#the visuals and music bring joy to my heart

[starrymarii]

Wake da wind baby

#zelda #the legend of zelda #wind waker #link #tloz #one of my top favorite games of all time #the visuals and music bring joy to my heart #the gameplay is fun #chefs kiss

[tortured-gaylor]

from the journal of ava: but daddy i love him notes

according to swifties, this is a little mermaid reference: she gave up her voice to be with the man she loved

idk i haven't seen the little mermaid since i was 5, i'll take their word for it

i just learned these people only raise you to cage you

links back to who's afraid of little old me?: "you wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me"

growing up famous, she was never able/allowed to just be or do what she wanted. this is also made clear in the miss americana documentary. seems like scott especially tried to keep her quiet and caged

she has used cage imagery often throughout her career in music videos and visuals (look what you made me do music video, the shadows in the visuals during the midnights set at the eras tour, the speak now ornament, the glass cage in the willow music video,...)

the spotify library installation also had a cage, but the birds were free on another shelf

sarahs and hannahs in their sunday best, clutching their pearls sighing "what a mess" i just learned these people try and save you cause they hate you

this seems to allude to religious people being homophobic. they try and "fix" you by praying for you

she's the odd one out, doesn't fit in with the norm (the sarahs and hannahs)

they slammed the door on my whole world, the one thing i wanted

again with the controlling

is the muse the whole world? is it simply freedom? or is it something else entirely?

now i'm running with my dress unbuttoned, screamin' "but daddy i love him"

like the love story music video

song themes are similar to love story as well with the disapproving father

i'm having his baby... no i'm not but you should see your faces

GAGGED

you should have indeed seen my face

dutiful daughter, all my plans were laid

idk what to tell you

it's queer

her parent (likely her dad) planned her whole life out for her and she fulfilled this "destiny", even if that life doesn't suit her

tendrils tucked into a woven braid

links back to seven: "your braids like a pattern"

the saboteurs protested too much

homophobes

lord knows the words we never heard, just screeching tires and true love

links back to getaway car

this could mean words of acceptance, likely from the church(goers) again

i'll tell you somethin' 'bout my good name it's mine alone to disgrace

she's done being sheltered and ready to make her own decisions, decide who she is all by herself

god save the most judgmental creeps who say they want what's best for me sanctimoniously performing soliloquies i'll never see, thinking it can change the beat of my heart when he touches me and counteract the chemistry and undo the destiny you ain't gotta pray for me me and my wild boy and all this wild joy if all you want is gray for me, then it's just white noise and it's just my choice

this is her saying people have no business being all up in her relationships. they seem to think they have the moral upper hand and get to decide what's best for her, even if they don't know her or her partner at all

she pulls an uno reverse on them by asking god to save them, just like they did for her

this could mean she's gonna love who she loves, despite what the world wants/expects from her

this calls back to the people "saving" her cause they hate her (so homophobes again)

this is a reach but did they try to strip her of her pride colours and she finally decided to ignore these very loud voices?

scandal does funny things to pride but brings lovers closer

✨ shared trauma ✨

for real though, scandal could be her being outed by whatever tabloid

forced her deeper in the closet, but closer to the (also closeted?) muse

we came back when the heat died down

the scandal forced them to keep a low profile for a bit but they came back (stronger than a '90s trend?)

went to my parents and they came around

reminds me of That™ miss americana scene

also reminds me of how the dad in love story eventually came around

time, doesn't it give some perspective?

there's something in this line but i'm not sure what

#but daddy i love him #the tortured poets department #ttpd #taylor swift #gaylor #lgbetty #friends of dorothea #gaylor theory

[prototypelq]

Here's an ask for you, dear mutual! What are your 3 most favorite games? Would you recommend them?

MUTUAL MY BELOVED THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION THANK YOU

I just, whoa, RESPECT for separating 'favourite' games and If I would 'recommend' them. Respect, man, cause yup, favourite game doesn't always have to be a good game xD

From the top o my head, the top 3 would be: Outer Wilds, Pyre and Horizon ZD. These are also games that kind of I could separate my life by - before (title) and after it.

Outer Wilds is a masterpiece, Please. Everyone. Try. This. Game. Out.

If I had to choose ONE game that I could reccomend, it would be this. Outer Wilds is an incredible experience, this is so freakin hard to put into words properly. I'm sure any gamer saw at least one of the actual dozens of essays about this game, and it still deserves more in my opinon. This is the most beautiful game I have ever played, this is the most frightening game I have ever played, this is the most adrenaline out of everything I have ever played, this is, okay it is the Second most musical game I have played, this is the most joyous game I have ever played, this is the most hopeful game I've ever played. Outer Wilds is amazing and it is the everything game I've ever played. If you love exploration - you gotta play it, if you love space - you gotta play it, if you love space westerns my beloved best genre ever - you gotta play it, if you love existential joy and dread in one package - you gotta play it.

Thankfully, everyone single person is different, which is great, because otherwise the world would be terribly boring. However, this also means this game won't really grab you if you like more linear or handholding experiences, cause this game is ALL about exploration, and well, it won't really entertain you if you're not actively trying to do that yourself. Oh, I am also unsure how it controls on keyboard, but this game feels very much controller-centric experience, you'll need the ability to press those buttons gently, trust me. Except the autopilot, it will guaranteed entertain you xD.

Now, Pyre is the aforementioned Most Musical Game I have ever played.

I've been a long-time Supergiant Games fan, as Darren Korb has stole my soul away in 2013 with the Transistor OST, and I don't really want it back. If the name rings a bell, but you can't place it - these are the authors of HADES. While Transistor is very near and dear to my heart, Pyre is just a very unique blend of exact concentrations of everything I love in a game.

IT'S NOT A SPORTS GAME.

Pyre is much more of a visual novel really, the arcade battles in-between are kind of rare tbh, most of your time you will be reading in this game. I love party-RPGs, but my favourite game in the genre is Dragon Age 2, which is, while an okay game, it's my favourite because of the companions and their dynamics, not only with the player, but with each other as well, and watching them grow, progress and interact is a pure joy. Pyre scratches that exact itch - you're really playing for the story and the characters inside of it, it's great fun. Visually, the game is a Grade-Supergiant Masterpiece, and musically, well, let's just say Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett have their own minstrel characters.

Pyre is also, in my opinion, the most freakin DIVERSE Supergiants game. The player character basically leads the Triumvirate of their traveling companions (yeah, it's also a roadmovie!) to compete with other Triumvirates, each one consisting of a rival team, and each, Each, of the Seven teams have their own music track and bring their own genre to the OST pallete. These genres will range from folk with different instruments, to chivalric tunes, to metal, ....existential rock? remember the threat track from the Spiderverse with the siren? basically, this game has something like that. And it's not just one 'battle' track that works like this either! There is a special Rite (arcade ritual where you play against a rival team), which has the two minstrels sing the g o r g e o u s key title song Never to Return, which was Seven variations of music and lyrics for this song, depending on which team you're up against. The way Darren made the initial song bend to all those different genres and instruments is fascinating to me. Pyre and Outer Wilds OSTs both fall into the very exclusive category 'I will bawl my goddamn eyes out if I hear even a single note', Outer Wilds OST is a powerful beast for sure, but you can't really compete with a title that has music ingrained so deeply into it, so Pyre is first place for me.

The difficulty and lore in this title are no slouches either. Supergiants have this cool lore habbit of unlocking it through gameplay experimentation, and this principle also works in Pyre without a hitch. Some character might get seasick, and won't be able to participate in a Rite (arcade game part), or a rival team will have a familiar of theirs and the character will ask to not be pitied against their friend or family. The games does a supreme job of blending together gameplay and story decisions like that, this should be like studied in gamedev. Also, the story around some particular rivals might make you actually want to lose to them, and I haven't seen much games that accomplish this.

Difficulty is also a fun aspect of the game to play with, Supergiant have a habit of locking additional world lore behind challenges, and let's just say this game has Challenge if you ask for it. The AI in this game can play better than any player, cause you need all the reaction speed, enemy team knowledge, skill ad party composition of your own team and strategy to win, it's extremely fun to play around, at least it is for me. Let's just say on my high difficulty with modifiers playthrough, the final battle lasted for about 11 minutes for me (in a game that has Rites finish in maybe 3 min), and my bloodstream has never seen such high percentage of adrenaline as it did for those 11 minutes, probably never will either. I keep the whole footage for myself, and oh boy how many jumpscares are there xD Literal fight for the ages, it was amazing. Best feature yet?

You can lose every single Rite and still finish the game. There is no 'joke' ending either, it's entirely possible to never score a single win if you wish to and the story will adapt to it. The same way 'winning' is not always 'best' for the character but that's for you to choose really.

Basically, this game has everything - roadmovie, fun gameplay, a Holy-Grade OST, amazing characters and a great story. The only real reason you might not get into it is if you don't like reading, cause this game has a lot of reading. As all good rpgs and visual novels do and should.

For my third fave I choose Horizon ZD.

The robodino-infested post-post-apocalypse got to me, alright. I love the world of this series, for me it's like a personification of hope really. It's also the first game I played when I got my ps4 and that was a huge deal for me) The bio-ecological focus of the game is also very very much my jam. I love just booting up the game and wondering around and just vibing in there. The design of all the tribal cultures, their traditions, myths and clothing is also a joy for me, it's really fascinating for some reason. Love this game very much. The gameplay is great fun, and also this game got me into my first photomode frenzy, I got very hard into game-photography because of this title) Got a habbit of using my screens for wallpapers and icons everywhere, and I've been doing that ever since.

Honourable mentions:

Darksiders series (1,2,3 and Genesis)

I love these games, they are very fun, the OSTs are amazing, especially Jasper Kyd's for the second game and Astarte theme from the Genesis. I have lost count of how much times I replayed Darksiders 2, it's been way too many that's for sure, and how could you even resist a Riders of the Apocalypse game with their actual steeds?! These are great fun. Also there's an extremely good novel Abomination Vault about Death and War, and I have reread this one waaaaaay too many times too (it's so good!). Obligatory reminder for everyone to play Genesis btw, it's a truly great darksiders title, everyone's really sleeping on it.

Rain World

I. Do not know. What to say about this game. It's amazing, it's horrible, it's frustrating, it's occasionally fun? All of these. Most of all, Rain World is truly unique. The game has amazing creature AI and procedual animation, and these two factors result in a very very Very unique experience, I suggest anyone tries it. This is too, a very bio-ecology themed game, and the art is honestly gorgeous.

I've fallen into literal toxic relationship with this title - I love it, I hate it, I can't get enough of it, I'm so goddamn fed up with it I can't play this anymore, I'll surely close the game after another death.

Red Strings Club

Another visual novel! This one is only a 3 or so hours one, but with a twist. My friend suggested we play it when we were hanging out together, and, lemme tell you, the dialogue, the plot, the themes, the questions that this game asks of you had us spend three times the 'standard' playtime. This game is literally pool-wide and marianna-trench-deep, it's amazing.

DMC5 & CONTROL

I grouped these two together, cause these games are FUELED by fun. These games were made For fun, To have fun, and By People Who Were having Fun Making Them. DMC5 will also train you harder than any Guitar Hero, while CONTROL will stealthily make you architecture and Sam Lake - obsessed. CONTROL is also the source of all of my current wallpapers, cause photography in this game is On Point. Both are great and a real joy, also I have played them the same year)

this is where I would have mentioned DRG if I had put more hours into it

Thank you for reading all of this, and game on my friends)

#thank you for the ask mutual I hope you knew the elaboration train will not be stopped #please answer back your faves too I'm interested if castlevania's high up there xD #any mutual is also welcome to comment i'd love to read your faves #outer wilds #pyre #supergiant games pyre #hzd #horizon zero dawn #darksiders #rain world #red strings club #control #dmc5

[shararan]

Visual kei, Anime & Arlecchino: a (light-hearted) design analysis.

While I haven’t talked much about it, Arlecchino has driven me crazy since the trailer for A Winter Night’s Lazzo dropped. Not only is she a welcome breath of fresh air to Genshin’s female cast, but her entire design and every single element of it speaks to one of my greater joys in life, that joy being Visual Kei. And so with the Fontaine trailer out I thought I’d do an attempt at going through what aspects of Arlecchino can be compared to common styling elements within visual kei, but also how they can be potentially attributed to the influence visual kei has had on manga/anime as a whole.

‼️ I want to proceed with the disclaimer that this whole post is only intended to point out elements of Arlecchino’s design which are common style elements in visual kei. I’m someone who has been into visual kei and its other related branches for about two decades, wore the style myself (among other japanese street styles) for a very long time, but ultimately I am also just one nerd raving about why this character design brings me joy. Visual kei as a style is by definition very hard to define as being any singular thing, and so my only intent is to compare for fun’s sake!

(I also want to point out that any potential errors, be they spelling or just wording, might escape my notice as an ESL-speaker with eye problems.)

➻ With all that out of the way, let’s start with a brief rundown for anyone who might not be familiar with the heart of this entire analysis: What is visual kei?

‘Visual kei’ as a term encompasses many things. While there are disagreements regarding the validity of calling it a musical genre, visual kei can nonetheless be summarized as an alternative musical genre and movement from Japan dating its origins back to the 80s. Influenced by contemporary glam rock, visual kei has since grown into its own distinct thing over the years with many various sub branches flourishing alongside it.

The ‘visual’ part of its name is the simple concept which defines it: The style is all about conveying the utmost possible of theatrics and extravagance, and it’s in fact just as important as the music itself. Combined these two things turn into the ultimate visual performance, an experience never to forget.

The factor which makes visual kei stand out from many other subcultures and genres is the way it deals with gender presentation. Given its theatrical nature, many looking in from the outside might be shocked by just how chaotically gender and expression is displayed.

Back in the old internet days you would occasionally stumble into memes poking fun at how you could never guess the gender of a performer at first glance; If it looks like a man it’s a woman, if it looks like a man it’s a woman and any other variety of that kind of notion. And it’s true! In fact, some of the most famous artists within the genre are also known for effortlessly turning gender expression on its head (Mana, Hizaki to name but two).

➻ So how does this relate to Arlecchino?

Not only has manga and anime sought inspiration from visual kei bands and artists for a very long time (and thereby influencing a lot of stylistic choices we typically associate with those forms of media), Arlecchino is also designed with that exact type of gender nonconformity all over her!

Let’s start with her hair:

Her hair is THE most obvious example to trace to visual kei. Not only is it one main color together with separated black sections (a very common dye combination), it’s also asymmetrically styled with typical spray straightened spikes and V-shaped/spiked bangs covering only half of her forehead.

Some were discontent to find out that she has a long ponytail, describing it as “feminine”. To me this only further strengthened her visual kei vibes, as it’s pulled back and down the back, separated from the shorter parts like a mullet. It’s not uncommon to see artists wearing hair extensions (both matching and mistmatching to the main hair color) in this exact manner, and the few but dramatic accessories she wears around the knot tying the hair on itself only serve to further enhance it.

Moving onto her face, Arlecchino might at first glance look just like any other anime styled character. However, I want to note that there’s a lot to the details here worth highlighting!

First off, she wears eyeshadow with very dark and sharp lashes and thin, upturned eyebrows. While there isn’t any one specific way of doing visual kei makeup, the fact remains that her eyes does resemble the typical key features that’s become commonly associated with the style since 00s. Her cross shaped irises also resemble the types of contact lenses some artists use.

As for her outfit, there are clear and obvious similarities to bands of the late 90s/early 00s: Ornate outer coat with ruffled sleeves, long pants with similar ruffle gathered around the shoes, waistcoat and fancy collar, as well as the highly decorated heels and claw-like nails on her gloves + rings.

While I couldn’t locate a specific picture unfortunately at the time of writing, gloves with metal claws or outright clawed gauntlets aren’t an unknown sight among very flashy visual kei bands.

This type of overall outfit silhouette displayed is, within the genre, obviously related to Elegant Gothic Aristocrat and western style Romantic Goth. Bands with this type of look might choose (but not always) to incorporate classical instruments and opera like vocals into their sound, as well as put a lot of emphasis on stage performances through the use of props, dancers and choirs. The first major bands to come to mind are Malice Mizer and Versailles, but I’m also reminded of ones such as Megaromania, Art Cube, Phantasmagoria etc.

However, in the case of Arlecchino there’s a somewhat “rugged” air to her overall look, which brings to mind bands during the mid 00s who would opt for a slightly trashier look, as well as a more chaotic heavier, sceamier sound. Leather and latex, shredded sleeves, chains, you get the picture. Bands coming to mind are the GazettE, (Old school) Dir en Grey, D’espairsRay, Born, Saruin, Exist Trace etc. If you combine the two types of flavours mentioned, I also want to mention UnsraW.

We also gain a peek of her ears between the spiked sections of her hair. While she has very simple style earrings, this of course is another common deliberate choice when styling the hair, particularly for artists whose ears are quite literally fully covered in jewelry.

While no particular look has any bearing on someone’s role in a band, this specific type of look is one I personally associate a lot with singers and front men. Highly fitting for Arlecchino whose presence demands your attention!

➻ Conclusion

Arlecchino mostly reminds me of bands that emerged and flourished during the mid 00s, but with strong 90s vibes as a cherry on the top. It’s also worth mentioning how aesthetically similar she is to the band Exist Trace, aka the arguably most famous female band in the genre.

It’s an extremely good mesh with the Fatui as the Tsaritsa’s theatre troupe, and its only more than fitting that Arlecchino debuts alongside Fontaine!

Obviously I cannot say for certain whether or not any of these points I made where deliberate design choices on Hoyoverse’s side (not just for Arlecchino but also other characters in Genshin who all have various degrees of the same influences) or if they’re simply a result of unknown influence. The influences visual kei has had on manga and anime cannot be understated, with many mangaka having drawn inspiration from visual kei bands and artists throughout the years (as well as other related but technically not visual bands such as BUCK-TICK and Guniw Tools) .

Many people assume that visual kei and other alternative japanese fashion subcultures drew inspiration from manga and anime, but it’s rather these styles that have served as the influence instead! Numerous bands have even lended their talents to create opening and ending songs to anime series. Kuroshitsuji/Black Butler is an obvious example of a series inspired by visual kei/ouji/lolita/aristocrat fashion and with visual kei bands performing for it.

All in all, this entire analysis is once again only meant to point out the various elements which makes Arlecchino so enjoyable to me personally as a character. Her look with the large coat in the trailer for A Winter Night’s Lasso made me super nostalgic to when I myself dressed that way on the daily, and when I styled it with a very similar jacket I had at the time. I don’t think people realize just how much contact they may have had with visual kei at first, and I tend to point this out often to people I meet when the topic comes up. I guess this was the essay format of that HAHAHA.

All in all, Arlecchino really speaks to me, both from a fashion but also (bi)gender point of view, and I literally cannot WAIT to finally meet her ingame once and for all!

#arlecchino #sharan talks #i wrote this in one sitting in like 4 hours i need to eat HELP #this is the most self indulgent ill be here for a while #this is a continuation of me getting my highest school grade ever from writing about when i went to gackts concert #and how his perfume is still burnt into my nostrils 12 years later #rare irl sharan lore #anyway #i might make a second post about this but going over others in the genshin cast #cause trust me there are quite a few that share these things design wise

[rozieramati]

hi i don’t really have anything specific to say but i wanted to let you know i really truly appreciate you and your music, as an artist myself (visual mainly- like drawings, painting and sculpture though i dabble in a plethora of art forms including music, and writing) and a young woman coming into my being as a soon to be young adult and as someone whom feels so deeply, your music has effected me incredibly, it has brought me genuine joy from somewhere far within my inner child and core self. I dance to your music, sing to it, and also listen to it intently, searching for meaning though it is not hard to find in the many beautiful word so carefully chosen by you so expertly. I have cried to your music, it is something still so unfathomably beautiful to me and i may have only found you recently, but even the ways in which you choose to share ur music and yourself on the internet is so special and very honest to the world and people who love you and your music. it has gotten me through some of the hardest times i’ve ever experienced in my young life as of late, and it brings a wondrous warmth and admiration for you and your work.

i wanted to close this with a thought and prospective i thought you might enjoy, i think you music looks like those large beautiful collections of small birds flying in smooth motions & waves bending with itch wind almost as a visual representation of the wind itself, i think it is one of the most unique and almost holy experiences to see this natural movement that is backed by the strength of the birds community, and mutual respect and understanding of each other’s love for life, i think this is what your music has instilled in me.

signed, with care & hope for love, luck, sweetness, and the best of life and happiness for you and all of your future.

Waverly Claire

p.s. ~ this is all coming from a 15 almost 16 year old (my birthday is on february 26, coming soon), & i just wanted to share my care for another artist, from one in the making. & even if you are not interested i would love to share my art with you so you can find me if the interest suits your fancy @quaking_aspen_art on instagram it is a public account so only if you would like but it would make me overjoyed if you would consider it! once again sending thanks for your inspiration to my art and others in the world including some friends i have shared you with (who love you btw). ok that is all for know! 💋🌷💞🪆

dear waverly claire,

happy early birthday :)) thank you so much for your kind words. it’s messages like these that really give me the courage to keep going. especially online. it’s been really hard finding a balance with the social media / artist aspect of things. it’s hard to tell if it’s worth all the work but you’ve made me feel very seen with this letter. it’s almost as if you’ve reached into my psyche through the art and thus all the work has become worth it.

it’s funny you say that about birds, air, water etc. those are all motifs on my album. i do call you guys my love doves. that happened on accident bc someone called me a “sweet dove” once and it filled my heart with so much warmth that i wanted to send it back to the world tenfold.

i think i love birds and flying and air bc i was always really attentive to blue birds as a child. i grew up right next to an airport too so airplanes flying are practically the soundtrack to my childhood. not to mention, my fave ghibli film is castle in the sky- which is about flying.

i think maybe i’m just making music so we can all pretend to fly.

community is so important to me. i wish i had more words to relay how lovely your message is and how much i appreciate it. all the best of love and creative spark to you and your endeavors!!!

love,

rozie

[wysteir]

Wisteria' FG Journal

S1 In Review

Around the start of this year I decided to try and get into fighting games! This post will have notes about my journey and learning experiences in the first 3 months

My first* fighting game was Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising! Asterisk because it was the first game I actually wanted to try to learn all the ins and outs of fighting games seriously.

Before this year the bulk of my experience was whatever odd fighting games we had lying around, including Samsho V, One Of The Mortal Kombats, and One Of The Dead Or Alives. Later got Skullgirls and Street Fighter 4 but never got deeply into either, and I'll include any time I played playing Whichever Versions of smash.

Either way, having fun with them casually, but never really thinking about actual strats. I wanted to fling specials at people and hit then with heavy buttons hahaheeheehoohoo

Granblue stood out to me because

1) A bunch of folks I knew were playing it

2) It touted a relatively low skill floor

3) Fox gal with huge fluffy tail

So I steeled myself for losses, and dove in, except - where do I even start?

Well thankfully my friends had my back on that one. I got linked copious amounts of resources, and of them the most important ones for me personally were the ones related to keeping a healthy mental game.

Fighting games are hard to learn because it's a skill like any other. Learning an art is hard- music, visual arts, writing, dance: all of these are skills that take time and have difficult aspects to learning them.

They should also bring joy when engaging in them, both through the fun of doing, but also the satisfaction of honing a skill. This is where healthy mental comes in. I didn't want to be stuck in a bad mental state learning fighting games. That would cascade into my attempts to learn and would spoil my fun- and at that point why bother?

Staying realistic while taking as much pride as I could in my progress contributed a huge amount in how smoothly I ramped up. In many ways I benefitted from being almost entirely new, and starting with upholding mental first. Note that it was also important to me to not dismiss my feelings or bottle them up. These things linger in the subconscious, they are mind killers and they need to be treated with care.

Immense damage was dealt to me by the North American Education System and Familial Expectations. Part of my journey in fighting games involved a continuation of dismantling the shame in perceived failures. I would let nothing stop me from finding joy in learning, and being silly with it. A key thing for fighting games is that for better or for worse, there's a common perception that the failure state is getting KO'd. After much deliberation, I personally refuse to view it as such.

Winning is merely a side effect of good play.

Losing is an opportunity to hone my skills.

Success to me is the 50/50. I'm a performer by heart, I love the drama, the thrill, the narration. And over and over again, I see my goal in others' replays and tournament footage- it's the 50/50. Being evenly matched with my opponent became an immense source of positive vibes, and as I improved, and got closer to it, the joy I got grew more and more. Most notably, I hit a point where even fighting players who could 10-0 me wasn't even daunting anymore, because every round we played I got just a little bit better, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I could turn it into a 10-1.

Mental is the most important thing because it determines how efficient you are in terms of learning, performance, and inspiration. Once mental tanks or ges overwhelmed, it's time for a break!!!

The next important thing for me was defense and taking back my turn.

I thought about it, and realized that at my skill level, I would probably be on the losing side of the fight more often than not. What I needed wasn't the most damaging combo, what I needed were the skills to get myself out of an inevitable scenario.

A dependency comes about from this then:

1) If I'm knocked down or in the corner, my priority needs to be taking my turn back. I can't do anything else if I'm under attack with whatever mix tape my opponent is blasting on loop.

2) If we're in neutral, I need to find the best way to get into a position to establish offence (or just establish it outright)

3) If they're blocking, I need to mix them and watch out for when they want to take their turn back

4) If I'm hitting them I either won or I'm about to get sent back to 3

Combos ain't shit actually!! They kinda fucking suck for a new player!!!! Combos and Complicated Hornswogglery won't save the new player from the situation they'll be in most of the time, ie- blocking in the corner

Second most important is playing neutral to try and prevent getting hit and cornered in the first place.

When I first started playing Granblue the most I could do was a basic baby auto combo into 236L and easy input super for offense, but I learned how to jab out of pressure, I learned how valuable reversals were, as I spent less and less time in the corner I learned how to approach and counter in neutral, and everything else was the fun fancy stuff that most resources list in great detail.

So! Behold, my power 9!

0) Preliminary research on game specifics

1) Learn how to maintain good mental

2) Learn how to block/evade/tech

3) Learn how to escape pressure

4) Learn how to skip/hold neutral

5) Learn a basic midscreen combo

6) Learn Okizeme/counter reversals

7) Learn a basic corner combo

8) Learn the advanced mechanics

Throughout the discord server I'm in I have lists and lists of things I felt I wanted to learn and some little victories and eureka moments

The 9 things above basically cover the gist of things

As I learned more and more granblue basics I also ended up playing guilty gear strive more often, and applied the same principles. Strive has more mechanics/resources than granblue so some of them came hand and hand with the 9, but I'm sure you'll find they slot in easy

By the end of March I was at a relatively low Mental and was taking it easier, but by then I was also playing in a way I didn't see myself being able to do for at least 6 months.

And now, even only 2.5 weeks since then? I could deck the halls with my March self

And if you've ever been interested in fighting games, you could learn them well too!!!

#fighting games #on living #on laughing #on learning #organic wysteir original #stay pozzy stay cool

[cassipedia]

Review of Wonka (2023)

Hey, Cassipedia, what're you watching?

Just earlier this week, I watched Wonka (2023). It is a prequel film directed by Paul King based on Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meant to show a young version of Willy Wonka and the start of his career as a chocolatier, before his famous Chocolate Factory. It is also a musical.

Do you recommend watching it?

With emphasis, yes! I nearly missed out on watching this movie because I saw the trailers and automatically assumed it was a modern, cash-grab reboot just like so many others. I think I had grown too jaded as a movie-watcher. I was going to skip it! Thankfully, a friend much smarter than I convinced me to go to a showing with her, and I was dazzled.

What's the story like?

This is a story about how Wonka's heartfelt pursuit of a dream to provide never-before-seen chocolates changes the lives of those around him. The setting is a somewhat fantastical and cartoonish world with the true-to-life troubles in which the greedy preys upon the good-hearted and chocolate is used as a form of bribery. But Wonka rolls into town, desiring to share affordable chocolates so anyone who eats them may feed their inner-child they've neglected, and also, to actual children who've been neglected. It's incredibly ironic too considering how the film about Wonka bringing some hope along with his chocolates had restored much of my faith in modern movies. Every major plot thread is woven back in, and even little threads I wasn’t expecting to come back did, all to form a loving tapestry of a story. There was only one or two minor characters who help Wonka that may have felt like their ‘gimmick' was underutilized but it's almost unnoticeable as those characters are still involved in the major plot points. It's all the charm and whimsy of a fairytale with the heartfelt weight of a motion picture.

What does the movie look like?

Imagine the prettiest candy shop that you've ever walked into. You know the ones, with glass jars of shiny reds, striped blues and glistening orange, all formed into amazing shapes and swirls. Even the ‘mundane’ scenes of the town and slums that Wonka spends much of his time in during the film have creative contraptions and such memorable set-dressing, like how a cartoon is an exaggerated form of reality.

How are the actors and actresses?

Every actor and actress perfectly fit their roles. I had first doubted that the lead actor could portray a good Willy Wonka when I saw the trailer, as I was worried the character was being turned into a youthful pretty boy, but in the film, I saw Wonka as a passionate chocolate-maker with the unrelenting and unconditional desire to bring smiles to those around him. I offer my kudos and apologies for underestimating Timothée Chalamet. At the heart of it, Wonka forms a friendship with an orphan girl whom grew up believing only the greedy ever won, and it was a joy to see Wonka’s efforts to give her hope for better, in part due to the endearing performance of Calah Lane. Much of the acting of all involved, especially in the case of the villains, was like a cartoon brought to life with how expressive and animated it was.

Wait, if it's a musical, how are the songs?

The scenes for the songs are very creative visually with a dream-like quality and where the bulk of the whimsical charm comes to life. But the songs are not simply one and done. I encourage you to listen closely over the course of the film, as your ear may catch the various motifs throughout. The music is an active participant in the film and the story, with just as much personality and expression as the actors and the setting. This movie also contains the cleverest usage of Gregorian chant I’ve ever seen.

If it's a prequel, should I watch or read anything beforehand?

This is a film that stands well on its own. There are homages to the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory but it will not be a distraction for anyone unfamiliar with that film. In terms of the book, though I had not read the original 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I did grow up reading Roald Dahl's other works The BFG and The Witches. During my time watching Wonka, I felt some part of me deep down stir from childhood memories, as I believe this film did capture Roald's style of creating worlds that were fantastical, with horrible beasts and incorrigible villains and the unkillable nature of child-like wonder. So, reading the book wouldn’t be a requirement, but I believe one whom has will have plenty to enjoy.

Who would like this movie most?

It’s a bit like asking ‘who likes eating dessert?’ This is a film that I think most would enjoy, regardless of age. Children would likely enjoy watching the monstrous, child-hating villains being bamboozled and getting their just desserts amidst the wonderous visuals, and adults of any age can easily enjoy the craftmanship of the finer details, while reminiscing on that childish wonder. This is a film that respects childhood, delighting in the silly moments but still managing to treat its audience from young to not-so-young with dignity and a straightforward message like a well-placed arrow.

Where can I watch it?

The film is available in theaters as of writing this and not for streaming, though I would frankly have recommended the theater experience anyways. The visuals and music are best enjoyed on a big screen! (But when it does eventually release in streaming or physical copies, I’m likely to also snag it then, as it will doubtlessly be a very cozy and enjoyable film to watch with family at home.)

Final thoughts?

Wonka is a film I underestimated and I highly recommend as a finely-polished and creative experience that did much to feed that movie-lover in my heart. Just as if being faced with that strange yet beautiful-looking chocolate you've never tried before, I encourage you to take at least one bite. Just like me, you might end up finding your new favorite movie.

#wonka 2023 #wonka movie #willy wonka #timothée chalamet #cinema #film #movies #movie review #film review #movie recommendation #cassipedia

[xomaleyaxo]

R1 → Mini Album

Name: RAE

Release Date: February 20th, 2019

Message for Fans:

"To my wonderful blinks who have patiently awaited the release of my solo songs and album, this is for you. I hope that these songs bring joy to your hearts, and together, we can savor the happiness that music creates. Here's to living happily together forever. Thank you for your unwavering support!"

Track list + Visuals:

1- Motivation

The title track, released on February 2nd, 2019, captivated the attention of the entire world with its catchy tune. It marked a departure from Rae's previous works, showcasing a different and exciting musical direction alongside her dancing that surprised and delighted fans around the globe. This song earned Rae numerous awards and accolades. On July 20th, 2021, it achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 1 billion views, a historic achievement for a female K-pop artist. Notably, it became the fastest solo song to reach this remarkable record, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking and record-setting track in the K-pop industry.

Outfits in MV:

Outfits When Performing:

Choreography: (Imagine this but not as much movement)

2- Good days

Diverging from the energy of the title track, this song delves into the theme of self-discovery and finding inner peace amidst life's challenges. Featured as a b-side track in her mini album, this song swiftly climbed the charts, securing her second all-kill in Korean charts following 'Motivation.' Notably, Rae took on the roles of both the songwriter and composer, showcasing her multifaceted talents. Mirae takes immense pride in the overwhelming love that this song has garnered. As a testament to its significance, she has incorporated it as a special addition to her performances on tour. During these moments, she treats her fans to a more relaxed and laid-back performance, providing a contrast to the energetic vibe of her other songs. This deliberate choice allows her to showcase the versatility of her musical style and connect with her audience in diverse and meaningful ways.

Outfits When Performing:

#Youtube #rae #blackpink5thmember #blackpink #kpop oc #kpopgg #blackpink oc

[bellenthigale]

TEENFRESH

Bubbles have been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. They are simple‚ fun‚ and can even be therapeutic. But why are bubbles so beloved? What are the good things they can do for people? Studies have shown that the simple act of blowing bubbles helps to relax people and reduces cortisol levels in the body‚ which is the hormone associated with stress. Bubbles can also be a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. Blowing bubbles is a fun activity that encourages people to talk and laugh with each other‚ creating memories that will last a lifetime. Additionally‚ bubbles can bring joy and happiness. Bubbles can also bring a sense of joy and relaxation. When you’re blowing bubbles‚ you’re taking a few moments to focus on something other than your worries. It’s a great way to get rid of stress and to just enjoy the moment. Bubbles are more than just fun and games. They can be therapeutic‚ a great way to spend time with loved ones‚ and a source of joy and happiness. Bubbles are a classic source of fun for all ages. Kids and adults alike have been fascinated by bubbles’ ability to float and shimmer in the air. It’s the unpredictability of the bubbles that make them so much fun. You never know where they’re going to go or how long they’ll stay in the air. The bright colors and shapes of the bubbles make them captivating to watch. This creates a strong bond between everyone and creates a unique atmosphere of fun and joy. Bubbles are a great way to have fun and relax. The unpredictability of the bubbles‚ the sense of joy and relaxation they bring‚ and the social aspect of playing with them make them a classic source of fun for everyone.

Are you ready for Bubble Arcade‚ SWITHs? With the publication of my trailer film and photo the other night‚ I made a splash in the music industry. After months of anticipation‚ we finally unveiled what SWITHs have been waiting for‚ and it looks like we are ready to take over by storm! A familiar color scheme of white and blue appears at the beginning of the video. Giving us a preview of what our upcoming song might sound like‚ I am being enthralling and dynamic. I apologize if I can’t stop myself from complementing the photo that goes with the trailer film because it is equally intriguing. Just look at how lovely did the shot come out. I am seen posing for the picture in a range of fashionable and edgy look‚ and the picture has a really contemporary and smart vibe to it. In the picture‚ you can see how charming I am‚ and you can also even tell that we’re about to advance our music. We have formally begun our comeback campaign with the ongoing publication of the trailer film and image of every members. The anticipation for what else we have in store for SWITHs is growing‚ and we can only imagine how delighted we will be when our new song and album are released in a few days. We are now ready to make a big splash in the K-pop industry‚ and I’m sure you guys can’t also wait to hear what we have in store for you!

Prepare to move to the music‚ SWITHs! Our third mini album‚ “TeenFresh”‚ which will be released on August 16‚ will mark our return. Since then‚ thanks to our energetic music and catchy lyrics‚ we’ve been gaining fame among some K-pop lovers. With our most recent comeback on August 16th‚ we’ll definitely make an impact. We are certain to win the hearts of K-pop lovers all around the world with our upcoming infectious music‚ bright visuals‚ and engaging dance movements. In order to join us on a musical voyage on August 16th‚ note that date on your calendars‚ SWITHs. This is the time of year when SWITHs eagerly anticipate our comeback thid month. The message of “TeenFresh” is undoubtedly that you should never stop being young and to always have an optimistic outlook on life. We have already shown ourselves to be a talented group‚ and with each and every one of us‚ we will undoubtedly wow even more. SWITHs are undoubtedly interested and anticipated about what “TeenFresh” will bring them.

[mangle-my-mind]

Slash Ships to Get to Know Me

**Rules**: Name at least five (no upper limit) slash (M/M) ships you love. Each from a different fandom.

Thanks @autumnsup for tagging me! My brain immediately went haywire trying to think of this list. I might steal a few ships that you mentioned ;) also my definition of what constitutes slash is a pretty loose one. Some of these relationships I imagine as & instead of /, but I still froth at the mouth thinking about them so I'm including them here.

Velvet Goldmine - Jack Fairy/Curt Wild. This one isn't explicitly in the movie, but the dynamics of Jack and Curt just make it such a worthwhile relationship to explore. There's so much care and tenderness I can imagine between them, with Jack being there for Curt at one of his lowest points and the two of them working on music together. In my fic "In Berlin," I displayed their relationship as more or less platonic, but that doesn't mean I don't ABSOLUTELY LOVE the idea of them being together more intimately. There are some amazing gorgeous fics of Curt/Jack out there that I have read a million times over! (Close VG seconds are Arthur/Curt and Jack/Malcolm. Curt/Brian is important of course, and I love reading fic about it, but it's just too doomed for me to put my heart behind lol)

Our Flag Means Death - Ed Teach/Stede Bonnet. Oh my god. OH MY GOD. The way this show rotted my brain. The way these gay pirates seeped into my consciousness and won't leave. Their story so far has been so wonderful (and devastating - that goes without saying) and I'm so excited for their relationship to deepen in season 2. There's promise of more drama, more romance, and more spiciness! In the meantime, though, I'm eternally grateful to the literal tens of thousands of Ed/Stede fics that build on this love story. (Jim/Oluwande and Lucius/Pete are also incredible)

Beatles - McLennon. Okay, so this one is kind of wishy-washy for me because of the rpf element. There have been some McLennon fics that have given me everything I'd ever want and more. Then there have been fics that just made me uncomfy. This is a personal thing and not at all trying to hate on any fic writers; sometimes the spiciness gets too much when I remember John and Paul are real-life people. Regardless - McLennon is a love story. It is. They were in love, no matter how you look at it, and their relationship and how it manifested in their music and actions is such an interesting arc to observe. Ugh I just love reading their quotes about each other, seeing their studio interactions, analyzing their lyrics in songs directed at each other. And there have been so many fics that have captured this relationship between them so beautifully (whether or not it was accurate, it felt real enough to me). I've been in the Beatles fandom longer than in any other fandom, and even if I don't approach the John/Paul ship the way I do fictional ships, it brings me so much joy to learn about and read about and see art about their decades-long love story. (Another Beatles-ish relationship I've been loving lately is George/Bob Dylan. They are absolute girlies maximizing their joint slay)

Across the Universe - Jude/Max. This ship is kind of recent, though my love for the movie is years-old. On a recent rewatch, I realized that actually, no, Jude and Lucy aren't really right for each other, no matter how hopeful that ending seems for their story. And I love the dynamic between Max and Jude. And I've read some incredible fics recently covering just that. So yes, give me more Jude/Max please. And all Beatles fans should watch this movie btw. Also fans of trippy visuals and ambitious musical numbers and fun cameos (Bono? Eddie Izzard? Salma Hayek? Joe Cocker? sign me up)

Trainspotting - Renton/Sick Boy. Again a movie that has been a part of my life for so freaking long, but a ship that came a little later. I love their dynamic and how it changes through the films. In the 90s, they're kinda dicks to each other, but "he's a mate" so they tolerate each others' antics. The fics written about this era are so interesting, because on the surface there's a lot of shitty behavior to each other, but underneath there's always care and love. By the time they reach the 2010s, they've been estranged for twenty years, and yet they really do cling to each other. Part of that is just clinging to the past and trying to recreate some beautiful bygone days they're imagining, but still there's love between them. Anyway go read some Mark/Simon fic because it's always a good time.

Thanks again for tagging me! Anyone feel free to get in on this. I'll tag @moonage-xx-daydream @holy-loki - if you guys feel like doing it :)

#tag game #favorite slash ships #open tag

[food-with-pooji]

Discovering Chennai's Enchanting-Themed Restaurants.

Introduction Chennai, the bustling metropolis on the southeastern coast of India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. Beyond its traditional eateries, the city boasts a collection of enchanting themed restaurants that take dining experiences to a whole new level. In this blog, we will explore some of Chennai's most captivating themed restaurants, where you can indulge in delectable cuisine while immersing yourself in unique and mesmerizing atmospheres

The Black Pearl - Pirate-themed Delights Embark on a swashbuckling adventure at The Black Pearl, a pirate-themed restaurant nestled in the heart of Chennai. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a stunning replica of a pirate ship, complete with rigging, masts, and cannons. The interior exudes the spirit of a hidden pirate's lair, with wooden accents, treasure chests, and dim lighting. Savor a bounty of seafood delicacies and fusion dishes while being entertained by live pirate performances and musical acts. The Black Pearl offers an immersive dining experience that will transport you to a world of pirates, treasure hunts, and maritime tales.

Dialogue in the Dark - Sensory Sensations Dialogue in the Dark takes dining to a whole new level of sensory exploration. This unique restaurant offers a truly extraordinary experience by simulating complete darkness. Led by visually impaired guides, diners embark on a sensory journey where taste, touch, smell, and sound are heightened. The absence of sight challenges your perceptions and allows you to appreciate food in a whole new way. Relish a thoughtfully curated menu, embracing a range of textures and flavors, while engaging in meaningful conversations with your companions. Dialogue in the Dark not only provides a memorable culinary adventure but also promotes empathy and inclusivity.

Once Upon a Pirate - Family-friendly Fantasy Step into a world of fairy tales and fantasy at Once Upon a Pirate, a whimsical family-friendly restaurant in Chennai. The vibrant and colorful interiors are inspired by beloved storybooks, with enchanting decorations and life-sized characters bringing your favorite tales to life. The menu features an array of delectable dishes to suit all tastes, including kid-friendly options. Children can indulge in adventurous play areas, treasure hunts, and interactive storytelling sessions. The imaginative ambiance and engaging activities make Once Upon a Pirate a magical destination for families, allowing both children and adults to rediscover the joy of childhood fantasies.

Junkyard Café - Quirky Industrial Vibes For an eccentric dining experience, head to Junkyard Café, a quirky restaurant that embraces the aesthetics of an industrial junkyard. The interior is adorned with salvaged materials, recycled objects, and unconventional decorations, creating a truly unique atmosphere. Sit on repurposed car seats, admire the repainted bicycle wheels on the walls, and marvel at the creatively crafted installations. The menu offers a fusion of global and Indian cuisine, accompanied by an extensive selection of drinks. Junkyard Café is an ideal spot for those seeking an offbeat and lively setting, where every corner tells a story and sparks conversations.

Conclusion: Chennai's themed restaurants are a testament to the city's vibrant dining culture and creativity. From pirate escapades to sensory adventures and magical realms, these establishments offer much more than just a meal. Whether you're seeking thrilling experiences, sensory stimulation, family-friendly fun, or unconventional vibes, Chennai's themed restaurants have something to delight every palate. You can also have a look at my blog on the Top 10 best restaurants in Chennai.

So, next time you find yourself in Chennai, be sure to embark on a gastronomic journey that transcends traditional dining and transports you into enchanting worlds of wonder.

#best restaurants in Chennai #best themed restaurants in Chennai #best restaurants #theme restaurants

[ryuchaekkeuhyojeonsaejia]

STAR BEAM: AN INTRODUCTION

BASICS

Name: STAR BEAM (스타빔 in Korean)

Name Meaning: "7 stars bound to bring optimism (beam)"

Greeting/Motto: We are STAR B to the E A M! 안녕하세요 우리는 스타 빔입니다! (Hello! We are Star Beam!)

Fandom: "ByulBi" (literally 'star rain')

Fandom Name Meaning: "showering Star Beam with love & support so they can grow"

Fandom Colors: English Lavender & Deep Periwinkle

Member Count: 7 (5 Koreans, 1 Korean-American & 1 Chinese)

Label: MBF Entertainment (Korea), Capitol Records/Virgin Music Label & Artist Services/Universal Music Group (USA)

MEMBERS

RYUNA (류나) 

Born Song Ryuna (송류나)

Birthday/Hometown: September 17, 1995/Daegu, South Korea

Nationality: Korean

Position: Leader, Lead Vocalist

Specialty: Acting, Songwriting, Harmonica

Representative Color: True Red

Representative Animal: Turtle

Face Claim: Yujeong (Brave Girls)

Voice Claim: Yuna (AOA)

CHAEHEE (채희) 

Born Choi Chaeyoung (최채영)

Birthday/Hometown: June 8, 1996/Busan South Korea

Nationality: Korean

Position: Lead Vocalist, Main Dancer, Rapper

Specialty: Dancing, Rap, Singing, Acting, Drums, Volleyball

Representative Color: Classic Blue

Representative Animal: Rabbit

Face Claim: Sihyeon (EVERGLOW)

Voice Claim: Chungha

CHLOE (클로에) 

Born Chloe Morisette Han

Korean Name: Han Sooyoung (한수영)

Birthday/Birthplace: August 16, 1996/San Francisco, California, USA

Nationality: Korean-American

Position: Lead Dancer, Lead Rapper, Visual, Vocalist

Specialty: English, Rap, Basketball, Dancing, Acting, Piano, Songwriting

Representative Color: 803 C

Representative Animal: Deer

Face Claim: Liza Soberano

Voice Claim: Jisoo (BLACKPINK)

HYOSHIN (효신) 

Born Jung Hyoshin (정효신)

Birthday/Birthplace: October 16, 1996/Changwon, South Korea

Nationality: Korean

Position: Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer

Specialty: Guitar, Singing, Dancing, Acting, Songwriting, MC-ing

Representative Color: Kelly Green

Representative Animal: Maltese

Face Claim: Hyojung (Oh My Girl)

Voice Claim: Yeonjung (WJSN)

JEONAH (전아) 

Born Jeon Baekah (전백아)

Birthday/Birthplace: November 11, 1996/Busan South, Korea

Nationality: Korean

Position: Main Rapper, Vocalist, Visual

Specialty: Bass, Rap, Songwriting, Track & Field, E-Sports, Singing, MC-ing

Representative Color: Royal Purple

Representative Animal: Siberian Husky

Face Claim: Sojin (ex-9Muses)

Voice Claim: Moonbyul (Mamamoo)

SAEYOON (새윤) 

Born Kim Saeyoon (김새윤)

Birthday/Birthplace: January 24, 1997/Seoul, South Korea

Nationality: Korean

Position: Lead Rapper, Lead Dancer, Vocalist

Specialty: Rap, Songwriting, Dancing, Acting, Japanese

Representative Color: Flame Orange

Representative Animal: Rabbit

Face Claim: Yujin (ex-CLC/KEP1ER)

Voice Claim: Joy (Red Velvet)

YUJIA (유지아) 

Born Yu Jia (于佳)

Korean Name: Yoo Ji Ah (유지아)

Birthday/Birthplace: February 25, 1998/Beijing, China

Nationality: Chinese

Position: Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper, Center, Face of the Group, Visual

Specialty: Dance, Acting, Skateboarding, Drawing, Korean, English

Representative Color: Pink Yarrow

Representative Animal: Bear

Face Claim: Sally (ex-Bon Bon Girls)

Voice Claim: Mijoo (ex-Lovelyz)

DISCOGRAPHY

2017 - Game Changer (Whatever/One Day) - debut album

2017 - Syndrome (Syndrome/Say Yes)

2017 - Mellow Memories (Mermaid Princess/Precious Love & Going Crazy)

2017 - I'll Be There (I'll Be There/Yes or No)

2018 - Memory Lane (Click & Super Boy/Who R U & A Person Like You)

2018 - Starry Moment (Starry Moment/Strong)

2019 - S/S 2019 (I Am & Hit That Drum/Seesaw & 0 Mile)

2020 - Spell Bound (Love is Over & Flaming Heart/Can't Be Friends & Why Can't You See)

2020 - Flaming Heart - US Debut Album (Flaming Heart/All I Need)

2021 - "Rights of the Jealous" (English version) - digital single

2021 - "Chasing The Sun"/"Girl Who Cried Wolf"(Mi Sol Amor & Bad Wolf/So Over It & Shots Fired)

2022 - "Lethal Kiss" (My World/Golden Shot)

We hope that you will welcome us with open arms!

#roleplay #urstyle #oc krp #au #oc intro

[ratllu]

obscure tips n tricks- touch starvation!

though we talk about touch starvation flippantly, it’s actually a pretty big deal, for everyone ofc, but ESPECIALLY for those who are dealing with stress, mental illness, and any other ailment that signals the release of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. physical touch (not just sensual/romantic!!) triggers oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which are all the happy chemicals!! because many forms of mental illness are directly correlated to these specific chemicals, it makes it all the more important. what’s also interesting is that you brain recognizes this. Touch not only triggers the happy chemicals, but it’s also been shown to lower blood pressure, alleviate physical pain, and benefit the immune system????? gnarly amiright. 

that being said, not everyone likes being touched, specifically nuerodiverse people or those who are dealing with PTSD, anxiety, all that stuff. if u dont like physical contact or it just isnt available for u, then here are some things ive used that have helped me :)

1. if you have a backpack, put it on. the heavier the better. ugh this is one of my favorites. I can’t tell you for sure why this works, but there’s something about the weight and the pressure of it that’s just so. relieving. i dont walk around because ive got weak ass shoulders, but to just chill and hang out while wearing a backpack is really nice. one way that’s especially comfy is wearing the backpack backwards (like. where the bag part of the backpack is on your chest yk? im sure u get it) and then lay down like this. 

those weighted blankets can be expensive, so if u dont have one, this is a lovely alternative :)

2. ROLL??? im dead serious about this bro just trust me: roll around on the ground. first of all, it’s so ridiculous that you just cant help but laugh. like what. just rolling? around? it’s especially funny when you’re sad because the visual of someone so isolated that they just roll around miserably is. it’s hilarious. BUT there’s more to it. not only is it loosely similar to certain self-soothing motions, when u roll around, it’s like. man. nvm. im not even gonna try to explain this. source: trust me bro 

ALSO, there’s another thing that’s nice where you curl up into a ball, wrap your arms around yourself, and then rock around, which is equally effective for me. bonus points if you do both of these activities while wrapped in a blanket 

3. loud music, but specifically the ones that make houses shake. like the ones where the bass is just off the walls insane and your pictures are falling off your dresser from the sheer intensity of the sound. if you’ve ever been to a loud concert with lots of bass boosting, it’s like you can feel the music in your heart but not in a metaphorical way– where you can feel it in your sternum. listen to that. the pressure of the bmmmmmm and euphoria of a groovy song is unparalleled. 

4. brushing your hair or giving yourself a scalp massage. it feels nice! it’s also really good for your hair because it stimulates blood flow to your follicles. this one isnt obscure but it sure as hell works, ill tell you that.  

find what self soothing gesture you enjoy the most. i cant really instruct you on how to self soothe, because the way i self soothe is. yk. for myself! one thing i like to do is rub/massage my hands, and my friend likes to caress their arms. just pamper yourself a little bit and indulge in a comforting gesture that brings you joy. 

5. adrenaline rushes. this one is less gentle and it probably wont work for everyone, but personally, adrenaline rushes make me feel more grounded and stable, which doesnt really relieve touch starvation, but it helps me cope better with it. dont do anything stupid tho. not only because getting hurt rn is NOT what you need rn, but also because i dont wanna be liable for u morons. i dont want you guys to be like “okay now that im done rolling around im gonna do an olympic style sprint into oncoming traffic. red said it was okay!” NO dont do that. watch a horror movie or something fucker

6. core workouts- situps in particular are great :) 

7. LAUGH!!!!!! this one isnt specifically for touch starvation, but more for a buildup of cortisol. i cant stress enough how great this one is. if youre in need of a laugh visit my page because im hilarious. curing touch starvation one tumblr user at a time

alright thats all ive got for you today. it’s important to remember that it isn’t lame or weird or anything. theres nothing wrong with craving contact. it’s normal- nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. it’s a beautifully human thing to long for the love of another so wholly and intensely that it’s unbearably painful. i’m not as much of an expert on this topic, but i digress! oh also pets. ofc. here are some articles that i found that discuss this :). 

@lucisadventures​

#touch starvation #im so touch starved #advice #adhd #autism #nuerodivergent #depression #quarentine #alternative solutions #feeling lonely #fear not dearest hellsite inhabitants

[nonclassyparty]

I think I am at a loss for words to show my breathlessness at the reading I have just done. You've done it again, you've made me a passenger on the most turbulently beautiful roller coaster, with a myriad of highs and lows that made it truthfully memorable.

My heart won't stop thinking about it, and maybe skipping a beat or two waiting to read you again. I'll definitely be going back through this playlist, both written and musical. And how can I not? If every single thing you do is impossible not to love. It's in the emphasis of emotions, the visual and auditory dedication, the precision in the details, how from various things you manage to originate something new and fresh, the subtle references, ... It's such a unique creation, it says a lot about who is behind it, even if we don't know each other personally.

So I come to my favourite part of the acknowledgements I do.... The questions:

- Apart from using romcoms as inspiration, have you based any facts or characters on any person in your life?

- What was the thing that made you want to write this wonder? And how is your process of developing ideas (the writer in me is curious)?

- Do you have a specific photograph that inspired you to come up with the outfits for her? And if so, as I've seen with the skirt, and if it's not too pertinent, are they based on your own wardrobe?

- What's your take on love? Whether it's a specific setting, a song, a character you've written, a detail or anything really! We're so used to getting our eyes drenched in tears with the delicious angst of your stories, so it's interesting for me to know what a more erm... Loving? By this author (if your pronouns are female, if not, correct me!)

- How come every one of your Wooyoungs is so easy to love? There's no way to hate them. They are like an accumulation of characteristics that together form the most perfect combination, both in their flaws and in their virtues.

- In SVOH, at the end you bring closure to the protagonist's relationship with Wooyoung and introduce the character of Sunny, at what point in the timeline does this happen? After the end? I assume

I have many more questions but I'll leave them for another day, let's go little by little. I wanted to thank you for awakening an inner Sunny in me that I had, but for fear I hadn't let out. I will be stronger. Thank you so much for letting us read your amazing stories on this platform, it's always a joy to read you.

Best regards, love you author-ssi!

(I found the -ssi pretty endearing)

Nananon 🤍

well wait a damn minute. i had to sit down for this one. first of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH. i don't know what else to say because wow you talked me up way too much with this😭 thank you seriously💗

now for the questions;

errr i honestly don't know about the characters? they just wrote themselves for this one i guess BUT for the facts, when sunny said her dad's car broke down on the day she was born that was the experience of my father except his car lit up on fire on his way to the hospital so that was something i decided to add bc it just seemed to fit sunny😭

well when i posted wooyoung's svoh part a lot of people wanted me to do an alternative ending for it and i don't like those so i was against it but i still wanted to give a better ending for him so i decided to write this one-shot for him. and since obviously he got his heart broken in 'when you end it' i had to show how it affected him in this one and the idea for sunny's character came from there (also i'm a huge sucker for stories when one lead is gloomy and cynical while the other is a literal ray of sunshine 😭 ). im a big fan of john hughes' movies so i was inspired a lot by them for this story and recently i've been really into writing feel-good pieces, with heartwarming, sweet and a little bit cheesy moments bc i love reading stuff like that so i decided to give it a try. my process of developing ideas goes a little bit like this; i figure out the climax first for some reason and build everything leading up to it and following after it based on the climax. my drafts consist of literally each scene in the story described in a sentence or two when that's done, i decide on something completely random that i want to weave through the story to make it sort of tied together for example; in sr it's y/n's visions of her art in her head, for wooyoung's playlist it was sunny's radio show. i find that it makes the story seem a lot more put together and its also sorta cute to me😭

sunny's wardrobe was based on her character, i didn't have a specific style for her i just knew she wears whatever she feels like and doesn't stick to specific trends or anything. plus i love fashion so it's fun to pick out outfits for my characters and i know how someone dresses isn't a reflection of who they are as a person but in my stories IT IS! 😭 one more proof that i take a lot of inspo from movies bc i play a lot into the stereotypes from them when it comes to my characters but idk how to explain it, i think it just helps everyone imagine the characters better 😭 sunny's wardrobe was kind of based on my wardrobe but maybe 10x when it comes to how colorful it is lol

whew this one is kinda hard. but i actually have a winnie the pooh quote (😭😭😭) which i think describes it perfectly; “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our heart.” and that's just so true. little simple gestures can be done by anyone and yet they're not. which is why i think they're so important. they literally cost nothing but are worth a whole lot to me 😭

errrrr i am wooyoung's no.1 fan so i just think i'm incapable of writing him as anything but loveable no matter what. i watch a lot of atz content so i think i pick up things from that as well😭 he's very endearing

wooyoung's playlist takes time when svoh!y/n meets mingi and starts her relationship with him.

wow thank you so much for these wonderful questions, they were very fun to answer!!! and i'm really glad you enjoyed the story as well ❤️

#nana❤️

[thepermanentrainpress]

CONCERT REVIEW: CARLY RAE JEPSEN AT DOUG MITCHELL THUNDERBIRD SPORTS CENTRE - OCTOBER 29TH, 2022

What can you expect from a Carly Rae Jepsen concert held on Halloween weekend? Fans across all eras of the icon of pop gathered at Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver on October 29 to experience the irresistibly catchy tunes of Carly Rae Jepsen. “The So Nice Tour” was a celebration of Jepsen’s discography and brought joy to an eclectic, ramped up crowd already prepared to dance the night away.

What made the show special for me was seeing how Carly Rae Jepsen is both underrated yet absolutely beloved in the pop music scene. Her music stood the test of time, bringing loyal fans and “gay icon” status. This concert embraced her sweet-toothed sound and her whimsical, cutesy, almost intentionally corny and over-the-top aesthetic. The stage was dotted with sticker-like lights and stage decor — hearts, clouds, and stars — to create a 70s inspired retro disco set.

Jepsen opened the show with “This Love Isn’t Crazy” and more importantly, the saxophone-laden “Run Away With Me.” The entire crowd roared when the opening saxophone played, myself included. Jepsen had a real saxophone player join her on stage for this song, as well as incredibly talented backup dancers to accompany the visuals and flashing lights.

I also enjoyed that Jepsen was able to rally with her fans. Although she didn’t talk or interact with the crowd that much, Jepsen used in between songs to share personal anecdotes about her life and the process of her music. Some of these anecdotes included facts about her that only fans would know, and I think it’s a testament to how dedicated they are. For example, after she sang “Julien” she told the audience about how much he sucked (Julien is her ex — and he does suck).

The energy throughout the show was pure joyous, bubbly, happy fun vibes. She played her first hit “Call Me Maybe” and “Emotion” close together, reviving anyone in the crowd that dared to sit down. Later during the encore, she played her latest TikTok hit “The Loneliest Time.” The talking moon from the music video preempted the performance, and it was utter magic.

My favourite moment, however, was probably when she sang “Go Find Yourself or Whatever” because it showcases Jepsen’s range. The song was a nice break from all of the upbeat dance tunes, and it was lovely to hear her vocal abilities in a slower, more emotional song. In all honesty, I did not expect her to possess vocals that would resonate well live, but she did.

At the end of the night I was so tired from dancing in my chair. Jepsen is a performer through and through, and this tour was so well thought-out and energizing. It was great to see everyone dancing through the entire show — especially given that it was Halloween weekend, and many people were in costumes! Jepsen is an artist that loves her fans and knows how to make them have fun and happiness. She thanked us for being there for her, and encouraged us to stay strong and be ourselves.

Written by: Alexa Tarrayo Photographed by: Chris Ho

#PRconcert #Review #concert #concert review #Music #live music #Live Nation #Vancouver #yvr #Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre #UBC #Carly Rae Jepsen #The So Nice Tour #604 Records #Alexa #Alexa Tarrayo #The Loneliest Time #Call Me Maybe #Good Time #I Really Like You #Run Away With Me #Party for One #Cut to the Feeling #gig #show #show review

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is a treasure; a movie so easy to fall in love with that you might not appreciate it fully. It has so many memorable scenes, lines, characters, and performances between the wonderful songs it’s best not to say which moment is your favorite. Voicing any one thing as "the best" would inevitably make someone bring up another that’ll make you regret your decision.

Running away from her home after her cruel neighbor threatens her dog Toto, young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) is whisked away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Meeting up with a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), a Tin Man (Jack Haley), and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), the newfound friends set off for the Emerald City, where the Wizard of Oz will grant them their fondest desires.

The picture’s a visual feast. From the exquisite matte painting that makes the yellow brick road stretch endlessly to the Munchkin village and the denizens of the Emerald City, there’s always something to fill your eyes with sparkles. The forethought to pack the film with such splendid vistas is a boon to a picture that’s been referenced, parodied, and shown on TV so many times you probably know it by heart. Despite this, I always discover something new about The Wizard of Oz every time I watch it: the rhymes in the Scarecrow’s introductory song, the special effects in the twister sequence, the costumes adorning the Witch’s Winky guards… they all contribute to that feeling of perpetual joy that comes from sitting down and watching the film all the way through.

This is the musical fantasy genre at its best. Devoid of any cynicism, the film’s only concern is to deliver great songs and dazzle you by bringing L. Frank Baum’s beloved book to life. It’s light and silly, but can also be a little scary - just enough to make the stakes feel real - and your heart is sure to break a little during Somewhere Over the Rainbow. There’s plenty of humor, particularly once the Cowardly Lion (my personal favorite, though I may regret saying this) is introduced. You can feel the joy, the excitement contained in every picturesque frame. All those vivid colors, the imagination present in all of the different locations, and the look of all of these wild characters just make you smile.

I’ve always found the way The Wizard of Oz ends bittersweet at best. The land of Oz, with its penchant for breaking into wonderfully choreographed songs and dances is so much more beautiful and lively than dusty old Kansas with its chores, harsh neighbors, and ordinary-looking people. Whenever a character leaves their normal existence to go to a fantastic place filled with wild adventures, it feels strange to me that they want to return home. If it were up to me, this trip to Oz would never end, but that would make this adventure less special, wouldn’t it? If it were just one of many? The fact that the escape is only temporary makes popping this MGM classic into your machine such a joy. With its arms and heart perpetually open, The Wizard of Oz is a brief but forever-cherished reprieve from reality. (On DVD, October 25, 2017)

#The Wizard of Oz #movies #films #movie reviews #film reviews #Victor Fleming #Noel Langley #Florence Ryerson #Edgar Allan Woolf #Judy Garland #Frank Morgan #Ray Bolger #Bert Lahr #Jack Haley #Billie Burke #Margaret Hamilton #Charley Grapewin #The Munchkins #1939 movies #1939 films