#and are in completely different stages when it comes to adaptability and identity

[ask-the-rag-dolly]

FINALLY THESE ARE OPENS

Whats your opinion on other ships like

Gangle x Zooble

Queenie x Kinger

Jax x Kaufmo

Caine x Kinger

Caine x Moon

Ofc this is optional but I'm just curious

umm ......... neutral ! ... " oh people ship these ? ... good for them ! ..." i don't mind that they exist ! ... i just only ever latch onto one romantic ship because i'm a weirdo who has an extremely specific dynamic she loves and it's ' opposites attract w/ bad communication and a lot of emotional problems to go through but it's ok holding hands will totally solve all of it '

[evelineheaven]

ℭ𝔩𝔬𝔲𝔡 𝔊𝔞𝔱𝔢

𝔑𝔲𝔪𝔟𝔢𝔯 200025

hello, i discovered a new asteroid, cloud gate. very interesting, this is about where you are heavenly connected. And what is heavenly about you, what goes out the physical realm. This are about the houses, you can look what house your cloud gate is in, and see where you are heavenly connected, or what is heavenly about you. The Cloud Gate is seen as a gateway between realms between the physical world and higher dimensions of spiritual awareness. When located in a house or making aspects to personal planets, Cloud Gate reveals where your life becomes a vessel for spiritual embodiment, often through trial, purification, or deep transformation. Houses are from 1 - 6 in this post.

𝔉𝔦𝔯𝔰𝔱 𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔢 with cloud gate in your 1H, it is in your appearance, aura, the way they come across. This is just you as an identity. They look like you are heavenly, a beauty that goes beyond physical, a beauty that keeps people up at night, there is magic in the way they walk, the way they look, they are just a full plate of magic. They are the most heavenly here, the appearance, they are a walking magic. They have always had a deep feeling, with magic, they are extremely spiritual, they just get information every day, whether they are conscious of it or not, heaven is behind you. They often radiate something heavenly or otherworldly. People may immediately sense that there is something special, unusual or spiritual about them even if they are not consciously aware of it themselves. These people often have a transformative aura. Others can feel attracted to them, or even triggered, because their presence triggers inner processes in others. They often have something striking or unique about their appearance that can be in their eyes, facial features, style, or just a vibe that is different from the norm. They stand out without necessarily trying to.

Through the transformative energy of a gate these people can change their appearance or style frequently Adapt chameleon-like to situations sometimes even literally “look different” at different stages of their lives (in face, weight, hairstyle, etc.)

𝔖𝔢𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔡 𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔢 your patience, your stability, how grounded you are, how calm you are, that is heavenly. Nobody does it like you. By the way, when it comes to money, Your body and physical world are a channel for spiritual growth. You learn to ground spiritual energy into matter, literally living your worth in the here and now. The senses (touch, smell, taste) can be heightened or energetically influenced by non-visible fields. You feel energy in food, objects, clothing, etc. Material things have a vibration for you. Money in your life is rarely ‘just money’. It is a carrier of energy a language in which universal value makes itself tangible. You may experience physical complaints that cannot be explained medically, but are completely logical energetically. Another deep theme at this gate is the mystical realization that everything you own is an extension of your energy. You may have few things, but everything you own carries a certain beauty, purity or intention. You intuitively choose what belongs to you. For example, you can be sensitive to materials, smells, colors or textures. Every object, every piece of clothing, every piece of land can speak for you in vibration. The main shadow or growth lesson here is self-worth.

𝔗𝔥𝔦𝔯𝔡 𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔢 your intelligence, the way you talk, you talk with words that come from heaven, as if you are channeling from heaven. Your intelligence is heavenly addictive, people will think you are a reincarnated being from heaven when they hear how intelligent you are. Your siblings probably think you're weird, like you're not one of them, and you've probably been excluded by them too. You probably had teachers who admired you. The could see you as in the purest form. Your thinking and communication are imbued with an unconscious desire to find deeper truths. Instead of superficial conversations, you are constantly seeking ways to understand the hidden layers of information. You may find that your thoughts evolve more quickly than those of others what is obvious to most people is often just the beginning of a much larger search for meaning for you. This placement means that you have a great spiritual curiosity. It is not enough for you to simply communicate, you want to delve deeply into the essence of words, symbols and ideas. It is not just what is said, but what is between the lines. You have an innate ability to hear between the words what is really meant. You may have a gift for writing, speaking, or teaching because you are able to see things in a new light, helping others gain insights they have not seen before.

𝔉𝔬𝔲𝔯𝔱𝔥 𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔢 Your emotional world becomes a rich source of spiritual knowledge and insight. People with this placement may feel that their feelings, memories, and emotional depths are not purely personal, but instead carry energies from past generations or even past lives. In your childhood, you may have felt particularly impacted by your home environment. This could have been both positive and negative, depending on the energetic situation within your family. Unconscious patterns from your parents or early experiences may resurface, but the Cloud Gate in the 4th house makes it possible for these patterns to not only be experienced by you but also consciously processed and healed. This placement may also bring stories or memories from past lives to the surface. You may feel that there are certain, unspoken emotional conflicts within your family history that are calling to be understood and healed. There is a karmic layer to your family relationships particularly with your parental relationships. especially the mother, you may find that there are unconscious energetic bonds between you and your parents that are not always clear or visible. People with this placement are often spiritual seekers, trying to connect with the larger mysteries of life through their emotions. They may have an inner knowing that their emotional experiences.

𝔉𝔦𝔣𝔱𝔥 𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔢 You might experience moments where you feel inspired or divinely guided during creative pursuits, as if your art or creations are being channeled from a higher place. These moments of inspiration may not always be fully understood on a conscious level, but they have the power to bring you profound spiritual insight or clarity. Your creations could even serve as spiritual messages, healing tools, or beacons of light for others. Romance and love affairs are another key area affected by the Astroid Cloud Gate in the 5th house. The 5th house governs romantic relationships, flirtations, and the joy we derive from being loved. However, with the Astroid Cloud Gate here, you may find that your romantic experiences are deeply spiritual or karmic in nature. Love affairs and relationships may not simply be about fun or pleasure, but they could feel like soul contracts. You may feel that the people you meet romantically are often drawn to you for reasons that go beyond the surface. These relationships may bring you closer to your higher self or push you to confront deeper parts of your psyche. While you likely have a natural magnetism and a love of pleasure, there is an element of sacredness to your romantic experiences. You might crave deep connections, and your romantic life might feel like a sacred dance, where you are learning about love, vulnerability, and emotional transformation.

𝔖𝔦𝔵𝔱𝔥 𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔢 This placement often creates a bridge between the physical and the spiritual realms, and you may be someone who intuitively senses that the path to enlightenment isn’t always through grand experiences, but through presence, mindfulness, and devotion to the small things. You might be prone to energetic imbalances, fatigue, or psychosomatic symptoms, particularly if you’re disconnected from your deeper truth or ignoring your soul’s needs. But with awareness, you also have powerful capacity to heal yourself. You may naturally be drawn to holistic healing, energy work, herbal medicine, or body mind therapies like yoga, Reiki, or breathwork. Over time, you’re likely to discover that health is not just physical, but also emotional, spiritual, and energetic. You might become a guide for others in this, helping people see how daily habits and spiritual alignment are interwoven. You could even feel called to develop rituals of self-care that support your own spiritual path. meditation, mindful eating, grounding practices, or intuitive movement. There’s also potential here for ancestral healing or karmic cleansing through the body. Old family patterns around work, servitude, or self-worth may be stored in your system, and the Cloud Gate gives you the spiritual strength to transmute and heal these energies.

[lordpigbeetle]

Whoo boy howdy do I have thoughts on having just done the Far Harbour DLC before heading off into Nuka World and becoming a raider - which is exactly that.

You've been catapulted 270 years into the future, into an atomic, nuclear, ecologically and sociopolitically hostile future. Everything you knew and loved is gone. But will that stop your onbringing wave of adamant kindness, sense of fairness, and trying to bring righteousness to it all? No! Parallel to Preston, it is your goal to try and rebuild this to what it once was, you were there, you know it can be done.

So you spend weeks, months, years potentially, building up settlements with your bare hands; inviting in stragglers from the wastes, promising safety, community, all you ask in return is a lack of aggression and a willingness to work with eachother.

And then...you start becoming...involved.

The Railroad are out there playing martyr, setting synths free from the institute, sounds good. I mean, at the point that you are so identical to a human, made from bioengineered parts, grown in a vat to be so human-like that the only way you'd be able to tell the difference is to be killed an autopsied, that sounds pretty much human enough to me to be treated like one. So if they're growing humans just to enslave them and spy on the surface for unbeknownst reasons, maybe we do need to step in and work on freeing these people.

And then the Brotherhood arrive. Their ideals are tyrannical, genocidal, untrusting, xenophobic. And frankly, trying to play government in a world that rejects government comes across as a bit childish, like playing president on the playground. But they have information, lots of it, and technology. And for some reason, they trust you, like a lot, deeply. They let you in, and you're quickly rising in the ranks.

And then you meet Shawn...finally, you get to him. He's grown now, into someone completely unrecognizable, but at this part, so have you. You are already not who you were anymore - you've killed, hacked, lockpicked, verbally maneuvered your way through this new wasteland, which is all it's own form of adapting, and it's about to get worse.

So you gain their trust. You gain everyone's trust. You're not just elbow deep, you're shoulder deep in the ranks of every faction you can get into without causing rifts. You could buy out entire armies with the amount of information you alone have within you, but a choice has to be made. Whose side are you truly on when it comes to a final decision of loyalty and virtues?

Your companions adore and trust you, your son trusts you, your commanding officer, your comrades, the minutemen, they all trust you.

So right at the very end, when nothing can be done any farther through any faction, after wringing dry every bit of information and equipment that you can from them, you decide to annhialate the Brotherhood, and remove them from the commonwealth for good. They're a scourge that want everything other than humans to die, and you've seen enough of the wasteland to come to the decision that it's not just your world anymore. People, mutated and not, synths, and other creatures have just as much of a right to live here as you. So you employ the railroad to take them out.

You are now no longer above deception.

And now in your success, Shawn in his rejoice, wants the railroad dead too. All of them. Even Deacon, who has at this stage disposed his horrific backstory to you. You have another choice, but at this point, you've already chosen the wasteland. You've chosen the commonwealth, and it's people, and what you've worked to build. Just like you, whoever Shawn would have been before the war, before the institute, is no longer. So you, like when taking down the BOS, decide to protect the commonwealth, leaving just the railroad and minutemen to look after it.

You're happy with that, for a time, but then you're called to Far Harbour. And you do it all again.

And just like last time, you meet the residents of Far Harbour, you Meet Dima, you meet the Children of Atom, you do everything you must to gain their trust as far as you can possibly take it. You wring out every single bit of information under the guise of helpfulness and doing what's right - you are not above deception.

When there's nothing left to gain, at the very end of everything you can do to help these people, at the end of everything they can do to help you, you convince them they're better off dead. You convince them of that, that if their devotion to Atom means anything to them, they'll take themselves out. And they do, while you're running freely from the rubble. You convince them to kill themselves through subterfuge, lying, a silver tongue. You are not above deception. You have, by this point, completely. Lost your mind. The nuclear wasteland has won. It owns you the same as it does everyone else.

You convince Dima to stand down, to turn himself in. He was heading down a slippery slope of misguided righteousness afterall, how is body-swapping different than the Institute? How were the increasingly millitant Children of Atom that different from the BOS?

What makes you so much better than a raider?

[theharrowing]

Ahh thanks for the update!! I was going to comment but I guess my comment was too long so I’ll just send it here. This chapter was so angsty my heart is torn for everyone but especially mc :(( she’s going through all these different emotions & is being shut out left & right but then being coddled at the same time.. I wonder if this rift will lead her to taking up Jin’s suggestion. & if it does how would the guys react, joon & yoongi specifically. “Do you think you can fall for someone like me?” Omgggg idk what this means for the relationship jk & mc have .. could they end up falling in love? Is that allowed? How would Tae feel? I personally think mc is so strong to adapt to the relationship between joon & yoongi. It’s so intimate and something the everyone is aware of, they have major history too. I’d personally feel way too intimidated by their love, I’d feel incapable of joining in because I think I’d feel like a third wheel for the entirety of the relationship. What they have is deep and I feel so sad when mc catches glimpses of their interactions when it’s just them two alone. She’s truly understanding for knowing that they deserve their own moments but my heart still breaks for her. At times I feel like they love each other more than they do her but this could just be me projecting my own insecurities & being dramatic hehe. I’m so excited to see what’s to come & what’ll happen between all these relationships. I’m just taking a huge wild guess but I can see a “breakup” happening & mc running off to get away but also getting entail for Jin. I love angst so sorry for the theatrics + I think my periods coming soon so I’m extra sappy 💀 loved this update tho!! <33

anon, hello!!!

since your message contains a lot of what i would consider to be semi-spoiler content, i have been waiting to respond so that more people get a chance to read. if you ever want to comment but it's too long, you are also more than welcome to just spam the comments with long thoughts, i genuinely do not mind that at all!!! i have a couple friends who will leave 2 or 3 comments in a row after reading, and it brings me joy, i promise.

the relationships and the love they all share is definitely a complicated thing. (and then there is jungkook, but i am not factoring him in to this bit.) it's not fair to say they love someone more or less than the other, though. i take issue whenever someone says that. instead, look at it as loving someone differently. you aren't going to have identical love/feelings for two people; even mc has different ways in which she feels and shows love for namjoon and yoongi, whether that is completely obvious to the reader or lot (i try to make it a little clear in her observations and thoughts but i also can't force people to read things exactly how i hope they do.) they are still at an early enough stage to be figuring it out, and needing to have space some times, or struggling to communicate it all part of the process. it's definitely understanding to see the history yoongi and namjoon have and feel intimidated, but if someone is going to view themself as an outsider in a relationship with people who clearly care about and love them, then this type of relationship is likely not going to be good for them. sorry, i hope this explanation doesn't come off as too crass, but i get very defensive of these fake people who live inside my head lol. if people are reading this as "so-and-so loves this character more than that one," it feels like i am failing as an author to tell this story the way i want to.

i'm so glad you're loving the story!!! we'll see what happens next!!! 💜

[hrtechpub]

AI and Automation in Managing Gig and Contract Workers

In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, the gig economy has emerged as a dominant force. From ride-sharing drivers to freelance designers, contract software developers to remote customer support agents, businesses are increasingly relying on gig and contract workers to meet demand with agility. But managing this flexible, decentralized workforce comes with unique challenges—especially in areas like onboarding, performance tracking, payments, and compliance.

Enter AI and automation—the transformative technologies reshaping how businesses operate. By leveraging artificial intelligence and intelligent automation tools, companies can more efficiently manage gig and contract workers, offering streamlined operations, real-time insights, and a superior work experience.

Here are five key ways AI and automation are revolutionizing gig and contract workforce management:

1. Smart Talent Sourcing and Matching

One of the first challenges businesses face is finding the right talent at the right time. Traditional methods of recruiting are time-consuming and ineffective for fast-moving, short-term gig roles.

AI-powered platforms use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to analyze job requirements and automatically match them with candidate profiles.

Systems can predict a candidate’s fit based on historical performance data, skillsets, location, and availability.

Automated talent pools continuously learn and improve, helping reduce time-to-hire and optimize workforce utilization.

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr already use intelligent matching algorithms, but enterprise-grade tools like WorkMarket and Field Nation take it a step further with real-time analytics and custom business rules.

2. Automated Onboarding and Compliance

Onboarding gig workers traditionally involves a lot of manual paperwork, training modules, and compliance checks. This can be inefficient and error-prone when dealing with large numbers of temporary workers.

Automation streamlines onboarding, from identity verification to e-signatures and document submission.

AI compliance tools can flag missing documents, detect regulatory risks (e.g., misclassification of contractors), and adapt onboarding processes to meet legal requirements in different regions.

Training programs can be personalized using AI to ensure that workers are up to speed quickly, reducing ramp-up time.

This is particularly important in regulated industries like healthcare or finance, where incorrect onboarding can result in legal penalties.

3. Performance Monitoring and Workforce Analytics

Gig workers typically operate outside the traditional office structure, making it difficult to track performance and engagement. This is where AI-driven analytics tools shine.

Real-time dashboards track worker productivity, task completion rates, customer feedback, and even behavioral patterns.

Natural language processing can be used to analyze qualitative data such as reviews or chat transcripts.

Predictive analytics help managers identify potential issues (e.g., high churn risk or performance dips) and take proactive steps.

By integrating data across platforms (e.g., CRM, task management, payments), businesses can get a 360-degree view of their gig workforce.

4. Automated Scheduling and Workflow Management

One of the major operational headaches in gig work is coordinating schedules, task assignments, and communication across distributed teams.

AI-powered scheduling tools automatically assign tasks based on worker availability, location, and skill match—optimizing efficiency and minimizing downtime.

Chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine queries, send reminders, and update workers in real-time.

Automated workflows ensure that work moves seamlessly between teams or stages, reducing administrative overhead.

These systems are especially useful for industries like delivery, field services, and customer support, where quick coordination is essential.

5. Streamlined Payments and Financial Management

Timely and accurate compensation is a key factor in gig worker satisfaction. But managing variable pay rates, multiple currencies, and tax documentation can be complex.

Automated payroll systems calculate earnings, taxes, bonuses, and reimbursements with minimal human intervention.

AI tools can detect payment anomalies, fraud risks, or compliance issues before they become problems.

Workers can access financial dashboards to track income, expenses, and tax deductions—improving transparency and trust.

Platforms like Deel and Remote have started to integrate AI into global contractor payment solutions, making compliance and cross-border payments more scalable.

Conclusion: The Future of Flexible Workforce Management

As the gig economy continues to grow, organizations must embrace modern tools to manage a flexible workforce effectively. AI and automation are not just enhancing efficiency—they're becoming essential for compliance, worker satisfaction, and business agility. Companies that invest in intelligent workforce management systems will not only save time and money but also position themselves as leaders in the future of work.

By enabling smarter decision-making, predictive capabilities, and streamlined operations, AI is helping businesses unlock the full potential of gig and contract workers—one algorithm at a time.

To learn more, visit HR Tech Pub.

[whatifsandspheres]

Straw man. Straw Ivy league sorority fratman.

No.

I finally just unfollowed and blocked.

That's not what the topic of mirror neurons is about. Maybe some of the conjecture that you point out crosses into your field. What completely debases your entire field of study is the lack of a consistent physiological, neurological, or biological basis to use as a control and measure of constants. That's effectively the sort of claim that you're making when you fail to see the point of the data uncovered by the research-- that there exists no common neural architecture between animals of the same species that corresponds to the intra or inter-species interactions that animal could encounter and conduct behavior in conjunction with.

That's not what the data shows.

Biology won't make a completely different set of neuronal pathways for you just to interpret another animal or member of your own species-- and then discard it like a dirty Kleenex tissue. And it would much less rather keep spare neuronal pathways that are nearly identical to the patterns that it needs to carry out computation if and when ***IT ALREADY HAS THEM***!!!

Biology loves efficiency, sometimes it's even sometimes seen as lazy or clumsy when cutting corners, but that's how it also comes up with its great innovations.

Why make new neuronal architecture for simulating a dream in which you're walking and sightseeing when you already have your own every-day use neurons and reinforced synapses? Your brain won't. Especially if you're not conducting behavior in which you have spare capacity for that sort of neuroplasticity or if you're not a typical age and stage of brain development for it.

This efficiency unfortunately can also lead to atrophy of innovation or capacity and formation of new synapses and structures. In old age this can further worsen things like dementia/Alzheimer's, etc.

Your brain is approximating and thus increasing the efficiency of its simulation and prediction capacity by using what it already has. Yes, that absolutely factors into the success and regular dynamics of a social species. The less effective at predicting the behaviors of others in what is effectively a social environment equivalent to the environments that aren't animals or even "alive," the less adaptive the species is to factors which could push it toward extinction.

In social species that can lead to empathy and internalized processes of assumption or even contagious emotion or other behavior. Yawning is a good example, as is small little social cues like mirroring or preening when in causal conversation. It doesn't mean that they're accurate! It means that they're churning out those calculations and estimations or predictions by means of neural simulations that base themselves on the individuals' own biased and subjectively structured brains. But fundamentally you don't have an anus where my limbic system is, and as much as you'd lose it-- you also don't have a four star spa resort where the rest of your brain should be.

I bet you she graduates, too.

Ugh.

As if our species' innate predisposition to specialize weren't sufficient supplement to the tendency of homogeny. You just have to combine the worst of both worlds?

You had to have been able to predict I'd say this, right?

Need new neurons to simulate something like me?

[haplogamingchef]

Unlocking the Sakuratide Armor Set in Monster Hunter Wilds

Maximizing the Benefits of the Blossomdance Boon Set Bonus

Introduction

Monster Hunter Wilds continues to evolve its endgame with limited-time content, and the latest addition, the Blossomdance Festival, brings exciting rewards for seasoned hunters and new players alike. Central to this seasonal event is the Sakuratide Armor Set—also known as the Sakuratide α Armor—which blends elegant visuals with performance-driven enhancements. Although it might not seem impactful at first glance, its hidden bonuses and event-based effects make it a compelling option for strategic builds during the festival period.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain how to obtain the Sakuratide Armor Set, detail its set bonuses including the Blossomdance Prayer, evaluate its effectiveness in combat scenarios, and assess its utility compared to current meta builds. Whether you're participating for the aesthetics, utility, or tactical advantage, this guide will ensure you get the most value from this limited-time gear set.

How to Acquire the Sakuratide Armor Set

To obtain the Sakuratide Armor Set in Monster Hunter Wilds, players need to collect Blossomdance Tickets. These tickets are exclusive to the Blossomdance Festival period and are earned in two primary ways: through daily login bonuses and by completing time-limited bounties associated with the event. A single day’s participation, combining both a login reward and one full set of limited bounties, provides enough materials to forge at least one of the visual variants of the Sakuratide Armor Set.

Although both armor variants differ in appearance, they are identical in terms of stats and bonuses. This allows players to choose the version that best matches their aesthetic preference without sacrificing performance.

Core Skills and Passive Benefits

The Sakuratide Armor comes with a predefined skill loadout that includes several key abilities. Among these, the most notable is Foray, which offers increased attack power and affinity when a monster is inflicted with status conditions like poison or paralysis. This functions similarly to the popular Agitator skill, but is more situational, requiring status buildup to activate.

Additionally, the armor provides full levels of Quick Sheath, as well as access to Item Prolonger and Adaptability. These supplementary skills support various playstyles, particularly for players who rely on fast item usage and adaptability to environmental hazards. While these skills are useful, the primary draw of the set remains its powerful set bonus—Blossomdance Prayer.

Understanding the Blossomdance Prayer Set Bonus

The Sakuratide Armor's signature advantage lies in its set bonus, Blossomdance Prayer, which activates upon equipping four pieces of the armor. This bonus operates in two stages. At the two-piece level, it grants an additional reward slot at the conclusion of every completed quest. These bonus items range from functional consumables like Blossom Barrel Bombs and Pick-a-Meal Vouchers to Blossomdance Tickets, which are used to forge event-specific items including the armor set itself and unique Palico equipment.

This effect applies to all quests regardless of difficulty or rank, making it especially useful for players farming low-rank missions or looking to accumulate rare event rewards efficiently. Importantly, these bonus rewards are visible only when wearing the Sakuratide Armor, so it's necessary to keep the set equipped to benefit from the extra loot.

Enhanced Rewards with the Four-Piece Bonus

When four pieces of the armor are equipped, Blossomdance Prayer expands its effect by increasing the number of bonus reward slots granted at the end of each quest. Players can expect an average of two bonus items per quest, with occasional runs yielding up to three. This significantly boosts material gains during the festival period and makes farming event-specific resources far more efficient.

Of particular value are the Pick-a-Meal Vouchers, which allow players to consistently access premium food buffs without relying on meal RNG. With a sufficient stockpile of these vouchers, players can maintain optimal buffs throughout their hunts—enhancing survivability and performance across all content.

Combat Benefits During the Festival

The four-piece bonus not only enhances rewards but also provides notable boosts in combat performance. While active during the Blossomdance Festival, the set grants a 9% increase to weapon attack power based on the weapon’s base value and a flat bonus of 50 defense. These effects do not apply outside of the event window, limiting the bonus to the festival period only.

The attack bonus is particularly impactful, especially when scaled with high-base power weapons. Unlike other buffs that derive from food or gear skills, this bonus calculates directly from the weapon's base attack stat as displayed in the equipment screen. The additional damage is further amplified by critical hits and sharpness multipliers, making it a potent boost for offensive builds.

Comparing with Meta Armor Sets

In terms of raw damage output, a well-optimized Sakuratide build comes surprisingly close to top-tier meta sets. For example, a typical high-end build using the Gore Magala two-piece bonus, Weakness Exploit, and Agitator achieves an effective raw output of approximately 441.9. In comparison, a Sakuratide build using four armor pieces and an optimized fifth slot, while focusing on poison synergy through Foray, reaches an effective raw output of about 430.8.

The roughly 2.5%–3% decrease in damage is a minor trade-off considering the additional utility—namely, extra monster parts from the Festival Spirit Carving Master group skill and consistent event rewards through Blossomdance Prayer. This makes the Sakuratide set a viable alternative for players who value efficiency and versatility during the event.

Building Around the Sakuratide Armor

To fully utilize the Sakuratide Armor’s potential, players should focus on pairing it with weapons that inflict status effects, particularly poison or paralysis. This synergy is crucial for maximizing the benefits of Foray, which triggers bonus attack and affinity while the monster is afflicted. Among these options, poison is generally more reliable due to its potential for extended uptime throughout longer encounters.

However, players should be aware of status resistance scaling in longer battles—monsters become increasingly resistant to repeated poison applications, which can reduce the effectiveness of Foray over time. For optimal results, target monsters with known weaknesses to poison, such as Shu-Wu, where sustained status uptime is achievable with aggressive gameplay and the right weapon setup.

Armor Slot Optimization

Although the full Sakuratide set includes five pieces, equipping exactly four is recommended. This approach activates the full set bonus while allowing flexibility for one additional armor slot. The Sakuratide Waist is commonly considered the weakest component of the set, and many players replace it with a high-value alternative like the Arkfeld Waist, which offers better socket availability and useful passive skills.

Using an optimized charm—such as one offering high levels of Weakness Exploit—can help fill in any offensive gaps. Strategic use of decorations and slotted jewels enables hunters to craft a well-rounded build that competes closely with standard meta configurations, all while benefiting from the armor’s seasonal bonuses.

Event Duration and Long-Term Viability

It’s important to understand the limitations of the Sakuratide Armor’s bonuses, particularly their dependency on the Blossomdance Festival. The core strength of the armor—namely the 9% weapon attack boost and the flat defense gain—is only active during the festival window. Once the event concludes, these bonuses are disabled, rendering the armor significantly less effective for high-level play.

Outside of the festival, the set lacks the competitive edge needed to remain viable against top-tier armor configurations. Its default skills are serviceable but do not compensate for the loss of the event-based boosts. As such, the Sakuratide set should be viewed primarily as a temporary power-up for the duration of the festival, ideal for farming and casual hunts rather than endgame performance.

Why Use Sakuratide Despite Lower Peak Performance?

Even with its limited-time utility, the Sakuratide Armor offers enough unique benefits to justify its use during the Blossomdance Festival. Beyond the combat perks, players gain tangible rewards such as:

Increased material drops via bonus quest rewards

Additional monster parts from extra carves

Steady supply of event-specific vouchers for meals and crafting

This utility makes the set ideal for stockpiling useful resources while the event is live. Furthermore, it provides an accessible and fun way to experiment with status-based builds, encouraging players to explore gear combinations that may otherwise be overlooked in the standard meta.

Conclusion: Should You Equip the Sakuratide Armor Set?

The Sakuratide Armor Set in Monster Hunter Wilds is a deceptively strong option for players active during the Blossomdance Festival. While it does not outperform pure meta sets in raw damage, its trade-off is minimal, and the added utility in the form of bonus rewards and improved material farming makes it an attractive choice for dedicated players looking to maximize their event participation.

For those willing to adjust their builds slightly—favoring poison or paralysis weapons—the armor opens up alternative strategies that are both fun and efficient. However, it should be considered a festival-specific investment. Once the event concludes, players should revert to stronger, more flexible gear sets for endgame activities.

In summary, if you are participating in the Blossomdance Festival, equipping the Sakuratide Armor Set is highly recommended. Whether you aim to optimize resource gathering, enhance your meal buffs, or simply enjoy a temporary combat boost, this armor set delivers solid value for the event’s duration.

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[simmingwormly]

Wormville: Gen 1: Interstellar Inquiry

Forgive me, for I might have gone overboard with this one. It follows Stella Terrano just having a chat with Oliver Devir. It's different from all the others in that it's a flashback, it takes place in college.

Other Sims relevant: Serenity Elaho-Inipp, Aranni II. Fiera (future Beldine)

Other Sims mentioned: Lester Elaho-Inipp (future Devir), Zachary Devir, Balthazar Elaho-Inipp, Victor Beldine, Wynn Kent, Xenia Celwitch

Also, important! Since Oliver uses both they/them and he/him pronouns, I chose to keep switching. Both refer to the same person.

CW: mention of abortion, pregnancy, forced impregnation (surprisingly, this one is in-game content, alien abductions), the word "rape" is used at one point, no actual sexual assault is happening or is being described (it also refers to alien abductions)

Forgive me once again for the sloppy work on the screenshot. It's taken long after in the Slop.

She knows about him and he knows about her. They share a dorm, and they share friends. She is, however, also aware that he doesn’t seem to want to talk to her. They avoid her. Sometimes she detects panic in them when she approaches.

Not today, though. Now she’s reading on the couch, when she sees him come closer, until he sits next to her.

“Hey. Stella, is it?”

“Yes. Warm greetings, Lester.”

“Oliver,” they correct her with a smile. “Lester's my partner.”

She frowns a little. “Oh. Great apologies. I am still not well-versed in the naming patterns of Serenity's family.”

“That's alright.”

“I have examined the underlying logic, though. I have noticed that there is a name in your community for every letter in the Simlish alphabet. I have deduced that it is a mark of age,” she says, quickly running through all the worms she knows in her head. “You are older than Serenity, because your letter far precedes hers. Zachary is the youngest person in this dorm, and possibly in your entire sect.”

“Almost correct! Balthazar is the youngest. Him and Aranni were born after Zachary.”

“So the cycle can repeat during the same generation. Intriguing.”

“It's a silly tradition.” He touches his hair. He might be nervous, she thinks.

“W and Y are missing. Are they deceased?”

He grins for a moment. “No, my parents got the letter Y and decided to skip it because they couldn't think of a good boys’ name that started with it, so they took Z instead and named Zachary. And W is Wynn, but you don't know them yet, because they didn't go to college. They're the twin to Xenia.”

“An identical individual? A dual mind?”

“Nope, as far as I can tell, they're different like the sun and moon.”

“Hm. Are they made out of completely different matter, incomparable in their size, and with vastly different levels of importance?”

“No. Some things you can't take literally-”

“It was a jest. I am trying to master the social skill of humor. It will allow me to bond with Sims more effectively.”

He finally gives her a snicker. “Oh… sorry, I didn't get it, but I understand you're still learning. Your people don't have jokes?”

“We do. Although I was never good at telling them, or appreciating them. Do you want to hear a Sixamese joke?”

“Yeah,” he smiles.

“Seventy three nasal cavities.”

“Huh…” He makes a strange clicking sound with his mouth. “I think I also need to learn the art of humor first.”

“It gets lost in translation.”

“How long have you been learning our language, anyway?”

“I have known it from the earliest stages of my development. I was raised bilingual.”

“Oh. You do sound like a native speaker.”

“Thank you or great apologies, depending on whether it was a compliment or a criticism.”

“A compliment! I thought that you spoke really well.”

“Do you know any more languages?”

They shake their head. “No. At least, I'm not fluent in any. But I'd like to learn.”

“I see. I give you my warm wishes. It is more difficult for a Sim to learn that it is for my people.”

“To learn languages, or in general?”

“In general. Sims need a high level of adaptability and pattern recognition to survive, however the Sixamese need even more. We are thus naturally better equipped in analyzing and storing information.” Stella is well aware that pointing out some of the comparisons between their species might come off hostile, and she's carefully watching his reaction.

They just cackle. “So you're saying that you're smarter?”

“Yes. But please, do not find offense in my words. The difference is not significant enough to consider Sims… unintelligent. Plus, I do not derive any conclusions about personal value or ideal social standing of our species.”

“I guess that you've been making this whole college thing look like a piece of cake,” they conclude and give her a smile.

“And yet, I do not have the best results of our group. There is provably more to study than the process of information gathering itself.”

“Yeah…” He stretches his leg. “And I'm failing all of it.”

“Dear goodness, truly? Might I be of assistance?”

“Nah, I've accepted my fate. I'm all burnt out. I'll just leave it up to chance, and when they kick me out, life will go on.”

“Are your struggles the reason why you aren't with your letter group? I noticed that there were more letters missing between you and Victor.”

“Right… yeah, that's true. I should've been graduating last semester, but I got held back on probation.”

“Is there a penalty to leaving college without completing your degree?”

“No? I don't think there is. My dad didn't go at all, and my oldest brother didn't either. It's just that folks with degrees usually get really good jobs easier. And in some clans, it's also about proving yourself, I guess, but that's not normal.”

“Ah. Aranni spoke about it,” she nods. She likes the young woman, even though other Sims find her often too abrasive. Stella appreciates Aranni as a very unique friend, despite suspecting that the chess prodigy already attempted to insult her several times.

“Yeah. Her family… they're really something else. To be honest, her parents are total nutjobs. I think she'll be happier in our clan.”

“She did not talk about transferring clans.”

“I see. I just presume that she and Zachary are gonna get married after college, since, you know, they like each other. And they have a kid together.”

Stella finds this piece of information strange. She would never have deduced a romantic future between those two, for they, too, were like the sun and moon. Her and Serenity weren't like that at all. Despite the huge, obvious difference in species and culture, Stella could see a kindred spirit in the bright Sim. But she doesn't comment on that, she finds it cruel. Instead of that, she focuses on a different, more interesting piece of lore.

“It is quite peculiar to me that reproduction is such a casual matter, that any Sim can just reproduce at whim, or even by accident.”

Oliver grows paler.

“You can't… right?” They're slow with their voice, hesitant. 

“Our reproduction is planned centrally.”

Oliver frowns.

“We cannot reproduce without the help of other sentient races. It is also why I am so Sim-like in my appearance. I belong among the Sixamese who rely on the Simkind for reproduction purposes, and we adopt major features of your anatomy.”

“You… you parasite on us.”

“I do not understand. We do not drain your resources. On the contrary, Sixam makes sure to monitor your world and intervene in case there is an impending crisis to avert.”

“No. You parasite on our bodies.”

There is silence.

“I want to object, yet I cannot,” says Stella quietly. “We need bodies of different sentient life forms to incubate our larvae. We are not painbringers, though. Not anymore. It is a priority for us that the subject is not harmed during the process. By our policy, we also allow willing subjects to raise the larva to maturity, both for the cultural enrichment of the Sixamese infant, and the prevention of mental harm to the subject.”

“There is no such thing as willing subjects, though.”

“I must correct you. It is reported that many subjects show deep parental bonds with the larvae.”

Suddenly they stand up. “But nobody's willing when you're putting that fucking thing inside of them!”

“I… lay my greatest apologies at your feet. Are you alright, Oliver? I detect your heart palpitations. Your face shows immense distress. Your breathing is scarce.”

“No, I'm not,” they hiss, making their way towards the exit. “I thought I would try talking to you. I thought that I was being stupid for being afraid. I thought that you would be normal and not talk about how you think forceful impregnation is painless!”

Stella pushes back the thought of correcting him on the differences between impregnation and pollination. “Were you afraid of me? Why?”

“You've just shown me why! I can't… be here anymore… Goodbye!”

“No, Oliver, wait, please! I will not hurt you,” she promises, catching their bewildered glance. “Or… defend the ones who did.”

They truly do stop. Oliver freezes in their step. He’s at about an eighteen degree angle hunched forward, arms positioned as if hugging his own torso. “I'm sorry, I can't understand how that can be normal to you…” They still sound about an octave and a half higher than their casual voice.

Stella stands up and lowers her head. “I would like to offer you a deeper counsel, along with my compassion. Would you stay and tell me your story?”

“You probably know a lot, right?” They ask quietly. Stella nods. “You could… could you tell me why? Why me?”

“Would that bring you comfort?”

“Yeah. I think a little bit.”

Stella sits down. Oliver hesitantly returns and joins her again. They still keep their personal space, six centimeters more than before.

They tilt their head up, look into the ceiling. “One day I was outside at night, when… when I was taken. It was still in high school. I was still a child myself.”

Stella vehemently shakes her head. “That is a violation of our protocol,” she explains passionately. “The overseer of the pollination ship should always confirm the maturity of the subject. Any adolescent larvae collected under having been mistaken for adults should be immediately returned. I am enraged on your behalf. If you remember any identifying details, I will make sure to file a report.”

“I don't remember anything. Just snippets… his face… the light…” Oliver closes their eyes.

“I offer you great apologies for inciting you to access these painful memories.” Stella continues examining their expression with her big eyes. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, no… Talking about it like this doesn't hurt, it's actually… kinda freeing.” Oliver smiles a little. “Not to have to hold it in, I mean.”

Stella nods.

“I think about it all the time, but I can't even bring it up. I can't tell my siblings or my friends, ‘Hey, let's talk about the time I was…” they hesitate, as if they were considering using an euphemism, “raped… raped by the aliens.’ They wouldn't understand.”

The usage of the word “rape” takes Stella a little aback. She knows what that word means. This is, however, the first time she has encountered it in the context of her species-specific procreation methods. There is no sexual aspect in it on their side, she thinks of saying, but she immediately dismisses it. It doesn't matter. It's obvious it was sexual - to him. That was enough.

“I see,” she says instead. “I have often thought about the impact of the bodily violation on the psyché of the subject. It is the reason we do not operate on them while conscious, even though there is supposedly very little physical pain involved in the process itself and it would not require anesthesia otherwise.”

Oliver pauses for a second. “Well, I can tell you that it doesn't help much. I don't remember the ‘process’ itself, but my head has filled in the blanks.” They sigh softly. “Mostly when I tried to sleep.”

“Noted. I am once again deeply remorseful about the experience.”

“It's not even the worst part, you know? The abduction itself was fine in comparison to…”

Stella waits for him patiently.

“To realizing that there's something inside you. It grows… and you can't stop it. I was so scared and so ashamed. I felt so dirty. It was like my body was hijacked. I couldn't bear the thought of it changing my body. I couldn't bear the thought of it bursting out of me, after it had made me bloated and weak.”

Even though they've just said they were fine talking about this a minute ago, now Oliver looks seriously distressed again, at least Stella thinks so. She feels an uncomfortable tightness in her lungs.

“That is an extremely visceral description of suffering. We tend to avert our eyes from it. It is a concern among the young who train to be what you call Pollination Technicians, but it tends to be often dismissed. I am unnerved, to say the least, to hear that our darkest anxieties are often your reality.”

He nods, too. Then he asks, “Have you ever… done it to somebody?”

“No.”

“I don't know what I would do if you said yes. I don't know how I could keep talking to you.” Oliver looks at her, unsure as if he hasn't stepped over some invisible line.

But she nods once again. “I understand. Your hatred is well-supported by your experiences.”

“Yeah. I'm glad you see it that way, too.”

“If I might ask, what happened to your larva?”

“...I had it… removed.” His voice is calm, dry. The calm is artificial, Stella notes.

“That is also understandable. For what it is worth, I am glad you were not forced to incubate it to completion.”

It's visible in the subtle angle change of his shoulders that he relaxes. “For a moment, I was scared you were going to call me a murderer.”

“That is not how we should conceptualize the termination of pregnancy or pollination.”

“Yeah,” they affirm and take a deep breath. “I sometimes try to think of what could've been if I had it grow and I saw it as my child, but I can't even imagine it. And it makes me feel really uncomfortable.”

“I see.” Stella shifts a little in her seat. “Thank you for helping me understand your situation.”

Oliver looks at her once again. His eyes are hard for her to analyze. She still detects some disdain. Maybe… mischief? “So… you're not ‘painbringers’, huh?”

That is why. She can understand now. The mischief was hidden in their satisfaction from catching her in a position where she had to – reminds her of a useful Simlish idiom – “eat her words.”

“I offer another apologies for what I have said. I formulated it in a very short-sighted manner, and I failed to take into account very important variables.”

Something in his expression seems a little gentler now. “It's okay. I didn't even think I would actually change your mind. No matter how evil it is, that's how your species procreates, after all.”

“Unfortunately, that is true. Not in every single case – we do truthfully receive a handful of full volunteers once in a while, who signal the pollination ship and offer themselves to us. However, mostly it is as you say, and if we were to assign it moral judgement, I concede that it is… evil.”

Oliver laces his fingers. “So you really cannot have children any other way?”

“No.”

“Hm. That sucks for you.”

“It's how we evolved. It has many advantages for us. But I will not proselytize to you.”

And she doesn't. For a while, the two of them sit in silence.

“So… I guess that there was no reason why you… your people chose me. It was a mistake,” he says.

“Yes. In truth, there are no involved reasons for any choice of subjects. The personnel runs a medical scan, however, if the randomly chosen subject passes, they might be taken aboard for the procedure no matter their identity or activities.”

“So that means I didn't do anything wrong…” he states, still sounding a little unsure. “It wasn't my fault…”

“It was not your fault, Oliver,” she confirms. She hopes those words stay in his soul.

“Thank you, Stella…” He lets out a long exhale that then turns into a relieved laugh. “It really was kinda silly of me to be afraid of you.”

“No, it was not. I am no danger to you, but your apprehension is understandable,” she says, a speckle of hesitation sneaking into her voice. “I must also confess to something. My origin is not the only thing that connects me to your story in a way that invokes a deep guilt.”

They stop smiling. “Were you on the ship that abducted me?”

“No. But I could have been,” she admits.  “Before I changed my path and chose to become a Traveller, I was training to serve as a Pollination Technician. I did not complete my preparation period and have never actually carried out a pollination process, but for many years I thought I would, one day.”

Oliver stares at her. “Why? I mean, why didn't you stay?”

She returns his gaze. “Because of my doubts. I have always had them. I was not sure whether my calling was ethical. And I did not want to bring pain to fellow sentient beings just so my race has a slightly higher chance of continuing.”

“Then…” They smile a little. “Then it shouldn't invoke guilt in you. You did the right thing.”

“But I keep analysing my choices. I am imagining an alternate world where I consented to becoming a Pollination Technician, and used my power to push for more humane ways. I could, for example, only accept volunteers on my ship.”

They look back to the ceiling. “Would they let you? You don't have any quotas to fill?”

“There are quotas, yes, but I would be falsifying my reports.”

“And what if they caught you?”

That was a question surprisingly easy to answer, yet so difficult to think of. “Then I would be returned to the living core,” she replies, allowing herself a small euphemism, “I would no longer be allowed to exist as I am.”

Oliver makes eye contact with her again. “So the only thing you would achieve is maybe getting yourself killed. One ship that doesn't abduct people doesn't stop the others that do.”

“I must admit that your analysis is sound.”

They just murmur a little before speaking up again. “Can I have one more question? It's really… ehm… really personal, though.”

“I enjoy personal questions very much. Talking about myself brings me joy.”

“Serenity's gonna be the head of one of our clans. One thing that's really customary is that heads have at least one kid, so that there's an heir to the family. If Ser chooses you as her partner, and if she'll want to have children, how… I mean… how will you… do you even-” Oliver stumbles over their words, intense blush creeping up his face. “Entity, I'm so sorry! Scrap that question. I shouldn't have asked.”

“No, why? We were discussing reproductive issues this whole time,” she shrugs. Then she shrugs once again to show that she means it. “To answer your question, should that be the turn of events, I would apply my expertise, with Serenity's explicit permission, and attempt to initiate pollination outside of many proper protocols. If that fails, or if Serenity will not consent to the procedure, then there always is surrogacy and adoption.”

“I see. Thank you for answering. I was just curious. Because… you know, Serenity is…”

“Of unusual anatomy for a pollination subject, is that what you want to say?”

“Well, yeah. That.”

“The process is more laborious but not impossible.”

“Uh. I see. I'm… happy for you.”

“Thank you.”

They talk some more, before Oliver leaves to sleep. They both know that they will keep talking in the future.

[drkarenhawk]

Dr. Karen Hawk: Helping Individuals Cope with Job Loss and Career Transition

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Strengthening Support Systems During Transitions

During times of career transition, the support of loved ones can make all the difference. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist Gilbert encourages clients to lean on their support networks—whether that includes family, friends, mentors, or professional networks. She helps individuals identify their most reliable sources of support and shows them how to communicate their needs during times of uncertainty. Dr. Hawk also provides couples and families with strategies to ensure they are emotionally supportive and understanding during the job search or career change process. Having a strong support system in place can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide individuals with the encouragement they need to continue moving forward.

Embracing New Opportunities with Confidence

Ultimately, Dr. Karen Hawk’s goal is to help individuals embrace new opportunities with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Job loss and career transitions can be life-altering experiences, but they also present an opportunity for growth, reinvention, and fulfillment. With Dr. Hawk’s professional guidance, individuals can shift their mindset, set achievable goals, manage their emotions, and navigate the complexities of career change with clarity and confidence. Whether an individual is seeking a new job, pursuing a different career path, or embracing entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. Karen Hawk’s counseling provides the tools and support necessary to succeed.

Conclusion: Navigating Career Transitions with Dr. Karen Hawk’s Expert Support

Job loss and career transitions are challenging experiences that require emotional resilience, support, and a positive mindset. Dr. Karen Hawk, a skilled psychologist in Gilbert, provides individuals with the tools they need to cope with these challenges, overcome self-doubt, and embrace new opportunities. By working together, clients can navigate these transitions with confidence, rediscover their strengths, and ultimately create a career path that is more aligned with their goals and aspirations. If you are facing a job loss or career transition, reach out to Dr. Karen Hawk for compassionate counseling that will guide you through this transformative period with clarity, purpose, and renewed hope for the future.

[basilibino]

I watched Boys in The Band 2020 within 48 hours of watching Boys in The Band 1970 and I think that helped to doom 2020 for me in a way that an obviously strong cast performance couldn't stop.

bc when they cut lines and changed what the slow moments were and who they focused on I noticed and it felt wrong. Like why cut the bit where Michael and Donald half convincingly insist they aren't really lovers? Why cut Cowboy getting to be high and not worry and not be talked down on for daring to exist? Why have Larry only flirt with one guy and try to make excuses for it when the original had him in a gaggle of men with too much pride to acknowledge it with Hank? Actually, on the topic of Larry, small potatoes but why did we change from Commercial Photographer to Commercial Artist? There's a scene when all the guests are there before Alan shows up where Emory gives Hank grief abt drinking beer—insisting teachers drink Sherry, and conceding, when Hank insists he drinks beer, on allowance for "maybe public school", we don't get that in 2020 tho, we get Hank asking for beer jumping straight to Emory asking Larry how a sensitive artist like himself can live with someone like Hank, and then we skip AGAIN over Bernard teasing Emory that "[he]'d live with [Hank] in a minute if he asked [Emory] in 58 seconds." And Why cut Emory's first reponse to Bernard abt making the phonecall, his "why not? I'm pissed, I'll do anything three times" ? And while i liked the addition of Bernard's experience on the subway for his part of the Opening Montage, why did we cut the connection he has to Donald in that he is smuggling books out of his workplace for his friend! We didn't get that moment of the delivery coming in, and we didn't get confirmation that he was breaking the rules bc the dialogue when he gives Donald the books jumps straight to Hank's "stocked up for the summer" Line instead of his "I didn't know they had a lending library" one. It seems insignificant but you best believe I fuckin noticed when Michael didn't prolong taking the Valium bc he didn't have any water and didn't want to take it dry. Like these are all character moments! And frankly, I'll admit, I didn't like the flashback visuals—and I really wanted to! But the original movie was pretty much a direct lift of the stage show with some added establishing moments for the cast, and I think there's a power to only showing the monologue recollection, with everybody drunk and closed in a living room together. (To that point actually the kinda uniform warmth and space of the apartment...didn't kill that second act vibe but it didn't heighten it either in the way the og did. And I loved how Andrew and Tuc played Larry and Hank, especially in their pair of phone calls, this point isn't at all on their performances, but--that window in the kitchen, man—again, different approach to the scenes but it was emotionally impactful imo that in 1970 all u had was the walkway into the kitchen to see in/out to the living room. The way it was used to frame Larry's call.

And anyway my point to all this (and more points!) is that I'm not sure all of this would have stuck out to me like it did if I didn't have 1970 so fresh in my mind. Part of why I have zero notes on anything Zachary Quinto!Harold is bc iirc they only cut his line to Larry about "Gay Pop Art!" And asking if he "blew [The Boardwalk Tile] up himself".

And I think even more to that point is that the remake, despite lifting the cast of the Broadway revival, didn't approach the 2020 movie as adapting the play, they approached it as remaking the movie but tweaking it enough to justify it (and frankly, fixing Emory would have been enough imo*) and as a result it's like. Why are cutting this, that, and the other? Oh, so we're not completely identical to the movie! But then I feel like we lose depth of characters and relationships in the interactions and lines that didn't make it to the 2020 movie.

You also, of course, have the issue of 2020 being a deliberate period piece vs 1970 being contemporary. The original film came out when being gay was a diagnosable mental illness. The play itself just barely predates the stonewall riots, and the movie predates the AIDS epidemic that would take the lives of half the cast. That's not me saying 2020 should have made the show set in present day, to be clear, bc that wouldn't work at all—the script takes its own historical context for granted—it's offputting, in a post-AIDS community, to talk so off handedly abt going to bathhouses after so many of them were shut down, or for sexual health to not be a bigger point of argument for Larry and Hank. Beyond that, the cake delivery has everyone scramble to look as not-gay as possible for fear another tenant has called the cops; Emory has been repeatedly arrested by Vice Squads for his time at the baths; the state of gay existence in the 1960s is as core to the text of the show as anything else, timeless as the characters are, so it does need to be a period piece.

But again. I think where 2020 was kinda doomed from the start was its approach to remake the older film, instead of adapting what was onstage in 2018. Of course I'm going to notice these lines and beats being removed that were there in the original, you've set the scene and styled everyone to evoke that original! Idk if I'd have liked 2020 any better if it was more distinct in its presentation from the 1970 film, but if nothing else it would have been its own reimagining, with more room to argue that lines and beats were cut here and there to serve this new vision

*IMO, the level of overt racism from Emory in the original feels obnoxious, it's almost conflated with his Camp personality, and the attempt to address it is minimal and incomplete as the film seems to just forget about the "Chinese Laundress" joke he makes on his entrance--that is to say, I know he's racist on purpose and as an intended character flaw, but i don't think the script in its eventual address of it thru Bernard is effective, especially compared to the response of unanimous condemnation to Michael's racism (we could theoretically argue in circles abt whether or not Emory's racism being conflated with camp is deliberately why no one else called him out but like i think at that point the theme would be so detailed as to need its own play to begin to unpack, one not written by a White man, and given Emory's supporting role in the story if that was the intention then that's too much to examine for a character with a limited spotlight and, especially for a modern audience, sympathizing with Emory is made harder when his racism is as pronounced as it is in the original), and I am not against the 2020 film getting rid of Emory's introductory racism, reworking his most egregious comment, allowing Bernard more of a takedown of Emory's mindset, and, yes, shock of shocks, having Emory apologize for the hurt he's caused the person he's closest to at this party.

And, obviously, there's additional changes to the context in Emory being played by a Puerto Rican actor, as well! And Robin de Jesús has spoken about his version of the character in interviews and how, naturally, his own identity figured in shaping his interpretation of the character. ( x , x , x )

But that running theme of (specifically anti Black) racism from Emory is clearly a part of his character regardless of casting, and I do think the new version's lowered egregiousness + longer condemnation from Bernard are more effective in communicating that the racism itself was always supposed to be Emory's big character flaw, not that his racism was too campy.

[music-industry-updates]

From Planning to Production: Creating a Professional Cover Song

Creating a cover song might seem like a simple task on the surface—after all, the original melody and lyrics are already laid out for you. However, producing a cover song that sounds professional and stands out in the competitive music landscape requires careful planning and execution. From selecting the right track to perfecting the final production, every step needs attention to detail. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making a professional-quality cover song, breaking down each stage so you can produce a cover that resonates with your audience and showcases your artistic talents.

1. Selecting the Right Song

The first step in creating a cover song is selecting the right track to cover. This decision should be strategic and aligned with your artistic goals. Ask yourself: What is the message I want to convey with this cover? Does the song align with my musical style and strengths? It's important to choose a song that reflects your identity as an artist and that you can transform in a meaningful way.

Additionally, consider your audience. Covering a song that resonates with your fan base will increase engagement and chances of success. While popular songs might be an obvious choice, sometimes covering a lesser-known track allows for more creative freedom and originality, helping you stand out from other musicians.

Pro Tip: Try to pick a song that has room for reinterpretation. Songs with strong melodies but simple arrangements often leave space for creative adaptation.

2. Reimagining the Arrangement

Once you've selected the song, the next step is to plan how you’ll reimagine its arrangement. This is where you can put your unique stamp on the track and differentiate your cover from the original. Consider what aspects of the song you want to change—this could involve altering the tempo, changing the key, or adding new instruments to the mix.

Some musicians prefer to slow down fast songs to create a more emotional vibe, while others might add electronic beats to acoustic tracks to make them more upbeat. You could even change the genre completely—for example, turning a rock song into a jazz cover or giving a pop song an indie acoustic twist. The key is to find a balance between preserving the essence of the original while adding your own flavor to make it distinct.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different versions of the song before settling on an arrangement. Sometimes unexpected combinations of instruments or styles can yield fantastic results.

3. Nailing the Vocal Performance

Your vocal performance is the heart of your cover song. Even if the instrumental arrangement is top-notch, a poor vocal execution can undermine the entire production. Focus on delivering a vocal performance that feels authentic and emotionally connected to the lyrics. Since your cover will be compared to the original, it’s important not to simply mimic the original artist’s style—bring your own interpretation to the vocals.

Practice different approaches to the vocal delivery. You could emphasize different parts of the song, change up the phrasing, or play with harmonies. Recording multiple takes and listening back will help you identify the best version of your vocal performance.

Pro Tip: If the song has complex vocal runs or high notes, modify it to suit your vocal range. There's no shame in adjusting a song to fit your voice; in fact, it can make the cover more personal and unique.

4. Recording Your Cover

When it comes to recording, production quality matters—whether you're recording in a professional studio or from the comfort of your home. High-quality equipment, such as a good microphone, audio interface, and headphones, is essential for capturing clean audio. If you're recording at home, make sure your space is acoustically treated to minimize unwanted noise or echoes.

Plan your recording process by breaking it down into stages. Start by laying down the instrumental tracks, followed by the vocals. Layer in any additional elements, such as harmonies, backing vocals, or extra instrumental touches, to enrich the sound.

If you're working with a producer, communicate your vision clearly. The right producer can help bring your creative ideas to life while ensuring the technical aspects of recording are handled professionally.

Pro Tip: Record multiple takes of each section of the song. This gives you more material to work with when it’s time to edit and select the best parts for the final version.

5. Mixing and Mastering

Once all the elements of your cover song are recorded, the next step is mixing. Mixing involves balancing the levels of the different tracks (vocals, instruments, etc.) and applying effects like reverb, EQ, and compression to achieve a polished sound. This is a critical stage where the individual elements of your cover come together as a cohesive piece.

After the mix is complete, it’s time for mastering. Mastering ensures that your track sounds consistent and professional across different platforms and audio systems. It brings the final polish to your cover, making it sound as good on a smartphone as it does in a high-end stereo system.

If you're not familiar with mixing and mastering, it’s worth hiring a professional or using a mastering service to ensure the final product is of the highest quality.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to how your cover sounds on various playback devices. What sounds great on studio monitors might not translate well on earbuds, so make sure the mix holds up across different setups.

6. Releasing and Promoting Your Cover

Once your cover song is finalized, it’s time to release it to the world. Create a release strategy that includes sharing the song on music streaming platforms, uploading a video version to YouTube, and promoting it on social media. Building anticipation before the release can also help generate buzz.

Engage with your audience by explaining why you chose the song and sharing behind-the-scenes content from the recording process. Encouraging fans to share and comment will increase the reach of your cover song and potentially attract new listeners.

Pro Tip: Include your cover in playlists and pitch it to blogs and music influencers. Gaining traction from third-party channels can boost visibility and help your cover gain momentum.

Conclusion:

Creating a professional cover song requires a balance of creativity, technical skill, and strategic promotion. By carefully selecting the right song, reimagining its arrangement, delivering a powerful vocal performance, and ensuring high-quality recording and production, you can create a cover song that not only sounds professional but also stands out from the crowd. With the right marketing efforts, your cover song could be the key to reaching new audiences and showcasing your talent.

[onrepeatnet7]

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[themosleyreview]

The Mosley Review: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender (Season 1)

And so the trend to try and adapt a beloved anime, manga or an American animated series to live action continues. It isn't uncommon that the fans demand it or someone has a vision to bring such beautiful piece of art to the big screen. It just the fact that each attempt has been a disaster or has completely missed the point of the source material. Not everything in animation translates to live action so changes have to be made for an audience to digest the information. Which in this case, was a travesty since the rich themes of identity, personal growth, fear, loss and the power of hope is what made the original animated series a masterpiece. Such themes that connected with children and adults alike is what made the series such a massive draw. Now we all know how horrible the 2010 film adaptation so there’s no need to retread those waters. You can say that expectations were tempered going into this new Netflix adaptation with all the problems that existed internally. To be fair, I will not continue this review by comparing every aspect of the original series to this new live action version, but I will always encourage you all to seek out the original series. That being said, I will save my biggest critiques at the end. Now, I went into this series with the single hope that it would be as close as possible to the original series. Well, this was a better adaptation that captured a certain percentage of what made the cartoon special, but you can feel the tug of war going on from the very first 3 episodes. This version wanted to establish that there is a dark and grittier edge to it, but also show the light hearted and fun nature of the adventure across the different nations and the lessons each character learns. In my opinion, for every great moment this series provides and gets right, there was an empty void where any connection to original show or even to the characters themselves was severed.

Gordon Cormier was really good as Avatar Aang. In many ways, he nails the character’s many emotional states as he slowly comes to grips with the loss of his Air nomad friends and mentor. He captured the pain in the Aang’s heart and also his childish humor in many scenes. I wish he had more time to actually grow out of his reluctant hero stage instead barreling through the most formative moments with his new friends. Lim Kay Siu was wonderful as Air nomad mentor Gyatso and I loved the emotional bond they had in the beginning of the show. Their chemistry was very strong and was the life blood for Aang. Kiawentiio was good as Katara and I felt she was done dirty in this show. She felt too sheepish at times and I wished she was more strong willed. She had her self doubts which is part of her arc, but I wish her steadfast nature was way more present. Everything was handed to her and she never really earns her upgrades in a selfless way as she comes off as more selfish when with Aang. Aside from a major missing character trait, Ian Ousley was excellent as her older brother Sokka. He nailed the characters' strength and humor, but I do wish he was a little bit more awkward. The family drama between Sokka and Katara was great and I liked the way it was resolved even if it was too quick. The 3 of them together make for a decent group, but I didn't feel as if they were really bonded. It felt as if they were following Aang as extra characters instead of being his friends and actual new emotional core of his heart. Utkarsh Ambudkar was awesome as the King of Omashu / Bumi. His playful nature was on full display and his message about making the hard decision as the Avatar and in his own way, as a King, was heard. He isn't the mad genius you love, but more the war torn and world weary older man. Maria Zhang was great as the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, Suki. She was strong, had a good and ambitious heart. Her instant chemistry with Sokka was cool and I loved their training montage. I wish they took more time to develop the eventual love story between them instead of just jumping right into it.

Dallas Liu was fantastic as Prince Zuko. He nailed his obsessive desire to capture Aang and bring him back to the Fire Nation. His story was a bit more fleshed out as we get to see the deeper emotional toll of his father's banishment. Dallas also nails the physicality of the character and I enjoyed every action scene. You feel the desperation, pain and overall need to please nature of his broken spirit. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee was great as his guardian and beloved character, Uncle Iroh. He is such a layered character and in the amount of time we get with him, it isn't wasted. I really liked that his past as a warlord was brought up and you see his regret. He is always been the nurturing core for Zuko and he was exactly that for this version of the series. Daniel Dae Kim was perfect as Fire Lord Ozai. He was the tyrannical lord of the Fire Nation that we all know and I loved how cold and unflinching he was in his tactics. There was a moment where I thought we were about to see an emotional side of him come out, but I'm glad I interpreted it wrong. It wasn't a father's care that was being shown to Zuko, it was more disappointment and shame and that was rough. Ken Leung was awesome as Commander Zhao and he nailed the characters arrogance and hunger for respect and power. He wanted forge his legacy in the Fire Nation and I loved his ambition and dedication. He was an excellent adaptation of the villain. On the other hand, we have a character that is not supposed to be focused on so heavily in the first season. Elizabeth Yu was good as Princess Azula, but I believe she missed the point of the character. She is supposed to be the absolute polar opposite of her brother Zuko and truly her "father's daughter". Where Zuko shows doubts and emotion, she shows rage, venom and ice cold dedication to setting the world ablaze. Here she is doubtful, second guessing and sometimes winey as hell. The actress did what she could, but she is the second character in this show that I think was done dirty.

Takeshi Furukawa takes over the reins as the series composer and he did an epic job. He nailed the emotional beats and made the action even more intense. He incorporates some of the original themes from the animated series and a favorite song returns as well. I do miss the touch of Jeremy Zuckerman and Benjamin Wynn, but Takeshi did a wonderful job. Visually, the show was torn between vibrance and darkness and I wish they leaned more into the vibrance of the worlds without the dark overcast in almost every location. Like I said before, there were so many things that rubbed me the wrong way as this adaptation completely rushes past or condenses so many arcs for the sake of time. The first 20 minutes of the show was a mistake in my opinion, because we see the Air Nomads being wiped out instead of hearing about. Sometimes the stories about an event are more heartbreaking than actually seeing it. That 20 minutes could've been condensed to dialogue like the opening of the animated series. Princess Azula and her friends should have never been introduced in this season until the very last shot of the show. That's precious time wasted to build her up instead of forging Team Avatar. Aang needed to connect more with his new friends and rely on them instead of his dead mentor. That's why they never felt like a team or a new found family for Aang. This show really would've benefited from a 10 episode run instead of 8. In the end, it all boils down to the question of “Was this a faithful adaptation to the original animated series?” I would say that its a good cover album that takes too many artistic liberties and misses the many notes that made the first album a masterpiece. Fans like myself will like it better than the 2010 abomination, but will still see the major flaws. I highly recommend going back and watching the masterpiece the original series is, but if you don't, you'll still be entertained by this adaptation. Let me know what you thought of the show or my review in the comment below. Thanks for reading!

[hawk-ecommerce]

Maximizing Instagram for Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide -Hawkecommerce

In today's computerized age, social media sites like Instagram have ended up irreplaceable instruments for businesses looking to improve their online nearness, lock in with clients, and drive deals. With over a billion dynamic clients worldwide, Instagram offers an energetic stage for businesses of all sizes to grandstand their items or administrations, interface with their target group of on-lookers, and construct a solid brand personality. Here’s how you'll use Instagram successfully to impel your commerce to modern heights.

Create a Compelling Profile: Your Instagram profile serves as the digital storefront for your business. Ensure it's complete with a clear profile picture, a concise yet captivating bio that encapsulates your brand's essence, and a link to your website or relevant landing page.

Content is King: Post high-quality, visually appealing content that resonates with your target audience. Whether it's captivating images, engaging videos, or informative carousel posts, strive to deliver content that adds value to your followers' feeds and reflects your brand's personality.

Consistency is Key: Maintaining a consistent posting schedule keeps your audience engaged and attracts new followers. Experiment with different posting times and analyze the insights to determine when your audience is most active.

Harness the Power of Hashtags: Hashtags are instrumental in increasing your content's discoverability on Instagram. Research relevant hashtags that are popular within your niche and incorporate them strategically into your posts to expand your reach and attract potential customers.

Engage with Your Audience: Cultivate a sense of community by actively engaging with your followers through likes, comments, and direct messages. Respond promptly to inquiries, acknowledge user-generated content, and initiate meaningful conversations to foster stronger relationships with your audience.

Utilize Instagram Stories and Reels: Leverage Instagram's ephemeral content features like Stories and Reels to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, product tutorials, or entertaining snippets that humanise your brand and keep your audience coming back for more.

Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers or micro-influencers in your industry can help amplify your brand's reach and credibility. Identify influencers whose values align with your brand and collaborate on sponsored content or influencer marketing campaigns to tap into their engaged audience.

Run Targeted Ads: Instagram's robust advertising platform allows you to create highly targeted ads tailored to specific demographics, interests, and behaviours. Invest in Instagram ads to reach a wider audience, drive traffic to your website, or promote your products/services directly.

Track and Analyze Performance: Monitor your Instagram analytics regularly to gain insights into your audience demographics, engagement metrics, and top-performing content. Use this data to refine your content strategy, optimize your campaigns, and maximize your ROI.

Stay Updated with Trends: Keep abreast of the latest Instagram trends, features, and algorithm changes to adapt your strategy accordingly and stay ahead of the competition. Experiment with new formats, such as IGTV or Instagram Shopping, to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

In conclusion, Instagram presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses to connect with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive tangible results. By implementing a strategic approach and staying true to your brand's identity, you can harness the full potential of Instagram as a powerful marketing tool for your business.

[mayhighfilms]

Corporate Film Maker In Delhi NCR

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of business, effective communication is the key to success. In this digital age, where attention spans are shorter than ever, companies are turning to various forms of media to convey their message efficiently. One such powerful medium is corporate filmmaking. With its ability to engage, inform, and inspire, corporate films have become an indispensable tool for businesses to connect with their target audience. And in the heart of India's bustling business landscape lies the vibrant hub of corporate film making - Delhi NCR.

The Essence of Corporate Films

Corporate films are more than just promotional videos; they're a fusion of storytelling, visuals, and emotion that aims to convey a company's ethos, values, products, and services. These films provide an opportunity to establish a unique brand identity and build a strong rapport with customers, stakeholders, and employees alike. Whether it's a brand introduction, a product demonstration, or a company's journey, corporate films capture the essence of an organization in a concise and compelling manner.

Delhi NCR: The Corporate Film Making Hub

Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) stands as a pulsating center of commerce, innovation, and creativity. This region boasts a plethora of corporate film production houses that cater to the diverse needs of businesses, ranging from startups to multinational conglomerates. Here's why Corporate Film Maker In Delhi NCR has emerged as a hotspot for corporate film making:

Strategic Location: Being the capital of India, Delhi NCR enjoys excellent connectivity, making it accessible to businesses from all over the country. The central location enables production houses to collaborate with companies from various industries.

Talent Pool: The region is a melting pot of diverse talents, including directors, cinematographers, scriptwriters, editors, and more. The availability of skilled professionals contributes to the creation of high-quality corporate films.

Cultural Diversity: Delhi NCR's cultural diversity allows filmmakers to adapt their storytelling techniques to resonate with different audiences. This versatility is crucial when crafting narratives that appeal to a broad range of consumers.

Technological Infrastructure: The corporate film industry heavily relies on cutting-edge technology and equipment. Delhi NCR provides access to state-of-the-art studios, post-production facilities, and advanced equipment necessary for creating visually stunning and impactful films.

Creative Collaboration: The region's vibrant atmosphere encourages collaboration between corporate filmmakers and clients. The close proximity allows for efficient communication and seamless coordination throughout the production process.

The Art of Crafting Compelling Corporate Films

Behind every successful corporate film is a team of skilled professionals who understand the nuances of storytelling and visual communication. The process involves several key stages:

Conceptualization: The process begins with understanding the client's goals and objectives. This stage involves brainstorming ideas, drafting a script, and outlining the visual style.

Pre-production: Planning is essential to ensure a smooth shooting process. This phase includes location scouting, casting, scheduling, and creating storyboards.

Production: This is where the script comes to life. The crew handles camera work, lighting, sound, and direction to capture the scenes that will eventually form the film.

Post-production: This phase involves editing, adding graphics, sound design, and visual effects. The goal is to create a cohesive and impactful narrative that aligns with the client's vision.

Finalization and Distribution: Once the film is complete, it's shared with the client for feedback. After any necessary revisions, the final version is ready for distribution across various platforms.

Conclusion

Ad Films Maker In Delhi NCR  making has evolved into a dynamic art form that blends creativity with business acumen. In Delhi NCR, this art form thrives, propelled by the region's cultural richness, talent pool, and technological infrastructure. From telling compelling brand stories to showcasing innovative products, corporate films have become a powerful tool for businesses to engage their target audience in a meaningful way. So, the next time you encounter a captivating corporate film that resonates with you, remember that it might have been born in the creative heart of Delhi NCR.

[mavstudentvoice]

What College Is Not

College was nothing like I thought it would be. But the crazy thing is, it was exactly what I needed it to be. I’ve learned the best things about myself and how to handle the worst. I created an entire new perspective on life and discovered the importance of putting yourself first. As I look back on my journey from high school to college, nothing comes close to the difference I found in what I thought I wanted versus what I desperately needed. When I look back now, before I say my final farewell to concluding my school years, I owe myself a tremendous thank you.

College is four years of developing self-dependency, and it’s hard. These are the fundamental years where we find and create ourselves. We decide where our beliefs and values lie. We lose people that we thought would be by our side through it all and gain those who really will be. We get reality thrown in our faces and figure out how to adapt to a world that isn’t protected by what we know, because as it turns out, we knew nothing.

Everything we thought we knew was something we have to reevaluate and decipher: 

• We learn that trust is earned, not automatically given. 

• We learn what love really is and what friends are not. 

• We develop boundaries and understand our self-worth. 

• We start to view the world differently, because now, it’s what we make of it.

College is not about textbooks and exams. It’s about becoming educated and gaining exposure through trial and error. We take a piece from every person we encounter—from our coworkers, professors, classmates, and peers—and use it to build on our own lives. Your college years change your life, and at the end of it, you’re looking at a completely different person in the mirror. A person that you’ve built up from the very bottom and transformed into someone you admire.

College is more than choosing which school to pursue and furthering your studies. College is a massive period of growing up and growth. There is no other time in your life when you will be old enough to make decisions but young enough to laugh off your mistakes. We have few responsibilities and yet hold all the power to make incredibly impactful changes. 

What comes after? I’ve almost made it through my years of identifying as a “college student”. What will I now be known as? Who will I be and what will I do? I don’t know, and that is utterly terrifying. We get to start all over again. Except now, with what the college experience has given us, we can see a real future and now know how to build the steps to get there.

You form an identity in college. Don’t adapt to life when you’re done—create the change you want to see and push yourself. Continue on stepping forward to growth after you step off that stage.

-Belle