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#that includes a reference to a celebrity and a pop culture reference that are too old for me to understand
lonely-dog-song · 1 year
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when other people are in the kitchen with me i feel like Gayle Waters-Waters
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queerly-autistic · 2 months
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Let's get OFMD on Gogglebox!
One of the biggest things we can do to try and get Our Flag Means Death picked up by another network is keep making noise about it, and so I had a wild middle-of-the-night idea about one way we could do this: try and get the show on Gogglebox!
For anyone who doesn't know, Gogglebox is an extremely popular and successful show in the UK on Channel 4, where ordinary people (and sometimes celebrities) watch and react to television shows, pop culture moments and films.
Usually, they seem to react to television shows after they finish airing, between a month and two months after from what I've seen from other shows, so we have time to push this. It would be amazing exposure for the show, and really put it in a fantastic spot in terms of visibility in the UK.
So, how do we do this? Well, firstly, I would say tweet about the show and tag Gogglebox on Twitter, letting them know that they should react to it. The 'This Woman's Work' scene, which feels tailor-made for a Gogglebox reaction, is airing on BBC2 this week (19th February 10pm), so a great opportunity to tag them going 'hey, look over here!'.
Another thing that we can do is contact Channel 4 directly. Here's a rundown of how to do that. Click here to get through to their contact page: https://www.channel4.com/4viewers/contact-us.
Step 1: At the bottom of the screen, after filling in your details (if you're outside the UK, you can generate a random UK address to use here: Random UK Address Generator - GeneratorMix), you will see a box labelled ‘My message is about’. Select ‘Channel 4/+ - streaming/on demand/apps’.
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Then click 'submit'. Step 2:
Select how you normally stream Channel 4 (if in doubt, just select ‘Channel4.com’).
When asked if you're contacting them about a technical issue, select ‘No’. 
When asked what your query is about, select ‘Programmes’. 
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Then click 'submit'. Step 3:
You can then leave your message. Some points to think about including:
Plainly state what you want them to do (you want Gogglebox to feature OFMD, which is currently airing on BBC 2 and available on iPlayer)
Explain what OFMD is and why it’d be a great candidate for Gogglebox (emotional and funny, with bonkers and heartfelt moments, perfect for reacting to!)
Push the diversity angle and how great it would be to see such a queer show featured on Gogglebox
Show that you are aware of Gogglebox by referring to other things they’ve reacted to (some ideas in my message below, or you can have a look on their YouTube) - the ‘Running Up That Hill’ Stranger Things reaction was incredibly popular and did very well for them on social media, so worth mentioning that there’s a similar scene in OFMD
Mention that the show is immensely popular, so featuring it would bring in an automatic audience AND get social media traction too!
This is the message that I left. I tried to include everything as an example of what we could say, but of course if you want to make it shorter and snappier, please do! I'm getting in touch with a recommendation for the current series of Gogglebox. I think it would be fantastic to watch the Goggleboxers react to Our Flag Means Death - Series 2 of which is currently airing on BBC2 (and is all available on BBC iPlayer). It's an amazing queer romantic comedy about pirates, that can have you laughing out loud and bursting into tears in a single episode, which I think would make for some fantastic reactions from the Goggleboxers. After being deeply affected by the tear-jerking reactions to It's A Sin a few years ago, I think it's really important to see the Goggleboxers react to a very different queer story (twice GLAAD-nominated) which, despite having dark moments, ultimately celebrates queer love and queer joy. I remember how brilliant (and popular!) the Celebrity Gogglebox reactions to the iconic 'Running Up That Hill' Stranger Things scene were, and Our Flag Means Death has a similar (but different) scene, in which Ed (Blackbeard) imagines the man he loves as a mermaid helping him fight back to life following a suicide attempt. It's one of the best scenes I've seen in a television show in years, bonkers AND emotional, made me laugh AND sob, and it feels absolutely tailor made for the Goggleboxers to react to (you can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSi1M8iQh_s). Not only is the show brilliant, but it also comes with a hugely passionate fanbase (over 86,000 people have signed a petition calling for its renewal, it was one of HBO Max's most popular shows last year in terms of engagement, and it consistently trends on social media with tens of thousands of tweets) who would flock to watch and talk about Gogglebox if it were featured. I really hope you'll consider letting the Goggleboxers watch this utterly brilliant show!   Then make sure you tick the ‘I agree to having my details passed to the production company if necessary’ (we want our messages to get to the people making Gogglebox!)
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Then hit submit, and you’re done!
I think it's worth a shot! Who knows, if we make enough noise, and show how much of a following the show has, the producers might just consider featuring our pirates on the show, and what amazing exposure that will be!
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mrmallard · 5 months
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So with my James Somerton post yesterday, I expressed how miserable it all made me feel. The constant plagiarism and the weaponization of his fanbase is such a fucked up thing, especially now we know that he was covering for his own wrongdoing by harassing people who came across it. HBomberGuy seemed pretty miserable by the end; he made a pertinent point about how many people were overshadowed by Somerton's actions, and the lengths he took to steal their hard work and pass it off as his own. For a man who claimed to care so much about the erasure of queer men through history, he did a lot of fucking erasure of his own, including against gay men and their contributions to culture. It's a really fucked up and depressing thing. I don't have the heart to meme about it.
That's not me going "memeing about James Somerton is bad, think of the victims!" - that's just me describing my own perspective. I already feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I don't need to steep myself in all that right now - but anyone else can meme away.
The main concern I have after seeing that video and hearing about everything that's happened is how to rebuild. There's been a great wrong committed. How do we try to fix that and make it right? I think it was good for HBomberGuy to not only split his ad revenue proportionally between the victims of everyone's plagiarism, but to highlight other queer youtubers - some of them victims of Somerton's theft, others not. Personally, I'd like to do that too, because I really like their work and it's something I can do to try and make a tangible difference.
For my money, I want to highlight Alexander Avila, Lola Sebastian and Kat Blaque. Much like what I saw of Somerton's output, I saw them mostly through third-party apps with pop-up windows on touchscreen devices (Pi Music Player, and then NewPipe).
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I think the first Alex Avila video I saw was "Why Can't Celebrities Queerbait?". To my recollection, it was a video that began with some recent news about a young actor who was criticized for playing a gay character in a TV show, to the point of being bullied into coming out as bisexual before he was ready. Another example was the woman who wrote the novel that "Love, Simon" was based on, which has an unfortunate overlap with James Somerton's wrongdoings.
The core of the video is about the misuse of "queerbaiting" to refer to a celebrity "appropriating" queerness, when queerbaiting is a media term for when a queer ship is dangled in front of a receptive audience only to be yanked back to keep the audience hungry for more. And Alex gives examples of this, the largest example being Teen Wolf. It's an extremely well-made video, and I thought Alex made a great point about how you really don't know a person's sexuality until they spell it out themselves. It's been a while and I might be misremembering this, so take this with a grain of salt, but I also remember a point about how bullying people out of the closet isn't the diversity win that some people think it is.
He also has an incredible video about how he was a transgender child, growing up into a transgender man. idk if this is a weird thing to say, but it's an absolute must-watch video. The video he released after that is another really good one, it's the one that HBomberGuy pointed out - it's called "TikTok Gave Me Autism: the Politics of Self-Diagnosis", and it's an incredible, poignant video that taught me a lot about the continuing stigma towards neurodivergency and the backlash against both neurodivergency and self-diagnosis through a proxy backlash towards modern social media.
Apparently, becoming a New Zealand citizen is next to impossible if you have an autism diagnosis - I had no idea. My plan was always to try and move to NZ if Australia goes to shit; given my own suspicions about my neurological state, pursuing that could end up turning all my plans to shit.
Another great video essay YouTuber is Lola Sebastian. The first video I saw of hers was a video called "The Absurd Horror of Marge Simpson". I didn't really like it, it's got a lot of like avant-garde bits, but it was good background noise for playing Runescape and it led to me finding a much bigger body of work which I really enjoyed.
She had a video called Problematic Fans which is unlisted now, it's been too long since I've seen it but I remember liking it. I've seen her video about Call Me By Your Name multiple times, it's an incredible breakdown of that movie as well as the stuff about Armie Hammer. More recently, I really enjoyed her video about Bones and All, juxtaposed by the backlash to Twilight's "softening of vampires for the sake of trite romanticism" in its heyday. It does break down Twilight, including its exploitation of the Quileute people, while also discussing a recent movie called Bones and All - a movie that's been review-bombed for, allegedly, being "Twilight but with cannibals". This video is probably the only video I've seen in years that's made me actually want to seek out and watch a movie.
I haven't seen a lot of Kat Blaque's videos lately. I did recently see her breaking down that SunnyV2 video basically shaming MrBeast's transgender friend and saying that MrBeast is gonna fail unless Chris quits the YouTube channel. What I remember the most about her is that she's got a few storytime videos about her dating life, and looking at her channel she does a lot of topical videos about media, the internet and queer issues.
I remember liking Kat Blaque's storytime videos for being personal and open, and she talks about stuff like misogynoir and her experiences as a black trans woman. This isn't a perspective I see often, not as a white Australian guy in my real life or in a broader community of video essayists. Her videos seem to be about half an hour on average, at least her more recent videos - definitely check out her videos and see if you like them, they're a good length and I think she has a lot to say. I'm just sorry I can't go into more detail.
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My mental health is pretty bad rn. I was running on fumes yesterday and watching over four hours of video content about YouTube plagiarism and James Somerton specifically really fried my brain in a way that I really didn't need. Me saying "I can't deal with the drama behind James Somerton" and all that isn't like a Moral Stance against what's happening - I'm just at my wit's end with everything in the world right now, I don't need to immerse myself in all that right now.
But I've seen what happened, and all that is a part of me now. Probably a very unhealthy way to feel, but I've dipped my toe into it all and this is the conclusion I took away from it.
I don't want to be a part of the cancelling or the tearing down. Does James Somerton deserve backlash, to the point of losing his following? Based on what we've seen, and what I personally believe about the situation, yes. But that side of things isn't my scene. I want to help repair the damage and rebuild what's been lost in the wake of everything that's happened.
And I want to express that while James Somerton, his rampant theft and the negative effects of his actions are trending right now, I think that people who are currently focusing on tearing James Somerton down for what he did should consider joining the effort of building up a base for his victims and for other queer YouTubers - if they haven't already.
Do you have to follow Alex Avila because James Somerton ripped him off, no. Is it recompense for what happened with Somerton, probably not. But I'm recommending Alex Avila because his YouTube videos are really fucking good. I'm recommending the youtubers I recommended because I really like their videos. For any tearing down that's happening right now, I want to rebuild something more positive in its place.
I want people to watch videos like Alexander Avila's video about the politics of self-diagnosis, I want them to see Lola Sebastian's video about Bones and All. I want them to enjoy Kat Blaque's storytime content and - like myself after I finish this post - watch her most recent videos and see how they like them. If you enjoy video essay content, these three channels make really good videos, as do the other YouTubers who HBomberGuy recommended at the end of the video. I want any of my own input in this ugliness, at least past the point that I've already commented, to go towards building people up.
So consider checking out Alexander Avila, Lola Sebastian and Kat Blaque. Also consider checking out Princess Weekes, apologies for the late entry but she does some great videos about media and fandom. Their videos are a great way to fill in the time, and after the dust has settled, I hope they get a bit of a boost in attention if nothing else.
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duaghterofstories · 4 months
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How I would Fix Prythian
Things I will cover in this post below the cut:
Powers of the High Lords/Court Design.
Political System.
Religion and it's intergration.
Pop Culture.
So basically this is how I would have designed Prythian (Or fixed it if SJM had asked me).
This is a special interest of mine, so under the cut.
Powers of the High Lords/Court Design:
This also falls under the thing of how the Courts are designed, so I smushed them together
Basically, According to the books, the powers of fire are in Autumn, the powers of water is in Summer, and so on. However, this makes no sense logically.
Summer is, quite notably, historically a very hot season. In fact, there are theories that Persephone is actually in the Underworld during Summer because during the summer in Greece, nothing could grow. Because it was so fucking hot. Following this logic, Summer should have Fire Powers. It should be a relative desert, and be incredibly warm constantly.
Autumn is a very windy season. Very dry, pretty cold but not super cold. This season shoudl be pretty colors, lots of forests with either Evergreen Trees or lots of colored trees that flutter around while falling. The powers of this court should be wind, obviously.
Spring is a wet Season. It is literally known for being rainy, it is a season of rebirth and change. Spring, I think, was well designed. However, it had a very noticeable lack of rain and rain related celebrations. Maybe it rains on Calanmai, or some other event. Just something interesting. They should also have a lot of flowers, but buds and fresh flowers. There should be a lot more bees as well. I think bees should be more relevant in Spring. Anyway, Spring should have Water powers and powers of healing.
The rest seem pretty good all things considered, so I'll leave them be (for now.)
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Political System:
*crying* the political system in Acotar makes no fucking sense. It's so goddamn discordinated. No one works together. There is no fucking hierarchy. The laws seem arbitrary and made up. I want to throw up even trying to figure out what's happening.
So, first up I'm going to add in an agreement. Think NATO. Except PTO for Prythian Treaty Organization instead. Anyway, they all have an agreement.
And then, of course, within each court, There's the High Lords and Lady of [Court Name] on the sameish level, same idea of King and Queen, or Queen and Prince, Emperor and Empress, etc. Under that are the average Lords, each in charge of ruling part of the Court. Then there's district people, which I can't be bothered to remember the name of.
Of course, the High Lord/Lady of [Court] is still in charge and, like we see Tamlin do, are deeply involved. It's just hard to do that all the time.
The Courts don't get involved with each other too much but they do help each other in times of need.
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Religion and it's Integration:
Religion just feels like it should play a bigger part in the series. Or at least in the culture.
I can't say much about this, I'd just probably include, like, more rules. Mother/Cauldron doesn't really seem to involve many rules. Like, nothing to prove devotion, or a desire to do good. No prayers. Basically just references.
So I just feel she should add that. Maybe a religious dress or some cool ass holidays.
That's it.
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Pop Culture:
The most infuriating and fake thing is that Prythian has no pop culture or fiction books, or anything else similar. There's like, music. And that's it.
Now, I would understand if Fae couldn't lie, or create fiction, such as in An Enchantment of Ravens. But no, one of the important things we learn is they can, do, and will lie.
So why don't they have any books, or fiction, or anything.
It makes no sense. I would add in popular actors in plays, popular books, etc. Just for fun. Or to add anything.
That's it. Not a lot of examples I can give.
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Okay, I hope you guys liked this post, and if anyone wants to discuss it, I will. I love discussing this stuff.
@achaotichuman , here is the post you asked me to tag you in.
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earthstellar · 6 months
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TF Rise of the Beasts: A Basic Guide to Writing/Drawing for Fashion in 1994
Someone sent me a message that has now disappeared (!!) which was asking for some tips on what was stylish in 1994, for the purposes of writing a time period accurate ROTB fic.
I'm sorry I don't remember their username otherwise I'd tag them, but I figured I'd provide some notes here just in case anyone else might find it helpful for ROTB fic writing or fanart! :)
1994 Style: The Coolest Magazines
So as far as I remember, there were three big fashion/culture magazines at the time:
Sassy Magazine - This one was aimed mostly at women, but was hugely popular and would be a good place to look for styles for Elena!
i-D Magazine - This is a British publication but had international distribution by the 90s. Most of their early 90s issues featured fashion shoots from both large brands and indie fashion houses, with an emphasis on styling outfits. The articles were pretty good, and covered pop culture, music, and other similar topics. This one includes styles for both men and women, and was one of the only mainstream magazines to include what would now be recognised as queer fashion (they featured Boy George etc. as cover models, too).
The Face - This one is also British but had international distribution, mostly in large cities like LA and New York (which means it's fine to reference for ROTB's setting). Similar to i-D, it featured articles on fashion, music, culture, and highlighted some subculture styles which were harder to find in other more popular magazines like Vogue at the time. This included more "casual" outfits being featured, typically as part of style guides. This one had men and women's fashion, and also featured queer celebrities or genderbending style!
And of course, any magazines from 1994 would be good to look through-- Just keep in mind that magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, etc. were primarily aimed at women only (most of the menswear mags for fashion were still finding their audience at this time), and typically only featured higher end fashion, so not a lot of it was actually reflective of what people were wearing on the street.
Look at Sewing Patterns!
For the best idea of fashion and style in terms of what the average person was wearing in 1994, look up sewing patterns!
Simplicity and McCall's brand sewing patterns provide the best idea of what most people were wearing on a day to day basis.
General Style Notes
Patterned vests were in style for all genders. Typically this was layered over a long sleeved shirt or turtleneck. Some guys would just wear a vest over a tank top or even just by itself, but that was more rare. The backs of the vests were typically left plain, so the pattern was often only on the front of the vest. Some vests were made of velvet, or thickly embroidered fabric.
Denim!!! Oh my god, people loved denim. Denim everything. Double denim (jeans and a jean jacket or a denim shirt) was a popular look, although this started to taper off gradually. Usually this was styled with a patterned vest, scarf, or accessorised with a felt or denim hat.
In terms of fit, everything was slightly long, or slightly baggy. Sometimes both. Coats were baggy in the arm and shoulder, which was a carry over from the 80s trend of shoulder pads. Shoulder pads persisted into 1995-1998, mostly in women's wear, although men's jackets and suits often had high or wide shoulders too.
1994 is where fuzzy fabrics and nylon/synthetic fabrics started getting popular; This is most noticeable in the windbreaker trend, in which a lot of windbreakers were nylon/polyester or made of textured cotton/poly blends.
Quick note on early 90s synthetic fabrics: They hadn't gotten the textures quite right yet, so even though there were some minor improvements on the late 80s synth textiles, most of these fabrics were still terribly scratchy and somewhat uncomfortable to wear, unless you had a long sleeved garment underneath. This is why you might see a lot of people wearing multiple layers of long sleeved shirts or jackets, even though it might seem excessive!
90s synthetic fabrics tended to be scratchy and crinkly, and could actually cause skin irritation in some people if you were sweating a lot--Which is why you mostly see winter clothing made out of this stuff, they were intended to only be worn in layers. Most 90s jackets that used synthetic fabrics were shell jackets, meaning only the outer layer was synthetic and the lining was either polyester or cotton in most cases.
Popular department store brands were Tommy Hilfiger, United Colours of Benetton, Moschino, and Burberry.
Popular department stores were Dillards, Burdines, JC Penny, Macy's, and Bloomingdales.
Popular runways in 1994 were Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, which were partially influenced by 80s punk and the new Grunge trend.
Bucket hats for adults were starting to become more popular, but they were already popular in children's wear, so Kris could have a bucket hat!
Facial piercings were not common, although they were starting to get a little more popular around this time. Typically this was only a nose piercing-- Anything other than that would get you stared at and judged pretty harshly. Only subcultures like goths or punks had multiple facial piercings, or lip rings/eyebrow piercings, for the most part.
Tattoos were also less common, unless you were in a particular style subculture.
Belts were a very popular accessory, with large belts and belted coats being super popular. Thinner belts were often worn two at a time, or a thin belt with an extra long end left hanging down out of a beltloop. Most jeans were worn belted, with the shirt tucked in.
There was a fine line between fitted and baggy and just looking messy-- This is why belts were so popular, as it helped create more shaping to big coats and shirts. This became less of a thing as the bagginess went out of style, but for a while a lot of people wore belts out of habit, even after clothing trends switched over to being more fitted.
Flannel shirts became huge amongst all genders, and were typically tied at the waist and not buttoned or left fully open. Men would wear flannel shirts tied at the waist, with a solid block colour t-shirt underneath.
Graphic tees existed, but were not actually as popular as they are today; They were considered more of a kid/teenager thing. Band shirts were ever-popular, though! The print technology/quality at the time was a little rough, so expect any graphic tees to deteriorate quickly after a couple washes-- It was normal to see most letters/designs very patchy or flaking apart on graphic tees, which is part of why so few of them survive in vintage stores today unless they were printed in a more high end way.
Patterned fabrics were big as a statement piece, and not just for vests. A patterned shirt or jacket would be paired with block colours, and typically any accessories would be made out of the same patterned fabric so they'd match. For women's wear, headbands and scrunchies would be made to match a shirt or jacket. For men's wear, a belt would sometimes be made out of the same fabric as a patterned shirt.
Converse shoes remained ever-classic, and were one of the most popular sneaker/trainer brands. Nike was also super popular. Kris might have had some light-up Nikes, as they were a top item for kid's clothing. "Street shoes" in general were pretty popular as part of an athletic and every day look. High tops were the most popular, but platform sneakers started to get pretty popular, too.
Short shorts and baggy shorts!!! For all genders! This was the summer look of 1994, tank top and patterned shorts with a long sleeve t-shirt tied at the waist over top. Knee length baggy shorts in patterned fabrics were super popular. Short shorts were typically for the workout/jogging crowd, but were fairly popular outside of that during summers.
Knits were pretty popular, especially with synthetic wool and acrylic textiles becoming more common. Patterned sweaters/jumpers and chunky knits were among the top sellers, but this started to taper off a bit towards the mid-90s as it was a hold over trend from the late 80s. They still remained a commonly worn item, though.
In terms of sunglasses, funky tint lenses were starting to get popular, with blue, yellow, pink, and green tint lenses in bottlecap sunglasses or round lenses being a significant trend for a while. Round lenses for sunglasses were fashionable, but people also wore Ray Ban Aviators as a style classic. Smaller lenses were getting more and more popular in general, leading to oval glasses with wire frames becoming a common glasses frame style for both sunglasses and regular prescription wear. This was in contrast to the 80s, were large plastic chunky frames were popular.
The trend of making everything a little longer and baggier than it needed to be applied to most clothing items, including pants/trousers-- Jeans were often cut a little long, so rolling up the cuffs made a come back for a while, and yes, patterned baggy puffy trousers were popular for a couple seasons (although 1994 would have been near the end of that trend).
In terms of fine textured hair, feathered and fluffy hair was the goal, with volume being the biggest consideration for all genders. For black hair, Bantu knots got pretty popular for a while (you can see this reflected in some film/media well into the late 90s/early 2000s), and natural hairstyles were starting to make a big come back in contrast to the highly permed 80s.
For accessories, headbands, hats, and necklaces/bracelets were the big ones (as belts became less popular over time). Earrings tended to be plain hoops/studs or big chunky statement earrings, with very few options in between. Clip-on earrings were still really popular at this time. Fake small hoop earrings were also worn, instead of getting multiple ear piercings. For men, ties and scarves were the key accessories. Digital watches became popular accessories for all genders, and were part of both casual and professional wear.
Socks! White or black, almost always cotton. Sometimes white with a couple stripes at the top. Leg warmers were more of an 80s thing, although in some areas they were still worn in 1994, typically only as part of gym gear by this time but sometimes outside of that. Knee high socks started getting popular (especially paired with shorts or skirts), and socks in weird colours or patterns also started getting more popular, but they weren't super common and tended to be hard to find or more expensive. White socks with lace tops were popular among little girls and teens, whereas the sporty striped socks were more often found in men's departments.
Leggings as they exist today were not a thing outside of the gym, same with yoga pants-- Instead, it was just tights. Thick, relatively uncomfortable tights. These were usually office wear or for special occasions, or when someone felt like dressing nicely. The skin colour ones mostly went out of fashion for casual wear and were mostly for office attire; Thick black tights that you couldn't see through were the default for most casual outfits around this time. Some people still wore the skin colour ones for casual outfits, but the black ones were seen as more stylish for most of what was in style.
Colour palette: You had three main options -- Denim, Block Brights, and Earth Tones. There were of course other options, but these three are probably the most common. Pastels and block brights were especially popular for kids.
Makeup trended towards natural looks or Earth tones. Burgundy shades were popular lip colours, and browns were popular eyeshadows. If you wanted to look cutting edge, you went for metallic eyeshadows in blues, with a sharp orange-red lip colour-- But this was not an every day look! Blush was used, but sparingly, unless you were going out for an event. Subcultures had their own distinct makeup preferences, which did not generally permeate popular style guides. The modern internet makeup guru culture did not exist, and most people got their makeup advice from magazines, close friends, or TV shows. Avon makeup was popular, as was Clinique. Drug store brands included Eckerds, which was an affordable option if you couldn't go to a department store.
For perfumes, CK One and Tommy were among the most popular. Calvin Klein was a mainstay in perfumes, following the success of their perfume Obsession in 1985, which is a scent that most people will associate with that decade! A lot of people continued to use it well into the 90s.
This is all I can think of at the moment, but I wouldn't mind adding more if this was helpful or interesting for anyone! :)
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Have you seen this childhood show: Blue Peter (1958-Present), United Kingdom (English)
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Commentary/Context/Memories: I’m pretty sure this is THE children’s programme for anyone in the UK. Everyone wanted to be awarded a Blue Peter badge when they were little! Also can’t forget the many infamous phrases like “Here’s one I made earlier”, “sticky-backed plastic” (cos you can’t name brands on the BBC), and “and now for something completely different” (later pinched by Monty Python).
[Mod A: Blue Peter has been referred to before a couple times within these polls; particularly with the “Thunderbirds” poll where a user commentary highlighted the infamous Blue Peter diy crafting episode for the Thunderbirds Tracy Island (see fifth image). This show has been referenced in so many British media (for example I might’ve heard of it from BBC Ghosts) as it is the longest running children's TV show in the world with 5,294 episodes and 42 official presenters so far (hence why it is a significant part of British culture)! This show was essentially a variety show: it featured celebrity interviews, challenges (for viewers and hosts), competitions, crafting guides (also known as “makes”; this is one of the shows most famous components), games, guest stars (including animal friends such as cats, dogs, parrots and tortoises), performances, and pop culture recaps. Anyone who appeared on the show or achieved something notable might be awarded the Blue Peter Badge (the presenters themselves also have badges), which allows them free entry into various British landmarks/attractions. They also now have a verified Blue Peter Badge Card (bc of a eBay fake badge scandal in 2006 that temporarily suspended the free entry privilege). I have only just learnt now that there are multiple versions of the Blue Peter badge, such as various Anniversary badges (notably making stuff for Blue Peter 50th and 60th season and also for Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary), Fan Club Badge (purple badge for reviewing/suggesting new subjects for the show), Green Badge (for environmental conservation volunteering), Orange Badge (for competition winners/runner-ups), Silver Badge (for sending in artwork, only for people who already have a Blue Badge), Sports Badge (for participation in sports), and the most rarely awarded Gold Badge (for exceptional achievement, bravery, or endeavour). There is way too much for me to highlight, but Blue Peter has so many annual traditions, has featured almost all the British celebrities, and there are recurring jokes/phrases that are referenced in other shows! I could not even think of the Canadian equivalent to this, it is definitely a unique cultural show!]
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ingek73 · 1 year
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As a Cult Survivor, I Found Prince Harry’s “Spare” Surprisingly Relatable
I didn’t even refer to our way of life as religion, because religion could be false
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Princess Diana and Prince Charles broadcasted on a television set
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
APR 7, 2023
REBECCA WOODWARD
I woke up earlier than usual on the Sunday morning Princess Diana’s death was splashed across the news. I knew my mom would want me to wake her up for this. When I told her what happened overnight in Paris, she leapt out of bed and hurried to the television, where she sat in silent attention, still in her nightgown. At the time I knew it would be deeply uncool to betray an interest in European nobility, but I couldn’t look away either.
While my mom’s affection for the princess was hardly unique among midwestern mothers of the 1990’s, I suspect her fascination ran deeper. Like Diana, my mother had married at 19, and she gave birth to her first and only child the same year Diana emerged from the Lindo Wing with a young William cradled in her arms. For any stay-at-home mom, it must have been ennobling to see traditional womanhood celebrated at Diana’s level of fame while working moms in powersuits simultaneously dominated American pop culture. But my mom knew better than others what it was like to live within a rigid system like the royal family—except there were no adoring crowds cheering her on as she struggled.
Both my parents had been raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They accepted that their most important duty as parents was to raise their child in the faith—to teach them about the Bible, yes, but even more importantly, to teach them to live their lives as Jehovah’s Witnesses, which had less to do with the Bible than they wanted to believe. No birthdays, no Halloween, no Christmas of course, but that’s just the beginning. This way of life was all my parents had ever known, so they didn’t think to question it.
This way of life was all my parents had ever known, so they didn’t think to question it.
My mom, who sewed her own modest clothes in the 60’s when only miniskirts were available in stores, thought I was lucky that maxi skirts were in style when we went shopping for meeting clothes. My dad would tell me stories about congregation elders spying on him and his friends through binoculars when they were teens, as if to say I should just be happy I wasn’t being actively surveilled by middle-aged men.
As head of the family, my father tried to drum up enthusiasm for the monotonous routine of Witness life, which included three meetings a week—Tuesday night, Thursday night, Sunday morning—and Saturday mornings spent preaching door to door while other kids watched cartoons in their pajamas. I would sit at the end of my parents bed while my dad tied his tie for meetings and he’d lead me in a duet of an old Marty Robbins song.
“A white-”
“Sportcoat!”
“And a pink-”
“Carnation!”
“I’m all dressed up for the dance,” we sang together.
The song was from the ’50s, when my dad was just a kid himself. I imagined his father singing it with him and his brothers before meetings to get them excited—or at least willing—to sit quietly in uncomfortable formalwear on a weeknight.
The dictionary definition of a cult is so broad that almost any group of people aligned around a belief system or leader could qualify.
My mom, on the other hand, hated getting up early for Sunday Meetings, and preaching to disinterested strangers added to her sometimes crippling anxiety, yet staying at home was out of the question. Elders paid close attention to meeting attendance and hours spent preaching, and if we were absent too often we would be labeled “spiritually weak.”
There were large assemblies and summer conventions, too, where we would pack our lunches and roast in an un-airconditioned stadium alongside 40,000 other Witnesses for three straight days. On the hottest days, my mom would take an ice pack from the cooler and tuck it under her skirt while no one was looking to stay cool. We dreaded the summer convention every year, but they were nothing, my parents would say, compared to the eight-day outdoor conventions they attended as children, and it was unthinkable not to go. When it was over we would agree with the rest of the congregation that we had found it so encouraging, that we couldn’t do without this wonderful “spiritual food.”
Watching television coverage of the Windsors alongside my mom, the tiresome schedule and strict rules of royal life started to resemble life under our religion: modest dress was required, personalities were stifled to uphold an organizational image, and service to the institution was to be top priority at all times. We even had the same bizarre aversion to facial hair, and we were never to complain publicly. The Princess seemed to be chafing against the same kind of strictures with which my mother and I were painfully familiar.
Decades later, I would watch coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan’s separation from the royal family while I navigated my escape from the religion I was raised in and really begin to understand my mother’s royal fascination.
In his memoir Spare, Harry says of his family “outsiders called us a cult,” seemingly unable to leverage the claim directly. It took me a while to use the word, too. The dictionary definition of a cult is so broad that almost any group of people aligned around a belief system or leader could qualify, but the dangerous kinds of cults share common traits: They’re governed by authoritarian control, believing the leadership is always right and the only source of truth. Followers are taught that they’re never good enough. Criticism or questions are forbidden. And, most importantly, cults believe there is no legitimate reason to leave the group, that former followers are always wrong to go.
Like life in the royal family, Witness life was full of ever-shifting rules that often made little sense, but obedience to the men God had chosen to lead his organization was mandatory. In Spare, Harry is often as mystified by the arbitrary rules that dictated his life as I had been. Obedience, it seemed, was the only point for both of us.
Harry opens his memoir with a frustrating scene between himself and his brother, who can’t seem to understand why he’s left royal life behind.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” he writes. “It was one thing to disagree about who was at fault or how things might have been different,” he concedes, but he cannot understand how his brother pleads ignorance of how he’s suffered. They’re having the conversation I avoided for as long as I could.
When I told my parents in an email that I was leaving the faith behind, my dad admitted that he understood why I was unhappy.
“Things haven’t always been done the best way,” he said vaguely. “But in order to accomplish Jehovah’s will there simply has to be an organization.”
Not unlike a royal justifying the existence of the monarchy, I thought. Both systems of rule ordained by God.
I’d been taught that what we believed was absolute fact.
If there’s one thing the royal family and a cult have in common, it’s the indoctrination. As Witnesses we simply referred to our beliefs as “the truth,” as if our interpretation of the Bible was beyond questioning. Growing up, I didn’t even refer to our way of life as religion, since religion could be false, and I’d been taught that what we believed was absolute fact, like it or not.
The worst thing you can do in a cult is admit it’s a cult, so for a long time I used the gentler term “high-control religion.” Even as an active Jehovah’s Witness, I couldn’t deny that the words fit, and I still worry that calling a group a cult will close more eyes than it opens. I want a better term for myself than “cult survivor” too. Cults can be life or death business, but compared to some, I didn’t have it so bad. Some didn’t survive at all.
Harry seems to have decided the name fits his family, too.
“Maybe we were a death cult,” Harry dares to suggest. “And wasn’t that a little bit more depraved?”
He describes his father pointing to the Duke of Edinburgh as an example of someone who was tormented by the press in his young years, but hailed as a national treasure at the end of his life.
“So that’s it then?” Harry asks. “Just wait till we’re dead and all will be sorted?”
“If you could just endure it, darling boy, for a little while, in a funny way they’d respect you for it,” Prince Charles replies.
The reward deferred is essential to keeping an otherwise independent adult in a system of control, and I knew those kinds of promises well. Witnesses are expected to sacrifice their own desires to earn passage through Armageddon and entry into a paradise earth. Better to die faithful and be resurrected in paradise than to seek happiness now and miss out on this glorious hope.
“Consider the Israelites,” my father urged me. “They complained about how things were being done, and they witnessed miracles…and some lost out.”
I no longer had to feign interest in the latest Watchtower article when my parents called, because they weren’t calling.
Leaving the royal family, it seemed, was a lot like leaving a cult, too. That is—unthinkable and punishable by social and familial exclusion. Witnesses can leave the faith three ways: against their will by being disfellowshipped and shunned, of their own volition by disassociating and being shunned, or by avoiding the decision as long as possible and “fading”—gradually doing less and less in the faith and hoping no one will notice.
For me—and for Harry, it seemed—the pandemic made a slow fade from our responsibilities impossible. When my parents invited me to watch the annual convention with them on Zoom, I could no longer pretend I had any interest left in the religion, or that I hadn’t been weathering lockdown with a boyfriend who didn’t share the faith. On some level, lockdown was the perfect time to be shunned—there were no parties to be disinvited from, no one was hanging out without me. I streamed coverage of Harry and Meghan’s move to California while I cut off contact with devout family members and watched friends unfollow me on Instagram.
At first, it was an immense relief. I no longer had to feign interest in the latest Watchtower article when my parents called, because they weren’t calling. I could post a picture of my boyfriend on Instagram for the first time. I could be myself.
It wasn’t until life began to return to normal that I felt what I had lost in a more visceral, even physical, way. One Saturday, before Witnesses had resumed door-to-door preaching, I passed a group of former friends eating brunch outside a restaurant near my apartment and we pretended not to see each other. I had understood that relationships within the religion were conditional, but I had also always been the one sheepishly turning my head when passing a former Witness on the sidewalk. I had been trained to treat defectors as if they were dead, but this was my first time as the ghost. I didn’t know how much these friends had heard about my decision to leave, or what stories they were telling themselves to make sense of it.
“I think deep down he knows it’s the truth,” we would often say of a disfellowshipped friend. “He just didn’t want to follow the rules.”
We told ourselves our missing friends would come back once the shunning process had worked its magic on them, and some did. But I wouldn’t, and they would never understand why.
Harry’s memoir may have set sales records, but both the book and the Prince’s post-royal publicity tour received its share of criticism.
“Even in the United States, which has a soft spot for royals in exile and a generally higher tolerance than Britain does for redemptive stories about overcoming trauma and family dysfunction,” Sarah Lyall wrote in the New York Times, “there is a sense that there are only so many revelations the public can stomach.”
Someone better versed in TikTok therapy-speak might accuse Harry of “trauma dumping.” But what they may not understand is the desire, after a lifetime of indoctrination into a bizarre way of life, to have strangers confirm what you always suspected—that you’re not the crazy one, they are. I wore out the patience of at least one friend seeking exactly this kind of reassurance, but the satisfaction of having your instincts confirmed at last is hard to resist. Finally, someone is telling you you’re right and it’s intoxicating.
When Harry told Anderson Cooper he and his wife would apologize if only his family would tell him what he and his wife had done wrong, an article in Newsweek was more than happy to provide an answer. But the question was rhetorical. If his family realized they had no answer, maybe it would open their eyes, bring them around to his side. That result was optimistic, and unlikely.
Leaving a cult requires you to let go of being right. The only way to garner sympathy from the people you leave behind is to shatter their faith, and for most of them, the cost is too high. They simply must believe in the fact of the institution they’ve sacrificed their freedom for. It’s easier to see the faults of a system that doesn’t benefit you, so the second-born son doomed to bad press coverage, or the single woman in a patriarchal religion, is better able to see the dark side of the institution that raised them. If you’re next in line for the throne, there’s so much more to lose by acknowledging the harm your beliefs do.
“I’m not interested in debating,” is all I would say to my father when he attempted to understand why I left or tried to convince me to change my mind. My parents have already made all their sacrifices for their faith and they’re waiting for their reward. To take that from them now would only hurt them.
The only way to garner sympathy from the people you leave behind is to shatter their faith.
One reviewer called the Prince “deaf to his privilege” in The Guardian, and I couldn’t help but think that perhaps our definition of privilege is too small. The privilege of leaving a palace for a mansion is undeniable. If I’d been able to afford my own apartment when my parents threatened to kick me out of the house if I stopped attending meetings, I could have left earlier. I wouldn’t have doubled-down on trying to convince myself I believed what I had been taught so I didn’t have to leave my entire life and all my loved ones behind to start over with nothing. But if I didn’t get to choose to be a Witness, certainly Harry didn’t get to choose to be a prince. And self-determination is more valuable than any trust fund. No palace or royal title could be more valuable than freedom. In that sense, Harry is only now enjoying the privilege of an ordinary person in an ordinary family.
In interviews Harry often says he hopes to reconcile with his family, that his issues are only with the press and the royal system, but I’ve learned it’s impossible to separate family from the institutions that rule them. My family and their religion are so intertwined they have become one and the same. Leaving one means leaving the other. I hope Harry makes peace with the fact that his family is the monarchy, and the monarchy is the press. And that in leaving any one of those things, he loses them all.
In the ex-Jehovah’s Witness community there are acronyms for people along the process of leaving: PIMI (physically in, mentally in), PIMQ (physically in, mentally questioning) PIMO (physically in, mentally out) POMO (physically out, mentally out) and perhaps the worst stage: POMI (physically out, mentally in). The POMI stage can be the most dangerous: it’s where ex-Witnesses, often disfellowshipped against their wishes, still believe, but find themselves unable to meet the demands of their faith. At best, POMIs languish, believing themselves disapproved by God and doomed to destruction. At worst, they resort to violence or commit suicide, hoping for forgiveness of their sins and a resurrection, a shortcut to a paradise they won’t get into otherwise.
For Harry, physically leaving could be as easy as making a phone call to Tyler Perry, but mentally leaving is the real work. Whether he makes amends with his family or not, I hope Harry can make peace with the fact that they may never understand why he wanted to be free. And I hope he can watch his father’s coronation and be happy for him—he’s finally getting the reward he was promised.
About the Author
Rebecca Woodward is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn. Her work (link: rebeccawoodward.com) has been published in The New York Times, HuffPost and Paste.
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othomas30 · 6 months
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Comedy Movie Review: This is the End
"This Is the End," directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, is a raucous and offbeat comedy that cleverly combines celebrity cameos, irreverent humor, and an apocalyptic backdrop. This film is not your typical Hollywood comedy; it's a wild and audacious ride that successfully pokes fun at both celebrity culture and the end of the world scenario.
The film stars a host of Hollywood's funniest and most recognizable faces, including Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson, all playing fictionalized versions of themselves. The story begins with Jay Baruchel visiting his friend Seth Rogen in Los Angeles, and the two end up at a party hosted by James Franco. When a massive earthquake devastates the city, the surviving celebrities are trapped in Franco's mansion as the world outside descends into chaos.
The humor in "This Is the End" is bold, irreverent, and often downright absurd. The film takes full advantage of the fact that the characters are playing exaggerated versions of themselves, leading to self-deprecating jokes and meta-humor that is both hilarious and refreshing. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, and their willingness to embrace their public personas for comic effect is one of the film's strongest assets.
The film's satirical take on celebrity culture, along with its self-awareness, provides a unique lens through which the story unfolds. It's a delightful blend of social commentary and absurdity that doesn't take itself too seriously. The apocalyptic setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the characters' various eccentricities and comedic misadventures, adding an extra layer of chaos and humor.
Visually, "This Is the End" offers impressive special effects, particularly when it comes to the apocalyptic elements. The CGI sequences depicting the end of the world are well-executed and contribute to the film's overall entertainment value.
While the film excels in humor and celebrity satire, it may not be to everyone's taste. The crude and over-the-top comedy style, along with numerous references to pop culture, can be polarizing. Additionally, the film's humor sometimes veers into the juvenile and offensive, which could be a turn-off for some viewers.
In conclusion, "This Is the End" is a gleefully outrageous comedy that pushes the boundaries of humor and self-parody. Its cast of well-known celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves, combined with the apocalyptic scenario, creates a unique and entertaining cinematic experience. If you're a fan of irreverent, R-rated humor and enjoy seeing celebrities poke fun at themselves, this film is a must-watch. It's a hilariously wild and end-of-the-world party that provides plenty of laughs and an enjoyable ride through Hollywood's darkly comedic looking glass.
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maireadralph · 2 years
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Spacebats IRL Meets @ Conventions (!?)
AKA “what do you call a gathering of Spacebats?”
So something I’d been thinking about for a while was ”what if the Spacebats / Entrapdaks actually meet IRL and would the universe implode if too many Entrapta fans were in the same room together?”
So the clogs in my head started turning…what would be a good way to get nerds in the same place? What kind of space would be 100% welcoming to everyone?
Of course the answer is simple…meet at the same Anime/Pop Culture Convention, even if the Convention is trash we can still have fun talking about Hordak’s butt ears and doing our own Post-Con things (like having a Cheeky Nandos)
For those of you unfamiliar with an anime/ pop culture Convention (henceforth going to be simply referred to as a ”Con”) it is a gathering of likeminded nerds to celebrate everything nerdy from anime to K-Pop to just quirky and silly things. Typically held over the course of three days. Some Cons have dedicated spaces for playing video games, taking photos, buying unique fan merch and of course cosplay (a short hand of Costume play). While not a requirement it can be fun to dress up as a favourite character or just admire other people’s cosplays. So there’s something for everyone.
With Cons being held all over the world if should be possible to find one that some Spacebats can attend at the same time So to start I’ve compiled a list of some of the most travel accessible (ie the ones that are easy to get to for as many people as possible) Cons for the European Spacebats.
American Spacebats are of course welcome to nominate and help others find their most travel accessible Con, as I’ve only been to GenCon SoCal and Pensacon I do not have enough experience with American Cons - please scroll down to the very bottom of this post for a blank form and fill it in to help your fellow Spacebats.
Okay so here’s the Cons I recommend starting with the Europe based listed under the cut:
Convention: AnimeCon NL
Location: Netherlands 
Dates (actual/ expected): Early June
Website: https://animecon.nl/regular/en
Notes: Location varies, currently De Broodfabriek, Volmerlaan 12, 2288 GD. Next event is smaller AnimeCon Classic 2022 held in Theater Hotel Almelo 23-25 Sept but since the venue hotel is already booked out on it’s website I have not included it here
Travel:
Nearest Airport: Schiphol 
Nearest Train Station: Rijswijk Direct
Public Transport available? Yes, Tram (purchase of an OV Chip Caard is recommend), Train  
Free Water Fountains at Venue? No
Hotels: 
https://animecon.nl/regular/en/location/hotels
Nearest Hotel average price: appox €100 a night
Location from Venue: varies
Transport to Venue: varies
Food:
Nearest Restaurant: varies
Nearest convenience store: Albert Heijin
Nearest Supermarket: Albert Heijin, Jumbo
Does venue have food available? Yes - Convention Food Stalls in the Food Court Average cost of venue food/drink: €9-13 for meal, €2.50-3 for a soft drink/coffee
Local Spacebat’s Recommendations:
(I’m not the Local for here BTW but been in Den Haag enough to know a few things). At the current location Den Haag (The Hague) is a good place to stay as it is is a single 30 minute tram ride away from Den Haag Centraal Station and Den Haag has a wild wide choice of supermarkets, restaurants and shops. 
AnimeCon assigns venue locations a Zone colour with Red Zones not allow any food/drink or large bags/backpacks/shopping bags.  Smaller bags are allowed (25cm x 14cm x 7cm) which MUST fit in their sizing box (an exemption pass can be obtained for large bags required for medical reasons).  These restricted items can be stored for free in the Bag Room or placed in rented lockers.  As queues for the bag room can be long, I recommend hiring a locker in advance but please check and double check the sizing as the current lockers can only hold one (1) backpack and jacket comfortably, maybe two (2) backpacks at a squeeze.
Travel accessible for European Spacebats
***
Convention: MCM Birmingham
Location: NEC Birmingham
Dates (actual/ expected): 12-13th Nov
Website: https://www.mcmcomiccon.com/birmingham/en-us/home.html
Travel:
Plane, Train, Car 
Nearest Airport: Birmingham International 
Nearest Train Station: Birmingham International Direct Public Transport available? Yes 
Free Water Fountains at Venue? Yes near Halls 5 and I think 7 (IIRC MCM is held in Halls 9-11)
Hotels:
Airport Hotels, Birmingham City Center 
Nearest Hotel average price: appox £180 per night source: https://hotelmap.com/events/MXE5P-LV 
Location from Venue: Airport Hotels: 15 or so minutes  City Center: 23 minute train + 10 minute walk 
Transport to Venue: Airport Hotel - Free Train Shuttle & walk.  City Center - Train & Walk
Food:
Nearest Restaurant: Wetherspoon’s (English Bar), Subway (takeaway sandwiches) in the NEC.  Nando’s, Zizzi’s (Pizza restaurant) located in Resort’s World 
Nearest convenience store: WH Smith’s located in Airport 
Nearest Supermarket: City Centre Tesco and Sainsbury’s
Does venue have food available? Yes 
Average cost of venue food/drink: around £8-15 depends on the item or meal
Local Spacebat’s Recommendations:
Be prepared for a long walk to the Halls as MCM is often held in the furthest out Halls. 
There maybe other events happening in other Halls at the same weekend. NEC has loads of space and one can wander freely around. 
There is also the Bear Grylss Adventure experience if the Con life isn’t for you and you feel like being Bow and shoot some arrows. 
Smaller two day event. 
SUPER easy to access via the Airport
Boots (a drug store) located in the Airport has packed lunch style picks and mix Meal Deals that come to around £4-5.
***
Convention: MCM London
Location: ExCel Center, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL 
Dates (twice yearly): 27th-30th October, End of June (check website)
Website: https://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/en-us/home.html
Travel: 
By train, DLR (Docklands Light Railway kinda like a tram), car 
Nearest Airport: London City Airport. Heathrow (with the Elizabeth Line). Gatwick. 
Nearest Train Station: Custom House (DLR + Elizabeth Line), Prince Regent (DLR), West Silvertown (DLR + walk up a high metal bridge) 
Direct Public Transport available? Yes 
Free Water Fountains at Venue? Yes. Located at Hall S1 and IIRC Hall N5
Hotels:
Nearest Hotel average price:  around £200 a night, source: https://hotelmap.com/MJU9Y#hm;s=2022-10-27&e=2022-10-30&r=1&a=1&c=0&i=0&f=;hm 
Location from Venue: Walk 15 minutes 
Transport to Venue: Walk 15 minutes 
Notes: There is a Premier Inn or Travelodge in Woolwich Arsenal one stop away on the Elizabeth Line (3 minute ride)
Food:
Nearest Restaurant: The Fox Bar, Tapas Bar (all outside) 
Nearest convenience store: Tesco Express (unsure of location but heard it’s near) 
Nearest Supermarket: Tesco Express 
Does venue have food available? Yes, cafe and fast food 
Average cost of venue food/drink: Venue’s meal deals for one person (sandwich or equivalent with snack and bottle of drink) are around the £10.  Convention food is around the same price
Local Spacebat’s Recommendations:
Event tickets can be mailed out (for a small fee) if ordered in advance.  If these tickets are Weekend or Priority Entry then the holder can skip the main ticket queue and walk in the main Custom House Entrance. 
There are security bag checks on the entrances and bags will be checked by security upon re-entry.
 Restaurants within the venue are nearby are going to be very busy post event. I would recommend taking the Elizabeth Line one stop (3 minutes ride) to Woolwich Arsenal where it will be much quieter and there is a larger selection of restaurants like Beef Eater (a fancy English “pub grub”), [Cheeky] Nando’s (Portuguese Chicken restaurant) and McDonalds. 
Sometimes MCM will only allow Weekend Pass, Priority Pass or Disability Pass holders re-entry via the main entrance with ALL other pass holders being forced to re-entry via the ticket queue.  On the subject of re-entry MCM staff wouldn’t always mention the last re-entry time and will often stop ALL re-entry in the last hour or half hour of the event day.
***
Those are my main three, I could have gone on about other London Cons but they aren’t as easily accessible as those three  Yes there is the opportunity for Spacebats to stay at each other’s homes or rent an AirB&B I just listed options that would give us all some space - phew that was a lot of writing 😅 
And now the Blank for other Spacebats to contribute their Con wisdom - hopefully the Hivemind can find something that we can work with and finally get to meet each other IRL!!
BLANK:
Convention:
Location:
Dates (actual/ expected):
Website:
Travel:
Nearest Airport:
Nearest Train Station:
Direct Public Transport available? Y/N
Free Water Fountains at Venue? Y/N
Hotels:
Nearest Hotel average price:
Location from Venue:
Transport to Venue:
Food:
Nearest Restaurant:
Nearest convenience store:
Nearest Supermarket:
Does venue have food available? Y/N
Average cost of venue food/drink:
Local Spacebat’s Recommendations:
If applicable please add further notes on the venue, past events, restaurant recommendations and helpful tips (for example if event has a Will Call or equivalent service for ticket collection)
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mormonbatmanlover · 2 years
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I love the idea of Bruce getting a Father's Day card from each of his kids (and probably Steph) each year.
Dick's went from being sweet when he was a kid, to kind of cold and snarky when he first went off on his own, to only faintly sentimental but still heartfelt ever since.
Jason never really celebrated Father's Day before he was Robin, so his cards were always kind of blunt and awkward, but sincere. Since he came back, the sentiment ranged from You Suck to Thanks for not screwing me up too much to occasionally actually showing that he appreciated Bruce taking him under his wing.
Steph usually gave Bruce one of those cards that plays a song on loop and can't be shut off. Her message would include at least three pop culture references, but always ended with an expression of love.
Tim didn't get Bruce a card until a few years after his father died. The first time he did, Bruce was a bit hesitant. Tim explained that he just to thank Bruce for shaping him into a great hero.
Like Jason, Cass didn't really know what it was like to have a loving father. Once Bruce took her in and she felt comfortable around him, she would just go up to him every day and give him a hug. Her cards reflected the simple sentiment of gratitude that Bruce saw her a person worth saving, not as a weapon.
Damian is his father’s son in not being very sentimental most of the time. However, Father’s Day is one of the few times a year that he is honest with Bruce about his feelings of love and gratitude. He’s also been tempted to get Dick a card after their time of being Batman and Robin together, but he knows that Dick would insist against it.
And of course, before Alfred’s passing, everyone, including Bruce would shower Alfred with love and presents every Father’s Day. 
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kazzattack · 7 days
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yeah the idea is that they’ll be a pretty well known family in their neighborhood/community bc the dad’s (bennett/ryan) parents basically built the place from the ground up. when they die the community is ofc broken up ab it and some reporters decide to highlight the family in a way to sort of honor them/celebrate the parents lives and their outreach efforts. they end up becoming kardashian like celebrities when parts of what was supposed to be a local documentary gets onto social media and they end up with their own reality show.
i’ve only mostly worked on the dick and jason characters (angelo and dario) but cass is named carlacia and I made her Black, damian is cassius, I didn’t include tim and dukes character is myles ☺️ I love them already- ❤️‍🔥
OMG THIS IS SO CUTE cuz yk there’s a bunch of memes and pop culture references from the kardashians so imagining that with characters like the batfam is just sooo so so so perfect. and im so happy with the inclusion of duke and making cass black??? i know almost nothing about them but duke is automatically a fave bc he’s black and cass is automatically a fave bc she’s just such a badass woman idk <3 AND she’s gonna be black too like ugh she’s my alr #1. batfam reality tv show… i’m so tuned in
since it’s no capes what careers seem the best fit for each? also also is alfie in this ⁉️
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wahlpaper · 9 months
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The Floating Feldmans Review
The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland
CW: Cancer, Off-Page Death, Family Stress, Toxic Relationships, Vomit, Tourism and Cruise Culture, References to Harry Potter, Drinking, Underage Drinking, Drugs, Fire, Injury, Violence, Internalized Fatphobia, Money Problems, Self Esteem Issues
4.5/5
I'll be honest, I only added The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland to my TBR because it's Jewish and had a fun cover. I only decided to read it because I asked my friend to pick a book at random from my list while I was on hold for Radio Silence by Alice Oseman. This book is a casual read. It's not there to change your life or hook you into a series. There are either 9 or no main characters depending on how you look at it, and it feels a little light for some of the serious matters addressed. It's not my kind of genre, but if I was going to read a casual story, I'm glad it was this one. It's progressive, it's Jewish, and it's a little queer too!
The Floating Feldmans centers around a cruise being taken for Annette Feldman's 70th birthday. Her family is practically estranged and highly dysfunctional, but her husband has cancer and she's not sure how much time they have left to bring the family back together. Everyone has at least one secret and a whole lot of feelings about other members of the family. Will the Feldman descendants and the charming cruise director be able to make this a good vacation for Annette? Should they?
This book is structured in a mostly-linear fashion. The prologue contains a scene most of the way through the story, but it then pops back in time to the start. From there it goes forward as best it can. There are vivid flashbacks throughout, telling stories from anytime in the lives of the characters. As this story is told from 9 different points of view, sometimes the chapters overlap in time. I like a unique story structure that I can still follow and that's absolutely what Friedland has created here. I normally don't do well with a lot of POV characters, but the structure kept me engaged with the characters and helped me to keep track of the plot.
The Jewish representation in The Floating Feldmans is gentle but not barren. It isn't important to the plot, but it's woven into the personality of the book. Yiddish is used, characters have Jewish names, gefilte fish is mentioned a few times, and Jewish holidays/celebrations are brought up. While I don't think anyone was mentioned as keeping kosher, it did initially matter to Annette that her daughter married a Christian man. I would say that this book was written for a Jewish reader, even if it can be enjoyed by those of other religions. It assumes you'll get the cultural references.
When I put The Floating Feldmans on my TBR, I had no idea that there was queer content within! So this is me telling you about it! One of the 9 main characters is the cruise director, Julian. He's worked on the ship for over a decade and loves his job, but he's skittish when it comes to his personal life. His boyfriend wants to get married, but Julian isn't sure that's for him. I wasn't fully rooting for their relationship because of this, but I knew I liked Julian from the start. His character arc was one of my favorites in the novel.
I mentioned previously that The Floating Feldmans isn't a life changing story, but that it is progressive and addresses some serious matters. It's a character driven book that centers around the vacation more than a specific plot. Included and handled well were a shopping addiction, poor communication between husband and wife, cancer, self image issues, college application stress, a problematic secret relationship, and more. You'll find that nothing is idealized, it's all told with realism.
The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland isn't the right genre for everyone, but if you're looking for a cool-down book or prefer casual reads in general, I highly recommend it. You'll be treated to silly adventures, lots of family drama, and a book that can make you laugh. Are you ready to set sail?
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style-revolver · 10 months
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Tracksuits: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Style for Every Occasion
Tracksuits have long been favored for their unmatched comfort and unrestricted movement. Crafted from soft, stretchy materials like cotton or polyester, they provide a pleasant tactile experience against the skin. These versatile ensembles are suitable for a range of activities, whether it’s hitting the gym, running errands, or simply enjoying a relaxed day at home.
In recent years, tracksuits have surged in popularity, thanks in part to their adoption by celebrities and influencers who showcase them on social media platforms. With an array of colors and styles available, tracksuits have become a fashion-forward choice for individuals seeking a blend of comfort and style.
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Tracksuits for Men: A Fashion Statement Embraced by All Ages
Tracksuits have made a significant impact on men’s fashion, bolstered by the endorsement of pop culture icons, including rappers and athletes. Their influence has propelled tracksuits into the mainstream, captivating men of all ages with their versatile appeal.
Tracksuits for Women: Embracing Athletic Style with Comfort
Women, too, have embraced the allure of tracksuits. Many are drawn to the athletic aesthetic often associated with sports and fitness. Tracksuits cater to the fashion preferences of women who prioritize both style and comfort, providing a winning combination.
The Connection Between Tracksuits and Hoodies
Tracksuits and hoodies share a common bond as comfortable, casual garments ideal for lounging, working out, or running errands. While hoodies are frequently worn as standalone pieces, tracksuits typically consist of a matching jacket and pants. However, tracksuits often include a matching hoodie or sweatshirt that can be worn independently or layered beneath the jacket.
Hoodies are crafted from soft, cozy materials such as cotton or fleece, often featuring a protective hood. Similarly, tracksuits utilize comfortable fabrics and frequently incorporate a zip-up jacket with an attached hood. In recent years, a trend has emerged, combining tracksuits with hoodies or sweatshirts for a stylish and comfortable ensemble. This fusion has gained popularity within streetwear fashion, garnering attention from celebrities and fashion influencers.
Introducing Style-Revolver’s Hoodies & Tracksuit Collection
Welcome to Style-Revolver, your ultimate destination for fashion-forward individuals in search of trendy and comfortable clothing. Our curated collection showcases the perfect hoodies and tracksuits to enhance your wardrobe.
Understanding the significance of both style and comfort, we have handpicked the most fashionable and comfortable sweatsuits and tracksuits for both men and women. Our diverse range encompasses classic solid colors and bold prints, ensuring there is a perfect match for every individual. Crafted from high-quality materials, our sweatsuits and tracksuits offer a soft, stretchy feel that promises durability and longevity.
At Style-Revolver, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to provide a seamless online shopping experience, from easy ordering to prompt shipping. Our dedicated customer service team is readily available to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have.
Discover the Style-Revolver Difference
Why wait? Explore our remarkable sweatsuits and tracksuit collection today. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed! Whether you seek a comfortable and stylish loungewear ensemble or an athletic outfit for your next workout, Style-Revolver has you covered.
Shop now and elevate your wardrobe with the finest in trendy, comfortable fashion.
How should I wash my tracksuit?
Before washing your tracksuit, refer to the care label for specific instructions. As tracksuits often consist of delicate materials, it is crucial to handle them with care. You can either hand wash your tracksuit in cool water using a mild detergent or machine wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water or vigorous scrubbing, as these can cause shrinkage or damage to the fabric. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the tracksuit to its original form. If ironing is necessary, use a low heat setting and iron on the inside of the garment to protect the fabric.
How can I restore the size of my tracksuit if it shrinks after washing?
If your tracksuit shrinks after washing, there are a few steps you can take to potentially restore its original size:
- Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a few tablespoons of hair conditioner. Submerge your tracksuit in the water and gently massage it to distribute the conditioner. Allow it to soak for approximately 30 minutes.
- While the tracksuit is still damp, lay it flat on a clean towel and gently stretch it to its original size. You can also use your hands to stretch the fibers in areas that have shrunk.
- If stretching alone does not suffice, consider using a garment steamer to add moisture and relax the fibers. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the tracksuit and gently steam the areas that have shrunk.
Do tracksuits and hoodies emit odors when wet?
When tracksuits or hoodies become wet, particularly if not dried properly, they may develop a musty or damp odor. This is due to the ability of the fabric to trap moisture and bacteria, resulting in unpleasant smells. To prevent this, it is important to thoroughly dry your tracksuit or hoodie after washing or exposure to moisture. If a musty smell does occur, you can try airing out the garment in a well-ventilated area or using a fabric freshener spray designed for the specific fabric, such as those suitable for cotton or fleece.
Incorporating style and comfort, tracksuits have become a go-to choice for individuals seeking versatile ensembles suitable for various occasions. With Style-Revolver’s exceptional collection, you can indulge in the latest trends without compromising on comfort. Elevate your wardrobe today and experience the perfect fusion of fashion and functionality!
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rockbuzz1 · 1 year
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Trending Bangali T-shirts for Men: The Latest Fashion Must-Haves.
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Bengali T-shirts have been making waves in the fashion industry, with their unique designs and cultural significance. These T-shirts have become a must-have for men who want to make a statement with their fashion choices. In this blog, we will explore the latest trends in Bengali T-shirts for men and why they are a must-have in your wardrobe.
Typography-based T-shirts: Typography-based T-shirts with Bengali text have become increasingly popular among men. These T-shirts feature words or phrases written in Bengali script, often with a modern twist. This trend has become popular among men who want to show their cultural pride in a subtle yet stylish way.
Graphics and Illustrations: Another popular trend in Bengali T-shirts is graphics and illustrations inspired by Bengali culture. These T-shirts feature the artwork of famous Bengali landmarks, historical figures, or traditional motifs. They often come in bold colors and eye-catching designs that add an element of visual interest to any outfit.
Pop Culture References: Pop culture references have always been popular in fashion, and Bengali T-shirts are no exception. Men’s Bengali T-shirts now feature references to popular Bengali movies, TV shows, and music. These T-shirts are perfect for fans of Bengali pop culture who want to showcase their love for their favorite celebrities or artists.
Minimalistic Designs: Minimalistic designs are a growing trend in the fashion industry, and Bengali T-shirts are no exception. These T-shirts feature simple yet elegant designs with subtle nods to Bengali culture. They are perfect for men who want to make a statement without being too flashy.
Fusion Designs: Fusion designs that blend traditional Bengali elements with modern aesthetics are gaining popularity among men. These T-shirts feature unique combinations of traditional motifs and modern design elements, resulting in a fresh and contemporary look.
Bengali T-shirts for men have become a must-have fashion item, with their unique designs and cultural significance. The latest trends in Bengali T-shirts include typography-based T-shirts, graphics and illustrations, pop culture references, minimalistic designs, and fusion designs. Whether you want to show your cultural pride or make a fashion statement, there is a Bengali T-shirt for every occasion.
At Rockbuzz, we believe in celebrating cultural diversity through fashion, and our collection of Bengali T-shirts for men reflects that. Our T-shirts feature unique designs that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, while also keeping up with the latest fashion trends. We offer a wide range of Bengali T-shirts, including typography-based T-shirts, graphics and illustrations, pop culture references, minimalistic designs, and fusion designs, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Our T-shirts are made from high-quality materials and are designed to last. We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible shopping experience and offer fast and free shipping. At Rockbuzz we are proud to provide the latest and best Bengali T-shirts for men.
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💖 + 🎶 + 🟡[gold record emoji, I don't seem to have it on my PC so I had to improvise] for the Scooby emoji asks?
Thank you for asking! Answers are under the cut for length purposes.
💖 - favorite relationship outside of the Gang?
I was asked this in my last ask as well, and honestly at the moment I can't really think of another relationship between two non-Gang members that I really like/have a lot of thoughts about off the top of my head. So instead I'm just going to direct you to said last ask where you can read my thoughts about Scrappy and Yabba Doo (and to lesser extent Deputy Dusty). Sorry :(
🎶 - favorite song?
Music is such a notable part of Scooby Doo that there are a few ways to answer this. In terms of chase music, I actually have a couple modern(ish) ones to focus on here (I need to rewatch Where Are You? before I can confidently make any statements about classic chase songs). I enjoy both Man With the Hex from What's New and Transylvania Polka from Be Cool. The former song is one I'll purposefully go listen to just to listen to and the latter is the first chase song I enjoyed enough to actively go look it up online so I could hear it again.
In terms of theme songs, I kinda of want to just say "any theme song that has singing/words in it", since the Scooby themes are all pretty good. But, to give a more concrete answer, my personal favorite is probably the theme from The Scooby Doo Show, with the theme from The New Scooby Doo Movies being an honorable mention. The Scooby Doo Show one is one I can listen to on repeat, but the New Scooby Doo Movies theme is always the first one I think of when asked my favorite so it deserved a mention too.
In terms of music from the Scooby Doo movies, the four late 90s/early 00s movies all had pretty good music. It's Terror Time Again is a classic song, I have good memories of both How Groovy from Alien Invaders and especially Hello Cyberdream from Cyber Chase, and the Hex Girls have a variety of songs to choose from (my personal favorites are probably "Wanna Wed" from What's New and "It's a Mystery", with honorable mentions to "Scooby Snacks" and "Those Meddling Kids").
Also, to include songs from movies I actually haven't seen, I do like the opening song from Legend of the Phantosaur and the opening song from Trick or Treat.
📀 - favorite tv show?
The New Scooby Doo Movies! This show is the perfect blend of being nostalgic for me while still being something I enjoy watching just as much now.
In terms of nostalgia, it's mainly because I had the two Batman episodes on DVD as a kid and watched those all the time. (Those episodes essentially blended together my two favorite HB shows at the time, Scooby Doo and Superfriends, so in hindsight that isn't too much of a surprise.) "The Weird Winds of Winona" is also one of the Scooby Doo episodes I distinctly remember watching as a kid, which is probably another reason why I like that episode in particular so much now.
For why I still really like it now, a major reason is because I adore how much of a look into the early 1970s it is. I'm a big fan of media that's basically a time capsule of the time period of was made it. I like seeing what celebrities were popular in early 1970s, what other shows were airing at the time, what pop culture the characters reference ("I know, Flash Gordon!"), and even what was considered nostalgic at the time given the use of The Three Stooge/Laurel and Hardy. The fact that it's so celebrity-focused is a look into what media in the 1970s was like in general, too, given that it was a celebrity-focused decade (think Sonny and Cher's variety show or the prevalence of The Harlem Globetrotters, who all naturally guest starred in episodes of Movies).
Another major reason is because I'm a big fan of crossovers in general, so a whole show dedicated to it is in my wheelhouse. I just find it very fun to think about how characters who normally couldn't interact would. Movies is particularly good in this regard in my opinion because, unlike modern crossovers, it's not mean-spirited and/or overly meta. There is the occasional joke that could be interpreted as meta, like how the Speed Buggy crossover episode had a brief, two second "oh look, a talking car and a talking dog, how amusing" joke, but overall the characters all get along and the situations are treated as normal. The Scooby gang are going to solve a mystery and just happen to be getting assistance from someone like Davy Jones or Dick Van Dyke.
Sure, one could easily take a cynical viewpoint as say that these crossovers are all just cash grabs to advertise the celebrities' careers and the existence other cartoons, but even then they're never treated as such. Movies had writing just as enjoyable and sincere as Where Are You? before it; there's no lame attempt at being mean or meta just because the writers could, no attempt to punish the audience for wanting to watch the episodes. There are also smaller things that Movies does well in terms of writing crossover too, like how the episodes tend to be written as a regular episode with the guest stars being a natural aspect of it, as opposed to say, episodes of Guess Who? where they tend to be centered around the celebrity directly and really wouldn't make sense without them.
In short, Movies is the way to do crossovers right and I wish more modern Scooby crossovers would take notes from it.
Those are my main reasons for having Movies as my favorite show, but I also want to mention that it's also a show that influenced the Scooby Doo franchise as a whole, and that I think it's a shame it tends to get overlooked because of it. The use of celebrities has become common in Scooby media, from the multiple guest-star episodes of What's New to the 2010s WWE movies to the entirety of Guess Who?. This all stems from Movies being successful and I feel like because of that, people who don't like the use of celebrities in the franchise will dismiss the show as just seventies shlock. I think it's unfair personally. Movies was important to the franchise as it showed what could be done with a longer run time and helped really cement that Scooby could be both commercially successful and popular with fans, and shouldn't be dismissed so easily. Don't let people tell you that the only worthwhile Scooby media in the seventies was Where Are You? and The Scooby Doo Show is what I'm saying.
To briefly discuss other shows, a very close second place for my favorite Scooby show goes to Laff-a-Lympics, another very fun crossover show with a lot of 1970s goodness. Honestly, the only reason I'm not tying it with Movies as my overall favorite is because there seems to be a split in the fandom on whether or not it should be considered a true Scooby Doo show (I get both sides of the argument for it). I do feel compelled to vote for Laff-a-Lympics every time one of those "favorite Scooby show" polls pop up and includes it as an option though, so I wanted to add it here.
Also, a special shoutout/honorable mention goes to Be Cool, Scooby Doo!. I've mentioned before (like in this post even) that I'm not particularly fond of a lot of modern Scooby media, but I can say the Be Cool is definitely an exception to this. I haven't seen the full series yet, but everything I have seen so far has genuinely been funny and has managed to (mostly) avoid the trappings of modern Scooby Doo that I don't enjoy. I do recommend this show if you're interested in what modern Scooby has to offer.
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kaashni-co-in · 1 year
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Postmodern interior design: playful and eclectic
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Postmodern interior design: playful and eclectic is a design style that emerged in the late 20th century. It is a style that incorporates a mix of elements from various design styles and eras, resulting in a unique and bold look. Postmodern design is often characterized by its playful use of color and pattern, as well as its eclectic mix of materials and forms.
One of the key features of postmodern design is its rejection of the idea of a single "correct" way of designing. Instead, it embraces the idea of plurality and diversity, celebrating a wide range of styles and influences. This can lead to some unexpected combinations and juxtapositions, resulting in a style that is both playful and engaging.
Postmodern interiors often feature bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and unexpected materials. Furniture and accessories may be designed with a sense of humor or irony, adding to the playful nature of the style. The overall effect is a lively, eclectic space that encourages creativity and self-expression.
Postmodern interior design is all about breaking the rules and having fun with design. It is a style that is not afraid to be bold, quirky, and unexpected.
Postmodern interior design incorporates a range of styles and influences, resulting in a playful and eclectic aesthetic. Some features of postmodern interior design include:
Bold Colors: Postmodern design often features bright, bold colors in unexpected combinations. This can create a playful, energetic vibe in the space.
Playful use of shapes and forms: Postmodernism celebrates experimentation and unconventional design. As a result, postmodern interiors often feature unusual shapes and forms that challenge traditional design norms.
Eclectic Furnishings: Postmodern design incorporates furnishings from a range of styles and eras, resulting in a unique and eclectic mix. Vintage pieces, modern furniture, and quirky accessories can all find a place in a postmodern interior.
Playful Patterns: Postmodern design often incorporates playful patterns, such as polka dots, stripes, and geometric shapes. These can add a sense of fun and whimsy to the space.
Mix of materials and textures: Postmodernism often mixes different materials and textures, creating a layered, eclectic look. For example, a postmodern living room might feature a leather sofa, a velvet armchair, and a shaggy rug all in the same space.
Pop Culture References: Postmodern design often incorporates references to popular culture, such as movie posters, comic book art, or music memorabilia. These can add a sense of nostalgia and playfulness to the space.
Playful use of shapes and forms: Postmodernism celebrates experimentation and unconventional design. As a result, postmodern interiors often feature unusual shapes and forms that challenge traditional design norms.
Sense of humor: Postmodern design doesn't take itself too seriously and often incorporates humor and irony into the design. This can be seen in playful elements like oversized furniture or unexpected design details.
In conclusion, postmodern interior design is all about breaking the traditional rules and playing with unexpected elements. This design style values individualism, creativity, and freedom of expression. With its eclectic mix of materials, colors, patterns, and textures, postmodern interiors create a playful and vibrant atmosphere. From bright and bold colors to unexpected shapes and forms, postmodern interiors are not afraid to make a statement. This design style encourages personalization and experimentation, allowing homeowners to showcase their unique personality and style. Whether it's incorporating pop art, vintage pieces, or playful accents, postmodern interior design offers endless possibilities for those who want to express themselves in a bold and creative way.
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