#Full-Stack Developer role

[xploreitcorp5]

Does learning Java increase my salary?

1. Introduction to the Java Job Market

Java is still one of the hottest programming languages out there. Whether you're just starting or have been coding for a while, knowing Java can really help your career. A common question is: Does learning Java boost my paycheck? The answer is yes—companies really want people who know Java because it's so flexible for web, mobile, and big business apps. Key topics include Java programming, Java developers, and job roles related to it.

   Key Point: Java skills are in demand across different industries and can help increase your salary.

2. Java's Popularity and Market Demand  

Big names like Amazon, Netflix, and Google use Java because it handles large-scale apps well. So, does learning Java increase my salary? Definitely. Employers will pay a premium for those who are good at Java. Key terms include Java software development, full stack, and backend developer.

   Key Point: There’s a strong demand for Java devs, which leads to better pay and job security.

3. Java Skills and Salary Growth 

Having Java skills gives you an edge. Companies are looking for people who know frameworks like Spring Boot and tools like Maven. Will learning Java increase my salary? For sure. With the right certifications and experience, you can earn more. And signing up for a Java course in Coimbatore can really help solidify your skills.

   Key Point: Specialized Java knowledge can lead to promotions and salary increases.

4. Role of Certifications in Salary Hike

Getting a Java certification is a smart way to stand out. A lot of people choose the Java Full Stack Developer Course in Coimbatore for hands-on practice. Certifications prove your skills, and the answer to the question: Does learning Java bump up my salary? Yes.

   Key Point: Java certifications help validate your skills and can lead to better pay.

5. Java Job Roles and Their Pay Scales  

Java jobs range from junior developers to senior architects, and each level comes with higher pay. A Java training in Coimbatore can get you ready for roles like Full Stack Developer or Software Engineer. Is there a salary increase if you learn Java? Absolutely, especially for specialized roles.

   Key Point: There are many roles in Java, and each offers attractive salary packages.

6. Java vs. Other Programming Languages in Salary 

Java developers often earn more than those working with less popular languages. Unlike some newer languages, Java jobs tend to be more stable. Does learning Java mean better pay? Yes, compared to other languages, Java usually offers more consistent salaries.

   Key Point: Java's long-standing presence in the industry generally means better pay than many newer languages.

7. Full Stack Java Developer Salary Benefits  

Full Stack Java Developers are among the best paid in tech. Taking a Java Full Stack Developer Course in Coimbatore can prepare you for the job market. Will learning Java increase my salary? For sure—especially in full stack roles where you need to be skilled in both backend and frontend.

   Key Point: Full Stack Java positions offer top salaries and are in high demand.

8. Java's Role in Enterprise Applications  

Java is key for many enterprise systems. Learning enterprise-level Java can really answer the question: Does it help me earn more? Yes. A training program in Coimbatore that teaches things like Hibernate and JSP is worth considering.

   Key Point: Skills in enterprise Java can set you up for well-paying jobs.

9. Local Training Institutes and Career Impact 

Joining a local Java course in Coimbatore can boost your earnings. These programs offer hands-on projects and guidance from experts. So, does learning Java help with salary? Yes—local training can lead to quicker job growth.

   Key Point: Local Java training can speed up your skills and help with job placements.

10. Final Thoughts and Brand Mention  

In summary, does learning Java increase my salary? Yes, through certifications, full stack skills, and local training. Consider a reputable place like Xplore It Corp for training in Coimbatore, offering courses designed to meet job market needs.

   Key Point: Xplore It Corp provides practical Java courses that can help you earn more.

FAQs:  

1. Does learning Java help me earn more with no experience?  

   Yes. Even beginners can get better job offers after certified Java training.

2. What’s the average salary after a Java course in Coimbatore?  

   Freshers typically earn around ₹3-5 LPA, and pay can increase significantly after 1-2 years.

3. Is a Java Full Stack Developer Course in Coimbatore worth it? 

   Definitely. Full stack developers are in demand and usually earn 20-30% more.

4. How long before I see salary benefits after Java training?  

   Usually, you can expect to see salary increases within 6-12 months after completing the course.

5. Can I switch to Java and expect a pay increase?  

   Yes. Many people move from non-tech jobs to Java and see a boost in their salary.

[nikhilvaidyahrc]

Highest Paying IT Jobs in India in 2025: Roles, Skills & Salary Insights

Published by Prism HRC – Best IT Job Consulting Company in Mumbai

India's IT sector is booming in 2025, driven by digital transformation, the surge in AI and automation, and global demand for tech talent. Whether you're a fresher or a seasoned professional, knowing which roles pay the highest can help you strategize your career growth effectively.

This blog explores the highest-paying IT jobs in India in 2025, the skills required, average salary packages, and where to look for these opportunities.

Why IT Jobs Still Dominate in 2025

India continues to be a global IT hub, and with advancements in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics, the demand for skilled professionals is soaring. The rise of remote work, startup ecosystems, and global freelancing platforms also contributes to higher paychecks.

1. AI/ML Engineer

Average Salary: ₹20–40 LPA

Skills Required:

Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch

Deep learning, NLP, computer vision

Strong statistics and linear algebra foundation

Why It Pays Well:

Companies are pouring investments into AI-powered solutions. From chatbots to autonomous vehicles and predictive analytics, AI specialists are indispensable.

2. Data Scientist

Average Salary: ₹15–35 LPA

Skills Required:

Python, R, SQL, Hadoop, Spark

Data visualization, predictive modelling

Statistical analysis and ML algorithms

Why It Pays Well:

Data drives business decisions, and those who can extract actionable insights are highly valued. Data scientists are among the most sought-after professionals globally.

3. Cybersecurity Architect

Average Salary: ₹18–32 LPA

Skills Required:

Network security, firewalls, encryption

Risk assessment, threat modelling

Certifications: CISSP, CISM, CEH

Why It Pays Well:

With rising cyber threats, data protection and infrastructure security are mission critical. Cybersecurity pros are no longer optional—they're essential.

4. Cloud Solutions Architect

Average Salary: ₹17–30 LPA

Skills Required:

AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud

Cloud infrastructure design, CI/CD pipelines

DevOps, Kubernetes, Docker

Why It Pays Well:

Cloud is the backbone of modern tech stacks. Enterprises migrating to the cloud need architects who can make that transition smooth and scalable.

5. Blockchain Developer

Average Salary: ₹14–28 LPA

Skills Required:

Solidity, Ethereum, Hyperledger

Cryptography, smart contracts

Decentralized app (dApp) development

Why It Pays Well:

Beyond crypto, blockchain has real-world applications in supply chain, healthcare, and fintech. With a limited talent pool, high salaries are inevitable.

6. Full Stack Developer

Average Salary: ₹12–25 LPA

Skills Required:

Front-end: React, Angular, HTML/CSS

Back-end: Node.js, Django, MongoDB

DevOps basics and API design

Why It Pays Well:

Full-stack developers are versatile. Startups and large companies love professionals who can handle both client and server-side tasks.

7. DevOps Engineer

Average Salary: ₹12–24 LPA

Skills Required:

Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines, GitHub Actions

Scripting languages (Bash, Python)

Why It Pays Well:

DevOps reduces time-to-market and improves reliability. Skilled engineers help streamline operations and bring agility to development.

8. Data Analyst (with advanced skillset)

Average Salary: ₹10–20 LPA

Skills Required:

SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI

Python/R for automation and machine learning

Business acumen and stakeholder communication

Why It Pays Well:

When paired with business thinking, data analysts become decision-makers, not just number crunchers. This hybrid skillset is in high demand.

9. Product Manager (Tech)

Average Salary: ₹18–35 LPA

Skills Required:

Agile/Scrum methodologies

Product lifecycle management

Technical understanding of software development

Why It Pays Well:

Tech product managers bridge the gap between engineering and business. If you have tech roots and leadership skills, this is your golden ticket.

Where are these jobs hiring?

Major IT hubs in India, such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, and NCR, remain the hotspots. Global firms and unicorn startups offer competitive packages.

Want to Land These Jobs?

Partner with leading IT job consulting platforms like Prism HRC, recognized among the best IT job recruitment agencies in Mumbai that match skilled candidates with high-growth companies.

How to Prepare for These Roles

Upskill Continuously: Leverage platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and DataCamp

Build a Portfolio: Showcase your projects on GitHub or a personal website

Certifications: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Cisco, and niche-specific credentials

Network Actively: Use LinkedIn, attend webinars, and engage in industry communities

Before you know

2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for tech careers in India. Whether you’re pivoting into IT or climbing the ladder, focus on roles that combine innovation, automation, and business value. With the right guidance and skillset, you can land a top-paying job that aligns with your goals.

Prism HRC can help you navigate this journey—connecting top IT talent with leading companies in India and beyond.

- Based in Gorai-2, Borivali West, Mumbai - www.prismhrc.com - Instagram: @jobssimplified - LinkedIn: Prism HRC

[priya-joshi]

Major Roles and Responsibilities of Full Stack Developers

In the fast-paced realm of web development, Full Stack Developers have emerged as versatile professionals with a unique blend of skills encompassing both front-end and back-end development. They are the architects behind the seamless functionality and captivating user interfaces of web applications, making them indispensable in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. In this extensive guide, we will embark on a journey through the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of Full Stack Developers, exploring their significant contributions to modern web development.

Front-End Development: Crafting the User Interface (UI)

Front-end development is the art of creating the face of a web application. Full Stack Developers wear the hat of UI designers and are entrusted with the following pivotal responsibilities:

User Interface (UI) Design: Full Stack Developers are akin to artists, crafting visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces. This encompasses designing layouts, selecting color schemes, and ensuring a consistent user experience that resonates with the brand's identity.

Responsive Design: The digital world spans across an array of devices and screen sizes, from smartphones to tablets and desktops. Full Stack Developers ensure that web applications exhibit responsive design, seamlessly adapting to different screens and maintaining optimal user experience.

Client-Side Development: The magic behind interactive and dynamic web pages is scripted by Full Stack Developers using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They build front-end components and orchestrate the interactivity that users interact with daily.

User Experience (UX): Beyond aesthetics, Full Stack Developers delve into the realm of user experience (UX). They meticulously optimize page load times, refine navigation structures, and enhance overall usability to craft a seamless and enjoyable experience for users.

Back-End Development: The Backbone of the Web

Back-end development involves the behind-the-scenes logic and data management that make web applications function. Full Stack Developers take on a wide spectrum of responsibilities in this domain:

Server-Side Logic: Full Stack Developers don their programming hats to handle server-side logic. This entails designing and implementing the server logic, managing databases, and ensuring the seamless deployment of web applications. The server-side logic is the heart of the application, where data is processed, and the magic happens.

Database Management: Efficient data storage, retrieval, and organization are the key pillars of web applications. Full Stack Developers expertly manage databases, including designing robust database schemas, optimizing queries, and maintaining data integrity.

API Development: The front-end and back-end need to communicate effectively. Full Stack Developers create Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable this communication. These APIs are vital for data exchange and functionality, making them a linchpin in the operation of modern web applications.

Server Deployment: Making web applications accessible to users around the clock requires more than just code. Full Stack Developers deploy web applications to servers and cloud platforms, ensuring their availability 24/7. Additionally, they are responsible for server maintenance and scalability to accommodate growing user bases.

Integration and Collaboration: The Art of Synergy

Full Stack Developers understand that collaboration and integration are essential for a holistic web application experience. Here are some key responsibilities that bridge the gap between solo coding and teamwork:

Version Control: Full Stack Developers use version control systems like Git to manage code changes. These tools facilitate collaboration with other developers, ensuring codebase integrity and streamlined development processes.

Third-Party Services: Modern web applications are enriched by third-party services, such as payment gateways, social media APIs, and analytics tools. Full Stack Developers are adept at integrating these services seamlessly, enhancing the functionality and user experience of the application.

Problem Solving: Technical issues are an inevitable part of web development. Full Stack Developers excel in troubleshooting and debugging, capable of tackling issues across the entire stack, from front-end UI glitches to back-end server errors.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The Secret to Excellence

To thrive in the dynamic world of full stack development, continuous learning and adaptation are essential. Full Stack Developers remain competitive and relevant by keeping pace with the latest web development technologies, frameworks, and tools. Here, they bear the responsibility of staying updated and relevant in an ever-changing landscape.

In conclusion, Full Stack Developers play an integral role in modern web development, serving as the bridge that connects front-end and back-end tasks. Their diverse set of responsibilities encompasses everything from user interface design to responsive development, server-side logic, database management, API development, server deployment, and more. Moreover, they are entrusted with the crucial responsibilities of integrating third-party services, solving complex problems, and staying attuned to evolving technologies.

To excel in the field of full stack development, continuous learning and skills enhancement are not just desirable but vital. ACTE Technologies offers comprehensive Full Stack Developer courses, providing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic and demanding role. By enrolling in ACTE Technologies' programs, aspiring Full Stack Developers can equip themselves with the expertise required to thrive in the world of web development, contributing effectively and creatively to the ongoing evolution of technology. In a field that never stops evolving, ACTE Technologies empowers Full Stack Developers to stand at the forefront of innovation, delivering excellence in every line of code.

[codesandprograms]

5 Skills Your Java Full-stack Developer Must Have in 2023

Check out these full-stack Java developer roles and responsibilities and know better which candidate is best for you.

[regressionschool]

MOMMY KNOWS BEST: A NEW APPROACH TO MARRIAGE?

By Emily Dawson, Investigative Reporter

In an era of rising divorce rates and failing marriages, one company believes they have found a radical yet effective solution—one that redefines the roles within relationships rather than dissolving them.

The "Mommy Knows Best" (MKB) program, developed by Pampers Corporation, offers struggling couples an alternative to separation. Instead of counseling or legal battles, the program transitions one partner—typically the husband—into a fully dependent little.

By removing the stress, ego, and responsibility that often cause marital tension, Pampers claims to create a more balanced, harmonious household where the wife assumes a nurturing role, and the husband embraces a simpler, carefree existence.

To its supporters, it’s a long-overdue revolution. To its critics, it’s a disturbing erasure of masculinity.

“A Man Should Be a Man” – A Former Husband Speaks Out

Not everyone is thrilled with the program. Joseph, 38, once a participant in MKB, now lives alone after divorcing his wife of ten years. He remains a vocal critic of what he calls “forced regression”.

“They stripped men of everything that makes them men,” he says, his jaw tightening. “This isn’t love. It’s control.”

According to Joseph, his wife enrolled him without his full understanding. “She made it sound like therapy,” he scoffs. “Like something that would help us communicate better. But the ‘communication’ part? That was just me being told what to do while I sat there in a… in a… damn diaper.”

His fingers twitch on the table as he hesitates on the word, his cheeks flushing slightly, as if the memory itself still holds power over him.

I ask him how long he was in the program. He sighs. “Seven months.”

And when he left?

He shifts uncomfortably in his chair, avoiding eye contact. “It… took a while to adjust.”

Adjust?

His face darkens. “By the time I got out, I couldn’t even remember how to use the potty—eh, I mean toilet.”

He corrects himself quickly, but the slip is noticeable. A shadow of something uncertain flickers in his expression.

Does he still struggle with… certain habits?

His knee bounces under the table. "No. No, I’m fine now.” But he doesn’t sound convinced.

Though he claims to be fully independent again, he admits that certain instincts—like waiting for permission before making decisions—have been harder to shake.

“They train you to obey,” he mutters bitterly. “And for some guys, I guess that’s fine. But me? I lost everything.”

“He Finally Listens to Me” – A Wife’s Perspective

For Claire, 34, the experience couldn’t have been more different.

Before enrolling her husband, she says their marriage was on the verge of collapse.

“He never listened,” she explains, folding laundry as we talk. “Worked late, ignored housework, expected me to handle everything. It was like having a man-child already, just without the cute parts.”

She gestures toward the living room, where her husband—once a domineering, independent man—now sits in a soft playpen, happily occupied with colorful stacking rings.

He’s sucking a blue pacifier, his thick, crinkly Pampers diaper peeking out from beneath his cozy footed onesie. When Claire strokes his hair, he coos softly, leaning into her touch like an affectionate toddler.

“Now?” she smiles. “He actually listens.”

She explains that, in the past, every conversation turned into an argument. Now, there’s no stubbornness, no backtalk, no stress.

“When I tell him it’s naptime, he lays down. When I say he needs a change, he just giggles and lets me handle it. It’s the first time I’ve felt truly respected as a wife.”

But does he ever resist?

Claire chuckles, shaking her head. “Oh, of course. He still has little moments.”

Right on cue, her husband huffs and crosses his arms. "No change," he pouts, shaking his head. "Diaper fine."

Claire sighs. “Sweetheart, you’re soaked.”

He scowls, his lower lip jutting out petulantly—but when Claire raises an eyebrow, her voice firm yet patient, his resolve wavers.

“If you don’t let me change you,” she warns, “I’m turning off your cartoons for the rest of the day.”

His eyes widen. "Noooo!" He shakes his head frantically, the pacifier bouncing against his chest. “I be good! I be good!”

With a resigned sigh, he clambers onto the changing mat, his thick, swollen diaper squishing loudly beneath him. Claire ruffles his hair affectionately.

“See? So much easier than before,” she says with a smile.

Is This the Future of Marriage?

The Mommy Knows Best program is growing in popularity, with thousands of struggling couples enrolling every year. Pampers Corp reports that over 92% of participants choose to remain in the program permanently, claiming it strengthens marriages, eliminates conflict, and improves household harmony.

Psychologists point to reduced stress, structured routines, and positive reinforcement as key elements of its success.

And, of course, Pampers ensures that no participant ever has to worry about leaks, discomfort, or independence again.

For some, like Joseph, the program represents a loss of identity. But for women like Claire?

She simply smiles. “For the first time in my life, I’m happy. And more importantly?” She glances at her husband, who is now happily sucking his pacifier, waiting to be changed.

“So is he.”

(Sponsored in part by Pampers Corporation. Because a happy marriage starts with a happy little.)

[whispersleo]

Génesis 4:9-10 // Art by whispersleo

Read below or in AO3

"Where is your brother?"

Illario tried not to flinch. He had never seen his grandmother like this before—her face deeply lined, her eyes wide and frantic. The grip she had on his arm hurt, her fingers trembling even beneath her gloves. She was shaking all over, yet unlike Illario, she did not cry. There was only pure, undiluted horror in her gaze.

He and Lucanis had been playing when their parents started whispering. At first, they ignored it—grown-up matters were not for them—but Illario began to notice the shift. Their voices grew strained, words less certain, doubt creeping into their expressions. Their hands drifted closer to their weapons, normally tucked away beneath their coats, far from the children's reach.

She didn’t answer right away.

Then, suddenly, his mother yanked him aside. He didn’t protest—more surprised than anything. She never did that. She pulled him toward the large wardrobe in his parents’ bedroom.

"¿Mami? What’s happening?" he whispered as she opened the door and ushered him inside.

Illario caught a glimpse of his father’s cloak before his mother turned and left. Moments later, Lucanis’s voice rang out, grumbling irritably about their interrupted game. When they pushed him into the wardrobe too, Illario instinctively reached out, pulling him close. Lucanis was small—young in age and stature—while Illario, growing fast, had developed the habit of carrying him often, sometimes for fun, sometimes simply because his cousin wanted him to.

His mother’s expression softened. She leaned in, kissed his head, and brushed her fingers through Lucanis’s hair before stepping back and closing the wardrobe doors.

"Illario." His mother’s voice was low but terribly firm, commanding his full attention. "Keep your brother safe. Do not leave this spot until your abuela comes. No matter what. Swear to me that no one will see or hear you."

"I swear, Mami," he answered solemnly.

Both boys shrank back, pressing themselves into the space behind stacked linens. Illario peered through the sliver of light filtering through the wardrobe doors, but the room beyond remained empty. The fighting downstairs didn’t stop. The walls trembled, and he could vividly imagine furniture smashing and glass shattering.

Lucanis let out a quiet, uncertain sound in the dark. Illario tightened his hold.

"Shh, it’s okay," he murmured, running a soothing hand down his cousin’s back. "You heard my mom. We have to stay quiet."

"But—" Lucanis’s voice faded as a loud crash echoed from downstairs, followed by shouting.

A damp warmth touched his hand. Lucanis was crying silently.

Illario was in much the same state—or perhaps worse—because the sounds coming from his family were growing less human, more monstrous. But he pressed his forehead to Lucanis’s and repeated his mother’s words in his head. Protect his brother. That was his role. He could not fail now.

Suddenly, silence. The only sound was furniture scraping across the floor—slow, deliberate. Searching .

Illario’s heart clenched painfully. Moving with excruciating care, he covered Lucanis’s mouth and clamped his own shut so tightly his jaw ached.

Maybe minutes passed. Maybe hours. Then—footsteps. They entered the room. The door creaked open, followed by unintelligible whispers. Illario barely heard them over the violent pounding of his heart. He felt dizzy, trying to think. Could he protect Lucanis? If he revealed himself, would that be enough? Would they be satisfied with killing him and leave the other child undiscovered?

The floor creaked a step away from the wardrobe.

Slowly, Illario lifted a sheet and draped it over them both, his hand never leaving Lucanis’s mouth.

The wardrobe doors swung open. Light spilled in, and Illario could sense a figure looming over them. He held his breath. Three agonizing seconds passed before the figure pulled away, closing the doors. The footsteps receded. Silence swallowed the house.

Illario remained frozen, rigid to the point of pain. He uncovered himself first, then Lucanis, who gasped for breath but never once complained.

They huddled together in the darkness once more. Time blurred. Illario pressed his forehead to Lucanis’s again, both of them drenched in sweat and silent tears.

His legs shook as he stood. He opened the wardrobe door slowly, peeking at Lucanis’s wide, tear-filled eyes before slipping out.

"Stay here," he whispered, barely audible.

"Don’t leave me, Illario," Lucanis pleaded, voice broken and raw.

"I have to see what happened. But you stay put. Don’t come out until abuelita arrives."

The hallway was empty. Near the top of the stairs, a dagger was embedded in the floorboards. Illario moved toward it, lungs tightening as his gaze fell upon his uncle’s body sprawled at the base of the staircase, lying face-down in a pool of his own blood.

He stepped closer, staring at the blade buried in his back. Three more knives jutted from his ribs.

Illario followed the trail to the kitchen. He clapped a hand over his mouth to stifle his scream.

His mother.

Her dress was the only thing that made her recognizable. Someone had mutilated her face so thoroughly that it was nothing but a grotesque smear against the wall behind her. Senseless. Unrecognizable.

His first instinct was to run to her. He stopped himself.

His father lay just feet away, alongside Lucanis’s mother—both in a state as brutal as his uncle’s.

"Illario!"

"U-upstairs," he finally croaked. A sob tore from him. "In the wardrobe. I kept him safe. He’s okay."

Caterina’s voice yanked him from his trance. More tears spilled down his cheeks as his grandmother grabbed him, shaking him.

"Where is Lucanis?"

Relief barely flickered across Caterina’s face before she let go, hurrying upstairs. A moment later, Illario heard her gasp, followed by Lucanis’s unmistakable cries.

She descended carefully, carrying the boy in her arms. Lucanis buried his face against her neck, sobbing. She had told him not to look.

Caterina turned to Illario again. But her gaze didn’t quite meet his. It was distant, as if she was looking past him—at his head, his shoulders, anything but his face.

Illario reached out, almost grasping her dress, but something about her demeanor told him not to.

"You did well keeping him safe," she murmured, nodding toward the door. "Come. We’re leaving."

Illario had no way of knowing it then, but that would be the last time his grandmother ever praised him.

He heard the creak of the door, and light flooded his vision before he could even open his eyes.

Illario bolted upright in bed, his breath unsteady. His gaze was unfocused, glassy, and he could feel the unmistakable dampness of tears clinging to his cheeks.

"Illario? Are you okay?"

Sienna’s soft, worried voice reached him.

Illario wanted to laugh, to groan, to throw a pillow at him and say he was fine. But when he opened his mouth, the only thing that escaped was a deep, shuddering sob.

He curled in on himself, drawing his knees up. A moment later, he felt the mattress dip as Sienna sat beside him, and without thinking, Illario leaned into him, his whole body wracked with silent, aching cries.

Sienna, endlessly patient, ran a hand over his back and bare arms, his touch light, tracing slow circles near his ribs in an attempt to steady his breathing—never applying too much pressure.

Minutes passed. Gradually, Illario stilled, his body trembling but quiet, his breath coming in uneven gasps. His face remained buried in Sienna’s chest, lost in the folds of his hood and cloak.

"A nightmare?" Sienna murmured, still stroking his hair.

"Yeah," Illario exhaled shakily, pulling in a breath, holding it, then releasing it slowly. "Yeah, you could call it that."

"I’m sorry," Sienna sighed. "I just… came to let you know Lucanis finished making dinner. If you don’t feel like eating with the team, I can bring you some—"

The mention of his cousin shattered what little composure Illario had left. A fresh sob broke from him, sharp and unrestrained.

Sienna winced slightly, then pressed a gentle kiss to his head, holding him closer with infinite care.

"I’m sorry," he whispered again, tightening his embrace.

[comfy-whumpee]

The Speaker

The lights in the lecture theatre are more yellow than white, and the floor is carpeted with thin grey material. It makes the space in front of the seats feel more like a sparse living room than one of the largest halls on campus.

The lectern’s surface is a simple rectangle of wood, but does have enough space for his laptop to rest on. Connected to the screen, he’s free to move away from it with his Bluetooth clicker in hand. Resting on his cane with each alternate step, he makes his way over to the chair that rests alone at the front of the room, and sits. The cane hooks over its arm, and he props his leg out in front of him.

Gone are the days when he could claim only to have a bad ankle. Physio and surgery are behind him, and while the pain is lesser, it has spread as he’s aged. The years of compensating have left its mark on his knees, hips and back. He has never delivered a full lecture standing, and he probably never will.

He waits there, patient, as the students filter in. He likes this lecture hall for the lighting, but its main appeal is that the doors are on the sides instead of at the front, to one side of the projector screen. It allows him to observe as people enter.

This lecture is an annual event, and always attracts a range of attendees. Mostly he sees second- and third-year teens, and a rare keen first-year, still exploring their options and interested to learn. Occasionally he picks out an older student, although mostly it is impossible to tell whether they are undergraduates or higher up in the academic ladder.

Every year, the audience has more female and gender-nonconforming students. He enjoys seeing the shift and broaden of his field. Although there will always be a high proportion of nerd-aligned young men before him, he relates to both sides. Even now, he keeps his hair long enough to pass his shoulders, and wears a smart cardigan instead of a blazer.

Last of all to enter, forgivable because she also helped him set up, is Doctor Lee. She is probably the only student of astrophysics in the room, but she’s the one who asked him to start this yearly talk for Careers Week, so she’s honour-bound to attend. She wears a blazer, and it suits her well.

The students must never, ever know that they are not just friends, but exes.

He waits patiently for the room to settle, being careful to keep his shoulders relaxed. Then, he flicks the mic on.

For a moment he is gripped, as he often is, by the memory of a version of himself that could never have done this. He was, once, someone who couldn’t even speak aloud to a loved one in a private room. Raising his head, hair tied back, showing his face to the two or three hundred students in the seats…

Iz has climbed the central staircase and is sitting halfway to the top, right in the centre, as she always does. His eyes find her when they need a place to rest. His voice comes loose without a conscious effort.

“Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining me. My name is Ellis Reece, and I’m a freelance full-stack web developer. I’m here to talk to you today about my field, and the careers and skills that relate to it.”

Another voice flickers in. Rule five.

He ignores it. “Let me start by telling you about what I do, before we explore related roles. I’ve been working as a freelancer on and off for twenty years. I started as a front-end developer, and quickly expanded to back-end, so I could pick up more work.”

He taps the clicker to progress to the next slide, which shows examples of his recent sites and clients. It stands in place of what other speakers usually give, which is more like a CV extract showing roles and skills undertaken. He prefers to let his work speak for himself, and always has.

Besides, those slides are often year by year, and his has a noticeable gap, near the beginning that would only distract them.

“I have also worked in some corporate positions,” he acknowledges, “and spent some time on software and UI teams. I will touch on those in a moment. For the majority of my career, I have been a solo developer, responsible for every aspect of a site design and implementation.”

Nic played a big part in writing his lines, although he knows them by heart these days. Self-promotion was never his strong suit. But facts are facts, after all.

Another comment from a voice. I don’t know what’s real. Nobody is close enough to have said it.

“I will be happy to answer questions about any of these experiences,” he adds. “As it is, my day consists of the technical work you would expect, alongside conversations with clients, collaboration with branding teams and other stakeholders, self-development and training courses, and, I’m sorry to admit, self-assessment tax returns.”

There is a reliable murmur of chuckling at the gentle quip.

He no longer admits, for me, the hardest aspect is the boundaries.

“Self-employment requires you to have knowledge in your chosen profession, but also administrative skills. The perks,” as the slide now shows, “include setting your own wage, taking holidays when you want them, more control over the work you do, and flexibility in where and when you work. The downsides…” He brings them on screen. A few of the quicker readers in the room grant him another soft laugh. “…are exactly the same. The boundaries, motivation, creativity and discipline all come from you and you alone.”

You don’t get boundaries, pet.

It’s no longer true.

Instead, as he often does, he pauses for early questions on self-employment, and then moves on to an additional point that draws non-compsci students to his talk year on year.

“Another underrated benefit of self-employment is how well it combines with self-advocacy. For example, my capacity for work fluctuates depending on my level of pain and how suitable my work environment can be made.” He moves his free hand to gently encircle the chair, cane and clicker. “When I worked as an employee in a team, I benefitted from their support, the structures of policies and HR, and accessible workplace wellbeing measures, including a useful occupational health referral. However, I made the decision to return to freelance and consulting to regain the ability to refuse work that would be detrimental to my health.”

The students before him will be picturing high workloads, horrible offices and inflexible bosses, and mostly, that is exactly what he means. They have no reason to think any different.

Another university reached out to him once to do this talk, and he declined. He told them he only did it at all as a personal favour, which was true. Their old economics guest lecturer was ancient history.

“This includes when work is offered to me, but also during the course of a project. I am fortunate to be in a position where I can, if needed, walk away from an employer who does not treat me as I deserve.”

It’s been years since he felt a flutter of nerves at saying those words. Instead, now, as he often does, he smiles with pride.

[lin-euishin]

Ex-Rank Supporting Role’s Replay in a Prestigious School

Korean Name: 명문고 EX급 조연의 리플레이

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, School Life, Sci-fi, Slice of Life

Synopsis:

When I cleared the final chapter of a game that was a national failure, I became a side character within it.

A non-standard, immeasurable, EX-rank unnamed side character.

Novel Updates Link: https://www.novelupdates.com/series/ex-rank-supporting-roles-replay-in-a-prestigious-school/

Personal Review:

I will admit, it has been a second since I read this one. I stopped at chapter 1220 so I could stack and I’ve been busy reading other things lately. However, this story will forever live rent free in my head. It’s the story that kick started my love for webnovels, and definitely the longest one I’ve read so far.

Anyway, into the review!

Main Character: Jo Euishin is probably one of my favourite main characters ever. He’s self-sacrificial, yet intelligent and determined. This man is such an unreliable narrator when it comes to himself. Also, his biased towards his playable characters (and Snare/Olmu) >>>> and the thing with chess and his family and fdfjbwkfbkugfk I can’t go into how much I adore this MC because of spoilers. Sometimes all I want to do is hug him. His trauma is something that is brought up throughout the novel, and he works on facing and overcoming it steadily throughout the novel. Also, when it comes to others, he doesn’t hesitate to help those who need it (as long as they deserve it), but he’s not soft towards his enemies either. It’s a nice little balance.

Class 1-0 (MC’s class): it took over 1000 chapters for full attendance, but each of the class members have their own unique personality and background and they’re just so ekfnwjnrwn I love them so much. They all have circumstances that they’re struggling with and I genuinely never found myself bored when reading about them. Their different dynamics with Euishin is fun to read, because ultimately all of them love him and Euishin deserves that so much. They’re interactions with each other are also fun to read about and adds nice depth to them. The class definitely gives off found family vibes. My favourite out the kids is probably Maeng Hydon (I hope I spelt that right-). Also, their teacher >>>

Jin Tribes: these guys are fairly important to the plot. They’re based on myths or famous sayings and other things along those lines. Both allies and enemies belong to this group. Though I wont say much since it is technically a spoiler, the tigers and dragons >>> those two tribes hold a special place in my heart. My favourite characters from the novel belong to them too.

Side Characters: There are quite a few. You’re definitely going to forget who someone is at least once because there are a lot of side characters. The ones that show up often though are well-developed, and each manage to have their own distinct traits which is so enjoyable.

Plot: amazing, spectacular, draw-dropping. It is so well thought out. Let me tell you right now, if you believe something to be unnecessary filler, it WILL become important later on. The foreshadowing in this novel will have you acting like a damn detective. The plot as a whole is quiet interesting, and obviously, does have slice of life aspects since that is tagged for this novel, but that honestly helped feel more connected to the large cast of side characters since they get their time to shine during these segments. When it comes to the action scenes, they written fairly well, and are enjoyable to read. The major arcs are never boring (sitting on the edge of my seat during this actually due to MC’s lack of self care), and the minor ones are fun.

Foreshadowing: As previously stated, this is phenomenal. It will blow your mind how the smallest detail will snow ball into something important as hell a couple hundred chapters down the line. Question everything. I’m still shocked by how well the author foreshadows things sometimes.

World-building: So well done. Some of the best world building I’ve ever read. It is genuinely so interesting and I never get bored of learning more.

Romance: MC doesn’t have a love interest, though there is a funny misunderstanding in the latest chapters. There is implied romance for the side characters, but I genuinely find myself shipping them since the relationships are developed nicely.

Game: Holy shit. I get steadily more heartbroken the more I find out about the game timeline. Euishin has done so much for this world and the characters and it’s fucking sad to read about how things would have gone without him. Also, aspects of the game is still important over 1000 chapters after the transmigration, and in fairly interesting ways. Anyway, just when you think you’ve learned the most tragic thing about the OG timeline, you’ll get hit again with another tragic fact that will lead you sobbing on the floor.

Enemies: BS is still a mystery 🫠 at first him and his group may not seem like much because MC uses his knowledge from the game to counter their moves, but BS is a cunning little bitch. The enemies have genuine reasons for being so and even the minor ones are fleshed out, which is always an enjoyable thing to find in a novel. Most aren’t evil just for the sake of it.

Overall, can’t really touch on much else without giving spoilers. Just know that MC is self-sacrificing and smart, but there is a fair few things he doesn’t know so it doesn’t give off know-it-all vibes that some MC’s due from this genre. If you enjoy a sort of soft apocalypse vibe with action and intensive word building and side character development, then you’ll love this.

Personal rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Where to read:

I would recommend reading it on Library Key Translations first [ Link ] which has up to chapter 324 translated at the moment.

After that, if you don’t want to wait for updates there, go read at WuxiaNxianxia [ Link ]. They have up to Chapter 865 translated. Definitely start with Library Key Translations though since the first 100 or so chapters on Wuxia is not the best.

Have a good day, and have fun reading!! 🦦

[allgirlsareprincesses]

Love At First Sight (2023)

Okay, we’re going to talk about the new Netflix romance directed by Vanessa Caswill, Love At First Sight, because I’m seeing almost no chatter about it and that cannot stand. Full disclosure, I’ve never read the book on which this movie is based, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, so I’m reacting only to the film (which I’ve now seen 4.5 times in 2 days).

The Surface Reading

It’s a perfect, tight, adorable little RomCom that’s heavy on the Rom and light on the Com, with a wrenching dash of angst and the most hair-twirling chemistry between two leads that has graced our screens in years. Truly, if all you want is 90 minutes of two actors being saccharine precious cinnamon rolls, look no further!

There are simple takeaways here, like that chance can only take you so far, but in the end you have to choose to love. Or that change and loss are part of life and you can’t run from them. Or that London is a massive labyrinth of eccentric people that probably looks 400% cooler onscreen than it is in reality (I wouldn’t know, I’ve never visited, so this and the 90s Parent Trap are the extent of my knowledge about the city, sorry).

Anyway, I adored how straightforward the story was - that the narrator (played brilliantly by Jameela Jamil) tells you directly in the first two minutes that it’s a story about love, fate, and statistics. She then repeatedly describes every development as it is happening, the characters’ histories and internal monologues, and all the context you need to follow the thin but fast-paced plot. The writing, performances, and production design are all solid, allowing the audience to get lost in the romance as it unfolds.

BUT if you’re slightly unhinged like I am and you’re always looking for more layers in your media, HAVE NO FEAR! There is in fact more going on in this little movie than you might expect.

Color Theory

For starters, the use of red and green in the film is fascinating. Yes, I realize the action of the story takes place a few days before Christmas, so you might assume it was just a seasonal aesthetic choice, but if you look closer, you can see very carefully selected shades of red and green repeating throughout the film. The red is a cool, deep rose color, sometimes pink, while the green is cool and dark, like oxidized bronze rather than emerald. Further, while they appear over and over, these hues are rarely used in a purely decorative or festive way. Instead, they play a role in the separation and coming together of the couple. On a color wheel, red and green are complements, perfect opposites that are never adjacent but always joined in the middle.

The title card during Hadley’s introduction is literally a green stripe over a red stripe, then the hallways of the airport are green, and of course Hadley’s ever-important backpack is a rosy red. As the couple grow closer on their flight, the light turns pink. Once in London, a green van takes Oliver one way while a red taxi takes Hadley the other. At her father’s wedding, Hadley is dressed in red (“the color of a bruise” she calls it), contrasting beautifully against her green jacket. Upon realizing Oliver’s true purpose, she chases after him on an iconic red double-decker bus. Meanwhile at the living memorial, Oliver’s father is dressed in red while his mother wears a faded green, as if to say she is already beginning to fade away. The event is decorated with green drapery and streamers, and there are even stacks of red and green chairs in the stairwell where Oliver begs his mother to receive treatment.

Hadley gifts her red and green bouquet to Tessa, and when she is driven away, a green-clad narrator returns the red backpack to Oliver. Wandering London alone, Hadley exchanges her painful red heels for a pair of green trainers (“sneakers!” she insists), and tries to call her dad first in a red phone booth and then on a phone from a stranger sitting in a cluster of red chairs. Finally, Oliver chooses to pursue Hadley to the wedding reception which is lit in pink, and where they finally share the long-awaited kiss.

There are many more examples, but in general we see that green indicates separation and loss, while red symbolizes joining, intimacy, and (what else?) love! It lends the film a gorgeous, subtle aesthetic without being garishly festive, and shows the lovers’ emotional journey from lonely childhood to vulnerable, loving adulthood.

Death and Rebirth

Speaking of which, there’s plenty of rebirth imagery too! When Hadley and Oliver meet, they are both still children, struggling with the impending loss of parental security through divorce and death. Thus, when they board the plane, it is as if they enter an underworld or womb, separated from their families and remade as new adults. They emerge on the other side into a hallway (read: birth canal), as each must still confront their own dying childhood before they can join as full and equal partners. Hadley journeys to a bright, red-strewn celebration of life, while Oliver must enter a dark green commemoration of death, his fear driving him deeper to hide in another hallway. Here his mother comes to find him, begging him to emerge into life, but Ollie still can’t confront her death alone.

Thankfully, Hadley travels to this underworld to find him, bursting into the memorial like a bright red flower. Even the bruise metaphor works, acknowledging the pain they are both experiencing at the changes in their lives. But Oliver still refuses to face his fears, trying to take a shortcut around death to life with Hadley. Still, she knows he’s not ready (likely because she’s not yet, either), and gently pushes back. And so, Oliver returns to the underworld, and Hadley walks off alone until she descends barefoot through a soggy riverside tunnel (birth canal again!). Finally, she calls her father and admits she is “lost.” When he arrives, Hadley at last gathers the courage to ask why he ended their old life, and to tell him how much it hurt her. But as Oliver predicted, she forgives her dad and even begins to accept his new bride.

Back at the memorial, Oliver is reminded by Hadley’s red backpack - his unaddressed emotional baggage - to be honest about his pain. In at last openly mourning his mother and his own childhood, Ollie takes a step into adulthood, just enough for his family to nudge him that extra bit to go after Hadley. And so, the family delivers him to his bride, who has meanwhile learned to dance again, even through her heartbreak. With one last confession, the two consummate their love with a kiss, bathed in pink light before an open door.

Happily Ever After

There’s so much more, with the hand-holding, numbers, Shakespeare, Dickens, the music, and beyond, but the point is that this cute, charming little romance is actually very deliberately constructed. It follows timeless patterns and motifs which we instinctively understand through visual and auditory language. And the narration plays a huge role in this as well, not unlike the prologues and epilogues of the Bard’s plays in that they state the story’s lessons plainly: that we cannot always be prepared for unwelcome surprises, but that we can make the choice to love every day.

Anyway, Vanessa Caswill deserves all the flowers and if you haven’t seen her gorgeous adaptation of Little Women (with all due respect to the marvelous Greta Gerwig and Gillian Armstrong), please do yourself a favor and watch that after you finish this!

[lunaroseblake]

Adrenaline - Zayne x Reader Fanfic Chapter 1

Tags: Drama&Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Major Character Injury, Blood, Near Death Experiences, Battle Scenes, Angst, Fluff, Love, Established Relationship, Jealous Zayne, Eventual Smut, Smut, Emotional Roller Coaster, Developing Relationships, Reader Insert, Not Cannon Compliant, Characters May Be OOC, Soo Much Drama And Angst.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It plays an important role in your body's fight-or-flight response. It's released in response to a stressful, exciting, dangerous, or threatening situations.

Summary:

Tap. Tap. Tap. His fingers drummed along the white cotton of the tablecloth beneath them. It wasn’t like you to be late, or for you to not answer your messages. The door dinged again making him glance up only to see another couple enter. He decided to call you, holding the phone to his ear after pressing dial only to be greeted with the rhythmic ringing before getting your voicemail. He frowned, his fingers tapping the screen to load up the messages to see it was still on unread.

Or~

You're in a newly established relationship with Zayne which is put to the test when an incident happens in where you rely on him more than anyone, causing a domino effect which disrupts everything you love.

Links:

AO3, Wattpad <- Up to date chapters can be found here, currently on chapter 34 if you want to continue reading there! ^-^

I'll post chapter 1 below, AO3 is always the first place I update and I'm new to posting on Tumblr, especially with writing so I'm not too sure what I'm doing ^-^; Anyway, I hope you enjoy! I love hearing what people have to day about my writing so don't hesitate to let me know thoughts etc :)

Chapter 1: Calm Before The Storm

It had been a somewhat quiet day at the hospital, not that he was complaining and not that he’d ever utter that out loud for fear of jinxing it but everything had gone smoothly, no emergencies or complicated walk-ins. It had given him some time to catch up on paperwork and read through newly published medical papers that he hadn’t managed to get to.

Leaning back in to his chair slightly he grabbed his phone as his index finger pushed his silver framed glassed back to the bridge of his nose. The faintest smile gracing his lips when he saw the pop up notification with a text from you on the lock screen. Slender fingers entered the passcode before clicking on your message. An image of your supposed ‘lunch’ came up - a stack of pancakes covered with syrup, fruit and cream with the text beneath:

Morning office work complete! Having lunch with Xavier and before you say anything, fruit is healthy! I hope you’re taking breaks too, I don’t want you falling asleep on me later.

Shortly followed with:

I can’t wait until our date tonight x

He quickly squashed down the jealousy he felt at seeing the blonde haired mans name and the fact that you were eating lunch with him. He knew that you were only work partners but still, the uncertainty lingered. He sighed, quickly ridding himself of such thoughts, his more rational side kicking in knowing that you were more than loyal. Looking back at the picture his smile was more prominent now as he shook his head in exasperation at your alleged ‘lunch.’ He quickly typed out a reply:

Looking forward to it, though you already seem to have had dessert. No fighting wanderers on a full stomach.

Locking his phone he placed it on his desk before standing and checking his watch. He had a scheduled operation due, nothing too complicated, having made sure that his evening would be free to spend it with you. As he made his way out of his office, his thoughts drifted to you. Ever since you started dating around a month ago it was hard for him to think of much else when you weren’t around him, the thought of your smile was enough to brighten his darkest days. He was slow to progress his relationship with you, even if he had harboured feelings for you for a lot longer than he was willing to admit he wanted to make sure that this was what you wanted. That he was what you wanted.

He knew that he was difficult when it came to expressing how he felt but over time you had managed to thaw his icy personality and only around you did his eyes light up with warmth. As he entered the operating theatre though he knew that he had to be at 100% attention, so anything other than doing his job was banished from his mind. He managed to complete the surgery faster than he’d anticipated which he was pleased about and as he had nothing else scheduled in for the day it meant that he had more time to sort himself out for his date with you this evening.

The restaurant that you were both meeting at wasn’t super expensive, but it was one that expected its customers to at least make some formal effort with their clothing choices. One of his colleagues had mentioned it after raving about how good their food was so he decided to try it. Apparently their head chef used to work at a Michelin star restaurant so his hopes were pretty high.

Zayne could be said that he wasn’t really one for fashion but he knew what did and didn’t flatter him, so when he got home he went to his closet, opting for black turtle neck and black dress pants. One because it was both smart and comfortable and two because he knew that you loved it when he wore a turtle neck.

He chuckled at the memory, you’d both gone out to a cafe near the hospital for a coffee when you both had a break, the table you were seated at had a few fashion magazines lingering nearby which had caught your attention when one of the models was wearing a knit jumper you liked. He’d offered to buy you one similar if he ever saw one in passing to which you’d waved him off before a grin latched itself on to your lips “We should go shopping, by which I mean I want to take you shopping” you said simply which made him raise his eyebrow “Since when do you know anything about mens fashion?” He queried causing you to roll your eyes before a slight blush began to stain your cheeks a cute hue of rosy pink “I know what I like on you” You’d murmured nearly incoherently and Zayne had a hard time straining to hear but he managed “Oh?” He teased “And what might that be?” He asked leaning forward with a smirk as he tried to catch you eye. You bit your lip slightly as you glanced his direction “You’re wearing one” you said as you pointed to the turtleneck he was wearing.

He’d found it adorable when you’d blushed and so for the rest of the time at the cafe he’d teased you with the newfound information to try and bring your blush back in which he was successful a number of times. From then on, anytime that you mentioned something that you liked he’d make a mental note of it and if he could would incorporate it in to his daily routine, whether it be from the scent of his cologne to your favourite drink, hence why tonight a turtle neck would do.

Once changed he checked himself over in the mirror, having completed the look with a more casual blazer before he checked his watch, seeing it was getting closer to the agreed upon meeting time. Grabbing his wallet and keys he knew he had just enough time to make a quick stop at a florist before making his way to the restaurant.

Having parked he made his way down the bustling street, where people were enjoying evening strolls in the warm weather or slowly making their way home from work. The sun had just dipped below the horizon turning the sky brilliant shades of orange and crimson and as the sun set more the more dark and crimson the sky became.

He paused as he glanced up at it, around him people took pictures of the sight thinking it as nothing more than another pretty sunset but for Zayne the colour was a close resemblance to the colour of blood and for a reason he couldn’t shake, it unsettled him. Being a Doctor he was more than accustomed to the sight of it to the point where it hardly phased him, but tonight the colour of the sunset had his heart beating a little bit faster and he didn’t like the feeling one bit.

Trying to put it aside he let his thoughts wander to you and what outfit you might be wearing as he continued to the restaurant, calming more as he went inside and gave his name to be led to their designated table. He was happy to see that they’d been situated in a corner, he much preferred that, it was more intimate than being in the centre with other couples or groups around you. Taking his blazer off he draped it over the back of his chair before sliding his phone out of his pocket and sitting down. He gave the menu a slight once over before ordering a bottle of wine when the waiter came, taking the liberty of ordering a red as he knew you preferred it.

Twenty minutes went by where every time he heard the door go his head snapped up in the hopes that it was you to only be disappointed to see someone else. His anxiety was growing and no matter how many times he checked his phone there were no new notifications and his message asking of an ETA was still unread.

Tap. Tap. Tap. His fingers drummed along the white cotton of the tablecloth beneath them. It wasn’t like you to be late, or for you to not answer your messages. The door dinged again making him glance up only to see another couple enter. He decided to call you, holding the phone to his ear after pressing dial only to be greeted with the rhythmic ring ring before getting your voicemail. He frowned, his fingers tapping the screen to load up the messages to see it was still on unread.

He waited, dismissing the wait staff when they came to try and take his order, saying that he was waiting for someone.

Little did he know that you weren’t coming to greet him.

[magnuspirate]

I started a new job. While I was originally looking for Frontend roles, I ended up working as a Full-Stack developer — and I’m really struggling with the Backend part.

I feel slow when I code, and it’s so hard. It’s frustrating. I’m tired and stressed out. I don’t know how to filter all the information I get..my brain is like a sieve.

Still, I want to prove to myself — and to everyone else — that I can code.

Maybe I will make it, because I’m still here, still coding, still trying.

I just have to keep going. And stop being so damn mean to myself.

[charmwasjess]

Dooku+questions 2,3 and 11!!!

YESSSSSS, YES! MY EVIL GUY! :D Thank you!!

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

There are so many things I love about Dooku and I could (and do, I love y'all) talk about them forever - on any given day I could truly answer this a dozen different ways. But what I’m thinking about today is that despite him being a criminally underdeveloped character in the films, at worst, a cardboard cutout villain, there is a whole host of rich little details about how cringefail and awkwardly authentic he is.

I like that he's a bookworm who installed a library on his dumb antique nerd ship. I like that the first thing that he can come up with, put on the spot to describe a benefit of the dark side is acquiring friends and lovers - the things he destroyed to get the dark side. I like that he has the magic all-powerful Sir Christopher Lee voice but can't quite talk shit better than “twice the pride, double the fall” when he’s like 80 and famously eloquent but beefing with someone a quarter of his age with less emotional regulation than a toaster. Ugh, that he hates Anakin because he sees himself in him and is outright jealous of no longer being Yoda’s golden boy?! Not just daddy issues, but the whole subscription. I like that he smiles through his duels and that it’s the only time he seems happy. His inability to control his bitchy face journey when his boss, the guy who can choke him out over Zoom, is describing his convoluted schemes in TCW.  I like how extra and dramatic he is - he steps off a ledge or jumps out a window to leave a conversation he’s losing, he has to backflip all two meters of his lanky ass instead of walking down like SEVEN stairs in RotS, and god, those dumb, dumb whimpering puppy eyes at the end.

What a magnificent loser. 

3. Least favorite canon thing about this character?

Dooku killed my other favorite character?!?! Actually like. All of them??? 

No, I actually love that about him, the way he deconstructs his own support system piece by bloody piece, all while still actively and genuinely grieving them. Haha. :D That sucks, dude.

It’d be easy to cheat here and just tell you my least favorite thing is that he's a character often neglected or sidelined by the creators. A plot tool to develop more important characters rather than going on narrative arc himself.

But to get real, Dooku’s character mainly exists as a piece of foreshadowing for Anakin’s fall. A 1.0 of what a Jedi who went bad might look like. His fate is preordained; redemption is the gift saved for Vader, as is the ultimate form of monstrous former Jedi tool of the Sith, so Dooku is doomed to always dwell in the halfway - a sketch or a shadow. His role in the narrative isn't Stover's sundragon, but rather the lamentable protagonist of Elliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock:

(I) am an attendant lord, one that will do

To swell a progress, start a scene or two,

Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,

Deferential, glad to be of use,

Politic, cautious, and meticulous;

Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;

At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—

Almost, at times, the Fool.

Twenty years later, I don't think I've ever really gotten over the fact that they could have done so much more with Dooku than kill him off in the first scene of RotS, and didn't. 

11. Would you date this character?

I would not date Dooku. Being close to Dooku is the self-killer. However, I would *gesturing to indicate sexually splitting and stacking him on a pile like so much dry firewood to warm my home in the dead of winter.* 

[satoshi-mochida]

Hyper Light Breaker launches in Early Access on January 14, 2025 - Gematsu

Roguelite action game Hyper Light Breaker will launch in Early Access for PC via Steam on January 14, 2024, publisher Arc Games and developer Heart Machine announced. It is expected to remain in Early Access for about one year.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Day of the Devs: The Game Awards Edition and finally reveal that Hyper Light Breaker will be launching in Early Access in just a month,” said Heart Machine founder and creative director Alx Preston in a press release. “From all of us at Heart Machine, we really can’t thank our community, friends and colleagues enough for all of the support over the years and sticking with us as we’ve worked on our most ambitious project yet. Launching Hyper Light Breaker in Early Access will be just the beginning, as we want the community to be part of the game’s development journey. We really can’t wait for players to join us in the Overgrowth to bring Hyper Light Breaker to its full potential.”

Here is an overview of the game, via Arc Games:

About

From Heart Machine, the award-winning team behind critically-acclaimed titles Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash, comes Hyper Light Breaker, a new cooperative roguelite adventure set in the beloved Hyper Light Drifter universe. Hyper Light Breaker is a brand-new entry in the Hyper Light franchise, with a unique story fully realized in 3D for the first time. Set decades prior to Drifter, Hyper Light Breaker has you take on the role of a Breaker, a mercenary tasked with entering the Overgrowth. Using a combination of fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, ranged weaponry and gadgets, players can expect to fight through and explore a wide array of procedurally-generated open worlds. Though you’ll start your journey trying to help the settlement, it’s clear that there’s something sinister in this long-forgotten land. Only through tenacity and rigorous exploration will you uncover the dark truths of the Crowns, The Abyss King and this brutal, eerie new landscape. Players can choose to play alone or with friends to explore open worlds, create new builds, rip through hordes and overcome the Crowns and the Abyss King.

Key Features

Ever-Changing Worlds to Explore

A world in disarray, with mysteries to solve, vicious enemies to fight, and full 3D environments to explore.

A vast, ever-changing, procedurally generated world awaits with large scale open biomes and deep labyrinths.

Worlds are procedurally generated with unique layouts, enemies, loot and rewards leading to multiple playthroughs.

Traverse landscapes with incredible freedom with a variety of abilities; wall-dashing, hoverboard, glider and more.

Join the Breakers

Battle through the Overgrowth alone or as a team in online co-operative play.

Face hordes of enemies and brutal bosses in frenetic third-person combat.

Rise to increasing challenges stacking through every run.

Explore, Collect and Destroy

Discover and unlock a wide arsenal of weapons, items and upgrades to create the ideal build for new runs.

Learn more about the Overgrowth from the fragmented memories of its mysterious defenders, the Crowns.

Bring back resources to help the settlement flourish over the course of your journey.

Watch a new trailer below.

Early Access Release Date Trailer

[dndeceit]

Fander Fic Rec Friday (#26)

(Superhero Shenannigans - First Issue!)

The How Do We Stack Up series by ToDefineIsToLimit Superhero/College AU (Moxiety, Roceit) Rating: M When Logan develops telepathy he learns that several others in his social group possess powers as well. When his roommate Roman becomes insistent upon pursuing the role of a hero, Logan decides the safest solution is setting him up with a nemesis he can trust... Notes: In which Logan herds his superpowered friendgroup like cats, and much drama is to be had. I keep meaning to give this one a proper re-read, because it's absolutely one of my favorites. Also, Patton's arc is insane.

The Heroes and Villains series by LadyoftheWoods Superhero AU (Gen) Rating: T The Duke has a brutal reputation for destroying the heroes that try to take him down, but recently a young spitfire called Tempest has won a nugget of his esteem. When his young nemesis comes crawling to him, injured and seeking after the Duke's unkindly "mercy", he's ready to raise hell getting to the bottom of it. Notes: As soon as I started thinking about doing a list of Superhero fics, I knew I had to find this one again. As in, I took hours out of my day to trawl through AO3 looking for it. Like Virgil whump? Like protective Remus and Janus? Like reunions and characters coming together to challenge the system? Just...it's good, okay?

The Ping Verse by SoDoRoses (FairyChess) Superhero AU (Dukeceit, LAMP) Rating: M There is no easy life in this world for powered people. The best some can hope for is to find a role within the system and try to play by its rules. Fighting against it is even harder, but for some the fight is worth it. Notes: An incredibly layered superhero dystopia piled to the brim with feeling. The primary fic in the series (which centers on an intricate and nerve-wracking time loop scenario) is still a WIP, but it looks like it's only about a chapter away from coming to a close.

The Rescues of an Annoyed Scientist: Heroes Sides AU by GeminiMoon Superhero AU (Gen) Rating: T Logan is a brilliant but otherwise average, unpowered scientist who nonetheless keeps finding himself in the path of superpowered threats. Fortunately, there always seems to be someone there to save the day. Notes: In which Logan can't seem to escape getting into Situations, but he also can't seem to come out of one without making some friends.

Don't Make Me Be The Bad Guy by VintageSnakes Superhero AU (Moceit) Rating: T Following the defeat and capture of his team's long-standing nemesis, Deceit, Patton comes across some new information. Left struggling with uncomfortable doubt, he now has questions that only one person might be able to answer... Notes: Another enjoyable superhero dystopia in which Patton learns some ugly truths about the world he lives in and has to make a choice.

Come Now, Little Prince by TheAsexualofSpades Superhero AU (Gen, Roceit, Dukeceit) Rating: G After an incident results in the death of a criminal he was pursuing, Roman is injured and mid-breakdown when he decides to throw himself upon the mercy of an enemy who had once offered him a way out of the game. Notes: Some high-proof Hurt/Comfort. Roman has Trauma and Janus has his hands full keeping him from falling apart.

The Serpent's Snakelets by ChillyKrow Superhero AU (Gen, Anxceit) Rating: T Supervillain by name, philanthropist by action, the Serpent has a lot of plates spinning, most of them full. But that doesn't mean he's about to look the other way when two teens start to frequent the soup kitchen he runs under his civilian identity, clearly in need of some help. Notes: I love this one for the amount of thought and detail that has gone into what Janus is actually doing with his operation. And also what one can actually get away with as a shapeshifter with enough cunning and the right resources.

It's Over Now by remembermeeternally Superhero AU (Gen, Loceit) Rating: G Sent against a villain far above his power to fight, the last thing Roman was expecting was mercy. Or refuge. Or comfort. Or...adoption? Notes: In which, once Janus and his husband learn about the depths of the neglect that his young heroes-in-training have been subjected to, he isn't about to give them back. Consensual kidnapping ensues.

I wanted to be seen by logically_asexual Superhero AU (Loceit) Rating: T Separated from the rest of his team, Logan finds himself confronted by the supervillain, Deceit, resulting in a wager that Logan is sure must turn out in his favor. After all, his teammates wouldn't actually leave him behind... Notes: In which Logan deserves much better and Janus is more than happy to offer it.

Leave All Your Heroes Behind by Magpie_Crow Superhero AU (Gen) Rating: G Patton is an ordinary man, living a rather ordinary life. The most extraordinary thing about him is his job: He works for Make-A-Wish, making arrangements so that children can have their final wishes fulfilled. Then, one day, a child makes the request to meet the notorious villains known as the Terror Twins. But Patton isn't about to let one of his kiddos down if he can help it. Notes: I love stories about regular people who live in superhero settings. You know this sort of thing would happen. And this is just such a sweet story...

WIPs

On Death's Doorstep by LonelyThursday Superhero AU (Anxceit) Rating: T Injured, on the run, and with his young son in tow, Virgil—known to the world as the superhero Knightcaster—seeks asylum from government attention after escaping his abusive husband—the superhero known as Atlas. Unfortunately, the only people capable of offering the protection he needs are the very supervillains he and Atlas have been fighting... Notes: I need to reread/catch-up with this one, because I lost track of it for a while, but it's so good...

(Will probably do a second round of these somewhere down the line, because there are just so many and they're so much fun...)

[agentnico]

Gladiator II (2024) review

Been there done that.

Plot: Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people.

So me and my wife only recently rediscovered the first Gladiator film and having previously only watched it once when I was a child I evidently did not appreciate the grandiose mastery at play, as that first Gladiator movie is fantastic. From the powerful performances to the epic action to the high spectacle set pieces to Hans Zimmer’s incredible emotional music score…. makes me think of that meme with Homelander proclaiming “it was perfect!”. Truly me and my wife would both now say that Gladiator has sky-rocketed to the top of our favourite films of all time, and also makes me appreciate how great of a director Ridley Scott once was. He still makes some decent projects now such as The Martian and The Last Duel, however he’s very much a hit and miss director at the moment. But back in the day with the likes of Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise and the aforementioned Gladiator, the guy can like REALLY make a movie! As such having grown a new appreciation for his Roman epic, I was really looking forward to but also sceptical over the upcoming sequel. For one due to so much time passing since the original, and also lack of Russell Crowe for obvious reasons and the trailers suggesting that this new one is essentially a copy of the original. The latter aspect especially was a concern, for the original film was a multiple Academy Award winning motion picture, so trying to recapture that same flame would be silly. So my hope was that Scott and the team would try and do something new and different whilst still in-keeping the world created by the original film. Question is, was it worth all this wait, and more importantly, was I entertained??

Look, I don’t one to be one of those snobs who compares a sequel to its original, but it’s difficult not to (so seems like I’ll be snobbing it today!) due to the reputation of the first one, as well as the fact that Gladiator 2 (or II if you’re into your Roman numerals) is in essence a repackaged version of the first movie. Well, part of it is. The whole plot line involving Paul Mescal’s Lucius going on his revenge quest into the Colosseum is that rehash, and unfortunately it is the primary storyline of the film. The issue with this is it naturally ends up living in the shadow of its predecessor. The other more interesting narrative is one that involves acting legend Denzel Washington (spawning a lovely American accent in Rome but the man is so entertaining to watch you cannot help but forgive him his transgressions) where he tries to take over Rome by weaselling his way to the top of Rome’s political hierarchy. That stuff is actually great, and him manipulating the two emperors and causing their eventual downfall was really intriguing to witness. Shame that this story beat only really came to full effect in the last 30 mins of the movie.

As for the performances, as this one boasts a stacked cast. I’m sorry to Paul Mescal fans, but he’s really stale and bland in the main role of Lucius, or more-so Maximus 2.0. It doesn’t help that the script by David Scarpa lacks any depth or character development that made the original Gladiator so compelling, but even on the basics of acting Mescal doesn’t do much with his role. Like his wife dies and I never really felt like he gave that much of a crap. Or whenever he had to deliver any level of emotion, I never felt it. In the original Russell Crowe manages to portray so much through his eyes. The versatility of his face with watching him switch from emotion to emotion was actually incredible. For example when Commodus tried to goad him into attacking him, and you can physically see this breaking Maximus’ mind and then taking every ounce of being to hold his composure and pulling himself back together and then saying “I will kill you but not right now” or something along those lines….like guys that was pure cinema! So yep, Paul Mescal has none of that. He delivers what is supposed to be an inspirational monologue at the end of the film about strengths and honour and I did not give a single dollop of a turd.

Pedro Pascal was in this film less than I expected. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Pedro, but here for the few scenes he’s in he spends moping about wishing for a better Rome, which was all good and sound only that that was his only character trait! Like seriously I cannot underline how weak of a script this movie has! Take the two tyrannical emperors for example. Joseph Quinn (aka Eddie from Stranger Things) to be fair as Emperor Geta was quite watchable, but his brother Emperor Caracalla played by Fred Hechinger was a straight up knock off of Joaquin Phoenix’s Commodus from the first film. Except that the brat that was Commodus was given the necessary build-up, as you could tell from the beginning of the movie that his dad (played by the late Richard Harris) was probably a terrible father who spent too much time wanting to build up the empire by endlessly invading everywhere rather than spend time with his children. As such Commodus is raised to be a wuss, so his actions in the film have sense. In Gladiator 2 though Caracalla literally is an unstable prick and that’s it. So again I cannot necessarily blame Hechinger as his performance was based on the limited info that was given to him, but this doesn’t result for a compelling character. Connie Nielsen is one of the only returning characters (aside from Derek Jacobi) from the first film, and I’ll give her props, she seemed to be acting her ass off, so much so that when she shared scenes with Mescal even he showed glimmers of emotion. Finally we have Denzel Washington, who to be fair from the trailers I expected a much more extravagant and absurd performance from, but nevertheless he seems to be having a lot of fun in this role, and to be fair the movie really turns up a notch every time he appeared. Also did not expect by the end of 2024 to be shipping Denzel with Tim McInnerny from Blackadder yet here we are.

The direction from Ridley Scott is strong to be fair, and the impressive set piece of the Colosseum and the tense blockbuster-level action fights in the arena were great to watch, now with the added flavour of baboons and sharks (yes, sharks). Costumes and make-up are all great and there was something nice about seeing a true historical epic at the movies. I give Scott props, he’s the only major filmmaker currently still trying to keep that genre alive, with his recent other releases being Napoleon and The Last Duel.

The music though by Harry Gregson-Williams is a very generic historical epic score, and very much a downgrade from Hans Zimmer’s masterclass work in the original. That’s the thing with Gladiator 2 - basically everything about it was done better by the original, and it really feels like it too. I’m still happy that this movie will be seen in the cinemas though (my screening was absolutely packed and most of the screening for the film on the day were sold out too) as it allows for the genre of historical epics to still live on. That being said though, I am not entertained.

Overall score: 4/10

[dailyanarchistposts]

Why are anarchists against hierarchy?

Why exactly is hierarchy bad?

dot

To the extent that hierarchy is bad (there is a question of semantics here—see below), it’s because it encourages (or forces) people into situations where they feel (or are) not responsible for their own lives and actions. The military is full of extreme examples of people doing things that ruin the rest of their lives because they were ordered to (not just by their commanding officer, but by an entire social system that a) tells them they should be ordered, and b) forces them into situations like the military to be able to survive).

Some people don’t put the issue in hierarchy, but in domination, and argue that some amount of hierarchy is not a problem, as long as it’s not institutionalized... Like, it’s ok if people pay more attention to you when regarding something that you’re known to be good at. The problem, for example, comes when you get to start making people do things.

I think the valid critique that people bring to this ques- tion is that of relationship, and the idea that we are all in some kind of hierarchical relationship all the time (a la Foucault), that power flows between people all the time, and that to resist hierarchy is to resist relationships... So the issue becomes one of context and degree, rather than simply a binary one.

law

If I may, I would alter your question to read: Why is hierarchy considered to be detrimental to the positive principles of anarchism like mutual aid, direct action, and voluntary cooperation? With a simple understanding of what those principles are and what they look like, the question almost answers itself.

I would wholeheartedly agree with dot that it’s a question of the institutionalization of hierarchy rather than hierarchy itself that is the problem, so a better way of discussing this issue is to call the problem domination—or if you’re feeling philosophical, call it Herrschaft, because all the really heavy philosophical shit sounds especially heavy in German.

alc

I imagine a “hierarchy” in a simplified sense as a pyramid where each individual exists as a block in the structure: the closer your block’s position to the top, the less pressure you feel upon yourself and the more pressure you put on others. The pressure symbolizes authority. So this highly unequal distribution of force predictably breeds institutionalized privilege, envy, and competition for dominance, at bare minimum because of a want to escape the pressure. It seems like the privilege and envy,

Now, beyond just intentions, and the way that power corrupts, we can emphasize the consequences of structures of hierarchical control, how they create incentives toward exploitation and obstacles toward accountability, and how such systems by definition entail finite positions of superior privilege and inferior classes held in subordination. Power hierarchies mean that those most allowed to change the status quo have the most investment in preserving it—their power, prestige, profit, etc. rely upon the disempowered not taking back their usurped initiative. Oftentimes even the mildest managerialism snowballs away from accountability and toward authoritarianism through “emergency” justifications that never roll back.

Systems that allow for and emphasize the role of hierarchical power have totalitarian tendencies. They have pyramidal structures, stacked ranks, centralized power, vertical organization. Their officials give commands supported by threats. This creates a delicate stability through a shared fear of repression.

In this spirit, their decision-making tends to utilize massive restriction and coercion, representation, assimilation, and manipulation by force or by fraud.

They develop impersonal bureaucracy, standardiza-tion, and conformity. But other and contrary types of relations and organizing exist, such as collaborative self-determination between peers, the kind that anarchists propose.

Power hierarchies undermine communication. Hag-bard’s Law shows that in a truly pyramidal structure, where authority figures create order through threats, subordinates tend to tell their superiors merely what hierarchy the superiors want to hear. This filtering multiplies to the degree of verticality, by each level of mediation in that structure. Those at the top therefore lose connection from the reality below them. The (mis)information the authorities receive appeals to their confirmation bias (the things they want to hear), resulting in misguided intentions cloaked in truth, shielded by mistaken confidence, and armed with monopoly, allowing for no opposition. And so, because of the one-way decision-making and the filtered awareness, if those at the top of the pyramid actually made a deliberate attempt to represent the subordinates, they would tend toward a misrepresentation made invisible to themselves.

If people possess the critical thinking and character assessment skills to recognize in an authority the ways to lead competent, benevolent lives, why must we have to delegate this capacity outside of ourselves? Why do we need them to run our lives if we can tell how our lives should be run? And however will the disempowered find freedom, if in each instance where authoritarians act on behalf of the disempowered, to shape or shield or crush them, the will of the disempowered continually atrophies from lack of exercise? How else will the disempowered find freedom, if not in seizing the direction of their own lives, the very act that the authoritarians deny them? Stratification of power only exacerbates the predicament. We alone experience the peculiar circumstances of our situation. We alone bear the history of our aspirations and sorrows, our passions and eccentricities, our capacities and limitations.

Our lived experience grants us more qualification at determining our path than any speculating manager could ever dream of. Further empowered by collaboration with one’s peers, people can experience authentic freedom, and not the sad farce of begging those in power for mercy.

People may voluntarily seek for themselves a leader to guide them, but when they deny others the ability to live autonomously, it results in nothing but tyranny, no matter how many smily faces the tyranny hides behind. Those of us who by conscience refuse systems of hierarchical power will not voluntarily choose hierarchy to opt-in and cannot opt-out without severe punishment. Those in power promise us the world but by design they must keep our lives out of our own hands, and regardless of whether or not they make decisions I would endorse—which they don’t—I find the method irreconcilable with my conscience and my aspirations. And that is the inequality and the abusiveness of the “power” I refer to, that is the mechanics intrinsic to hierarchal order.