#daily comedic highlight

[comcaps]

This deserves the spot of today's highlight

#daily comedic highlight #manga screenshots #manga screencap #denji hayakawa #denji #csm #chainsaw man #csm 161 #i forgot other bros name

[roguemaki]

Hey! I hope your week is going great :)

Like everyone else, i wanted to send you a heartfelt thank you for your immense efforts and time that you take out of your day to translate and type set these interviews and videos.

It always brightens my day when i get a notification from you and i know I’m in for a treat so it’s really truly appreciated from our end 🙏🏼

I was also wondering that when the asticassia school assembly BD comes out, if you could consider uploading it somewhere so that people who can’t purchase it would be able to watch it as well? I was really looking forward to seeing the VAs performance on stage and also some of the comedic moments like Suletta rapping but unfortunately, money is a bit tight for me right now. 😞

If you could consider it that would be awesome but if you rather not do jt, that’s totally fine as well :)

I also wanted to ask for your advice regarding learning japanese. I took some classes in college but haven’t kept up with it. Do you know any resources that you felt were really helpful to you when you were learning the language? I really want to dedicate myself to it this time! I’d really appreciate any tips, thank you! :)

Hey hey~ I actually got some fantastic news at work, so my week's off to a great start. :3

And you're very welcome! Thank you for enjoying and supporting my TLs.

I pre-ordered the School Assembly BD and am planning to subtitle it in parts, similarly to how I'm doing the Ep 24 Character Commentary… but for an upload of the full thing, I have to be more circumspect: I'll post when the rip is available and give contact info so interested folks can reach out directly. Just trying to avoid getting Eye of Sauron'd by Bandai-Namco, lol.

Regarding Japanese study: we're in similar boats! I also took classes in college and got back into serious self-study after not practicing for a while.

Here are some self-study resources I find useful:

For daily Japanese practice…

Renshuu for vocabulary and grammar. WaniKani for learning kanji. Ringotan for kana and kanji writing practice.

Renshuu is a site (also available in convenient app form) for building up vocabulary and grammar with quizzes, games, and community activities. It's by-and-large free - premium provides some enhancements (like more listening/pitch tools), but isn't necessary for most of the content. WaniKani is a fantastic resource for learning kanji. They use some truly memorable mnemonics to teach radicals/vocabulary and schedule lessons/reviews in a way that promotes real retention. Give Levels 1-3 a try since they're free, and if you like the teaching method, a lifetime premium sub is reasonably affordable when it goes on sale (like on Black Friday). I use Ringotan, a free phone app, to supplement WaniKani (which is focused on reading/recognition) with writing practice.

Other resources/tools...

Install Yomitan, an in-line dictionary extension, on your browser.

Dokusho Bookclub is a site for finding reading materials targeting specific JLPT levels.

Out of the many resources available on YouTube, I want to highlight Kaname Naito's channel - he teaches in depth vocabulary and grammar used in actual conversational Japanese.

I have a routine of always doing my "dailies" and just try to read/watch/play as much Japanese media as possible... Thankfully there's so much good stuff available online nowadays. :>

Hope you find something useful for you in this list. Good luck with your studies!

#rmaki replies #i do not miss the days of having to look up kanji in a physical dictionary by stroke count lemme tell ya lol

[centrally-unplanned]

Gonna try to do some seasonal anime takes, lets start with:

Heavenly Delusions

Episode one of HD has a shot that I really liked in episode 1, where main girl Kiruko is getting undressed for the first time (giving off a great impression out the gate aren't I?), and scars that riddle her body are revealed:

So, for one, the cracked mirror is just cool ya know, she is scarred, her world is scarred, good shit. Its also clever though - like sure, her shirt is covering her nipples, but sans that crack this would be a very risque shot. But we don't want it to be, this isn't meant to be a risque scene - she needs to be unclothed to show us her damage. So the crack is arranged to cover the breasts and make the scene work to organically highlight what its supposed to. It does double duty, and that is a sign of good directing.

Now, what isn't a sign of good directing is the entirety of the somber tone is undone by the following scene being a classic someone-walks-in-oh-no-I'm-naked moment and you get some minor but full-on fanservice...but its anime, its gotta hit its quota, whatever. And I will credit the show that jumping between comedic and extremely serious is what it does on the daily, it is being consistent here.

Yet it turns out I was a little bit wrong on the double-duty thing; this is more like triple duty. Because we learn in episode 2 that our girl Kiruko kindof isn't a girl - she is dysphoric:

There was even additional events during that original bathroom scene that suggested this too, so the foreshadowing intent is clear. Now I really like that original shot - the cracked mirror now cleaves his actual body, a split to mirror his own fractured identity. The fact that it downplays the sex organs is probably just a coincidence due to the others factor mentioned, but it still works thematically even better now!

But before you scramble to tune in to watch this egg hatch, its not what is going on here. This is an apocalyptic sci fi story, and Kiruko is actually Haruki, the brother of Kiruko, who died in a monster attack and had his fading brain swapped into Kiruko's body for mysterious reasons. Haruki/Kiruko is now questing to figure out the mystery of how that happened and why his sister died while he was saved. Its a dysphoria born of aberrant circumstances over identity.

Now that isn't the slam dunk it might come off as - using ~plot dynamics to create a new context for metaphorically exploring a real-life issue is a classic technique. It allows distance from the petty minutias of reality to apply focus on the author's own interests, allows the author to push boundaries intellectually with their creative freedom, and generally allows people who don't experience the issue in real life to relate via making the experience more universal. A show could absolutely do some interesting stuff with how someone copes with a body swapped and sex-swapped reality.

Here however is where genre rears its head; its just not going to do that. With its action-comedy premises and modern shounen-adjacent sensibilities (even if it is Seinen), its not interested in that kind of story. The premise reveals that - the 'origin story' for Haruki's swap is all about violence, betrayal, mystery, revenge. These concepts externalize the problem, placing the cause of them in other people and therefore the *resolution* of the problem in the hands of external interactions. I'm not saying there will be no complications, and hey, its episode 3, maybe I will be wrong! But when you have scenes like her male travel partner having his confession shot down this matter-of-factly:

To me all signs point to this being a plot device for drama or even comedic shenanigans than a vehicle for metaphorical identity & gender explorations.

Not helping is I looked into interviews with the author Masakazu Ishiguro, and while I find a little bit on gender exploration I what mainly found was a whole segment on his brother-sister complex, which really makes you think that might be the greater focus for the show.

This may came off as harsh, and its a critique for sure, but overall I am enjoying Heavenly Delusion's great art & character designs, fun setting, and mystery plot. I am just saying that the mirror shot I was so fond of is likely not going to deliver thematically on the meaning its directing imbued it with, which is disappointing to me.

But maybe we will at least get some fun genderbending flirting with the main duo along the way!

(We won't, sigh, this isn't even a good translation, HaruKiri is using the word bishounen, which you wouldn't translate as good-looking, its more specific - 'getting that pretty-boy look young girls favor', something like that. The tone is way more specific, and therefore less flattering. Anyway...)

#heavenly delusion #seasonal anime reviews #mini-essay

[chattingwiththelightkeeper]

The Imperfection of Dominants

In the fascinating world of D/S, we often see dominants portrayed as god-like figures, reigning supreme over their submissives with unwavering control and perfection. However, in this delightfully twisted tango of human desire and vulnerability, it is time to debunk the myth of the flawless dominant. Like all humans, dominants are far from perfection; they are gloriously, hilariously flawed beings. So today we shall embark on a whimsical journey, exploring some of the quirks, foibles, and idiosyncrasies of dominants, unraveling the truth behind the curtain of power and discovering that they, too, are mere mortals traversing the tumultuous landscape of lifestyle dynamics.

To start with, we shall explore "The Almighty Dominant" and other

bedtime stories. In the annals of D/S folklore, dominants have been cast as majestic creatures, graced with unshakable confidence and the ability to bend any submissive to their will. However, let us set the record straight. Contrary to popular belief, dominants do not possess an infallible manual for dominance. They stumble, falter, and, at times, make decisions that leave submissives scratching their heads. Despite the illusion of control, dominants often find themselves at a loss, fumbling to fulfill their roles with grace and poise.

Ah, yes, even the seemingly mighty dominants have their Achilles' heel. The very traits that make them powerful can also become their downfall. Take, for instance, the assertive yet forgetful dominant who overlooks some of the guidelines they disgned with their submissive only to get caught up  a tangled web of absentminded missteps. This hilarious contradiction highlights the complexities of D/S dynamics, where strength and vulnerability coexist in a captivating dance.

Sometimes we just have to face the fact that D/S can be a dom-edy of errors at times. Dominants are not immune to committing humorous blunders. Picture this: the stern dominant attempting to be sensual and instead tripping over their own feet while trying to execute an elaborate rope bondage maneuver. Or the dominant with a sadistic streak who accidentally tickles their submissive instead of inducing shivers of pleasure. In these laughable moments, we realize that dominants are merely humans wearing the facade of power, occasionally stumbling on themselves.

Then there is the dominant's guide to mundanity because beyond the bedroom, or whatever room they get their kink on in, dominants are ordinary people, partaking in the humdrum activities of life. Contrary to popular belief, they do not spend their days issuing commands and exuding dominance at all times. They pay bills, do laundry, and struggle to remember where they left their keys and phone, just like everyone else. Their D/S identity might be a dominant one, but that does not spare them from mundane daily life and all its trivial trials.

When D/S meets Dr. Freud. The psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud would undoubtedly have a field day analyzing the unconscious desires and insecurities that shape a dominant's behavior. Behind the stern exterior, we might find a dominant grappling with their self-doubt, fears of inadequacy, or struggling with self-confidence. These deeper layers of complexity reveal the flawed humanity that lies beneath the dominant's façade, leaving us chuckling at the marvelous irony of it all and any d-type who claims to not have these struggles is one to avoid.

The myth of the perfect dominant shatters into a thousand delightful pieces. Dominants are not flawless beings floating on a pedestal; they are gloriously flawed humans navigating the intricate landscape of D/S dynamics. With their eccentricities, vulnerabilities, and comedic blunders, they remind us that authenticity and acceptance of our imperfections make us truly relatable and endearing. As we celebrate the triumphs and tribulations of dominants, we recognize that D/S dynamics, like any human relationship, are a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of vulnerability and strength. Embracing imperfections, dominants and submissives find harmony in their shared humanity, transcending the illusory boundaries of power to create something truly magical, a dance of hearts and souls entwined. So let us raise a toast to the delightful absurdity of it all, as we revel in the imperfect perfection of dominants in the whimsical realm of D/S dynamics. May we never forget that, behind the masks of power and submission, we are all beautifully flawed and wonderfully human. Cheers to the mirthful journey of discovering ourselves through the kaleidoscope of desire and vulnerability.

As with all of my thoughts, please see this disclaimer.

©TLK2023

#d/s relationship #d/s community #d/s blog #d/s real life #dom/sub #bdsmblog #bd/sm community #bd/sm lifestyle #ds community #chattingwiththelightkeeper #bdsmlife #bdsmrelationship #d/s lifestyle #d/s dynamic #bd/sm relationship #d/s #my thoughts #my writing

[jeannereames]

Hi there, this may seem like a random question, but do you think Alexander would have liked sitcoms, like a show like the Big Bang Theory? He seems to have been a serious person, but also a people-person?

What were his favorite plays? Did Greek stories ever delve into daily life and relationships between friends? I've never wondered about this sort of thing with a historical figure, but Alexander's personality interests me.

Let’s begin with a quick summary of what sorts of entertainment were available in the theatre (or elsewhere).

Greek plays were either tragedy or comedy. We also had rhetors and epic poetry which might be performed in more private settings (or during some of the Contests, such as the Pythian Games). A serious shift in plays occurred between the Classical and Hellenistic Eras, in part owing to political changes instituted by Alexander. But Alexander, himself, was a product of the (late) Classical period. That was his “entertainment” world. That was the era of classical tragedy and Middle Comedy.

Both epic poetry and Greek tragedy were rooted in myth, and cyclic stories well-known to everyone. Even in old-style epic, most of these are “tragic” tales. Consider the Iliad. Does that really end well for anybody? Seven Against Thebes? Jason and the Argonauts? The Herakles Cycle? All of these, even if there’s a temporary victory at points, end badly for most of the participants.

Yet this was the popular stuff!

I think it a very important distinction to recognize for the Archaic and Classical world, as opposed to later periods, never mind popular genres today such as genre Romance, action-adventure, or dramady.

Comedy then (as now) required a “happy” ending. The original form was Old Comedy, which would be much closer to “Saturday Night Live” or Monty Python, than “Big Bang Theory” or “Black-ish.” It was POLITICAL. The settings were largely ridiculous, and meant to be, in order to highlight political satire. It was about ideas, not people.

Following the Peloponnesian War, the sharp sauce of Old Comedy stung overmuch, and comedic theatre moved into Middle Comedy. Here, we come a bit closer to the modern sitcom. Unfortunately, we have almost nothing from this period, just a little bit of Aristophanes at the end of his reign, and I’m not too sure we should use even his “Plutus” as an exemplar. We have more examples of New Comedy, where Romance took over. It’s hard to say if that was also true of Middle Comedy. But both sorts of comedy are sharp departures from Old Comedy. They represent more “escapist” entertainment.

We don’t know what his favorite play was, but we DO know Euripides was his favorite playwright, and, as with Homer, he could recite whole chunks of Euripidian content by heart. Then again, Euripides had a long-standing connection to the Macedonian court, having lived there as a guest of King Archelaos after the Peloponnesian War. Similarly, Alexander’s favorite poet was Pindar, another literati with connections to Macedonian royalty, in Pindar’s case, to Alexandros I, king during the Persian Wars.

There’s no real evidence that Alexander was a fan of comedy—but also no evidence he didn’t enjoy it. That said, we might understand why tragedy might have appealed more to him. If tragedy was about the fall of great men (according to Aristotle), it did focus on “great men”—heroes. In contrast, comedy (Old or Middle) tended to be about the average person and their foibles. Perhaps it’s no surprise that Alexander, who emulated the heroes, might prefer tragedy.

So, would he enjoy "Big Bang Theory"? Hard to say. It's a very geeky sitcom, and would take a fair bit of cultural knowledge to "get." But I do think, if he enjoyed comedy, he probably preferred wittier plays. We should also recall that Macedon might have been a bit behind the times due to the political/cultural chaos following the murder of Archelaos, when the kingship was passed around among various branches until Philip's father Amyntas (III) was able to keep it a while. Yet even that wasn't all that stable a period. Not until Philip secured the throne do we see a new influx of Greek culture from the south. Ergo, the average Macedonian may have found New Comedy less appealing than Old Comedy, as it was less familiar.

#Alexander the Great #Greek theatre #Greek theater #Greek tragedy #Euripides #Greek Old Comedy #Greek New Comedy #Alexander the Great's fondness for the theatre #asks #Classics #tagamemnon

[thefilmsnob]

Barbie: **** out of 5

As I was leaving a screening of Barbie amidst a sea of elated fans, I overheard someone saying, “That was so much better than I thought it would be.” Honestly, I didn’t share the sentiment. That’s because I was certain it would be great the second that I learned it was Greta Gerwig’s next project. A wonderful actor and writer, Gerwig eventually directed her first film Lady Bird in 2017 followed by Little Women in 2019, both extraordinary works and two of the best reviewed movies of the last decade. I wasn’t excited for Barbie; I was excited for Gerwig’s third feature.

That feature is half of the ‘Barbenheimer’ cultural phenomenon. Never in a million years would I have pictured Gerwig, the de facto Queen of Indie Films, at the center of two blockbusters vying for box office dominance…in the same week! What’s more, her film is actually winning the financial battle against Oppenheimer, the second film in that portmanteau whose director, Christopher Nolan, churns out blockbusters like Mattel churns out plastic dolls.

One such doll, Barbie, is the star of this film and an American institution launched in 1959 whose instantly recognizable brand floods the hallways of countless stores. Some might view the film as cynical commercialism—this two-hour showcase definitely won’t hurt sales—but, that opinion is reductive. The opening scene alone defies expectations and reminds us of the exceptional talent behind the camera, including co-writer Noah Baumbach, who’s even more ‘indie’ than Gerwig, and both her creative and romantic partner.

You may not know the people behind the camera, but you do know the star in front of it. Possessing otherworldly beauty (narrator Helen Mirren has a killer line about this) and exceptional acting skills, Margot Robbie’s casting is a no-brainer, which is ironic considering how inclusive the cast is; dozens of Barbies inhabit Barbieland, composed of various races, body types and gender identities. That goes for the Kens as well. But, Robbie plays Stereotypical Barbie, a crucial aspect of the story that the film makers stress often, mainly to highlight a standard that impressionable, vulnerable young people experience so often.

And so, the perfect Barbie played by the perfect actor lives a perfect life in a hot pink utopian society where the Barbies hold all positions of power while the Kens, including Beach Ken (a priceless Ryan Gosling), chill at the beach and try, unsuccessfully, to woo the ladies. The nonchalance of Barbie’s rebuff of Ken speaks volumes about this social hierarchy. Robbie’s Barbie has a daily routine, executed as if a child were controlling her, rituals that include sipping from an empty cup and floating from bedroom to driveway because what child would walk her doll down every stair?

This occurs on a meticulously constructed set, realized by designers Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer. Built on a solid foundation of whimsy and charm, this community—whose geographic and temporal relationship with the ‘real world’ wisely is left ambiguous—is the product of stunning practical effects in place of tempting CGI. Like in recent films, interestingly, such as Beau is Afraid and Asteroid City, the set resembles a colourful diorama, at once fantastical and tactile. It’s a world of make-believe you can otherwise almost reach out and touch, just like the toys that inspired it.

But toys don’t have sudden preoccupations with mortality like Barbie does during a dance number, handled with perfect comedic timing by Robbie. She’s also horrified by newly flat feet and patches of cellulite. It’s around this point when the story shows it has more on its mind than just brand promotion. That trend continues as Barbie consults Weird Barbie (the delightfully weird Kate McKinnon) who’s an outcast yet the wisest of them all. Lurching about, contorting herself and giving those big-eyed, alien-like looks that McKinnon has mastered, she tells Barbie to find the girl who’s controlling her in the real world.

With Ken stowing away in Barbie’s convertible, the two arrive in Los Angeles’s Venice Beach, enveloped in neon spandex. There’re some standard fish-out-of-water moments played for laughs, sure, but Gerwig and Baumbach also use this framework to explore a myriad of social issues with the same amount of fervor used to entertain. After being ogled relentlessly at the beach, Barbie is cat-called by some construction workers, but that cliché is subverted as Barbie simply and unexpectedly explains that she lacks genitalia. It’s brilliant.

As with Gerwig’s previous films, it’s difficult to pin down a specific message; she explores numerous issues and isn’t one to tie things up in a neat little package. The stories have feminist underpinnings, but they’re never reduced to simple dichotomies like ‘women are good/men are evil’. Yes, men are portrayed as misogynists occasionally or embody corporate greed in the case of the idiotic Mattel executives led by a pompous Will Ferrell as the CEO. We also see the dangers of an impressionable air head like Ken learning of the patriarchy and introducing its flaws to Barbieland, hopefully bringing attention to how insufferable bro culture can be. Yet, Gerwig’s brand of feminism is sympathetic to male struggles too, especially toward the end, even if much of their behaviour is rightly judged.

Mattel isn’t even immune from judgment; the writers get away with a surprising amount aimed at the company, specifically regarding their toys’ negative influence on body image and self- esteem. For a film maker to resist the pressures of both studio executives and the heads of the represented brand, especially with the huge stakes of a blockbuster production, is truly remarkable and a testament to the audacity of Gerwig who’s unwilling to sacrifice her artistic integrity. Mattel also deserves some credit for acknowledging their shortcomings and vowing to do better. Everyone wins here.

That includes the audience, most importantly. Not only are we treated to hilarious, candy-coloured entertainment, but we’re given a smart film for adults that kids will also enjoy and whose insight will benefit both. It challenges corporate power, the patriarchy, beauty standards and stereotypes while promoting inclusion, autonomy and self-confidence, mostly in creative and entertaining ways though, occasionally, unlike Gerwig’s previous films, a bit too overtly if not altogether preachy. America Ferrera, with a soulful and honest performance as the Mattel employee Gloria, gives a tirade about society’s ridiculous expectations of women; it’s hard to refute her argument, but the delivery feels too familiar in this otherwise unique experience.

It’s an experience that relies heavily on its two leads, both marvellous. Gosling eschews his usual dead-eyed intensity for a relaxed turn as a lovable nitwit and does so effortlessly (no offence). It’s Robbie’s (Barbie) world, however, and we’re all just accessories. The roll is deceptively complex, requiring an actor with more than just beauty to be at once effervescent and existentially preoccupied. Both her performance and the story are capped off with one final word that recalls a line (also the final one) by Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut, appropriate considering Barbie begins with an explicit reference to another Stanley Kubrick masterpiece. It’s a word that Robbie announces with aplomb when it would otherwise be whispered with embarrassment; a word she wields like a weapon, charging forward into a new life in the name of unapologetic femininity.

#movie review #barbie #the barbie movie #barbenheimer #margot robbie #greta gerwig

[kindofblue28]

A Rant On Some Adventure Games I Played This Year

  You know, next to Twitter, I’m glad that tumblr actually lets me rant in a long-form about what I’ve played this year. There’s a lot I played that was amazing, some I didn’t finish, but this has definitely been the year for adventure games for me. I wanted to talk and highlight some of the experiences I found particularily interesting, interesting can be good or bad. I’ll get into it.

GADGET: PAST AS FUTURE

Out of all the adventure games here I’m going to reccomend you all to play, I think this one might be the one I can most easily reccomend. It doesn’t really have puzzles and is more like a two hour multimedia experience. I found the atmosphere of the story itself suffocating and stressful despite it pretty much being a “train simulator”. It reminded me a lot of David Lynch’s work and gave me that same kind of vibe I got watching Lost Highway, my mouth was agape in shock from just... how this game made me feel? It’s not mindblowing, but it sure is a confusing trip, and leaves the player with a lot to digest if they don’t pick up the accompanying materials like the artbook and the novel it has. 

9/10.

Easily playable on modern systems thanks to Zomb’s Lair, download here:

https://archive.org/details/GadgetCollection-ZombsLair

TEARS OF BETRAYAL

This game is a confusing one. I found it with some friends over at the Point and Click discord server (if you’re reading this, you guys rule) and I was one of the few who ended up playing it. It’s no longer obtainable by any legal means nowadays, as the site is dead and stuff. They set it up about being a mystery of this guy finding out what happened to his dead wife, but this game is more comedic than scary, but has these moments that can actually be kind of “WHAT?!” at times. I love the vibes it has, the town they live in just feels seedy and... weird? It’s got its charm, basically every character model is a recolor and they made only two models, and it has this INSANE command menu you can click or type to use. If you can make it through it, you’ll find an interesting and unique experience that makes it stand out among other adventure titles.

I wasn’t able to finish it due to a bug, plus the fact the game is surprisingly punishing at times, letting you game over or the only reliable way of getting cash being RNG based, but... Man, this was a charming experience.

Do I Reccomend? No, if you’re new to the genre. Maybe if you’re fine going in with a weird experience.

Download: https://archive.org/details/tears-of-betrayal

FAUST: SEVEN GAMES OF THE SOUL / FAUST: A GAME OF SOULS

If you’ve been following my socials for some time, you’ll know I love this game to death. It’s an experience that I think about almost daily and one that has had an impact on my life in ways I never expected an adventure game ever would. This was published by Cryo Interactive and developed by Arxel Tribe, and is a unique adaptation of the Faust legend without it being too much like the original. What I’m saying is that is has its own place in the land of Faust adaptations, not too derivative. You are Marcellus Faust, an amnesiac man sent to decide the fate of Dreamland, a dilapidated amusement park stuck in the 1930s. There’s a lot more to it, as you get to know and learn about the residents of the park and what led to how it is now. This game is really deep and focuses on a lot of moral dilemmas and flawed characters- how one action can lead to another action and so fourth. It’s hard to talk about this game without spoiling it, but I say play it- it’s a confusing game and one you likely won’t understand at first but one that touched my heart. If you can stomach the graphics and some occasional bad gameplay, you’re in for a treat and what I’d call one of the best adventure games of all time.

Do I reccomend it: Absolutely.

Download: 

https://archive.org/details/Faust-ZombsLair

Game Patch:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12il0SITMfIBKGw0SStSRF7TrGeUZjTqa?usp=share_link

#Point and Click Adventure #point and click #game reviews #gadget: past as future #faust: seven games of the soul #tears of betrayal

[tianshiisdead]

12, 16 and 18? (any OC)

Hihi astro!! :3 i’ll be answering for manchuria ehe

12. What have you found to be most difficult about creating art for your OC?

Honestly this sounds bad but . probably keeping the art within acceptable limits JKLHFDKLGJHF because I focus on the colonial era which has a lot of heavy baggage, not only because it’s the colonial era but also because it’s associated with WW2 and the axis, I’ve had to go back and forth on what would be acceptable to depict - of course there are plenty of things that I know clearly aren’t acceptable and wouldn’t dream of depicting, but there are other things that fall on the line I feel. An example is the eyepatch he wore in that era, it was designed with the colours of the Manchukuo flag because I wanted to incorporate the colours into his design and felt it was fitting since it was a gift he got from Japan, but early on I waffled back and forth on whether or not depicting the flag at all was acceptable or in bad taste… if you look back at some early art the eyepatch is totally one colour but recently I’ve started drawing it like intended. In general I feel I’ve started to be looser with boundaries that in the past I would have kept within for the sake of optics… after all, I think my art is clearly not intended as glorification, and history is history.

16. What is something about your OC that can make you cry?

JKLFHDGLKFH OH MAN… I mean, not so much about my OC than about history itself… since I tie my personifications so closely to history and reality, naturally I feel strongly about many things to do with him. Something a little less personal though, I think the gap between his early years and later years is really painful… There was a sort of resilience and hardy will to survive that she had as a little Jurchen girl that I think was lost over the course of the powerful Qing, which is quite regretful. In general though, beneath all the serious commentary and art is satire: for all his tragic backstory Manchuria is meant to be a comedic character and a vessel for jokes, so I don’t exactly spend much time crying over him lolol

18. What is the most recent thing you’ve discovered about your OC?

That his eye has healed up nicely in modern day… I hadn’t put much thought into it before but now it’s confirmed. I think his eye healing up in modern day is a nice gesture to how broken the Manchukuo era was, where his eye could have healed but didn’t. I think a lot of people (in the small niche of people who know Manchukuo exists) are too stuck on the colonial propaganda and fast developments and lives of the settlers and even the war effort and more ghoulish parts of the colonial regime, but for the average citizen’s mundane daily life, it was still a brutal time filled with poverty and economic strife and mass crime… My intention in my art and characterization of the Manchuria of that time is to highlight the gap between propaganda and reality, intention and action, settler class and colonized, etc. Because Manchukuo was a pseudo-country pseudo-colony filled with lies, ambivalence, contradiction, ambition, and suffering, I want to capture that gap within the Mr Manchuria of the time, and highlight how colonialism lies and turns itself into something greater and more lofty than it is within the collective memory. Within my art, I want to remember Manchukuo as the pathetic and tragic lie that it was.

#ask #ask game #astrophilic-soul #hetalia #hetalia oc #hws manchuria #colonialism

[hectormcfilm]

Do The Right Thing

I got to see this film for the first time ever at the cinema and I feel so lucky I was able to because this film is undoubtedly a masterpiece. This was my first Spike Lee film and I am now ready to watch all of his films and I'm so happy this was my introduction to him as a filmmaker.

To start with Do the right thing has one of the best vibes and atmosphere I've seen in a film, the worldbuilding of this neighbourhood is so well done and every character feels unique and fleshed out as well as genuinely realistic and human, no one feels cartoonish. My favourite character was definitely Da mayor, he was constantly entertaining and the funniest part of the film however there are lots of amazing characters throughout, especially Mooki and radio Raheem.

The most impressive part of the film for me is the cinematography and mise-en-scene. To start with the film excels on background details, the amount of times your eyes are drawn to a character in the background seeing them go about their daily lives adds so much to the believability of the neighbourhood, feels real not like a set, seeing smiley constantly going up to people and spotting the mayor or others is great. To add on, the use of Dutch angles to crate comedic moments is very effective and works better then the conventional use of Dutch angles for dramatic moments which can feel forced sometimes. One of the coolest bits of cinematography is the framing of Raheem, due to his height almost every shot of him is an exaggerated low-angle. There is an abundance of close-ups which works well with accentuating tension and the heat.

The tone switch towards the end of the film works perfectly as an allegory for racism and violence in general, showing the character finally getting and closer and forgiving each other until one single incident, one argument spirals into a serious of fights, death and destruction, crumbling the peace and normality of everyone's lives in a single night. Racial tensions are biases are built up and mentioned throughout the film like the very stylised scene of a series of characters breaking the fourth wall with a racist rant. However, it is only highlighted properly in the end with the white policeman's prejudice and the attempted attack on the Korean family. It does a perfect job at delivering its message on racism and the pointlessness of violence in a nuanced way, building up a perfect climax.

[vaguelyprophetic]

I get him not having a specific plot point but just add him for shits & giggles? Comedic relief in his own twisted-turtleneck way 😭 like in Argestes he just talked smack the entire time. Me literally begging for scraps. S1 fooled me into thinking he was gonna be a main character, I feel like I saw him DAILY in S1 but then he got like 30 seconds every 6 episodes after that and I forget everything I know about this man is purely fanon / Arian talking.

I KNOWWWW. stewy in argestes was one of the absolute highlights of the episode. we really didn’t know how good we had it in s1 and I miss him so incredibly much

#stewy in argestes also inspired my favorite fic I’ve written so #god bless argestes #ask #anonymous

[justapalspal]

JUST LEAVE A COMMENT FEST — DAY 5 PROGRESS

Theme Comments: No Theme!!

Extra Comments: 21 extra comments

Today’s total: 21 !!!

Daily Totals: 36 + 38 + 30 + 25 + 21

Grand Total: 150!!!!

Some fic highlights:

Cornered: Behind The Scenes by YadonushiRyou — warnings: gaslighting, brainwashing, kidnapping, injury, blood, knives, discussion of death/grief + childhood trauma + abuse, Yami Bakura’s a serial killer

If you liked Cornered, you'll love these unfinished extensions of that fic! Just unfinished works that I create because I like to self indulge :]

Best Laid Plans by Yusariis — warnings: mentions of adult situations, comedic threats of violence

Of mice and men oft go awry - but usually not this quickly.

---

Yuugi's done dating Bakura, but can't fathom causing him any hurt, especially not with his supposed 'new leaf'. The most reasonable way around this, really, is for Bakura to like someone else...

--

Done for a Forbidden Fanfic Frenzy prompt on tumblr.

Kaiba Seto Cannot Win by borzoieyes, millenniumwriter (writtenwordsaloud) — warnings: family drama

Seto and Mokuba ended up in an orphanage because their parents were out of the picture. Or so both of them always said.

“Your mother is alive?” Anzu asked.

Seto gritted his teeth. “She isn’t.”

Mokuba tapped his fingers on his legs. “We, uh, don't call her mom. Or call her.”

ghosts in the walls by Impavidus — warnings: none

Bakura can't talk to the ghosts in the apartment anymore, and they're not happy.

(Prompt from fade131. Thank you!)

For the Feeling by RelaySoul — warnings: references to adult situations, reference to knives

Malik tries his hand at cooking without a recipe; naturally, it becomes Bakura’s problem.

#ramble #justleaveacomment #just leave a comment fest

[comcaps]

#sinbad no bouken #daily comedic highlight #magi #magi: the labyrinth of magic #drakon #sinbad

[goblins-riddles-or-frocks]

Dracula Daily Thoughts:

May 8th

- Ahh I just love this so much

- I FORGOT that this entry opens immediately with the shaving scene. My absolute favorite moment in this book tbh. It’s so bizarre on so many levels

- He throws the mirror out the window 😭😭😭

- I also really respect Jonathan for being annoyed first and foremost, despite having just seen that something clearly supernatural is going on considering the lack of reflection, and what his narration has already told us re: his suspicion that Dracula is undead. Like he fully comprehends everything but goddamnit that was his mirror!

- I know the connotations of exclamation marks has changed somewhat. But LOL I can’t help but find this a very chipper sounding declaration

- I do find his complete despair very sympathetic though. He’s completely trapped and has no idea what to do. And as comedic is the notion that Dracula was running around like a headless chicken attempting to make it seem like he had serving staff, the confirmation that he does not is actually fairly effective in highlighting just how isolated Jonathan is. There’s the realization that there’s no one else he can turn to or try to ask for help. It’s only him and a vampire. (And the brides, but he doesn’t know about them yet.)

- That being said, Dracula attempting to keep up the pretense that he’s not a centuries old vampire is still very amusing. Sure Jan.

- There’s also a throughline in this book of parasitic nobility vs the (purportedly self made/capitalist) middle class imo. And it’s first really brought up here, I think, with Dracula positing the idea of a single feudal lord being worth more than the people they govern.

#dracula #dracula daily #i ramble sometimes #book talk

[yuexuan]

[Review]临时保镖

Title: 临时保镖 Temporary Bodyguard

Author: 绿野千鹤

Length: 132 chapters

Rating: M

Tag: Crime, mystery, comedy

Summary:

President Gao recently hired a bodyguard, the type that was paid on a daily wage. With a sickly pallor and a stature smaller than President Gao himself, this bodyguard must surely 

Mr. Gao recently hired a bodyguard. He was hired with day-pay. The bodyguard was not yet taller or stronger than Mr. Gao, like an unserious bodyguard.

Novel | Novel[translated] | Audio drama

Comments **contains spoilers**:

The MC (Zhai Chen) is a normal kindergarten teacher. However, he also accepts a side hustle as a bodyguard for random clients due to his unique physical trait: when MC inhales oxygen, he basically becomes Popeye with extraordinary strength. 

The novel starts off with a woman asking Zhai Chen to help guard her against her ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, Zhai Chen was not able to save her from murder. He was later hired by ML (Gao Yusheng), who had secretly harbored a romantic interest in MC since they were kids, where MC rescued ML from human trafficking. The both of them are then embroiled in a series of criminal cases, ranging from cult murder cases, to human trafficking, assassination attempts, and a struggle for power and money within ML’s family.

Highlights:

MC is a mixture between Popeye and Conan - wherever he goes, he encounters different criminal cases. Despite his unique physical trait and his track record of being a good bodyguard (minus the first case where his client died lol), all MC wants is to be an expert excavator - it’s just so random lol

Lovable side characters, such as MC’s baby nephew who constantly acts like an aged emperor and quotes lines from TV series, and MC’s adopted brother, a police trying to hunt down his parents’ murderers. Whenever MC is too busy to take care of his nephew, he lets his nephew pretend to be a lost child so that his nephew could stay at the police station with his other uncle. 

The ML pines hard for MC, but has a quirky trait where he needs to memorize scripts for all his speeches, including romantic confessions to the MC. So it comes off as super cheesy and ridiculous whenever ML tries to act romantic lol 

For a comedic and silly story, the cases do go into some pretty grey morality and heavy topics. In particular, the case about the trafficked children from the orphanage can be upsetting and frustrating, since there isn’t a clear right or wrong in many instances.

I also like how all the cases are tied to one another, so that different arcs can wrap up successfully.

Shortcomings:

As endearing as the MC is, it is also equally frustrating how easily triggered and careless he is. Throughout the novel, I constantly questioned how none of the antagonists have thought of targeting MC’s one glaring weakness: his nephew. With how careless MC was (e.g. leaving his nephew with strangers, even when they were dealing with a child trafficking case), there were so many opportunities for the antagonists to threaten the MC with his nephew. 

The ending is…rushed. I don’t really get how the setup of MC as an alien prince adds to the story. It felt like the author is trying too hard to come up with a reason for why MC has this inhuman strength, but honestly, they could have just said that MC is built differently, rather than using an under-developed concept of MC being an alien. It just felt too forced.

#danmei #review #临时保镖 #Temporary bodyguard

[smukher2]

Article: McLaren M1A - Jay Leno's Garage Premiered on 26th Feb 2024 #JayLeno #JayLenosGarage https://youtu.be/kZm7Q7XRZzM

ArticleSummary: “Automotive royalty with an additional connection to the King of rock and roll? it can only be the McLaren M1A. Driven by Elvis Presley in 1966 Movie “Spinout” this M1A (chassis number 20-01) was Bruce McLaren’s first production car. Elvis Presley is the only movie star in history who never had a single flop movie, they could often be completed in 2 weeks so had low budget thus made money……settled in that car as well Dennis Jenkinson he's a guy that invented he was sitting next to Sterling Moss when Sterling Moss broke the 100 mph record the 1000 miles taking 10 hours 7 mins and he developed what we call it GPS now but he had a roll the map was on a roll and as they drove he had a and and he'd look at the map and go left turn coming up 50 ft right turn coming up look out big tree here and and he would turn this scroll and go through the whole it was pretty cool it was pretty cool yeah he was the first guy to do that and and a few companies actually came out with maps that people could do for their car but it's just too cumbersome you put a whole map in yeah looking for yeah yeah pretty”

By #www.smukher2.com #www.smukher2.eu #www.smukher2.co.uk #www.smukher2.org #www.smukher2.net #smukher2 to #Everyone #JohnnyCarson #JayLeno #JerrySeinfeld #JonStewart : It’ss fascinating to explore the impact of popular comedians like Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Jon Stewart on entertainment and information culture. The appeal of Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jon Stewart lies not only in their comedic talent but also in their ability to deliver humor that is universally family-friendly and relatable. Their shows serve as sources of laughter and information, creating a welcoming space for viewers of all backgrounds to enjoy. Johnny Carson was indeed a comedy legend, best known for hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" for 30 years. His wit, charm, and ability to connect with his audience made him a beloved figure in American television history. Jay Leno's successful tenure on "The Tonight Show," following in the footsteps of Johnny Carson, not only maintained the show's legacy but also elevated it to new heights. His venture into the world of automotive enthusiasm with "Jay Leno's Garage" offers viewers a blend of entertainment and enlightening trivia, as showcased in a recent episode featuring the McLaren M1A. Delving into the world of cars, Jerry Seinfeld's "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" provides a unique and enjoyable look at comedy and automotive culture. The episode featuring Jay Leno as a guest, where they discuss how comedy can be a concealed weapon, showcases the charm and humor that both comedians bring to the screen. Reflecting on my own experience transitioning to the U.S. in 2005, shows like "The Tonight Show”, "The Daily Show”, standup comedies of Jerry Seinfeld (even now I don’t like standup except Jerry Seinfeld’s) and reruns of Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, served not only as sources of news but also as cultural guides, helping me navigate and understand American society. The return of Jon Stewart in 2024 has reignited my admiration for his comedic prowess and insightful commentary. Despite occasional challenges in understanding their jokes or contexts, the infectious laughter and warmth exuded by Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jon Stewart make it easy to connect with their humor on a deeper level. Their ability to bring joy and unity through comedy is truly remarkable and highlights the power of laughter and information in facilitating acclamitazion of immigrants who love and respect the west, so immigrate legally and contribute o the wests’ national interest — the ones that immirate illegally are to begin with breaking law of the land which proves they neither respect nor love the west, ergo they never acclamatize.

I am grateful for the role Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Jon Stewart, of helping me with this cultural integration and for the knowledge trove of trivia. Indeed, it’s absolutely critical and duty of me as an immigrant to not disrupt western culture but adopt and contribute in their national interest. The illegal mass immigration that has been occurring in the US and Europe (EU, UK) over the past decade is a concerning trend that is leading to the erosion of cultural traditions and an increase in crime rates, as highlighted by Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (see ref). As Michael Knowles points out, (to paraphrase) its imperative that immigration policies prioritize individuals with proven merit and skills that can benefit the host country without disrupting the local population….instead of merely focusing on immigrants who can perform menial tasks, such as fixing light bulbs, the emphasis should be on welcoming scientists, engineers, doctors, and philosophers who can make meaningful contributions….limiting the number of these high-skilled immigrants to “10,000 individuals” would allow for innovation and progress while safeguarding the interests of the local population, as advocated by Michael Knowles (see ref). I’m myself a scientist stuck here in India, trying to immigrate based on my proven merit to US, UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, but I know “someday somewhere” (quote Michael Learns to Rock song) I will go to the west based on my proven merit, as the Moto of the Christian Missionary school I went to growing up stated “God helps those that help themselves” so I have hope.

References: Elvis Presley drives the very first McLaren https://www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/elvis-presley-drives-the-very-first-mclaren/ Denis Jenkinson (Mille Miglia 1955). Equipment? - TNF's Archive - The Autosport Forums https://forums.autosport.com/topic/128428-denis-jenkinson-mille-miglia-1955-equipment With Moss in the Mille Miglia - Motor Sport’s 1955 report republished May 1997 - Motor Sport Magazine https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-1997/74/moss-mille-miglia-2 Unforgettable Triumph: Reflecting on Sir Stirling Moss's Historic 1955 Mille Miglia Record https://www.rushmagazine.co.uk/post/1955-mille-miglia-sitrling-moss-record Jay Leno’s Garage (previous and current episodes on Youtube) - IMDb https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4944090/ Jay Leno’s Garage (current episodes on Youtube) https://www.youtube.com/@jaylenosgarage/videos The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV Series 1962–1992) - IMDb https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055708 The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV Series 1992–2014) - IMDb https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103569 Johnny Carson https://www.johnnycarson.com/ Jerry Seinfeld Comedians İn Cars Getting Coffee S03E03 Jay Leno Comedy İs A Concealed Weapon - Dailymotion Video https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6i1h6s Jerry Seinfeld Comedians in car getting coffee full episodes videos - Dailymotion https://www.dailymotion.com/search/comedians%20in%20car%20getting%20coffee%20full%20episodes/videos?duration=mins_5_30 Jerry Seinfeld Comedians in car getting coffee https://watch.plex.tv/en-GB/show/comedians-in-cars-getting-coffee Jerry Seinfeld: I am Telling You for the Last Time Youtube https://youtu.be/2GO3X6RXIvs The Daily Show: Ears Edition Jon Stewart on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-show-ears-edition/id1334878780 The Stakes of Immigration with Aaron Reichlin-Melnick Why Is This Happening TheRachelMaddowShow https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-the-stakes-of-immigration-with/id1679657705?i=1000651918259 The Michael Knowles Show: Ep. 1465 - The Student Loan Forgiveness Bribe EXPLAINED on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-1465-the-student-loan-forgiveness-bribe-explained/id1266577963?i=1000652036796 Someday (Michael Learns to Rock song) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Someday_(Michael_Learns_to_Rock_song)

[worthyhog0001]

Potato Psychology: Analyzing the Impact of Funny Potatoes on the Mind with Funny Knitted Potato Dolls

I. Introduction

A. Unveiling Potato Psychology

Exploring the concept of "Potato Psychology" and its role in analyzing the impact of humorous elements, specifically Funny Potatoes, on the human mind.

B. Introducing Funny Knitted Potato Dolls

Unveiling a unique gifting product – Funny Knitted Potato Dolls adorned with positive quotes. Understanding how these dolls combine humor and positivity to create a distinct and thoughtful gift.

II. The Humorous Roots of Potato Psychology

A. Historical Context of Humor in Psychology

Delving into the historical connection between humor and psychology, exploring how laughter has been recognized as a therapeutic element throughout time.

B. Evolution of Potatoes in Humorous Discourse

Tracing the evolution of potatoes in humor, from comedic elements in historical contexts to their present-day role in lifting spirits.

III. The Science Behind Potato Psychology

A. Humor's Impact on Mental Well-being

Examining scientific perspectives on how humor, particularly potato-induced humor, influences mental well-being. Unraveling the psychological mechanisms that make laughter a potent tool for positive mental health.

B. Cognitive Effects of Positive Quotes

Investigating the cognitive impact of positive quotes on the mind, discussing how words of affirmation contribute to a positive mindset and emotional well-being.

C. Funny Potatoes as a Unique Therapeutic Element

Understanding the distinctive role of Funny Potatoes, especially when crafted into knitted dolls, as a therapeutic element that combines humor and positive affirmations.

IV. Crafting the Funny Knitted Potato Dolls

A. The Art of Knitting Potato Dolls

Exploring the craftsmanship behind Funny Knitted Potato Dolls, highlighting the art of knitting and the creativity involved in bringing these quirky characters to life.

B. Incorporating Positive Quotes

Detailing the process of incorporating positive quotes into the knitted potato dolls, discussing the selection criteria and the impact of uplifting messages on the overall gift.

C. Customization Options for Personalization

Discussing the customization options available for personalizing Funny Knitted Potato Dolls, allowing gift-givers to tailor the dolls to match the recipient's personality and preferences.

V. The Symbolism of Funny Potatoes and Positive Quotes

A. Symbolic Meaning Behind Funny Potatoes

Unraveling the symbolic meaning associated with Funny Potatoes and how these whimsical characters transcend their culinary origins to become symbols of joy and positivity.

B. Positive Quotes as Inspirational Anchors

Exploring the role of positive quotes as inspirational anchors, discussing how these messages serve as daily reminders of optimism and encouragement.

C. The Symbiosis of Humor and Affirmation

Examining how the symbiosis of humor and positive affirmation in Funny Knitted Potato Dolls creates a unique and harmonious blend that resonates with recipients.

VI. Gifting Funny Knitted Potato Dolls for Different Occasions

A. Birthdays and Celebratory Events

Providing insights into how Funny Knitted Potato Dolls can be ideal gifts for birthdays and celebratory events, bringing a touch of humor and positivity to the festivities.

B. Supportive and Encouraging Gifts

Exploring the suitability of Funny Knitted Potato Dolls as gifts to show support, encouragement, and care during challenging times.

C. Thoughtful Gestures for Special Moments

Discussing how these knitted dolls, adorned with positive quotes, can serve as thoughtful gestures for various special moments in the lives of loved ones.

VII. The Therapeutic Power of Potato Dolls

A. Potato Dolls in Stress Relief

Analyzing the stress-relieving properties of Funny Knitted Potato Dolls, investigating how their humorous appearance and positive quotes contribute to relaxation.

B. Emotional Comfort and Connection

Exploring the emotional comfort and connection that Funny Knitted Potato Dolls can provide, especially in times of loneliness or emotional distress.

C. Incorporating Potato Dolls in Therapeutic Practices

Discussing the potential integration of Funny Knitted Potato Dolls into therapeutic practices, highlighting their role in promoting mental well-being.

VIII. Crafting Your Own Funny Potato Dolls

A. DIY Knitting Projects

Encouraging readers to embark on DIY knitting projects to craft their own Funny Potato Dolls, providing step-by-step guidance for creating these whimsical gifts.

B. Adding Personalized Positive Quotes

Discussing the importance of adding personalized positive quotes to DIY Potato Dolls, infusing them with unique sentiments that resonate with both the creator and the recipient.

C. Sharing the Joy of Homemade Gifts

Emphasizing the joy that comes with sharing homemade Funny Knitted Potato Dolls, showcasing how the act of crafting and gifting can create meaningful connections.

IX. Conclusion

A. Recapitulating the Impact of Potato Psychology

Summarising the exploration of Potato Psychology and its impact on the mind, emphasising the role of humor, positive quotes, and Funny Potato Dolls in fostering well-being.

B. Encouraging the Spread of Laughter and Positivity

Concluding with an invitation to readers to embrace the whimsical world of Funny Knitted Potato Dolls, encouraging them to spread laughter and positivity through unique and thoughtful gifts.