#There are no immediate checkpoints in my future

[nataliesnews]

It is a very sad day. Veronica phoned me this morning to tell me that Uta's mother had died after a long illness. I spoke to her just a few days ago and she knew she was dying and was so brave. I am glad that I had the opportunity of meeting her, even if only for a few days and since then we have been in touch all the time. I often thought of her when I was writing my letters and wondering what she thought.

Then yesterday too my friend's grandson was mortally  wounded. He has particles in his brain and there does not seem to be much hope. It was only the other day that I had supper with her and Robbie and she said that she does not sleep at night. That it would break them if something happened to him .

 I can think of nothing positive happening in my life. Then I read of our president whom I realise does not have a brain in his head.  He signs a rocket which is going to kill people as if he were writing on someone's bandages leg or knee?  And then there are people who laugh at their sufferings. 

It is getting harder and harder to write.  woman Orit Stroch. a settler, who wrote demanding to know whether the pilots who said they would not report for future reserve duty had refused to take part in the war? By the way she is also the one who said that  no doctor should have to treat anyone from the gay community if it conflicted with their religious beliefs. And for support which Netanyahu gave the general who replied to her read the attached

Outrage as far-right minister suggests some pilots refusing air support for Gaza troops

Settlements Minister Orit Strock widely reported to ask at cabinet if some in Air Force are failing to carry out their duties for ideological reasons

Today the Jerusalem municipality came to the tent of the families and took down and tore  all their signs  and a bunch of hooligans came past screaming that all the families are traitors and caused the death of their children and the war and that piece of shit whose two sons cower behind them is quiet. That is Israel today of Netanyahu.  

After a long interval because of the war, we had not been to the DCO and decided to go.  We were surprised to find about 15 men there. They had all been summoned by the ISA, the secret service. One indignantly told us that he had to pull his trousers down to his ankles and did not know why. They also told us that the Satmar cult comes into their neighborhoods with the Palestinian flag with no problem. They were all very pleasant.

We then decided to see what is happening at the entrance to Beit Lechem from road 60. Until the war the road was completely open but this is the way it looks now. We stopped a short distance before the checkpoint. 

Shlomit got out to photograph and immediately a soldier came running up demanding our IDs. We told him we only have to show IDs to a policeman and when he said he was also a policeman asked to be shown identification.  Also , as we were on the main road of the town and not in the area of the checkpoint, to be shown proof that where we were standing was a closed army area. He claimed that we had photographed him and said that it was easy to identify him....I leave that to your judgement,He said he would phone the police and we said to be our guest. I said to Shlomit that it was just as well we  had not driven off before we saw him approaching us as in this day and age he would probably have taken a shot at us. But all's well that ends well....He had evidently phoned the representative of the DCO. He   knew us from former days at Etzion and we showed him the photo which he did not  ask to have deleted  and  after a short and pleasant conversation continued on our way home. 

Today we went to plant trees with one of the farmers from Burin. Not that I could help but I go to identify. This is how the others went up. Her ladyship went up by taxi. i don't think it is the help which is important but that we come. We left early though as the Palestinian authority phoned and said that the area was getting restless and we should go and then too soldiers and settlers started coming down the mountain. But people bought a lot of his olives and olive oil. I asked where his family was ...usually it is very joyous there and the house was so empty but he said it was too dangerous from them to be there so they had gone to live in the village.

But then we also have this......I remember how Israelis said what animals the Palestinians are that whenever there was an attack on Israelis they would go out to celebrate and give out sweets. Evidently Israelis are also keen to learn from Palestinians as this is what some soldiers did.... singing and dancing in the street and giving out sweets at the death of one of the Hamas. Not that I feel any grief for him but this is not the Jewish way. But today I no longer think that there is a Jewish way. I think we have learned only too well of how to hate and how to conduct pogroms. They should remember the Peisach seder where God rebukes his angels for singing when the Egyptians drowned. 

and this caricature appeared in one of the far right newspapers. If it  had been from a newspaper on the left or a journalist/ whoever published it would already be sitting in jail/ If you want to know what this is about look at the pdf below. It is too complicated for me to go into it.

Sorry I wish I could write something positive

Henrietta Szold 2

Migdal Nofim Room 708

Kiryat Hayovel

Jerusalem 9650230

Israel

Tel 0528-375593

Nofim Tel 972-(0)2-6580222

Home 972 (2)6418387 no messages

It is a very sad day. Veronica phoned me this morning to tell me that Uta's mother had died after a long illness. I spoke to her just a few days ago and she knew she was dying and was so brave. I am glad that I had the opportunity of meeting her, even if only for a few days and since then we have been in touch all the time. I often thought of her when I was writing my letters and wondering what she thought.

Then yesterday too my friend's grandson was mortally  wounded. He has particles in his brain and there does not seem to be much hope. It was only the other day that I had supper with her and Robbie and she said that she does not sleep at night. That it would break them if something happened to him .

 I can think of nothing positive happening in my life. Then I read of our president whom I realise does not have a brain in his head.  He signs a rocket which is going to kill people as if he were writing on someone's bandages leg or knee?  And then there are people who laugh at their sufferings. 

It is getting harder and harder to write.  woman Orit Stroch. a settler, who wrote demanding to know whether the pilots who said they would not report for future reserve duty had refused to take part in the war? By the way she is also the one who said that  no doctor should have to treat anyone from the gay community if it conflicted with their religious beliefs. And for support which Netanyahu gave the general who replied to her read the attached

Outrage as far-right minister suggests some pilots refusing air support for Gaza troops

Settlements Minister Orit Strock widely reported to ask at cabinet if some in Air Force are failing to carry out their duties for ideological reasons

Today the Jerusalem municipality came to the tent of the families and took down and tore  all their signs  and a bunch of hooligans came past screaming that all the families are traitors and caused the death of their children and the war and that piece of shit whose two sons cower behind them is quiet. That is Israel today of Netanyahu.  

After a long interval because of the war, we had not been to the DCO and decided to go.  We were surprised to find about 15 men there. They had all been summoned by the ISA, the secret service. One indignantly told us that he had to pull his trousers down to his ankles and did not know why. They also told us that the Satmar cult comes into their neighborhoods with the Palestinian flag with no problem. They were all very pleasant.

We then decided to see what is happening at the entrance to Beit Lechem from road 60. Until the war the road was completely open but this is the way it looks now. We stopped a short distance before the checkpoint. 

Shlomit got out to photograph and immediately a soldier came running up demanding our IDs. We told him we only have to show IDs to a policeman and when he said he was also a policeman asked to be shown identification.  Also , as we were on the main road of the town and not in the area of the checkpoint, to be shown proof that where we were standing was a closed army area. He claimed that we had photographed him and said that it was easy to identify him....I leave that to your judgement,He said he would phone the police and we said to be our guest. I said to Shlomit that it was just as well we  had not driven off before we saw him approaching us as in this day and age he would probably have taken a shot at us. But all's well that ends well....He had evidently phoned the representative of the DCO. He   knew us from former days at Etzion and we showed him the photo which he did not  ask to have deleted  and  after a short and pleasant conversation continued on our way home. 

Today we went to plant trees with one of the farmers from Burin. Not that I could help but I go to identify. This is how the others went up. Her ladyship went up by taxi. i don't think it is the help which is important but that we come. We left early though as the Palestinian authority phoned and said that the area was getting restless and we should go and then too soldiers and settlers started coming down the mountain. But people bought a lot of his olives and olive oil. I asked where his family was ...usually it is very joyous there and the house was so empty but he said it was too dangerous from them to be there so they had gone to live in the village.

But then we also have this......I remember how Israelis said what animals the Palestinians are that whenever there was an attack on Israelis they would go out to celebrate and give out sweets. Evidently Israelis are also keen to learn from Palestinians as this is what some soldiers did.... singing and dancing in the street and giving out sweets at the death of one of the Hamas. Not that I feel any grief for him but this is not the Jewish way. But today I no longer think that there is a Jewish way. I think we have learned only too well of how to hate and how to conduct pogroms. They should remember the Peisach seder where God rebukes his angels for singing when the Egyptians drowned. 

and this caricature appeared in one of the far right newspapers. If it  had been from a newspaper on the left or a journalist/ whoever published it would already be sitting in jail/ If you want to know what this is about look at the pdf below. It is too complicated for me to go into it.

Sorry I wish I could write something positive

Henrietta Szold 2

Migdal Nofim Room 708

Kiryat Hayovel

Jerusalem 9650230

Israel

Tel 0528-375593

Nofim Tel 972-(0)2-6580222

Home 972 (2)6418387 no messages

[twistedwonderlandfantasies]

The Boys Eating Pocky with You

Leona, Malleus, Idia, Azul, Vil, Riddle

Fem!reader

Tags: fluff, kissing

💛Leona:

 You had gotten your hands on a box of pocky while running a few errands for Leona earlier. A lazy boyfriend is a lazy boyfriend… no way around it. Of course, you’d never expect to find the snack here, as its connotation is a little too risque for school, so you thought. Nonetheless, there you were skipping your way into Savanaclaw, giddy to show your lover the find. “Leona” you chirped, entering into his room. The housewarden was leisurely napping on his bed before his ears twitched at the sound of your voice, an eye then slowly peeling open. “Hm? Back so soon herbivore?” He fixed himself on the bed, getting into a more comfortable position before closing his eye back to nap once more. You walked over to sit on the edge of his mattress, making it obvious you weren’t in the mood for napping with him. “Leona? Come on, I have something to show you.” You watched the lion groan in response before tiredly sitting up, barely opening his eyes again to meet your face. “What is it? Don’t tell me you brought another comb.” (Indeed you have been experimenting with how to brush out his ears and tail— though he hates when you touch his sensitive spots like that). “No, no, look.” You proudly raise the box of sweets to show off before Leona raises a brow. “Alright, what is that?” “I’ll show you.” You quickly respond before opening the box and take out a stick to put one side of it in your mouth. Leona looks for a few moments, observing you. After you eye and nudge your head to signal him to do the same, he warily takes the other end. You bite a piece, then he follows suit. You continue like this until your lips finally meet. Leona chuckles into the kiss before releasing, clearly amused at your little game. “If you wanted a kiss, you could have just told me.” He takes the box from your hand to put aside before suddenly pulling you by the waist so you lay on top of him. “Now come here you.” He never liked sweets much anyways, but he sure likes his herbivore. 

💚Malleus: 

Malleus was always excited to see what human things you would bring when coming to visit Diasomnia. And of course you loved showing your boyfriend your hobbies, favorite games, movies, even snacks. After getting past security checkpoint *cough* Sebek, you made your way to Malleus’s room, knocking on his door before the fae rushed over to open up, knowing it could be none other than his love. “Y/N, I’m so happy to see you.” He placed a kiss on your cheek before immediately taking the bag of goods from your hand. His future queen should never have to carry things on her own, after all. He placed the mystery item aside to walk you over to have a seat on the couch, making sure you rest from your journey. “My love has come to visit again, I see, and you brought another surprise?” He grinned like a child receiving candy. Your presence just makes this man light up, totally ignoring the sulking and suffocating atmosphere which had enveloped him only moments ago. “May I look inside?” He asked,  curiously eyeing the bag. “Of course! Go ahead, see what you think.” You answered him with equal delight. You wished you could capture his adorable face every time you’d bring him a gift. Malleus pulled out a few cans of your favorite soda, some bags of savory foods, a bar of chocolate, and pocky. He looked at each item carefully, memorizing and examining what you like. When he grabbed the pocky, you called to him. “Oh! bring that over!” You patted the seat next to you, your boyfriend coming to sit with the pocky in hand. “Open it up.” You smiled seeing him carefully tear open the box. He pulled out a stick, eyeing it up and down. “My love, what is this? It’s covered in chocolate.” “Mhm.” You nodded before taking his hand in yours to bring the snack over to your lips where you took one end in your mouth. Malleus looked surprised, tilting his head in confusion. You guided his hand off the pocky, then cupping his face to bring him closer where he finally realized to repeat what you did. After you both ate the snack your lips finally met, having a rather long kiss. “Do you like it?” “Y/N, I like anything you bring me. Especially if it involves getting to feel your sweet lips.” Malleus whispered to you before leaning in again. 

💙Idia:

You both had planned to have a movie night together over the weekend. You picked the movie this time while Idia chose all the snacks. “Idia, Idia! Please don’t tell me you have your headset on again and you can’t hear me!” You knocked on his door hoping the boy hadn’t decided to cram in a last-minute gaming session before your arrival. As you were about to start banging on the door in frustration, you heard the doorknob turn. Idia opened up, welcoming you inside with a smile. “Come on, is that anyway to say hello?” He teased, walking in with you. Idia had actually been setting up his game-room into a make-shift theater. He put up the projector, fairy lights, he even got extra pillows. And best of all was an entire table stacked with junk food. Chips, cookies, cupcakes, sodas, juices, energy drinks, everything! You thought you felt your jaw drop for a moment. You sure judged him wrong, turning over to suddenly give him a big hug. “Babe! Oh my gosh… this is amazing!” You gave him a ton of kisses before excitedly going over to get comfortable on the super soft couch. “I’m glad you like it.” He said cooly, but internally was totally going nuts. Oh gods she’s so happy! Score! Ten points for me! Okay chill… have to look like I didn’t search up how to wow your girlfriend on a date… Idia joined you and began playing your chosen movie. After some time passed of intense snacking and cuddling, your boyfriend reached over to grab a box of pocky. “Do you know what this is?” He asked with a smirk. You immediately nodded, giving him an equally suggestive glance. “Of course I know. Wanna play?” Idia responded by opening the box and taking out a stick, placing it into his mouth. You took the other end, and you both began swiftly eating it. Of course you wanted to eat all the chocolatey part, but also to give him a kiss. When your lips finally met the ends of Idia’s hair turned a shade of light pink. You released, looking back into his eyes. “Wanna play again?” “That’s why I bought three more boxes.” He grinned before pulling out another stick. 

💜Azul:

You knew your lover had just finished all his work for the day. He sat in his office, relaxing a bit before he heard the door open. “I’m not seeing anyone right no- oh- Y/N.” His face lit up seeing you walk in, forgetting all the tiredness he had just felt moments ago. “Well, you’re always a welcome customer~” “Oh yeah, and what are we making a deal on?” You continued his joke, walking up to him. “How about a hug and a kiss in return for more hugs and kisses.” Azul was a completely different man with you, a total romantic. He pulled you in by the waist once you got close enough, wrapping you in his arms while you sat on his leg. “I think I can agree to that.” You smiled, leaning in to give him a kiss. Azul released the peck to rest his head on your shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of your skin. “You’re exactly what I needed now. Can we stay like this?” He spoke into the crevice of your neck. You rubbed his back, letting him relax on you before suddenly remembering why you came in the first place. “Azul… I brought something to show you.” He slowly sat back up straight, looking at you curiously. “What is it my dear?” You pulled out the pocky, showing it to him. “It’s a snack that can also be used in a special game.” Now Azul was interested, carefully listening. “You hold the stick with your mouth and see who can eat faster.” You explained before putting one end against your lips to show him. “A sweet treat that ends in an even sweeter treat, then?” Azul chuckled. “Very well, I think I’ll look forward to this game.” He took the other end and began slowly chewing. When your lips met, he wasted no time in pulling you closer to extend his kiss. An idea popped into the boy's head, releasing you to speak. “Y/N, how about we make a deal. Whoever eats faster, gets to kiss however long they want.” He suggested confidently. Of course, you had no qualms with this idea, curious to see how fast Azul is willing to scarf down pocky to kiss you. “Alright. And whoever has the most wins gets to decide what happens after.” You added, the boy nodding in agreement before pulling out another stick eagerly from the box in your hand to put in his mouth. 

🖤Vil:

While grocery shopping you came across the snack aisle, deciding to see if there was anything new. You loved buying for Vil, too, checking for anything that was a healthier alternative to most junk food that he could try. You caught sight of something immediately jumping in surprise. Pocky! But would he be willing to try it? One way to find out. You grabbed a box and made your way to the cashier, finishing up your chores for the day to go visit him after his rehearsals. “Vil, darling?” You called, hoping to find him backstage in his private dressing room. You saw him sitting in a chair in front of his mirror, fixing his makeup. You looked at him for a moment, admiring his perfect posture and face before calling him again. “My love,” you spoke gently so as not to startle him. Vil turned his head to see you by the door before giving a warm smile. “Why, if it isn’t my precious potato. Come closer, don’t be shy now.” He beckoned as you walked over, a bag of fruits, water, and pocky in hand. “I figured you’d be spent after so many hours working, so I brought you some refreshments.” You thoughtfully placed the bag next to him. Vil kissed your hand in return, then took a look at your gifts. He always appreciated how you would choose his favorite things to bring, even taking into account what brand of water he likes. His eyes caught sight of the pocky, taking it out. “What’s this?” He carefully looked. “It’s a snack I really like. The thing is, it doubles as a game partners can play. May I?” You took the pocky from him to open it and pull out a stick. “Open your mouth.” Vil paused for a moment, examining the chocolate covered sweet before deciding to follow along. You took the other end and began chewing. It quickly registered to Vil that the game was meant to earn a kiss from whoever you’re playing with, smirking at its objective when your lips finally met. He made sure to savor the interaction before pulling away. “I wasn’t sure if you’d want to try it, since it isn’t really your sort of snack…” you mumbled. Vil looked up at you, caressing your cheek. “My dear, for you I’d eat the whole box.” 

❤️Riddle:

You were filling in for Ace today, painting the roses. You had promised him to do the job in return for baby-sitting Grim. It was also an easy way to spend time with Riddle. You peacefully continued your painting, mind wandering and humming a favorite tune. “What a beautiful site.” You heard Riddle speak from a few bushes down. You instantly set your brush aside, smiling at his appearance. “Riddle!” You walked over to give him a tight hug. He embraced you, letting you both stay in that position for a while. “Don’t stop now, I love watching you like this. Although you shouldn’t be doing Ace’s job…” He relented for a moment before sighing. “But I suppose since I get to see you I will make an exception.” You gave him a peck on the cheek for his comment, happy he wanted to see you just as much as you do him. “How about a break?” Riddle suggested, pointing to the gazebo. “I wouldn’t mind.” You quickly walked over to grab your stuff before following him to have a seat. You went to pull out your water bottle from your bag before noticing the snack you had brought along for the day. A great idea popped into your head, taking out the pocky to open it. Riddle watched you carefully, before you looked at him with a smile. “Would you like to play?” “Play what?” He asked while seeing the pocky stick in your hand. “See who can eat faster.” You took his chin with your finger and thumb to part his lips, putting the stick in while your mouth held the other side. Once you began chewing he followed along. As you were approaching the end you quickly went in for a peck. You could see a tinge of blush spread across the housewardens cheeks before he smirked. “Quite an attractive game. Come on now, let's play again.” This time he pulled out a stick and placed it into your mouth, greedy to continue. 

[infinitebrians]

Favorite Games of 2023 Part 2: Super Mario Wonder

What a weird thing to say but this really is the best Super Mario has been as a 2D platforming game since the Super Nintendo! An overall creatively fresh look on that guy Mario and what he can do when he’s only got two directions to run around in. Just a true delight all the way through, I never had a bad time playing it. The new features like the badges and wonder seeds all gave the game a fun amount of variety and character to the game always keeping a sense of surprise in each area that at their very worst was easily ignored. Also a very lovely game visually that gave character to its characters and a fun new set of weird critters to appreciate.

A unique aspect for my playthrough of Mario Wonder was I insisted on playing through the whole game using my new snackbox leverless controller (arcade stick controller sans the stick). I’ve been wanting to try that controller with a side scrolling game because I kept hearing people play other side scrollers with it and it sounded like a fun perfect test case for that idea. I had a blast playing through the whole game with it. Using it’s button based directions felt entirely natural to play through the entire game with it and I’m absolutely going to be using it for any further similarly structured games in the future. The only time the unique button controls did not feel natural was when I was in situations involving four way direction like the water levels or those surprisingly frequent times where you turn into slime. That controller rules and I always feel bad I don’t like using it too much since I don’t always want to just get absolutely destroyed at fighting games all the time.

The thing though that I will always remember Mario Wonder is surprisingly enough it’s online feature. When this online aspect of the game was announced, a feature while you’ll see and be able to lightly interact with live ghosts of other players who are also playing the same level as you, I joked about Mario Wonder being the second ever strand game. Now having played the game 100%, I am absolutely standing by that statement. I’ve had numerous tiny but memorable experiences with other players with that feature either dancing around, spamming the simple emotes, or even helping each other out through tricky parts of the level. One experience of that in particular, the one this post’s drawing is referencing, happened during the final final challenge level where a Japanese Nabbit player and I were helping (them more to me than me to them) each other through a series of areas in that level. We would emote chirp at each other, cheering us on, and more importantly, wait at the room exits so when we left the room at the same time we’d maintain our online instance together. It happened for a whole checkpoint’s worth of that final level and it would’ve been longer if I didn’t screw up immediately with the infinite sprint badge room LIKE A FOOL. That player was a huge help to me with the few of the toughest rooms of that whole challenge and a very appreciated companion.

These little stories and memories I gathered from such a silly little feature gave me such a warm feeling toward everyone I was playing with in the game, we were all here to help push each other forward. A mechanic that gave people the encouragement to help each other out and feel good in the process of doing it, a fun look at what can be done with online semi anonmyous interaction. I’ll always appreciate that Nabbit player, I hope they’re having a happy new year.

[sincerely-sofie]

I'm not sure if you've said this outright but, how old are each of the characters?

Barring the obvious exceptions, Ark and Celebi, I've been trying, and failing, to figure out how old they all were during the events of EOS, it's post-game and TPiaG.

My failure to set concrete ages for the characters as well as neglecting to plot a year-by-year timeline is finally catching up with me.

I never really paid much attention to the cast’s ages beyond being kids vs. adults. The accuracy of a timeline has never been as important to me as telling a story, as long as it mostly makes sense at first glance. I am mathematically challenged, after all. However, I’ve attempted to redeem my past laziness and finally sat down to make a series of checkpoints for the ages of the main cast (those who age, at least) throughout the events of the game and fanfic! I really hope I got the math and events right… As a quick way of calculating people’s ages, I used Twig as a waypoint for everyone else to be based around.

When Twig and Grovyle first encounter each other, they’re very young. I think I said Twig was six years old when she left her bunker in TPiaG itself, but based on how I wrote her as a human, I think I should bump that number up to eight.

Twig: 8

Grovyle (Technically “Treecko” at this point): 16

They join forces with Celebi two years later, and Dusknoir starts tracking them immediately after.

Twig: 10

Grovyle: 18

Dusknoir: 41

At the start of the in-game events of Explorers of Sky, the characters are as follows:

Twig: 13

Kip: 12

Grovyle: 21

Dusknoir: 44

Team Venture graduates from the Guild eight years later, which makes everyone…

Twig: 21

Kip: 20

Grovyle: 29

Dusknoir: 52

The reunion with the Future Trio at the start of TPiaG occurs two years after that.

Twig: 23

Kip: 22

Grovyle: 31

Dusknoir: 54

By the time Twig encounters an amnesiac Darkrai, Kip’s been on his expedition for an additional two years.

Twig: 25

Kip: 24

Grovyle: 33

Dusknoir: 56

Ark goes soul-searching after the end of TPiaG, the main events of which take place across about a year, for one full year. This means by the time he and Twig become housemates again, everyone is as follows—

Twig: 27

Kip: 26

Grovyle: 35

Dusknoir: 58

Twig and Ark enter a romantic relationship three years later.

Twig: 30

Kip: 29

Grovyle: 33

Dusknoir: 61

Opal comes along about two years after that.

Twig: 32

Kip: 31

Grovyle: 40

Dusknoir: 63

This is a very rough timeline, and probably won’t hold up to much scrutiny at all. But I hope this helps make things a little easier to imagine!

[deuterium51614]

RobiHachi Rewatch Part 2

This time around, I had to watch the episodes on my computer, because for some reason my dad wanted to watch the Super Bowl? Which?? We're not a football-household??? (He said it's for the commercials, but we can just watch them on YouTube later?) Anyway, at least I was able to write all my notes as I watched!

Episode Five

Haccone!

I love how in this sci-fi series, they still have tolls that you have to physically stop at a checkpoint for and not just like. An EZ-Pass method of being able to drive through.

I like the two little Beetlejuice-looking sandworm aliens in the bath.

It's funny that the green aliens that constantly trample Robby are in the bath, and we later see them passing through the checkpoint. Like, if our trio hadn't gone immediately to the checkpoint and just enjoyed themselves on Haccone, they probably would've come to the checkpoint the same time as that group, and just found out that they needed to say they were going to Isekandar.

The entrance to the Don's residence is a suspension bridge... It's like he wants to create the feeling of love before visitors are even in his presence.

Is the line about "getting our souls sucked out" a reference to a kappa stealing the shirikodama? (It's also funny this came out the same season as Sarazanmai... Crossover when?)

Robby being a creep counter +1 (going after that trio of girls, and then saying Hatchi took "his" group of tourist girls away)

"You Earth men really love your hot springs!" (Does this count as a microaggression?)

So was Haccone already named that before Wombat came, or did he rename it when he brought hot springs?

Also, now that I'm thinking about it... I've always thought RobiHachi and Boueibu took place in the same universe because of this episode and the references later, but because of the movie changing the years I thought the series took place...

Could Boueibu, not CIDER like I thought based off the posters, be the show within RobiHachi? Except it's not an anime, but live action? So Wombat's an actor? (So it's okay, guys, En's not homeless, no one else has their respective futures--they're all just actors reprising their roles!)

Episode Six

"Once we get to Hamama II, I'll show you how to eat true eel." Is that a euphemism? asklfda

The trio getting chased by the giant eel reminds me of the sandworm from Beetlejuice.

"Claims to the throne" (Is that another Boueibu reference they slipped in? Also the fact that everyone on this planet is a man...)

Really, what is Yang's deal in this episode?

"Earthlings all look the same to me." (Another microaggression?)

Robby being a creep counter +1 (looking for girls the whole episode, and whatever he's dreaming lol)

I just saw the new Wallace & Gromit, so Yang's gargling sounds in the hall remind me of the gnome when it's charging aslfjsf

When I first saw this episode, I did see the twist coming that Hamamans would all be men, but I also was predicting that like. The eels they ride were the females.

I forgot about the volleyball scene. Takamatsu really loves his volleyball setting scenes, doesn't he?

Episode Seven

The fact that Akka Sakka has an entrance that you have to pay to get into makes me think about how landing there works. Cause the previous planets feel like they just landed wherever? Mars, Pluto, Odwarla, and Hamama II especially. I wonder how common it is for travelers to accidentally land in the middle of the park?

Ikku's doing the Arthur fist meme. And I love his face when his cheeks and mouths are star-shaped, it's so cute!

Gotta add the Akka Sakka song to my Umatani playlist on Spotify. ("Happy Dream")

Their experience in the teacups was literally me when I was a kid at Disney. Hated that ride.

So... How does Yang even know Robby's on Akka Sakka? Was that established? I guess maybe they saw his ship parked when they landed? Or maybe when Hatchi used his social media to get in, it could've posted something?

Hatchi's child design is really cute! In the booklet that came with the bluray, he kinda looks alien-ish. Is he half-alien? Like because of Luna Land and everything?

All the running up the stairs is giving me Utena vibes.

How did Robby and Hatchi manage to launch themselves like that? There wasn't much momentum in the previous shot lol

Gotta add this song to my playlist, too. ("Forever")

Is Ikku genuinely asking what ringing the bell means, or does he already know and is just teasing Hatchi about the fact he married Robby accidentally?

Episode Eight

The Nagaya Voyager was rainbow when it warped out, and then there's the implication that Robby and Hatchi were bathing together. (I mean, in the subs Ikku says Hatchi was in the bath, but I think in the dub he asks if they were bathing together?)

That shot after they land reminds me of a Humongous Entertainment game... Putt-Putt Travels Through Time, I think? (Which is giving me the idea to just. Edit Putt-Putt into a crowd shot lol)

I love how Yang has a little plushie or figure of Robby at his computer.

I like the Mecha Count's design.

WAIT OMG I never noticed, but Robby's age is on the hologram that Gras brings up. He's canonically 31! (I put him at 30 for that ship meme I did, so at least I wasn't far off...)

Robot Fight Club lol

Ah, so this confirms they're in the torso of Hizakuriger, I forgot about that. (Hence my confusion in my previous post.)

The raps feel like they'd be on Adult Swim as commercial bumpers lol (And I think I'll add them to my playlist, too!)

What is Hatchi's "what does it mean to be human?" clip a reference to? Not the line, but his robot look?

[lisa-and-shadow]

I didn't realized you had shared the prompt list!

If you are still willing to do it:

Different! from glimpses of the past prompt list

for Lyra!

DIFFERENT for a scene from my muse's past that they feel changed their outlook / personality / etc, for the better or worse

“I can’t just walk in and take the documents we need. We aren’t bandits.”

Lyra waved her tankard and huffed with exasperation as she sat huddled around the tavern table with her pawn Ambro. He favored a more direct approach in all things, while she relied on her social graces to solve problems when possible.

“I’ll just speak with Ser Hewet and convince him to give them to us. He’ll probably have us do him a favor in return,” she sighed, “like everyone else. Or perhaps I can charm him into handing them over immediately.”

“Did Ser Brant not tell us time was of the essence?”

“When is it not?”

Ambro chuckled, “I don’t mean to hurry you, Arisen. I know I am oft accused of such.”

Grinning, Lyra took a sip of her ale, “Yes. I have heard that before.” She set down the mug and let out a deep breath.

“Look. I was taught from the time I could walk how to make conversation with nobles and then later on how to make favorable business deals with those same people. I’ve trained my whole life to talk to rich old men,” she wrinkled her nose in disgust. “That really sounds awful.”

“Are you sure we can’t perhaps slip in through the garden?”

Lyra glared at him.

“Alright. Fine. We’ll do it your way.”

—----------------

Arriving at Ser Hewet’s estate on the fringes of the Checkpoint Rest Town, Lyra and Ambro approached the massive front door of the manse and were greeted by a servant in livery.

“You are expected, Arisen.” The man nodded toward Ambro, “He will need to wait outside.”

Lyra and Ambro shared a glance at one another, assessing the situation. Not knowing this Ser Hewet and what she would find inside, Lyra decided to press the issue.

“Oh I must request, by my right as Arisen, that my Pawn be allowed to stay by my side.” She looked sternly at the young man by the door, “That won’t be a problem will it?”

The colorfully dressed footman swallowed hard, “No ma’am. You may enter.” He opened the door for them both.

Entering the massive foyer, it took only a moment for Ser Hewet to appear. A plump, crimson cheeked, flaxen haired man of middle age dressed in the finest silks rounded the corner and stopped abruptly.

“What is this?” He asked, visibly distressed.

Lyra cleared her throat then extended her hand, “I am Lyra of House Ansgot, the rightful Arisen and future Sovran. It is an honor to meet you, Ser Hewet.”

“Oh.. yes.” He looked to her and nodded, then looked to Ambro, “You brought your, your pet.”

Lyra heard a small snort escape from Ambro, but silently thanked him for not laughing out loud or throttling the man.

“Pardon? Ambro is my Pawn. As Arisen my sacred charge includes the command of the Pawns of the Rift. And he is my companion. Not my… pet.” 

Ser Hewet was looking at Ambro with a mix of awe and slight horror. “Ahh yes, yes of course. I’m familiar with the tales.” He leaned toward Lyra and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, “But he’s a beastren.”

Lyra blinked several times, “He certainly is.” She decided to try to salvage the conversation.

“Ser Brant in Vernworth said you might have something that would aid me? I would be grateful for your help.” She plastered on a tight smile.

“I believe I do. Documents regarding a Battahli noble and some rather odd shipments passing through my warehouse.”

Lyra recognized the telltale signs of more of the mysterious Lord Phaesus’s handiwork. Perhaps these documents could shed some light on what he and Disa were working on and what their plans were.

“I would be very interested in those documents. You would be aiding me in my claim to the throne as Sovran. A deed I would not soon forget.”

Ser Hewet’s mouth pressed together in a thin line, “Yes. Well I was going to go fetch them from the study but knowing you associate so closely with beasts. I’m not so sure that’s the sort of Sovran Vermund needs on the throne.”

Lyra nodded her head, sighing softly, “I’m very sorry to hear you say that.”

She drew back and with a closed fist, struck Ser Hewet hard and fast under the chin, driving his entire body upwards in an arc. He landed in a graceless pile on the plush carpet of the foyer, dazed and quite unconscious, but alive.

“We need to find those documents and get the hell out of here.”

…………………….

On their way back to Vernworth, Lyra was mentally kicking herself for how poorly their meeting with Ser Hewet had gone. For someone who prided herself on her negotiation skills it was an utter disaster. 

“Master, you’ve hardly spoken. Surely you can’t be that upset?” Ambro drawled in his usual carefree tone.

“I’m not really. I should probably thank you and Hewet both for teaching me a lesson. Sometimes the direct path is better.”

Ambro chuckled, “It’s certainly more satisfying. You can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy punching that jackass?”

“Oh I did. It felt great,” Lyra laughed.

Ambro clapped her on the shoulder, “That’s my girl.”

[beardedmrbean]

If you plan on flying around the country in 2025 and beyond, you might want to listen up.

You have about 365 days to make your state-issued driver’s license or identification “Real ID” compliant, per the Department of Homeland Security.  

The Real ID compliance is part of a larger act passed by Congress in 2005 to set “minimum security standards” for the distribution of identification materials, including driver’s licenses. This means that certain federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration or DHS, won’t be able to accept state-issued forms of identification without the Real ID seal.

It's taken a while for the compliance to stick, with DHS originally giving a 2020 deadline before pushing it back a year, then another two years and another two years after that due to “backlogged transactions” at MVD offices nationwide, according to previous USA TODAY reports.

You won’t be able to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain facilities if your identification documents aren’t Real ID compliant by May 7, 2025. 

Here’s what we know about Real IDs, including where to get one and why you should think about getting one.

Do I have to get a Real ID?

Not necessarily. 

If you have another form of identification that TSA accepts, there probably isn’t an immediate reason to obtain one, at least for travel purposes. But if you don’t have another form of identification and would like to travel around the country in the near future, you should try to obtain one. 

Here are all the other TSA-approved forms of identification:

◾ State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

◾ U.S. passport

◾ U.S. passport card

◾ DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

◾ U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

◾ Permanent resident card

◾ Border crossing card

◾ An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

◾ HSPD-12 PIV card

◾ Foreign government-issued passport

◾ Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

◾ Transportation worker identification credential

◾ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

◾ U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

◾ Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

However, federal agencies “may only accept” state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that are Real ID compliant if you are trying to gain access to a federal facility. That includes TSA security checkpoints.

Enhanced driver’s licenses, only issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS. 

What can I use my Real ID for?

For most people, it's all about boarding flights.

You can only use your Real ID card to obtain access to "nuclear power plants, access certain facilities, or board federally regulated commercial aircrafts," according to DHS.

The cards can't be used to travel across any border, whether that's Canada, Mexico, or any other international destination, according to DHS.

All you have to do to get a Real ID is to make time to head over to your local department of motor vehicles.

Every state is different, so the documents needed to verify your identity will vary. DHS says that at minimum, you will be asked to produce your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence and lawful status.

The only difference between the state-issued forms of identification you have now and the Real ID-compliant card you hope to obtain is a unique marking stamped in the right-hand corner. The mark stamped on your Real ID compliant cards depends on the state.

[xenosagaepisodeone]

i've consumed a lot of media where a creator's breakdown drastically changed the trajectory of a series, but narutaru is the first i've seen where the entire story is suddenly taken apart in the last 3 volumes and reconfigured into the author's response to the iraq war. volume 10 opens with the wife of an iraq war veteran (this was published in the end of 2003, and this detail is actually the only thing in the entire story that would indicate it takes place in the distant future) accidentally hitting 2 kids with her truck (subtle), followed by a US cargo plane crash landing into japanese building, and then a reveal that this was orchestrated by the US government to mobilize american troops within japan. servicemen interrogate citizens at checkpoints, and a curfew is enforced. it's at this point that the looming anxiety of nuclear warfare is also introduced as a plot point.

the vet meets up with the protagonist and explains that the 'dragon child' mentioned above is actually her son, who the US military taken from her and experimented on under the pretense of treating his degenerative illness.

^ she walks this back immediately but it's still an interesting panel given the wider context. this was scanalated in 2007 so i'm not going to be a hater towards 'believe you me'.

the arc rounds off with the protagonist and the vet's son stopping the military from carpet bombing civilians.

narutaru is messy a series that mulls over societal ills and the consequences of violence. kitoh strives to reconcile the existence of injustice with his belief that harmony in our present society can exist, but is so pessimistic in his conception of human nature that he also struggles with imagining a society that can respond to injustice instead of placating it. it feels natural that the bleak turn of the 21st century would capture his attention, and that the irrational, truly irreconcilable reality of it would draw him further into despair. the antagonist maintains that dragon children are a superior species that are destined to cull the earth and create a new civilization. as the series goes on (very specifically around volume 10), dragon children and their abilities are likened to nuclear warheads. this becomes literal in the penultimate volume as the antagonist summons nuclear warheads to destroy the earth, a process that is depicted in harrowing detail.

^it goes on like this for a while and sporadically throughout the last volumes as society crumbles further. stakes fall apart, major characters die unceremoniously, and the protagonist ultimately succumbs to despair. I don't know if this really qualifies as a spoiler since it's 1 of the 2 things the series is known for.

now with all of this being said this series is like a 6/10 for me at best. the first 7 volumes aren't anything special, and the lack of tightness in the writing (the quality jump between narutaru and bokurano is enormous, whatever awards the latter got should have just gone straight to the editor) makes the less pleasing aspects of the series more tiresome (I fucking hate tsurumaru man I dont care about the jungian symbolism beneath his character everything about him in repulsive). there are aspects I love and found memorable (akira! NORIO! kuri! shiina's complex relationship with her parents! jungian duality! the dragons! fantastic page spreads! etc!), but the rubble they're buried under can make the series a tedious read.

if you somehow are now interested in reading this, please just torrent it off of nyaa. this series suffers from both Dark Horse absolutely shitting the bed with their official translation, and most manga reading sites somehow missing entire chapters (which consistently includes 2/3rds of volume 9, which had one of my favorite side stories...baba yaga and a nice babushka are there).

[mazerunnerfanatic]

You Were Supposed to Be My Dad

Pairing(s): Aris × Rachel / Janson & Rachel

Universe: Movies

Series: Part 1/?

Rachel leans her head on Aris's shoulder, sniffling. The sound of the helicopter blades surround them, a rhythmic sound that's almost comforting in the group's frenzied state.

There are some girls crying, the others comforting them. Aris wraps an arm around Rachel, and she can hear his shaky breath.

Rachel shivers despite the heat, pressing closer to her friend. They've no idea what the future holds, if this is even really the end. She briefly wonders if Sonya and Harriet are alive, if they're safe with the Right Arm. The thought is fleeting, but there nonetheless.

She can't tell how long they're in the air. When they finally land, her knees are wobbly as she tries to stand and climb off the helicopter. Aris helps her down, gripping her arm to steady her. Rachel flashes him a brief smile in spite of their circumstances, one that he reflects.

She's not sure how she'd survive in this world without him, and she isn't particularly keen on finding out.

Their group is led through a massive warehouse, sticking close together. It's a shared sense of unease among them all as they walk farther into the concrete building, as if this wasn't really where they were going to be safe.

They're all given check-ups, Aris separated from the rest of the girls. He looks uneasy leaving them, especially Rachel. But Rachel is following behind him, being brought into a separate curtained-off area. They share wary glances before the curtains finally close.

It's a regular check-up, checking vitals. The nurse is silent, save for the few questions she asks in regard to Rachel's pain. Something makes Rachel feel uneasy, like everything around her was artificial. She tries to stamp it down, wanting a break from the constant second-guessing that she's been experiencing since she woke up in the Box.

Afterwards, she's released to be with her friends in this big cafeteria, finding them sitting at one of the tables. Miyoko comes up to her, grabbing her arm and pulling her to sit down.

"What is this place?" Rachel asks, looking around. There's other kids here, kids that she knows for a fact weren't in the Maze with her group.

Was there more than one Maze?

Miyoko shakes her head. "They're saying it's a Safe Haven checkpoint. Apparently kids get taken every day to be shipped off to the actual Safe Haven."

Beth huffs, crossing her arms. "I don't know about you sticks, but I call bull. This is too orchestrated. Are we really safe here?"

"It is the closest we have to anything relatively safe," Amelia points out. "I'd rather here than the Maze."

A few other girls chime in with their agreement. Rachel knows they're justified in wanting to believe that they've finally caught a break, but something just doesn't sit right with her about the whole place.

She looks around the table. "Where's Aris?"

"Hasn't come back yet," Miyoko replies. "Haven't seen him since they took you guys to separate areas. What was that about?"

Rachel shakes her head. "I don't know. It's not like I got special treatment. Checked my vitals, asked about injuries and pain."

Lola sits forward, brows furrowed. "That's what happened with us, we were all just in a group."

This only stoked the fire of discomfort in Rachel. Something wasn't right here. Her heart picks up as she starts thinking more about Aris, worry coursing through her.

"God, I hope he comes back soon."

Miyoko squeezes her shoulder. "I'm sure he's fine."

As if on cue, the doors open and Rachel catches a glimpse of a tall, lanky brunet boy with a stripped hoodie. Letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding, Rachel is up out of her seat and rushing over to Aris immediately.

Aris's shoulders sag in relief and he steps forward. Rachel meets him in an embrace, taking a shaky breath.

"Jesus, Aris, I thought something was wrong," Rachel says, pulling back and cupping his face. "Are you alright?"

Aris just gives her a soft smile, nodding. "I'm fine. Just had me sittin' around for a while. Not sure why. But I'm here now."

Rachel swallows and nods back. She stands there for a moment, looking over him to make sure he wasn't downplaying anything, then pulls him over to the girls. Miyoko claps his back, Lola and Amelia smile at him.

"You got somethin' special about you, pretty boy?" Beth asks, sitting forward.

Aris pulls his hood down and shakes his head. "No. Just a check-up. They left me sittin' there for like fifteen minutes."

Miyoko's brows furrow. "Jeez. What is going on around here?"

Rachel sighs, shaking her head. "That's the million-dollar question, yeah?"

Despite her attempted jest, no one laughs. They're too distracted by the incoming adult, a gray-haired man in a gray shirt and jacket. He had a clipboard.

"Everybody listen up!" He has an odd accent, one similar to Rachel's but not the others. "The following have been chosen to be transported to the Safe Haven today:

"James, Hailey, Peter, Marcus, Yolanda, Gregory, Lola-" he flips the page up "-and Rachel."

The group is startled by this news, that Lola and Rachel are being taken from them so soon. Rachel turns to look at Aris, who is staring at her with wide eyes.

As much as the idea of freedom enticed her, her unease has grown stronger. And she doesn't want to leave Aris.

But the worry on his face is gone in a flash, replaced with determination. He takes her hands.

"You'll wait for me there, yeah?"

Rachel doesn't know what to say, her throat constricting as tears prick her eyes. She doesn't want to leave, not without him. He's been the only sense of normalcy that she's had this whole time, ever since he woke up from that coma.

"I don't want to leave you here," she whispers, blue eyes searching his.

Aris only smiles softly. "It'll be okay. I'll watch over the rest of the girls and meet you there."

Rachel wants to protest, wants to either stay rooted in place or drag him with her. She can't bear the thought of being separated from him for God knows how long.

"Rachel!"

She looks behind her. The clip-board man (he honestly looked like a rat) is staring directly at her. How did he know her name?

Rachel turns back to Aris, one last little plead in her eyes. Aris takes her hands in his and nods.

"I'll see you on the other side, Rach. It's going to be okay."

"Rachel! Last call!"

Rachel squeezes her eyes shut and surges forward, grasping Aris's face and pressing their lips together. He's tense for half a second before kissing back, his eyes wide when she pulls away. Rachel gives him one last look before standing up and hurriedly walking over to the group.

The Rat Man looks miffed at her delay. "So glad you decided to join us."

Rachel looks down, cheeks flushed. "Sorry," she whispers.

He just hums and looks her up and down before turning away. He walks over to the doors and opens them.

"Follow me, everyone."

[kawaiicollectorinternet]

Platformer Postmortem

My platformer takes inspiration from previous games in the genre and uses the game design concepts outlined by Fullerton to create a prototype which displays the core mechanics and moment to moment gameplay of my platformer. My prototype featured basic animations, objectives (score generated from collecting coins), obstacles to the objectives (the platform layout and enemy), and system feedback (noises to alert the player of changing game states).

As the game was part of the platformer genre it was displayed as a 2D side scroller which positions the player in the middle of the screen. I chose to display the score (coins collected) and player deaths in the top left of the screen as a way for the player to gauge their skill level and progression.

The controls used for the game are the left and right arrow keys to move the player in the respective direction and the spacebar to make the player jump. I chose these controls as it feels more engaging as a player to use both hands for the controls, as opposed to using "a" and "d"; where the player only needs to use one hand for full control.

If I were to redevelop the prototype, firstly, I would like to incorporate more advanced controls to enable the player to activate various movement abilities. Secondly, varying enemy types could be added into the game; each with different behaviors and abilities. The final redevelopment I would make to the game is the addition of additional resources and pick-ups which grant the player special abilities or allow the player to make specific interactions with the environment. These redevelopments would significantly alter the gameplay and enable much more elaborate level design, as well as giving the player more freedom to overcome the adversities within the constraints of the game.

On the other hand, if the game were to be redesigned I would like the level to be bigger to encompass the exploration that was advertised in the elevator pitch; in line with this I would create hidden areas that wouldn't be immediately visible to players. Additionally, I would create level checkpoints to indicate to a player when they have completed the level through a level completed screen and then would have the player transported to the next stage; this was not implemented in the prototype and often left players to feel confused about how to progress once the level was finished.

These redesigns and redevelopments would help to further align the prototype with the elevator pitch and make the game better overall and should therefore be implemented into future prototypes.

Until next time!

References

Fullerton, T. (2018). Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games. ProQuest Ebook. Retrieved from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/qut/reader.action?docID=5477698

[grizzlyofthesea]

My Ruin Experience

I just finished my first playthrough of FNAF Security Breach: Ruin a few hours ago, and I'd like to reflect on my experience. I still have a ton that I need to go back and do, but I think I still got enough out of it to comment.

Needless to say, spoilers ahead. Continue at your own risk.

What I Liked:

The mechanics. Though short and simple, the Faz-wrench and Security Node puzzles are fun. The AR mask is also a really cool concept, and it opened the door for some unique gameplay and exploration.

The autosave between key checkpoints. Hallelujah.

The AR aesthetic. Holy crap, I love it. It's so trippy and dreamlike, and NEON. Totally '80s retro-futuristic, totally radical.

The character designs. My favorites are Ruined Freddy, the little Music Men with the rabbit ears, and MXES. Ruined Freddy is both horrific and strangely adorable despite having no head. I like how he chomps with his stomach like it's a mouth; it's a fun call-back to Nightmare Fredbear. And he has a gift box in his stomach. The implications of that give me the creeps. The rabbit Music Men are just cute. I hate them, but they're cute. And MXES? That's just an awesome design. Way more imposing than Glitchtrap (though Glitchtrap did work, just more as a psychological/lore thing than an outright threatening design).

All the crazy visual details and Easter eggs they put into AR mode. My favorites are the giant endoskeleton in the daycare theater and the huge bowling balls in Bonnie Bowl.

Roxy's dynamic with Cassie. I hope we get to see more of it in the future. It's just too precious.

Monty's backstory as told through the cardboard cutouts on the gondolas in Gator Golf. Just...adorable.

The part where Monty's swimming around in water and you need to hop on crates to dodge him. That was just cute. He was like a real gator. I have no idea how he didn't immediately short out, but still. Cute.

The horror of Cassie being confronted by the Mimic, not Gregory. I totally saw it coming, but it's still terrifying from a psychological standpoint.

What I Disliked:

The loading time. I think it was just because I have the PS4 version, but it took FOREVER to load the game both on startup and every time I died and wanted to retry. I hope the load times are optimized in the future.

The linearity. Once you leave one section, there's no going back; there isn't even a post-game where you can go back and do stuff. You're especially out of luck if you're on an all-collectibles run.

The lack of direction in some parts. I got stuck in so many places for such a long time because it was unclear where I was supposed to go/what I was supposed to do. Looking at you, catwalks and beauty salon.

MXES showing up at the absolute worst times and leading you to your death not out of personal failure, but out of misfortune. It got annoying after my 10th death in the Monty Golf catwalks.

Those dang Music Men, especially the ones in the bowling lanes. They were annoying to deal with. Doable, but annoying.

The stupid endoskeletons. I didn't like them in the base game, and I don't like them now. They really get to me. (I know. I'm a huge coward.)

All in all, I got about as much as I hoped for. I still have to get the rest of the endings, but this was some great DLC. It cements Security Breach as one of my favorite games in the series, and it gives me hope for whatever else Steel Wool has to offer.

[whentherewerebicycles]

snuggly little girl is finally allowed back into the bed after several weeks of being banished due to houseguests :) she is very warm and sleepy and happy about it.

it’s an overcast morning and I woke up feeling bleh but I’m trying to acknowledge the feeling and not get stuck in it. I am working from home today and my tasks are a little ill-defined so I do need to make sure I get up, get dressed, and sit at a desk at some point to ensure I actually focus. here’s what I’d like to do:

7:30-8:30 coffee, lounge, work from bed

8:30 get up and get dressed

8:30-11:30 work session

11:30-12:30 shower/get ready

1-2 ND mtg

2-4 windshield appt—second work session. call Cigna while waiting, finish other work tasks, schedule-send emails to four faculty for next week, make a plan for next week

4-5ish wrap up work if needed

walk the dogs… it’s time to get back into it. I have a hockey podcast to listen to and can start with an easy 40-45 min loop

eat leftovers for dinner & make cold brew to steep overnight

finish ninth house (I’m powering through but letting myself skim the boring parts)

bed by 10 (I’m slowly trying to reset my sleep/wake times to 9:15pm/5:30 or 6am)

okay. I also am open to doing some work over the weekend if 1) it’s fun, and 2) it consoles me (as it often does lol). but here are the things I want to prioritize in today’s work sessions:

review makerspace brainstorming notes and distill conversation into a core list of ideas

organize list by priorities (immediate, academic year, future/aspirational)

figure out some way of annotating priority list. I want to identify the big steps each one would take to research/create/implement, note who on the team we could delegate specific pieces of the work to, and identify the other people or units on campus we’d want to partner with. this will be so fun.

JG asked if I could give an overview of my big priorities for my program next year so he could better understand how this initiative fits into those priorities. I think that’s a great ask and a great opportunity for me to sit down and synthesize what I’ve learned in my first month in the role. one big amorphous thing I’m tasked with is increasing the number of faculty who are incorporating research into their courses, and I was thinking the other day that instead of trying to do this across all majors in a scattershot way, I could use this makerspace access initiative as a focusing lens for that work this year. and then since that project is naturally STEM + business-leaning, maybe I can look for a manageably sized humanities initiative to take on next year too, so there’s a good balance within my portfolio of projects. anyway I think I’m at the point where I have talked to enough people and said yes or tentatively yes to enough things that I am ready to sit down and start drawing up a summer + academic year plan. also I’m not quite there yet but I might almost be ready to start mapping out the calendar so I can do some initial thinking in that direction today if I feel like it. oh and I want to make a note for myself to look for specific areas where I can consult or bring in the person in our office who was handling aspects of my job for a long time before I started… I feel like I can bulldoze a bit when I’m enthusiastic about an idea or project and I don’t want her to feel like I’m undoing all the work she put into building programming etc. so I want to really consciously build in checkpoints where I’m asking for her feedback or drawing on her expertise in a substantive/meaningful way so she doesn’t feel like I swept in and changed everything to fit my own vision.

meet with ND to gather info about student employee development redesign (then spend time updating my earlier notes)

I don’t think I’ll get much deeper into the student worker redesign project today but it might be a thing I block off time for this weekend or next week.

schedule four emails to faculty/staff (should include YP, DH, MK, and maybe BW?)

I think that’s good!! wow and just working on a work plan for today has already put me in a much better & more hopeful mood. time to get started!

[mephistosfaust]

One Word Prompts: Breathe | 2022 | Germany + Russia

A/N: It’s early 2022 and Russia has just launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, plunging Europe into a crisis not seen in decades. Germany, caught off guard, finds itself particularly exposed. For years, it built its energy policy on the illusion of stable, cheap Russian gas to fuel its industry. At the same time, its military, long neglected, is in no shape to deter aggression, leaving Berlin heavily reliant on American support. Germany, once seen as Europe’s anchor, now faces the consequences of its hesitation and miscalculations—while Ukraine fights for survival. CW: war (mentioned), violence (choking)

------

It’s still cold in Moscow. The kind of cold that gets into your lungs and stays there. My flight landed three hours ago, and the traffic hasn't changed—slow, stubborn, choking. It always feels like the city's testing your patience before you even arrive.

“I’ll walk from here,” I say in Russian somewhere along Strastnoy Boulevard. He doesn’t argue and pulls over.

As I get out of the taxi, the cold hits me immediately. My wool coat is thick, but it doesn’t help much. Russian winters are built differently. They get to you—through every bone—and stay with you long after you’ve left. But I need the fresh air. Biting, yes, but in a good way. Keeps you awake.

The sidewalks are busy, though most people seem oddly detached. Some bump into me without noticing, lost in their phones or the rhythm of their routine. Others make a wide berth around me, as if sensing what I am—something foreign, something unwelcome.

I pass under red stone walls, through iron gates and courtyards that feel like they've absorbed the weight of centuries. The Kremlin rises before me like it always has: beautiful and cruel.

At the first checkpoint, I hand my papers to the guards, speaking in Russian. Their eyes widen a little when they see the name. I’m not surprised. Probably a first to them. Germany doesn’t usually walk through these gates alone.

But today, I walk alone. No aides. No briefcase full of strategies and talking points. No carefully worded statements. Just me. Just Ivan.

The guards lead me through the long hallways. The marble beneath clicks with each step, too loud in the silence. The chandeliers above look like frozen constellations, glittering and sharp.

I’ve walked these halls before—back when we toasted to trade deals and gas contracts. When I believed economic integration could truly lead to a better future—for him and for us. It had worked wonders on me. It was proof that history could be reasoned with. But Russia—he’s always had one foot in the past, and today, I can feel that past breathing down my neck like I haven’t in decades.

They leave me in the infamous room. The one with the long, absurdly white table. The one where guests are made to sit, impossibly distant from the man at the other end. It's not a room for conversation. It's a theater. Or a crypt.

I pull off my gloves and slide my fingers along the table as I walk toward the end. Cold. Clean. Sterile.

The guards take their places at the winged door—waiting for their Tsar to arrive, or keeping a prisoner in check. In Russia, the two often go hand in hand. I shrug off my coat and drape it over the back of a chair before lowering myself into a seat. Across from me: nothing but silence—white, polished, watchful. I check my watch. I’m early. Of course, I am.

So I wait. Ten minutes. Twenty. Forty-five.

I’ve been waiting on Russia my whole life, it feels like. And I’ve learned that time doesn’t mean the same thing to him as to the rest of us. He makes you wait because he can. He makes you wait to remind you that in his world, you’re the one chasing after him.

An hour passes. Then, at last, the guards stir as footsteps are echoing closer. They open the door, heels clicking in unison, saluting with the crisp exactness only drilled hands can manage.

“Ludwig,” he says. His voice is smooth, the kind of smooth that covers splinters. “Always so punctual. How very… German of you.”

I rise, watching as the guards swing the winged door shut behind him. “Ivan,” I say. He doesn’t offer a handshake. Just sits across from me like he’s settling into a throne. He looks different and yet the same. Pale as bone, scarf still looped like a noose around his neck, that ever-present glint in his eyes—not quite madness, not quite calculation. Something older. Something cracked.

I cut to the chase, knowing that he will appreciate it as much as I do when we skip the unnecessary small talk part. We’ve never been good at it anyway. “Call your troops back and we'll figure out a way to fix... things.”

He tilts his head and smirks, the way he used to when we talked literature over vodka more than a century ago. “You came all this way to say that?” he asks. “Did they send you like a lapdog again? The EU’s little bureaucrat, always trying to keep peace while stuffing his face with American dick. Tell me Ludwig, do you have more up your sleeve than paperwork?”

“I’m not here because of them but on my own.”

“Exactly.” His voice cracks like a whip. “You’re here because your industry is screaming and your people are scared. You’re not here for Ukraine. You’re here to protect what’s left of your fragile little empire of comfort.”

My jaw tightens, irritated by my own stupidity for walking right into his trap. “You think I don’t care about Ukraine?” I retort, a weak attempt at bracing myself.

He leans forward. “I think you care when it’s convenient. Always did.”

“Spare me the cynicism,” I snap. “I came here because I thought you might still listen. Because I understand you better than the others. Because we…”

“Have history?” he growls. “No. You only ever understood what was useful to you. My lands, my people, my resources.”

“We had agreements—”

He slams his hand on the table. The sound ricochets through the room like a gunshot.

“Agreements you broke!” His voice rises, filling the space. “I agreed to reunification, and in return you all promised no NATO expansion. And no EU at my border. You promised to leave me a buffer. And then what? Poland. The Baltics. Now Ukraine.” He sneers. “And you act surprised when I react?”

My fists clench. I feel heat rising in my chest, decades of restraint fraying. “Ivan, that’s not just a reaction. Invading Ukraine. Bombing civilians. Wanting to kill a sovereign state because you couldn’t stand its independence. You declared war.”

“Ukraine was never independent,” he says, eyes hard. “She was mine. Torn away by liars. Traitors. Nazis. Puppets with Western strings shoved down their throats.”

“You’re deluding yourself. You’re turning back the clock to a past that never worked. What you’re doing isn’t protection. It’s desperation at the cost of your humanity.”

He stands suddenly, casting a long shadow over the table. “You don’t get to lecture me, Ludwig. Not you of all people.” His voice is quieter now, but it cuts deeper. “What was the invasion of Poland? The firebombing of cities? The camps?” He steps closer. “You speak of sovereignty as if your hands are clean.”

My throat goes dry. “I’ve changed.”

“No. You’ve adapted.”

I rise too, but not quickly enough. His hand shoots out and grabs my tie, yanking me forward with terrifying strength. My ribs hit the edge of the table. I can’t breathe.

“I wanted to believe in you. To trust you,” he says as he lifts me up by the tie. “But you fed me lies with your corporate smile just like America did.”

I try to speak, but no air comes. My hands claw at his wrist, vision narrowing to a pinprick. The pressure tightens as he forces me down again—my spine slams against the whitened beech wood and I gasp, but still, no air. Then his hand finds my throat.

“You think I’m insane,” he mutters, leaning in closer. “But I see it all clearly now. You all want me weak. Chained. Humiliated again.”

My hands grip his wrists, trying to signal, trying to push back in vain.

“Ivan—let go—”

He doesn’t. “And here I am, thinking that you—of all nations—might actually understand my pain.” As he speaks, I see not the man before me, but a child—a small boy swallowed by a coat far too big, shivering, starving, utterly alone. Beneath his iron grip, there’s a wound, deep and layered, buried beneath cold control. “You are nothing but a hypocrite. Perhaps even worse than the American. He’s at least ready to fight. But you, you shook my hand with one while stabbing my back with the other. You told your little EU underlings to be wary of me—and then crawled back into my sheets when you got cold feet. Nord Stream 1. You sucked it all up, but it wasn’t enough. So you wanted Nord Stream 2. Built behind their backs like our dirty little secret. You wanted to bypass the others. To get my warmth cheap. Quiet. Private.”

I buck, trying to break free. He doesn’t flinch.

“You strutted around Brussels like a reformed saint, but beneath your bravado and sermons, you are still just a man of interests. We all are.” He leans closer, his voice dropping into a whisper—terrifying in its intimacy. “So tell me, Germaniya... Will you come prepared for winter this time at last?”

My lungs burn, vision blurs. I try to speak, but only a soundless rasp escapes. Then he lets go. I crumble forward, collapse onto my knees, coughing and gasping, clawing for air like I’m drowning on dry land.

Ivan steps back, adjusts his scarf and flicks a strand of hair from his face. “Now take your crooked morality and shove it up your ass. We’re done here.”

I wipe my mouth, push myself up slowly, leaning hard on the table. “You’re killing your future,” I say as he turns to leave.

He pauses, watching me for a long moment, as if trying to read something in my face that he can’t quite name. “No,” he says quietly. “I’m killing the illusion of peace.”

[cyberbenb]

‘Almost all Russians poisoned by imperial propaganda,’ says journalist Ekaterina Barabash after escaping Russia

In early May, 64-year-old film critic and journalist Ekaterina Barabash made international headlines when it was revealed that she had pulled off a daring escape from house arrest in Russia and sought political asylum in France.

Barabash was put under house arrest in February for posts that she had made criticizing Russia’s war against Ukraine. She was accused of spreading “knowingly false” information about the military on her social media.

The Kremlin has intensified its crackdown on dissent in Russia since the start of its full-scale war against Ukraine, not only targeting those who dare to speak out against the war but also fostering a climate of surveillance that hearkens back to the worst periods of the Soviet era, urging Russian citizens to police one another.

For Barabash, the war struck a personal chord — she is the daughter of a renowned Ukrainian academic and her son lives in Ukraine with his family. Unlike many Russians — who either seek to justify the war or retreat into indifference — Barabash felt a moral imperative to speak out

“Most people in Russia aren’t willing to look for the truth,” Barabash told the Kyiv Independent from France.

“They’ve always been taught that Ukraine is just a part of Russia. But this belief is a kind of poison. It’s something that every Russian grows up with, often without even realizing it.”

In this exclusive interview, Barabash reflects on the moment she decided to risk her life to flee Russia, how her Ukrainian heritage shaped her perspective on Russian culture over the years, why even “good Russians” who oppose the war don’t understand Ukraine, and the bleak future facing anyone with a conscience who chooses to remain in today’s Russia.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The Kyiv Independent: Since the idea for this interview originally came after you escaped house arrest in Russia, I just wanted to start off by asking, how are you doing?

Ekaterina Barabash: I escaped from house arrest in Russia on April 13. I got past the checkpoints and left my home. We had a plan — I was supposed to be free within 24 hours. But things didn’t go as expected, and I ended up having to hide for two and a half weeks. Unfortunately, I can’t share all the details right now. It’s a shame, because some parts are really interesting. Maybe one day I’ll write about it — maybe even a small book.

During that time, I hid in many places — in forests, fields, villages, and so on. It was a bit frightening and definitely dangerous. I knew I had to leave quickly, and that sense of urgency never left me.

We had hoped they wouldn’t notice my absence for at least a few hours, but they realized I was gone very quickly — within just minutes, maybe half an hour. They started searching for me almost immediately. I don’t know all the details of how the search was carried out.

After that, I had to cross the border into a European country. Of course, it was an illegal crossing. From there, things were arranged to help me move forward. A woman from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) came to meet me, and she helped bring me safely to Paris.

The Standard of the President of the Russian Federation flutters on top of the dome of the Senate Palace, one of the main buildings within the Kremlin compound, as seen through a barbed wire in Moscow, Russia, on Oct. 22, 2024. (Natalia Kolesnikova / AFP via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: Was there a specific moment when you decided that you would take the risk and escape, or did you know from the moment you were arrested that this was what you had to do?

Ekaterina Barabash: No, I didn’t make the decision right away. At first, when they placed me under house arrest, it felt almost like a breath of fresh air. It was so unexpected — usually, in political cases, people accused of such “crimes” are held in jail while they await trial. But the judge said that because I had a very old mother, and I myself am not so young, they decided to place me under house arrest until the court date.

At first, it gave us hope — even my lawyer believed that I might only receive a large fine rather than jail time. But within a few days, after some conversations with certain people, I realized the risk was very high. The chance of being sentenced to prison was real. I believed I could face five, six, even seven years in a Russian prison — and a Russian prison is worse than death.

That was when some people from Europe, who help political prisoners like me, told me clearly: even though I was at home, I needed to plan my escape.

At first, I was in shock. I never imagined I would have to leave — especially not my mother, who is 96 years old. But eventually, I realized it was the best option. I had to choose between two impossible outcomes: prison or fleeing the country. So, of course, I chose to escape.

That’s when we began the operation. I had coordinators from Europe who guided me through every step. They told me what to do, what to prepare, and explained our plan in detail.

Russian film critic and journalist Ekaterina Barabash draped in the Ukrainian flag in a Facebook post from early March 2022. (Facebook)

The Kyiv Independent: What makes your case unique among other Russian opposition figures is that you have very strong ties to Ukraine. Does your Ukrainian heritage influence how you view Russia and Russian culture?

Ekaterina Barabash: Yes, I was born in Ukraine, though I was very young when we left — I was only five months old when my parents moved to Moscow. So my entire life has been connected to Russia. I always felt like I had two motherlands: Ukraine and Russia. I was born in Ukraine, but I was raised and educated in Russia, in Moscow.

My family has always had very strong ties to Ukraine. My father, who passed away five months ago, was a well-known figure there. He was a literary critic and the author of many books written in Ukrainian. He was highly respected in the academic community.

Years earlier, my son also moved to Ukraine for personal reasons. He lives there now with his wife and my grandchildren.

So when the war began, my situation was very different from that of my friends in the Russian opposition. For me, it was not just a political crisis — it was a personal tragedy. My closest relatives were there, being targeted by drones and missiles. And I couldn’t stay silent. I couldn’t hold back my grief or outrage.

I couldn’t keep this anger and pain inside me. I started to speak out, openly accusing the Russian government and military of killing innocent people and invading Ukraine. I wrote things like, “I hate you — you are murderers."

My perspective on the war was deeply personal. It wasn’t just politics for me — it was about my family, my roots, and the suffering of people I love.

Even intelligent and well-educated Russian people often don’t truly understand Ukraine. Almost all Russians have been poisoned by imperial propaganda. They’ve been raised with it — it’s part of their worldview.

They’ve always been taught that Ukraine is just a part of Russia. That the Ukrainian language is just a slightly different version of Russian. That Ukrainians are our “younger brothers,” and we are all one people — Russians. I’ve heard this over and over, even from good people, even from those who are against the war.

But this belief is a kind of poison. It’s something that every Russian grows up with, often without even realizing it.

I knew at least a little about Ukrainian culture and history — something most Russians don’t. I’ve done interviews and written about Ukrainian culture. So yes, my point of view was different from the beginning.

Russian soldiers patrol the area surrounding the Ukrainian military unit outside Simferopol, Crimea, on March 20, 2014. (Photo by Filippo Monteforte / AFP via Getty Images)

The Kyiv Independent: We know that Russia’s war against Ukraine started in 2014, not 2022. In what ways did Russian public opinion about the war in Ukraine change during those eight years?

Ekaterina Barabash: Most people in Russia simply didn’t care — and they still don’t. Even many anti-Putin individuals, including some of my friends, didn’t grasp that the war actually started in 2014. When the invasion happened in 2022, they acted as if it was the beginning of the war. I had to remind them, “No, the war started eight years ago."

Later on, many of them started to understand, at least a little, what had been happening. But the truth is, almost no one cared. They saw (the invasion of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts) as some small conflict in eastern Ukraine, maybe with some Russian soldiers involved, but they didn’t recognize it as the coming of something horrific.

They didn’t understand the connection between the illegal annexation of Crimea and the war that followed. Yes, Crimea was officially part of Ukraine. But they thought that (Soviet leader Nikita) Khrushchev had “given” Crimea to Ukraine many years ago and that Russia had long claimed it.

Then came the war.

The Kyiv Independent: What would you want to say to people still in Russia?

Ekaterina Barabash: You know, I’ve recently realized one thing that I didn’t understand at first: it’s impossible to change their minds. It’s like religion — you either believe or you don’t. If you want to know the truth, you can seek out information, but most people in Russia aren’t willing to look for it.

There’s a common response I get when I ask why they don’t check alternative sources, like Ukrainian media. There are plenty of (Ukrainian) outlets that offer Russian-language versions of the news, and many people understand English, so they could easily access European media, too. Yet, they only rely on Russian sources.

The answer I often hear is, “Everyone lies.” They’re willing to accept the lies from Russian propaganda, but they won’t even consider competing narratives from other sources. “Everyone lies,” they say. It’s an awful argument — a foolish one, really.

It’s unfortunate, really, but what can I say to these people? Honestly, there’s nothing more I can say. If you’re scared, just stay silent. I understand — everyone has families, property, and they don’t want to end up in jail. But if you care, then leave Russia, if you can, if it’s possible.

I know it’s not easy to leave behind elderly parents. I never intended to leave mine. But my father told me several times, “Leave, leave, leave. The end will be very, very dramatic.” Still, I couldn’t bring myself to go. I had to take care of them.

But if you care, if you can leave, then do it. Russia is not a place to stay. If you have any sense, you’ll understand that.

Note from the author:

Hey there, Kate Tsurkan here, thanks for reading my latest interview. It’s horrific that in Russia you’re considered a criminal for calling out the actual criminals who are murdering innocent people, but thankfully we have people in this world like Ekaterina Barabash who are not afraid to call evil what it is. I hope her story inspires you and helps show that if a 64-year-old grandmother can stand up to authoritarianism in this world, then so can you. It you like reading about this sort of thing, please consider supporting The Kyiv Independent.

Decolonizing Russia — what it means and why it matters

Speaking to France’s National Assembly on April 11, Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza did not petition Europe for the Kremlin’s total military defeat. Yet, while answering one of the many questions posed to him, he talked about how a colleague supposedly learned that ethnic Russians find it “psychologically difficult” to kill Ukrainians because they are so “similar.” “They say… we are alike, these are very closely related peoples, as everyone knows: almost the same language, the sa

The Kyiv IndependentKate Tsurkan

[indigrovee]

Week Six | Formal Crit Session

The Experience:

Week Six was a significant checkpoint in my process of experimentation, as it was finally time for the formal critique session in class. It was an opportunity to gather my thoughts, understand my current creative situation, and gain collective insight from my peers. With the crit session looming at the end of the week, it was crucial that I began making my design as early as possible. Referring to my planning from Week Five, I set out to create a mixed media graphic design piece that represented the evolution of my ideas, and also directly responded to the previous feedback I had received. 

Immediately after the Week Five informal crit session, I began to reflect and refine my experiment plans. Thursday reinforced that I needed to slightly pivot my direction, integrating graphic design into my future experiments. As mentioned in my previous blog post,  I edited and restructured the plan, aligning it more deliberately with the themes of sustainability, communication, and the integration of graphic design. These three themes became the driving force behind my design, and creative process. Below is a brief look at the newly defined plan, as well as a timeline guide:

Friday marked the beginning of my physical making process. I started by researching existing projects on pinterest, whether this was paintings, posters, or even sculptures to gather inspiration, as well as a better understanding of what I was creating. This was especially useful when it came to colour theory and hierarchy, as it allowed me to observe how others composed their work to guide the viewer’s eye and evoke emotion. I noticed patterns, such as using contrasting textures and colours to create a focal point. These insights helped to guide my making, I had determined a colour palette, and gathered a variety of materials that I could utilise in my design. 

I was particularly inspired by Yoko Hasegawa’s works, a Japanese illustrator that specialises in advertising illustrations, magazines, packaging design, and a variety of other outputs. (Yoko Hasegawa Works, n.d.) Her unique approach to graphic design was really intriguing to me, as her methods centre around repurposing antique materials to create works thematically inspired by “dreamy and private emotions”. This discovery felt incredibly relevant to my personal experiments, and resonated with me deeply, particularly in my pursuit of merging physical textures and objects with digital processes. Her work inspired me to be more conscious of the emotional undertones in my own piece, ensuring I was deliberate in how I sourced and arranged my materials.

Over the course of the weekend, I continued on the physical creation of central components. Now that I had a solidified colour palette, and plan, I could fully focus on making. Producing a background that had an obvious texture was important to me as it would set the scene for the piece. Using acrylic and gel medium, the background manifested naturally, and I was happy with the results. The main focal point of the piece was the doell face, which would be the symbol of feminine nostalgia, the “pearl” encased in a clam shell. This making was calming to me, and allowed me to enjoy and appreciate the process. 

Monday was time to finally bridge the gap between physical and digital making. Each physical element that I made, I photocopied and scanned to create a digital replica. This was new to me, and I quickly learned that while they mostly retained their texture, they lacked colour, highlights and shadows. I brought the scanned images into Photoshop, where I adjusted colour balances and enhanced textures to closer reflect the originals. At this point I was more closely considering the overall layout, using the current elements I had to play with composition and hierarchy. I also began gathering and utilising digital imagery that would align with my vision and contrast the hand-made components. Monday consisted of lots of editing on Photoshop to ensure that my objects contrasted each other well regarding colour, as well as editing shadows to enhance layering and texture. 

I dedicated Tuesday to pulling everything together and finalising my design. Referring back to my plan, I continued to add in and utilise digital imagery and drawings, to enhance the detailing and depth of the piece. Before migrating to Illustrator I refined the individual elements, editing colours, textures, and shadows until I was satisfied with the result. Once this was done, it was time to include text, I created a hand drawn font that I transferred to and digitalised in illustrator. This was one of my favourite processes, as it added a layer of personal flair to the piece and made everything feel connected. Experimenting with the layout, and creating iterations, I finally decided on the chosen design.

Below are the final two iterations, after gathering outside perspective, I settled on the second piece to be the final. 

By Wednesday, the design was completed and was ready to be shared. What had initially started as an exploration into mixed media, turned into the digitisation of physical elements to create a work of graphic design. With the crit session fastly approaching, I spent time practicing what I wanted to communicate and gain feedback on. I created a brief slideshow that would give my peers insight into my entire making process, the individual steps and challenges to better inform them so they could provide feedback. 

Reflection on Action:

Finally it was time for the formal crit session in class. Going into this experience I felt confident in what I was presenting and was eager to give my peers insight into the work I had been quietly building throughout the week. Using my slideshow and notes, I walked my peers through each stage of my experiment, from the beginning to the end. I shared my inspirations, and how they drove my creative decisions, and wider context. The feedback I received from my peers was both encouraging and constructive. 

A suggestion that particularly stood out to me was the idea of developing a piece that promotes the concept of sustainability more directly, possibly through a zine or poster that was crafted from recycled materials. Further experimenting with graphic design through meaningful zine and poster design was something I had previously mentioned, so this suggestion was really intriguing and encouraged me to further consider this. Another common piece of feedback I received was to further embrace the principles of graphic design in my work. Following this advice would help me create pieces that are more intentional and meaningful in their visual communication. Both of these insights, I intend to use in my future experiments to push my work and create more impactful designs. 

Overall, with this experiment, my goal was to explore the digitisation of mixed media through graphic design. I wanted to find a unique balance between the tactile nature of fine arts and the purposeful communication of design. In this piece I wanted to integrate themes of sustainability and communication in a graphic design work. The feedback received in the previous critiques played a critical role in guiding my direction, encouraging me to clarify my purpose and explore the techniques of graphic design. Due to this, I reworked my experiment plan, and began approaching my design as not only something that is visually appealing, but something that is meaningful in what it is communicating. 

Emotionally, I found the experimentation process to be a really positive experience. At the beginning there were definitely moments of uncertainty, but once these settled, I found my creative flow and loved making. Initially it was challenging trying to combine the two disciplines as it was new to me, but as I overcame this, it gave me confidence in my ability to learn new skills. To me this was a success and a very rewarding outcome, as I created a piece that illustrated harmony between physical and digital elements, and felt that I had successfully achieved my overall goal. However, there were moments when I did face challenges, particularly when it came to creating digital replicas of the physical objects, as they often lost their colour and depth. I managed to overcome this though, and created images that closely represented the physical elements. 

Theory:

As mentioned earlier, one of the most impactful resources that informed my experimentation was the work of Yoko Hasegawa. (Yoko Hasegawa Works, n.d.) Exploring her portfolio on her website, made me think about the emotional tone and impacts of my piece, how the materials, colour, and composition could communicate feelings. Her process helped me reflect on how materiality and emotion can intersect within graphic design, leading me to be more selective in the materials I source, as well as being more purposeful in how they were arranged and presented. It really inspires me to explore how visual storytelling can be used as a powerful communication tool. Her utilisation of repurposed materials also heavily encourages me to further explore this. 

Preparation:

Based on my experiment and the feedback received during the critique, I plan to continue my experiment by placing strong emphasis and focus on visual communication and the integration of sustainability as a theme. As I achieved what I aimed to, my next steps are to further explore the techniques of graphic design and implement these alongside physical elements. By exploring composition, hierarchy, and type, to name a few techniques, I can work towards creating meaningful pieces that communicate a purpose. While there are underlying elements of sustainability, in my current piece, I want to further investigate this by enhancing my use of recycled and found materials. As mentioned in my received feedback, I want to more directly illustrate the sustainability aspect. This could potentially be a zine, or informative poster that communicates a message of sustainability through the use of sustainable materials. Exploring how the medium can shape a message. 

Over the break, I want to continue my research on graphic design techniques, and explore designers with similar practices. I specifically want to focus on honing my skills within Illustrator and Photoshop, and will likely focus my research within the use of these applications. As I am more experienced in Illustrator, I particularly want to explore image editing in Photoshop, so that I can better digitise my physical works, and enhance the depth of each piece. 

My goal for Week 7 is to create a new experiment concept that centres around sustainable communication, and gathering insight and information into how I can approach this. I’ll research current designs that are relatable to my concept to gather inspiration and better understand the relationship between sustainability and communication. In my future experimentations, I also want to prioritise emotional tone in my design, considering the narrative weight that each element of a design can hold.

Bibliography: 

Yoko Hasegawa Works. (n.d.). Yoko Hasegawa. https://www.haseyoko.com/works-en/