kindabraveandlittlestupid

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Why Tumblr Chooses Censorship

It’s a strange day to jump online and suddenly hear about a major policy change on Tumblr from a few people I talk too. Words like “Total Bullshit”, “End of Tumblr”, “Burning Garbage Heap” and so on tossed among them to describe the policy change. Curious enough I logged on began reading over all the purposed changes and I admit I am a bit disheartened. Usually when a digital institution like AOL, Yahoo, Napster, or MySpace falls it because they didn't evolve and became stagnant in what they were providing the internet. I can’t think of a time where a site willfully regressed its own freedom of speech on a broad scale and basically swallowed a poison capsule that destroys their user base (perhaps deservingly so) but here we are.

That point aside, I am trying to have insight and hindsight to understand how/why they were pushed to this reckless conclusion (I will be leaving foresight out because I think Tumblr lacks foresight, the exodus from Tumblr will dramatically change the culture of this site likely for the worse). Tumblr like any social media medium is struggling in the current age of the internet; Bots, Far Right Extremists, Fake News, Illegal Porn, Data Theft, and so on. Many companies are walking this fine line between trying to combat these problems while preserving freedom of speech.

I struggle to find my own footing on this topic because I believe that society with LESS censorship historically does better. You look to countries in the past that repressed sexuality, individual thought, and so on; those countries were often the ones to invite the rise of repressive groups doing atrocious acts in history. While on the other hand because of this open and free social media platform we all see the echoing of those same repressive groups (who are also on Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, and Youtube) and to simply say/do nothing about their posts will inevitably allow them to rise still. This is where I struggle as I believe in that concept of a free society but I do feel that removing fake new stories is essential for the health of democracy.

I imagine the reason why sexual images are the target is that Tumblr makes things so easy to post. It's not hard to imagine pictures of minors getting liked or reposted from one blog or another happening. The problem is many of those pictures will circulate for a long period of time not being flagged as underage and there is good chance that every user has knowingly or unknowingly looked at an image like this on the web. I explore the porn side of Tumblr and have once or twice encountered a Tumblr full of these images at which point I couldn't close that tab fast enough and get the hell out of dodge. So Tumblrs solution of handling this problem instead of playing whack a mole with these underage accounts? Ban all adult content.

I can understand this motivation being a foolproof way of making sure there is no underage porn because there will be no porn. I imagine the result will be very effective, so effective that the various members of the community be they straight, bi, or gay who had their own private collection of legal adult material on Tumblr will stop visiting the site. A slow-moving exodus of users from Tumblr this site to perhaps a new blogging alternative that isn't so restrictive. I don’t suspect Tumblr will be closing its doors the week after the policy kick in (though they will see a HUGE decline in traffic) but even the PG accounts will likely move on because a sizeable user base shifted away and people want to be where the party is at. And much as I love Tumblr, it will not be here (sadly).

PC Culture VS Censorship Culture

One thing I noticed on the various posts is some people attempting to blame this policy change on the PC Culture. I am not sure I believe that as a valid argument. While I don't get along with PC Culture all the time (part of my free society is believing that humor is apart of it and PC Culture doesn't always like humor), I do think PC Culture has a broad/accepting view of orientation and sexuality. Just important is people having the right to explore those thoughts and feelings of their own free will. Tumblr has been one of those sites allowing emerging gay men and women to find others like them but also explore their sexuality with images/gifs/videos. What Tumblr might have not noticed is that the site itself is kind of a cultivation of the best images from the web, sure you can find some pretty hard porn on occasion but of all the adult sites on the web, Tumblr provides an almost artistic lense to the images that come thru the site.

Censorship can come from various political/social/religious groups but this sort of censorship against the human body, sex, and sexuality, in general, comes from a very conservative mindset. People who don’t wish to see nudity in any form on any medium; people who think a woman's nipple is lewd, that breastfeeding publically is disgusting, and that anything remotely sexual is a sin. And by the nature of Tumblrs policy change their beliefs align themselves alarmingly close to these individuals.

There is a thin veneer of progressive views on the site that remains where they say they are ok with this and that like gender orientation surgery but its just that a veneer. Once a person has transitioned anything that is shared of their new body (nudity or sex wise) beyond the initial transition falls into the realm of ‘smut’ by Tumblrs policies. I imagine the perception they are trying to sell us is “Hey we are still the same progressive safe haven for LGTBQ community! Stay with us!” but secretly thinking “Everything you enjoy in the bedroom is horrible and we fucking hate you.”

Perhaps I am being hyperbolic in that statement but damn if it doesn't feel like a vast policy of censorship on the human body. And whenever this happens (historically) it always comes from hyper-conservatives.

A General Attack On Expression and Orientation

I touched on this topic a little bit above but I feel it's worth stating again that Tumblr might be losing its safe-haven status for gender expression and sexual orientation. When scrolling through Tumblr you will likely see those new expressions of genders that is beyond that of ‘traditional’ male and female definitions. And while I don’t have any attraction to some of these new expressions, I understood why they are there and don’t get upset if/when the cross my feed. Like two men having sex my mind thinks “Not for me but I am sure that will make someones day”. I view sex (in all its forms) as natural, I don’t have to be into it for me to be ok with it (if that makes sense). It’s visual participation if that image you see isn't a turn on for you and does nothing for you, simply move on.

Tumblr’s policy doesn't seem to care about this concept of visual participation and while it is taking away my straight/lesbian porn I enjoy. It is also sweeping up all these new forms of expression and orientation in the process.

I am not sure what else to say... I am a straight male and I try to have a deep empathy for other people when I can. I feel this argument can be better structured but I also come from a position where I don’t know all the details. I add this to the post because Tumblr seemed to go out of their way to suggest that they would protect this community but from a long view that doesn't seem to be the case.

A Lessons To Be Learned

I am not going to say fuck Tumblr. I don’t want to see them fail. I liked what this space was about and what it provided. I prefer they reconsider changing the guidelines and consider a different course of action but I also understand why they want to do this. It’s “The Easy Way” to do things. If they ban all porn then it simplifies managing underage nudity and allows the site to have less criticism drawn to it.

I do, however, think this broad censorship approach will ultimately hurt the site and the community though. People will leave, alternative websites will arise and Tumblr will eventually become no more. I am not going to tell anyone to boycott or delete their accounts. I plan to collect my writing and images, backup my favorite adult gifs (might need to buy a hard drive) and settle into this new reality. I know I will personally be visiting the site less as I used to look at porn here at some of the better cultivated Tumblr archives. That lack of traffic by me and all the other users will hurt the company. I hope they understand eventually I won't show up at all and over time, eventually, no one else will either. Maybe the site will survive and change into something else but right now under these conservative policies of censorship, Tumblr won't last.

Sad Regards, Michael California

Update: Posted this originally with a woman in a shower with large censorship bars over the naughty bits. Flagged despite the fact she was more covered than most Sports Illustrated models. I know I just wrote above I am not advocating leaving the site... but after all this and the fact that Tumblr Support finally responded to a far-right Tumblr blogger photoshopping/doctoring a PM conversation we had before posting it to his blog. I feel as though Tumblr A) hates sex and sexuality B) not only enables but protects racism and harassment on this website. I think it’s time to move on.

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Charlie Bucket Deserved to Win Wonka’s Chocolate Factory

Filled With Wonder

Perhaps because Charlie is the main character of the movie from the beginning you can see Charlie was not interested in just the chocolate or the business but rather the joy and mystery that Wonka represented. He peeked into the candy shop seeing other kids indulge their sweet tooth after school but being poor he forgoes the expense of buying candy and instead runs a paper route on his way home getting paid only couple scents. Upon his run home delivering papers, he slows by the factory peeking inside and looking at the chimney stack with the word Wonka glowing down its side. It does not take much to imagine he does this 5 days a week looking on, wondering what is beyond the brick walls.

Working For His Family and His Charity

Among all the kids who find the golden ticket, Charlie is the only one who has an altruistic narrative. His chooses to work is to support is four bedridden grandparents and his single mother. He affords to buy a loaf of bread with his days pay but instead of saving up the remaining coins he gives it to his grandfather allowing him to indulge in his habit of smoking tobacco. Even on his birthday when receiving a Wonka treat his first instinct is to break it apart and share with his family. This displays the selfless nature of Charlie.

I will let you work out what other levels of charity and service Charlie helps with his four grandparents since they NEVER leave the bed. One word… Bedpan.

Representation of Hope

Besides the Charlie reflecting a sense of wonder/curiosity and charity/altruism, he also represents the spirit of hope within his character. This fills his personal narrative about wanting (not deserving) it more than anyone. The theme is more thoroughly explored in the family members eager to keep Charlie’s hopes up for the unlikely chance of receiving a ticket. With them being four adults in bed and having next to nothing in their home, Charlie losing hope would be close to Charlie losing everything that keeps him going.

Other Notable Moments/Traits for Charlie

When Augustus was drowning in the chocolate river only Charlie tried to save him by offering a massive lollipop for him to grab hold of.

In the invention room, Charlie instinctively knew how to turn on Wonka’s machine.

The lifting drink notably wasn’t his idea to have a taste but actually his grandfather suggestion.

Charlie is the only one to never question any of Wonka’s various crazy inventions. Example: When Wonka tells Mike to take the Wonka Bar from the box after it was transported by Wonka Vision he said it was impossible because it was only a picture. When Wonka asked Charlie he didn’t hesitate to grab the bar from the box and try it when Wonka told him too.

After Mike is shrunk down and Charlie is the only one left. Charlie expresses concern asking Wonka what will happen to the other kids at Wonka’s Office.

When he was denied his lifetime supply of chocolate for tasting the lifting fizzy drink, he turns back returning the Everlasting Gobstopper indicating even with him walking out with nothing for his adventure he didn’t want to keep the candy for himself OR sell it to enrich his life which would be morally wrong.

Flaws of the Other Four

We established the character traits that make Charlie the ideal person to take over Wonka’s Factory but it is just important to talk about why the others perhaps would be poor choices.

Augustus Gloop perhaps enjoys the Wonka products more than all the other kids who received a golden ticket, so there is no doubt he would love to live (and likely die) in Wonka’s sweets garden. This does not make him a poor candidate but because he is Gluttonous and represents a particular kind of greed (in regards to food) he would perhaps not suit Wonka’s desire to share joy among the consumers of his chocolates.

Where Augustus represented Glutton, there is no doubt Violet Beauregarde represents Pride as her competitive nature is both what earned her the ticket and makes her dislike Veruca who represents the other girl who is used to having things go her way. Her own downfall comes in the invention lab where she willfully ignores Wonka’s plea for her not to eat the untested gum (a personal vice for her) which if you think about she should have been better at heeding considering only a minute before she watched Mike Teavee’s mouth backfire from Wonka’s exploding candy. Violet turns Violet after indulging in her vice and ignoring the warnings and is rolled away. 

Side Note: You would think she would spit out the gum once she started to turn blue but no.

Veruca Salt clearly represents Greedy and Spoiled little girl. Every room she enters she feels compelled to tell her father another thing she wants. Mr. Salt always seems ready to appease her and reach for his checkbook. Upon seeing a literal golden egg laying goose she demands that her father buy one from Wonka that instant. Wonka seems to enjoy saying no and simply lets her have her song/tantrum in his room before she makes the mistake of being labeled a bag egg and dropped down a garbage shoot. 

For Mike Teavee it’s harder to place what fault (or major sin) he has. Mike shows an aggressive side with his gun and his desire to get a real life colt once he is old enough. He is also only interested in TV and has a habit of yelling loudly when he speaks. He has a slight combination of Sloth, Wrath, and Greed mixed to make a boy who wants to watch TV all day and do nothing else. When he finally ‘becomes’ TV himself transferred from his normal size to a three-inch version, it is no surprise his mother doesn’t react like the three parents who came before her but instead immediately looks to Wonka asking him how he can help to fix her boy.

Veruca, Mike, and Violet (Augustus was already gone before they reached the Everlasting Gobstopping machine) all seem to display some interest in Wonka talking about the Everlasting Gobstopper looking to their parents when the candy it brought up. Veruca notably crosses her fingers when making the promise to Wonka and Mike talks about Slugsworth while riding the Wonka mobile suggesting him and his mother were willing to sell the Everlasting Gobstopper once they were out of the factory.

Wonka’s Master Plan

The tickets were never truly a prize of randomness in the movie. This is proof by Mr.Slugworth AKA Mr. Wlilkinson showing up in West Germany, England, Montana, Arizona and on the route home after Charlie finds his ticket. This part of a larger elaborate moral test to bequeath his factory, not to someone who looks to profit from selling candy bars but rather to find someone who is willing to sacrifice their personal well being because it is the right thing to do.

“So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Wonka quoting Shakespeare when Charlie forfits his Gobstopper and the possible wealth of selling it.

Wonka’s Lack of Care For Profit or Wonka’s Moral Test

There are two ways to view the Everlasting Gobstopper in the movie. It is either A) a candy that never gets smaller and lasts forever which displays profit never really mattered to Wonka because the candy would forever remove the need for people to buy more (Also his three-course meal in gum could possibly solve world hunger). B) It was never an indestructible candy but simply a test to see who would turn over the candy at the end at the expense of personal wealth. Either way, it reflects two possible positive character traits that either display Wonka as madman candy inventor trying to do good with no strong capitalist tendencies or a corporate paragon who wants to know the company (and Oompa Loompas) rest in the hands of someone who would not abuse either.

It Was Always Charlie?

Upon reflecting on all this, Charlie could have easily been selected by Wonka long before the contest. The boy who gets the ticket happens to live by the factory which he looks at every day? Mr. Slugsworth knowing to wait for Charlie along the path home after he just got the ticket? Was it possible that Candyman who sold Charlie the bar knew the ticket was inside and the Newspaperman Charlie worked for made sure he didn’t get robbed of the ticket encouraging him to run home? We see tragic ends to four horrible/greedy kids each falling to a personal vice with Augustus sucked away for his eating habits, Violet knocked off because he knew she couldn’t resist gum, Veruca wanting a literal golden goose and dropped like the garbage she was acting like and Mike shrunk down because he wanted to be on ‘TV’ so badly. There is a real chance Wonka wanted to test Charlie’s morality while punishing four shitty kids from around the world. I am not saying this is what happened but it’s not so farfetched to imagine a madman like Wonka fathoming up a test like this for Charlie.

Truth is Charlie was the only one it could be. He never questioned if something could be true when Wonka told them, he gave up wealth for his impoverished family when he was about to leave with nothing, and he was the only child who had to work for anything. If you were to look at Wonka’s experiments like gum that was a 3-course meal, the ability to transfer food across great distances like TV, and indestructible candy for poor kids suck on forever, it was never about wealth for him but bringing joy to the world (and possibly single-handedly end world hunger). Only Charlie shared that spirit of giving and Charlie was the only one who would do right by the Oompa Loompas who would live with him in the factory. It was never a contest of five kids who would possibly take over for Wonka but in fact, a test for one good kid to take over a candy empire. 

Thanks for the read.

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

“I don’t always laugh at jokes but when I do they are fucking weird” ~ Michael California

My Twisted Humor

I am making no claim here of being special or unique. There are some things I like and then there are some things I don’t get. This post isn’t an exploration of what is or isn't funny in the world, humor is subjective. No, this post is about the things (sane or insane) that I find nuggets of joy in. This post is for the sake of my friends, family, and women I am dating can have some insight to who I am on the inside. That deep, dark, twisted inside... enjoy.

Onion Film Standard on Youtube

If you haven't seen the videos yet, Peter K. Rosenthal (Ron E. Rains) reviews movies in a way that is so absurd that it comes full circle until the review makes crazy sense. I mean it. When I watched his Mama Mia 2 review it felt as though he was calling me out specifically for giving the movie a hard time when I had no reason too. I wept. I laughed. I wept some more. This is nothing short of brilliant.

TNG Edits on Youtube

Short nonsensical Star Trek edits that take a strange sort of brilliance from a beloved show and tweaking them into strangely satisfying shorts. I can fathom coming up with jokes for MST3K, the reviews of the Onion, and new cards of Cards Against Humanity on my own but this... this takes a twisted brilliant mind. I can't promise everyone will love these videos but it’s something I watch every now and then to have a laugh. 

Cards Against Humanity

CAH is like peeking under the vale of your friend's twisted thoughts while flaunting your own in the process. While you CAN play it safe that is no way to get the laughs at the table or for that matter in the game. I plan to take a large deck with me traveling so I can play them with my fellow vagabonds. 

My best hand played so far? “Life Time Presents The Little Engine That Could: the story of the Underground Railroad.” The darkest thing I played? No. But you pretty fucking amazing to have those two cards land perfectly in my deck for that black card.

G.I. Joe PSA’s

Yet another edit (like the TNG Edits) someone took those classic G.I. Joe after episode PSA’s and got very high before altering them into something great. These vids came back out when the internet was still young and social media didn't quite exist (a simpler time). Anywho these are always a joy to watch again among friends. My personal favorite is the kid falling off the cliff before cutting to the logo. Pointless but it brings me a smile and you don’t want to take that from me do you?

Mystery Science Theater 3000 / Rifftrax

MST3K and Rifftrax are like comedians sitting behind you in a movie making jokes at bad movies, really really bad movies. The scattershot approach to comedic movie watching means most of the jokes won't make you laugh but when they do say something clever at the perfect moment it can make you laugh hard, you know... like you used to when you were young and alive.

Man Stroke Woman / Key & Peele

There are a lot of worthwhile sketch shows to enjoy in the states and across either ocean. The two that most influenced me most was Man Stroke Woman, a cast of British actors making really simple sketches to a near perfect comedy and of course Key & Peele, a show between two of the funniest men in America and topical enough to tread on the fringe of politics with their Obamas Anger Translator which will be remembered for years.

Other notable sketch shows; Chappelle’s Show, Big Train, the Kids in the Hall, Portlandia, and Monty Python.

More to come...

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Climate Change & Food

I admit this is a kind of a downer post but I was interested in the subject, making something that was easy to read and digest felt like a good idea. I consider this a ‘Talking Point’ list when engaging with people on the subject. Not everyone you meet will have empathy for someone struggling in a different country from Climate Change (or hell even the next state or county over from them). So in order to convince the colder hearts among humanity, I thought a list of things people love to eat/drink that could disappear or the very least rise in price might motivate individuals to stop denying facts and get on board on doing something about it. Have a read and let me know if I made any mistakes while writing.

Affected Food & Drinks

Almonds & Avocados

Sorry, my more nutritious eaters, these two California crops requires a fair amount of water in order to grow them. Due to the changing ecology and climate in California, we have water shortages that will become more pronounced in the near future and will continue for the longer forecast. As a state, we can make efforts to improve our water consumption by developing water treatment plants to reuse water, desalinization plants on the coast and cropping the top of Avacado trees to maximize yield. I wouldn't hold my breath on these sort of improvements being utilized soon as most people don't like the idea of reusing water because they associate treatment plants with toilets.

Beer

I am sure you more conservative readers are loving the fact Almond Milk and Avacado Spreads are in trouble for young hipsters across the country. Well don't worry beer is also on the chopping block thanks to climate change. Barley, one of the main ingredients in beer, is hardly a drought or heat-resistant crop. Because of this, your favorite brands like Miller and Budweiser along with countless others will have a harder time getting ahold of the ingredient. Expect those costs to push off onto the consumers IE you. It is estimated beer can cost up to 3.25X as much under these conditions.

Coffee

The Coffee Bean ripens at a very specific heat and with the heat rising in these countries the beans are ripening too quickly resulting lower quality coffee and a lot less bean to go around. Coffee yield will drop dramatically and Americas favorite morning drink will become more expensive to import into the country and all over the world.

Coca-Cola (Corn Syrup)

The yield of corn is estimated to drop as much as seven percent or more in the coming year's thanks to global warming. While the yield of corn drops and the sugar farmers in Florida struggle with their drowning state, there is no doubt that the cost of making Coca-Cola will go up and so will the prices for any other sugary drinks. Fuck my Red Bull is already expensive.

Chocolate

Fun fact West Africa produces about 70% of the Earths cocoa beans. Thanks to global warming their temperatures are rising, water is becoming harder to come by in those regions and fungal disease now decimating the worlds biggest cocoa growers. The supply can't keep up with the demand, while some of these “Affected Foods” are soon to be problems, this one is actually already happening in Africa. Happy Halloween.

French Fries (Potatoes)

Well, your fast food meal is looking more expensive with meat costing more with less water and less feed for cows. Your Coke is getting more expensive with sugar and corn syrup becoming harder to cultivate. Top it all off your french fries will cost more too! With the ground getting hotter (from global warming) it’s affecting the harvest of potatoes forcing farmers to plant at higher altitudes and soon enough it will be hard to even harvest those potatoes. So kiss your french fries goodbye or at least the money in your wallet.

Honey

The quality of plants are diminishing thanks to global warming which in turn is decreasing the protein level in pollen for bee’s (see how everything connected). This basically makes pollen more ‘unhealthy’ for bees and less nutritious, resulting in lower reproduction in colonies. Which effects honey production and the pollination of plants that need bees to be the little carriers of pollen from male to female parts of greenery. The result? Less honey from bees and plant life as a whole will suffer from the lack of cross-pollination.

Maple Syrup

Like most the items listed here the change in temperature is afflicting this crop as well. Maple trees require cold weather to help produce the sap from the expansion/contraction process the tree normally goes through seasonally. While most of the growing/cultivating of these trees take place in Canada, the Maples that grow on our side of the border are struggling with the warmer temperatures and in the next few decades all maples will ONLY be in Canada and even then their production will be lost as the heat reaches further north. So in other words no more free toppings for your pancakes at IHOP, that's some expensive syrup.

Meat

While grazing and hydrating animals are two major aspects challenged by global warming, the price of meat will also go up as more insects eat key crops and corn yield (cow/chicken/pig feed) drops lower, the costs will once again be pushed off to consumers. This will change the way we eat meat in this country as we will be forced to more selective of how much livestock we can realistically manage.

Sugar

Florida is likely to suffer the most from the effects of climate change more than any other state. Yeah Texas has super droughts and California is pretty much always on fire but Florida will mostly be underwater. The largest sugar industry (in the US) resides here and will be flooded or swallowed whole by the ocean. Try and count all the sugary good items you eat every year and mourn the fact they will either be discontinued or cost way more.

Sushi / Oysters (Fish)

If the Amazon is the Earths ‘lungs’ then the ocean is the Earths... filter? I don’t know where I am going with that thought but due to things like overfishing, the CO2 levels rising in the ocean, and acidification things are looking dire for the seas. The changes in the ocean are moving certain species farther north, killing off populations, making harvests smaller, and the warmer waters are increasing the chances of parasites within fish. Needless to say, global warming/pollution is impacting the oceans as much as it is impacting the land.

NOTE: Acidification is effect clams/oysters because of their calcium-based shells being weakened by the ph balance from the abundance of CO2 being absorbed by the ocean. The more you know.

Wheat (Beer Part 2 & Bread)

If you thought above that Barely is only ONE way to grow beer, I got bad news for you. It’s estimated about 1/3 of the world's wheat will be affected by Climate Change (along with Rice and Corn) which means if you were holding out for Wheat becoming the new champion of alcohol, well keep holding your breath because this won't save the production. This, of course, will also affect supplies of bread as well and will cost you more in the supermarket one way or another.

Wine

Traditional wine growing countries are struggling to deal with the changes in the environment which has been negatively affecting their crops and lowering yields. The fact is vineyards are impacted by wildfires, colder winters, longer dry periods and so on. France and California now deal with unpredictable yields where the crops either come out like normal during one season but lacking as much as 1/3 of their crop the next year. Not that wine is cheap but the cost will go up if the trend continues and the vineyards you love will struggle to bring their bottles to the market.

Quantity, Quality, Insects, and Climate

The list above is just some of the peoples' favorite treats but the truth is all crops are vulnerable to climate change. The changing of seasons end/starting points, deeper colds, more intense heat waves, longer droughts, the insects thriving and fungus becoming more aggressive (like what Cocoa, Bananas, and Potatoes deal with). We have no short list of reasons why food production wouldn't be slowed due to climate change.

Besides those things that slow, stop, or decimate crops we also have the problem of crops growing less and being more nutrient deficient than ever before. The changes in climate and scarcity of water make the yields much small which means less food coming from the same amount of land, meaning we need to expand our farms or work out a means of making those square acres work like they did before (or even better).

The other end of the problem is the fact we have so much CO2 that not only is the ocean becoming more acidic but plants themselves (which also consume CO2) are struggling to absorb it all. Much like waterlogged (over-saturation from water) or overexposure to the sun, the over-saturation of CO2 is leading to the negative effect of making the nutrients in plants decline. In other words not only are we growing less but we also have to eat more to make up the vitamins we would have normally received from the plants we are eating. This is like getting screwed from both ends.

Wrap Up

I am not a naysayer on us being able to slow or even reverse the effects of climate change in the long run. This is our generations great challenge, not a World War (though conflicts can start over resources) but instead, humanity driving to change the way we grow our food, handle our waste, utilize our energy, and take care of our fucking planet. I believe we can win this battle and save the world but it takes nothing short of great men and women stepping up and doing the right (if not difficult) thing. This is an opportunity for history, where people who realize great ideas have statues named after them and their names etched into history books. Only the weak and the stupid deny climate change at this point because they can not fathom a problem they can not always see or feel. You, my dear reader, are not either those things are you. We can see the problems before us and instead of covering our eyes and pretending like all as well, we take the challenge head-on and begin making the changes not only to save the world but save it for children and children's children to enjoy long after we are gone.

Unusually Warm Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Gamer Girls are kind of amazing. I mean am not saying all girl NEED to be gamers and it's far from a deal breaker for a relationship but having a Player 2 in the household is kind of amazing. I want to come home from work and find a pizza on the table and cutie with a booty sitting on the sofa in PJ’s waiting for me to join her in a game for a bit. Of course, the option of making it Netflix Night or something else is also welcome but I have been (for my whole life) a gamer since the original Sega system up to my custom built PC I use now. And I want to share that with her.

So for all you Game Girls and Wonderful Girlfriends who are willing to try new things to make your lover happy (or reverse relationships where your a Gamer Girl trying to get your Boyfriend or Girlfriend into games). I present you my Co-Op Date Night Video Game List.

Enjoy.

A Way Out

I admit I have not yet played this game but it looks damn good and reminds me a fair amount of Splinter Cell which appeals to me. From what I have seen the voice acting and graphics are on par with Grand Theft Auto and the gameplay seems very clean. Nothing like working together to break out of prison to bring us closer.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ? ? ? ? ? (No idea how hard this will be)

Diablo 1, 2, & 3

The Diablo series has always been a pretty basic point and click approach with spells on the hotkeys and some minor inventory management. As the games went on more playable characters unlocked with each new game. This game would be a fun side by side experience with two PC’s playing as a male and female character out to kill the Devil himself. 

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★★★☆☆ (Gotta teach the hotkey basics)

Don’t Starve Together

The second game on the list I have yet to play. The animation reminds me of something from Tim Burton meeting Invader Zim. Despite the strangely clever art style, I like the concept of the game of running around resourcing to stay alive. This kind of co-op experience is about carrying your weight and working together.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ? ? ? ? ? (I won't ever let you go hungry before me)

Fortnite

I was playing Save the World setting of the game long before most players were hearing about the soon to be released PUBG. I don't know if that makes me cool or incredibly nerdy but probably both. This game is full of action and I prefer the build mode of the other Save the World Game mode which is where I would want to take you. Gathing supplies building a base, fighting a horde of zombies and winning.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★★★☆☆ (I’m not always ahead of the trends but when I do it was Fortnite)

Guitar Hero and Rock Band

An oldy but a goody! Guitar Hero and Rock Band both brought the concert into the family room. I loved those first games but really lost interest fast once the microtransactions pretty much dominated the last couple of games. Nothing like ruining a game by demanding another dollar for a song you like. Regardless of those failings, I would love to find another guitar and mic for us to play together. Don’t worry if you can't sing I can play bass and you can take lead. Slapping the bass man!

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★★★☆☆ (P.S. Don’t let me drum)

Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the Storm is kind of a Blizzard grab bag exploring the DOTA setting. I can't imagine us playing this long term unless we REALLY get into the game and spend some pay to play cash to unlock some characters for her early on. I met a few girls in my life who played games like this and all of them have been amazing people, I hope to do this with my S.O. in the future.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (A bit more skill based but still very much friendly to new players)

Keep Talking Nobody Explodes

The only VR game on the list but a fun one that requires for two people to work together to defuse a bomb. The first person gets a binder full of paper to read off of and the other has the VR goggles on with the remotes waiting to defuse the bomb. I imagine if you’re really shit communicator this might be a hard game to play but then again it can help you work on that, can’t it?

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ (I hope we have good communication skills)

Left 4 Dead 1 & 2

Simple enough to learn and control, the hard part is knowing when to save my ass from a smoker drag or engaging the zombies in an effective way that we don't get punched to death. There is always one female character to play as so you won’t ever be without a lady to play as unless you’re one of those weird girls who likes Ellis. I don’t get it.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (Get to the Chopper!)

Lego Games

Far from challenging collection, Lego Games are known to be kid-friendly. Kid-friendly also means new gamer girlfriend friendly. I don’t mind getting silly with lego games to get you into gaming in general. Thus it sits on this list!

NOTE: Got tons of options like Jurassic Park, Batman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, Pirates of Caribbean, and more...

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (Silly rabbit Legos are for kids!)

Life is Strange

Apparently, this game is amazing and it operates like Telltale Games where choices matter. From my understanding, if you like Riverdale then this sort of plot is right up your alley, which is great for young women who love that show. I am more of a Sabrina fan myself but you do you.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ? ? ? ? ? (As seen on Tumblr!)

Mariokart

Mariokart is a game that can ruin relationships. I imagine I might sleep on the sofa if you blue turtle shell me at the end of the tace and your butt is something far lower then second place. I personally prefer the arena battles with the balloons but I am simply old school like that when I still had a third arm from my chest for the N64 console. 

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ (I hope we have good communication skills)

Minecraft

Minecraft and the Sims are the only two games you can play without the other person being there and that being perfectly ok. I mean Sims you have to with it being single player but if you had an afternoon on Minecraft without me I wouldn't be angry with the progress you made. It really is a relaxing game unless you’re out at night and hear a sudden his sound that blows out the wall of your house.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ (Thop Thop Thop Thop Pop)

Overcooked 1 & 2

Overcooked is an insanely fun game about cooking. It requires people to follow instructions and get into a flow of handling jobs in the kitchen. If done right it can be a really rewarding experience. If done wrong... well people start getting loud with one another.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ (Why didn’t anyone wash the dishes?!)

Overwatch

This would be interesting, I know the female gamer community is growing and certain games have a draw. I pleasantly surprised that there seems to be a large number of gamer girls who enjoy Overwatch or maybe I am projecting the cosplay community. Either way, I want to be your Solider 76 and have you be my healer keeping me upright and fighting. Maybe I will dress up as your favorite male character later. *wink*

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (Tracer has a nice butt, there I said it)

Payday 1 & 2

Payday is a pretty forgiving game in the sense that the bank robbers are pretty much bullet sponges who are kind of hard to kill. The real fun is taking a bank without anyone knowing that we are doing it. With some fun female characters to play as I think we can have a good old time taking hostages and emptying vaults out together.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (Gonna steal you some diamonds)

Portal 2

Portal is 1 part first-person shooter, 1 part logic puzzles and 1 part rewiring your brain to think in Portals. The game isn't very high stress but does require some skill for the later levels and some experience with first-person controls. I would save this game last for this list to make sure we are on par for our skillset to handle the struggle that is Portal 2.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (Teamwork makes the dream work)

Resident Evil 5 and Later

This game isn't really hard as it is the controls are kind of crap. The stand and shoot principal of Resident Evil really brought down the quality of the early games like the camera angles. That said it was an early co-op with the kinda cute interracial duo that makes you think (they be a hot couple). I kinda want to revisit this game along with some of the other later games and play with my lover once she is comfy enough playing video games with me.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (I got your back honey)

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a really simple looking game that is surprisingly good by keeping you busy with well... busy work. One improvement to the game was the Multiplayer Update/Beta that allowed 2 people to work on a farm together. I really love the idea of building a home with my SO and playing side by side for an hour or so every day making our lives a little better, well in a digital sense.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ (Lets farm together boo)

State of Decay 2

We need to be ready for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. This game allows us to build our own survivor and explore a town, house by house raiding for supplies like ammunition, medicine, food, and so on. I think a little teamwork goes a long way in making us grow closer don’t you think?

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (All about survival)

Super Smash Bros.

Anyone who knows me I have issues with Mario despite the fact he made this list twice. Super Smash Bros. gets a seat on this list mostly because of how user-friendly the game is and how fun 4 player co-op can be. I mean... if we were swingers on Date Night that fills the other two spots but since it's you and me we can smash all night long just the two of us.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ★ ☆ ☆☆ (Great ‘Party Game’ and fun for ‘Button Smashers’)

Telltale Games

Pretty much story time for couples where we sit down with some popcorn and take turns doing some minor walk around with characters and making quick story-altering choices together. Imagine the excited screams as we aren't sure which option to pick while playing the Walking Dead! There are so many Telltale Titles to consider playing from Game of Thrones, TWD, Batman, Guardians of The Galaxy, Fables, and Back to the Future so we wont be bored anytime soon.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ☆ ☆ ☆☆ (Stress might spike for tough story choices)

The Sims

The Sims have been around since the late 90′s and captured the imagination of boys and girls across the country alike. While the game is not a ‘co-op’ per say managing a family together on one PC is doable and can be kind of rewarding. I just hope she doesn't remove the ladder by the pool and down my virtual avatar.

Learning Curb for Significant Other ★ ☆ ☆ ☆☆ (Real Simple Stuff Here)

Honorable Mentions

Far Cry 5 - Not the best game but still gives us an open world to discover. Advanced players only.

Ghost Recon: Wildlands - Another open world game to fight the drug cartels. You can create a pretty cute female on this game too.

The Division - Do I have something against open world games? No just Ubisoft games that may be too hard for a new gamer to play.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist - Fuck I miss these games. Splinter Cell was the perfect Co-op Stealth game. We will revisit this one if we burn through the list.

Fable 3 - Chicken Chaser? Do you chase chickens? Fable was a memorable game but way to limited for the years it was being produced. I want to revisit this series soon.

Fallout 76 - Still pretty fresh but still Co-Op able. I have mixed feelings on the game but the character customization might be good for making ourselves in game.

Starcraft 2 - This game has a co-op hero mod perfect for building bases and completing missions. The learning curve is higher for strategy games but it makes the list for fun co-op.

Wrap Up

I scribbled most of these games down myself but when I decided to see what other games couples played, I was pleasantly surprised to find most of the games I wrote were also on their lists. I did cannibalize a few other online lists (such as Resident Evil 5, A Way Out and Don’t Starve Together) but most of my content was original thoughts on my end that other people also saw the potential in (honest to god it was the Overcooked game that inspired me to write this). I like to keep this post as a reminder to myself of what I want to do with my girlfriend or maybe one day my kids (assuming they want to be my player 2 and kill some zombies with their old man). Either way I can't wait to do either and I missed anything that you think should be on this list let me know.

As always thanks for reading.

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Donald Trump is a fucking idiot. Not exactly breaking news but he continues to remind us how idiotic he is almost daily and beyond belief he still has people who support him. It feels good to say that and even write it on the screen. A sweet sweet catharsis of stating an established truth about the current President is a moron. That being said, with his inability to lead the country (even in the most basic of ways), we can talk about one of his ideas that has the potential to be either something very exciting or a complete and utter waste of taxpayer money depending who is steering the end result of the concept.

The concept at hand? Space Force.

I will be going over who this idea might be used for good, why it will likely be bad and why it is a stupid distraction from the next true battleground.

The Good

Now the ‘good’ elements of Space Force is circumstantial. If you know your US History, you will know when the US considers any massive spending bill for the military there are sometimes social programs linked to it and often advances in science. If you need an example of how war spending ended up creating programs, look no further then National Defense Education Act from 1958 which basically spent a huge amount of cash to help establish public schooling as a means of shoring up the United States Intelligence against the Soviet Union for the long run. I will let that sink in for a moment... the US paid for public schooling because it would make the country safer. I can hear the brain vessels popping in Conservatives heads when the account for education system being partially created by a military spending bill.

There are other examples of how spending in the Military sector ended up improving the lives of Americans across the country. Your Freeways? Military spending was involved to help move mobile missiles around the country. Power? US nuclear weapons and the eventual development of nuclear energy as a power source. The Internet? Created by ARPANET which was funded by the Department of Defense. International Travel? Radar and GPS allow thousands of flights to lift off and land across the world, also thanks to military spending. On occasion, the spending on military budgets creates social systems that enhanced the overall living in this country and around the world.

If we are able to tailor this USSF (United States Space Force) we might create some long-term benefits for space travel, colonization, mining of asteroids, and advanced satellites (to you know to add more proof to global warming because apparently some people still need MORE evidence). This military spending also may supplement NASA’s dwindling budget and expand some of their long-term projects like visiting Mars or keeping the International Space Station up in orbit. So at least we can see some potential good come from it.

The Bad

The concept of Space Force isn't a new idea. Infact the United States Space Command existed from 1985 to 2002 as one of Americas first flirtations with the idea. Do to infighting and the fact that the ARMY, NAVY, and Air Force already had their own ‘space programs’ in regards to GPS and Satellites the agency was redundant and mothballed. 

NOTE: Just keep this in mind when a Trump supporter acts like their great dictator is break barriers with his ideas, he isn't.

The real issue with Space Force is the fact this will become the next big spending project for Conservatives. They have a habit of waving their flags not because they actually are proud of the military service members (I am sure some Republicans are) but the real reason why they love military spending is that it is taxpayer money (IE socialist spending) investing into private companies and when they pass bills like this those private companies suck from the sweet breast of military spending as long and hard as they can while contributing to those candidates that helped them get the contract.

This is why we saw great mismanagement of military spending during Iraq and Afghanistan where private companies loved to bill the US for work they weren't even doing. This happens stateside as well as companies build tanks with taxpayer money and the US proceeds to sell said tanks to Saudi Arabia and so on. While I do not outright hate capitalism, when it comes to programs like this there is no doubt once you have those private contractors building the United States Space Force, their objective will be to do it cheap enough to get the contract but expensive enough to maximize their profits once they have their foot in the door. This is where programs like NASA are superior because the mission isn't about profits but making sure those astronauts don't fucking die. 

The Stupid

Trump sells Space Force like the next great battle will be in space (someone in the White House has been watching Roger Moore’s Moonraker) when in reality its more likely to be over things like fresh water, China’s rapid expansion into the Pacific with their man-made islands or most likely a ‘Cyber War’ which is kinda already taking place. No one views the armchair soldier who codes all day as someone who deserves a medal but when you protecting connected infrastructure (water/power/etc), the global stock markets, satellites and pretty much your personal data, they deserve some big credit for being a digital-front line. 

The problem with the concept of cyber warfare is that it isn't ‘sexy’. People enjoy the scenes where Neo is shooting up a lobby far more than were him doing his hacking in the beginning of the movie and that is what Trump thinks about when pitching Space Force. What can he sell this to his base? What is marketable to the populace? I imagine the idea of Space Force is easier for him to wrap his small mind around then the concept that hacking is taking place all the time and white hats are trying to keep black hats from doing destructive acts day and night.

The Wrap Up

Really the whole problem with Space Force isn't really that big. Trump won't be president forever which means whatever lucid ideas he has for this new branch of the military will likely be sculpted by men and women with at least triple his unimpressive IQ. If the USSF does end up being launched there could be unknown good that comes from it; that perhaps relieves the pains of climate change and improving lives across the planet.

What is sad about the concept (besides the con man pitching it) is the fact we are drawn to looking at the stars (which I am excited about exploring) instead of being aware of the next battleground that is very much likely to be a digital one. The shoring up of defense is a conservative value to some degree (if only for the most profitable reasons for them) but the world is not yet free from bad actors looking to cause chaos. We should be spending our money in actual branches that could actually help with our defense and space is simply not yet one of those locations.

As always thanks for reading.

Regards, Michael California

NOTE: I feel as though I left out the fact that Space Force will be incredibly expensive which could fall under the ‘bad’ or ‘stupid’ part of this post. We all know and heard this argument which is why I kinda left it out but now that I am finished writing? Yeah, it's gonna cost billions; health care, clean air & water, cybersecurity, free college, taking care of the homeless, serving our vets, or building green energy are far better ways to spend money then this concept.

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Love her or hate her, Congresswoman Pelosi has been one of strongest women in DC and one of the major leaders of the Democratic Party. She scares the right because of her effectiveness as a Congresswoman and she upsets the left with a long history of making compromises and conflicting interests that continue to orbit her. This article isn't a reflection on her career as a whole but reflection of whether or not she should take up the mantle of Speaker of the House again as she did under President Bush and for a short time under President Obama. While I have my opinion on the subject (which I will share in the end) I want to go over why she should be afforded the position while also making a case for her to step down.

Speaker of the House Position

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of why Pelosi should and shouldn't take the job, it's important to go over what the position entails. The Speaker of the House Position is effectively the mediator of the House of Representatives elected by the Representatives (usually the party with the majority). The election is pretty straightforward as a candidate must have a clear majority in Congress IE over 50% and if the vote cannot get over that bar then another vote takes place. Another notable aspect of the position is that it does not have to be someone from Congress to hold the role of Speaker of the House which means an outside individual can be voted into the role (I plan to touch base on that idea again later).

So, in a nutshell, the Speaker of the House is the arbiter for the house of representatives which enables him or her to bring votes on legislation to the floor, create special oversight committees (something essential for the Trump Administration), and keeping order within the house. The role has a fair amount of power but it is fragile in the sense that if a House Speaker loses the majority support of his/her party they could be voted from the position quite easily.

Reasons to Consider Pelosi

Pelosi’s Power

What I have read/heard about Pelosi over the years is that she is a focused woman who has a lot of influence in the Democratic Party. She can raise money like crazy, knows all the right people in DC and Rolodex full of all the contacts she has acquired over the years. Her networking skills are nothing short of something of the Mafia keeping favors on the books and knowing where to put pressure to get things done. This makes her very unlikeable because it represents some of the major fundamental issues with American Politics but on the other hand, if this is how the game is played you most certainly want her on your side. If not because these connections but also because of her experience and ability to fundraise for the DNC.

A Tarnishing Position

While the position brings with it power, a louder voice with the political party and prestige, the position also moves whoever is in the position to the front of the line for the mudslinging. Successes in the role are short-lived in their celebration and failures stick to a person like deep stains. Believe it or not Pelosi over a decade and a half ago was far from the polarizing person she is today. Most of the bad reputation she earned (while some of it deserved) came BECAUSE she held this role under the Bush and Obama Administrations. The Conservatives can/will demonize anyone holding the position over time making the Speaker of the House the ‘enemy of the people ‘if they don't have the R after their name.

On this point, I think this is one good reason to keep Pelosi as Speaker. Already covered in mud from years of being a democratic leader makes it hard to bring her low since she has are been vilified as much as she could possibly be. If anyone does step into this position there must be an understanding that the Speaker of the House position can possibly limit any long-term aspirations to climb higher in the political power structure. The alternative to dealing with the Partisan Tarnish is to either put someone who is completely neutral into the position as Speaker who represents a fairness between parties or let someone outside of Congress take on the role and see if they CAN build a career from being the Speaker by being that neutral arbiter that will appeal to centrist/undecided voters in upcoming elections (more on this later).

No Better Options

The last reason why I think Pelosi should be considered for the role besides the fact she already dealt with the worst of the GOP’s mudslinging and has a strong/established power base in DC is the fact she appears to be the best option at the moment. I know this sounds like Hillary Clinton again but there is something to say about tried and true politicians who know how the sausage is made. While we have lots of fresh young faces entering the white house after this blue wave, I see no reason to put anyone into the role simply because they are charming, energized, and optimistic. We have better ways of utilizing those traits and the Speaker role is perhaps not the best place to start (see Tarnish again if you need a reminder of why). I, however, DO NOT think Pelosi should hold this position for long but I think she takes the role and begins thinking about the future of the party instead of any personal motivations she might have for holding to power. In other words, thinking who should come after her and become the new face of the party should be one of her priorities. 

Reasons to Reject Pelosi

Grooming A Successor

So its pretty clear I am kinda Pro-Pelosi at this point but I also believe in the long game of politics and building a better party. I think Democrats benefit from a diverse base, a belief in equality/equity regardless of race and gender and appeal to humanities better characteristics. This party cannot survive without bringing in the New Generations X,Y, & Z into the base. Part of that is having young politicians who inspire these larger voting demographics to put their support behind candidates they relate too.

Pelosi is actually pre-Baby Boomer herself and is a representation of a harsh reality that the current Democratic Party keeps investing its power in politicians who are simply... old. This isn't agism mind you but just an observation of a flawed structure in our party and one that we need to frankly address. What I purpose is a shift in the structure where the faces of the party are the younger/newer politicians that can stir up their voter bases in a positive/effective way. The veteran politicians take a step back for the new generations and take on the advisor like role steering the party from behind but no longer being the face. I know some people’s egos might have an issue with this but if you care about democratic values it's all about thinking what comes next and grooming younger successors to undercut the old white man party as deep as possible.

In regards to Pelosi, while she should take the Speake of the House role it should be on the condition that she keeps one of the younger Congressmen or women close to her and prepares them to take her role permanently. Whoever does this should know that the position comes with that big red target on their back and should look to tap Pelosi’s (and other veteran Democrats) expertise regularly to be an effective House Speaker.

The Outsider

Since the position does not have to be a sitting Representative of the House, we could consider the option of bringing in an outsider to take on the role. The way the current law is written allows for this and provides a unique opportunity to do one of two things. 

A) We can bring in an upcoming/motivated official who perhaps lost the recent election but provides an important injection of energy into the DNC. I am thinking Stacey Abrams or the like taking on the position being someone who can bring new energy and perhaps avoid the mudslinging enough to build a name for herself and return to the governor's race with enough renown to unseat the racist who presently took that position in her state.

B) Take the neutral path. A representative who a bit left of center who takes on the role of being an objective nonpartisan speaker. This does a few things: 1) Displays democrats willingness to be nonpartisan for the sake of the country. 2) Allows conservatives to do their mudslinging ineffectively tarnishing a person who has no long-term interest in a political career. 3) Makes it harder for Donald Trump to scapegoat his own impotent policies on the new Speaker of the House.

We can use this position to either build up someone's career (if done properly) or we can have someone looking to serve his/her country in a meaningful way and letting the GOP focus their hate attacking someone who will simply move on wasting their time and efforts. Either way helps the long-term interests of the Democratic Party.

My Thoughts

If I had any political power in the House of Representatives and was able to establish a game plan for the Progressives; it would be voting Pelosi into the position without all the infighting, seeking out a newer/young man or woman to take up the position one or two years from now (perhaps switching them into the Speaker position months before the 2020 election), and reorganizing the power structure of the party where the young politicians are at the front stirring up support/votes while the veterans use their influence and experience to draft legislation to further the progressive goals for the long run. 

As I said before I am not a big fan of Pelosi but no one can deny her influence and effectiveness as a politician in DC. Expelling her because she represents some of the problems in DC won’t save us from the fact that those problems are part of the institutions. If we DO want to move on the age of politicians like Pelosi we need to change the rules and the game before switching out the players who know the game best. This infighting we are currently seeing does not make us a stronger party. 

As always thanks for reading.

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

First and foremost these toys aren't for me but rather toys I would want to use on my lover. Honestly, I started to research these devices about a year ago as a present for a certain lady in my life. Since that didn't work out, I had all this research and images sitting in a folder and I thought I could turn it into a post. Then I wondered if I should, I mean toys like these are pretty private and if I ever did decide to run for office I would be basically arming a landmine for myself as American society is pretty repressed about toys, masturbation and so on. So I waited and tonight I am kind of thinking, fuck it!

Better to be the change you want to see in the world and talk about adult things on an adult blog with no shame ya know? I plan to have a toy box or drawer or chest in the bedroom full of our naughty devices. An if I do run for office and this somehow gets circulated against me ask me this, what is so wrong with a guy buying something that makes his fucking girlfriend or wife feel amazing? I mean really this is all for making my partner feel good and the selfish part of the scenario is that she will love me more for doing it to her.

So here are the top 22 Toys 4 Her and who knows maybe one day I will add some more toys later. 

Enjoy.

Doxy Extra Powerful Massage Wand Vibrator

Really when it comes down to a wired massager is a surefire way to get results in the bedroom. We really don't need the Doxy AND the Hitachi in the bedroom but I am really undecided here. The Doxy looks better but the Hitachi has a stellar track record.

Fun Factory Amorino Vibe

Apparently, this toy gets some pretty good reviews on certain sites with its little yellow band helping to work the Clit, Labia, and G-Spot while it vibrates. I honestly have no idea how effective this rubber band is or if it might slip down the toy, only one way to find out.

Fun Factory Stronic Drei

This toy well... looks like a proper vibrator which makes me both hate it for form but the ridges add a certain function that is lacking from the rest of the toys on this list. There is no doubt in anyones mind that this is a sex you if discovered and there is a very real chance that person will think we are into dragons.

Hitachi Magic Wand Massager

The Hitachi Magic Wand has a reputation of being a hell of a toy. If you ever seem Hysterical Literature this is the toy under the table setting off women (some of them porn stars) while they try and read a book. Because of that we know it certinally works and works pretty fucking well.

LELO Hula Beads

This one works much the same as its sister toys with a remote that changes speed/strength with movement. The upper part of the toy rotates as well instead of just vibrating creating a very unique sensation in the bedroom.

LELO Ina Wave

The second Rabit on this list and somehow it looks alien to me like its meant to prob something or someone. I like the simple clean design and it's hitting the two sweet spots in the process so it should get her from “Point A” to "Point Oh God” in no time.

LELO Lyla 2

This little addition comes with a loop for a reason. Slips up inside and the remote controls the strength/speed. Great for public play if your into that sort of thing or great for just playing around the house. Give me the idea of using it on her while she trys to push a wooden block out in Jinga. Is that cheating?

LELO Oden 2

Operating the same way as the We-Vibe and Tiani the Oden only with perhaps some other uses. It can be slipped onto the cock and used as a clitoral stimulator while having sex or it can be slipped inside to stimulate the G-Spot. Its multiple functionality makes it a nice little hybrid toy to use in the bedroom.

LELO Ora 2

Honestly never heard of this kind of toy until I started researching the subject. The Ora has a little mechanism under the rubber that moves, swirls, wags and flicks as if it were a tongue which brings a different experience to the bedroom then the clit stimulators on the list. I am curious to see how effective this little toy is.

LELO Sona

It’s bigger then you think, like the size of a computer mass if that mouse was made to be held by the woman and used to work her button. The shape is designed for masturbation though I am sure I can hold it for her and use it on her comfortably. Honestly, she can do whatever she wants to her clit while I am away at work.

LELO Soraya

Yet another rabbit with (in my opinion) the nicest design of all the options. I like the toys to look like a set so if we can get them all the same color schemes that will appeal to my slight OCD nature.

LELO The Tiani 2

Like the We-Vibe it comes with a remote and is elegant little toy where I can turn up the sensation for both her clit and g-spot in the bedroom. I won’t promise I won't turn it on high just to mess with her nor will I not promise to not put it on her while we go to the moves or out to dinner.

njoy 11 The Perfect Eleven

Like the Rabbit, the Perfect Elven is clearly a sex toy. I mean with the Pure Wand you can pretend like that is for working knots on the back of the neck or shoulder but this thing is all about smooth penetration. Vibrators are fun but manuals toys can be exciting too.

njoy Pure Wand

Sleek, simple, and naughty. The good thing is this one is kind of unsuspecting if someone is rudely going through our drawers. Its long enough for deep penetration but also curved to work the G-Spot if needed. I imagine a must have for my partner no?

Satisfyer Pro 2

Yet another devices created for the love button. I am not a big fan of the color but the reviews are pretty good for the Satisfyer Pro 2. really when it comes down to it the choice will be hers on which one she desires but if she wants to have multiple of the same toy I see no reason to deny her such a selection.

Satisfyer Pro G-Spot Rabbit

A more traditional Rabbit shape with still the same sleek look as all the other toys. I bought a few rabbits in the past for past girlfriends and they seem to be a favorite among the ladies. I tend to prefer black, silver and gold for the toys but shell and pearl work fine I guess.

Satisfyer Pro Traveler 

If you haven't caught on I am a sucker for modern/cleverly designed toys. This one just looks like something that belongs in a makeup bag don’t you think? That is until you pop it open and realizes it is meant for so much more.

SVAKOM Tyler

This one is kind of for both us since I slip my cock through the loop before letting the little buzzing nubs work her button. It supposed to increase stamina for me while sending joyous shocks of pleasure down her spine for her. Kind of a win-win don’t ya think?

Tingle Tip Toothbrush

Simple, effective, travel size, discrete and fits onto my toothbrush. I would argue this is the best time to take with us while traveling. The only real caveat is that we gotta keep my toothbrush charged, I mean I gotta brush my teeth too and you can't just keep killing the battery before I use it hon.

Vesper By Crave

This little device caught my attention by its fashionable design and its very naughty function. I can imagine us going to a nice party with this hanging from her neck with no one being the wiser for its use save any other naughty couples. It’s kind of the perfect secret weapon if we get bored and decide to have our own party in one of the bedrooms or bathrooms for a few minutes.

We-Vibe Sync

I don’t think EVERYTHING should be connected to gadgets but I won’t lie this seems kind of fun controlling this vibrator from my phone and having it even vibrate to the music we are listening too. It will be fun for us to both get into a literal rhythm and watch you “Roar” or go off like a “Firework”.

Womanizer 2GO

I will say A+ for a clever/familiar design and D for the naming of the product. Either way, this tool is ideal for keeping in the dresser or taking on the road. While I imagine no one will stop us from going through the airport, I laugh thinking about my partner having to explain why her lipstick needs batteries.

That's the list of Toys 4 Her for now. I might add more toys later and I four other adult toy related posts to share in the near feature including Unique Dildos, Superhero Toys, Toys 4 Him and lastly basic sexy bedroom items IE Sex Swing and so on. As I said I have no shame posting items that are for my lover's pleasure and I think the world might be a better place if more people were willing to do this for one another, ya? Anyways thanks for reading.

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

A few days ago I wrote about movies that pulled on my emotions and made my eyes water. While writing on that topic I realized that there was one actor who seemingly had made me cry a few times over the years and that man (unbeknownst to me until I was writing) was Will Smith. So this is a Man Tears Special Edition for Willard Carroll Smith Jr.and his various works.

Enjoy.

**Spoilers Below**

I Am Legend - Killing Sam

Proper dog lovers know that any scene where a human must kill their pet is always heart-wrenching. This is doubly true for the movie I Am Legend where the main character Robert Neville (Will Smith) is painfully alone after humanity is wiped out by a genetical engineer virus meant to cure cancer which backfires killing 90% of people turning the other 9% into ‘vampires’ (along with some dogs) and leaving the last (immune) 1% of humans to survive in the world after.

Robert fills the void of being alone by watching movies, staying busy trying to create a cure, talking to mannequins he set up to give the illusion he was not alone and lastly (and most importantly) his dog Samantha IE Sam given to him by his daughter minutes before her helicopter crashed. Roberts world is grounded by the canine being his literal only friend in all of New York City and speaks to her constantly throughout the movie even holding her in the bathtub when they hear the vampires out at night. 

Through a series of events in the story, Robert is eventually ambushed by an intelligent vampire with some vampire dogs. Robert hanging upside down is forced to cut himself from a wire tied around his ankle, with only minutes of daylight keeping the vampire beasts at bay. He manages to escape the encounter but not without Sam being bitten and infected by the virus herself. Returning to his lab he tries to apply one of the possible cures he had working on and waits to see it take effect. Singing to the dog Bob Marley’s “Everything is Gonna Be Alright” he feels her clumps of hair come off in his hands which is a sign of her turning into a vampire mutt. Knowing it would only be seconds now before she turned, he tightened his arm on her neck and cries killing his only friend in the world.

I personally think this scene is far harder to watch than any other movie where the owner must put down their pet. While it does not move me tears like some of these other scenes, it does put a lump in my throat and twists my gut as I feel a deep empathy for Robert Neville in this scene.

Seven Pounds - Ezra Meets Emily

If you haven’t seen this movie I would suggest going to watch it because this post might spoil the movie for you. In fact, all these posts will spoil something for you but this one especially. Read on only if you seen the movie.

Tim with the alias Ben (Will Smith) is a man who has decided to end it all. Not a selfish death but perhaps a noble one as he simply can not go on living after crashing his car which kills 6 other people and his wife. The movie is literally about him preparing to commit suicide but before doing so giving away his wealth, his home, eyes, kidney, bone marrow and finally, heart at various different people one of whom he is slowly falling in love with throughout the movie.

Emily (Rosario Dawson) is that woman he is falling for and he grows close to her by taking care of her and repairing a printing press she keeps in her outside shed for her printing business. Tim begins to have doubts about killing himself but after an episode, her heart begins to fail which leaves her days to live. Tim goes through with killing himself with a jellyfish in a bathtub and giving her literally his heart so she can live on. 

The scene that comes after is Emily meeting one of the other people Tim helps a formerly blind man named Ezra who Ben donated his eyes too. The scene where they meet is primed by Will Smith’s character who has sacrificed everything to perhaps balance the scales in the world for his mistakes and will likely leave you crying like a baby.

Collateral Damage - Say Her Name

Some people are needlessly harsh on movies and the critics in their daring herd mentality tried to rip into it while most people simply enjoyed it for what it was. Collateral Damage while not terribly complex and somewhat predictable still explored the human condition of a man suffering from loss and unable to pull out of his nihilistic depression.

While I could not find the scene on Youtube, the one that will undoubtedly make you tear up is when Howard (Will Smith) visits Madeline’s (Naomie Harris) House on Christmas, a woman he been speaking with to help him through his grief. In this scene, she puts on a video of a little girl who is being swung around by Howard and she tells him to say their little girl's name. Howard begins to break down struggling to speak of their dead daughter and revealing that despite acting like strangers the whole movie, they were indeed husband and wife before tragedy ripped their family apart. He eventually manages to say her name and she embraces him no longer pretending to be strangers.

You can hate how cheesy and predictable the move is all you want but the scene is still pretty moving unless you’re an unfeeling nihilist yourself.

Fresh Prince of Bel Air - Absent Father

I would be wary of watching this scene, it doesn't take much build up before your drowning in the emotions of the scene of a son abandoned yet again by his father. The monologue by Will is heartful and gripping summarizing the emotions of countless young men (and women) abandoned by their father and gap that leaves in their life.

For Smith, this not how is actual father was as an actor but he still managed to reach into a well of emotion in the scene with the support of James Avery. Even after all these years the scene is still powerful and moving, bringing fans of the show to tears and feeling the anguish that Will did on screen. Watch at your own expense.

The Wrap Up

Will seemingly pulled on my emotional strings multiple times over the years. Maybe I am vulnerable to his acting charms or maybe its just the music they lay into the scenes. Either way, these are just more man tears for movies and tv. Thanks for reading.

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Debt Collection

It’s been a long time since I went into debt over something. Usually happened during college when I was between jobs and didn’t pay gym memberships or I overdrew my bank account. Thank god it’s been a while because those collectors on the phone can really hassle you. Anyways, I am writing about this because when I was having one of those issues I did a bunch of research on the topic of debt collection and wrote it down and since I am cleaning out my files I came across the pad with all the details and figured I share some advice to protect you and help you perhaps deal with this debt collecting company.

First Engagement Advice

Stay Calm & Be Kind - It’s very unlikely the person who is calling you on the phone isn’t the owner of your debt. He or she is just a person with a shit job in a call center and getting angry at them won't do yourself or them any good. If you weren't expecting this phone call and you need a moment to prepare (which you will) make up an excuse for them to call you back shortly. “Sorry you caught me while I am driving can I call you back?” or “Sorry I am in the restroom. Please call me back later.”

Download A Recording App - Cellphones are great little devices and the first thing you should do is download a recording app so you can record yourself and them. Have a friend call you so you can test a phone conversation and make sure it’s recording both of your voices. You might need to speak on ‘spearker phone’ option on your cell to make this work.

Let Them Tell You What They Know - Try to avoid giving them direct answers to things if possible. Let them tell you what information that they have. Most often these callers will ask for your name to verify and confirm your contact information. Ask them what name they have, what address they have, what social security number they have and lastly what the debt relates too.

Don’t Agree To Anything - Much like not giving them information is to provide no confirming answers to questions. Try not to say “Correct”, “Yes”, “Alright”, “Ok”, and things of that sort. I always try to lead off the next statement with the word “And”. Lastly, never agree that you did indeed owe money or the debt is yours. Remember they are recording you from their side.

Gather Information On Them - You can ask for the name of the person calling you and if they have line number that connects to their phone. You have the advantage of NOT being at work so if they lie it becomes a problem for them (also don’t lie on your side either just don't give confirming answers). Ask where the call center is located (not specific address but what which state), ask who their boss is, and ask if the company that owns the debt is located in that same state. Ask for the company name of the debt collection and any other information you can provide.

Ask For Verification Email/Letter - Phone recordings are great. Emails or even better! If they have your email in the “Let Them Tell You What They Know” or you have a secondary email you like them to contact you through give it to them. Ask them if they can send you a verification email with your information and where the debt is coming from. This creates documentation that you can use later. If they have your address already ask them to send you a letter as well.

End the Call - Once you know what they know and you have the information on original furnisher of the debt and the details of their organization. Ask them to call you back. After this first/second phone call you can now explore what options you have. Do your research quickly, investigate the validity of the debt and prepare for the next phone call. Try not to screen the phone calls that usually makes the issue worse in the long run.

Remember Be Kind - Saying number 1 again that kindness helps make that debt collecting employee sympathetic and more willing to provide you information. Ask anyone one in customer service, people who act like assholes don’t get the service they desire. And the person calling you probably doesn't like what they are doing anyway.

Resolutions

There are pretty much three outcomes to debt collection. I suppose four if you consider ignoring the debt honestly that ends up being far more trouble then the initial debt with a sinking credit score, garnishing of wages, and more.

Pay The Debt - You pay it off if only to spare your credit score from taking a hit. If your debt is pretty much what carried over from the original account, I think the honest thing to do is pay it if you can. EXAMPLE: I owe 45 dollars to a delinquent gym membership, the debt collector is asking for 50. I might as well take care of it.  On a side note if you decide to pay, make sure you use a third party payment or money orders. DO NOT allow them to directly draw from your bank account via electric withdraw. They might suddenly add-on service fees and start taking extra money from you.

Fight The Debt - The second option is you fight the debt. If they taking your debt and start adding a huge amount of interest to it then they are pretty much trying to squeeze you for cash. This is where you explore alternative options like talking to a Nonprofit Finacial Counselor or a Lawyer if you have one. Hopefully, they will have sent you a letter in the mail or via email already to have an official document of the debt they have on you. If they have sent that information say something like this the next time they call.  “I am presently seeking legal advice on this debt and reviewing it with a financial counselor. I will also be submitting a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and my State Attorney Generals Office. Please note I will record any further phone calls and keep a log of how often you call me. I will contact your company soon.” This will A) make them back the fuck off B) make them more willing to negotiate something closer to your original amount. Please note that this should not be an empty statement. File the complaint at both offices as soon as possible, review your state's laws on debt collection and what the statute is, and lastly find a financial counselor or lawyer to advise you on what to do. Society might dislike lawyers but when they are on your side they can save your ass.

Mistaken Identity/Identity Theft - The third option is they got the wrong guy. This can happen sometimes where they have the wrong social security number and looking for someone else with the same name as you OR your identity has been stolen and they are basically alerting you that someone is basically racking up debt under your name. If that happens immediately call the three major credit bureau’s and make an appointment at your local Social Security Office. Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 (NY residents 1-800-349-9960) Experian: 1-888-397-3742. TransUnion:1-888-909-8872. Hopefully, they have the wrong person and will simply apologize and leave you alone but you can never be too careful.

Other Important Details/Checklist

Reviewing some of the suggestions there are laws in place both Federal and State Laws that insulate you from unfair debt collection practices and harassment. Consider this a short checklist for you to investigate for your particular situation.

Read the Fair Debt Collections Act to better know your rights.

Check what your state's statute of limitation is and what local laws protect you.

Look for Financial Consumer Lawyer or if you can't afford one investigate local non-profits who provide support.

Contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Contact your local State Attorney Generals Office (Here is California’s)

If you suspect your identity is stolen call Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to Freeze your credit score. (ID Theft)

Setup an appointment with your Local Social Security Office. (ID Theft)

Back up your recordings and keep copies of both emails and letters. Print emails if you can and scan letters to save on a google drive. Keep everything together in both a digital copy and physical copy.

If paying a debt using a third party payment service or money orders only. Never allow them to directly withdraw from your account.

Lastly, if this debt is larger debt IE Medical Expenses and House Costs etc. You can work out a payment plan with the help of  National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Financial Counseling Association of America.

I hope none of you ever have to deal with this but if you do remember you have rights and to be decent to the people on the other side of the phone. If all works out well you will have to pay only what you owe or even better nothing at all.

Regards, Michael California

P.S. The image above is from the movie Sorry to Bother You which is about sales, not debt collection and a great movie. Go watch it if you have time.

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Democracy Day

I wrote a little while back about the idea of Halloween being the last Friday of October to maximize the holiday’s fun for both kids and adults. An I started thinking why of all days is our election set to a Tuesday? Apparently, the history behind the Tuesday vote was to help the farming community.

Sunday - Sabbath 

Monday - Day after the Sabbath

Tuesday - Available (Decided Voting Day)

Wednesday - Market Day

Thursday -  Available

Friday -  Available

Saturday -  Available

Note: Not sure why Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were passed over.

Since that day polling places are more readily available and the invention of cars helps us move around a bit faster instead of walking or taking a horse (which if that’s your thing, by all means, feel free to keep doing it). So its safe to say the logic of the original law is a bit dated. What makes this all doubly frustrating is the lack of pride the United States Democracy while we were not the first democracy was supposed to be one of the most celebrated democratic countries of the world and we rank 139 out of 172 countries for voter turnout. 

We’re number 139!  We’re number 139! We’re number ahh forget it...

Point is America needs an update to out Voting Day and where I do have other ideas to improve American Democracy such as the Alternative Vote instead of the dated Past the Post Voting System which leaves us with this two party mess (I will write on that another time) we have I want to focus on the new voting day in this post. 

I personally think its time we get a new federal holiday! The First Friday of November or better known as Democracy Day. A federal holiday where people get the day off from work, college kids don't have to go to class and people who work customer service jobs get a mandatory 2 hour paid break to go fucking vote! Democracy Day will be celebrated on that Friday but we can also leave the physical polling places open for Saturday and Sunday for those slackers among us and the final results revealed Monday morning!

Yeah, some people want that instant gratifying shot of democracy to the arm but quite honestly I am tired of the 24-hour newsroom coverage we see during Election Day. Lets fucking put our ballet in and party the weekend away Conservatives and Progressives as Americans celebrating with other Americans! On Monday we can see which side won their election hopefully with no hard feelings. I don’t know about all you but coming off a three day weekend will make it easier or both sides to see the election results for their party, don’t ya think?

Regards, Michael California

P.S. I am not married to the idea of results being revealed on Monday. If we want to have open polling location Friday and Saturday with results on Sunday, I am A-OK with that too. 

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Fantasy Vacations

I took some time to think about the fictional places I love to visit; either to go to school, drink, dance, party, read books, swing a sword or simply just explore the local culture. Below you will find 47 of the best must-visit fictional locations (according to me) and some reasons why I would love to go there. Don’t take this to serious it's all written for shits and giggles. Let me know if I made any mistakes or if you have any late additions and thanks for reading.

Regards, Michael California

Alpha The City of a Thousand Planets

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets did not do well in the theaters, to say the least, it was poor casting choices that sunk it. However, the opening of the movie with ‘Alpha’ growing in mass starting off as the original International Space Station and adding alien visitors over time before becoming a massive city in space was a pretty cool concept and scene to watch to the music of David Bowie. With 3,236 unique species on board, there is a real chance you could live there your whole life and still not meet every kind of alien life form. Who wouldn't want to live in a hub of alien cross-cultural?

Arrakis

The “Spice Must Flow” and “Fear Is The Mind Killer”. Arrakis and the book Dune, which is celebrated in Scifi much the same way Tolkien is celebrated in Fantasy, is a sand world with giant worms, a scarcity in water and a world in the center of political conflict all in the name of Spice, a mind/body-altering drug that extends life and allows space travel. Arakis is hardly a place you would want to go on holiday but you go to a place like this for cultural depth of the Fremen people and if you’re lucky, ride on the back of a Sandworm. Which frankly is good enough for me. Please note consumption of spice may turn your eyes blue.

Asgard

A city of gold floating in the heavens and home to literal gods? Asgard has a lot to offer in the way Norse Culture and would be my kind of place to visit. It’s one of a few vacation spots on this list that might be considered a utopia even if you're under a Mythical Monarchy; a balance between a combat culture, art, music, literature, rowdy partying and it also happens to be the center of the Nine Realms giving you access to the other worlds to explore. I suppose the greatest feature (despite the golden architecture) is the flat slab that holds itself in space and defying science and reason. This is about the only place Flat-Earthers would be correct (save the Disc World which is another flat earth on the backs of elephants on the back of a planet-sized turtle which makes about as much sense as Flat-Earth Science). 

Atlantis

I had to make a tough choice between the DC Atlantis and the Stargate Atlantis. Considering I can't breathe underwater and I already have the Themyscira from Wonder Woman and Rapture from Bioshock I opted for Atlantis from Stargate. This vacation spot is at best a weekend trip with mostly the same alien architecture to see but with the Stargate being in the middle of the facility it perhaps opens THE most options for day trips to various alien worlds across the universe, even more so then Asgard with the nine realms. So it makes it onto my list.

Bay City

Only once I started writing this list did I find that there is a lot of sci-fi love for New York City and San Francisco (I imagine Tokyo would also make the top 5). The show Altered Carbon takes place in a city called Bay City which is San Francisco unless someone else built another Golden Gate Bridge and covered it with shipping container apartments (cool concept). This city is all about vice and digital pleasures much the same way Future LA is in Blade Runner. Despite having its gritty side this place no doubt has a lot to offer in regards to a nightlife and what I hope is a great selection of food. Just let me pull on my long black leather trench coat with neon trim.

Canto Bight

A clever ‘twist’ the Tattooine trope from Star Wars is Canto Bight. Basically suggesting crime doesn't always start from the bottom up but sometimes the top down. While this whole part of the story was literally pointless to plot and outcome of the Last Jedi, I can appreciate another location being added to the vast universe (had it not been cut back by the idiots at Disney). Point is it’s a lavish location with gambling and ritzy living so long as you don't peel back the finish and realize it is basically built on slave labor. Oh, Capitalism.

Castle Black

While Castle Black is basically filled with bastards, volunteers, and criminals it makes a pretty good metaphor for aimless people joining the military. Only your enlistment is forever, you're stationed next to an ice wall and on the other side of that wall is ice hillbillies and nightmares. I do actually like some seclusion for some holidays and this works well if I take a bunch of books and mead and spend 3 months reading by a fire while doing some sword practice in the yard with the Crows. Sounds kind of peaceful and I might get to pee off the wall.

Citadel

Yet another superstructure in space shared by multiple species. The Citadel caught many gamers imagination both being a massive space city but also the seat of power between the various sentient species in Mass Effect. The Citadel (like most future cities) has its extreme highs (wealth and luxury) and deep lows (poverty and criminal underworlds). Granted its criminal world is nowhere near Omega’s level of corruption but if Canto Bight showed us anything is corruption can start from the top. The real reason to go here is to party the nights away and drink a bunch, kind of like Singapore and like Singapore, after a week you pretty much hit all the hot spots and ready to move on.

Cloud City

Cloud City for me isn't THAT exciting to go by myself but with my significant other for either honeymoon or weekend getaway? It perhaps can a nice place to relax, stay in a comfortable room, go on long walks, enjoy nice meals and take cloud tours flying around the gas giant and seeing the massive vapor plumes. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?

Columbia

Columbia is a proper steampunk sky city which is nothing short of elegant, beautiful and a marvel in itself. I always wondered how people breathed so high up but that's far from the only concern if you visit a city like this. Behind the vale of beauty is a hyper-religious society, fascism, and racism all hanging in the heavens like some sort of GOP paradise where anyone non-white is kinda screwed. If we managed to cut out the lingering problems of Conservatism in Columbia, this place would be a paradise! Just watch your step its a long way down and railings are only hip high.

Coruscant Jedi Temple

The Jedi Temple, Hogwarts, Highland Mountain, and Kamar Taj all represent a kind of school/academy. An I might make another list of fictional educational institutes we all wish we could sign up for later but as of right now we are on vacation and the Coruscant Jedi Temple has much the same appeal as Castle Black with books to read and swordplay in the afternoon and peeing off one of the spires (preferably off the middle one where the Jedi Council convenes). Naturally, I have also the whole planet to explore but spending time with mystical philosophical laser sword wielding space mages sounds like a pretty unforgettable encounter.

Diagon Alley

Presently the shortest visit on the list, Diagon Alley is pretty much a long street of shops for people to get their magic on. I do enjoy some window shopping and strange old things but really we are here to get spells and wands no? I can't imagine being here more than a few hours but I can see Diagon needing multiple visits because you are bound to miss something and need to make a second trip to fucking find it. 

Diamond City

I was split between Diamond City and Megaton as two fallout locations to add to my list. Ultimately living next to a nuclear bomb drove me away from Megaton and living in a baseball field turned fortress appealed to me. I love the care put into the creation of this city by Bethesda, I know I give them a hard time for their multiplayer and money grabbing for mods but the effort put into Diamond City makes it seem like a viable and logical settlement in the Fallout Universe... hell I am thinking about playing that game now after writing this. Oh, what is there to do here? Not much save eat and drink and pee off one of the front walls on some Super Mutants.

L.A. 2049

Where Bay City was full of sexy holograms, L.A. 2049 is full of sexy synthetics. Really though this setting really established the idea of Cyberpunk for a lot of people and have one of the early images of vast American cities being pushed closer together and then reaching towards the sky. Like so many other settings it's overcrowded and has its dark side but dark sided cities tend to have some interesting nightlife and like Bay City you can probably do a lot with your time and money assuming you have a lot of both.

Gotham City

You can probably get more out of Future LA or Bay City then you could from Gotham which is why I won't be trying to sell you on the city. I hear they have a big crime problem and lots of people dressing up as bats. Don’t get me started on this Police zeppelins humming around and shining a spotlight through your window at 2 AM. No, you went to go to the Ice Berg Lounge for some late night Jazz, catch Haly’s Circus when it comes through town, and visit the various museums across the city. Just don’t take any shortcuts and if at all possible pay for a driver to take you around the city, the locals know which areas are safe.

Highland Mountain

I imagine many of you are thinking “What is Highland Mountain?” and I am glad you asked inquisitive Tumblrs. Highland Mountian is the secret location for the Spartan-II program on the Planet Reach. In other words, this is where Master Chief had his survival training and general training to become a Spartan. If you’re still not with me it's from the video game Halo. Like the Jedi Temple it is more fun to be trained here but as a vacation option, I like camping with some Spartans and roughing it on the frosty mountains in some power armor playing war games. It’s like paintball with soldiers if the soldiers were 7 feet tall and flip over a tank with their bare hands.

Hogsmeade

A cozy little-frozen town in Britain called Hogsmeade is basically the main settlement of non-muggles beyond Hogwarts or so Wikipedia tells me. It’s a magical town and has lots to offer in the way of shopping much like Diagon Alley. The benefit of this community is that it is a community; bars, library, shops, restaurants, and more can be found here. Good for a romantic getaway or even raising your kids and making Snowmen during the winter. What else is there to say?

Hogwarts

Say what you will but I imagine Hogwarts might take one of the top 5 places people would love to see. It’s magical, hidden, filled with secrets and a rich history to get emerged into. Despite being just the right age when these books first came out (I was like 12 or 13), I still have not read them (I know... I deserve your ire). Truth is we all kinda wish we could go to school there, personally, I can see myself just reading all the time and experimenting with magic 24/7. I can only imagine how much trouble I might get in with spells/potions going wrong.

Jurassic Park

Not exactly a good track record for Jurassic Park but quite honestly the people overseeing this parks (in regards to the movies) despite being the most brilliant minds in their fields appear to be inept over and over again, as bad as the Sticky Bandits from Home Alone. Beyond that point, a day vacation with the family to Jurassic Park would be amazing and perhaps something we would indulge in every couple of years. Easy to imagine the kids losing their fucking mind over Dinosaurs but then again so would I.

Kaer Morhen

Hard stretch to call Kaer Morhen a school mostly because the students are all old men already trained to kill monsters. This is less about vacationing at this castle and more about living there and fixing up the place. Really, I feel like its the perfect little slice of Scandinavian land to build a long-term residence at. If I was to stay here as vacation spot pretty much reach Castle Black again and repeat without the wall and white walkers.

Kamar Taj

Another school of magic where Dr. Strange learned his abilities along with many other students of magic. I appreciate the seclusion of it. Kind of a Castle Black feels with a pinch of Hogwarts. Like the Jedi Academy, the ‘students’ here are very much adults and there is an appeal to that considering I am 32 now.

King’s Landing

Really though King’s Landing pretty much only works as a vacation spot if you are A) staying at the Red Keep and B) having a bachelor party to enjoy the brothels. Not that any of us would do that sort of thing...

Labyrinth

You can either assume this trip will take a few days or a few months. I like the Labyrinth for the same reasons I love Myst and Wonderland. A strange world and I love a good puzzle. Not sure how I feel about the Goblin King and his junk in spandex... I mean I don’t want to rain on his parade but I think I might do the maze in reverse instead of seeing him do his “Dance Magic Dance” in his castle with his junk in my face. No issues here if you’re a gay guy or straight girl that would love King Bowie to do that to you.

Mother’s Cradle

In a world where machines have taken over and humanity had been regressed to primitive tribes, Mother’s Cradle is a secluded valley of protection and nature. If you ever played Horizon Zero Dawn, you can see how peaceful that place is and could easily imagine building a home there and living off the land. I enjoy city living the most but even I can't resist Mother’s Cradle and the community that lives there.

Myst

Who doesn't love a good puzzle? Like the Labyrinth, this place is all about sharpening your wits and solving the puzzles in the world of Myst. I would suggest above all other things take a notebook with you because some things need to be written down. Did I mention it has multiple words you teleport too by opening a book.

New New York

I always wondered why the waterline in New New York in the Fifth Element is so low, really wish someone would explain that to me. Anyways it's better than Waterworld and its good to see the big apple become so large that it absorbed New Jersey. Like most big cities the nightlife would be awesome but why I really want to go here is for the fast food and flights to other planets. I won't lie the uniforms in the future are all about dressing to impress the customers and that's kinda hot. Looking at you McDonalds Girls from 2263AD

New Vegas

It’s like the Wild West with gambling, mutants, robots, and atomic weapons. You already know Fallout from Diamond city but New Vegas brings its own charm with the gambling scene. I imagine the Sin City is still very sinful and perhaps more violent. You can get into a lot of fun trouble here and who wouldn't want too. It’s Vegas!

Omega

If you were to combine the Citadel with New Vegas then Omega would be the outcome. This mining colony/way station is where crime comes to make a name for itself. The various Mass Effect species can be found within and most of them fight for territories inside its walls. It’s the sins you come from for like gambling, drinking, dancing, fucking, and fighting that make Omega so great. Don’t worry do you don't need to indulge in them all.

Pandora

Camping may not be an option in Pandora for humans but with some extra suspension of belief that you can either breath the air without it being toxic or perhaps have a Na’vi body waiting for you. The wildness of Pandora appeals to the hiker in me. I would want to climb the trees and the floating mountains, fly a wild beast or ride a wild horse in this world. The bioluminescence of the world draws me to explore it at night even with the predators lurking about.

Rapture

From my understanding, Rapture throws a hell of a New Years party. Such a crazy party that it turned into a revolution but that's a different issue altogether. The city under the sea makes my list as a more desirable alternative to that of Atlantis with me lacking gill and all that. Like Tomorrowland, this city is driven by progress and is a libertarians wet dream that is until you realize there are always people looking to take power and that being a Libertarian Society is a fantasy.

Risa

This might be the #1 vacation spot on this list because the whole damn world is about fulfilling desires and vacationing. Want to hide away and read a book? Go for it. Massages all day? No problem. Walk out into the ocean and find a boat serving sushi? Apparently, that's a thing from a Star Trek episode. It’s paradise and with their weather controls, there is never a cloudy day at their beaches. Doesn't hurt Risa women are all basically supermodels.

Rivendell

Rivendell, yet another peaceful refuge away from the harsh world. I can imagine this place having comfortable rooms and library somewhere to read. Granted I can't read elvish so I hope they have some proper English books among their shelves. If I do get bored I imagine hiking/climbing the surrounding cliffs and forest might be an option. I am sure I will piss of some elves exploring their hideaway.

San Fransokyo

Not the first movie to combine cities into something new. I admit I do love the like the new look of San Francisco and how it makes the world of big hero six feel. I think what makes me want to see this city so much is their altered architecture and more importantly the food that comes with this deep blend of Western/Asian culture. The sushi, the Kobe burgers, and literally everything else is gonna be leaps and bounds better then either city did on their own.

Skellige

There is no party like Skellige Party! Not true Asgard might throw down hard with this Nordic Pirate/Fishing community of the northern islands. Basically, the number one reason to go here is to drink or go to a royal party where you feast, fight, fuck, and drink some more. Don’t think that men have a run at the place, Skellige woman can fuck you up if you don't treat them right. Consider this a helpful PSA.

Skyrim

Truth be told if Skyrim (was to scale) of the real world, it's not a very big province or even plot of land. Think about how fast you can run from one side of the map to the other? What 15? 20 minutes at the most? That's why I kept this location as a broad vacation spot because the keeps aren't THAT big but each one has enough charm that it justifies you visiting them all and get a taste for each unique area. Like Kaer Morhen this place is all about settling down and making a life for yourself. Hell, you could pick flowers all day and sell that to shop and make that your living. Not saying you should make that your career but you could.

Starfleet

The third and final nod to San Francisco on this list (told you they got a lot of love). I always found it interesting that Gene Roddenberry would establish the federation in San Francisco. I might look that up but with the options of London, New York, Washington, and other locations making just as much since he still settled on SF as the home base for Star Fleet. Anyways I wanna go to school here because you know... space travel, alien babes, seeing new worlds and all that jazz.

Stark Tower

There is no doubt the Stark Tower has a stocked fridge, great food, killer view of the city, and a fully automated AI to improve your day (even if she is watching you shower). The fun of Stark Tower requires one thing and that is for you to invite people to come to a killer party on these top floors. I think we can all agree once you have the party rolling that it will likely go to the break of dawn.

Stormwind

I have no strong Allegiance Alliance or Horde one way or the other. Truth be told I play Warcraft 3 and then stopped never getting into WoW. I suppose the draw of fantasy species pulls me here much the same way it pulls me towards Lord of the Rings. I imagine if you find the might pub you can have a good time but the places of magic will have good books. I suppose I could wander into the forest and bath in a Moonwell and hope for a chance encounter with the Night Elves.

The Shire

It doesn't take much to imagine that food-based holidays are a big hit with hobbits. So if I was to vacation here Thanksgiving (assuming they celebrated it) or something like it would be the time to visit. Eating, dancing, drinking, and fireworks. Yes, I realize I would be a giant among them and hit my head but I am ok all the same staying in their small community.

Themyscira

Clearly, a theme in some of these hypothetical visits is to meet hot girls. On one hand, I should know better than to post such things because admitting anything like that on Tumblr is slightly sacrilege but you know what fuck that I want to go to an island full of beautiful strong independent women dammit. I don’t mind strong woman, I don't mind a matriarchy society and I don't mind admitting that I like looking at a beautiful woman and I wouldn't mind making love to Amazonian beauties on their beaches. So sue me! I fucking love women.

Thessia

Read the Themyscira post above. Same thing. Only they are a blue alien woman named Asari and apparently they can do something like a “Vulcan Mind Meld” in the bedroom. Sexy.

Tomorrowland

As someone who’s always wondered what society MIGHT be like without religion and uninhibited society focused on knowledge over profit and power, Tomorrowland is an expression of that or at least what I hope it would be like. This is the sort of place you to be impressed by the technology and the marvels of invention. I can imagine flying around a jetpack, experiencing new depths to virtual reality, zero gravity chambers, teleportation and pretty much every other sci-fi invention you can dream up will likely be found here. Hell, I don’t want to visit the world of Tomorrow I want to live there.

New Tristram

Probably the worst place to visit on my list with all the undead and demons and all that. I can't help but find Tristram a little enchanting with the Gothic Ruins and struggle that is found there. Diablo (the game) has a habit of having building look small on the outside big on the inside which is fine. I personally would like to wander into the layers below and crawl through those dungeons and collect loot. I am not sure if this is still a vacation or some sort of video game fantasy I like to live out.

Tron City

Tron City pretty much feels like nighttime 24/7 but with the arena combat, the races, and the high rise clubs. Its hard not admit there is something exciting about being on the grid. I personally love to derezz myself and spend a few weeks in the world of Tron and maybe bring back Siren or two.

Wakanda

Birnin Zana is the capital of Wakanda and that is what you see in the picture just in case you didn't know that fun fact. The city itself draws me with lots of things; food, music, culture, technology, and architecture. I medium of all things I imagine my stay could be a week or two before I seen everything I care to see. I can imagine (while not really suggested in the movie) that there is a great nightlife here and very engaged community.

Winterfell

Yet another getaway to swing swords, practice archery, read books and ride horses. Winterfell (despite being apparently the middle of nowhere) is the kind of keep I would love to live in. Not by myself mind you but with a community of people upkeeping the keep. Its a good balance of community and seclusion to read my books. Sansa Stark can keep me company under the animal skins. 

Wonderland

Wonderland, you go for the Tea Parties and you stay for the Mushrooms. Pretty much a long acid trip, Wonderland gives you the excuse to bend your mind and alter your perception on reality while encountering a variety of strange and wonderful... um... people. I wouldn't mind making this trip with Alice herself (or the White Queen) but I can make do with going with my friends and ‘feed’ our heads.

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Here is a short Hacking Movie Checklist. Perhaps not as comprehensive as it should be and certainly with some loose definitions with the word Hacking. I appreciate Millennium Series (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Etc) taking a more realistic approach with the movies. Silicon Valley captures the Tech World exceptionally well and Halt & Catch Fire does a pretty good job too. Everything else is fictionalized to making hacking look far more sexier then it is, looking at you Hackers and Swordfish but all the same, if you want a fix for the digital rebels of our world this list isn’t half bad. 

Hack the Planet, MIC#@3L C@L!FORN!@

P.S. Some titles could have been added like the IT Crowd and others removed like Chuck but I was forgiving to one more than the other. As I said a loose definition of the word hacking. Expect the documentaries on hacking to be on later post.

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Everyone needs a good cry. I am not saying I cry often but when I do it’s something worth crying over. I suppose I went through that same masculine numbness that men feel they should put on in their youth. As I got older and realized I could care less what other men think about me I tapped into that emotional depth more willingly exploring sadness and joy, compassion and love with more fervor. Of the things, I do cry about, one is my romantic entanglements (usually at an unwanted end to a relationship) and the second, is a good scene on the silver screen. Today I explore the latter of the two and share some things I cried about in the past because why the fuck not.

**Spoilers Below**

Rome - Titus Pollo Arena Scene

Possibly one of the greatest bromances on screen was that of Titus Pollo and Lucius Vorenus in the show Rome. Legionnaires of Ceasars Army they basically venture through the show as two men who start off as hating each other and slowly become brothers over the seasons. If you haven’t watched this show, I can't recommend this series enough.

The scene that pulled on my emotions comes after Titus had worked as a hired thug/debt collector and killed another man in cold blood for coin. He was eventually sentenced to death by arena combat and stood alone fighting a group of gladiators for his life. Being a veteran soldier and unique luck at avoiding death (which is a theme for Lucius and Titus for the series) he manages to dispatch various gladiators in the arena, all the while crying out “13″ for the Legion he was once apart of.

Meanwhile among the people watching is Lucius Vorenus who was raised up in political status and could not act to help his friend. His eyes burning with tears as he watched on watching the slow death of his friend. By the end of the scene a large gladiator steps out to kill Titus but Lucius is unable to watch any longer and joins his former brother in arms yelling out “13″ to kill the last Gladiator while breaking the law and his status as a newly anointed Senator.

If you do tackle this scene (which is linked above) I suggest watching the show first and develop a depth/understanding for these men relationships to one another. I perhaps blame the music for moving me to tears but its well-executed TV and remains unforgettable in my mind.

Farscape - The Death of Aeryn Sun

Perhaps my favorite scifi show of all time, Farscape. This show was pretty formulaic in regards to late 90′s to early 2000′s television but where this show did well was flexing its creative muscle by building an original universe and investing heavily into puppets instead of CG. Believe me, the work done here is the highest quality and does a better job making those alien puppets feel real then CG can presently muster.

If you watch this show you will find one of the best romantic arcs between two TV characters ever on TV. That is the relationship between the Earth Astronaut John Crichton and Peacekeeper Sebacean Aeryn Sun which was (in my opinion) a best-written love affair in TV history between a badass alien woman with superior genetics/combat training and an earth scientist/pilot who proves himself to be more clever and useful then his alien companions care to admit.

The scene that left my eyes wet was the Season 2 finale where John has a neural prob placed in his head that has both probing/collecting his memories but also introducing a second personality of his enemy that is slowly taking over his mind (this is a scifi show remember). As the second personality emerges it becomes more dominant and takes control of him for periods of time. Crichton losing control too this alien personality betrays his friends and tries to escape. Aeryn refusing to let John escape while possessed by this alien tech chases Crichton over an icy world only to be ambushed by him and driving his landing gear into her cockpit and forcing her to eject from her ship.

While it seems like she might land safely on the ground below she is actually over a lake of ice and Crichton assumes control of his mind again only to watch the woman he loves crash through the ice to submerge into a freezing lake. Crichton eventually lands and surrenders himself to the care of his friends before he hurt someone else and they all say their goodbyes to their dead friend while she lays in a cryogenic coffin to preserve her body.

I won't tell you what happens later as I don't want to spoil the show. It’s great TV that deserves to be watched from beginning to end. Like Rome its worth your time and I promise you its a fandom that is worth having in your wheelhouse of notable science fiction. 

Seven Years In Tibet - Returning the Watch

This was supposed to be a cinema post but here I am talking about TV shows and no movies yet! If you know movies (or more importantly books) you would have heard the title Seven Years In Tibet which is a true story about  Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer who traveled across the globe to climb  Himalayan peak only to have World War 2 start and force him into a prison camp.

In the story, Heinrich escapes is prison and travels across Tibet with his ‘friend’  Peter Aufschnaiter trying not to be captured again and if at all possible work out a way to get back home. It’s a pretty amazing and moving tale in which a man who seeks renown and prestige for himself finds humility and maturity while taking residence in a Holy City next to a young Dalia Lama no less.

The particular scenes that made me emotional in this movie come in a set of two, one establishing the emotional payoff of the other. In the early part of the movie after Heinrich and Peter escaped their POW camp, they use watches to trade for goods and services to help them survive with the native people. Heinrich, still being a selfish individual, convinces Peter to sell a sentimental for some provisions they needed. Only after the trade takes place Peter discovers Heinrich had a dozen stolen watches stashed away which could have also been traded.

After a fair amount of time in the Holy City/Capital of Tibet, Lhasa. The two men grow as Peter falls in love with Tibetan woman and becomes more integrated into the Tibetan society and Heinrich serves as a sort of Western influence for the Dalai Lama sharing with the young spiritual leader his culture. Towards the end of the film, Heinrich and Peter celebrate Christmas (I believe) and Heinrich delivers the watch which he convinced Peter to barter away years before. It’s touching in the sense that while Heinrich was responsible for making Peter trade the watch away, he silently amended his wrongdoing by taking on a great effort to have the watch found in a country with thousands of people. This scene alone isn't so much about the relationship developed between the two men but rather forgiveness, personal growth and sentimental gestures with deep meaning.

Wall-E - Memory Erased

Wouldnt be a proper list without a Pixar movie making the cut somewhere on here. I know some people cried in the movie UP and I admit Inside Out had me at some moments itself but above all else, the movie Wall-E hit me right in the ticker when I watched it. If you don’t know what this movie is, then you should probably get out more because when it came out (like all Pixar movies) it was a big deal.

What makes this particular movie stand out in my mind isn't just the sad moment that pulls on your heart strings (which I will talk about) but also the fact the movie basically gets you to care about a character who has a limited set of words and portrays his emotions through tone and physical movements. Allowing a very physical interpretation of his personality. You have to admit that is a pretty clever animation to make the audience get so invested in a sentient machine.

The scene that really got to me was just at the end of the movie. As I stated above spoilers galore down here but this one sits at the end of the film so if you havent seen Wall-E I suggest stopping now... are you gone? Good only us movie watchers left. The scene, of course, is Wall-E having his memory reset. If you weren't ready for this scene it could fuck you up as I remember watching this in my room and having a few stray tears roll down my cheeks when EVA realized how much affection the little trash bot had for her only to find that he was reset back to factory settings.

Of course, Disney doesn't like movies with bad ends and let a small smark sharked between the two machines be the magical touch that perhaps allowed Wall-E to tap into his long-developed personality and allowed him to remember how into her he actually was. It's a cute movie and deserves its spot on this list along the rest.

The Wrap Up

That's all I care to write for now on this topic. It's basically the 4 biggest tearful moments I can think of. The Red Wedding would have made the list but honestly that filled me with Depression and Anxiety more then it did bring tears to my eyes. I may add more movies to this post later OR I might just make a part 2 post if more movies come to mind that pulled an emotional reaction from me. Thanks for reading. Thanks for letting me share. Now go watch some of these scenes.

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

Here is the essential (2018) Marvel Movie Checklist. Did I add Howard the Duck? Fuck no. How about those god-awful Marvel movies of the 80′s? Let's pretend like those never happened. What else do I need to say? This is an awesome list that will steal weeks of your life away if you try to tackle them all. Let's be honest we waste our time in other ways so lets put on Iron Man again yeah?

Regards, Michael California

P.S. I might add more movies later and I know you all love Black Panther but don’t forget to show Blade some love. He had the first successful Marvel Trilogy. 

MCU Universe (Ordered By Phase)

X-Men Universe (Ordered By Time-Line)

Other Marvel Movies (Alphabetical)

Marvel Shows (Alphabetical)

One-Shots (No Idea How I Ordered This)

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

So the midterm elections are almost over save a few races where things are still to close to call. The emotions this morning are a mixed bag, to say the least, and now we get to read the tea leaves to figure out what this means and what will likely happen next. I will try and break this post up into a couple different subjects so it's easier to digest with your eye holes.

Rise of the Matriarchy 

The first and major take away is the fact that woman just took a big bite out of male power structure in this country. And while I advocated in the past of electing the most qualified/best responsible options for office regardless of gender and orientation, most of the competitions this year were superior female candidates to their lesser male candidates and they (women) crushed it. This is good. This is progress. And the sooner we can balance out Congress and the Senate with 49% Men and 51% Women or something close to that, the less likely you will have Conservative Men dictating/controlling women’s issues/rights behind closed doors.

I hope this trend continues into 2020 with another wave of pink and woman stepping up to fill the role of governing and taking away from those men who have been taking advantage of their position for so long. Keep up the good work ladies, I will vote for your best female candidates here in California when they make it onto the ballet.

UPDATE: Woman took over 110 political positions of power across the US.

Reverse Trump Effect

Historically the Republicans dominate the Midterms mostly because of the fact Democrats don’t show up as much as we should. Yesterday, however, the very presence of Trump has energized the Democratic voters in a big way and we showed up in record numbers. Was it a blue tsunami like we hoped? Not really but Democrats are usually on the defense in Midterm elections in regards to Senate Seats and while we lost some there, the big turn out changed Congress which opens some options to slowing the role of the Bigot in Chief. 

Give Trump some credit he got us liberals to the polls and we took the power back from. Thanks, Dumbass! 

Red State Blues

A few strong Progressive Candidates ran in the south such as Beto O'Rourke (Senate), Andrew Gillum (Governor), and Stacey Abrams (Governor). The results weren’t unexpected simply because in 2010 the GOP made a huge effort to gerrymander the hell out of various states and have been working on a long-term strategy of suppressing votes for years. 

In the case of Beto O’Rourke, he was operating in a deeply red state and most Texans would vote for the fire burning down their house because the color of it was red, they proved that by once again voting for the insanely unpopular Ted Cruz. Beto losing wasn't desired but I was kind of expecting it.

Andrew Gillum happened to be running in a state where felons couldn't vote and the courts in the state favor charging Black Men for crimes far more than White Men for the same crimes which despite Andrew Gillum’s loss is a policy that will no longer be there in 4 years. In 2022, Andrew Gillum could/should run again and capitalize on the vote liberated by this racially motivated voter suppression and you know what... he would win.

Stacey Abrams is the last woman standing but she operates from a position of weakness as the tally is against her AND the person assigned to oversee the election is the man she is running against (how fucking insane is that). Just to make it even more insane, there were 70,000 registrations held up by the state which 70% are African American! Want to know by how much Brian Kemp leads? 63,000 votes! Let's say this again the man holding up 70,000 registrations which are mostly black against his black opponent gives him a lead of 63,000 votes to help him get elected into office. Why there isn't rioting in Georgia I don’t know but this is pretty much textbook suppression. I am happy Stacey Abrams is refusing to concede until a Runoff is completed.

Open Investigations

On the bright side with Congress now being in the hands of Democrats new investigations into Trump can begin. In the coming weeks, we will see them looking his taxes and his dealings to line his pocket with money. Can anyone say Mar-a-Lago? This provides Progressives some much-needed wiggle room to dig into the Trumps accounts and FINALLY pull his skeletons from the closet. Don’t hold your breath for impeachment but this will provide lots of ammunition to fucking destroy this 2020 election bid and that's a win for me.

Conservative Courts

Where we might suffer in all this is the Senate remaining in the GOP’s small hands. This will allow them to continue to stack the courts with hyper-conservative judges. It’s a disappointing revelation as a partisan branch/party is basically assigning partisan judges to a branch that is supposed to be NON-PARTISAN. There is no easy or quick way to pluck these Heritage Foundation ticks from the courts and effects of their Judicial Nominees can last for literally decades.

A Scapegoat Named Sessions

The kind of empty win of Jeff Sessions being forced to resign. On one hand, the racist elf with extremist Christian values is out but Trump NEVER disappoints to find an even more conservative candidate to fill the last guy's shoes.

Call this a prediction but I suspect the coming weeks Trump will say the reason why Democrats took Congress is because of the Mueller Investigation was hanging over his head. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III is to fall on his sword (whether he wants too or not) and take the blame for the Conservatives losing ground and LASTLY, I would expect Trump to try and cut Mueller out considering his investigation is technically under the executive branch. Honestly, I think he will try and do it because his voters have already signaled to him (Trump) they will stick with him after mass shootings, parent/child separation, and telling our various allies to fuck off. Him shutting down an investigation into his collusion would not motivate them to abandon their dear dictator and Trump knows that.

The Wrap Up

We should feel good to some degree. Yeah, we have 1/6th of the power of the three branches of Government but progress is a pendulum and anyone who knows their history understands this. People need to be reminded why Republicans suck so much and this four year period hopefully will remind the voters (oh yeah that's why we don't vote for these people because they’re horrible human beings). We are today better off then we were in two days ago and we now have some oversite. To top it all off, women took some power from those shitty male candidates. We need to keep up the momentum and close this chapter on Donald Trump as another moment of history were America made a mistake and we need to move beyond it. Keep your heads up and keep your passion burning... this fight is not over and dare I say, so long as Trumpublicans exist it may last for a while.

Regards, Michael California

[kindabraveandlittlestupid]

I remember well over a decade ago I was sitting in a creative writing class and we were getting into a good old verbal debate in the room. The topic at hand? Abortion and if it was ethical or not. I was/am pretty center-left on the topic thinking abortion should be legal but perhaps the last option (if at all possible) and also solely the choice of the mother. In that debate, as civil and at moments heated as it got, I remember someone threw out the hypothetical question “What if you knew your baby was developmentally challenged? Wouldn’t you want to abort it?” (not a verbatim quote) but I remember saying without hesitation “I would love my kid no matter how they turned out”. At that moment two things happened about 12 college girls swooned from my confident statement of being a good (hypothetical) father and the second thing, I realized I had a moral opinion on a topic I never thought about.

It was kind of eureka moment in my life where I discovered a part of myself that had always been there just never properly explored and that was what kind of parent I would be and how I might want to raise my kids and see them turn out. I explored this thought privately and sometimes with girlfriends talking with them about it and I found that I am far more interested in them being happy, interesting, and maybe a bit geeky than I am with them speaking English, having my green eyes and fair skin, being straight, or even having a faith. I am still not 100% sure what this says about me, I admit that when I imagine my kids I imagine them looking like me but I am ok with them being half Black, Asian or Indian or even fully a different race if we ever adopted. Simply put I don’t care if they look like me.

All I want is for them to play pretend sword fight with me, put on puppet shows with socks or stuffed animals, watch old nerdy movies, for them to be a decent human being who have as few regrets as possible and the moral character to stand up for other people. 

So I say this to you, my unborn kid(s)...

I love you no matter if you’re a boy or a girl. I love you no matter if you look like me or your mother. I love you even if I am not your biological father. I love you no matter what quarks (mental or physical) you might develop. I love you for the hobbies you’re interested in and the friends you keep. I love you no matter if you’re straight, gay, something between or nothing at all. I love you if you feel you were born feeling different and need to make a change. I love you if you find faith or decide not to believe in anything. I love you no matter what career you pursue and how you want to live. I love you no matter who you fall in love with (I do hope they treat you right). I love you if you whether you have kids or don’t. I love you for the choices you will make. I love you for mistakes that we all eventually have. I love you no matter what.

The only way I can ever be disappointed in my child is if they devalue other human beings and forget the sense of compassion and love that I hope to install in them. No gender, orientation, religion or physical difference could ever make me not love them. As I said, I want them to be happy and good, that's all I would ever want for them. Thanks for reading this short post.

Regards Michael California