#Youtube.com/activate

[the-gayest-show]

GIRL HELP I LIKE THE WORDGIRL SHOW. I CANT STOP WATCHING THE WORDGIRL SHOW. FUCKKKKKKK

If you see my 1000 wordgirl reblogs this is why

[youtubeactivateonroku]

An Experts Guide to Activating YouTube on Roku

To activate YouTube on your Roku device, visit youtube.com/activate. After turning on your Roku and connecting it to your TV and the internet, navigate to the Roku home screen. Access the YouTube app by searching for it in the Roku Channel Store. Once installed, open the app. You'll receive an activation code from it. Now, on a computer or mobile device, go to youtube.com/activate and enter the code displayed on your TV screen.

[suppermariobroth]

In Super Paper Mario, the rare Toopa Striker enemy (spelled "Toopa" instead of "Troopa" as a pun on usually appearing in groups of two) normally attacks by kicking a soccer-themed shell back and forth. However, it has an obscure interaction only experienced under specific circumstances.

If the player decides to make Mario stand on a platform where the shell would not reach him, and enough time passes, the Toopa Striker will suddenly switch up its strategy and kick the shell directly at Mario, which it normally has no indication of being capable of doing. This is likely to surprise players unprepared for that attack, as shown in the footage.

As most players would try to defeat the enemy long before this strategy is activated, this is likely to not be seen by the vast majority of players during a normal playthrough.

Main Blog | Twitter | Patreon | Source: youtube.com user "Fatguy703"

[signanothername]

OKAY OKAY

Would your Nightmare do this?:

https://youtube.com/shorts/gwZ9q4gMtqU?si=fld01sdapKlEqv3X

I feel like he would because in almost every comic you draw of him, he is ACTIVELY TRYING to invade everyone's personal space to make them viscerally uncomfortable, even like grabbing their skull and pretty much gripping them by letting his claws dig into their eyesocket in some cases.

Like maybe one of the MTT does an exceptionally bad job on a mission and Nightmare "punishes" them by pulling them into a dance and they're kept in a state of terror because they're expecting him to hurt them but instead he's not? And it's eating away at their mind during the duration of the dance as they try to wrap their head around it, trying to figure out what he's gonna do next, "Is he just not going to hurt me? Is he just relishing in how creeped out I am? Or is he trying to fill me with a false sense of hope, and he's planning on stabbing me with a tentacle when I least expect it? Is this psychological torment supposed to be my punishment?"

Now that’s an interesting question

See, in any other circumstance, I would’ve immediately said yes without thinking twice, cause the reality is that Nightmare actively uses touch to enforce his control and to make whoever he’s targeting either uncomfortable (MTT) or just to give a bittersweet illusion to old days just to induce pain (Dream)

The problem tho is that Nightmare also actually avoids dancing in front of others because of his leg problem, if Nightmare were to dance at all he wouldn’t exactly be that graceful, and he knows that, so he just prefers to dance by himself

That being said, hadn’t it been the case that Nightmare’s disability disabled him, then pulling someone in a dance just to make them really uncomfortable would’ve been right up his alley

[ghoulinfuschia]

Hey, so I get not wanting to engage with the MD community after that, but this is NOT most of the community. There are around 3 guys who do this, and the rest of us literally hate them, and they do this INTENTIONALLY because they also hate the rest of us. And the problem is, if you DO give up on MD projects, then that hands a win to them, and encourages them to keep harassing people. One of them even put up a post on their YT channel, CELEBRATING that you had stopped work on MD projects, and actively calling for more harassment for other creators because of it. I would implore you to PLEASE continue making MD projects. Don't let the bullies see that bullying gets a rise out of you, they will ONLY keep going further. These are not 'people', they are basically demons and letting them stop you from doing anything is just feeding them.

http://youtube.com/post/Ugkxll_x-BP3bHPxIlGgdexKgQ4xqt3wbA7v?si=2KH6dTbDNeNuljkX

Thank you for your kindness and encouragement, from you and everyone else. I appreciate how much people care about the things I make. Unfortunately, however, my leave was already planned back in January 2025. This decision wasn’t solely made because of this person’s comment. Rather, that just ended up being the final nail in the coffin. After Intermission I already felt burnt out on MD and I was ready to move on, but I had Catalyst’s script finished and I wanted so badly to work on something with friends.

I decided I would stay longer just for the sake of completing this project with my team who now makes me so so so happy. While I am tired, I don’t regret my decision to pursue this. Catalyst has brought me so much joy in a time where I’ve been struggling with unemployment and fear for what my future looks like. I can’t stress enough how much I care for them. I’ve made new friends and my irl gang has met my online gang. It’s been a wonderful experience. After this is done though, I’m ready to pursue my own stories.

Also I never disclosed this since I didn’t want to bring attention to it, but this sort of vitriol has become normal for me. I’ve been sent death threats and comments that are attacks on my character. Critique of my work is something I can handle. I actually always seek out constructive criticism on the things I make because how else am I supposed to grow if I don’t know my weaknesses. Comments telling me to kms and insults? They start to weigh on you the more you get them.

This is the internet. I’ve been here for over a decade. As long as I’m here I know there will always be a chance someone throws words like those at me. The only thing I can do to combat it if ignoring doesn’t work is to walk away.

I hope you all will continue to support me and my work, though. I will do my best for you.

[slaaverin]

I rewatched AYS today, and I keep watching clips, and I just cannot get over the part in ep8 when the producers say they were worried about the show, or more reaffirm what JK was saying when he said they (he and Jimin) were worried!?

Why? Why were they so worried? If they are friends and have nothing to hide, why? It’s such a wild thing to say. Because really all they were essentially doing in the episode they watched was eating, and cooking at camp, so eating again, and Jimin got sick. So what stood out, or worse, what didn’t make it into the show?

https://youtube.com/shorts/JEwKfWQDisY?si=uZ3C4ogYS64vBhGl

Excellent question anon 🤭

I think jikook, the staff, and all of us were collectively worried about this show lol

Maybe it was for different reasons but I think not.

The rational answer would be that firstly the show had no real sense of direction. Jungkook voiced this in the first episodes. Jimin thought it wouldn't even air.

Yes because "they had nothing to do" except quiet moments and little adventures, but also because I think we all *know* that this show would be very tricky to edit properly.

How to show a couple's vacations without showing the couple coupling? Hard thing to do and everyone knew this!

As many have said before me, what was filmed in this show was only little time during their day. Few hours here and there, but most of their time was spent only the two of them. And even then, they were not sure. It was already a bit dangerous. Poor editing team lol

We also saw that there were soooo many cuts, I'm sure of many moments that would not be suitable for cameras, including the moments they turned the cameras off themselves (Jungkook with the bedroom in EP2)

Jeju had also a lot of weird cuts (side eyeing the shower situation) ANYWAY

I think the fact that this show was simply them being themselves (with all that entails) would be quite worrying for everyone.

They did the best they could to make it look cohesive and entertaining, but we know they left many things out for everyone's benefit.

I am still shocked about what they left in though, I guess it is impossible for jikook not to be jikooking so you have to put SOME in but??? It was wild even like this.

To put it simply, I think they were all worried it would show a little bit too much that they are a couple and it did, anyway. But just enough to still be able to deny it. Just enough so that there is no scandal.

Really, poor editing team 🥲 they had a tough job.

Who knows what was left out, but I think time-wise, quite a lot.

We didn't see anything about Tokyo. We didn't see the in-between-activities moments. We didn't see all the conversations. We didn't see the nights. We didn't see all the car rides. We didn't see THE SHOWERS *I will die on this hill* 😂 also the goings and returns home. And the mornings.

So yeah A LOT was left out.

I expected more from the behinds but they stayed on course with them.

Ahhh how frustrating not knowing, right?

But I guess I am also happy that the two of them got to spend time together, alone. Those trips were for them first and foremost before being for the show.

Everyone was on this edge of their seat with this show, and I applaud jikook for playing it cool, and for the editing team who did such a great job even in this risky situation.

But yeah, someone, somewhere at hybe has sensitive content about the two of them, and you can be sure about that.

Much to think about

Jikook will probably tell us more stories about the show too once they are out, and I can barely wait

Until then it's all up to our imagination

(Knowing they always exceed expectations so...yeah 👀)

Thanks for your ask anon and take care 💜

[shivayagojo]

CHINA GP, overrated?

masterlist

PORSCHE'S DEBUT had gone stunningly: a double points finish and a win in Australia. They were proud and comfortable to be leading the constructor's championship coming out of Australia. Better, they were beating Audi by miles. Their beef with the German manufacturer was still soft-launching. Neither side were willing to full out reveal their hatred for the other brand - after all, they were both owned by the same group - but something in Stuggart was telling them the time was approaching.

youtube.com

MONACO IS OVERRATED?? | FLORETTEL EPISODE ONE

Admin: Today, we're playing a game of This or That. I'm going to tell you two options and you're going to pick one side or the other. Ready?

RACE TRACKS or STREET CIRCUITS

Ava: Race tracks. Not a competition.

Seb: Street circuits are fun, but I'll have to go with race tracks.

MONACO or BRAZIL

Seb: Oh.. {intense nerdy Vettel thinking kicks in}. They're both iconic tracks. I'll go with Monaco. It's a tough race and a real testament to your skill.

Ava: ... I'm already going to get a lot of hate for this. I don't like Monaco all that well.

Seb: What?

Ava: Saturdays are amazing, but Sunday is a snooze-fest. Maybe you're different cause you raced in a different era, but no. You can't overtake anyone. It's so boring.

Seb: Still, it's that bad?

Ava: Compared to Sao Paolo, yes.

CHICANE or HAIR PIN

Seb: Chicane

Ava: Definitely Chicane. You can't go wrong with it. So many different overtakes can happen... or crashes if you're Max and Lewis.

Seb: Actually, I thought during Australia, when I was behind them, they were going to take each other out and I can pass on by.

Ava: Brocedes 2.0.

f1

Gabriel Bortoleto has suffered a wrist injury during Free Practice 3 on Sunday. He is ruled out for the Chinese Grand Prix. Felipe Drugovich is set to be his replacement.

see comments below

audif1team: Wishing Bortoleto a speedy recovery. We've got a surprise for you all... 😉

> porschefanatic: Surprise? More like desperation. Heard you're struggling to keep up with development

aston_fan: Wait, isn't he Aston's reserve? What's going on?

> f1insider: Looks like he's leaving AM for a race seat. Big move!

> nando33: Lmao Stroll ain't leaving that soon as long Big Papa is around 🤣

drugovich_br: So proud to see Felipe getting his chance! 🇧🇷 From reserve to race seat, dreams do come true!

am_updates: Wishing Felipe all the best! You'll always be part of the Aston Martin family 💚

> drugovich_fan1: Class act from AM. But why let him go if he's so valuable?

f1

It's Sprint Qualifying time in China. McLaren and Lando have set the pace during practice, and Audi has shocked with a surprising performance. Can Porsche defend their monumental debut?

see comments below

gp2engine: Lando's on fire this season! 🔥 McLaren's back where they belong!

bea: Audi coming in hot! 👀 Didn't see that coming!

> lululemoncalled: Well Porsche cooked them last race so they gotta respond somehow

landonorris_stan: My boy's got this in the bag 🏆 #LN4

> mad_max: All for him to lose Pole by turn 1 🤣

> pawastri: The pole position curse is still going in strong in 2025

f1_memer: Plot twist: Kimi comes out of retirement and takes pole 😂

> nostalgicf1: Don't give me hope 😭

> raikkonen7: "Bwoah, I was having a shit"

teamlh44: Lewis P1, calling it now 🐐

> max33fan: Keep dreaming

totoismyfather: Anyone else think sprint races are overrated?

> boomer: Totally agree. Bring back the old format!

CHINESE GRAND PRIX: The anticipation builds as Formula 1 returns to Shanghai for the second round. Porsche had nothing but a stellar debut in F1. Now, everyone knows they're no longer the dark horse. They're the team to beat. And Audi would love nothing more than to best their German brethren. The team brought an excellent pace into Free Practice and after a terrible performance in Australia, they need jump into the points fast. 

          SQ1 kicked off with a flurry of activity as drivers rushed to set competitive times. Lando Norris immediately stamped his authority on the session, clocking a blistering 1:33.756. The surprise of the session came from the Audi garage, with Nico Hulkenberg and Felipe Drugovich (replacing the injured Borteleto) showing impressive pace, finishing P6 and P8 respectively.

         MEANWHILE, trouble brewed in the Porsche camp. Sebastian Vettel struggled with balance issues, barely scraping through in P15. His teammate Ava Florence fared no better, complaining of understeer in the tight corners.

AVA The car's a handful in these slow sections.

HENRY Copy that, Ava. We're losing too much time in sector two We'll look at adjustments for SQ2.

          SQ2 saw Lando Norris continue his dominance, lowering the benchmark to 1:33.403. The Audis shocked the paddock by maintaining their top-10 positions, with Hulkenberg even briefly holding P2 before being pushed down to P4. Drama unfolded as the checkered flag fell. Sebastian Vettel managed to sneak into SQ3 by the skin of his teeth, claiming P10 by just 0.021 seconds. Unfortunately for Ava Florence...

"We ride on board with last Grand Prix's winner, Ava Florence. Her first sector was not good... and her second sector will be even worse. Martin is what is happening?"

"Here is she comes hard on the brakes again from about 180mph to third gear, for a tight left-hande. Crofty, her car has been struggling in the slow corners. And so perhaps Porsche has found their first problem in F1. We saw how blazing fast she was in Australi's fast corners. Here, not so much."

"Indeed, Martin, and she approaches the biggest braking zone of the track, Turn 14. Spins the car around and fast through 15. She picked up some speed on the straights, but is it enough, slight brake into the final corner and.... NO! SHE DOES NOT! GREEN SECTOR, BUT IT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO MAKE IT SQ3!"

HENRY Unfortunately, Ava, that is P11.

AVA F***! Sorry about that. This was a sh** session. Let's do better in the race.

          SQ3 provided a thrilling climax to the qualifying session. Lando Norris completed his hat-trick of fastest times, securing sprint pole with a stunning 1:33.479. The real story, however, was Audi's remarkable performance. Nico Hulkenberg and Felipe Drugovich locked out the second row, qualifying P2 and P3 respectively, sending shockwaves through the paddock.

f1

A Brit. A German. And a Brazilian. What could go wrong? The grid is all ready and lined up for the Sprint Race.

see comments below

racingtheory: Hulkenberg finally gets his moment! Sprint Race front row 🚀

> shoey: Let that Hulkenberg podium come. I don't care if it's a Sprint Race.

> german_speed: About time Nico showed what he can do!

drugovich_fan: Brazilian magic strikes again! 🇧🇷✨

> mclaren_insider: Felipe to replace Bortoleto?

> lelelemans: Hell no. Bortoleto is very good. Doesn't make sense to replace right away.

chaostheory_f1: Three completely different career paths converging in one sprint race. Netflix, you can't write this stuff! 🍿

2025 China Sprint Race Starting Grid

Lando Norris

Nico Hulkenberg

Felipe Drugovich

Max Verstappen

Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton

Liam Lawson

George Russell

Oscar Piastri

Sebastian Vettel

Ava Florence

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Fernando Alonso

Carlos Sainz

Alexander Albon

Esteban Ocon

Yuki Tsunoda

Ollie Bearman

Pierre Gasly

Lance Stroll

Isack Hadjar

Jack Doohan

AVA SLID ON HER HELMET, and got seated in her striped Porsche. She was staring down her Porsche teammate and the McLaren papaya of Oscar Piastri once again. Except this time, it wasn't for the race win. She was in P11, and with only 8 positions get points, she had to make each of the 19 laps count. Lando was on pole, Audi had a 2-3. Everything seemed against the Porsche. It was getting to the point that people began to wonder.... was Porsche's first a fluke? No, Ava did not think so. She won that race. She knew she had the skills to win that race. She did not win it on luck.

"Welcome to the first sprint race of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Shanghai International Circuit. After an exciting qualifying session yesterday, we're set for a thrilling 100km dash. Let's take a look at our grid for today's sprint. We've got 16 corners to navigate for 19 laps. Your man on pole position, Lando Norris, for the second time in a row. Followed by the Audi pair of Nico Hulkenberg and Felipe Drugovich, who's filling in for his Brazilian counterpart Gabriel Bortoleto today."

"The Ferraris of Leclerc and Hamilton occupy row three, and I have to say, this is not the greatest start to their season. They were expecting big results this year, and they certainly did get that podium in Australia, but how many times can they rely on their drivers to cover up many places." 

"We will have to see, Martin. And now, it's five lights here at Shanghai International Circuit. IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO... Norris gets a decent start. Hulkenberg gets a better one. Hulkenberg is right there with him. They're side by side into Turn 1, and it's the Audi that gets the better exit as Norris goes wide! Hulkenberg leads into Turn 2 and once again, Lando Norris will fail to capitalize on pole position."

"Certainly, I'm sure he would've improved it from last season. And behind Drugovich, Verstappen and Leclerc are immediately at each other's throats. The Red Bull dives to the inside at Turn 6, but Leclerc holds his line. Verstappen is holding up Hamilton, but he's seemingly falling. And Lawson is going to get a good chance to try and overtake him... Oh, a little too ambitious. Hamilton keeps position."

"Hamilton's driving a lot more defensively this season, not the kind the driving we usually see him do. Behind, Ava Florence lost a position to Antonelli. So, yes, that Porsche is indeed struggling on the first sector."

LAP 3:

TURN 13 - RUS passes LAW on the inside, taking P7

LAP 7:

TURN 11: HAD divebombs STR, taking P20

LANDO NORRIS SETS FASTEST LAP : GAP TO P1 + 1.240

LAP 10:

"Verstappen makes another attempt on Leclerc. He gets a great exit from Turn 13, uses DRS down the long back straight. Leclerc defends the inside, BUT VERSTAPPEN GOES AROUND THE OUTSIDE. Incredible racing from both drivers, but Verstappen sees it through. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri is all over the back of Sebastian Vettel's Porsche. Seb had a great start, but that McLaren is showing great pace for today."

"That's the difference that experience makes. Piastri is sure is fast, but Seb is holding him down beautifully. Oh, but he's right there. They're inches apart coming into Turn 6."

VETTEL Something doesn't feel right with the engine. I'm losing power on the straights.

RUDI Understood, Seb. We're looking into it. Just keep Piastri at bay.

"Looks like Vettel is having some engine problems. That's exactly what McLaren loves to hear. Oscar Piastri is gonna make his lunge soon... He's so close. He's just waiting, biding his time until Seb's engine gives up."

"I don't think he knows Seb is having engine problems yet. He's still racing him hard on these corners..."

"As Sebastian Vettel begins to slow down, Oscar Piastri gets through easily. Vettel losing speed. Antonelli moves forward, Florence moves forward. It's all going wrong for Vettel here in China."

RUDI Seb, we need to retire the car. Box this lap, please. Box this lap.

"And that is Sebastian Vettel's race over. He was dragging that Porsche through, but unfortunately, he's not going to score anything today. I wonder, Martin, if Porsche will be able to fix Vettel's car in time for qualifying today or will Vettel have to settle for last on the grid."

"Well, Crofty, the good news for Vettel and Porsche is that they'll have some time to work on the car. Remember, this is a sprint weekend, so we've already had our sprint qualifying on Friday. The main qualifying session for tomorrow's Grand Prix isn't until later this afternoon. That gives the Porsche team a few hours to diagnose and hopefully fix whatever engine issue Seb was experiencing."

LAP 13:

TURN 13 - OCO and ALB exchange corners, ALB remains P15

HUL SETS FASTEST LAP : GAP 1.869

LAP 17:

"Hulkenberg is driving the race of his life. Norris is pushing hard, but can't find a way to catch up with that Audi. Hulkenberg, after so many years, has a chance to get a podium on this sprint race. Audi is looking to make some noise today."

"We're looking at the Championship leader here. Ava Florence is having a torrid time. She can't get past Antonelli in anyway. The Mercedes rookie is holding his own, albeit for a non-point position, but this is stuff the team likes to see. Florence is not happy with this."

FLORENCE I have no pace on the corners! This is a joke!

HENRY We understand, Ava. Just keep pushing.

LAP 19:

"And after so long, Nico Hulkenberg is going to take a sprint race win. He had a great start, great pace, and now he will see the fruits of his results. He takes P1! Behind him, Norris, 2.8 seconds behind. And the surprise of today, Felipe Drugovich, his F1 debut, goes stunningly. He takes P3!"

HENRY Okay, Ava. That's unfortunately P11. But we've still got the Grand Prix

FLORENCE Yeah... Let's do better in the race.

CHINA SPRINT RACE RESULTS

1. NICO HULKENBERG (+8)

2. LANDO NORRIS (+7)

3. FELIPE DRUGOVICH (+6)

4. MAX VERSTAPPEN (+5)

5. CHARLES LECLERC (+4)

6. LEWIS HAMILTON (+3)

7. GEORGE RUSSELL (+2)

8. LIAM LAWSON (+1)

9. OSCAR PIASTRI

10. ANDREA KIMI ANTONELLI

11. AVA FLORENCE

12. FERNANDO ALONSO

13. CARLOS SAINZ

14. LANCE STROLL

15. ALEXANDER ALBON

16. ESTEBAN OCON

17. YUKI TSUNODA

18. ISACK HADJAR

19. OLLIE BEARMAN

20. JACK DOOHAN

21. PIERRE GASLY

22. SEBASTIAN VETTEL [DNF]

audif1

THE MAN HAS DONE IT!! NICO HULKENBERG WINS THE SPRINT RACE!!

see comments below

nico: Hulkenberg finally breaks his podium curse! From zero podiums to sprint race winner 🏆

> kachow: I mean, it's a Sprint win. Doesn't get added to his stats.

mclaren_nation: Lando P2, not bad at all! 💪

> norris_fan: Our boy still on the podium! 🇬🇧

> delulu: biggest cope i've ever seen

brazilian_racing: Drugovich P3! Reserve driver making his mark! 🇧🇷✨

> f1_potential: What a debut sprint race!

motorsport

Verstappen gets "no satisfaction" from F1 sprint wins.

"There's no satisfaction to win a sprint for me," Verstappen said when asked by Motorsport.com if sprint format changes would sway his opinion. "You cross the line and say: 'All right, well, tomorrow is the race, the main one'. That's how it goes."

see comments below

blanchimont: One of us, one of us!

> chuckleclerc: When he revenge punted that other guy in iRacing, we all knew he was truly one of us. 

porschef1: Couldn't have said it better Max 👊

> lululemoncalled: OH NELL NAH!

> undercooked_sushi: Audi is playing chess, Porsche is playing 6D tetris.

> helicopter: Even when Audi wins, they lose - Porsche admin probably

QUALIFYING WAS HELL. Once again, the Porsche's struggled in qualifying. Lando continued to dominate the sessions, setting fastest time in both Q1 and Q2. Oscar had also found pace in his face, joining Lando as the second fastest in Q1 and the fourth fastest in Q2. But it was Audi who continued to shock faces. Hulkenberg and Drugovich were consistently top five in both sessions, Hulkenberg being a tenth behind Lando in Q2. No one understood, but the pendulum had swung to Audi's hands. And Porsche hated every second of it.

          SEBASTIAN VETTEL made into the third qualifying session. Changing his turbocharger had given him the slight boost over the other Porsche to make it into top ten. However, Ava's unfortunate fate continued once again.

AVA FLORENCE : P13

          ONCE AGAIN Ava was knocked out in Q2. She got out of her car. She wanted to scream and smash something. She knew she was rookie. Rookies were going to make mistakes, especially against the best competitions in the world. But she did not want to lose. Throughout her junior racing career, she rarely lost. F3 was a cakewalk. She was the champion before the fight even began. But not anymore. Ava was no longer the best anymore...

          BUT SHE REFUSED TO LET THAT BE TRUE.

f1

McLaren and Audi. What a surprise? 😱

see comments below

flashy_misery: Please don't bottle this one Mr. Norris 🙏🙏

> rigidinstructor: He's only done it once. I have a feeling he won't do it again.

DM_ME_YOUR_CONSPIRACIES: Incoming Hulkenberg win!

leFerrari: FORZA FERRARI!!

redundantnursery: Ava during qualifying: GP2 ENGINE!

> stroller: Or maybe she's just not that good. 🤷

> filthydepression: lmao ur pfp is Stroll. Why are you talking?

CHINA GRAND PRIX STARTING GRID

Lando Norris

Nico Hulkenberg

Oscar Piastri

Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen

Felipe Drugovich

George Russell

Sebastian Vettel

Fernando Alonso

Carlos Sainz

Alexander Albon

Ava Florence

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Lance Stroll

Yuki Tsunoda

Liam Lawson

Jack Doohan

Oliver Bearman

Esteban Ocon

Isack Hadjar

Pierre Gasly

SUNDAY came fast once again. Normally, Ava is never pressured coming into a race. Yet she couldn't help it. She made the mistake of hitting up social media before the race. And she saw all the comments. Ava wanted to prove them wrong. Badly. She never cared about other people's opinion. But today she did. She wanted to shut them up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the China Grand Prix here at the Shanghai International Circuit! We've got a stunning race lined up today, with rain on the horizon, potentially shaking things up around the second stint. Let's take a look at the track, shall we? We've got two DRS zones on this 5.45 kilometer track, 56 laps to go for a total of 305 kilometers. The track record here is set by Michael Schumacher at 1:32.238. Now, on to the grid! It's Lando Norris on pole position—his third pole in 2025 and his second here in China, clinched during yesterday's sprint race. But, Martin, we saw what happened in that sprint race..."

"We certainly did, Crofty. Lando might've taken pole, but he lost out to Nico Hülkenberg, who starts P2 today. That Audi is looking mighty quick here in Shanghai, and they're gunning for a historic victory—Nico's first-ever F1 win and his maiden podium."

"Behind him, it's Oscar Piastri in P3, showing the kind of pace McLaren has been craving this weekend. Then, we have the Ferrari duo—Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton—lining up in P4 and P5. And in P6, it's Max Verstappen, the lone Red Bull in the top 10." "And what a performance from Felipe Drugovich! P7 after a stellar sprint race—can he repeat that magic here today? We have to see. But, Crofty, he's got some big names breathing down his neck: George Russell and Sebastian Vettel in P8 and P9."

"Indeed he does. Rounding out the top 10, it's the evergreen Fernando Alonso, but the big story today is Ava Florence. The Porsche rookie struggled in qualifying, didn't she, Martin?"

"She did. Starting down in P13, she admitted she's fighting the car here in China. But keep an eye on her; she's proven she can climb through the pack. We saw her thrilling wet-weather race in Monza in F3. So, with rain potentially falling, she might have some room here to climb some positions."

HENRY Keep calm here Ava. We're betting on the rain.

"Tire strategies are interesting too. Most of the top 10 are on softs, but Leclerc and Hamilton are on mediums, betting on the rain arriving a bit later. Let's see if that gamble pays off. All right—it's five lights here in China... And IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO! Lando Norris gets a blinding start, but look at Hülkenberg! He's right on Lando's gearbox. Is this a repeat of the sprint? Not this time! Lando shuts the door. Lando Norris remains in P1. Hülkenberg holds P2, with Piastri, Leclerc, and Hamilton filing in behind. But wait—look further back. Ava Florence is on a charge! She's already jumped Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz in one corner!"

"Carlos seemed to struggle off the line, letting Albon close in, and Ava pounced on that opportunity—using Albon's slipstream to sweep past both drivers. She's up to P11!"

"Meanwhile, at the back, it's a scrap between Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman, Esteban Ocon, and the rest of the midfield pack. Further up, Liam Lawson is locked in battle with Yuki Tsunoda—the former Racing Bull rivals going wheel-to-wheel! Liam dives in... Not enough. Tsunoda holds position into Turn 4, but that fight's far from over."

"Back at the front, Lando Norris maintains his lead through the first sector. Behind him, it's Hülkenberg, Piastri, Leclerc, and Hamilton—all keeping it clean for now."

"And the battle for P8 is heating up—Russell and Vettel going at it hammer and tongs! Can one of them snatch the position before the lap ends? And Fernando Alonso in P10—he's got Eva Florence bearing down on him. She's already gained two positions. Can she make it three before the end of the lap?"

LAP 3:

Turn 14 - LAW passes TSU, moves up to P16

LANDO NORRIS FASTEST LAP : GAP +.475

LAP 5:

Turn 13 - BEA overtakes DOO, taking P18

LAP 9:

"It's Ava Florence right on the gearbox of Fernando Alonso! She needs this position—and fast—if she has any hope of climbing through the field before the rain arrives. Here comes Fernando Alonzo trying to hold off the Porsche. But Ava's got DRS now! She's closing in fast, following Alonso down the straight—hitting 210 miles per hour as they plunge downhill."

"A quick burst of throttle into the kink at Turn 4... she's sticking right with him. Look at her pace, Crofty! Two laps in, and it seems like Ava's found something overnight in that Porsche. She's already a tenth quicker than Fernando through Sector 1, closing in as they approach Turn 6—a short straight, but plenty of room to make a move if you're brave enough."

"Ava dives down the inside into Turn 6. Oh my goodness! What a bold move! Florence just dive bombs into Turn 6, squeezing in that tiny gap. Fernando must've thought he'd covered her off, but Ava committed—absolutely fearless. She saw the tiny gap Alonso left and thought, 'That's enough for me!' Brilliant move."

"Absolutely. She took the risk and it's paid off! Ava Florence up to P10 with a stunning overtake on Fernando Alonso. That was precision racing at its finest."

LAP 19:

NICO HULKENBERG SETS FASTEST LAP : GAP TO P1 +2.345

HENRY Okay, Ava. We're going to take a risk and put slicks on now.

AVA Are you sure? Cause I think Fernando is behind.

HENRY Fernando is 3.6 seconds behind. We're comfortable trying this

AVA I'm coming in.

"And there's Ava Florence being called into the pits. She's going to be the first driver to pit and she's heading out slicks. So, Porsche thinks they can get a jump on these other drivers by pitting first before the rain."

AVA FLORENCE PITS : 3.0 SECONDS | P12

TOM Oscar, we think rain should come in 2-5 laps for now.

PIASTRI Are any drivers coming in?

TOM Ava is the only driver on slicks

PIASTRI I think we should pit.

TOM Your call.

OSCAR PIASTRI PITS  : 2.8 SECONDS | P7

LAP 21 - 35:

RAIN DETECTED - DRIVERS COME INTO PITS

HENRY Ava, you're P6. Be careful of Leclerc coming out of the pits.

"And that's Ava Florence, who's gamble for the early pitstop paid off. Finds herself in P6 as the rest of the field comes in for wet tires. But here comes Charles Leclerc, fresh out of the pits. How will this go?"

"This will be her first fight against the Monegasque. Ferrari vs Porsche. I've got high expectations on this one."

"And I'm everyone else too. Ava is staring down the rear end of that Ferrari. She's alongside into Turn 14! Leclerc has the inside line, forcing Florence wide. Brilliant defensive driving! But Florence is going to have none of that. She's been forced wide one too many in Formula 1, the earlier being by Russell in Australia. She tries again into Turn 6, but Leclerc isn't going to let if fly."

"She's getting better traction out of the corner though. They're side-by-side through Turn 7! But Ava has to back off."

...

"Florence has been patient for a while. Will she make the move? Yes she will. Florence dives down the inside at Turn 1, is ahead at the apex, but Leclerc cuts back. He's got the position again through Turn 2."

...

"Patience must be running thin for the Belgian. She's got DRS. Leclerc under pressure. Florence has the speed, she has the line... She dives in Turn 6 and once again it sticks. Florence up to P5. Leclerc has to back off."

"It's that move again. She's did on Alonso, and it's working for her, just squeezing through an impossibly small gap."

LAP 40 - 50:

LANDO NORRIS SETS FASTEST LAP : GAP +4.560

"Now it's Verstappen in Florence's sights. He's not going to make it easy though. The defending champion. Look at that! He's forcing her wide at Turn 13. Florence has to take to the runoff!"

"Verstappen's defense is brutal. He's chopping across Florence's nose into Turn 1. He's making her go wide. Off the racing line. She has to back out of it in everyone. That's hard but fair racing from the world champion. We saw it last year. He can defend."

...

"Florence tries again into the hairpin, but Verstappen is wise to it. He positions his car perfectly, leaving no gap for Florence to exploit."

"This is a different challenge for Florence. Verstappen's aggressive style is a stark contrast to Leclerc's more precise approach. He races to the extreme limit. But is she going to try the same overtake she did on Leclerc?"

"We'll see, Martin, if it sticks on Verstappen."

...

"Oh my! Verstappen nearly pushed Florence into the wall on the exit of Turn 13. The Porsche driver had to take evasive action there."

FLORENCE What the f*** is he doing?

HENRY Keep your head down. We're faster. Keep racing.

FLORENCE F****** stupid. He almost crashed me!

...

"Florence is not giving up! She's got a great run out of Turn 13 once again, pulls alongside Verstappen, and... she's done it! Florence sweeps around the outside of Turn 14 to take P4! What a move!"

"Incredible, Crofty! Florence has managed to outfox Verstappen. That move took nerves of steel!"

LAP 51-55

"With just 6 laps to go, Florence is hunting down Hamilton. The gap is coming down rapidly."

...

"Florence is all over the back of Hamilton. She tries the inside at Turn 6, but Hamilton closes the door. Not this time!"

...

"This is it! Florence gets a great exit out of Turn 6, pulls alongside Hamilton into Turn 7, and... she's through! Ava Florence up to P3 with just over a lap to go!"

...

"But she's not done yet, Crofty! Look at this, she's setting purple sectors. Florence is pushing for the fastest lap of the race!"

LAP 56

"From start to finish, Lando does the job. He holds pole position, he keeps that car in front. LANDO NORRIS WINS THE CHINA GRAND PRIX! Nico Hulkenberg secures his first podium in second! Behind, Ava Florence coming into view. She was going for the fastest lap. Will she do it?"

"Florence crosses the line and... yes! She's done it! Fastest lap of the race on the final lap!"

"Well, she certainly stole the show today. From struggling in qualifying to a podium finish, it's a remarkable turnaround for the Porsche driver. This young driver has shown incredible race craft and determination today. Ava Florence. That's the name to remember."

HENRY Phenomenal job, Ava! That's P3!

FLORENCE YES! OH THANK YOU SO MUCH!! And a tribute to Bottas... To whom it may concern, F*** you!

CHINA GRAND PRIX RESULTS

1. Lando Norris (+25)

2. Nico Hulkenberg (+18)

3. Ava Florence (+15)

4. Lewis Hamilton (+12)

5. Max Verstappen (+10)

6. Charles Leclerc (+8)

7. Sebastian Vettel (+6)

8. Oscar Piastri (+4)

9. George Russell (+2)

10. Liam Lawson (+1)

11. Felipe Drugovich

12. Fernando Alonso

13. Carlos Sainz

14. Andrea Kimi Antonelli

15. Alexander Albon

16. Lance Stroll

17. Pierre Gasly

18. Oliver Bearman

19. Yuki Tsunoda

20. Jack Doohan

21. Esteban Ocon

22. Isack Hadjar

porschef1

Sprint races are overrated anyway.

tagged: avaflorence

see comments below

illegal_definition: Summoned all of Senna's energy for this drive.

lululemoncalled: THATS MY GIRL!! PORSCHE IS THE ONLY GERMAN WORTH WINNING!! 👑

heturnedintome: First George, now Max. Everyone is trynna kill Ava.

> delulu: But she cooked regardless 🔥🔥

audif1: 🙄

> florence4ever: Stay jealous

> les_blanc: Why would they be? Nico finished higher.

> florence4ever: Check the standings.

convictedcassette: Please give her a functioning car next time so she doesn't have to struggle as much. 🙏🙏

CHINA POST-RACE INTERVIEW

Interview: So, Lando. Great race. Congrats on the win. You had a bit of a lackluster sprint race, but you managed to pull it off today. How was it?

Lando: It was great. I got the start just right and we were quite ahead of the pack when the rain started coming in. So, I held onto that lead.  Maybe it was a bit slow on the first stint, didn't get the happen wanted. But it worked out.

Interview: Nico, this is your maiden podium in Formula 1. How does it feel to achieve this after so long?

Nico: This feels amazing. Like you said, for so long I've been chasing a podium. The sprint win the other day gave me a vote of confidence. And I'm super grateful to the team, to Audi for building a competitive car. And I'm going to enjoy this podium.

Interviewer: Ava, you are the talk of the race. From P13 to podium, incredible strategy, incredible overtakes. How did you do it?

Ava: Firstly, they just give you the most beautiful dresses in the world. It's unfair. I know I'm not supposed to flirt with staff but Seb got away with it, so it's fine. Secondly, yeah, great call by the team to put early. We got a huge jump out of it. And then it was just a game of trying to get past the juggernauts. Leclerc was a good fight. Defenitley thought we had the pace to make it easy, but it wasn't. Max was also tough. I do think he tried to kill me at one point, but we got past anyway. Then it was just a clear track. I wasn't particularly set on passing Hamilton, but more so on closing the gap to see what could happen. And what happened was what you say... so super happy.

CHINA POST-RACE INTERVIEW

Interview: So, Lando. Great race. Congrats on the win. You had a bit of a lackluster sprint race, but you managed to pull it off today. How was it?

Lando: It was great. I got the start just right and we were quite ahead of the pack when the rain started coming in. So, I held onto that lead.  Maybe it was a bit slow on the first stint, didn't get the happen wanted. But it worked out.

Interview: Nico, this is your maiden podium in Formula 1. How does it feel to achieve this after so long?

Nico: This feels amazing. Like you said, for so long I've been chasing a podium. The sprint win the other day gave me a vote of confidence. And I'm super grateful to the team, to Audi for building a competitive car. And I'm going to enjoy this podium.

Interviewer: Ava, you are the talk of the race. From P13 to podium, incredible strategy, incredible overtakes. How did you do it?

Ava: Firstly, they just give you the most beautiful dresses in the world. It's unfair. I know I'm not supposed to flirt with staff but Seb got away with it, so it's fine. Secondly, yeah, great call by the team to put early. We got a huge jump out of it. And then it was just a game of trying to get past the juggernauts. Leclerc was a good fight. Defenitley thought we had the pace to make it easy, but it wasn't. Max was also tough. I do think he tried to kill me at one point, but we got past anyway. Then it was just a clear track. I wasn't particularly set on passing Hamilton, but more so on closing the gap to see what could happen. And what happened was what you say... so super happy. avaflorence

Race tracks are better when they're wet. Thank you China for blessing me today. Onwards to Bahrain.

see comments below

florence4ever: MAMA cooked these bums!

elpadre: Ava, describe your Grand Prix in one sentence

> avaflorence: GP2 ENGINE... GP2 ENGINE!!

> toastedsalmon: 😭😭

lululemoncalled: I love she does not care at all about the swearing rule.

> delulu: They haven't done anything yet. She's that girl.

WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

taglist: @freyathehuntress

[larsthefishoil]

As I'm actively reflecting on the new hbomberguy video, but more specifically James Somerton, certain things are clicking into place with resounding clarity.

I've watched Somerton's videos for years. At first I thought he was kinda overly dramatic, and had outdated stances on how little lgbtq+ was seen in modern day. He always seemed to talk like we are still living in the danger of the 80s with staight/cis people's apathy and hatred. In truth the phobias have just shifted in how they present and things have genuinely improved in a sense.

But the thing that is actually getting to me rn is the misogyny thing. I think he actually injected really shitty thoughts into my brain that I absorbed like a fucking kitchen sponge. He's protectiveness over queer people but specifically gay men from "prevented white women" actually got to me. For over a year, I was walking around occasionally thinking about how "women are sneaking BL manga into their bedrooms and grotesquely drooling."- im not citing someone theres quoteation marks cause its a dumb thought. But i thought this because that's how bad Somerton made it seem.

But the thing that got me out of that head space was this video by talistheintrovert.

https://youtube.com/@talistheintrovert?si=vmpEa_TPP2UE9eQk - here's the link to her homepage on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/08pCrSBw5EY?si=bECaT_xC16IfN5TI - vid about Good Omens

https://youtu.be/zzSlRZhS_qY?si=unQzSbCQUaTqhSbv - Heartstopper vs. Only Friends

sorry for the ugly link I'm on mobile.

I forget their pronouns so I'm using they/them but I might be wrong. I watched a lot of their videos all at once, so a lot of their ideas interlinked between videos to connect points. But they frequently talked about how straight and queer people interact with queer media and the complexities that unfold. Their underlying message was always that an individual's sexuality doesn't matter when interacting with media when it comes to gatekeeping who gets to appreciate queer content. Still most people consuming are queer people, but straight cis people also benefit and that's okay, it's great even.

Talistheintrovert shooed away icky feelings of straight women fetishizing queer men, which was a fear I got from James Somerton!

Idk this is a long post, but hbomberguy's ending soliloquy about trying to find happiness kinda reminds me of the many countless queer YouTube channels- big and small. Most of us aren't clawing for the position of top dog and like Somerton and seem a lot happier dispit of everything going on nowadays.

Anyways, stay safe, be accepting, and cite your sources or else hbomberguy will have to crawl out of whatever hole he hides in for the better part of each year and make a five hour long video about you :/

[tokyogems]

Hi everyone hope you’re all doing well 🫶🏻

Just wanted to share that I’m trying to be very active over on my tiktok @tokyogems and YouTube https://youtube.com/@syccimassu?si=isPNqvGqz2xRS91b so please check those out for some Life in Japan content ☺︎

[zunsims]

new me!

simsmoonie is now zunsims :)

i will be starting posting on youtube again & be more active with a schedule that works for me & i’m so excited. see you at youtube.com/zunsims!

[youtubeactivateonroku]

Complete Guide to Activating Youtube on Roku Device Step By Step

Activate YouTube on Roku device is a simple and straight forward process that allows you to enjoy your favorite videos and content on the big screen. Roku offers a seamless integration with various streaming services, including YouTube. Follow this step-by-step guide to activate YouTube on your Roku device Step by step guide roku device Step 1: Set Up Your Roku Device If you haven't already, set up your Roku device by connecting it to your TV using an HDMI cable and to a power source. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup, including connecting to your Wi-Fi network and creating a Roku account if needed. Step 2: Access the Roku Channel Store Go to the home screen with the Roku remote.. From there, scroll down and select "Streaming Channels" to access the Roku Channel Store, which is the hub for adding new channels to your device. Step 3: Search for YouTube In the Roku Channel Store, you can either browse through the available channels or use the search function to find YouTube. To use the search function, highlight the search bar and use the on-screen keyboard to type "YouTube." Step 4: Add the YouTube Channel Once you find the official YouTube channel, select it to view more information. Click the "Add Channel" button to add the channel. This will initiate the download and installation of the YouTube app to your Roku device. Step 5: Launch the YouTube App After the installation is complete, you can either choose to launch the YouTube app directly from the Channel Store or return to the home screen and navigate to the newly added YouTube channel. Step 6: Get the Activation Code When you launch the YouTube app for the first time, you will be prompted with an activation code. This code is unique to your Roku device and is required to link your YouTube account. Step 7: Activate on a Computer or Mobile Device Using a computer or mobile device, open a web browser and visit the official YouTube activation site: youtube.com/activate. You will be prompted to log in to your Google account (or create one if you don't have one). Step 8: Enter the Activation Code After logging in, you will be prompted to enter the activation code displayed on your Roku device. Enter the code accurately and click on the "Next" or "Continue" button. Step 9: Confirm Activation Once the code is successfully entered, you should see a confirmation message on your computer or mobile device. This indicates that your Roku device is now linked with your YouTube account. Step 10: Enjoy YouTube on Roku Return to your Roku device and the YouTube app. It ought to now be turned on and associated with your YouTube account. You can browse, search, and enjoy your favorite YouTube videos on the big screen. Conclusion. Activating YouTube on your Roku device is a simple process that enhances your entertainment options by bringing YouTube's vast library of videos to your TV. By following these easy steps, you can seamlessly integrate YouTube into your Roku experience and enjoy endless hours of entertainment from the comfort of your living room

[smallmariofindings]

The second mission of Melty Molten Galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy, "Through the Meteor Storm", ends with a segment where Mario must balance on a Star Ball. Normally, the Star Ball cannot be taken out of the segment; however, there is a way to explore the rest of the galaxy while on the Star Ball without using any glitches.

By extremely carefully balancing the Star Ball on the rotating platforms near the end of the stage, it is possible to jump across them in the manner shown in the footage, and land on the giant lava planetoid, which is not intended to be possible while riding the Star Ball.

As that planetoid contains many of the galaxy's locations, those can all be visited while riding the Star Ball, though Mario is unable to finish any of the segments due to not being able to activate Launch Stars while on the Star Ball.

Main Blog | Twitter | Patreon | Source: youtube.com user "PurpleSunTAS"

[michanvalentine]

Hey!

Me again

Something I'm interested in hearing your perspective on

Someone on YouTube asked a speculative question as to whether vampirism could be considered a type of disability

https://youtube.com/shorts/yU3HurL25PY?si=-GafATq1A9tIZxyb

I was wondering what your thoughts could be on that with regards to Astarion

I mean, he himself does refer to his vampirism as a "condition"

There's also Dalyria, who speculated whether or not vampirism is a disease as opposed to a curse

Personally, I think Dal was only half right

Personally, I think it's both

Both a disease & a curse

One that could even theoretically meet the legal definition of a disability

In case you didn't know, the legal definition (in the UK) is:

"Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

What ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ mean

‘substantial’ is more than minor or trivial, for example it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed

‘long-term’ means 12 months or more, for example a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection

There are special rules about recurring or fluctuating conditions, for example arthritis.

Progressive conditions

A progressive condition is one that gets worse over time. People with progressive conditions can be classed as disabled.

However, you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis."

https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010

I guess I'm wondering if there could be any allegory drawn from the idea of vampirism as an invisible disability, with regards to Astarion & vampires in general

Hey! Thanks for sharing this insight — it’s such an interesting angle, and I’m really glad you brought it up. I love greasing the gears of my brain with new topics I hadn’t considered before!

First of all, I absolutely believe there’s room to explore vampirism as an allegory for disability, especially when it comes to Astarion’s specific case. As you said, he himself refers to it as a “condition”, and not by accident — it’s something that defines his limitations, his vulnerabilities, and his identity in a deeply personal way. It’s also something he didn’t choose, something violently forced upon him — just like what often happens with chronic illnesses or certain forms of physical and psychological disability.

And no, saying “yes” while you’re literally dying, choking on your own blood in the middle of the street, is not a fully autonomous or informed choice. It’s called the survival instinct for a reason — and as an instinct, it’s not rational. That’s just another way for Cazador to twist the knife and make Astarion bear the weight of it — to give him the illusion of choice: “I gave you a chance, and you took it. Blame yourself.” That, too, is a sadistic psychological game.

Let’s start by taking a closer look at the legal definition of disability under the UK’s Equality Act. I’d say vampirism ticks quite a few boxes:

Substantial and long-term impact on daily life? Absolutely. Barring a stake to the heart, Astarion is immortal and must deal with his “condition” for all eternity. He can’t walk in sunlight without tadpole-enhanced powers or magical aid—assuming such aid even exists—he must constantly manage his thirst for blood, and he’s fundamentally excluded from human society.

So what are we dealing with here? Both physical and psychological impairment. His body is powerful (he has exclusive abilities granted by vampirism and can even regenerate wounds), but it’s also fragile in very specific and isolating ways—sunlight, for example, or running water.

And when it comes to mental health, I believe vampirism—both in general and in Astarion’s case specifically—is a progressive condition that, if not properly addressed, will inevitably deteriorate over time. In this case, over the course of centuries, with a wide range of consequences, from relatively mild to severe. The endless boredom, the constant loss of loved ones, the existential detachment — all of it could eventually lead to chronic depression or even self-destruction.

(Here I’ll take a small detour to say that Astarion’s spawn ending is, in my opinion, the healthiest one for him—not just from a moral standpoint or in terms of healing from trauma, but also as a buffer against the inevitable consequences of vampirism described above.

Relationships, goals that allow him to earn respect and acceptance from others, inspiring hope instead of fear, and continuously using all the traits that keep him “mortal” and “human” — all of this helps him remain part of a world that changes, and thus change with it. It keeps him more adaptable, more connected, and therefore less vulnerable to certain aspects of vampirism.

A strong familial and social support network is, in fact, a godsend when it comes to facing almost any kind of hardship. And while losing loved ones over the course of one’s long, undead life can be incredibly painful, there will always be others to share the grief with, to find strength in, and to move forward with—always, throughout the centuries.)

Then there’s the issue of social stigma and marginalization. Vampires, even those who try to resist their darkest impulses, are feared, hunted, and deeply misunderstood. They’re judged through the lens of stereotypes, much like what often happens to people with invisible disabilities. Astarion is forced to hide his true nature to avoid discrimination. Just like those who suffer from autoimmune diseases, neurodivergence, chronic fatigue, or anxiety—they’re often forced to justify themselves, are not believed, and are accused of “exaggerating” or “making excuses.”

And if we also take into account how vampirism can distort a person’s personality, perception, emotions, and capacity for connection—especially in the case of true or pureblood vampires—we start to tread into the territory of certain personality disorders that are so pervasive and impactful, they could indeed qualify as disabilities under many clinical and legal frameworks.

Let’s go through a few practical examples, drawing parallels with real-life conditions:

Photosensitivity and Rare Skin Conditions Real-world parallels: Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Porphyria, Lupus Astarion cannot expose himself to sunlight without suffering severe or even fatal damage. Some individuals with genetic conditions like xeroderma pigmentosum must avoid sunlight entirely, or risk irreversible skin damage, cellular mutations, and intense pain. Porphyria, in particular, is historically linked to the vampire myth and causes symptoms such as extreme photosensitivity, pain, neurological dysfunction, and skin lesions.

Dependence on a “Vital Resource” to Function Real-world parallels: Chronic illnesses requiring ongoing therapy, such as insulin-dependent diabetes or dialysis Astarion must feed regularly on blood to survive, remain lucid, and control his impulses. Similarly, some chronic conditions require the daily intake of life-sustaining substances or ongoing medical procedures to maintain bodily balance (e.g., insulin, blood transfusions, dialysis). Missing or delaying these “routines” can have devastating consequences—much like a starving vampire.

Restricted Social and Environmental Mobility Real-world parallels: Mobility or environmental disabilities (e.g., architectural barriers) Astarion cannot go to the same places others can (such as during the day or in consecrated spaces), and often needs specific conditions to operate safely (no running water, permission to cross household thresholds). This closely mirrors the experience of people with reduced mobility, who depend heavily on environmental accessibility. The constant need to plan how to move and where to go in order to avoid harm or obstacles is a shared burden.

Mental disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and—in certain cases—even personality disorders are all included under the legal definition of disability. And the true vampires, as Astarion himself defines them, are narcissistic and paranoid monsters who crave nothing but power and control. True vampires, then, can be interpreted as extreme (and mythologized) representations of personality disorders that:

Distort the perception of self and others

Lead to isolation, abuse, and self-destruction

Seriously impair social and personal functioning

In their severe and clinically recognized forms, these disorders can fall under the category of psychiatric disabilities, granting the right to protection, support, and recognition. Let’s look at some real-world examples in this context:

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) Core traits: Grandiose sense of self; excessive need for admiration; lack of empathy; exploitation of others to achieve personal goals Cazador considers himself superior, worthy of adoration and sacrifice. He sees his spawn not as individuals, but as tools to use and control—extensions of his will, not people with autonomy.

Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) Core traits: Pervasive distrust and suspicion of others; interpreting others’ actions as deliberately harmful; defensive rigidity and social isolation The need for control often stems from deep-rooted paranoia: fear of betrayal, invasion, or rebellion—anything that could threaten their position. Cazador enforces strict rules and severe punishments because he trusts no one and sees others as flawed, incapable, and not worthy of respect or trust.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) Core traits: Extreme perfectionism; need for order and control; rigid moral and behavioral standards Cazador operates through elaborate rituals, a meticulously calculated plan for his ascension, and punishes any deviation. His obsession with order becomes a form of systemic violence. We can see this reflected in the constant state of anxiety among the human servants at the Crimson Palace—everything must be spotless and done to perfection, or else the master will be enraged.

These are all conditions that have a significant impact on quality of life, relationships with others and with oneself, the ability to work, and the performance of everyday activities. I repeat, in their most severe form—such as in Cazador’s case.

Saying that vampirism feels like both a disease and a curse is, in this interpretation, absolutely valid. From my point of view the disease lies in its progressive and degenerative aspects—the way it consumes identity, requires constant management, and distorts body, mind, and needs. The curse, on the other hand, captures the social exile, the internal suffering, the feeling of being fundamentally wrong and different at the core.

In Astarion’s case, his story can be read as a journey of self-determination and recovery from trauma—very similar to the experience of someone living with an invisible disability. He’s trying to reclaim control over his body and his life after years of exploitation. And like many people with invisible conditions, he often isn’t believed, is dismissed, or reduced to the “symptoms” others choose to see (in his case: charm, manipulation, seduction). Or to his mere nature as a vampire.

Dalyria’s speculation about vampirism as a possible illness is also significant—especially considering that she is both a physician and a vampire spawn. She might be onto something, who knows, even though the game doesn’t delve deeply into the subject.

Another possible interpretation, though, could be tied to the psychological side of things. She clings to rationality and science as a form of survival. Trying to classify her condition might be her way of understanding and exerting control over something that is consuming her—and that’s a very familiar coping mechanism in the context of chronic illness.

So yes—I believe vampirism as an allegory for invisible disability is not only valid, but rich with narrative potential, especially within Astarion’s arc. His story touches on themes like bodily autonomy, survival, shame, resilience, and adaptation—all central to the real-life experiences of many people with disabilities.

To conclude, the figure of the vampire—suspended between life and death, control and dependency, humanity and monstrosity—has always served as a powerful metaphor for conditions that resist normalization, including chronic illness, trauma, and invisible disability. Many literary and cinematic works have explored vampirism not as a source of power, but as a limiting, alienating condition—often violently imposed—that isolates and distorts identity.

As early as Dracula by Bram Stoker, the vampire is depicted as a sick, degenerate figure—one who brings contagion and fear. In Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, Louis embodies shame, inner conflict, and the loss of meaning that come with a condition he did not choose. The novel explores the erosion of human identity, isolation, dependency, and above all, the existential crisis of immortality. In Fledgling by Octavia Butler, the vampire protagonist experiences a radical form of otherness—racial, neurological, and corporeal—with a physiological need for blood that closely resembles a dependence on life-saving treatments. We find similar reflections in film and television: Let the Right One In addresses themes of isolation and the need for acceptance; Thirst links vampirism to illness and desire; Midnight Mass portrays vampirism as a false miracle cure—one that erases identity and consent.

In all these examples, the vampire is not merely a predator: they are a being in pain, fighting for autonomy, misunderstood and reduced to the visible symptoms of their condition. Just as often happens to those living with invisible disabilities.

I'm not sure if I ended up going a bit off topic, but I hope I managed to express my thoughts clearly and meet your expectations. Sooooo, thank you again for giving me the chance to reflect on this topic—it’ll stay with me for a while. <3

Below, I’m leaving a bit of bibliography and references to the topics I touched on—just in case anyone wants to take the opportunity to explore them further.

References

Literary Works

Butler, Octavia E. Fledgling. Seven Stories Press, 2005.

Lindqvist, John Ajvide. Let the Right One In. St. Martin’s Press, 2004.

Rice, Anne. Interview with the Vampire. Knopf, 1976.

Stoker, Bram. Dracula. Archibald Constable and Company, 1897.

Academic Texts and Critical Theory

Garland-Thomson, Rosemarie. Extraordinary Bodies: Figuring Physical Disability in American Culture and Literature. Columbia University Press, 1997.

Mitchell, David T., and Sharon L. Snyder. Narrative Prosthesis: Disability and the Dependencies of Discourse. University of Michigan Press, 2000.

Skal, David J. The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror. Faber & Faber, 1993.

Wheatley, Helen. Gothic Television. Manchester University Press, 2006.

Hogle, Jerrold E., editor. The Cambridge Companion to Gothic Fiction. Cambridge University Press, 2002.

Medical and Legal Sources

“Definition of Disability under the Equality Act 2010.” GOV.UK, https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010. Accessed 13 May 2025.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed., American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

“Long-term Conditions.” NHS Inform, https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions. Accessed 13 May 2025.

Articles and Journal Contributions

Kirmayer, Laurence J. “Empathy and Alterity in Cultural Psychiatry.” Ethos, vol. 41, no. 3, 2013, pp. 232–247.

Film and Television

Let the Right One In. Directed by Tomas Alfredson, Magnet Releasing, 2008.

Midnight Mass. Created by Mike Flanagan, Netflix, 2021.

Thirst. Directed by Park Chan-wook, CJ Entertainment, 2009.

[actuallysolace]

Random Nico & Will HCs

INCLUDES EXCITING TOPICS SUCH AS:

Being Nerd Geeks

When: Distressed / Angry / Tired

Scars

Clothing

I didn't have a lot of ideas....Please leave asks for hc requests if anyone wants to hear more *batting my eyelashes*

BEING NERD GEEKS

NDA 🏴‍☠️

Mythomagic card game fan (Obviously)

(Past) Pirate fanatic But if the topic comes up he gets hyped

I think he'd like Pokémon. (Personally idk much about it)

Potentially could have a huge advantage in Pokémon Go (With Shadow Travel).

Not the type to talk about his interests a lot, preferring to indulge by himself or discuss with a select few people.

Although when given the opportunity you can see the light visibly enter his lifeless eyes.

Him and Frank bond over picking up Mythomagic again as "Eventual In-Laws".

Probably still thinks to himself in Mythomagic terms when discussing Greek mythology.

"So how much HP did he lose" he ponders as he's meeting Lester Papadopoulos for the first time. (The answer is: Clearly A Lot)

WS 🔆

Star Wars fan (Obviously)

Has a ton of Lego Sets littered around Cabin 7

True Crime Listener (Confirmed in TSATS)

DHMIS (Past, but if you mention something even somewhat related it'll reawaken.) hyperfixation do not ask me how he landed on YouTube.com....i have no clue. I just think it'd be funny.

(Young 10 year old) Will at camp and one of his siblings ask "What are you interested in?" expecting some kind of hobby such as painting or singing and then all of a sudden you've got this kid yapping up a storm about a "Cult Leader Butterfly".

Rip Will Solace you would've loved YouTube Essays, and then getting frustrated when they're wrong about small minor details that only you care about.

The Type to Talk About Their Interests. Frequently. Certified Yapper. He can and will bring them up whenever to whomever. He can and will make references that nobody gets. He is a walking advertisement.

WHEN DISTRESSED

NDA 🏴‍☠️

Stands stiller.

He tries to keep them under control but his Powers act up a bit in the form of small bone bits and dead grass.

If he's deeply upset the ground might crack up (like in Titan's Curse) as if he's reaching out the Underworld or Wanting to dig up a ditch and lay with the dead.

WS 🔆

Pacer. Starts speed walking around like they've got places to be and multiple deadlines.

Sometimes starts glowing in distress without noticing. Possibly his own body trying to soothe itself?

Already fidgety but it increases when they're just feeling extra something whether it be upset or excited.

WHEN ANGRY

NDA 🏴‍☠️

Quick to get defensive and start arguing

He feels rage at 1 million percent

WS 🔆

Tends to suppress their feelings in the moment trying to make peace and or mediate whatever's going on

Skilled at staying level-headed, cause he has to be

Sometimes you just gotta bite your tongue

So he did once

Like Literally

It started Bleeding

He had to heal it himself

Screams in the Woods After particularly anger inducing situations

A few dryads are concerned about him. Mentally.

Sometimes (if it's too dark out) into his own pillow

Casually leaves screaming session as if nothing happened

"what do you mean you heard screaming in the woods" "maybe a dryad just had a really bad break-up"

WHEN TIRED (OR SLEEPING)

NDA 🏴‍☠️

Talks less and less

Can sleep anywhere

Under any condition

Like he could be in an active Tornado, snoring.

WS 🔆

Talks more and more

Getting increasingly less coherent and more nonsensical

What is bro yapping about

He can go for longer without rest (Thanks Apollo) but practically drops dead once they get the chance to sleep.

Like collapses and barely breathes. Someone had to be on "Check Will's Pulse" Duty before Nico was around to keep sensing that his boyfriend is not deceased.

Always ends up in an entirely different position when he wakes up versus how he slept

Apollo passed down trait of ending up in some Dramatic Damsel in Distress coded pose while unconscious to a large majority of his kids. Will included.

SCARS

NDA 🏴‍☠️

Littered in scars

Probably didn't seek out proper healing for a long while unless absolutely necessary, instead choosing to abuse Ambrosia and Nectar.

Even now that he does seek proper healing (usually), chooses to keep whatever scars he can.

Cause, "They Look Cool"

Makes him feel like a Pirate

WS 🔆

Heals quicker than the average demigod (Pro of being Apollo's Offspring)

Typically his wounds will start healing themselves like small cuts or minor bruising never lingering for too long.

Still takes steps to clean up and dress them. He is a professional of course, What kind of example is he setting if he leaves them be???

CLOTHES

NDA 🏴‍☠️

Nico goes through funnily extreme lengths to maintain his Son of Hades look

Will is still in the works of getting "Allergic to Color" approved as a valid allergy

No of course Will doesn't believe that, but he enjoys partaking in shenanigans

This man has managed to obtain the camp shirt IN BLACK. WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IS CANONICALLY WEARING ORANGE? YOU MEAN TO TELL ME APHRODITE CABIN HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO UNLOCK NEW COLORS BEFORE THIS GUY DID? HE STICKS OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB? AMONG PEOPLE WHO ARE WEARING ORANGE???????????LMFAOOOO??????

Honestly I think he just does things to 1. See how much he can get away with 2. Watch Chiron visibly yearn for retirement.

Closet is very black with some white with a hint of brown cause like leather and also dirt.

Possibly just purchasing anything with a skull on it.

Is it cause Son of Hades or because it reminds him of Pirates the world may never know.

WS 🔆

Honestly just pulling stuff together

Their face is doing most of the work Really

Hasn't been the same ever since they discovered Crocs

Owns a Set of Rainbow Crocs

I don't see Nico stealing Will's clothes but I think they'd both enjoy the irony of a medic wearing a skull shirt aka Will wearing Nico's clothes.

Nico offers his jackets frequently in the winter or nights because Maria raised a gentleman. And also because Will is never ever truly prepared clothes-wise (he tries he really does it just never works out) and then he's just Standing there, shivering like a wet cat.

@solangeloweek

[transformers-spike]

Imagine one of the human pets smuggling space weed or space crack all around the Nemesis and no one can figure out how the FUCK it keeps getting around. They've checked every mech, every compartment, every human habsuit, etc and they can't figure out who tf has it

https://youtube.com/shorts/6ggOV3lR_eM?si=tV3wZ95soHebomTD

That is amazing specifically because there must be cons who actively buy/ask for the drugs. My bet is on Airachnid mostly - and vehicons - maybe also Knock Out and Breakdown. They deserve it ngl Fuck it maybe Megatron's doing it too. This tiny human is their drug dealer