#and also because of that the wiki lists the lyrics as ''i am always looking at you my sweet girl'' and this infuriates me

[jadedrrose]

i do feel that with some songs! rarely though i feel it with osts from one piece mostly the strawhats and... law i only heard like 2 snippets he has a different one in the wano card iirc? i might be wrong it played like once unlike the zou one. but the best one for me is to the grand line... when i say i get goosebumps everytime I GET GOOSEBUMPS EVERYTIME. it's so lovely and i really feel like. ascending with that

as for others,, one is jericho from iniko... most of aurora's songs (warrior soft universe and the seed are some of my favourites,, though really she's great) and cochise's songs (who is way different than the previous two but oh well lol everyone has different tastes so idk) - i do go from nintendo soundtrack to beethoven to beats and rap in a second so like. YEAAAAH there's no inbetween (ignore the casual recommendations)

also i never ship anything at all either... other than self-type crap because really. most of the time i just can't find myself to ship the characters at all?? and obviously im not criticising anyone who ships them. for me it ALWAYS needs to make canonical sense (so like if its enstablished and its a cool ship thats not illegal yes 🤝) but the rest? no. and idk about you but the self-shipping is "therapeutic" to me? — cause it feels great like connecting to the characters on an even stronger level,,, idk i get even more curious about them and search shit up (though u can do that normally too) my dumbass even ends up like going "yeah but they wouldnt even like me" and i get sad 💀💀 am i just delusional 💀 maybe lol

and,, for the prompts. u said u wanna make something fluffy right? the domestic stuff with law. or did u change ur mind? i kinda have some sweet phrases and ideas in mind but if u steered from that i wont send em lolol (actually did i just dream of that or. cause i camt find thw post anymore did i not scroll enough or was it a vision damn,,) this got really big again srry 👺🗿😨

1. I love Nintendo soundtracks so SO much too god they just 🛐 (rn my favorites are Breath Of The Wild and Mario Galaxy, and then a few from Age Of Calamity’s ost. I’m sure as soon as I play Tears of The Kingdom that will join the list lol. OH ALSO SOME SMASH SONGS)

But Law’s full theme is on YouTube! The one you hear in Zou is just the beginning/end of the full song, but the part that makes me 🤯 is like the “chorus” of the song (at least where the chorus would be if it was a real song with lyrics lol). I still don’t understand why they never used more of it in the anime lol

2. You’re so right about the self-shipping tho. (The therapeutic thing) That’s the only thing I “ship” but even then I keep it to myself 90% of the time (Law is the only one I’ve ever posted the art I made for him/me lol) And idk if maybe I feel so strongly about Law since I relate to him way more than the others I like?? But yeah I went and spoiled myself looking up his wiki when I first started liking him 💀 I also agree with the “would this character even like me? No” with everyone except Law oddly enough?? He’s just like me fr. What I’m implying is that we’d be perfect for each other LMAO.

And the being fine with the ship when it makes sense in canon is also how I feel, which I guess it’s not totally implied at all but Nami x Vivi is cute and makes sense. But yeah as long as it’s not morally wrong/you’re not shoving it down everyone else’s throats, idrc what you ship. (It just so happens that my least favorite ship seems to get shoved down everyone’s throat tho smh)

3. I do kinda remember wanting to do a fluff/domestic event? I think I ended up doing the virgin Law stuff instead tho? Or I just forgot lol. BUT I could use some suggestions for the 1k event. I’m probably gonna do both fluff and smut for it, so I’ll take whatever lol 👀

#ask things lol #law

[loadingcraft703]

Download Dictionary For Mac Os X

To install Terminology for OS X Dictionary (instructions also in README in download): Download the Terminology for OS X zip file and uncompress it. Copy the 'Terminology.dictionary' file to the hidden /Library/Dictionaries folder. You may need to use the Finder's 'Go' command to open this folder, because it is hidden by default on macOS. Dictionary client for Mac OS X (look at www.dict.org). It can read dictd dictionaries files right from disk - so you don't have to be on-line to search terms. StarDict migration guidelines. Now that the original StarDict project is gone, we could use its former url to publish a list of the alternatives which its users could migrate to instead.

William Whitaker

This page provides instructions for downloading the WORDS Latin-to-Englishdictionary program for Mac OS X.

WORDS is a text/console program and has previously not been available for the Mac. The UNIX-based Mac OS X allows an easy port of the Ada code. A graphical interface is now included in the WORDS for Mac OS X package.

Downloading

A .sit file containing the installer is located at words-1.97.sit (It should work with versions of OS X up to 10.7, though it might be necessary to install Rosetta, which comes with these versions of OS X but is not always installed by default. FOR versions 10.7 and later, try Erik Mendoza's Interpres.)

To install Terminology for OS X Dictionary (instructions also in README in download): Download the Terminology for OS X zip file and uncompress it. Copy the 'Terminology.dictionary' file to the hidden /Library/Dictionaries folder. You may need to use the Finder's 'Go' command to open this folder, because it is hidden by default on macOS. Cd /Desktop/projecttemplates/; make && make install. The dictionary should show up in Dictionary.app after you quit and reopen it. After that, try editing MyDictionary.xml or MyDictionary.css. The dictionary name is the same as CFBundleName in the Info.plist, and the bundle name is DICTNAME in the Makefile. Oxford Dictionary – Best Dictionary App for iPhone. The legacy of the dictionary dates back to a few.

Download Free Dictionary For Computer

Installation/Execution

The installer package will place WORDS in your Applications folder.

Output

For each word entered, the program identifies all the possible interpretationsof the word, then, for each interpretation, makes an analysis of the word (part of speech, declension, conjugation, case, tense, voice, etc.) andgives the usual meaning of the root form. As an example, given the word'amas,' Words produces the following output:

This shows that 'amas' can be interpreted in two different ways:

1. as a noun (ama=bucket; first declension; feminine accusative plural; stem 'am', ending 'as'; principal parts ama, amae),

or

2. as a verb (amare=to love; first conjugation; second-person singular present active indicative; stem 'am', ending 'as'; principal parts amo, amare, amavi, amatus).

Return to WORDShome

I am a fan of e-books and that is one of the many reasons why I prefer Mac over Windows. One of the best features in Mac OS X is their universal dictionary. Just select a word anywhere and press command-control-D to get its meaning. In search of similar software for Windows, I found WordWeb. Encore cs6 download mac.

WordWeb is a powerful, lightweight (takes around 2MB RAM) and must-have tool for an (e)book-worm. The many of it’s best features are:

Shortcut – Just press control and right-click on any word to get the meaning and thesaurus (this can be customized too).

Universal Dictionary – You can use it with anything including Adobe Reader, web-pages, Media Player (for lyrics) etc.

Offline – It works offline also, just in case you require it on your office computer which does not have a net connection, or in classes during lectures.

Web Reference – It also provides the web-reference in case you prefer Wiki-Dictionary over others.

FREE – and above all, WordWeb is FREE :D.

Download Dictionary For Mac Os X Os

Download Dictionary For Mac Os X Download

So next time you are reading an e-book, don’t look for the handbook dictionary, just press Ctrl and Right Click on the word :D.

Download Dictionary For Mac Os X Catalina

This article is written by our co-author Pratyush Mittal, who writes @ FuLLy-FaLtOo.com

[puppys-rhythm-heaven]

ds is great and all but there’s like, four instances of the reading material either lying or just. not being accurate. most of it’s in the character files or whatever, might i add-

#puppy rambles #rhythm hell #ds #reading material #(yes it gets a tag now. i talk about it a good amount so yee) #the instances i'm referring to are as follows: #''hidden characters'' implies multiple but all it's referring to is play-yan's cameo in the dazzles #instead of mentioning the clappy trio and space dancers as racing fans they're instead pointed out as the glee club conductor and paddlers #(or excuse me. table tennis guys) #the moai kids are just called moai. not that big a deal but it means literally the only time they are ever called the moai kids is the cast #and also that's paradise's lyrics card thingie gets the words wrong #cuz it says ''i am always looking at you my sweet girl'' when the lyrics are ''i am always looking at you my sweet dear'' #as literally proven by megamix's lyric captions #(slash subtitles but whatever same thing) #and also because of that the wiki lists the lyrics as ''i am always looking at you my sweet girl'' and this infuriates me #... though i mean i'm guessing the error in the reading material's probably just a translation issue or smth idk

[bellatrixobsessed1]

Icy Is The Avatar Of High School; The Essay

I would like to begin this essay with a song. While reading this essay keep in mind that Icy has the exact same energy as this song which (imo) embodies prep & jock with a touch of nerd. No goth tho, press f in the chat.

Wow I put way too much into this. I hope y’all love it.

Okay so lets get into this! We will begin with the obvious one, goth:

*Gestures to all of the snow*

Edit: that was supposed to say show but snow works too.

Next we will talk about Jock.

So think of your typical jock. A stereotypical jock has a few qualities; reckless bravery and determination, large ego, usually at least kind of an asshole, doesn’t know when to quit, craves them gainz, and makes impulse decisions. 

Icy is definitely a very brazen person. It takes balls (and a large ego) to get banned from your campus and then very boldly strut back onto said campus in the middle of dinner while the whole school is assembled. She looked at Lord Darkar, shadow phoenix of the underworld and was straight up like, “yeah, whatever dude.”  Dude is such a jock word. 

So onto determination! Okay look, we have like 7 whole seasons of her trying to take over the world. She was arrested, what? 5 times? She literally doesn’t know when to stop. Give up??? Who’s that??? 

I feel like the large ego thing also speaks for itself she is constantly talking about how she deserves to be Darkar & Valtor’s main witch. She is well aware that her plans are usually fantastic. She just exudes an I’m better than you energy. It’s in her posture, her gestures, her tone of voice. Icy is absolutely certain that she is the shit and in the 4kids version one of her demands to the professors was to stand before the student body and say, “Icy rules, Icy’s the greatest.” *Spoiler alert* she is. I promise that she is not holding me hostage. 

Which brings me to the next point, getting dem gainz! Your average jock is at the gym, drinking protine shakes, and building muscle! While Icy is not in a gym trying to get 6 pack abs, she 100% chases them magical gainz! The dragon fire is just a really hot protine shake.  

In the 4kids version, upon overrunning Cloud Tower, she addressed the student body by welcoming them to her pep assembly. Ya know who else likes pep assemblies? Football jocks. 

Also that whole scene in episode nine (Spelled) where she rallies up the witches and they all chase Musa. That’s like the goth equivalent of getting the entire football team to chase after the nerd (or a member of the rivaling team).

And let’s not forget the ‘nerd run’ from season two where she rode this dinosaur thing and chased Timmy, the stereotypical nerd type. (It’s funny because she doesn’t know that she’s a nerd too). 

Okay so now that we dug deep into jock, it is time to discuss Prep!

I tend to use prep & always wears pink, blonde, mean girl interchangeably. But wiki says; Characteristics of preps in the past include a particular subcultural speech, vocabulary, dress, mannerisms and etiquette, reflective of an upper-class upbringing. Both definitions hold up in my book. 

So we’ll start with wiki’s. Icy (depending on whether or not we’re going with the season 8 retcon) is from an upper-class upbringing. Tbh she’s like Stella but a witch.  Icy is Stella’s goth phase and that’s why Stella fears Icy because she knows that that’s what she could be. I feel like Icy also has the most preppy dress style of her sisters.  Also pretty sure preps are known for being over-achieving perfectionists. Icy was actually pretty good with her academics. 

As for the Regina Gorge type prep; Icy is totally your classic mean girl bully, but make it witchy. I really think that this speaks for itself. It sings for itself too in 4kids OST. One of the lyrics in the Mean Girls song is that they will steal your boyfriend and trash your makeup. If that doesn’t scream prep, Idk what does. 

She reads them magazines. I don’t remember which one but I do remember her mentioning that there was a question posed in said magazine about ‘what would you do if you took over the world’ and apparently she wrote, ‘you’ll find out soon enough, loser’ and sent it in. 

Loser, pixies, nerds, dweebs. Icy has a whole list of mean and petty insults to put in her burn book. Like bye girl. 

Literally all of the Miss Magix contest. That is peak mean girl shit. The Trix literally went to a beauty pageant for the sole sake of making everyone look stupid and to trash on everyone’s fashion and makeup. On top of all of that she did that just because Lucy agreed to do their homework for ???? amount of time. Let’s be real, it was a life sentence.  

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Nerd!

Literally every time she calls anyone a nerd or a loser I wheeze because, girl, check yourself! Prior to getting kicked out (for being a dumb jock), it is heavily implied that Icy, Darcy, and Stormy were at the top of their classes. Like these three were Griffin’s best students. And I am inclined to believe that Icy was thee top student. This woman was an overachiever whether she wants to admit it or not. 

Icy is the plan person. She’s the one who keeps the Trix on task. Though Darcy exudes ‘group mom’ energy, Icy is usually the one to snap at them to stay focused. She’s the organized one  and the one who seems to do most of the scheming. That takes some deep thinking and brain power. She knows how to summon monitors, banish trolls into oblivion, astral project into virtual reality using voodoo dolls, summon nightmare monsters, and summon an army of rot. Like how does she know all of this?  Studying. I almost said that I have no proof except in the Winx comics (this one) she is seen venturing to the library to research dark magic and spells. 90% she has done some extensive research and reading into all of these things because I highly doubt that Cloud Tower teaches things like summoning the army of decay. That was all down time research because this nerd enjoys learning about dark magic. Ya know who else enjoys reading and learning? Nerds. I know, I’m a nerd who loves reading and learning. Just because she likes learning about ~cool~ thinks like dark armies, doesn’t mean it’s not a nerdy quest to know everything about the subject she knows. 

Speaking of which (lol get it, witch), Icy also knows about history. She was the one who told Bloom all about what happened to Sparks and all about the coven. Why? Because that knowledge is floating around in her brain and she chose to retain it. I have a feeling her knowledge of history goes beyond the coven and Sparks too because she also knew that the Ring Of Solaria had fragments of the dragon fire.  She knows too much about this shit. 

I think that her nerdiest moment though, had to be when she solved that riddle at Red Fountain to get the codex. Like you have to have brain power to solve a riddle with the added pressure of being surrounded by your foes on enemy territory. In general her nerdiness just bled through in that season because she was snatching those codexes left and right. 

Also lets get into the fact that she (especially in the comics) has a tendency to humiliate herself, whoops. She managed to get her own (and Darcy & Stormy’s) memories erased, she got them trapped in an avalanche (and then dated a fellow nerd for two seconds and pretended like she didn’t hate it), and she is constantly pulling ‘we’ll be back’ speeches every time she gets defeated. Like seriously this is the evil equivalent of ‘lol I meant to do that’ or ‘haha, that didn’t happen, you didn’t see anything.’ And then she will make her next attempt as if she had never gotten defeated at all. Because losing is for losers and Icy ‘totally isn’t’ a loser. 

And honestly what’s more nerdy then prattling off your entire evil plan? Like this is her trying to flex her intelligence. 

Let’s not forget how she had her nerdy fangirl moment. She simped for Darko for like two or three whole comics. Like full on simping over here. If she could have bought a T-shirt with Darko’s face on it, she would have. Bonus, he was her childhood crush.

And finally, I am also very  inclined to believe that Icy is the fake it until you make is sort. With her it’s all about presentation. The only thing that saves her from being an obvious nerd is confidence. I touched on this with the whole ‘you didn’t see anything’ bit. But legit, pretty much everything she does would be kinda nerdy if she didn’t make it look good. 

Please feel free to add if you think that you have more examples of Icy being a nerd. 

#Winx #Winx Club #Winx Icy #Shitpost #Winx Trix #The Trix #Winx Darcy #Winx Stormy

[t100ficrecsblog]

an interview with sapphictomaz (they/them) what are you working on right now? Right now I’m working on finishing a fic called “toward eternity,” a canon divergence fic that features an immortal Murphy. There’s only one more chapter that I need to write and post, which feels weird, since I’ve been working on this one fic for the past three months or so. It’s been a long process consisting of obsessing over immortality lore and reading old wiki pages to refresh my memory of plotlines from seasons ago, but it’s also been really fun to completely immerse myself in one project. In that sense, I almost don’t want it to end - once the full fic is out there, and it’s all finished, it’s going to be hard to let it go. I’m going to miss it, but I’m also excited for people to read it in all its glory.

what’s something you’d like to write one day? This is tough - I don’t have a well of ideas to draw on. When I get a good idea for a fic, I generally plan and write it right away, rather than dwell on it. I tend to obsess over my ideas, too, so while I’m writing one fic it’s very difficult to think of a plot for another one. Still, I have been toying with the bare bones outline of a mythology au fic, where Murphy would be an exiled & fallen god and Bellamy is an unsuspecting mortal that gets dragged along on his quest to save the universe. This may or may not ever get written, but the idea and universe that goes along with it makes me smile.

what is the fanwork you’re most proud of? Definitely a fic I wrote called “i’d still choose you.” It’s a mythology au where a mortal Bellamy goes on a quest to save his best friend from the Underworld, only to fall in love with cursed demigod named Murphy and save several people’s lives along the way, mostly by accident. I normally write from Murphy’s perspective, but for this fic I wrote from Bellamy’s point of view, which was challenging because I feel less in touch with his character, but I’m really proud of the way he, and the whole universe, turned out. Greek mythology has been something I've loved for years, so it was a lot of fun melding the world of those myths with the world of t100. At the time, it had also been my longest fic I’d ever written, and I got really great feedback on it, so it’s something that makes me smile whenever I think about it.

why did you first start writing fic? Honestly, I think because I daydream a lot. I started writing fic back in 2012 or so, originally for a book series I was reading at the time called “House of Night.” A character was killed off in the series, and I wanted to ‘fix’ that plotline. I originally imagined lots of scenarios in which that character could have lived, and then one day, I sat down and just wrote out one of these scenarios. Literally the definition of “if the author isn’t going to do it right, then I will.” Only after writing that first fic did I realize that this was something other people did, too, and after I read a lot more fic, it gave me the courage and inspiration to post my own. Luckily for me, I’ve gotten a lot of good comments over the years, which makes it easier to keep going.

what frustrates you most about fic writing? I think the expectations around it. I love feedback and interaction with readers, of course, but there have been times when I feel pressured to update and post in a certain time frame, or if updates aren't long enough I feel bad about that, too. That's my own fault, more than anything. I have to remind myself that fic writing is done for free, and the only expectations I have to rise to are my own. If I'm happy, then it works - but often this is easy to forget.

what are your top five songs right now?     Capable - the Wild Reeds

Famy - Ava

There’s Still a Light in the House - Valley

Give Yourself a Try - the 1975

First - Cold War Kids

what are your inspirations (books, songs, other fic)? Songs are definitely my biggest inspirations for fics. Almost every single fic I write has its own soundtrack that I listen to while writing. Poetry is also a big inspiration for me. I think a lot of the time, a mixture of both song lyrics and poetry lines inspire me the most. For instance, in my current project "toward eternity," I was heavily inspired by the song "When The Angels Sing," by Social Distortion. I also was heavily inspired by Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop For Death." The very last line of that poem ("I first surmised the Horses' Heads / Were toward Eternity") inspired the title and general themes. So, it's a combination of listening to songs and reading poems at the same time.

what attracts you to Murphamy? what first attracted you? I think I was attracted to Murphamy because I love Murphy, and I think a lot of Murphamy fans would feel similarly. Murphy's been my favourite character throughout the entire series. When looking at his character arc and journey throughout the show, it's impossible to study it without seeing the impact Bellamy has had on him. Especially during earlier seasons, they've had such a fascinating push-pull dynamic with each other that I love to explore in fic. It was during the cliff scene in 2x04 that I really noticed this - that scene is so ripe with symbolism that I still watch it to get inspired. And, I mean, who doesn't like a good, well-developed enemies-to-lovers?

Besides Murphamy, what’s your favorite ship in t100? Clexa, for sure. I loved Lexa even before Clexa happened, and then when it did, I was so invested in their relationship and dynamic that, five years later, I'm still obsessed with them. Since I mostly write Murphamy, I do my best to include at least a crumb of Clexa in all my fics because I love them so much. Another t100 ship I really love that I wish got more attention is Remori! I think they're really fun together and bring out the best in each other, and most of all, they support and encourage each other to be better. They're a really interesting pair I wish we saw interact more.

how did you first decide you wanted to write for the Chopped challenge? My friend Elle (hopskipaway) introduced me to it, actually! She'd been an active participant before I had ever heard of it, so I started following it through her. I first wrote for the Holiday Exchange challenge, which was really cool. I'd been in fic exchanges before, but I liked that the Chopped element made it so the fics were specifically tailored to what the participants wanted to see. The environment was really encouraging and supportive, which influenced me to sign up for the Chopped March Madness, too, which was lots of fun!

what’s your Chopped! process like? or is it different every round? This is going to sound weird, but honestly, my Chopped process is...not having a process. I read the list of tropes & ships that have to be included, and then I leave it completely alone for at least a day. Generally I form a base idea just looking at the trope list, but even if I don't, I let them ruminate in my head and then after a while, a plot idea comes to me. I think taking a step back from the pressures of a challenge like that allows me to be fully creative, which in the end, results in a better end product.

what are some things you’d like to recommend? There are so many lovely other fic authors out there I couldn't name them all if I tried. Still, some of my all time favourite authors on ao3 are: blueparacosm, hopskipaway, oogaboogu, sadie18, & maunwocha. They've all got lots of lovely writing that I thoroughly enjoy, and I've had the pleasure to get to know them all, and they're lovely people, too. They all deserve the most love and support possible.

as always, I am delighted to interview another member of the popular Murphy-centric fic-writing conglomerate. they all have such different styles and are so excellent in their own way! “toward eternity” is on my weekend reading list to re-read and comment on every chapter, but “you can bloom again” was the first sapphictomaz fic I ever read and remains my favorite. It’s Harper/Clarke and was written for Chopped!, and at the risk of sounding cliched, it’s a very fresh take on both of these characters. Also, a road trip at the end of the world. you can find them on Twitter here, or find them here on Tumblr @lexasheart. 

#the 100 fanfiction #the 100 #john murphy #harper mcintyre #murphamy #interview

[ultimatestellar]

Mikuuuuuuu eheehee

send me a character!!

miku miku oo ee oo. in my attempt to find more interests ive been getting really into vocaloid lately so good timing!!

favorite thing about them:

miku sounds!! so!! good!!! theres a reason shes cryptons mascot vocaloid. honestly if you can tune her well it can end up a masterpiece. and also just how much people care about her. the best thing about vocaloid is how much our favorite producers and really just the fanbase cares and makes us love these characters!! vocaloid as a concept comes down to what the community makes of it and the community has made me love miku.

also she pretty

least favorite thing about them:

please..... let me like more then 2 characters with canon personalities...... i can only make so many headcanons...........

eh who am i kidding i can always make more headcanons. but it is kinda annoying having every iteration of her be different (even if that is the whole point). but as long as i brush it off as “oh its just them performing” im cool with it :))

favorite line:

oh fuck i have to choose?? i dont have a list of miku quotes what am i supposed to say?? honestly you can choose a random wowaka song and id say youre right.

pinnochiop has some really good lines too but they arent as impactful and more just a mood.

brOTP:

her and len. her and len. her and len. or her and kaito but mostly her and len because those two can and will vibe check you

OTP:

mikurin!! because i found out the age difference between her and luka and went “oh shit i didnt realize i was supporting this” and went to find a new ship. turns out mikurin is canon in the project diva universe!! point being i got sucked in very quickly and these two are just so cute together,,,

nOTP:

shipping her with meiko. i just see meiko as an adult and miku is quite literally my age so i guess makes sense?? idk i have vocaloid ships that i hate much more cough cough rin x len cough so i cant hate on anything else too much.

random headcanon:

miku loves sweaters. she never gets to wear them because crypton is like YOU MAY ONLY WEAR REVEALING OUTFITS SO PEOPLE BUY YOUR MERCH but when she gets any free time she will immediately get an oversized sweater and just vibe. maybe with a movie playing. and popcorn. and rin. and rin and her start throwing popcorn at eachother during a really serious scene and ruin the movie but its okay cause they had fun which is what really matters to them and—

i guess a bonus one: since theyre androids they cant experience a lot of the stuff theyre singing about (darker stuff like losing a loved one or something as simple as food) so miku especially will look at the lyrics and try VERY HARD to imagine what all this would actually feel like. being virtual has its downsides yall!!

unpopular opinion:

other vocaloids deserve more attention, but that doesnt mean miku is overrated!! shes good and deserves the hype and just because others do as well but dont get it doesnt mean she shouldnt have it either.

song i associate with them:

...really?

ill just list off the best miku songs i can think of.

to start us off, rolling girl. because of course https://youtu.be/NIqm73xsias

white happy. this has been one of my favorite vocaloid songs for ages. i dont know if thisll just sound like im trying to be edgy or whatever but i really do feel like this is how i view the world but written out in all its optimistic nihilism glory and i LOVE IT. it even has my self worth issues down!! wow look at that this song is all of my problems wrapped up in a happy little tune!!! https://youtu.be/k_WT2x9we0Q okay maybe this one is my favorite

whats inside. as said before pinnochiops songs are all just honest and as a result this song especially is just a mood. https://youtu.be/GSpwTvYgFrM

liar dance!! i just think it sounds good. i couldnt find a good english sub but its probably written on the wiki https://youtu.be/FOvfM0fe-FE

world is mine. i dont have to explain this one. https://youtu.be/KMHXgUr7gYM

favorite picture of them:

no way am i going to try and pick ONE miku module when so many of them are equally pretty, so instead heres a picture of her i use as a reaction image sometimes!!

and thats it!!

thanks for sending an ask ninashiki, u the best ;))

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #245

“i fell asleep at the wheel again, crashed my car just to feel again.”

What is your favorite condiment to go with french fries? Ketchup. What do you have a habit of doing when engaging in a conversation with someone? Obsess over the appropriate amount of eye contact I make. What color is your mp3? Hot pink. Have you ever laid in a hammock? Yeup. Is there a song or lyrics currently super-glued in your head? "Popular Monster" by Falling In Reverse FUCK What can you go a day without doing? Uhhh a lot? I dunno... oh, drink water because I suck at that gah. I've gotten a lot better than I used to be tho. What can’t you go a day without doing? Touching some form of technology. Who do you spend most of your time with? Myself. Do you have a favorite classical composer? No. What type of quality is a must-have in a friend? Treat others with kindness. Are you any good at reading someone's body language? I definitely think so. What type of art would you hang up in your room? Lol I have some of my own... but let's say it was a clean slate again. I'd put some macabre/gothic art of some sort up, probably. Of COURSE with meerkats making an appearance. What fruit is too sweet to you? Hm, I'm blanking. What was the last contest you have ever won: Uhhhh... I think the giveaway of two Silent Hill: Revelation things? That was forever ago. What was the worst hair cut you have ever had in your entire life: Looking back, the haircut I had before this one (short on the left, faded into still rather long on the right) I don't really like anymore. Looks fine in some pictures, but not most. What was the worst thing you have ever worn in your life: Oh I don't know. Probably some dance costume. Do you like any sort of animes: Yeah, a handful. I'd honestly like to watch more. Have you ever used someone for your own benefits: I don't think so. What is the worst cartoon you have ever seen: Oh boy, idk. There's some dumb ones, a lot that I've only seen peeks of. Do you like to type or write more: TYPE. Writing physically can easily make my carpal tunnel act up. I hated having to hand-write a few essays last semester... I had to stop frequently to roll my wrists and cringe and stuff. What color would you have your skin if you could change it: I'd like pale skin like I have, but I wish it was more flawless/porcelain-ish. SOOOOOO pretty ahahhhhhhhhahhhhhh Do you usually cook your own meals, or does someone cook for you: I usually have to throw something together in the microwave because Mom's barely home, but when she is home, she cooks. If someone cooks for you, do you always thank them for it: YES. YES. NOT SAYING ANYTHING IS SO FUCKING DISRESPECTFUL. What do you do during the day: Almost without question, SOMEthing on technology/usually computer. As for what I do on technology, boy, a lot a lot. I don't even feel like listing it all. When you are online what do you normally find yourself doing: ... Oh, lmao. Uhhh binging YouTube, writing on or just checking up on KM, dA browsing/cleaning my drowning inbox, Facebook, "working" at the SH and SotC wikis, playing games, roaming Tumblr, check my emails, uhhhhhhh,,,, What is the most hated item you own: I wouldn't... keep it if I hated it? Uhhhh yeah, I honestly don't know. What is your favorite item you own out of all the items you have: My iPod, really. I have over 1k songs on this old-ass nano that I've had since middle school. I guess my laptop is kinda tied, but idk. Like, I don't love this laptop itself, just that it allows me to go online at a decent speed lmao. I guess they're my favorites in different ways. So, do you think that you will get where you want in life currently: Not stopping pushing for it 'til I get it. Why is that so. May I ask: I'm "too" determined. It's been a struggle getting to even where I am, but FUCK, I'm getting there. Do you like Halloween: I can't fwu if you don't. Has a teacher ever flirted with you? Not to my recollection. Is it okay for friends to kiss each other, as friends? Personally, I think a simple peck is fine IF that's your thing and it's mutually understood that it's platonic. Ex., I know greeting kisses are normal in some cultures, and I see no reason to shame it so long you're not like making out. Is it okay for girls to hit boys? Fuck no. Unless you're like fighting off an assailant/defending yourself, NO gender hits ANYONE. Do you know a lot of attractive boys personally? I've never thought about it? I'm not gonna dig through all the people I know rn... What happens if you realized you had a crush on somebody? More than anything, I'd be scared of being hurt again, particularly if it's a guy. So I definitely wouldn't make the first move. Do you think you are attractive? No. Which two of your friends would have the cutest baby together? I don't know. How do you feel about your naked body? DON'T COME AT ME WITH THIS QUESTION GO AWAY Have you ever been called obnoxious? No. At least, not to my memory. Do you wish you had a bigger family? No, but a more close-knit one. Which friend would you kiss full on the mouth, no questions asked? Sara. If somebody smacks your butt, you automatically say: I wouldn't say shit, I'd turn around and smack them across the face. How often does your family life conflict with your social life? Pretty much never. Have you ever been emotionally abused? No, thankfully. Do small children like you? They seem to, I guess. If karma is really true, should you be worried? Not very. What makeup do you wear on a daily basis? None. Do you have anything hidden in your room? Yeah, some saved money. What do you wish you were doing right now instead of this? It'd be great to talk to Sara. If you had a baby, would you want to have it at home or in a hospital? Oh I'm going to the fucking hospital for that epidural fren. If I even wanted kids. What was the last thing you ordered online? Uhhh good question. Have you ever had a bad experience with anti-depressants? If so, what? Well, actually the entire time I was ON anti-depressants. Because I'm bipolar, anti-depressants actually ramp up the aggression of bipolarity symptoms. How, I don't recall the science of, but I trust every word that comes out of my psychiatrist's mouth for many reasons. That definitely happened. One also made me gain weight, and the worst instance was in middle school when I was briefly on one that made me SO fucking hyper and happy in the morning but I crashed into an absolute bitchy monster by mid-afternoon. Now a combination of mood stabilizers helps both my bipolarity and depression immensely and are the main reason I'm alive. Are you allergic to any plants? I mean, I'm allergic to pollen. Are you an outdoors person? If the weather is cool, I love it. Does your past bother you? Some parts of it. Do you take risks or play it safe? I tend to play it safe. What forms of art do you like the best? This is an absolutely impossible question. "Art" has such an incredible range of forms, and I enjoy like... all. I guess the one thing I don't particularly care for is abstract art. What forms of art do you want to try? HYPERREALISM IN DRAWING. I REALLY wanna be able to draw/paint/whatever and make it look so true to life, BUT I'd like to add fantasy aspects to what I'm making (for example, my characters). I'd love to do portraits, too. This isn't really a "type" of art, but one thing I desperately want in art is to actually develop my own recognizable style that isn't just a wobbly attempt at realism with shitty proportions. What’s your favorite planet? Saturn's dope. Has a medication ever made you itch? No. What’s your favorite rainy day activity? Cuddle with snacks and like binge a good TV show/YT videos, etc. BUT considering I'm single I'ma just take a nap if I'm actually tired and you can hear the rain on the window. Do you put creamer in your tea? I wonder how many times I'll tell surveys I hate tea lmao by the end of my life lmao. What do you think are some good names for twins? I don't care enough to think about this. What are three things that fascinate you? Animal behavior (particularly social), the paranormal, and genetics. Would you say you live more in the past, present, or future? Present, I think. Have you ever been a victim of a crime? Not me personally, no, but my family. We had our basketball hoop stolen from our front yard and I was mega tilted yo. Does injustice make you angry? More like it infuriates me. Do you have the bad habit of procrastinating? Very badly. Are you afraid of running into a certain person in public? I both am and am not afraid of running into Jason. I have a very strong feeling I'd start having a PTSD episode (by that I mean hyperventilating, crying a bit, and shaking at the very least), but simultaneously I just want him to know I'm sorry. Do you have anyone you avoid? No. Do you have the same dreams now that you did as a kid? No. Who’s your crush? I don't really know if I have one right now. My old friend Ian and I started talking, and he's a fucking hilarious dude with similar ethics to mine with great compassion, but I still don't know him well enough to say I like-like him. I'm honestly just happy to have an irl friend again that actually talks to me regularly. Do you trust the government? I believe in WAY too many conspiracy theories to even try to convince anyone I trust the government lmao. Who do you want to meet in Heaven? I don't know exactly what sort of afterlife I believe in (it's not the traditional Heaven though), but I do believe that souls can reunite. The first thing I want to see again is Teddy. Does your school take sports too seriously? Considering we're well-respected in the sports field to the degree we draw in a huge number of foreign athletes, guess you could say yes lmao. Most of the people I even slightly know here came for sports. If there are bruises on your body, how did you get them? There aren’t. Would you ever go back in time to do something over again, but differently? Yes. Where did you kiss the last person you kissed? The airport. Have you thought about your wedding in detail? Not great detail, no. Do you think you could ever really kill someone? In self-defense, I know I could. Do you like Papa John’s pizza? I couldn't even guess the last time I had it. I don't remember. Do you attend school? Yeah. Do you call it a crush, or do you just say you like someone? The latter. Where were you when the ball dropped? In my bed asleep lmao. Where are your siblings? Probably all at work. Waffles, pancakes, or french toast? French toast. Do you ever judge people based on if they believe in God or not? Not really, but I WILL wonder to myself if you believe in some of the bullshit just about every religion has somewhere. Are you sometimes scared to express your opinions in fear of what others might think? YUP YUP YUP! Mainly irl tho. Have you ever painted your nails on only one hand, forgetting about the other one or getting side-tracked? No. Have you ever gone to one of those parties where everyone is falling around drunk everywhere? No. Been to one where everyone was high, though. Are you “the good guy”, or “the bad guy”, or somewhere in between? I'd hope the good guy. Do you ever erase the numbers off of surveys just because they annoy you? Ha ha yeah. Do you think you will have the same best friend a year from now? Yes. Do you have siblings over the age of twenty-one? Yes, all but one. What do you hear right now? "Another Life" by Motionless In White. Proud as fuck because this song was a MASSIVE PTSD trigger at first and even made me cry, but despite it still making me kinda uncomfortable, I can listen to and enjoy it now. If an ex said they hated you, what would you say? The only three people whose opinions would matter there would be Sara, Girt, and Jason. Sara and Jason would fucking break me, while I think Girt would of course make me cry, but I just. Wouldn't be surprised to lose another irl friend. I'd be so fucking hurt by any. OH YEAH, what would I say? I think Sara would have me speechless. I'd probably just choke out, "I don't blame you," to Jason. Girt, my first instinct pondering this was "are you serious?" because he's such a joker while my stomach dropped. What would you do if you found out your most recent ex was in a relationship? I'd be happy for her, but still feel kinda sad that it wasn't me. What do you think when someone kisses you on your forehead? If I like the person, I feel very comforted. It like... makes me feel small, safe, and permitted to just let my emotions loose, ex. be "allowed" to cry. What do you usually do right when you wake up? Check my phone to see the time. Truthfully, is there someone you used to date that you miss? I don't want to answer this. Do the math. Have you ever gotten burnt by a cigarette? No. Do you brush your teeth right away when you wake up? No. Have you ever made someone laugh when they were crying? Yeah. Would you date someone three years older than you? Yeah. Do you prefer to shower at night or in the morning? Actually as of recently, the morning. It's a nice way to start the day clean and energized. Could you handle living with the last person you texted? I'd love to live with her. Was the last book you read for fun, or was it for some type of assignment? It was assigned, but I loved it. Have you accomplished any goals you set for yourself this year so far? Not really? Well no, I think I'm being a less procrastinating student and also not fleeing so quickly from situations that invoke my anxiety. Are there still movie rental stores where you live or have they all gone out of business? SOBS Blockbuster come BACK we NEED u. What was the last thing to annoy you or make you upset? Eh, it was stupid and something that realistically isn't worth being annoyed by. I was SUPER bored and tired yesterday waiting for Mom to finish her field work while I waited in the library after classes, and I was so ready to go home, but she stayed longer than she thought she would. Do you think you would be a good match for your celebrity crush/es assuming you have one? Why? If you don’t have one, who was the last person you saw that you found attractive? Actually, not really. He's way too motivated and drawn to people who push forward and get shit done, and just in general at least from how I "know" him as a fan I could only realistically see us as friends. But a fangirl can dream ok just let me dream. When looking for something to watch on TV do you tend to pick shows you know you like, or try new shows that look interesting even though you’ve never heard of them before? I'll answer hypothetically if I watched TV: probably something I know I like. Might get adventurous every now and again and try something new, though, especially if it's on a channel I like. How old were you when you had your wisdom teeth removed? I haven't had to. I juuuuust slightly have enough room where I DID have them grow in. Where was the last job application you filled out sent to? Uhhh probably the deli, which I got and lasted for two hours my first work day lmao. Have you ever been fired from a job? No. What do people tell you your voice sounds like? I dunno, kinda deep for a girl and lacking an accent most of the time. What financial class are you? Lower. What poster is hanging closest to you? A huge Nightmare Before Christmas one. Are you more comfortable with men or women? Women. Would you go on a date with someone right now if they asked? Maybe if Ian did? Idk. It'd be a nice way to get to know more about each other, but I'd only agree to it after we talked a bit longer. Does your family keep tons of leftovers in the fridge? Not "a ton." Things we'll eat again though, yes. Favorite FRIENDS character? That is, if you like it. I haven't watched it. Are you thinking of getting another piercing? Where? Hell yes. Pretty sure next is collarbones if I could just lose a little bit more weight so they're more visible. Do you love when people remember little things about you? YES OMG!!!!!!!!!! Do you ‘bless’ strangers when they sneeze? Yes, I just think it's common good manner. Even though the reasoning behind it is whatever, it's a societal thing that I just go along with. How many phones have you gone through? Idk, not too many. Have you always lived in the house you currently reside in? No.

#survey #questions #quiz

[catcherkazuya]

Let's Talk About ...

Walk-Up Songs (Part 1) 🎶

I don't know why I felt compelled to analyze this, but “Neraiuchi” has been stuck in my head for a week and somehow I was lead to a list of walk-up songs on the Daiya wiki 🤷

According to the page, it states that "A walk up song, or 'hitting march' in Japanese, is a special song used as a cheer when each player is at bat. The song is different for each batter, and can be thought of as that player's 'theme'. Songs are generally assigned to players and not chosen themselves, and are often played by brass bands in the stands, by the fans." (Source)

I find it interesting that supposedly - the players themselves don't always choose the song, but rather the song is chosen for them. Honestly, I'd like to know if these songs actually match the players or not ?? 🤔🤔 

Anyway, I guess I’ll give it a rating of either A, B, C or F - depending on how the song fits the player. (i'll be focusing on the current Seidou team for this post, but i might do the walk-up songs for the past third years later) 

  OKAY LETS GO!

Player: Sawamura Eijun Song: "Abarenbou Shogun Theme" (Eng Trans: "Rogue General/The Unfettered Shogun")

Hearing the song alone, I imagine some brave-looking man walking across a field of grass or on a horse, just aggressively ready to fight with weapon out. Ironically enough, that's exactly what this theme song is lmao. I can see why this is Sawamura's walk-up song; its very dramatic and could definitely motivate someone like Sawamura - an individual who wants to emulate a badass, unflinching hero, especially a shogun. Rating: A (super accurate; a hype song!)

Player: Furuya Satoru Song: "Kita no Kuni Kara" Theme from ~Haruka naru Daichi Yori~ (Eng Trans: "Far And Away" Theme) This is song is super dramatic, yet lethargically slow - kinda like Furuya 😂 (well, when he's in the heat). i mean, I get the reference to his hometown area of Hokkaido - but other than that, it's not super upbeat or motivating in any way.  It's just a homage to a popular show, but not super relevant to Furuya. 

Rating: B- (fine, but it could be better)

Player: Kominato Haruichi Song: "Sakuranbo" by Otsuka Ai (Eng Trans: "Cherry") Alternate song: "Cutie Honey" Theme (Inherited from Ryosuke) This song is definitely cute and pink, just like Haruichi! lol I don't know if it fits his personality in any way, but its definitely a hype song and imagining it being played by a brass band would sound super cool. Low key sounds like a anime OP. Supposedly, Haruichi's current song is the "Cutie Honey" Theme song, which is a OG anime from the 1970s. Essentially, it sounds like a fast-paced James Bond-inspired spy song. Why this was chosen I don't know, but its definitely a jam either way. Maybe there's just an association with the Kominato brothers and being cute ?? Rating: A- (not that relevant, but both solid jams)

Player: Kanemaru Shinji Song: "We Will Rock You" by Queen NOW THIS IS A WALK UP SONG! I'm obviously mad biased because I love Queen, but you can't deny that Kanemaru has one of the coolest songs in history. Kanemaru also seems like this kind of guy who embarrassingly jams out to old rock music with an air guitar in his dorm (privately, ofc) - so having this as his walk-up song is super relevant.   Plus, "We Will Rock You" gives off badass, rockstar vibes and honestly, Kanemaru deserves to be a rockstar if he damn so pleases. 5 stars; would listen to again; no mistakes here. Rating: A+ (WE STAN QUEEN AND KANEMARU)

Player: Toujou Hideaki Song: "Ikuze! Kaitou Shoujo" by Momoiro Clover Z (Eng Trans: "Let's Go! Thief Girls") WHAT IS GOING ONNNN 😂😂😂 Is Toujou a pop princess?? Like, this song is so out of character for him (i mean, unless he likes idol girls who knows). Its very cute, but I am generally confused by the music, the lyrics, the... EVERYTHING. help I vote we get Toujou a new walk-up song ASAP.   Rating: F (no, just no)

Player: Miyuki Kazuya Song: "Neraiuchi" by Linda Yamamoto (brass ver. here)  (Eng Trans: "Sharpshoot") Like I said, I can't get this song out of my head. Every time I hear it, I immediate think of Miyuki and absent-mindedly sing "NERA-I-U-CHIIIIIII" 🎶🎶.  I'm not gonna lie - the original version is definitely a jam, but the brass band version is on a whole different level. The lyrics even kinda fit Miyuki's personality in a way - for instance, Yamamoto sings, "These God-given good looks / It's a sin to try pointlessly / I wouldn't even care if/ the world's greatest touched this hand." Like, COME ON. How snarky and overconfident do those lyrics sound?? 😂😂At no point does Miyuki turn off that semi-arrogant streak of his, so realistically "Neraiuchi" is a perfect match. Plus, we get to hear him sing along Rating: A+ (YES YES AND YES) 

🎶 (continue for Part 2)🎶

#lets talk about series #daiya no ace #diamond no ace #Ace of Diamond #walk up songs #baseball #miyuki kazuya #sawamura eijun #furuya satoru #toujou hideaki #kominato haruichi #kanemaru shinji #this post is so unnecessary #but here it is #yay

[fuckyeahkagepro]

Kagepro theories / random analysis / questions of sorts?

so, funny things seem to happen when you directly compare [play at the same time against each other] the music videos for - Otsukimi Recital [of all songs] and - Outer Science ... while trying to find more Outer Science parallels ..... ... and then compare those findings to other things too ..... [bonus: some novel 8 spoiler bits from recent translations] [ even if this ends up being totally false maybe consider it like a fic that wrote itself? (hhhha) ] [ but seriously please try comparing the two videos by playing them at the exact same time against each other, some parts time up timing wise surprisingly well! ] [ also it’s very amusing ] [ also includes some “Additional Memory” arc from Manga Route analysis ]

ok so if you weren’t here for Outer Science’s release in the past, this happened at one point: [spurring off a series where everyone tried to catch more parallels]:

..... (and so on) ..... uhhhhh “[this] is the real thing!” - “Kagerou” in Wannyanpuu’s KageDaze pv [TOO] (also in original KageDaze’s song lyrics still) (UHHHHHHH) naturally, I recently was reminded of it [in the year 2k18 at that] and thought, “hey, did anyone ever directly compare Otsukimi Recital too? i didn’t have any caps from it in my archives just thematic parallels--” and well um [disclaimer: most of this is just for fun ok] [ but also to try and connect together thematic parallels if indirectly ] [ Outer Science re-translation from Kagepro wiki ] [ CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR ALL MAJOR ROUTES ] [ skip to the end for more important Routes questions! ]

[^ opening: Momo pan-up, Saeru pan-up] [ ^ Momo’s eyes flashing red as she points to the viewer, Outer Science intro ]

[^ oh hey (the one on right flashes by very fast too)] 

[^ “...Daze you too”] [”hey, you (prayed too, right?)” -Saeru]

[^ also just before Momo’s “nee!” face at the exact moment Saeru says “nee”] (that’s more of a fun timing thing though)

[^”young master”] [similar mouth placements...] [”it’s pointless” -Hibiya, and also Kagerou in old fanmade [but later Kagepro artist though] Wannyanpuu versions] / [”it’s (an unpleasant) story” -”Azami”]

[^ compared better to young Seto in Shounen Brave up there but]

(a bit earlier) [^the wires?] [there are a lot of TVs in certain Music Route songs ....] [^”(just saying supportive things) wasn’t going to cut it” as Konoha flashes by]

[^ hmmm] .....

[^ ok but what if Momo DID know more than she’s letting on] [or later on, too]

[^ all of them flash by in these and related parts but]

[^ ”...go together”]

[^ HIBIYA NO]

[^”(Legends, life, and even people’s fate)”] [^ oh hi cat] [still a KageDaze reference]

[^ disclaimer: I am not writing these ok. it does it itself] [”...(And inadvertently falling in love, too)...” - right side]

[^ THIS ENTIRE SECTION LINES UP TIMING WISE PRETTY CLOSELY] [ PARALLELS WITHIN PARALLELS (ON THE LEFT SIDE TOO) ] [ Hibiya’s FACE there ] [”(Such stupid things.)” -Saeru] [”i don’t even know what’s going on...” -Hibiya] [“(Ah, how difficult, what a challenge, I can’t stand it)” -Saeru]

[”*(Embedding in those eyes)”] [ ... the soda hits Hibiya in the eyes literally right then ] (maybe more fun but wow timing)

[”the power to combine the eyes together...”] [...?] (oh hi Mary) ( they DO need Focusing Eyes too ..... )

[^ Momo WATCH OUT]

[^ I mean literally] [ PARALLELS WITHIN PARALLELS WITHIN ] [’sobbing ”I don’t want this!”’] [”(You knew it, right? That's fate)” -Saeru]

[^ he obviously wouldn’t want this to happen to Konoha either ok] [ much less the rest ] [^ in Otsukimi Recital he’s also having Hiyori flashbacks here] [”(first tragedy)”]

[”I wanted us to be together” -Hibiya] [ ... uh oh]

[^ Momo: must help Hibiya get FOCUSING EYES] [^“Outer Science”] (RIGHT HERE) [ in between during Otsukimi Recital interlude: Outer Science deaths, including Saeru pushing Hibiya in front of truck, like so ]

[ bonus: the street light in between flashing as Seto particularly dies too ] [ maybe related .... ]

[”(No matter how many times you deny it This foolish life you're living)” -Saeru] (.... ok seriously, this comparing aside, Saeru’s watching them?) (is that also why there’s so many TVs that pop up in Music Route videos?) (certain novel 8 spoilers too seem to indicate similar things) (also especially in some particular songs ... [see below for more on that])

[”(No matter how many times you just cry)” -Saeru]

[^ RIGHT AS HER EYES FLASH RED] [ the right side flashes by very fast reds too ] (tw epilepsy if you compare um) [^ same timing though]

["( You asked for too much and now serve to sin)” -Saeru] (ok but if it was said to Mary AND Hibiya ..... it’d fit)

[^ ending smirks/grins] [^ video ending on Otsukimi side with Momo grabbing Hibiya to pull him along]

[ ..... ok all that for fun stuff aside ] [but then I was reading Hibiya bits from novel 8 and TAKANE / ENE NO] [ DON’T GIVE HIM IDEAS TAKANE / ENE NO ]

.... ........ ........... ..... .. .

it was “MOMO’S PHONE”

- OK BUT WHY DOESN’T HE HAVE THE PHONE IN MOST MAIN TIMELINES - LITERALLY HE WAS ALMOST ALWAYS TRYING TO BUY A PHONE - LITERALLY THE FREAKING PHONE

[”i’ll do it!” -Hibiya]

[”the next next next”] [”(Let’s ridicule it!)” -Saeru]

^ “Kagerou” Hibiya, from the old Wannyanpuu fan pv

[”continue?”] [“yes”]

[ ... and after Saeru!Hibiya kills Momo ..... ]

BONUS:

[ is ... is Saeru holding Momo in Outer Science too ..... ? ]

(or if it’s not Momo, Shintaro maybe? either way) (Momo still dies by Saeru!Hibiya in Manga Route)

(BONUS THE NTH: MY TAGS FROM WAY BACK THEN EVEN:) “#... #Momo...?”

more of a fun bonus (i’m sorry) (don’t take this one seriously)

(”WELCOME TO MY WOMB” [mis?]translation)

THE POINT OF ALL OF THIS REGARDLESS OF PARALLELS OR LACK OF BEING:

WILL HIBIYA STILL CHANGE THE TIMELINES / GO PSUEDO-“DARK” (EVEN IF HE’S NOT THE “HEAT HAZE” SPECIFICALLY BUT SIMILAR) [ or like unintentionally corrupted Hibiya in a way ]

WILL HIBIYA WAKE UP NEXT ROUTE HOLDING [MOMO’S?] THE FREAKING PHONE [ IN THE PAST WE ALL THOUGHT IT’D BE HIS OWN PHONE BUT ]

- WHAT WILL HE REMEMBER (.... OR NOT) [ because even if he WAS he might not remember everything / not intentional ] - WHO DIES FIRST (HIYORI OR HIBIYA) - WHO GETS FOCUSING EYES (HIYORI OR HIBIYA) - DOES KONOHA TRY TO SAVE HIYORI OR HIBIYA FIRST OR BOTH - WHAT WILL MANGA ROUTE NEW FORM SAERU DO IN BETWEEN - (NOW THAT HE LACKS ‘KUROHA’S FORM ?) - IS THE LOST TIME MEMORY SCENE WHERE SHINTARO SAVES KUROHA AND OR KONOHA / HARUKA FROM BEING KILLED STILL IMPORTANT TOO (I’M BETTING IT IS) - ARE THERE ANY POTENTIAL ROUTES AT ALL WHERE MEKAKUSHI TRIO DON’T KNOW EACH OTHER PRIOR TO AYANO’S THEORY OF HAPPINESS [YES] (SEE: The Deceiving [novel 5], young Kano meeting young Ayano at the playground BEFORE he dies and enters the Daze / by being stabbed when still young) (SEE: Shounen Brave possibly ? ??, the period of time in between Seto drowning before he eventually revives and winds up at the orphanage (later on); later  [or possibly BEFORE that in some spinoff Route[s]?] meeting Mary) (this goes for all three members of the Trio by the way, ‘that time they died before they all met Ayano / Tateyamas’ because yes this is what messes up Mekakushi Trio dynamics and can change with every route) - IS NEW ALBUM A NEW ROUTE OR IS IT PART OF CURRENT MUSIC ROUTE CONTINUED [FORMER SEEMS LIKELY] - IS MEKAKUCITY RELOAD (WHEN IT HAPPENS TOO) A NEW ROUTE OR IS IT PART OF ANIME ROUTE CONTINUED [THE FORMER SEEMS LIKELY] - WILL ANYTHING ELSE BE ANNOUNCED COME AUGUST 15TH [LIKELY] - WAS MOMO [AND/OR KONOHA AND REST] A CATALYST EITHER WAY (IF SOMETHING LIKE THIS STILL HAPPENS) - IS MANGA ROUTE / NEW FORM SAERU DOING THINGS ON HIS OWN IN GENERAL [MAYBE?] - WHO ELSE IS IN ON THIS IF IT’S EVEN AT ALL A POSSIBILITY STILL (BECAUSE I’M HIGHLY SUSPECTING - MARY [RESETS .... ] - SETO [MAYBE] [IF HELPING MARY] [looks at novels volume 8 summaries] - HIYORI [OBVIOUSLY] - A Y A N O)

LITERALLY AYANO LITERALLY TALKS TO HIBIYA IN THE DAZE [IN NOVELS, MANGA KIND OF?, AND MCA TOO]

AYANO YOU COULD HAVE TOLD HIM ABOUT THE FREAKING PHONE !!!

BONUS THE NTH (MORE...): - Otsukimi Recital is like an “Extra Edition” type of song - Shounen Brave is/was “Episode ?” - other episode ?s: Shinigami Record, Dead and Seek [Kenjirou, also Saeru], Ene’s Cyber Journey [Route XX Ene?] - other extra edition type songs: Toumei Answer [Ayano & Shintaro], Yuukei Yesterday [Haruka & Takane], Yobanashi Deceive [Kano]* is technically listed but isn’t included in the main/first Music Route, neither was Toumei Answer?, Ayano’s Theory of Happiness*, Otsukimi Recital* ..... .... because maybe they are “interfering with the Routes” type songs ?

BONUSES THE NTH (AGAIN): - we’re confirmed to [eventually] be getting an “Additional Memory” song [note that’s the title for the Saeru!Hibiya involved mini-arc in Manga Route] [even if it doesn’t center completely on Hibiya, well....]

a bit from ‘Additional Memory’ (I)? summary:

Ayano asked when the snake entered Hibiya’s body, to which he answered from the very start, long before he killed “Concealing Eyes” and met Ayano. He continued that this body was a “miss”. It was good that the boy who didn’t have any wish began to have a desire to “save the girl”, but it was a little bit immature. Regardless that the snake was a being that eats up “desire”, that wish causes him a sour stomach. “[LONG BEFORE HIBIYA (&SAERU)] [MET AYANO]”

^ “THE BOY WHO DIDN’T HAVE ANY WISH”

^ “A DESIRE” TO “SAVE THE GIRL”

^ ok but why the HECK would it be “IMMATURE” if Hibiya ALWAYS WANTED TO SAVE HIYORI FROM THE START and WHAT DOES SAERU MEAN “DIDN’T HAVE ANY WISH”

..... unless .....

... if SAVING HIYORI alone isn’t a strong enough wish ......

... and in the beginning of some routes SAVE HIYORI alone wasn’t his wish .....

what if it eventually [slowly] becomes [over time] “SAVE MOMO [TOO]”, “SAVE KONOHA [TOO]”, “SAVE EVERYONE [TOO]”

(some Saeru somewhere, probably: “oh, NOW his wish is strong enough”) (mangaverse New Form Saeru: [takes advantage of all of this])

a bit from ‘Additional Memory II’ summary:

Ayano questioned the snake: “You can’t do anything without using Hibiya-kun’s body right?.” Then suddenly, Hibiya regained his self consciousness, asking if Hiyori was alright!? He seemed very happy to see Hiyori. He was very worried that he could never meet her again… Then he was shocked to see the situation and tried to break out of Konoha’s hold. The snake used that chance to break out of the window, of course without forgetting to smirk at the kids: “Didn’t say I no one can stop this anymore?."

..... [later]

Hiyori finally reached their place, just to see Hibiya cry and say "I’m sorry” right before her eyes. http://fuyuyuu.tumblr.com/post/167573767600/

..... i’m done (sorry)

#kagecrack #outer science #kagepro: theories #kagepro theme: comparisons #hibiya amamiya #kagerou #saeru #momo kisaragi #konoha #hiyori asahina #saeru hibiya #(ayano tateyama) #(mary kozakura) #(kousuke seto) #otsukimi recital #hibimomo #(...maaaaybe) #(not intentionally ok) #(maybe unrequited because loops?) #hibihiyo #(that too) #(anyway if you want to skip all that above go to the end for more important things) #(LIKE WHAT CAN HAPPEN NEXT ROUTE AND IN WHICH ORDERS) #(i'll have to do that in Konoha's State of the World parallels postings though since they relate more to that) #(but yeah Ayano why Ayano literally why you HAVE to have known about at least some of those things) #(basically 'what are the common elements to each route concerning Hibiya and or Hiyori') #(AND HOW DO THEY CHANGE WITH EACH ROUTE) #(anyway i'm sorry drops Hibiya theories every two years or so until I disappear into the void again at least until August 15th) #(there's some other things to pay attention to too .... also I want to re compare Outer Science to like. everything again) #(... will i regret this. the answer is 'yes')

[selfcallednowhere]

Well so here’s a confession.

Normally on album birthdays I spend the whole day listening to the album. John Henry should particularly be an album I want to do this with, because a) it’s tied for my absolute favorite album and b) it has my theme song on it, so yeh suffice it to say it’s a really really special album to me.

But I actually haven’t listened to it at all today, the reason being that I’ve spent the entire day listening to “The Communists Have the Music.” I know the song has actually been out for a couple of days, but I was feeling pretty crummy and I didn’t think I was in the right frame of mind to properly appreciate it, so I didn’t listen to it until today and seriously I CANNOT STOP LISTENING TO IT. GOD GOD GOD I LOVE IT SO MUCH.

I have a whole bunch of thoughts about it and I think I’m going to put them in bullet-list form cos bullet lists are fun!

The rhyming is SO GOOD I mean he’s always good at it but there are some particularly good ones here

Also he straight-up MADE UP “anarchics” in that usage--I looked it up multiple places to see if it was acceptable as a noun (perhaps obsolete?), but could only find any evidence of it as an adjective--the noun seems to always be the familiar “anarchists.” I know making up words/usages is a standard thing in creative work (the obligatory “‘Well it worked for Shakespeare!” remark), but it’s one of those things that seems cute when he does it just because...he’s the one doing it and I AM MADLY IN LOVE WITH HIM.

Conversely, “plug in the headphone jack” bothers me--Ant informs me that in British English at least it’s considered acceptable to use “jack” to describe either the hole or the thing you’re plugging into it, but yeh to my American ears it just sounds awkward and wrong. I mean I understand that another syllable would’ve made the line not scan and that’s probably why he did it, but still.

I had actually listened to the song several times before I read the lyrics and was not able to decipher that bit in the first line which turns out to be  “Ayn Rand” and yessssssssss I am 100% in support of any and all Ayn Rand disses

Also the idea of books being sandwiches and drinks is actually a really fascinating idea and now I’m wondering what different books (or I suppose I could extend it to other things like songs) would taste like. It kinda reminds me of synesthesia, which now that I think about it is such an interesting/unusual brains-being-funky thing i.e. the kind of topic that is right up John Linnell’s alley that I’m kinda shocked that he hasn’t written a song about it already (although a quick search of the wiki to make sure that I wasn’t forgetting anything reminded me of the intro of “Turtle Songs of North America” and yes I suppose that counts, but again that’s not a full-song treatment).

The idea of John (ok ok Narrator of John’s Fictional Song Who is Totally Not Actually John Himself, I know i know, but I just often like to pretend his narrators are actually him because it’s fun/amusing) being more swayed by who has the best music than actual political ideology is really, really amusing. Also as someone who’s actually tried listening to a bit of Soviet-era music from the Eastern Bloc on Radioooooooo before, it’s...actually pretty universally terrible, so YOU’RE ON THE WRONG SIDE, JOHN. (However I did just listen to a recording of the Russian version of “The Internationale” on Wikipedia and it was I suppose Stirring in that way big anthemic things are supposed to be).

Also I was reminded of this part of one of the entries in his photography blog by this song:

The Egg looks to us like where we would live if the Soviets had won the Cold War. Not that I'd complain -- sometimes I find myself yearning for a more streamlined, uniform lifestyle. The closest modern society can come to that is Gap t-shirts and the iPod, but a building like The Egg suggests a higher level of ovarian smoothness.

(I was thinking about this part when I was out running errands so I couldn’t actually re-read it at the time and then when I got home and am looking at it just now it turns out I remembered how it went almost exactly verbatim which might be an indication that I’ve read his photography blog too many goddamn times at this point but IT’S NOT MY FAULT IT’S THE BEST THING EVER).

There are a couple of other things that are REALLY REALLY striking me about this song but I cannot discuss them cos they’re DIRTY but ummmmmmmmmmmmm.

Also FYI they’re apparently releasing a 7″ of this song next month which SHIT it’s the first time they’ve sold a 7″ in stores since “O Tannenbaum” 25 FUCKING YEARS AGO (there have been a few others just on tmbg.com but yeh nothing in stores) and also the first time they’ve had any sort of single or EP out since Indestructible Object 14 years ago. Exciting!!!!!

Also exciting: FLANS PROMISED THEY’RE GONNA PLAY IT ON THE FALL TOUR AND I CAN’T FUCKING WAIT TO SEE IT AHHHHHH.

Also also exciting: The fact that the album that this is gonna be on, which we know nothing really about yet (is it gonna be just the leftover Dial-A-Song stuff from this year or other stuff too or what?) is gonna be titled My Murdered Remains makes me SO FUCKING HAPPY because the second I found out that that was the working title of I Like Fun I was crushingly disappointed that they hadn’t used it cos it would’ve been their best album title in years. So YAY YAY YAY.

Also hmm this is two meta songs of his in a row, interesting. (I love meta creative work--I write a lot of it myself.)

#tmbg #the communists have the music #dial-a-song #my murdered remains #i am awesome #john linnell #quotes #john being adorable

[mercurialscoundrel]

20 Questions Tag

@indecentpause tagged me for these questions! It took me a while but here it is!

I’m going to tag my usuals - @ceabrams and @emjayrey. 

1. Is there any scene from any piece you’ve written that actually scared you? If so, describe the scene.

I’m not much of a jump-scare-horror person, but I do like the kind of horror you get on Twilight Zone or other cerebral horror stuff.  I have a short story called Return of the Iron Lung coming out on my Wordpress on Saturday, and it’s quite possibly the scariest thing I’ve ever written.  At the same time, it’s very calm, just uncanny and filled with polio.

2. What genre do you feel most awkward writing?

I’ve tried writing straight up romance before, but it always feels like there’s no tension or really problems.  Most of my romantic subplots either quickly move towards serious dating/engagements/marriage or they break up and never get back together. 

3. How many different types of writing do you write? Types of writing include novels, short stories, poetry, song lyrics, etc.

I write novels and short stories.  Sometimes I dabble in flash fiction.

4. How old were you when you first started writing?

I don’t remember. I do, however, have a Space Jam diary filled with stories (and hurricane tracking...?) that indicates I started no later than 1996. I was quite young, in that case. 

5. How confident are you in your writing?

This question makes me feel self-conscious, so obviously not very confident. 

6. Have you ever written and posted anything that was very personal to you?

I’ve had a really bad relationship with my dad, and there was a scene in my 12-book series where I really got into the relationships with a character’s parents.  Even though it really didn’t fit in the story and was eventually cut, I am still very glad to have written it. 

I also wrote this story about my grandmother, who I fancy as a secret necromancer. 

7. What inspired you to start writing?

I really liked reading, and I wanted to be an author so that other people could enjoy my crap.  Teachers probably encouraged me, too.

8. Which of your OCs do you relate to the most?

I feel like I have to be able to get into my main characters’ heads pretty well.  In my long series that will probably never see the light of day, I had an OC who was almost a self-insert but not quite. 

9. Have you ever written self-insert fanfiction?

From fifth grade through some of high school I wrote a massive, MASSIVE series of a self-inserted Gargoyles/Bonanza crossover fanfic.  If that’s not the most embarrassing fanfic you’ve ever heard of, I want to hear about it.

10. What is your favorite piece you’ve ever written about?

That short story about polio is pretty high on that list right now.  The Mercury Dimension, which is currently available to beta read, is also my best work to date.  If you’d like to beta read it, pm me or reblog or message or whatever.

11. How frequently do you actually sit down and write?

I usually write in between bouts at work, like during lunch break or when I’m waiting on an incubation and have literally nothing else to do.  One of my longest, shittiest experiments has several 30 minute incubations in a row, but I have to do it in a different building so I can’t do anything but write in the meantime. 

12. How many hours at a time do you do research on your writing?

Depends.  Sometimes it’s like 8 because my writing has been based off my scientific work before.  Sometimes it’s like 30 seconds because I just become a wiki-level expert before subsuming the concept. 

13. Do you like to branch out in your writing or do you tend to stick to what you know?

I hate tropes, so I tend to be ambitious and look for really new concepts. 

14. What would your antagonist of your current WIP say to you if they saw you in person?

Haha, my antagonist right now wouldn’t say anything to me because my position in society is too low. 

15. Do you consider yourself your OCs’ god or just kind of a guiding hand (or other? If other, please list)?

I see myself as someone who is able to channel the OC’s actions from another realm.  It’s like the creative process is pulling information from an alternate universe, timeline, or existence.  Reading and writing is almost like a seance for a world that I cannot otherwise experience.

16. What do you think you’d be doing with your time if you’d never gotten into writing?

Probably more work. 

17. Have you ever written a smut piece?

Once I had this brilliant plan to come up with some smut to sell on Amazon under a less serious pen name and make some quick cash.  I don’t know what happened to that sad sack of shit story, but I can guarantee it wasn’t good smut. I haven’t tried before or since.

18. What was the first thing you ever wrote about?

Rabbits trying to steal carrots from a local farm so they could have seeds and start their own farm. 

19. What is the most creative creature you’ve ever created for world-building?

Good lord, just fucking beta read The Mercury Dimension if you want the answer to this.

Otherwise, my methanogenic meklups from Take a Deep Breath are really out there.

20. Tell me one random fact about your WIP that you have yet to tell your followers.

Well, I don’t really have many followers - at least none for my WIP - but the main character in The Mercury Dimension is married.  You find this out in chapter 2, but I think married characters are actually pretty rare in books.  It’s so much more common to have a romantic subplot where the characters fall in love and get married rather than having married characters deal with the difficulties of staying married. 

#20 questions tag #tag game #writeblr #wip #wips

[rastagong-tearoom]

Inspirational Blend #6: Dream Pop

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the very last one in a series where I reveal the inspirations behind Sylvan Disappearance.

Today, I'll be getting away from webcomics, novels and movies to focus on music! It is the first time I attempt to describe something musical in written words, which is difficult enough, but to spice it up, I chose the most nebulous kind of music genre: Dream Pop.

It is difficult to provide a pertinent definition of Dream Pop if you know nothing of it. The corresponding Wikipedia page, citing the AllMusic Guide to Electronica, tells us that it is:

“An atmospheric subgenre of alternative rock that relies on sonic textures as much as melody.”

This is in all good faith as close as we can get to a valid explanation, the key idea being: Dream Pop music means hazy, blurry textures which produce an impression similar to that of dreams. There is no pertinent instrumental or theoretical category, the genre is largely characterised by the subjective texture as it is experienced.

The definition is not exactly wrong in categorising Dream Pop as an alternative rock subgenre, but personally, I would say it is wiser to outright admit that it is not a very-well defined genre, that it comprises artists from very different backgrounds who can appeal to vastly different sensibilities.

Below are a number of Dream Pop artists and albums I particularly enjoy, along with a short blurb explaining what's so dreamy about their music.

In the course of the article, I provide links to listen to the music I mention on Youtube. If you'd prefer to listen to everything on your own, without having to read the article, I also provide the following playlist, which contains all the songs referenced here:

Julee Cruise

I personally fell into Dream Pop through Twin Peaks, that I watched for the first time last summer, at the time of the release of the 2017 Return of the series. It was a deeply moving experience in many ways, but one of the highlights was discovering the music of Julee Cruise. In the world of Twin Peaks, there's one bar and dancing just outside the titular town that is frequented by everyone —teenagers, small crooks and couples alike: the Roadhouse. The regular performer of the Roadhouse is Julee Cruise, a woman who sings love songs very softly. It is rare for the viewer to hear her songs in entirety, but usually, they're soft, slightly kitsch love songs. The scene on which Julee Cruise sings is usually lit in bright purple and red tones, with an iconic red curtain in the background, which produces an eerie, retro atmosphere.

Excerpt from Twin Peaks. Do not look at the comments if you haven't seen the show.

While watching Twin Peaks, it's easy to leave aside Julee Cruise's music, which serves an atmospheric purpose most of the time. However, Floating into the Night (1989) deserves to be listened on its own terms. It is arguably her most famous album, the one co-produced by David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti, who later had her perform it in various parts of Twin Peaks.

It is a very special album that I like listen from start to finish at nightfall. It is carried by Julee Cruise's singing, always lingering and slow, and by backing guitars and synths, which produces a very retro atmosphere. The albums hides both dark, melancholic moments, and lighter interludes. Depending on the song, the lyrics can be either sensual, pronounced through rose-colored glasses, or on the contrary, abstract, surreal and disturing —much like Twin Peaks.

If Floating into the Night was a dream, then it would be something at the border between nightmare and dreams; at the single moment where subconscious truths emerge from the night, and into your consciousness.

The Cocteau Twins

Most of the time, Dream Pop is strongly associated with its more famous neighbour, shoegazing. There is indeed a lot of overlap in both shoegaze and certain Dream Pop artists, in their common focus on atmosphere, and in their descendence from punk and psychedelic rock.

The work of the Cocteau Twins could be considered to be the most representative of this Dream Pop variant. In the 80s and early 90s, the Scottish trio enjoyed a large success in the UK alternative scene, like other artists under the independent 4AD label.

It is impossible to put in words the Twins' appeal. Fans will always tell you about the voice of Liz Fraser, the vocalist of the trio, but it is difficult to describe it. As for me, the least I could say is that ever since I started listening to them, a year ago, I gained access to a whole new dimension of existence. The Cocteau Twins offered me a new lens to view life through, and made it infinitely richer.

If you listen to them, you'll notice that in many cases, no words can be discerned in the singing of Liz Fraser, because it is not made out of words —it is a texture, something both abstract and yet so very life-like. But there is a great variety in their production. You'll find both haunting, Gothic songs like Alice, dark riffs like Blue Bell Knoll, and upbeat, light clouds like Cherry-Coloured Funk, which is also very beautiful in its breezy, alternative recording from a later album.

Since their breakup in the 90s, the Cocteau Twins have had a large influence on a number of contemporary artists, and gained a cult following. One of my favourite secret hobbies is to read about what the Cocteau Twins mean to their fans, in Youtube comment sections. There are plenty of anecdotes, often dating from the 80s, and they never fail to bring me a smile. If the Cocteau Twins were a dream, they would be a daydream; a soft fantasy which somehow finds a way into your daily life, and enriches it in ways that cannot be expressed.

Beach House

Beach House is a duo of musicians from Baltimore, in the USA. They might be the most popular contemporary band to fall under the Dream Pop umbrella.

On the surface, they're an indie pop band, but Victoria Legrand's soft singing, their simple synth melodies and their poetic lyrics makes their music sound as soft as velvet. They've just released 7, their latest album, but my favourite so far is their previous one, Depression Cherry.

If Beach House was a dream, it would be, in a straightfoward way, a pleasant fantasy dream.

Nicole Dollanganger

Nicole Dollanganger is an independent Canadian singer and songwriter. She has a very distinctive voice, both very soft and high, and writes songs with very simple lofi instrumentals, which clash with her bleak lyrics about emotional abuse, sexual and gun violence. The result is a dreamy, Gothic atmosphere from which transpires a lot of sadness underneath.

I am slightly obsessed with her 2012 album Natural Born Losers.

If she was a dream, Nicole Dollanganger would be an afternoon nightmare: it may start peacefully, but remain asleep long enough, and it will awaken long buried trauma, and leave you with a strange aftertaste upon waking up.

The Cranberries

I'm still sadder than I'd like to admit about the recent passing of Dolores O'Riordan, the lead singer of the Cranberries. I have a lot of memories associated with the band. I know I used to listen to Ode to My Family as a child, without knowing who the band was at all. Later, I got obsessed with Zombie like many teenagers. But it is only many years later that I re-discovered all of their music, and found out that some of their songs sounded like Dream Pop.

The last song I will leave you with is perhaps the best-known from Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? which is the Cranberries' 1993 debut album. It's one of the songs I most listened to while writing Sylvan Disappearance, and its title, lyrics and aesthetics are quite self-explanatory: Dreams.

#Dream Pop #Shoegaze #Nicole Dollanganger #The Cranberries #Cocteau Twins #Julee Cruise #Beach House

[huahsu]

YEAR OF WHAT HAPPENS ON EARTH STAYS ON EARTH

[longer version of what I contributed to the new yorker’s year-end package. you can read that here, and listen to the accompanying megamix the video team made! links to previous year’s lists at bottom.] I did not grow up going to church, and I am not a particularly religious person. A few days after the inauguration, I wandered into a nearby church and took a seat in the back pews. I’d gone there right after the election. There was some time for anyone with anything on their mind to stand up and speak. If you need others to pray for you, just let us know. A middle-aged black man in a leather jacket got up and began telling us about an argument he was having with a friend on Facebook. It was about the election, but it was actually about the intractability of racism. He was getting frustrated while describing it to us, in part because he seemed to value being the cool and level-headed one. Plus he was describing the kind of argument millions of people were having on the Internet. “I just hope he finds peace,” the guy said. He paused, then put his hands on his chest. “On a lighter note, today would have been Jimi Hendrix’s seventy-fourth birthday.” He opened up his leather jacket to show everyone his Hendrix t-shirt. “I just wanted to say that, because he was just awesome.” So I returned here, the day after marching through Manhattan with a poster that said “HOLD ON, BE STRONG.” I needed to be in a room that was powered by something other than hate--to be reminded of vision and purpose, even if they weren’t mine to claim. To listen to wisdom gleaned from a book I’ve never read, and pick and choose what I wanted. To hear others pour themselves into songs I never, ever sing along to. I wanted to steal their vibes.  Instead of a hymn, they passed out small pieces of paper with the lyrics of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” This is not the type of church people come to for the music. The pianist started playing, and I remember thinking about how it felt like magic when I learned how to play those chords as a kid. I couldn’t believe we were doing this. We sang, tentatively at first, as though we could not believe these words in this space. Picture it: singing of “no heaven” and “no religion, too,” with humility and hope, inside a house of worship. It was like an admission that faith was inadequate. All we had was one another. “Imagine” is a song I’ve heard millions of times, the type of song that is so ubiquitous that we rarely bother scrutinizing its words, its vantage point, the possibility that someone wrote these words because he actually believed them. I sang along with a room of strangers, and we looked at one another, and, for the first time in months, I began to cry.   TWO LYRICS THAT REMINDED ME OF POLITICS EVEN IF THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS "Wrote this shit January 21″ “Take me back to November / Take me back to November” “I’M AN ANGRY TEENAGER” Novelist, “Street Politician” ONCE THEY START, I HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE END Jim O’Rourke’s recently unearthed cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” Kanye’s sitcom-length remix of “Bed” THURSDAY NIGHTS ON NBC Ross from Friends’ very Madchester guitar-y Boiler Room set DJ Seinfeld, Time Spent Away from U Nino Man, Jadakiss and Styles P, “Friends”

IN ANOTHER YEAR FULL OF NIRVANA/KURT COBAIN REFERENCES (DID YOU SEE JAY:Z’S JACKET?) MY FAVORITE SONG, PROBABLY: this Trippie Redd snippet

SOME VERSIONS OF THE NINETIES THAT WILL NEVER COME BACK THE WAY GRUNGE ENNUI HAS, BUT WERE SO POSSIBILITY-RICH TO ME BACK THEN Kicking Giant, This Being the Ballad of Kicking Giant, Halo: NYC/Olympia 1989-1993 Helium, The Dirt of Luck/The Magic City LIKE MANY WHO LOVED “A STORM IN HEAVEN,” I OVERLOOKED THEM AT THE TIME Acetone, 1992-2001 A REALLY GOOD BOOK ABOUT ACETONE, LOS ANGELES, DREAMS OF GREATNESS Sam Sweet, Hadley Lee Lightcap WOULD HAVE LOVED THIS IN 1994, 2002 OR 2017 Big Thief, Capacity CREDIBLE AND DOPE EARLY NINETIES R&B HOMAGE, SAX AND ALL Joyce Wrice, “Good Morning” SPEAKING OF THE NINETIES, LEECH MADE A MIXTAPE OF JUST THE FLOATY/DREAMY PARTS TAKEN FROM CLASSIC GOOD LOOKING/MOVING SHADOW SINGLES Leech, “Just the Liquid” FOR THE COMEDOWN, DARK-ASS STUFF ASSEMBLED EXCLUSIVELY FROM SLIPKNOT SAMPLES Croww, Prosthetics NOSTALGIA, ULTRA (UK GARAGE/BASSLINE EDITION) tqd, ukg SUMMERTIME ‘SECOND SUMMER OF LOVE’ VIBE Opus III, “It’s a Fine Day (Burt Fox remix)” UNEXPECTED BURIAL SUMMERTIME VIBES Monic, “Deep Summer (Burial remix)” NO REISSUE OR  tk ANNIVERSARY TIE-IN, JUST SOME OLD SONGS I RE/DISCOVERED THIS YEAR Active Minds, “Hobson’s Choice” El-B, “El-Brand” Kamal Abdul Alim, “Brotherhood” Spiritualized in Reykjavik  U2, “Numb (Soul Assassins remix)” U2, “Mysterious Ways (Massive Attack remix)”

SAME, BUT TAIWANESE INDIE ROCK EDITION Chocolate Tiger, “Piecing Together” REISSUES, OR: PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WEIRD AND SPACY#, OBSESSED WITH NATURAL BEAUTY## # Planetary Peace, Synthesis # Pauline Anna Strom, Trans-Millennia Music ## Pep Llopis, Poiemusia La Nau Dels Argonaut REISSUES, OR: WHEN I WAS A CHILD THERE WERE NO BETTER SONGS THAN THE ONES THAT PLAYED THROUGH TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE AND FOR SOME REASON THIS JOYOUS EP REMIND ME OF THAT SHEEN, THOSE HOOKS, THE PERFECT, THEATER-SIZED ECHO Om Alec Khaoli, Say You Love Me BEST ALBUM-LENGTH METAPHOR FOR THE CITY, ITS LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES Wiki, No Mountains In Manhattan SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE IT WAS DESCRIBED, JAMAICA VIA OUTER SPACE Equiknoxx, Colon Man I NEED TO GO OUT MORE Jex Opolis, “Mt. Belzoni” KH, “Question”

I LISTENED TO THIS ABOUT TEN TIMES, MY SENSE OF ENCHANTMENT GROWING AND GROWING EACH TIME, BEFORE REALIZING THERE WERE BARELY ANY DRUMS ON IT Mr. Mitch, Devout SERIOUSLY THE MR. MITCH ALBUM WAS REALLY MOVING AND FANTASTIC Mr. Mitch f/ Denai Moore, “Fate” CRAZY WISDOM MASTER Vince Staples, Big Fish Theory C’MON AND RAISE UP Rapsody f/ Kendrick, Lance Skiiwalker, “Power” SO ICEY Zomby, Mercury’s Rainbow ECHO PARTY Demen, Nektyr Evy Jane, “Give Me Love” THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Vic Mensa, The Autobiography DUNGEON FAMILY, EVEN IN DARKNESS Earthgang f/ J.I.D., “Meditate” FUNNY HOW TIME SLIPS AWAY Lee Gamble, Mnestic Pressure Pessimist, s/t NOT SURE HOW THIS BECAME THE DIWALI OF 2017 BUT OKAY French Montana f/ Mariah, Rae Sremmurd, PNB Rock, Belly, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, J Balvin, NORE, Wizkid, “Unforgettable” HOW ARE THIS MANY PEOPLE ON A FOUR MINUTE SONG? GOOD VIDEO THOUGH A$AP Mob f/ A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert and Frank Ocean, “RAF” I LIKE IT WHEN FERG’S VOICE GETS ALL NAGGY Ferg, “Plain Jane” METRO BOOMIN MADE A BEAT THAT REMINDED ME OF RADIOHEAD Post Malone f/ Quavo, “Congratulations” THE MARIACHI VERSION IS PRETTY SWEET Brian Imanuel, “How I surprised Post Malone with a mariachi band” ”IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR LYRICS, IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO CRY, IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO THINK ABOUT LIFE...” JonWayne, Rap Album Two CORNBALL PIANOS AND THEN THAT SYNTH DRAGS, AND THEN THE DRUMS KICK Tee Grizzley, “First Day Out” “BUT WILD/WITH MY MONOTONE STYLE” 21 Savage, “Bankroll” Kodak Black, “Candy Paint” Rich Chigga, “Glow Like Dat” ANNUAL SPOT RESERVED FOR LA MUSICA DE HARRY FRAUD French Montana f/ Pharrell, “Bring Dem Things” WHEN LAETITIA SAYS HER OWN NAME ON “EMBERS” Vagabon, Infinite Worlds WHEN JESSIE LEANS INTO THE WORD “FUCK” Jessie Reyez, “Figures” THAT LIGHT MISTING, THAT CASUAL SPRITZ OF SYNTHS Lanark Artefax, “Touch Absence” A GOOD ANTI-DJT THING THAT CAME OUT EARLY THIS YEAR, WHICH FEELS LIKE EONS AGO Lushlife + friends, My Idols are Dead + My Enemies are in Power THE BABY, THE FLUTES, PIERRE’S OBNOXIOUSLY LONG TAG, THE JESSE LINGARD DANCE Playboi Carti, “Magnolia” ILLEST SHIT I SAW THIS YEAR, BABY-RELATED A child at a restaurant watching an iPad and an iPhone at the same damn time “[FREE] PLAYBOI CARTI TYPE BEAT” YBN Nahmir, “Rubbin off the Paint” GUNS N ROSES, BEFORE ONE OF THE WEIRDEST BEEFS OF THE YEAR Trippie Redd f/ 6IX9INE, “POLES1469″ SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE YOU CAN SING, AND DO IT WITH CONVICTION, AND I WILL LISTEN Trippie Redd, “Rack City/Love Scars 2″ ALL THE BACKGROUND NOISE/ECHOED-OUT ADLIBS MAKE THIS BlocBoy JB, “No Chorus Pt 10″ SMERZ HAS FUN DESPITE THE AWKWARD OF IT ALL Smerz on NTS IT SEEMS REALLY EASY TO MAKE A GOOD-SOUNDING SONG THESE DAYS Global Dan, “Off White” OF ALL THE DOPE SHIT THAT FUTURE APPEARED ON THIS YEAR, THE MOMENT I WILL REMEMBER IS That tiny pause before he sings “I need fresh air,” when he seems happy and content IS THAT A GEORGE MICHAEL SAMPLE? Mozzy, “Prayed for This” THE FIX C Struggs, “Go to Jesus” "IT’S COOL, BUT IT’S NOT...END ZONE” Lil Uzi Vert, “XO TOUR Llif3″ AN ALBUM BOOKENDED BY TOTALLY DIFFERENT KINDS OF COLIN KAEPERNICK/TAKE A KNEE REFERENCES Miguel, War and Leisure IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR Brockhampton, Saturation I-III SZA, Ctrl SPEAKING OF SZA: WHAT A GREAT TITLE, BESIDES IT BEING ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF THE YEAR Kingdom, Tears in the Club THE KELELA ALBUM WAS LOVELY, AS ARE THESE Kelela x Bok Bok, Dub Me Apart A RANDOM YOUTUBE COVER THAT I ALSO LIKED, BECAUSE IT CAPTURED HOW MELODIC THE ORIGINAL ACTUALLY IS Kathleen Nguyen covering Kendrick and Zacari’s “Love.” DAMN. WAS GOOD Almost as good as “The Heart Part 4″ LIKE A DE LA SOUL ALBUM, SOMETHING THAT I KNOW I WILL CONTINUE ENJOYING/UNDERSTANDING ANEW FOR YEARS TO COME Tyler, the Creator, Flower Boy ”BLONDED RADIO” MADE ME JOIN APPLE MUSIC Frank Ocean, “Chanel” Frank Ocean, “Biking (solo)” Tyler and Frank, “Where This Flower Blooms” MACH HOMMY MAKES GOOD MUSIC THAT’S HARD TO ACCESS “x Earl Sweatshirt” EP ty Soundcloud IT’S A WEIRD TIME B/W THIS BEAT IS SO DEMENTED Tay-K, “The Race” PROBABLY MY FAVORITE PHARRELL BEAT Kap G f/ Pharrell, “Icha Gicha” MAYBE THE GREATEST MUSIC EVER MADE, REISSUED Pharoah Sanders

REMINDED ME OF PHAROAH, WHEN IT WASN’T REMINDING ME OF BON IVER Joseph Shabason, Aytche AND I ENJOYED AYTCHE FOR SIMILAR REASONS I LIKED ZONING OUT TO Tom Rogerson and Brian Eno, Finding Shore ANNUAL SLOT RESERVED FOR MUSIC I LOVED THAT FEATURED HARP Alice Coltrane, World Spirituality Classics Vol 1

SAME, BUT FOR HARP STUFF THAT ALSO SHOUTS OUT WAWA Mary Lattimore, Collected Pieces ANNUAL SLOT RESERVED FOR TASTEFUL VIBRAPHONE Jenifa Mayanja, “Warrior Strutt” YOU TRYING TO GET THE PIPE, TO PLAY IT, OF COURSE, AS PART OF AN EXPERIMENTAL COMPOSITION? Mary Jane Leach, Pipe Dreams THERE’S A MOMENT DURING THAT BAD BOY DOCUMENTARY CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP WHERE IT BECOMES CLEAR THAT EVERYONE WHO WORKS CLOSELY WITH DIDDY EVENTUALLY TURNS TO GOD, AND IT WAS LIKE THE STRANGE OBVERSE OF Jay Z et al, 4:44 footnotes 2016, BUT I SAT IN THE MET BREUER AND WATCHED THIS OVER AND OVER FOR ABOUT AN HOUR Arthur Jafa, “Love is the Message, The Message is Death” I WANT TO WATCH THE FULL FOUR HOURS OF THIS Dev Hynes talking to Philip Glass TRICKSTERY BUT KINDA MESMERIZING! Klein, Tommy Lolina, Lolita EP Hype Williams, Rainbow Edition “NOT ANOTHER GOT MORE SEOUL, UNLESS YOU KOREAN” (CHILLWAVE REMIX) Mogwaa, Deja Vu “THE TING GOES SKRRRAHH, PAP, PAP, KA-KA-KA/SKIDIKI-PAP-PAP, AND A PU-PU-PUDRRRR-BOOM/SKYA, DU-DU-KU-KU-DUN-DUN/POOM, POOM, YOU DON’ KNOW” Big Shaq, “Mans Not Hot” IBID., BUT “PERKY” Drake, More Life I WANTED TO LIKE THE WIZKID ALBUM MORE, BUT THIS WAS AWESOME Tiwa Savage f/ Wizkid and Spellz, “Ma Lo” LISTENED TO THIS QUITE A FEW TIMES SIMPLY BECAUSE ”BREAKING NEWS: WILD GOAT ON THE LOOSE” IS A WEIRD LINE Lancey Foux f/ AJ Tracey, Kojey Radical and Jevon, “Wild Goat” UNITED TIL I DIE BUT AJ TRACEY’S TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR KIT LAUNCH FREESTYLE HAD ME BUZZZZZZIN AJ Tracey, “False 9″ DIFFERENT TIME OF DAY, KINDA LEFT ME SPEECHLESS Grouper, “Children” Colleen, A Flame my love, a frequency Kara Lis Coverdale, Grafts Ryuichi Sakamoto, async LEFT RYUICHI SAKAMOTO ENVIOUS Metaphors: Selected Soundworks from the Cinema of Apichatpong Weerasethakul FROM OMNI TRIO TO THIS, A PRETTY VISIONARY CAREER Robert Haigh, Creatures of the Deep A SONG THAT FEATURED TWO PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE PRETTY BIG IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS DJDS f/ Amber Mark and Marco McKinnis, “Trees on Fire” LIKE, THIS IS GREAT Amber Mark, “Lose My Cool” AWESOME YEAR FOR POTIONS Social Lovers, “Drop Me a Line” Boss, “Song for Gods” WHISKED ME BACK TO MEMORIES OF the enormous room Joakim, “Samurai” Calvin Harris f/ Frank Ocean and Migos, “Slide” Amp Fiddler, “I’m Feeling You” Chaos in the CBD, Accidental Meetings LIKE FALLING ASLEEP ON THE SUBWAY, OR A TRUCK HITTING A POTHOLE AND SPITTING OUT A RECORD COLLECTION, OR HEARING A NANOSECOND OF BRAND NUBIAN THROUGH SOMEONE’S HEADPHONES AS YOU PASS THEM ON THE STREET, IT’S A VIBE Standing on the Corner, Red Burns MIKE’S A SAVIOR Mike 1. I SPENT A LOT OF TIME THIS YEAR THINKING ABOUT THE STRENGTH, ELASTICITY, FRAGILITY, GRAIN OF THE HUMAN VOICE AND SOME OF THIS WAS TOTALLY NECESSARY AND SUBLIME Deep Throat Choir, Be Ok Diamanda Galas, All the Way Moses Sumney, Aromanticism 2. SO ACHINGLY GOOD AND INTIMATE, ESPECIALLY THAT FAINT CROAK IN THE FIRST CHORUS Rostam f/ Kelly Zutrau, “Half-Light” 3. OF COURSE THESE WORLD-MAKERS TOO Bjork, Utopia Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, The Kid Valerie June, “Astral Plane” 3a. A STRANGE PROPOSITION THAT I ENDED UP ADORING KAS covering Sade’s "By Your Side" THE BAY AREA IS JUST DIFFERENT Droop-E, Trillionaire Thoughts Lil B, Black Ken THE “BUILD YOU UP” VIDEO WAS FUN AND ALL BUT I’M REALLY GLAD THIS WASN’T THAT Kamiayah, Before I Wake THE BAY TO L.A. AND BACK AGAIN Mozzy f/ G Perico, “Blammatory” G Perico f/ Mozzy, “What’s Real” GYEAH MC Eiht, Which Way Iz West OUTRUN THE BEAT SOB x RBE, “Lane Changing 2″ BANDS THAT ALWAYS SOUND LIKE THEMSELVES, IN WAYS THAT I FIND COMFORTING the xx, I See You King Krule, The Ooz SAME AS ABOVE, MIDDLE-AGED DIVISION The Feelies, In Between Slowdive, “Star Roving” SOMEONE WHO SOUNDS LIKE NO ONE ELSE Jlin, Black Origami THE NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM Dreezy f/ 6LACK and Kodak Black, “Spar” I LOOKED UP EACH TIME THIS CAME ON THE SHUFFLE Shanti Celeste, “Loop One/Selector”

PROBABLY MY FAVORITE SONG GoldLink f/ Brent Faiyaz and Shy Glizzy, “Crew” OR MAYBE Jorja Smith x Preditah, “On My Mind” THIS WAS SICK TOO GoldLink & Co. covering Outkast’s “Roses” MAYBE THE BEST SONG J Hus, “Did You See”

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER YEAR WHERE MY FAVORITE RELEASE WAS PROBABLY FROM YAEJI, THE “GLASSES FOGGING UP” LINE WAS VERY RELATABLE Yaeji, EP2 THE SONG OF THE SPRING, SUMMER, WINTER   I MEAN, IT’S WAYNE’S WORLD, WE JUST LIVE IN IT ### SIKH DEVOTIONAL MUSIC :: 2016 SPOOKY BLACK :: 2015

[silentmight]

BTS LIVE Trilogy Episode III the WINGS TOUR in Bangkok 2017

Sometimes, all it takes is a little faith and the wings you never knew you had will fly.

About a week and a half ago I YOLO’ed to Bangkok for BTS’ Wings Tour, and it’s a decision I absolutely have no regrets on. Just gonna keep this here as a diary post and concert impression of sorts!

The BTS Wings Tour in Bangkok holds special meaning for me in many ways, but I'll get to that later.

I haven't been to a concert this massive, no not even the local rock bands and gigs I attended while in Singapore can rival this full house of screaming fangirls. Queuing was intense and really stuffy, as Bangkok's weather can really fry you but thankfully I met up with Fonnoi (the girl I bought my ticket from; I randomly saw her post on FB) and then joined her for the concert!

I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS PAYING FOR THE STANDING TICKET. We positioned ourselves to the back and could learn against the guard rails, which makes for good viewing cause everyone crammed to the front and I'm glad my height's at an advantage here lol :3 Also I guess I must be old because I was on energy saving mode until the lights went off; the younger fans were all screaming when their bias appeared on screen when they played the MVs to pass time.

As an introduction, they played Spring Day’s MV and when the first verse kicked in I started tearing… IN FACT I WAS SILENTLY CRYING THROUGHOUT MANY SONGS, PLEASE DON'T JUDGE ME idk man this is the first time I've cried multiple times during a concert because you can feel the atmosphere and I just have too many FEELINGS.

The boys came on stage and kicked off with Not Today- great way to get the crowd pumping and it's also my fav (hell all of it is). The playlist is pretty much faithful to the one listed on the wiki, you can go check it out there… Hearing Bapsae and DOPE live is such a treat. Anyway I'm, so very glad to be able to watch the BTS boys perform their solo songs from the Wings album, coupled with visuals and stage props that are reflective of their personality and song.

Jungkook’s ‘Begin’ displayed his smooth dancing, which felt like a silent sort of strength. Right after was Jimin's ‘Lie’, which holy shit I've been waiting to watch in person ever since this kid became my no.2… I cannot explain in words how 色っぽい sexy it is, goddamnit! Stop attacking my heart! I cannot fathom how Jimin can look like a marshmallow one minute and then like a wolf!! *tears hair out* My favourite part of the dance was when he was blindfolded onwards /COUGH and when he was lifted into the air by the backup dancers too.

And then… my angel Min Yoongi, aka SUGA’s solo. I usually am unable to listen to 'First Love’ because he outputs a ton of intense emotions when he raps, so when I'm stressed I skip it. Hearing it live is no shortage of his raw feelings, and just listening to him rap it live is truly amazing.

The singer line then performed Lost and Save Me, in which during Lost they started to walk all over stage and I'm glad I… am just less than 10 feet away from them… just seeing Jimin sing live, I can die happy. OH and after this was 'I NEED U', aka the one song that I love to butcher with @hweiro and @wataksampingan in the car. Their pronunciation of “I need you gurrrr” hasn't changed IRL either lol.

Rapmon’s solo really did it for me. The introduction was of him looking at a whale, and this is just my assumption: Was he looking at the loneliest whale in the world? Which he wrote Whalien 52 in the previous album? Is it an allusion to himself, because we all know his song 'Reflection’ is melancholic by nature? As the song progressed, it felt like some deep acid trip going through the ocean and the universe and finally Rapmon ends it by walking into an elevated phone booth… however hearing him repeat, “I wish I could love myself” with the concert visuals truly struck a deep chord within. I don't have a deep soul like him but I can resonate with the feeling of looking at life pass you by, you want to love yourself but it's hard as fuck.

V's “Stigma” was next, sorry my attention here died a bit so I don't remember much lol. The last two solos had me in a silent tearing mess though- J-Hope and Jin. J-Hope is SUCH a good performer, his stage charisma is great and we're treated to his childhood photos as he sang ’MAMA’. He had a long pause before finishing off the song, but in that last verse, he sang it with the intensity of his gratitude and love for his mother I just.. my eyelids were like a leaky tap okay. You can totally see the look of admiration and adoration when he looked up after the song ended. J-HOPE!!! ;____;

Jin… oh Jin. It took me so long to appreciate 'Awake’, but after watching him perform live, I see this song in a new light. He and the violinists/cellists were on individual raised platforms, while the backdrop is pretty simple. It felt like a dreamy sky, and on the front of the platforms were projected feathers. Tbh, from what I know of Jin is that he was mainly the visual, who can't really sing or dance so people were like, why is he even there? And perhaps Jin himself feels it too, being the oldest in the group. The line “Maybe I can, can never fly… I Can't fly like the flower petals over there” just struck me of that train of thought.

But to me, Jin, at that very moment you're flying- flying so high and you could touch the sky.

Feelings of inadequacy and yet wanting to keep on keeping on resonates too much within. This song really punched me in the gut and I was trying to not sniffle (and guess what my eyeliner didn't run lmao)

'Cypher 4’ was the rapper line just doing their thing and going wild, then next was FIRE. OMG I've waited so long to also see this dance in person and also sing along T_Tbbb The next couple of songs had them singing yet running all over stage and I took the opportunity to sneak some photos lol but I'm sad that Suga didn't really come to our side of the stage 🙁 Speaking of Suga, this fella is really funny... as for most of his rap lines he just held his mic up and let the audience fill it in woi wwwwww

I managed to sneak some photos of Jimin as he came over to our side of the pen during ‘LOST’- when the singer line started walking around.

Anyway, I have also been looking forward to the main dances of the night: J-Hope’s insane solo for ‘Boy Meets Evil’ and finally, ‘Blood Sweat and Tears’ in the FLESH. I love BST a lot so getting to see it live is just too much for my heart to take.. even with Wings Outro right after. Tbh I wanted to jump up and down like at a rave party with this song (and Dope/Fire) but.. no one else was doing so.. guess no one jumps at a kpop concert lmfao

I got to see everyone up close though, in particular Jimin, J-Hope, V, Jungkook and Rapmon. Damn, Rapmon gave a flying kiss to the small area of 4-5 i was squashed in and the girl in the front went BERSERK. lol Jimin also high 5’ed a very lucky person!

After a short intermission, they returned with ”There Will Be Better Days” and I was already expecting to bawl at this song because of how easy you can sing along to the lyrics (and their meaning), and fucking bawl I did! Before performing this song Rapmon was like, don't be sad, we'll walk together always in our hearts and towards better days always and damn, I'm moved. I could mainly understand whatever RM was saying cause he's the only one speaking in English haha…

Last song of the night was 'Spring Day,’ which was a fitting end to the entire concert. And with that, the Wings Tour has come to an end.

If I didn't take leap of faith in messaging a total random stranger, who is now a concert goer and new found friend, I would never experience this. People precaution one against randomly asking and buying something from online strangers but if I never spotted Fonnoi’s post on the IME thread, I would never have this experience. I've been shown so much hospitality and warmth throughout, and I'm glad we could establish that trust. I'm really thankful to her for selling the ticket at an ok price!

I guess this concert and trip alone fulfills one of my small dreams; to YOLO to another country solely for a concert and to also solo travel before I'm 30. Honestly I thought I'd never be able to do it but just slog away and slave at work- growing old and letting all my youthful dreams die as I leave behind the vestiges of youth. It might have not been to Japan for sakanaction (still a dream), but I'm infinitely grateful that I was able to watch another one of my favourite groups perform live… not to mention seeing Suga, my ultimate BTS crush and also Jimin in person.

Here’s some sneak shots I took:

Rapmon!!! He’s so charismatic.

#diary #bts #bts wings tour

[marcusssanderson]

25 Top Rap Songs You Should Play First Thing in the Morning

Looking for top rap songs to play to inspire your daily greatness?

Music: it awakens the soul; it’s nostalgic. Music can cure a broken heart or break it. Music also motivates. Motivation is something we all need at times.

I decided to pair two things I like to talk most about (music and motivation), and make a list of 25 rap songs that should be played first thing in the morning. It was difficult for me to compile just 25. I also had trouble diversifying my artist. But I figured this is my list and I have to stay authentic. I chose these songs because they not only give you energy, but will motivate you throughout your day to accomplish your goals, dreams, and stay on your intended path in life.

With that said, these are the top rap songs that get me going through the day.

 Top Rap Songs To Play When You Wake Up

Nas – “You’re The Man”

If you know me, you know that Nas is my favorite rapper. So no list is complete if he isn’t named there. “You’re The Man” by Nas will uplift and motivate any person no matter what they are going through in life (high and lows). Nas opens the song with the powerful lyrics “They plan was to knock me out the top of the game…”  How many of us have felt people were against us and are trying to stop our progress?

Image credits to Mikamote via Wiki Commons.

Nas has a powerful comeback for those trying to stop his reign, which we could also use as motivation.  “But I overstand they truth is all lame, I hold cannons that shoot balls of flames, Right in they fat mouths then I carve my name, Nas- too real, Nas- true King..” At this point I substitute Nas’s name for my own as I am looking in the mirror envisioning proving my Naysayers.

The chorus echoes the song’s title, “You’re the Man, You’re the Man, You’re the Man”. The chorus is something everyone should carry with them throughout their day, no – throughout their life.  I dare you to add this to your playlist of rap songs and see how much motivation you will receive.

  Kanye West – “Jesus Walks”

“Jesus Walks” isn’t just a song for Christians or people who are religious. This is one of the best rap songs for anyone and everyone who is battling things internally and externally. This is about having faith, hope, and understanding that everything will be alright if you keep faith. I listen to this song in the morning to motivate me and to keep in mind that I am my worst enemy. But if I keep the faith, everything will work in my favor.

  Kanye West – “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”

Image credits to rodrigoferrari via Wiki Commons.

I am always motivated when I hear this song. “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is a favorite to listen to in the morning, because I am motivated to focus on my priorities throughout the day when I hear the chorus, “Wait I get my money right”.  I imagine nothing standing in my way of business and personal goals, and Kanye adds more fuel to my fire with the line, “And you can live through anything if Magic made it”.

What more inspiration do you need than to look at what Magic Johnson has accomplished in his life even though he was living with HIV? If he can keep on his mission to succeed in life after facing tragedy, you can too.

  Lupe Fiasco – “The Show Goes On”

An inspirational song for people of all walks of life. “The Show Goes On” starts off with a chorus that is very energetic. The first verse is dedicated to the haters in your life.  The second verse is what will truly motivate all who listens to this song.

“One in the air for the people that ain’t here

Two in the air for the father that’s there

Three in the air for the kids in the ghetto

Four for the kids who don’t what to be there

None for the people trying to hold them back

Five in the air for the teacher not scared to tell those kids living in the ghetto that the world is theirs

Yeah, Yeah, The World is Yours; I was once that little boy,

Terrified of the world, Now I’m on a World Tour……”

Verse three is the perfect motivational kick in the butt to assist you in accomplishing your goals and starting your day.

“So no matter what you been through

No matter what you into

No matter what you see when you look outside your window

Brown grass or green grass

Picket fence or barb wire

Never every put them down

Lift your arms higher

Let em’ know you’re there

That you struggling and survivin’ that you gonna persevere…”

  Lupe Fiasco – “I’m Beamin‘”

Image credits to Eva Rinaldi via Wiki Commons.

We all have naysayers in our lives. “I’m Beamin’” is a clever response to those haters, yet Lupe Fiasco keeps it classy and motivational throughout the song. I listen to this in the morning to add extra fuel to my motivation of accomplishing things that others say are “impossible”. Lines like “I’m on a losing strike, I’m on a winning streak” or “Failure is my last name, Never is my first one”, are great for positive affirmations.

If there is ever a period in your life where you future looks dark, turn this song on and you will realize that no matter what, YOU are beaming. Definitely a great addition to your list of rap songs.

  Big Sean – “Skyscrapers”

Image credits to Big Sean via Flickr.com.

“Skycrapers” by Big Sean made my rap songs list because this always motivates me to strive for more. Dispute its explicit content, Big Sean’s energy and passion behind his words make you feel his hunger for success, to reach the skyscrapers. Successful people and those who want to be one can relate to the opening lines of the song, “If I ain’t going to get it, that day is going to waste”.

Don’t let your day go to a waste by not listening to this song in the morning and getting motivated.

  Lupe Fiasco – “Superstar”

“If you are what you say you are, a Superstar, then have no fear the camera’s here”.

With an opening like this, you all should understand why this song should be listened to every morning before you start your day. This song is full of hope, determination, and passion. Lupe’s lyrics gives off energy that makes us feel confident, motivated, and empowered. Be the Superstar that you were designed to be, “And everyone claps, ‘cause everyone is pleased”.

  Eminem feat. Nate Dogg – “‘Til I Collapse”

Image credits to Transformer123456 via Wiki Commons.

Eminem is a rapper that brings energy in every song he performs. What he doesn’t get credit for is his ability to positively motivate people through his music. One song of his that I play in the morning, in the gym, and before games is, “‘Til I Collapse”. Em starts the song off by talking. His words are words we often tell ourselves or need to tell ourselves when we are being challenged:

“Cause sometimes you just feel tired, feel weak

And when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna give up.

But you gotta search within you, you got find that inner strength.

And just pull that out of you and get that motivation to not give up.

And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on

your face and collapse.”

If this isn’t enough to get you motivated to conquer your daily challenges, then Nat Dogg’s chorus is sure to charge you up. Who needs coffee after hearing this song?

  Eminem – “Lose Yourself”

Image credits to Scott Kinmartin via Flickr.com.

This is a song based loosely on Eminem’s life. This is something we can all relate to. At one time or another, we have all been an underdog, and we had to fight for respect. We must stay hungry and remember that no matter what, we only have ONE opportunity to make an impression; one opportunity to make our dreams a reality. “Lose Yourself”, tells us how to get out of our way and seize the moment.

  Eminem – “Not Afraid”

“Not Afraid” by Eminem, is one of my morning go-to rap songs when I am nervous about a project, a situation, or an event. This song helps me put into perspective everything I have been through to get to this point in my life. The highs and lows, and how I overcame them to accomplish my goals and dreams.  In life we face many obstacles and new events. However, we should never be afraid of change or challenges.

  Kanye West feat. Beyoncé, Charlie Wilson, Big Sean – “See Me Now”

“See Me Now”, is in my morning motivational playlist because of its energy. The chorus, sung by Charlie Wilson, and the bridge sung by Beyoncé, also makes this song a definite motivational hit; however, Big Sean definitely steals the spotlight with his tale of how he turned heartbreak into success.

  Outkast feat. Goodie Mobb – “Git Out, Git Up”

“Git Out, Git Up”, is a song for everyone who feels like giving up, lacks ambition, or feels lazy. This has been one of my favorite motivatinal rap songs since I was in the 8th grade. The chorus is perfect for athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers – breathing souls, period!

“You need to git up, git out, and git something,

Don’t let the days of your life pass by

You need to git up, git out, and git something,

Don’t spend all of your time trying to get high,

You need to git up, git out, and git something,

How are you going to make it if you don’t even try?

You need to git up, git out, and git something,

Cause you and I got to do for You and I.”

  Jay Z – “I Did It My Way”

Image credits to Mikamote via Wiki Commons.

The path to success is often a lonely road. Often you must make sacrifices, and ignore the advice and opinions of others. Jay Z’s, “I Did It My Way”, allows me to reflect on the sacrifices made and needed for me to be successful. With so many things pulling at us throughout our lives, it’s good to have reminders that doing things YOUR way will work out.

  Jay Z – “U Don’t Know”

Playing “U Don’t Know” by Jay Z in the morning will make you feel invincible throughout your day. This is the epic grind song. I will just let the chorus of this song persuade you.

“I tell you the difference between me and them,

They trying to get they ones, I’m trying to get them M’s

One Million, Two Million, Three Million, Four,

In just Five years, Forty Million More…….

Put Me Anyway on God’s Green Earth, I’ll Triple My Worth…..”

  50 Cent – “I Get Money”

Image credits to Top Streetwear via Flickr.com.

In “I Get Money”, 50 Cent brags about his business smarts; however, instead of this song being an obnoxious tell, it is quite motivational. The words and the energy of this song helps all who are in business or are a brand (everyone) get charged up to battle and destroy any and every obstacle before them. I recommend listening to this song right after Jay Z’s “U Don’t Know”.

  Jay Z feat. Rihanna and Kanye West – “Run This Town”

“Run This Town”, makes my list of 25 rap songs to listen to in the morning because it is a song about conquering everything that stands in your way. Are you a leader or a follower? Leaders play the game, but they define their own rules on their way to the top. Are you going to Run This Town, Your Empire?

  Zaki Shabazz – “Mission”

A powerful motivating rap song with a soulful chorus; “Mission” by my best friend and musician Zaki Shabazz, has been in my morning playlist since 2003. This is often the first song I listen to when I start my day.

  Fort Minor – “Remember The Name”

Image credits to Norrel Blair via Wiki Commons.

“Remember The Name” should be listened to first thing in the morning, at the gym, before a game, or before a presentation. It’s an inspiring song about how much hard work a person must put in to become successful and noticed.

“This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill Fifteen percent concentrated power of will Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain And a hundred percent reason to remember the name!”

  Nas – “Hate Me Now”

“Hate Me Now” is the ultimate response to all the haters in your life. We all have them, but it is important to remember that no matter what others think or say, you must focus on your mission in life. As the lyrics in this song sums it up: let your accomplishments do the talking, keep setting goals, and live your life.

  Drake – “Started from the Bottom”

Image credits to Zulytheslg via Wiki Commons.

How can this song NOT be in your 25 rap songs that you listen to in the morning? This song is fun, energetic, and inspiring.

  Big Sean feat. Drake – “Blessings”

In order to have success, one must appreciate the things they have in the present as well as what they went through in the past. What better way to start your morning than playing a song about blessings.

“I live the life I deserve, blessed,

Forgot a vacay I feel better at work,

I mean whatever its worth, I give whatever I’m worth.

For my friends who going go to Hell and back for me,

I’mma give them Heaven on Earth,

Or a hell of a check, yeah, whichever comes first,

Blessings on Blessings on Blessings,

Look at my life man, that’s Lessons on Lessons on Lessons”

  Big Sean –“Nothing is Stopping You”

“Nothing is Stopping You” is a must for all motivational playlists. This is a tale of how Big Sean achieved the success he has today.  It is the chorus that makes this a must listen to in the morning, or when you need to accomplish something that seems impossible.

“Nothing is Stopping You

Is Stopping You, Is Stopping You,

Nothing Is Stopping You”

  Lil Wayne feat. Drake – “Right Above It”

Image credits to Stalin981 via Wiki Commons.

I admit I didn’t know what Lil Wayne was saying in “Right Above It” for years. This didn’t stop me from

[grandmamasscomm]

Interview 1: Audio

For this project, I decided to interview my grandma, Ruth. When I first told her about this project, she seemed hesitant. She made it clear to me that she wasn’t sure how much she could remember or if she had any interesting information to share. I reassured her, however, that whatever details she had to offer would be interesting because they were uniquely hers, and I would be learning new aspects about my grandma’s life that I had previously never thought to ask. I was really thrilled to learn more about her tastes in different forms of media and experiences when she was younger. For support and help with memory, my grandma enlisted the help of her close friend, Donna. So, I will be relaying the memories and experiences of both of these women, and I hope you enjoy what I’ve learned and discovered.  

RECORDINGS

The first form of media I approached Ruth and Donna with was audio, more specifically, recordings. To begin, my grandma and Donna talked about their favorite recording artists growing up and the music that was commonly around the house. My grandma said that rock and roll was her favorite genre growing up. Her father liked to play country records and her mother preferred classical because my grandma’s grandmother was a pianist. My grandma remembers going to public classical performances at the Topeka Municipal Auditorium with her grandmother and being inspired by them.

She said, “I thought I wanted to be an opera singer like Risë Stevens. She had bright red hair and she was pretty. It was fun, I loved it.”   

Topeka Municipal Auditorium: 

Source: http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/215548 

Risë Stevens: 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/22/arts/music/rise-stevens-opera-singer-dies-at-99.html 

Donna can recall her family record player. She said that her uncle had given her one from his days in the navy. She made it clear that it was not a fancy object. My grandma also recalls buying single 45s (record size) for 75 cents.

My grandma mentioned Eddie Fisher as a musician she liked to listen to when she was younger. She said he was cute but she couldn’t remember any specific song of his that was her favorite. Donna enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra, and her friends liked Elvis Presley. Donna can remember when she first fell in love with Frank Sinatra’s music. Donna visited a young man’s apartment from her hometown and was surprised that he owned 33 1/3 records of Frank Sinatra. While telling this story Donna still sounded awestruck. She said he owned all of Frank’s early records and he had a really impressive sound system.

She said, “I can just remember sitting in there and just falling in love listening to his music.”

The mention of Elvis sparked a surprising story from my grandma.

“When I was in high school, Elvis actually came to Topeka,” she said.

She didn't get to watch him perform live but she offers, “I just stood outside and screamed with all the other girls!”

I was really surprised that my grandmother came very close to seeing Elvis Presley in the flesh. The things you learn. Donna gave some insight into her first concert. She told me that she went and saw the Four Freshmen, which she described as a contemporary jazz group. She thought their harmonies were particularly beautiful. For some context, I looked up the Four Freshman and Donna is right, they have some pretty nice harmonies. Give them a listen if you’re curious. 

The Four Freshmen

Source: https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/467785/last-original-member-of-four-freshmen-dies 

When discussing parental limits, both Ruth and Donna were in agreement that there weren’t any parental limits on the music they could listen to. I was surprised by this, especially because of the conservative nature of the 50’s and because many parents didn’t like the genre of rock and roll. My grandma did bring up a good point, however. She said that content restrictions were not an issue because “people didn’t talk the way people do nowadays.”

Donna also mentioned Elvis’s performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Donna said, “That was a big deal.”

“Risqué” my grandma offered.

“He shook his hips. Big deal! Isn’t that something? The world was ending,” Donna proclaimed sarcastically.

“Yeah, going to hell,” my grandma laughed.

My grandma also brought up the merging of black and white music in rock and roll and the appearance of black artists.

“There was some [black] groups that were becoming popular, you know. And I can’t tell you one right now, but it was different because it was just happening.The changing, you know, people were accepting that,” she explains.

After discussing the music and artists of the 50s, Donna did admit, “Some of that 50s music was not all that great, in my opinion. It got a little better in the 70s. Of course, the 70s — that was my kid’s stuff — that’s what I liked.”

My grandma chimed in, “And I liked to listen to a lot of it [70s music] because my kids liked it — they had the radio on.”  

As for discovering artists, Donna and Ruth discovered their favorite artists through movies, as artists would frequently make appearances. My grandma explained that the music producers would often end up making the many musical movies that came about.

When asked about the music they listen to today, my grandma and Donna enjoy listening to old movie soundtracks on CDs and some popular music, like Bruno Mars. Donna, in particular, likes old standards from the 30s and 40s and some country music.

RADIO

Donna still remembers the story of receiving her first personal radio. She explains that she had always wanted a clock radio. She loosely estimated it probably would have cost around $20. Her dad knew that she wanted one really badly, so he gave her one as an early Christmas present.

“I used to turn that thing on and there was some kind of radio or talk show, and they closed off with a song called ‘That’s All’.” Donna said.

She started to actually sing the song that closed off the radio show. She was also excited to have her own radio so she could listen to the Academy Awards.

She explains, “You didn’t have the red carpet and all that. I had no idea who they had on it. But that was a big deal to see who got the Oscars.”  

Ruth enjoyed listening to the top 40 countdown hosted by Casey Kasem. Donna also enjoyed listening to Your Hit Parade on the radio, and eventually TV, and it was sponsored and hosted by Lucky Strike cigarettes. Donna recalls buying the little thin magazines put out by Hit Parade that contained sheet music of the hit songs. Donna and her hometown best friend would get them, learn the lyrics, and sing the songs.  

Lucky Strike Hit Parade - Cardboard fan shaped like a tobacco leaf 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Your_Hit_Parade

My grandma’s first memory of radio involves her mother having the radio while doing work around the house for the majority of a day when she was around ten years old. Donna also said that radio was a big part of her life growing up, but she can’t believe the sound quality compared to today’s music. She also explained the prevalent use of AM over FM and how the weather would affect the radio signal; they would experience static. They both agreed that radio was used much more than the record player in their homes.

My grandma said, “That’s where everyone got their news — everything. Most people had a radio on.”  

They both also recalled their favorite radio shows that occurred on Saturday mornings and Sunday nights. My grandma said she remembers the kids sitting around the radio in the living room and listening to Amos ’n’ Andy.

In reference to the show, Donna’s immediate reply was, “How racist! They were white guys playing black guys.”

They both enjoyed listening to mystery radio shows and The Arthur Godfrey Show — which was a radio talent search show.  

When asked about radio commercials, they both started listing off many brands. To name a few: Pepsodent, Lux Soap, Oxydol, various cigarette brands, Frigidaire, GE, and Alka-Seltzer.  They didn’t recall any educational programming and said there wasn’t any public radio, like NPR today.

They also remembered first hearing about President Kennedy’s death on the radio and Ruth remembered listening to one of President Eisenhower’s speeches on the radio in grade school.

As for today, they don't really listen to radio anymore unless they are driving. Donna also sometimes uses the online radio service, Pandora.

After interviewing my grandma and Donna, I was so happy I got the chance to learn so much new information about people I know and see on a regular basis. I really enjoyed hearing their stories and imagining their childhood and teen years with the music and descriptions they supplied. It is important to acknowledge the differences between the technology and media forms in their early lives and today, but I also think it is equally important to recognize how much is the same: the love of music and entertainment in its many forms.