SMARTER THAN PEOPLE.
Thanks to all of you who keep listening to our weirdness as we talk about random thoughts, writing advice and life tips. We’re sorry we laugh so much… sort of. Please share it and subscribe if you can. Please rate and like us if you are feeling kind, because it matters somehow. There’s a new episode every Tuesday!
Writing Coach
I offer solo writing coach services. For more about my individual coaching, click here.
Writing Barn
I am super psyched to be teaching the six-month long Write. Submit. Support. class at the Writing Barn!
Are you looking for a group to support you in your writing process and help set achievable goals? Are you looking for the feedback and connections that could potentially lead you to that book deal you’ve been working towards?
Our Write. Submit. Support. (WSS) six-month ONLINE course offers structure and support not only to your writing lives and the manuscripts at hand, but also to the roller coaster ride of submissions: whether that be submitting to agents or, if agented, weathering the submissions to editors.
Past Write. Submit. Support. students have gone on to receive representation from literary agents across the country. View one of our most recent success stories here.
Apply Now!
Who You Are Is Enough But You Can Still Be Even More I was recently talking to someone brilliant, 24 years old, beautiful and that person thought that they had already wasted their life.
#advice#bemore#carriejones#culturalnarratives#falsenarratives#friendship#kidlit#maienauthors#mondaymotivation#motivation#self#selfworth#womenidentity#writinglife#youareenough#youarenotaloser
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At first glance
I’m biking through Vondelpark, tired, cause I barely slept last night. I’m nervous yes. It has been a while since I came out of my door to set course into uncharted water. Nevertheless, the park is gorgeous. Curved old trees, green grass, small lakes and ponds. Winding bike trails, and pot-smoking tourists chilling around. It all makes me proud and feel like a true Dutchy. We accomplished a lot in the Netherlands. We are as free as a society should be allowed to, we can choose our own thoughts and speak our honest minds, yet respecting the macro direction a society needs so painfully. We are not necessarily smart or wise people. That makes we wonder how we established such prosperity. Like the freedom to travel to many countries, proper healthcare, welfare for all who don’t want to, or can’t work, elderly care, state pensions and so on. Every time I come back home after travels I’m in awe with the cleanliness and efficiency this nation enjoys. I’ve contemplated a lot why it is like it is. It can’t be thanks to our intelligence, cause frankly; most of us are far from it. Neither do we have a lot of natural recourses, just some sophisticated agriculture, natural gas, trading and a big merchant fleet. Maybe I’m not fully educated on the subject but I think it has more to do with the systems we have in place. I mean, this country has very little corruption, high tax, and a big government to guarantee our needs. And talking about taxes, nobody really complains about it. We pay a minimum of 34 and maximum of 56 percent income tax, not to even start about the many others, all the way up to tax we pay for having dogs. That’s just the way it is, people think, but we all realize how much we get back for it. I personally don’t care if people would rather live on welfare than work; it’s their decision to be whom they want to be using the options provided by the state. In the end, they are still consumers, keeping our economic motor running smoothly. If there wouldn’t be welfare, some of these people will just be homeless non-working liabilities, and the small businessman would be off worse.
Anyway, I’m biking through the park, during a workweek evening. It’s a foggy, dark, but rather warm night. With a beam of illuminated mist underneath them, the streetlights shine jazzy. One after another, looking surreal and peaceful, marking the trail in which I drive my squeaking bike to someone new. My legs are propelling the paddles without much effort over the smooth surfaced road with a slight zooming of the wind in my ears. As I bike around a corner, where a massive pristine Dutch oak is chilling out, I see a manlike-silhouette standing on top of a quaint bridge. With two hands on the wheel of my grandma’s old retractor brake bike I approach this silhouette, not fully understanding what this is all about. He’s standing there, by himself, but why? What is he doing? What is the weirdness of tonight going to offer me now? I think sometimes we all feel a bit odd about the world don’t we? Like a mix between a feeling of weirdness and freakiness, and we wonder whether phenomena are evolving for us personally or because it’s just the way it is. So as I approach I see above him one of these jazzy lights spotlighting his body, making him stand out in the mist. It’s obvious he wants passing strangers to peek, he likes the attention, but for what? I hear no music, no instruments, just the sound of his shoes sliding over the deck. He’s wearing a fedora hat, black suit and lacquer shoes. Closing in I finally see - that’s it, he’s a Michael Jackson impersonator. Dancing on his own, in Amsterdam, where he obviously belongs. Performing all his heroes’ classic, tight poses, which are burned in every man’s soul. There he is, dancing the night away, being a delight for the unexpected eye. Man do I love this city, she never tells what to find behind the next corner, offering us daily surprises which can be weird, inspiring, or amusing.
Of course she is late. Very expectable to the realist, not to me, the dreamer. It’s not really helping me stay calm though. I’m nervous, like I said before. I tried getting some sleep after work, so at least I would be slightly more rested now, but of course it was just staring at the sealing. Finding irregularities in the paintwork for a while, an hour or so, while contemplating conversations and questions of which the answer I couldn’t care about. Okay, I have to be honest, I’m very nervous. My stomach is a bit upset and my conscious mind rather stays at home, where it comfortable. It nevertheless has been a long while since I last stepped out of the door, took a leap of faith and aimed for the unexplored. I have been turned into ice; numb with little color left. I’m in the middle of one of my darkest episodes.
My job sucks and everything else kind of as well, dramatic, yes. I’m doing one of these boring operational jobs in the shipping industry in a way too efficient office building. Rows of desks interrupted with hip hangout areas that would make the die-hard office guru go wild, but not me. It has numbed me down to a point of absolute futility. I feel stuck in my paychecks and financial obligations towards my landlord, the state and commercial pleasure. Barely making it through each month, I’ve entered a vicious circle that, as long as I do nothing, will keep on spinning till the end of my time. “What am I doing this for?” or “What's the point of living if all we’re doing is staying alive?” are questions I asked myself frequently. On a beautiful winter morning, with sunset just an hour away I would bike to the train station, where I, together with other depressed iPhone junkies, would be expecting the arrival of a train. Waiting for my deportation to Amsterdam airport. ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’, I just need to keep working hard enough so that one day I would be free from the misery. Waiting for the day on which my bank account will be overflowing with digits, but this off course never happens to a simple guy like me, and deep down I know. It's silent in the train; necks are curved downwards, thumbs swiping past hot trends, food hacks and tag-a-friend bullshit. As long as we don't have to look at each other, talk to each other, or even worse, smile, we'll be fine. I get out of the train; I'm at Schiphol airport now, a state of the art, super cool and immensely efficient human trafficking hub. I'm being sarcastic yes. Walking to my office, together with nicely suited loners, I wonder if anyone could be truly happy with a life like this. Their leather laptop bag bouncing off their skinny underfed butt, their dark brown Mickey Mouse socks peaking underneath their, just too short, pantaloons and their hair smooth like the 90s. I think by myself 'what am I doing here? It’s obvious I don’t fit in'. Their objective: Capitalizing low hanging fruit, utilizing assets, decreasing liability and being a full-time douchebag. My objective: Making it through the day, hoping my ticket out will soon cross path. Without having many friends at work, most underpaid employees are constantly expanding their network, keeping me of course, a nobody-gives-a-fuck executional Ship Operator out of their ambitions. People are not people at the office, they are anticipated business partners or even worse the handshake they need in between the person they truly want to meet. Anyway, to cut things short, on a beautiful sunny day I would travel to work and return home in darkness, reflecting the emotional state I’m in.
Nevertheless, I’m in Amsterdam city centre now. Which beauty cannot be suppressed by the negativity of a single man. And for a moment, for one night, I’m not there; I’m here, being remarkably alert of my surroundings and conscious of the peace and tranquility underlying the hustle and bustle in this epicentre of diversity. I would ask you to close your eyes as I describe what I see but I figure this is a bit hard with a written story. I gaze around the streets that are dominated with 18th century Dutch architecture. A time wherein the design of houses exceed their function as ‘just a place where humans live’. The houses were simply made pretty, just because it was possible. Tall, skinny, with high ceilings and massive flamboyantly shaped windows. The façade on most houses would be graced with a single stone piece revealing the profession or occupation of the owner. A marble staircase, safeguarded by a railing which reinforcing inside structure would be an artwork of steel, leads up to the entrance. A massive three-meter tall wooden door, spiced up with stained glass and a cast iron ring, would shine its authority in your face. ‘You better be damn important!’ the door would say, if it could, but doors can’t speak, so….. it wouldn’t say that. Anyway.
One house after another, some crooked due to the swampy river soil they’re build on, some narrow, some enormously wide. But all as tall as its neighbor. Dimmed ambient light lusters out of most windows giving me the opportunity to glance, and drool, at the paneled ceilings and shimmering chandeliers. God she’s pretty, the city, I mean, in totality. As I, strained, walk a bit up and down the street I see bikers pass by. They’re obviously all heading out for something that’s about to happen, with somebody or without. Taxis, the grinding of trams through their tracks, and the famous bell to warn oblivious tourist of their presence, are filling up the background noises.
It’s 19:30 now, and she’s officially 10 minutes late. Excruciating difficult for a Dutch guy in general, extra excruciating to the tense state I’m in already. We said 19:20, it’s a well calculated time cause the concert starts at 20:30. We want to get to know each other first before jumping into a crowd of fans. The bar I told her to come to is closed; of course, it would all have been too easy. Nevertheless I’m waiting here, at the location we’re suppose to meet, not really knowing who will show up and what the fuck I’m getting myself into. Minutes, which more feel like quarters of an hour, pass by. I feel present though, exceptionally present, as in something is being lined up for me. I think we’ve all felt like that, a moment in time in which we feel something coming, either good or bad. We know it and we feel it. The colors, boosted by streetlights are rarely intense, my body feels well oiled, and sounds are experienced inside, rather than out. As my thoughts start to wonder away in stories I won’t remember creaking brakes caught my attention, “I’m so sorry I’m late” I hear, in a high pitched, slightly annoying Northern American accent. So I turn around and there she is.
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September 2017 Viewing List
Damn! Ain’t we back on a roll again?
Ingrid Goes West (17, B): You wanna make Mr. Ripley even more noxious? Swap in a palpably ill stalker. Plaza the exception of a smart cast. - Sept. 1
Death Note (17, F): Awful as an individual property, truly heinous & offensive as an adaptation. How could this protagonist be made so bland? - Sept. 2 (review)
You can palpably feel how much the Death Note people wanted Evan Peters and Emma Roberts for this. Also this is gross as shit.
I’m so fucking mad
John Dies At The End (12, B+): Who needs a budget to make something this fun and trippy? Keeps finding new ways to explore itself. - Sept. 3
Heavenly Creatures (94, A): Mad, yes, but everyone emerges as humans with their own, sometimes terrible wants. Love is in the air, and it hurts. - Sept. 3
That last scene, but especially that last shot of Melanie Lynskey, is gonna haunt me till I die isn’t it?
Citizen Kane (41, A): Hyperbolic sets the perfect living spaces of a man too big and finally too small to properly fill those rooms. - Sept. - 4
Beatriz at Dinner (17, B+): What else would the death of the world inspire but it’s own righteous anger? Why is that always scarier? - Sept. 4
Raising Bertie (17, A-): No tweet, but please rent it on iTunes. - Sept. 6
Modern Times (36, A+): Also no tweet, and streaming on Criterion so. Find it and savor it if you can. - Sept. 6
The Passion of Joan of Arc (28, A+): No tweet. Criterion. Pure fucking brilliance right here folks. - Sept. 6
Little Evil (17, D): Nothing again! But honestly, there’s just so little to say about it. - Sept. 7
Gremlins (84, B+): Amazing that you can be this morbid and this fun without bungling tone. Perfect antidote to all that holiday cheer. - Sept. 7
Is it really kid appropriate> Not sure how much it woulds resonated with my tiny ass save Frances Lee McCain(!!) slaying all those critters.
It (17, B+): So much dread and humor and kindess, in so many stripes. Marvelously made and indelibly cast. Has its kids and eats them too. - Sept. 9
Lady Macbeth (17, B): Impressively constructed as a taut, almost nasty experience, though so much so tough choices wind up easy to suss out. - Sept. 10
It (17, B+): This is such a great movie you guys. So amazingly made. Probably my favorite ensemble of the year. Who else wants to go? - Sept. 10
It’s so incredible that Pennywise and Georgie’s scene at the beginning somehow isn’t (or is it?) the film’s best scene yet fits the tone so perfectly.
I kept thinking of Juliette Lewis’s and Ileana Douglas’s big scenes with Robert DeNiro in Cape Fear. Those actors were amazing together. Fuck
The Conversation (74, A): Amazing that a story of paranoia stars a character so resistant to being seen, who winds up being even less. - Sept. 11
So many contradictions. That calm, maybe too calm score. A crime where every party plays the wrong roles. Spies who keep getting spied on.
Trouble the Water (08, A): Finds two of the best people to lead us through a terrifying, preventable, and poorly handled disaster. - Sept. 11
Get Out (17, A-): No tweet but friends. Romans. Countrymen. See it.Set it again. Or see it three times, like me did. - Sept. 11
Heathers (89, B): Amazing this satire has survived near 30 years of one of the most livewire topics alive. Or dead. You hear how it died? - Sept. 12
(Talking to someone who hates it) I definitely think it could use more punch in editing, acting. Not an all-timer. But I love how ridiculous it makes the school’s reactions.
Even if the suicides were real everyone uses them for personal gain and learns nothing. The onlookers get satirized more than the corpses.
Starlet: A- (17, A-): Plays like watching lives being lived. Funny, deft, and so very substantial while feeling light as a feather. - Sept. 13
Watching Besedka Johnson realize she got bingo was the happiest I’ve felt in what feels like a long, long time. Way to go girl.
*me, every time I watch a film where they look at the sky through gnarly, cool-looking tree branches* the cinnamontography
mother! (17, ??): Mise-en-scene, sound impress. I get the point it’s making but this felt like the ugliest way to do it. Not going again. - Sept. 14
I really liked parts of this. Pfeiffer’s rad. But I didn’t feel good watching this, and practically the whole theater rebelled. Poor Her.
It felt awful watching all that happen to her. And for what? Is this what it means to be with A Great Man? Fuck men! That was fucking gross.
The Big Sick (17, B): The warmest blanket of a movie 2017 could offer in counter to last night’s . . . . spectacle. Ace cast, script. ❤️❤️❤️ - Sept. 15
True Romance (93, B): Super fun! Eclectically and charismatically cast, with a corker of a script. Badlands link weird but hey, it kinda works. - Sept. 15
The Girl Without Hands (17, B): Simplicity of tone and tale is a marvel next to so many modern Grimm adaptations. Art style grew on me. - Sept. 16
It Follows (15, A-): Looking at it one way, getting mono was terrible. Looking at it another way, thank fuck that’s all it was. - Sept. 16
It (17, B+): No tweet, but guys. Go. - Sept. 17
Maudie (17, B+): Colorfully in league with A Quiet Passion for distilling the life of a fascinating artist, with an equally inspired lead. - Sept. 17
Baby Driver (17, C-): The more Baby became the film’s moral center, and the worse it treated the other characters, the less I liked it. Bleh. - Sept. 17
Raging Bull (80, A): This is how you implode over the course of 20 years, and how everyone puts up with the fallout till they can’t. - Sept. 19
The Color Purple (85, B+): Not quite the novel, but stacks up as an adaptation that carries visual and emotional power. Goldberg’s a miracle. - Sept. 19
Agnes of God (85, D+): Actors try, Nykvist goes above & beyond. But script stinks, pacing is off. Flails with ideas it barely grasps. - Sept. 20
Twice in a Lifetime (85, B): Applause for evoking so many points of view with such empathy. More than anyone else, the cast makes it special. - Sept. 20
Ex Libris - The New York Public Library (17, B+): I wish we spent more times in certain areas but there’s no denying how fascinating it is to be in this library. - Sept. 21
Prizzi’s Honor (85, C): I love Hickey’s odd vibe, but be it script, direction, or other performances, everyone’s their own kind of uneven. - Sept. 21
mother! (17, B-): Remember how I said I wouldn’t see it again? Most interesting to me for the wronged wife stuff. And fun to talk about. - Sept. 23 (review)
Would you believe everyone I saw mother! with had visceral, negative reactions to it?
Arrival (16, B): I can’t be Totally There with it, but there’s no denying its ambition, not just with temporal narrative but with sound. - Sept. 25
I think Adams is fine with it, but I kept imagining how well Louise would fit Sigourney Weaver, and especially how interesting Kristen Wiig might be.
Obit. (17, C): Politics and process of memorializing, favorite features of reporters intrigue. Not sure there’s a feature film here. - Sept. 26
The Girl With All The Gifts (17, B): Smarter about unsettling mood, world building, dystopian elements than so many adaptations. A gem. - Sept. 26
The Mist (07, B): Not great with techs, but marvelously realized on a budget, and tight as a drum with story and character. Cast on fire. - Sept. 26
Plenty (85, B): Tracing of messy, self-destructive lives impressive in a film that never shakes the feeling of being an adaptation. Streep! - Sept. 27
Columbus (17, C+): Rapport of mature leads eventually becomes more interesting than lusty affair between the cinematography and those sets. - Sept. 28
Fantastic Planet (73, B+): Style feels a bit cramped, but imagine adapting anything this odd with all its sharp, unusual edges intact. Hot damn. - Sept. 28
Kiss of the Spider Woman (85, B+): I want to talk about its politics, it poignancy. Does so much, I want to make sure I’m not missing a thing. - Sept. 30
Lost in America (85, B+): Sometimes, to reinvent yourself properly, you have to fail at it miserably. Brooks, Hagerty a wonderful duet. - Sept. 30
Don’t forget to check out my horror faves montage and the Supporting Actress Smackdown for 1985! Thanks for checking in folks! Happy October Halloween!!
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