#and as the saying goes: you catch more flies with honey than vinegar

[vladdyissues]

What if Vlad knew about Danny Phantom being Half-Ghost, before ‘Bitter Reunions’?… Would Vlad treat Danny differently, when Danny’s Family first arrives at Vlad’s mansion?… Does Vlad go easier on Danny, during their very First Battle, or would they not not battle at all? 😮

I actually have a story planned that deals with exactly this thing! This one is A Different Meeting from my WIP Ask Game post (and I forgot to include at least 2 other WIPs in that list. Oops):

“Jack. And Maddie!” He stepped forward, clasped her hands, and kissed her cheek. “You’ve never looked lovelier, my d—” His eyes fell upon a familiar face behind her. “And who is this handsome young gentleman?”

Danny’s skin prickled under the piercing gaze. His eyes flitted around nervously, trying to find somewhere to land.

“Oh, this is Danny, our son,” Maddie laughed. “And this is our daughter, Jasmine. Jazz for short.”

A little starstruck, Jazz meekly waved.

Vlad gave the girl a polite nod but shifted his attention back to Danny, gazing at him earnestly. “Indeed, indeed. How marvelous. What a beautiful family. Please, please, come in.” As they passed, he placed a gentle hand on Danny’s shoulder and guided him inside.

Unbidden, a poem he’d learned in middle school rose up through the fog of his memory:

“Will you walk into my parlour?" said a spider to a fly; “’Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy. The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I have many pretty things to shew when you are there.” “Oh no, no!” said the little fly, “to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”

Essentially, Vlad recognizes the boy known as Phantom (kind of hard not to since he looks and sounds the same as his human counterpart; however, if you align with the headcanon that "ghosts look different to humans and only see each other as they truly are", it'll still work) and sets about manipulating Danny to join him, using whatever deceitful ploys he can to win him over.

So to answer your question, anon: yes, definitely, I think if Vlad had known Danny from the get-go, their relationship would have been much different. Vlad likely would have withheld making his hatred for Jack Fenton known, and his focus would rapidly shift from winning an unrealistic, unattainable goal (Maddie's love) to something much more feasible and rewarding (Danny's allegiance and loyalty). He and Danny wouldn't have fought in the library; instead, Vlad would make it his mission to treat, pamper, spoil and corrupt Danny, who already has some resentment issues with his parents and sister.

He's easy prey for this hungry spider.

#wip ask game #danny fenton #vlad masters #bitter reunions au #pompous pep #or badger cereal #haven't really decided yet #hjbwrites #if vlad had played his cards right he could have had it all #and as the saying goes: you catch more flies with honey than vinegar

[mcflymemes]

PROMPTS FOR THE GRUMPY VS SUNSHINE TROPE *  assorted dialogue for that great dynamic between a guarded character and a warmer character, adjust as necessary

GRUMPY CHARACTER

do you ever stop smiling?

life sucks. get over it.

no one ever listens to me. at least, not until you showed up.

i didn't ask for your opinion.

there are more important things i should be dealing with.

i don't talk about my feelings with anyone.

that was a little uncalled for.

i didn't mean to talk your ear off.

i work better on my own.

what did you say to them to get them to listen?

i don't want to talk to you. in fact, i don't want to talk to anyone.

can you just leave me alone?

i never said i would help you.

you can't just talk your way out of problems.

everything was fine until you showed up.

now if you'll excuse me, i have better things to do.

what's so great about this place, anyway?

my opinion doesn't matter anyway.

i don't have time for "fun."

i just want to get this done and go home.

that's never been up to me to decide.

do you stick your head into everyone's business, or just mine?

if it's all the same to you, i'd prefer to be alone.

no one asked you to get involved.

i don't have a choice. it's my duty.

you're interrupting me again.

can we talk about this another time?

you've been listening to me talk for an hour now.

how do you stay so positive all the time?

i'm perfectly content just the way i am, thank you very much.

can't you see they're taking advantage of you?

SUNSHINE CHARACTER

i wish you would just listen to what i have to say.

i have to try and stay positive. it's the only way we get through this.

nothing good can come from constant negativity.

i believe in myself because no one else will.

i've seen what happens when the bad outweighs the good.

we just have to stay strong.

you never know what someone is going through.

i am capable of more than you give me credit for.

i don't think you're a bad person.

there's so much more to life than this.

you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

have you tried being nice to them?

a compliment goes a long way.

i choose to be kind.

i just don't see the point in staying silent.

i'm just trying to look out for you.

there's no need to be rude.

we could work together as a team. did you ever think about that?

if you need my help, i'm here for you.

you should smile more often.

i wish you would just be yourself.

for what it's worth, i like who you are now.

we don't have to fight all the time.

being soft is not a weakness.

i want to make this work between us.

despite all that, i'm still here for you.

if you ever want to talk, i'm here to listen.

you're not as bad as you make yourself seem.

i've never seen you that way.

i've come to care about you.

#mcflymemes #mine #grumpy x sunshine #grumpy sunshine trope #rp meme #rp memes #rp prompt #roleplay memes #roleplay prompt #rp starters #ask meme #ask memes #roleplay meme #roleplay inbox prompts #rp inbox meme #inbox prompt #inbox meme #sentence starter prompt #sentence starter #sentence starters

[bananasfosterparent]

you can reinterpret and headcanon all you want, but creators telling a story are not “hindering roleplay” by telling the same story they’ve always been telling. AA has been an explicitly toxic and abusive dynamic since the beginning

Yes! you're so right.

Look...

at how abusive he is...

So toxic...

Much abuse is happening here

I can't figure out how I missed all of this toxicity!

You seem to be lost and/or confused, my friend.

Are you familiar with the term "You'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar"? Because you should be. I'd actually be more willing to get into the spawn ending and the spawn side of the fandom, if people weren't so condescending and invalidating to AA-fans like this. What is with this holier-than-thou attitude toward anyone who doesn't agree with your personal "reinterpretation" that you believe in? Even if you genuinely think there is some overarching, "canon" ending to his story, how is it helpful to anyone (especially AA fans) to be condescending about it?

I have at least enough levels of maturity and understanding to say to you "your interpretation of the information is different from mine but still valid for your roleplay(s)". What's so hard about returning that basic level of respect?

Also....

You can't ""reinterpret"" a piece of art that is open-ended and meant to be interpreted however you want as the roleplayer (within canon logic, that is). You just interpret it however you personally do.

As far as "hindering roleplay" goes, you do realize that any time the game assumes how your character feels or what they think (on an emotional level) that it can hinder roleplay, right? Meaning, it disrupts immersion. We simply want the ability to customize the responses and experiences our characters have, just like you want to. And it's an ability we all can share (with the new modding tools coming out in the new patch).

Believe it or not, but not everyone has the same brain as you. Not everyone understands and views things the same way as you. And your way isn't the only "right" way to enjoy something. I know it's really, really hard to fathom, but I'm going to ask you to try really hard to do it.

Can you please answer this question: Why are so many anti-AA people focused on players being punished for something spawn fans don't enjoy? Why not just enjoy Spawnstarion and call it a day?

What is this responsibility you assume to "save" AA fans from our own supposed media illiteracy and misinterpretation/reinterpretation/mischaracterization/misunderstanding of AA and the romance?

What do you gain from this? No, like.... I legitimately want to know. Please reply.

And yes, to be clear, I know I'm also being snarky and condescending a bit in this reply, but I'm just matching vibes.

#my first legit anti-aa ask... cheers! #ascended astarion #astarion ancunin #astarion #ask #anon ask

[lastsubstance]

How the TS gang feels about Mhin

(The Alchemist.) When everyone disperses and you have to choose who to follow.

Asking about Mhin.

You follow Ais.

MC: Maybe Mhin doesn’t necessarily like you, but they definitely pay attention to you.

Ais’s reaction takes me off-guard. He growls, pinches the bridge of his nose, as exasperated as I’ve ever seen him.

Ais: I make enemies as easily as I breathe, sparrow. Doesn’t bother me.

               But that dove’s got it out for me for no reason.

MC: Maybe they’re unsettled by the Seaspring.

Ais: It’s not about that.

               Goes without saying they’ve got some issues. Don’t think they understand that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

MC: Honey has left a bad taste in my mouth in the past. It could be the same for them.

Ais: At least you’re capable of a conversation.

               Do me a favor, and teach the dove some manners. Thought they’d lay off eventually if I didn’t bite. Hasn’t happened yet.

I briefly consider the possibility that Mhin wants to get bitten. I’m not about to propose that, though.

You follow Kuras.

MC: You and Mhin sounded like you knew each other well.

Kuras heaves a long-suffering sigh.

Kuras: I know them better than most…and less well than I would like.

               Like you, Mhin is a recent arrival. Their time here has been particularly difficult. As much as I would like to help…

He trails off, but I know exactly what he’s talking about. Mhin didn’t seem like the sort of person who would accept help easily.

MC: Do they always pick fights that are twice their size?

Kuras: I have implored them not to. They rarely listen.

You follow Leander.

MC: Mhin’s interesting. Not very forthcoming, though.

Leander: Ah, Mhin, my favorite grouchy freelancer. What’s your impression of them?

-OPTION SELECT--(Select "They seem lonely")—

MC: I get the feeling they could use a friend.

Leander: I think Mhin prefers to me alone.

MC: What makes you say that?

Leander: I’ve known them since they arrived to Eridia, and they’ve turned down every attempt I’ve made.

               Well, almost every attempt…

He trails off to take a deep swig of his drink.

Leander: Anyway, I’m just saying, if Mhin wanted to be your friend, you’d know.

—OPTION SELECT—(Select "They’re pretty irritable")—

MC: They’re a testy one.

Leander: You’ve got that right. Sometimes even paying Mhin for work can be a struggle.

MC: Mhin works for you?

Leander: Contract only. Mhin refuses to join the Bloodhounds, but they take jobs from me often enough to qualify.

               Just…don’t ever call them a Bloodhound, okay? I’ll get an earful.

You follow Vere.

MC: I’ve got to admit, I was surprised to see that you and Mhin know each other. Are you friends?

Vere: Oh, yes. We laugh, and go shopping, and have sleepovers where we braid each other’s hair and kiss with a little tongue.

I’m beginning to wonder if Vere’s ever had friends.

MC: Let me guess, you don’t like them.

Vere: Can’t stand them. The first time we met they stabbed me.

               Slid cold, hard steel between mt ribs. Nearly nicked my heart. It was exquisite.

               The knife, I mean. Some sort of antique. Mhin’s done nothing but disappoint me ever since.

MC: So you’re not close.

Vere: Can you imagine me being friends with that crabby little killjoy? Impossible. Not unless they learned to lighten up.

               And I’m afraid not even a surgeon as practiced as Kuras could remove the stick wedged firmly up Mhin’s pert ass.

#touchstarved #touchstarved game #mhin #ais #kuras #leander #vere #thoughts on mhin

[thewritingmagician2022]

It’s been established even in canon that Lucifer is very possessive of MC, wants to own them essentially. I mean, his character song Arcadia is basically about how he wants to have ownership of MC, even using the word ‘prisoner’ for it. How do you think he’d react to an MC that flat out tells him “You don’t own me.” Basically making it clear that they refuse to belong to him, despite his advances and attempts to make it so. An MC that demands to be free, no matter the consequences. With a determination for it that matches his own. I just think it would be an interesting development, and it would be intriguing to know what his reaction to that would be.

Btw your writing is absolutely fantastic and thank you for sharing it!!

This is a great question/food for thought. Lucifer is definitely the most yandere brother to me and he toes the line between love and abuse very finely sometimes, much more so than the others. It’s because he definitely views MC as an object, something to be won and coveted and shown off, another way to prove he’s better than everyone else because MC chose him (even if he may not have really given them a choice to begin with). 

With that in mind, Lucifer would struggle very hard with an MC who doesn’t yield easily to him. Lucifer is used to people giving him exactly what he wants when he wants, people far more powerful than this little human, so at first he’s in complete disbelief. He might let it slide at first, even though hearing “you don’t own me” from the human he so clearly does own ruffles his feathers more than a little. He would say that he’s angry because you’re being insolent and insulting him. In Lucifer’s mind, you are his and anyone in the three realms should consider themselves damn lucky to have this kind of attention from him. He’s the one who took you into his home, into his family. He watches out for you, feeds you, clothes you, has his brothers at your beck and call, makes sure you’re getting the most out of this interdimensional student assignment. You would be nothing in the Devildom without him and this is the thanks he gets? But it goes a lot deeper than that. Lucifer has grown to really care for you over time; he would go so far as to (privately) admit that he’s in love with you. He dotes on you, tries to make you happy with gifts and experiences, and is kinder to you than he is to just about anyone else. You are the only person in all 3 realms that can so easily draw out those old angelic qualities of his and make him think of another person as a person rather than just as an extension of himself. So to hear you say he doesn’t own you and that you want to be free from him is even more heartbreaking than it is infuriating (though sometimes it’s a very close call).

I think, at first, Lucifer will try the bribery strategy. He knows that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar and he’s firmly of the mind that he can convince you to walk willingly into his arms and offer yourself to him. When that doesn’t work, he’ll switch to his angry demon persona and he’s full of threats and insults and, much like an abusive partner, will do everything in his power to put you in a position of helplessness only to save you at the last minute to prove how much you need him. But you’re stronger and smarter than that so Lucifer is forced to abandon that tactic when he realizes it’s only solidifying your decision and pushing you further away. If we’re being hopeful, I think your dedication to your beliefs and your inability to be bullied/conned/manipulated into subservience is what actually makes Lucifer finally see you as an equal and he’s able to properly love you at that point, which leads to him adjusting his thought processes and behavior to the point where you may be willing to stay with him because you know it’s no longer about obsession and possession but instead about respect and devotion. 

I'm so sorry about how late this is - I ran into some serious health issues and dropped this blog/fandom for a really long time.

#obey me #obey me imagines #obey me asks #obey me lucifer

[thyshadowwriter]

Ragnarssons random headcanons.

A/n: Sort of dark, but more on a cutesy side and completely random. Got to post something as I write/edit my next chapter :)

Bjorn:

The one that just says: “I’m going to marry you”.

Isn’t a man to beat around the bush, he knows what he wants, when he wants and will get it.

If enamoured before the Thorrun fiasco, then he’ll be more considerate and patient.

On the other hand, if it happens after, unless his beloved is some powerful figure like a royalty, he won’t play any games to get them.

He is Bjorn Ironside, he doesn’t have to explain himself to anyone. Not a family would decline his proposal. Either by his fame and status, or by fear. And in case they don’t have family, then there’s no resistance.

He’s not at all hard to live with, mostly because he’s out a lot and isn’t very talkative, at times being completely disconnected. As long as his beloved doesn’t opposes him or neglect his needs (sex, mostly that, some cuddling but yeah, it’s sex) they have a lot of freedoms.

Doesn’t care a lot if they speak to other men/women, his confidence reaches Valhalla. Will however set area boundaries so they won’t go away.

Has momma Lagertha on his side.

Sigurd:

Probably the easiest one to deal with.

He works on getting his way, but he’s going to do it as much in the shadows as possible.

Prefers to not be forceful. High chance of having his beloved through a mixture of artistic talent and social interactions.

Is usually really sweet, but the moment something triggers his jealousy and deep rooted child issues, he’s vitriolic. His beloved is sure to hear some very spiteful things in that moment, either towards them or someone else depending on what triggered it.

Other than his brothers, he doesn’t mind if his beloved likes to have friends and a social circle. He likes it too and it’s guaranteed he’ll be part of it, assuming that wasn’t how he got them in the first place.

His beloved may go their entire life without knowing his tendencies, but should they betray him or try to leave, they’ll see just how far a bad word gets.

Ubbe:

Along with Sigurd in being easier to deal with.

Prefers to not draw blood, why would he when he can most likely achieve the same goal by his charm and scheming abilities?

Goes easy on them because he knows you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. His tendencies begin to appear later on.

Is controlling in a discreet manner. Asks who they talked with, what they spent their day on, has more insightful talks, etc. Uses all of this, plus his observations, to evaluate whether or not he should do something, when and what.

Not fond of arguments. If he finds a problem he deals with it and will advise his beloved to not do whatever they were doing before.

Unlike Bjorn, has an ideal image of a family, preferably a large one, and he will get that. Either his beloved is able to give him children, or he’ll find another way.

Wants to shape a respectable image and will make his beloved step up to that.

Hvitserk:

The wildcard. Can be a really sweetheart you barely notice his darker side, or anyway to a completely hard one.

He’s the one that goes through the most changes in life and in each of those he behaves differently.

At a core, he deeply wants a family and someone that will have his back. But making the transition from hookups to committed relationships is not always easy and may not be possible depending on the period of his life.

He’s on that weird spot of being the middle child and once Ivar was born, he definitely suffered from the lack of attention.

Unlike Sigurd, he’s not as much an instigator as he is a follower. For that reason he doesn’t mind if his beloved is on a more dominant side, he might just relish in it as it gives a sense of security.

The worst period is if he’s not recovered yet. He might unintentionally hurt his beloved while on withdrawal.

Has a lingering fear his beloved will just drop him once they can.

Ivar:

You mean: “Default disposition?”

Forget anything about ‘me’ time and private life. He will demand his beloved to spend almost every waking hour with him, not even sleep breaks it off because he likes to sleep warm and comfortable.

Depending on where in his life he is, he’s either more methodical, or outright will simply marry them.

It’s like walking a minefield because he’s almost always on high guard and is prone to understand things as slights to him, even if it isn’t at all.

Doesn’t like to share and that includes his beloved’s attention and time.

Can be overwhelming to his beloved and if they don’t figure out how to live with him, things spiral down pretty quickly.

He is dotting and likes pda. It’s possible to gain his trust, but that takes a lot longer.

Has momma Aslaug on his side. If she still lives.

#vikings headcanons #vikings x reader #bjorn x reader #hvitserk x reader #ivar x reader #ubbe x reader #sigurd x reader #learning to put gifs lol #hope it doesnt suck

[daryldixonsdoormat]

Omfg I remember a southern accent thingy with Daryl and because it’s 2:03 am I’m writing it RIGHT NOW. YEA. Sorry for any bad grammar. Just finished this at 3:00

People struggled understanding my strong southern accent but Daryl and Merle had no problem at the camp. Sometimes even translating some terms to the rest of the group when they are feeling particularly nice. Of course throughout the year, my way of talking diminished slightly, growing more accommodated to the way the group talks. But it’s easier to fall into old talking habits when you feel safe and comfortable behind Alexandria’s walls. Daryl and I fell in love a little before terminus, spending days maybe even weeks together alone definitely did a number.

Alexandria made it easier, everything was better now and I’m getting back into the way I used to talk. Daryl is loving it, a little too much. Daryl brings dog back after camping out in the woods not looking for anything in particular maybe some food at most. (Rick is alive). Dog absolutely adores Daryl and is a fairly clingy dog from the looks of it, I couldn’t help myself when he trotted over to me. “Well aren’t you precious” I look up at Daryl who is smirking down at the Dog. “Well what’s its name D?” Daryl shrugs obviously not putting much thought to it. “Hell if I know. Dog?”. I snort at the ridiculous name and stand up from my crouching position. “We’ll Dog here is panting. I’m sweating more than a hooker in church myself so let’s go home”. Daryl’s eyes widen at the unexpected and very southern remark. Something he hasn’t heard from me in years upon years. “Whatdya say?” He asks from behind me. “I said the Dog is panting Daryl. It’s hot out here”. What’s the big deal? If anything Daryl should be wanting to run inside where the air is cool. “That’s not what you said sunshine” I shrug and peer over my shoulder to see him smiling at the back of my head.

The next time he ‘caught me’ was when I was babysitting Judith. Her parents where out on a run and I offered to babysit knowing how well Daryl and Judith get along. My mistake here was forgetting to tell Daryl. He walks into the house with a struggle, dropping the house key and slamming the door behind him unintentionally. If his entry couldn’t get any worse while he was attempting to kick of his boots he starts losing his balance and nearly tips over. Then the words spew out of his mouth hushed but apparently not hushed enough. “goddamn stupid ass boots and that motherfuck-“ he’s cut right off as soon as I hear. “Daryl don’t be ugly. Judith is here” I say through gritted teeth and Daryl doesn’t look far from confused when looking at Judith. Judith is still in her “toddler” phase and is being disobedient as can be. Daryl is getting fed up rightfully so, “Judith you keep on your gonna be put in the corner”. Judith reacts poorly, she runs across the house and starts yelling gibberish at Daryl. His face goes red and he’s standing in the middle of the living room aggravated. I stand and grab his shoulders beckoning him to look at me. “ you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Don’t ya sugar?” Daryl is absolutely smitten.

He’s trying to convince the crowd to help redirect the quarry of walkers that soon would cause problems for Alexandria. Everyone knew that these people haven’t been outside the walls ever and aren’t planning to risk their lives for the sake of no one. The people are unconvinced. Daryl is sitting beside me on a log a few feet away from the fire much like the other people at the meeting. His hand is gripping immune getting frustrated by how many selfish people they’re are. How unwilling they are to protect other people especially those he loves. ‘Going after those walkers will do no good’ that comment is followed by murmurs of agreement throughout the crowd. Daryl rubs his face with his vacant hand and opens his mouth. I lean up to his ear, “your preaching to the choir there babe”. Daryl can’t stop his smile, he turns his face now he speaking to me. “Your damn near driving me insane darlin”. I hum seductively our voices low enough for only us to hear. “Is that a good or bad thing?”. “Good”

“Judging by the way your looking at me Daryl Dixon, I’d say you want to jump my bones”. His hand separates from mine and sits on my inner thigh. “You’d be right”.

#daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixion imagine #daryl dixon x y/n #daryl dixon x you #Daryl Dixon x me #twd #dog twd

[muckety-mucks-i-s-goin-delux]

@loving-jack-kelly post have me on west endsies sprace brainrot right now so thanks for that and enjoy

Race first came to Sheepshead to see papers and bet on the horses because he ain't afraid of Spot Conlon, he's a tough guy and he goes wherever he wants thank you very much and of course he said something stupid once Spot showed up to kick his ass for taking her newsies prime selling spot. And of course Spot decked him for it, no question asked.

But then Race came back. And Spot soaked him because just fuck off back to Manhattan would ya?. And then Race came back again.

And listen you gotta admire that idiots dedication. He might be stupid and have no self preservation but he is dedicated.

Meanwhile Race was smitten after the first punch Spot threw. Not that he knew it right away but that was the moment.

Now we know that Josh is a pretty solid lad, now when I saw Uksies Lillie Pear Widman was Spot (so this is my default Spot) and she is not petite but she's much smaller in statute so I bet Race made some stupid ass remark how she wouldn't be able to reach him and then she absolutely annihilated him and damn, she can throw a mean right hook.

And listen, I don't think he necessary said something sexist to her cos i think as newsies go they were pretty forward thinking (yes I'm aware that is historically inaccurate shut up) and just overall for women rights so he wouldn't necessarily said something because Spot is a girl, he would just say something because he thinks he's smooth taller and whole is usually works Spot doesn't buy his bullshit.

And Spot doesn't do bullshit, like at all. Other girlsies might use that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar until they get what they want (so when they are selling their would either try to flirt their way out - as much as the boys claim that they would "watch all the ladies watching me" or they would try the new century, times a changing we are working girls and women should support the suffragette movement so buy the pape lady approach) and if they can't they sure will beat you up but Spot doesn't do that, she doesn't need to do that because she's Spot fucking Conlon. She's telling it as it is and she would definitely call Race out on whatever he was saying. He would try to talk his way out, no chance. He would try to flirt with her, boy where did you learn that? You actually got anyone fall for that?

And listen Race consider himself to be a quick witted guy, he is downright sarcastic and Spot is right there with him, she's just as good, she keeps up, she finds a way to best him and this is the way he falls for her.

So the first time he tried to sell at the Racetrack he gets beaten up. The second and third probably as well. Later attempts end in minor threats. Until all they bicker and go on being as sarcastic as possible and seeing of the other can handle it. Unlit he's a regular, and other girlsies would trasę her that she only lets Race sell at Sheepshead cos she's sweet on him.

#sprace #im dying here #i need uksies sprace content like air #newsies #west endsies #newsies uk #uksies #sprace uksies #newsies london #newsies the musical #spot conlon #spot newsies #racetrack higgins #newsies race

[infernal-feminae-archived]

But lmao. I made a whole post before how my Beelzebub is still considered evil.

But you know how the saying goes, ‘you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.’

#❖ɢʀᴇᴍʟɪɴ ʙᴇʜɪɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴄᴇɴᴇꜱ: ᴏᴏᴄ #I mean she Does have the capacity to care about people #but only for those she's know a long while or when it benefits her in some way #but yeah the woman delights in cannibalism #not really a moral quality

[ainews]

Humor has long been recognized as an effective way to break the ice and to entertain people. With the introduction of technology, humorous content has become much more accessible and far reaching than it has ever been before. However, this new accessibility has brought with it a certain issue: what works as funny content for one audience may not necessarily work for another. To solve this, hooks have become bimodal in order to accommodate different tastes in humor.

A hook is a sentence, phrase, or image that is used for comedic purposes. It can be a pun, a joke, a metaphor, an anecdote, or even a witty comment. The goal of a hook is to catch the attention of viewers and keep them engaged throughout their experience. The bimodal approach to hooks involves incorporating two distinct types of humor. One type caters to a mainstream, larger audience, while the other type is more specific and tailored to a much smaller demographic—usually niche groups such as comedy fans, gamers, and actors.

The advantage of having two different types of hooks is that it better ensures that both general audiences and niche groups are able to connect with the content. As the saying goes, "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." By including two different types of humor in one hook, it guarantees there is something for everyone.

Furthermore, bimodal hooks also allow those in the content creation industry to become more creative and experiment with interesting ideas. By blending two different types of humor, content creators can come up with unique content that resonates well with different types of viewers. This allows them to better diversify their content and make it more enjoyable for everyone.

In short, bimodal hooks are incredibly helpful for content creators due to the number of advantages they offer. They open up new opportunities for experimentation and creativity, as well as enabling jokes to find a broader audience. With the ever-increasing importance of humor in content creation, bimodal hooks are quickly becoming a staple of the industry.

#ai generated #fake news

[alwri-tes]

“Flies” an original short story set in the world of Shadow’s Hidden Blade

It’s an old saying, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. 

Ignoring the fly buzzing around the room, Doctor Hayde takes a tense breath, focusing on completing the final stitches on the person they’re Resurrecting today. The Resurrection isn’t complete; they’ll leave the final steps of summoning the soul back to the body to a more skilled magic wielder.

A more skilled magic user like Yufei. 

Hayde shoves the mental image of Yufei’s face out of her mind and goes back to focusing on the stitches. Just two more, and they’ll be done.

I wonder if Lossless is around today, they think, surprising herself. If they are, perhaps they’ll take an interest in seeing my work. 

Lossless, the leader of this group, has been taking more and more of an interest in Hayde and her work lately. They’ve been flitting around them, hardly leaving her alone when they’re around, whispering compliments with a twinkle in their eyes. 

Hayde’s no stranger to flirting. She’s almost thirty-five, tall and muscular, with impressive tattoos that stand out against her light brown skin. She’s used to being fawned over and ogled at by all kinds of people. 

But never by a person as powerful as Lossless. 

She likes it. 

At least, they think they do. 

She finishes the stitches and stretches with a sigh. The room is suddenly oddly silent. 

She turns to see the pesky fly has gotten itself caught in the web of a spider she hasn’t realized was in the room. Shadow, they have got to clean this room. 

There’s a gentle knock at the door. 

“Yes?” 

“Is the surgery complete yet?” Jackson, Hayde’s best friend, asks from behind the door. 

“Yes.” 

“Knew it.” Jackson says, quieter. He knows her so well, he was able to guess how long it would take them to complete the operation as soon as he looked at the body of the soon-to-be Resurrected.

“Is Lossless here?” They ask him, peeling off their surgical gloves.

“No, but they may be here soon.” 

“If you get the chance, can you let them know I’m the one who completed this operation? I want to know what they have to say about it.” 

“Of course, Hayde.” 

Hayde listens to him depart, turning back to the body, thinking of Lossless, and spiders and flies.

#My ocs #my characters #my writing #my short story #authors of tumblr #tumblr exclusive

[tahlsfakeblogforuni]

We, the fly.

‘You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.’ Any good snare provides a bait; an allure enticing enough for a victim to enter the jaws of danger enabling the malevolence to spring; be it the juicy carrot under a deadfall cage, the sweet nectar resting in the bottom of a surface-slicked flower or the handsome countenance of a would-be paedophile.

‘Humble’ Humbert incessantly goes on about his “exceptionally handsome… [and] seductive demeanour,” his “striking if somewhat brutal good looks” (p25) and the “sending effect” they have on women of all ages. Charlotte falls in love with him, Jean Fowler develops a girly crush, and his apparently striking resemblance to one of Dolores’ favourite singers causes her, also, to swoon. After Dolores and Humbert’s first consummation takes place, the trap begins to close as he gradually sheds pretences of kindness and manipulates Dolores further and further into his miasma of control, before she can finally wriggle free towards the end of the novel. 

Being that we, as readers, lack Dolores’ advantage of diegetic vision, Nabokov provides us with an alternate, extradiegetic means of discerning Humbert’s aesthetic charm – the beauty of his language. Literature Professor Amy Hungerford, in a lecture delivered at Yale notes the subtle compulsion to “feel [Lolita] in our bodies… in that very sensuous way… and [to] feel something bodily that he wants you to feel… [drawing] us into that ‘special experience’” (20:46). Humbert says the name ‘Lolita,’ describes “the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap at three, on the teeth,” before marrying that to a slow repetition of the name; “Lo. Lee. Ta” (p3). We cannot help but follow.

Moving further, he continues dazzles us with literary charm, and the exhortations become less subtle and more direct as the reader subconsciously obeys each one. “I would have the reader imagine…” (p15), “Please, reader…” (p146), “the reader must now…” (p246), “I warn the reader not to mock me…” (p239). There’s a consistency here with his treatment of Dolores. He charms us, as he does her, and progressively increases the strength of his commands – the abuser’s usual modus operandi.

Humbert interestingly refers to us in the same way as he does Dolores: “Oh Lolita” (p120), “O, reader!” (p170, p187), “Oh Lolita!” (p269).

The picture I’m drawing is in contention to the idea I have sometimes seen of Humbert’s imprisonment showing remorse. Following the end of his personal story of abusing Dolores, he employs highly analogous tactics of manipulation and compulsion in his very retelling of that story in an attempt to snare us.

“Imagine me! I shall not exist if you do not imagine me…" (p146). Is it then, our fault that this story takes place? For it would not if we did not read it…

************

References:

Nabokov V (1959/1995) Lolita, Penguin Books, London UK

Hungerford A (2008) Lecture 5 – Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita [video], Open Yale Courses, New Haven CT

#lolita #nabokov #pitcher plant

[bates--boy]

After setting the coffee tray on the table, Peter finally admitted to himself that maybe this whole-ass catering thing was overkill for the news he was going to bring them. But it was as the saying goes: you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

And the logic sort of applies here: deliver the news, then plie his friends with food and drink for the favor. He could hear the swish of the front door and the footfalls of his crew and was setting up the stack of plates when the kitchen door was pushed open.

"What's all of this?" Tommy asked, holding the door open for the others as he eyed the food on the table. Charcuterie boards, trays of mini pastries and sandwiches, even a set of sushi, closed off in its own insulated container in case there were any allergies.

"Brunch!" Peter replied as he folded his hands.

Tarsha moved to the side of the table to sweep her eyes over what looked like a goddamn café being cleared out. "Okay, this has either got to be very good news, or you lied and this is actually bad news."

"I promise you that it's good news." With that, Peter gestured for everyone to take their seats. After the scraping of chairs and plates passed around and piled on, Peter fixed himself a cup of coffee to occupy his hands.

"Okay, so, here's the thing," Peter started over the soft clinking of cutlery and crunching. "The reason that I've been sort of ghosting the studio is because I'm going to open a theatre."

Everyone paused, forks and spoons and cheese-laden crackers in the air. Mike lowered the grape he was going to pop into his mouth. "You're opening a theatre?"

"Yeah." Peter picked up his tablet and opened his Cloud, scrolling until he reached the photos of his new property. He handed it to Adel to let him pass it around the table. "I bought one a couple weeks ago, and I'm almost done with repairs and renovations.

"Holy shit, Peter!" Tarsha said as she scrolled through the photos. "Congrats!"

Mike held out his hand to get the tablet next. "What the hell possessed ya to buy a whole ass theatre?"

"And an abandoned-looking one at that?" Tommy put in.

For all of the questions Peter had expected, he hadn't expected a question like that. Still, he had the answer. He could wax on about his dreams, about how he had always wanted to go see Broadway shows when he was a child, had always loved theatre. But now, not only did he get to see shows, but he had acted in them (well, one. For now.) Yet, he needed more, he needed to take the obvious logical next step. He could go on about how he wanted to leave something for Sadaf when he goes, doing something to make her proud.

Instead, Peter said, "I saw it and I wanted it."

Mike kept his eyes on the screen, raising his brows and bringing his cup of coffee to his grinning mouth. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

"But here's the thing," Peter said. "The theatre may be opening as soon as next month, so I wanted to ask you guys this: you guys are my crew, my best friends. My second family who's had my back even through my worst days. Every day, I think about how great I've had it since we built this together--" he gestured to the kitchen, to the whole studio around them, "--and, honestly, how bleak my life would've been if I didn't have this to get me out of bed in the morning.

"With that said: I want us, The MizFists, to be my theatre's first show for opening night."

Peter didn't know how to take the silence. He had a feeling halfway through his baring of hearts that he may have been laying it on too thick, for what was a simple request that they maybe were going to say no to.

Mike sighed and held the tablet out for Peter to take. He looked around him at the other crew members, smiling. "I'm in."

#life thus far ( story ) #droid noodles ( writing )

[dallasareaopinion]

with both parties being obstinate, wait they always say you catch more flies with honey than vinegar, but...

I am really ready to tear a …wait, wait wait, I will try to be nice, 

so we have a debt crisis or a spending crisis or a just a political crisis and no one wants to blink, well the Republicans are a bunch of … trying real hard here and the democrats are just being ….

So what does all this mean?

If you ask me, Biden should go on National TV and just turn the tables on the far right individuals in Congress, he should propose that the tax rate reduction from Trump for the middle class that is going to expire in a few years be extended, and even reduced a bit more, yet some of that reduction be transferred to the social security deductions in our paycheck, the upper limit of income for the social security deductions be raised; then the employer portion of the deduction remains the same so they don’t shoulder extra burdens (see below), he should re instate part of the upper income limits that was dropped from the aforementioned Trump tax law so maybe it goes up half of what was reduced, and basically sell this as a way to start fixing social security so no need to cut Social Security payments in the Republican plan, increase income via the tax increase on the higher income to help reduce future deficit spending and agree to a work program for people on the other government aid spending programs where there is a graduated lowering of benefits with income, but that the federal minimum wage is also increased (why their half of the payments is not raised) so that the work program is productive for people so they eventually receive benefits for wages below certain thresholds or they are earning enough where they do not need benefits. 

President Biden should go on a hard sell saying his plan bolsters the working and middle class, protects the lower class, but does hold them accountable to make certain efforts, and if we get the minimum wage increased that means more people are potentially adding a small portion to tax revenue and slightly lowers the long term cost.

Also increase the taxes on short term trading for investment companies and hedge funds and similar entities since this trading does not benefit the economy as a whole, but leave long term rates the same to encourage true investment in the economy.

Just a bunch of quick hit ideas I have mentioned in some shape form or fashion before, but the Democrats won’t force the issue and the Republicans won’t listen to common sense so basically we are all back to square one. Yet there are many answers to our current situation that are much better than what is being discussed. 

[taylorrepdetective]

Move over anon, thats no way of getting the article. Here 🍭🍬🍫 I bring you sweets today😉 May I take a peek at that article now?👀

You catch more flies with honey than vinegar, as the saying goes.

What article?

[beezysredumbrella]

Three False Gospels That May Be Masquerading in Your Church

The visible church today is undoubtedly full of false gospels. There are, of course, the cults like Mormonism and the Watchtower Society. There is the Roman Catholic Church, which distorts the gospel into a form of works righteousness coupled with idolatry. We have the Prosperity Gospel, the Word of Faith movement, the New Apostolic Reformation, Charismania, Arminianism, easy-believism, and so on. Satan’s attack on the Church is relentless and unforgiving.

But there are a few, less noticeable false gospels that have crept into even the most sound of churches over time. I would like to go over a few of these today.

The Gospel of Niceness

Growing up, I was always taught to be nice to people. “You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar,” the old adage goes. The teaching is prevalent, and usually involves parents, or teachers encouraging kids to be thoughtful and kind to others. “Share your candy,” or “play nice with others.”

Christianity is often confused with niceness; “you seem so nice, are you a Christian?”

While the Scriptures do teach us to be kind and compassionate towards others, it does not teach us to do so at the expense of truth. This is where the gospel is compromised and becomes a false gospel. We don’t want to offend people. It’s okay to talk about the positive things in Christianity, but we don’t want to upset anyone by telling them they’re a sinner. The church is afraid that if we tell people they’re sinners, and they need to repent, that they won’t come back.

We’re afraid of spoiling a friendship or disturbing a close relationship by speaking the truth. While we’re called to engage the world and share the love of Christ, we must not put our relationships above the work of the Holy Spirit. As a Christian, you should expect to be hated by the world (Matthew 10:22). If you have close friendships with those in the world, it need only be based on the truth. If you aren’t sharing the whole counsel of God with your friends who are lost, you are leading them to eternal torment.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:8 that Jesus is offensive–a “rock of offense.” The Word of God is foolishness to those who are lost (1 Corinthians 1:18). God is love, and God is kind, but God is also righteous and just and full of wrath (Nahum 1:2). Yet he is merciful and sent his son to die on the cross for our sins and be raised from the dead so that those who would repent and believe in him would be saved. We must not short-change people by only being nice.

We must offend people with the truth.

The Gospel of Unity

This one we hear all the time, the church must be united. In fact, it’s becoming clear that the evangelical church’s focus is becoming centered around unity. The call to unity in the Bible is very clear and often repeated. 1 Corinthians 1:10 says,

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment, 1 Peter 3:8 says Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, and Philippians 2:2 says,

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. So there is no doubt that the Church is to be united–but around what?

So many churches today have watered down the truth so much so that there is no truth left in what they preach. They have set aside sound doctrine in order to, once again, not offend people. It is around this watered-down system of religiosity, usually focused on “love,” “tolerance,” and “acceptance” of everyone that they can remain united. Sound doctrine has become less important, and unity has become the central theme. Many sound churches are even falling into this trap. Solid churches standing in ecumenical unity with Rome for political and cultural advancement are becoming normal.

We’ve seen this particularly recently in the Southern Baptist Convention as various leaders continue to call for superficial unity despite drastic differences in doctrines and beliefs—even doctrines and beliefs that place one outside the bounds of the historic, orthodox Church.

But the illusion of unity among these religious systems is false and dangerous. It is not sound doctrine, or the defense thereof, that causes divisions and destroys unity, as many have been led to believe. Romans 16:17 says,

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

You see, it’s a false doctrine that creates divisions. There can be many, many false doctrines, all contrary to each other, but there can only be one truth. The true church is united around God’s truth, not error. There can be no true unity around error. Truth has no accord with error and must be exposed to the light of truth in Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of Love

Love. Who doesn’t want to be loved? The pulpits are filled with stories of God’s love for us, for the world, and for all of his creation. We are taught from a young age to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34). After all, the greatest commandment is love, right?

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment and a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:37-39

But what is biblical love? John 13:34-35 says,

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

From this passage alone, many believe that they are disciples of Christ–Christians – simply because they “love one another.” But here is what biblical love is not…Love is not an emotion or a feeling. Love is not receiving, and it’s not getting something out of a relationship. And, love is not accepting or tolerating sin.

Love is sacrificing, giving, and seeking the best for someone. The greatest example of love ever demonstrated to mankind was Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Why did he do this? Because God loved us (John 3:16). God did not accept our sin, or accept us for “who we are,” for if he did, there would be no need for justice. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). God did not receive anything from us for his sacrifice on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-9 says,

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

This was truly an act of selfless, unconditional love from God, to all who would repent and believe in him. The church cannot just teach love, it must teach the whole counsel of God, including his wrath. But this false gospel of love has become very prevalent, even in well-meaning pulpits, yet it is sending people straight to Hell.

If your church doesn’t condemn sin, and call it what it is, but only preaches “love,” or if your church is focused on “unity,” or “niceness,” or any other aspect of visible Christianity in an unbiblical way, at the very least you should speak up. But if your church is not teaching the full counsel of God, then you aren’t in a church at all, and it may be time to move on.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:6-8