#and i like seeing them seperated and re-united again

[blistering-typhoons]

really like granada's the disappearance of lady frances carfax but cannot articulate why, because how do you say 'i like seeing my favourite guy in distress' without sounding massively unwell

[psalmsofpsychosis]

"#Batman resists his own insanity so it spreads to e v e r y t h i n g around him"

You can't just say this and not elaborate in great detail. PLEASE elaborate oh my God. I do agree but I want to hear every single thought you have about this topic.

Btw, I'm the same Anon who asked -- or not really asked but more so talked -- about Batman and Joker's soulmate sort of bond.

AND WHAT DO YOU MEAN WITH "COMBINING JOKER'S HEAD WITH BATMAN'S BODY"???????

I was thinking along the lines of the concept version and how they could never be satisfied like this, united in one body. What is the result of mixing chaos and order? What is the result of mixing the act of forgetting the past and fixating on it? What do you get through combining the ideology of making everything matter and taking all meaning away?

The result is that the pure concepts become stained and dull, pushed away from their original function, losing their purpose to oppose each other.

Becoming one entity is the act of becoming complete (concepts being stained) and losing the thing that made them them. Batman and Joker were never meant to unite in this way with overlapping voices, finishing each others thoughts and sentences and it SHOWS. I'm in love with their grotesque obsession with each other that borders on love and punishment. Their desire to win and conquer the other for good but never being able to because losing one side takes away the purpose of the other.

That's why I'm so, so, SO disappointed with how the Batman Who Laughs turned out. Where are my identity crises? Plural, because this could never be an one-and-done kind of deal. They became OneTM, inentionally or not, but BeforeTM, they were always wondering what it would be like. Batman could try to get closer to Joker's mental state but never fully experience it, same with Joker. But now they are OneTM and then what? Batman is just the Joker with Bruce's memories and face. I can't begin to describe how boring that is. That's like if DC made a "Deadpool kills the Marvel Universe" story only they used Joker instead of Deadpool.

Do you see my vision? Can you feel my pain? I wanted to psychoanalyse that asshole with my amateurish psychology knowledge but they only gave us a watered down Joker who makes other Batmen less interesting upon contact. WHERE ARE THE IDENTITY CRISES?? WHERE IS THE DIFFICULTY IN MAKING A DECISION?? WHERE ARE THE LENGTHY MONOLOGUES ARGUING BACK AND FORTH OR CONTRADICTING EACH OTHER ALL THE TIME??? The Batman Who Laughs is basically Two Face but without the wall seperating Harvey and Two Face. Joker!Batman should be unable to do anything or constantly switch between Bruce and Joker or save one life and then turn around and kill it. Like, where is the complexity? Why the hell is that guy only a murder machine?? That was neither Joker nor Batman's whole purpose??

Tell me all your thoughts, my friend, while I'm here spinning in circles and going insane. I'll never get out of this alive, you'll still find me ruminating on this on my deathbed.

I swear, if you give an absolute banger of an answer again, I'll come and start living in your walls.

Have a nice day!! :)

ANON LOVE OF MY LIFE, i'm shoveling all the insides of my walls out as we speak, you can move in by Wednesday morning—

Like, the way i felt every single word you said in my bones. You are so right, and there are a couple different points here and it's gonna get longer than usual so i'll separate each thought thread to avoid drowning in lé brain soup.

• Re: batman resisting his own insanity, i feel like i have simultaneously talked about this in 7986 different ways and haven't said anything about it at all 😂 possibly most of it has been discord ramblings. Long story short, the spine of his narrative to me is that he actively resists his own humanity and in extension of it, his evil. He wants to be good. But there's also immense psychological/emotional/physical price we pay whenever we make these kind of choices; whatever we disown and banish to our subconscious, we project out into the world and unto the people around us. The load you refuse to carry will be carried by the people around you, because at the end of the day /someone/ has to carry it, it doesn't just disappear into ether. So, in a way, for Batman to remain good, to remain a hero, someone else has to be bad. The extent in which Batman keeps his goodness "pure and untainted" dictates the horrors created around him— and particularly the creation of Joker. I say creation because the existence of Batman as a concept absolutely necessitates the existence of Joker. In a way Batman does create him, and it's true that with Batman gone Joker and half the evil in Gotham would be gone too, not because Batman is an evil presence— but precisely because he disowns his own evil.

And the thing is, in the specific context of Joker, it has become this almost loving, adoring symbiotic relationship; Joker has willingly shaped himself to fit the outline of an evil that Batman needs to defeat, he has become the sin that Batman can overcome so he can stay a saint. I actually have a draft on this that i never finished, a meta about how all the coloring choices in Joker's design eerily resemble the different color stages of a wound and the bruising after, how Batman almost feels like Jesus with Joker as his side wound, Joker being the price he pays and the pain he goes through for his martyrdom in order to stay pure, for his idealogy to have any form of meaning and significance, Joker being his very own holy suffering.

We fundamentally understand reality in form of contrasts, internal ones, external ones. As you very well pointed out, without an innate sense of contrast, we cease to have any form of coherent grasp on different concepts, and they start to sort of become noise, they become nothing. Would you truly understand what a day was and grasp it as a concept if it wasn't followed by a night? So like, what i'm saying is, people around Bruce/Batman become what he needs because they love him and they want to help him keep his narrative, the structure of his psyche intact. They help him stay 'him' by taking on the burden of what he doesn't want to be, he subconsciously shapes them in the image of what he needs to uphold his identity as a good person. This is why Alfred becomes Joker to save him, this is why Selina is the more socially acceptable pretty Joker that Bruce can actually marry and bring to his family, this is why Joker and Batman feel like they can never escape their narrative, their roles and their performance. It's the reason the moment Batman lurches to kill The Riddler in "the war of jokes and riddles", Joker stops his knife with his hand. It's their defined roles, and the greatest act of love that noone except Joker would show him. Joker says "I'm the sacrifice. I'm the evil, i'm the one who kills, i have made this choice so you can make yours. You're the good one. If you become evil, it renders both your efforts and my sacrifice meaningless, and i can not allow that to happen." And it's a truly fascinating dynamic really, for all that Joker has and hasn't done throughout the Batmanverse history, when it comes to Batman he's irredeemably selfless. Everything he does regarding Batman is to keep Batman's sense of goodness and heroism intact, and in this context he's more pure than him. Everyone around Batman wants him to kill, perhaps rightfully so, they mean well. But Joker says "i'll bear all the unbearable evil so you dont have to, and we both acutely understand that without my existence you mean nothing. I will be the monster so you dont have to." And honest to god there's a heartbreaking affection to this, something noone else will ever be willing or want to offer to Bruce, not to this extent.

in 'the war of jokes and riddles' Bruce tells Selina that "what separates him from utter evil is a hand on his knife. Joker's hand." like bro, he knows. In a deeply twisted and gutwrenching way Bruce knows that noone loves him the way Joker does.

• Re: combining Joker and Batman's heads and bodies, i was thinking.... two concepts maybe?? 👀 one is more like the Dullahan myth, in which Batman loses his head but he isn't carrying it, Joker steals it. And then Joker loses his head and Batman has to keep it and he's forced to use it. It'd be an insanely fun concept; the Dullahan myth can be interpreted as the idea of death of self by supposedly losing all that would make you human; your thoughts and memories and logic, etc. Except that you still have a heart, and a body, and they're not exactly cooperative. It'd be fun to have Joker's mind trying to tame Batman's heart and body, each fighting and singing their own song, same for Batman. A version of the myth has Dullahan carrying a human spine in one hand, and i mean, the possibilities are endless!

But also another concept would be: two frankenstein monsters lmaooo, same sense of discordent internal landscape, same sense of ideological tension and conflict, but also someone's gotta [tw mentions of gore] chop chop them and sew their body parts together, and that can be another interesting element added to their fucked up dynamic ✨️ it can also be Joker as Dr Frankensten and he sews parts of himself to Batman in order to save him!

• Re: Batman Who Laughs, oh girl (gn), i have nothing to add that you haven't already said more beautifully than me. There's so much emotional nuance and complex philosophy that could've gone into that concept, it's certainly one of the hardest Batman story variations to pull off, and weirdly enough, the people who dont directly aim for "Batman becomes Joker/Joker becomes Batman" stories often tell a better more intricate tale about that transformation than the people who straight up shoot for the concept. One of the things that always sends a chill down my spine is the ending of Batman: Europa, in which Joker is terrified and screaming as Batman laughs and lurches for him; that's the dynamic, that's the Batman who laughs, and the most unsettling part of it is that, Batman doesn't change. He doesn't have to. On a core level he is quite frankly a bit fucked up, it's not a stretch for Batman to be evil, and that's why his goodness is meaningful. Cue Nietsche's quote, "Of all evil I deem you capable: Therefore I want good from you. Verily, I have often laughed at the weaklings who thought themselves good because they had no claws." Batman is not a good guy entirely, and that makes his goodness a conscious choice with so much weight and worth and significance. I dont think a lot of DC people understand this.

With Batman Who Laughs, the name kinda sums up the take unfortunately; it's a superficial interpretation that falls flat on its own face because the writers couldn't be assed to explore how a chemical combination of Batman and Joker's narrative would unfold. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ as with any potent chemical reaction, the mixture is highly unstable and unpredictable, and that's the fucking fun of it. There's gotta be tension. I do think Batman and Joker can very well mix, i do think they can make a seamless fusion, but i dont trust any canon DC writers to handle the characterization well in a way that doesn't bore you out of your fucking mind. You gotta make a new person and you gotta capitalise on the core components both Batman and Joker share; their incessant sense of idealism, their need for purity, their volatile emotions and their aggression, their need to individuate from their context and deviate from the norm, take the third way out narrative wise, their philosophical and intellectual bend, their immense grief, their need to be oh so special and different 😂 they actually have a whole lot in common, this is why they're perfect enemies!

But yeah, writing that personality fusion is very hard because it's such an emotionally complex context and most DC writers have not felt a single emotion in the past 35 years aflhdtdhlf

Anyway yep i love your brain so SO much Anon, hope you have a wonderful day ❤️💕 and dont forget to tell me what ya think!!

[yandere-daze]

not that anon but i think hearing your ideas on self aware enstars would be rlly cool! just like. any general thoughts/ideas you have — everyone has a slightly different take on self aware aus so i always think it's neat to hear about the differences. if that makes sense (also congrats on 2000 followers!!! you deserve them all and it's great to see more people enjoying your stuff!!! :D )

Ahh thank you nana for giving me the chance to write for self aware ensemble stars! This kind of AU has honestly been one of my absolute favorites since the day I discovered it and they´re just so fun to think about! Especially when you add a few yandere tendencies to the mind and now suddenly all these characters in your game actually being concious being is a hell of a lot scarier!

Also as you say, everyone has a different view on things so I´d love if you guys also shared your ideas! They can be totally different compared to mine and still really fun to read!

Self-aware Yandere! Ensemble stars AU

Let me ramble a bit below the cut!

gn reader

tw yandere, self-aware characters, obsession, possession, jealousy

Alright so for ensemble stars, what I have in mind is that we, as the player, have a possession kind of thing going on with Anzu/ the protagonist of the game. As in, Anzu is normally her own person and does all the important producer work that is only mentioned in a few stories while we are gone. Imagine if none of the idols could do any idol work until we are there, the idol industry would go up in flames ajsbdabdk

So yes, she takes on the role of producer in our stead when we are not actively playing the game. Since Anzu does have her own personality and appearance, I think she would naturally realize that she is being possessed by our spirit.

In a bunch of twst self-aware aus, Yuu is usually considered a blank slate that we take control of but I think it´s a bit different with enstars here. Just to be self-indulgent, I propse the idea that Anzu is also self-aware and obsessed with us.

The first time we possess her is naturally at the start of the main story in ensemble stars basic. She´s completely new to Yumenosaki and is easily overwhelmed but then she suddenly feels our presence as we gently lead her through the story and tell her what to do. She feels greatly comforted by the fact that we´re at her side and she doesn´t feel as lost anymore. She considers us possessing her a great blessing and she quickly becomes accustomed to it.

Anzu probably starts to feel empty whenever she feels us leave her body. Everyone is able to see that she´s in a bad mood when she desperately waits for us to come to her again.

Then it´s only natural that the main story is also how the other characters start to grow aware of our presence. They can feel that Anzu is vastly different at times and one after one, they figure out what´s happening. It doesn´t take long for everyone to grow obsessed with you.

You´re the player, a force greater than any of them could ever imagine. You hold their very world and hearts in your hands and have supported all of them for such a long time. They are eternally grateful and yet frustrated that they can´t get as close to you as they may have liked. There´s still this annoying screen seperating you from each other that they can´t seem to get away from no matter how hard they try.

Well, if you can´t be with them right now then they´ll just have to make sure that they´re your favorite in the game <3

Which is where we come to one of my favorite aspects of these self-aware AUs: How the actual gameplay has an impact on the characters. There´s quite a few things to consider for enstars!

First of all, let´s get something very juicy out of the way: Remember how at the beginning of the game you´re able to choose a unit and then you randomly get one of the cards from the selection and you can choose to reroll until you get the card you want? Yeah, that´s prime material for the characters to get jealous.

Naturally, all of them want to be your favorite! And selecting this inital card is the most direct way to determine who is your favorite at the moment. You can bet all of them are nervously holding their breath in anticipation as you make your choice.

And boy oh boy, when you do make your choice. There's going to be a lot of sadness, anger and jealousy from all the other groups that weren't chosen.

The chosen unit is of course overjoyed that you were most interested in them! There were so many to choose from and yet you picked them! That surely had to mean something!

But there was still one last thing to do. Yes, you picked them, but you hadn't gotten your actual "card" yet.

Imagine the pain the character you pull mist feel when they appear on your screen but you go back to reroll because it wasn't the one you wanted 💀

Oh btw, the gacha and the cards? It's the characters dressing up and posing in a way that they think might catch your eye or draw you in and make you pull for them. All the cards have an accompanying story so you pull their card and get it = more time to talk to you. And of course you picking them must have meant that you liked them!

Getting dias isn't all that easy after all and yet you still considered them worthy enough to pull for. You can bet they're actually trying their best to come home to you, they want to after all!

But the stupid, stupid system of the game set the chance to get a 5* as 1%. And it's not even guaranteed that you'll get their cars because everyone else is also trying to get through to you!

Picture it like this: There's a sturdy, almost completely stuck door and they're all just pounding on it, hoping it will open up so they can slip through and get to you.

That's the gacha sjsjs

Conclusion : Not only the player hates the atrocious gacha rate

Another thing : They all see it as the greatest honor if you were to put them on the home screen, that way they can always greet you whenever you open the game and they'll be the first one to see you every day! It also allows for more interaction than during lives or the likes so some might try to sneak in a few lines about how much they appreciate you when they're on the home screen.

You probably won't notice, right? Also if you're the type of person to tap the characters repeatedly then you can be happy to know that they feel that! And they ecstatic about it too! They can't believe they're actually able to feel your touch!

How they react can be very different depending on the character. Some are shy, some bask in the attention and others will *not* stop bragging about it to every person they meet

They love modeling the different outfits you've collected for you so please just don't replace them, nothing feels worse! It's like you've grown tired of them and reject them!

Okay actually, that's a lie.

You know what all of them hate? That you can set two characters on your home screen. That they'll have to share your attention. Some might get along better than others and maybe even be nice to each other, but everyone would be way happier if you just only put them on your home screen!

It's a good thing there's a lot of menuing in the app because that leaves them with a lot of time to bicker, argue, make threats or be one second away from throwing hands while you're distracted. They're all so obsessed with you that they don't want to share with anyone! They barely have any power in the game so at least let them be your favorite!

Speaking of interactions, let's talk a teeny-tiny bit about the idol raising game thingy in ensemble stars basic. Now disclaimer, I've played very few of it and barely understand anything that's going on but you pick some cards to go practice with them and you get points for three different stats during the entire time.

Hard to explain kind of but that's not the thing I want to focus on anyway.

Sometimes, there will be a random little interaction with one of the characters you chose and depending on if you choose the right answer out of three dialogue options, they get a little medal and now get more points for the entire rest of the practice thing.

Are you getting my drift? They get super motivated and excited when you say certain things to them, your praise pushes them to go above and beyond and they just can't stop replaying the scene in their head the entire time

Another thing! The office!! For you it's just a fun little decorating minigame but for the yanderes, it is actual paradise. Have you thought about what you're actually doing for a bit longer?

You're basically building your ideal shared apartment with them! You're decorating everything to your specific liking and invite them to stay in it and love there. Isn't all of this just very domestic??

Well, it's to them! Getting to live together with you is a dream!

It's not so much a dream to share the apartment with others once you unlock the option but they suppose they will somehow handle it as long as you keep making cute outfits for only them <3

I think this was about it now, this kind of just turned into a way too long word salad but I hope you liked it! As I said before, feel free to share your own ideas! I'm also more than willing to try and elaborate more on the concept ^^

[chucklepea-hotpot]

Okay you asked for asks and i'm desperate for dfk 2023 crumbs so like. Tell me everything. The best part, the worst part, something you really weren't expecting, how the characters changed, some memorable lines or scenes, anything you want to talk about

I need to talk about them so desperately, so thank you for this ask! My answers are hidden unter the cut in case someone wants to avoid spoilers :)

i had a long ass essay prepared but my app broke down so now i'll try to get the most important stuff together, so sorry <3

the best part:

- the music and the sets plus landscapes in general? i loved it, it gave me a warm nostalgic feeling, felt very childhood comforr movie

- the nichtraucher's relationship to the children, we see how the meet him for the first time and how they get closer with each other and how fond he grows of them (aka how he becomes their dad)

- the justraucher relationship. it was gay. very.

- little hints and details that referenced the book, i got very excited about it whenever i spotted some

the worst part:

- making headmisstress kreuzkamm a little bit a comedic relief? i felt like they didn't do hannah herzsprung justice by that, she is actually a very good actress and the re-interpretation of her as professor kreuzkamm could have been better

- some changes to fot the movie's narration better but to me they somehow still felt off, idk how to explain this in better detail

- i think it was sad that they changed the dynamic between justus and the children, at least in the beginning. i kinda missed their trusting bond, think of matz saying that he would literally die for him in the book, he would definitely not say it in this version. but they had the martin and justis scene from the end of the book somehow in there <333

something you really weren't expecting:

- the nichtraucher being so so funny?

- he is the movie's narrator and there's a scene where he says to get his mind free, he likes to smoke, play piano or go for a swim. and then he advices the viewers to do the same, except for the smoking because he also tried quitting several times already. iconic.

- while the kids are fightibg he's randomly walking through the scene because he wants to go for a swim. i love him.

how the characters changed:

- martina: she now has the eldest daughter syndrome and is mainly sad that she doesmt get to spend the summer holidays with her little brother (oskar <333), she and jo don’t go along immediately because martina wants to keep s low profile since she doesnt want to lose her scholarship (scholarship martin truthers unite!!!!). oh, ans she can skate now (very cool!)

- matz: he is called matze and i fucking hate it. but he is very matz, very kindhearted and his main priority is still taking care of uli, so very in character. his main goal however now is not to become a boxer, he just loves training for becoming one and dislikes the fighting part (dunno how to feel about that but well)

- uli: he is basically the same? he bow climbs a wall and falls down because the rope isn't secured well enough and the nichtraucher takes care of him :))

some memorable lines or scenes:

- jo: her forster parents are djs????? that really caught me offguard ngl. she is a troublemaker now and dropped some very cringy anglecisms, which was funny to me at least. martina ans her becole eventually friends, sadly no justraucher paralellism for them :(

- justraucher ofc, but i'm sure i'll talk about that seperately again and again

- "noch 11 tage bis sylt" (only 11 more days until sylt)

- "als ich fünf wad haben meine eltern mich in einer disco ausgesetzt" (when inwas five years old, my parents abandoned me in a disco)

- "wir zwei hatten doch pläne!" (But the two of us had plans!)

- literally everyone who also watched the movie please comment more, there were so many one-liners

anything you want to talk about:

- der schöne theo?? so very book accurate?? he was such a disgusting little boot-licker who looked like he votes for the fdp, he was perfect

- the outfits for the grown-ups were so cool? i loved headmisstress kreuzkamm's whole wardrobe, it was giving art teacher and justus had very very nice plaid pants on that made him look very queer tbf

I hope that answered some of your questions, please always come to talk to me about dfk <3

[thegnasticious]

Objective Piece: Episode Ardyn in FFXV

After a long writing hiatus, I want to start on an objective piece on what was supposed to be a capping DLC that would lead to a bigger endgame. Instead what was given at the end of the FFXV project, is Episode Ardyn. The Episodic content was albeit a bit redundant, trying to cover loose holes that were in some ways forced in cliche manner to the main plot line. I found myself asking during Prompto, who the F wanted a 007 snowmobile section? Not to mention the addition of third person shooting mechanics, which do not accent the game’s system as well outside of support units. Gladio was challenging, but in ways that the main game hardly challenges a person, even in the final battle. Thus the pacing in much of the DLC feels either too easy, or ridicuolously hard. Most of the reward content isn’t that usable because by the time you get it, the main game is basically over. Ignis on the other hand, his episode seems to show things the game could of done, if Episode Ardyn hadn’t eaten the end game. Ardyn is just an asshole, the kind of guy who would make-out with your wife well you’re in the other room, and fart at your re-entry. Or steal your last Cheetos, or revise your favorite game to have him as the new epicenter. The guy stinks. He is the main villain, and yet again, who the fuck wanted to play as him and why. Add in this ridiculous track about people in clown costumes (rap) nothing like Uematsu, and you have a big piece of what looks like American Japanese crap, which is still unfinished, no matter how development tries to Ardyn it. I get it that I probably don’t see the big joke or whatever, but it troubles me to this day, that such a steaming pile of shit could possibly be wrote off as the explanation. That is why I refuse to play Episode Ardyn, and I hope Square Enix takes the note that the majority of people don’t want to play the bad guy. Let the bad guys do it themselves

Maybe someday the game will redeem itself by making a full ending. One where if Noct accumulates all the Royal arms he could live on to a better DLC maybe, there is a lot of open ends, and broken level cap that’s hardly tested in the main game.

A lot of gaming development recently hit a hitch, probably starting around Cyberpunk. This is another game in need of endgame work, to prolong the game’s lifespan. I always envisioned a sort of civil war leading to the city being occupied by a military presence. Causing the player to have to reclaim it from them and the scavs, from likely the desert, or junkyard. The game seemed to lean towards this but backed of. This would likely be an entirely separate data set, alike to evil Hyrule in Zelda. Maybe even have the possibility of a resurrected Johnny Silverhand gone bad, now nemesis. Sooner or later cyberpunk will likely go live action, I can only hope this benefits the founding game’s development.

FFXV could follow an alike formula with success, showing an inverted Insomnia, one where the power governing the magitek, finally flips the reality itself, in lieu of Ardyn’s untimely death. This would be a seperate ending than Ignis, but would follow in an alike manner that both would likely have the same resolve. Again this ending would require some groundwork for the player, and it would lead to an endgame fit for level 100+. Though this is wishful thinking, these groundworks are good beginnings for possible single to meta-player games, which seems to be the future of gaming. Both seemed to stop shy of that, for what seems to be unexplained reasons.

Another case of unused flying cars

[ellynneversweet]

Curious English person here. Is republicanism common in Australia? I'm wondering as it sure doesn't feel common where I live. Especially with Labour desperately trying to prove it can do patriotism in order to make its self electable.

‘Lol what’s a political opinion, sounds wanky’ — old Australian proverb.

This gets long, because I can’t leave well enough alone. Short summary of what you probably wanted to know first, and then some history.

Theoretically, a republic of Australia (especially post-Elizabeth II) is generally understood to have the support of the majority of the population. Our last Prime Minister was and is a vocal supporter of a Republic who led the pro-republic campaign in the 1999 referendum, but didn’t bring it up again in the course of his term, and the Prime Minister before him (same party) re-established knighthoods so he could give Prince Phillip an extra title, so there’s a spectrum. In practice a republic of Australia is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future, because it would take a lot of money and work to bring about, and would be largely a symbolic gesture rather than a practical one. Actually getting rid of the royals would require a referendum and constitutional amendment, and that’s not on the political table for a variety of reasons.

The general Australian opinion of the Windsor family can be summed up as follows: the Queen is a nice old grandma (depends how recently she’s been seen with Andrew), and it would be cruel to fire her in her twilight years; Charles is a useless tosser whom no one likes, although his wife is funny (depends on whether there’s a Diana retrospective trending on Netflix); the Cambridges seem stylish and wholesomely functional and are about as interesting as pro tennis players; ten years ago it was a quasi-serious joke that Harry would make a good Governor General, because he knows How To Drink Beer And Talk Shit Like An Australian, but then someone realised we’d have to pay him a bigger salary than the usual parade of retired lawyers and army officers and now it’s not funny. They get crowds when they do a tour, and the unofficial tourism advertising of having some pint-sized royal maul a wallaby at a petting zoo is considered a fair return on the cost of security when they travel here, which is the only time they cost Australia anything.

To give you some more detail:

The first thing that needs to be clarified is that that Parliament and Monarch of the United Kingdom have no official legislative power over the Commonwealth of Australia, and haven’t since 1986. The Monarch of Australia is, technically, legally seperate from the Monarch of Canada, the Monarch of New Zealand, and the Monarch of that other place off the coast of France, although by some weird coincidence all those seperate executive persons reside in the body of some old English woman. That’s bullshit, I hear you say, and, yeah that’s true, but consider this: she doesn’t actually do all those jobs. Functionally, the Head of State of Australia is an entirely different unelected executive, the Govenor General, and the office of the Governor General is careful to preserve their public position of political neutrality and independence.

There’s a bit of history here. The federation do Australia as a country happened in 1901, but between then and roughly 1930 the Colonial Office of the British government had considerable legal sway if they chose to use it, and the GG was appointed on their advice. The Australian National identity of the pre-WWII period was very much that of proud (white) sons of empire etc etc, but in 1930 the Australian Prime Minister insists on ‘advising’ the king on the next GG, and the next year the Statute of Westminster 1931 is passed, which establishes the legislative independence of, among other countries, Australia (but, because Australia is a federation of states, there is still some doubt about who has the power to do what exactly at which level of government).

Onward to 1975 and The Dismissal. Gough Whitlam of the Labor Party is the Prime Minister, and, the left having been out of power for some time, is moving quickly to institute a bunch of social reforms (RIP, sir, thanks for introducing public health care and treating the aboriginal population with a modicum of decency). The right-leaning Liberal party is seething over this, and, because they control the Senate, block supply for expenditure in an attempt to force an election in the House Of Reps. Whitlam counters with an election for the Senate and goes to the Governor General for his approval, because elections are called by the PM with the authorisation of the GG. The GG informs Whitlam that he has been dismissed as the PM, and the GG has invited the leader of the opposition to be acting PM instead. This is TECHNICALLY something the GG can do as the queen’s representative, but it’s against the spirit of democracy. It becomes a huge scandal the periodically bubbles along for years, and the reason this is relevent to the question of republicanism in Australia is the Palace Letters — correspondence between the GG and the Queen/their various offices and staff. The Queen claimed that these letters were private or personal correspondence, and thus not able to be released as a matter of public record, which caused a lot of speculation as to whether Whitlam had been dismissed on the orders of the Queen. This went on for years, and last year they were released. Long story short, the Queen did not explicitly know or authorise the dismissal, but there’s a lot of ‘theoretically, if’ in the letters, and it certainly seems like the Queen and her office were keeping closer tabs on Australian politics than was thought at the time. There’s also a conspiracy theory that the CIA staged the dismissal because Whitlam was making overtures to China, buuuuut if that’s the case then no evidence has come to light. In any case, no one wants that sort of scandal, and there are efforts made to distance the role of the GG from that of the monarch, and both from any practical power.

Onward again to 1986, the Australia Act 1986 is passed in both Australia and the UK, confirming that Australia is legislatively independent from the UK, and that the Queen of Australia is a legally distinct position from the Queen of the UK (see: James VI and I, etc). This is very similar to the 1931 Statute, but clarified that this independence exists on a state level as well as a federal level, in order to prevent states from appealing to the UK to overrule the federal government (as with Western Australia’s attempted succession in 1933).

Onward again and most recently: the 1999 Republic Referendum, aka my earliest political opinion. Labor proposed a referendum in honour of the centenary of federation. The Prime Minister in power was a Liberal (you may remember them as the party who stole the government in the dismissal). There was A LOT of debate over how, in the event of Australia becoming a republic, we would resolve the issue of the powers of the executive. Would we have an American style presidency (the Clinton impeachment was happening around this this time, FYI) or something more like the supposedly-detached monarchy represented by the GG? The proposal that eventually went to the people was a president appointed by the Prime Minister + 2/3rds of both the Senate and the House of Reps, who could be dismissed by the PM. This was a fairly unpopular take for a bunch of different reasons, not least because it managed to give the Head of State an implied mandate without actually being elected, and it was defeated by 54.4%. So, no Republic, and unfortunately, for those of us who do favour revisiting the question, it’s mostly seen as either unimportant or settled, or both. Whomp-whomp.

For my part, if we’re getting a referendum any time soon, I’d prefer it to be on section 44 of the constitution, which bars people with (potential) foreign allegiances from standing for election, which is frankly ridiculous in a country where nearly 30% of the population was born overseas and something like half the population potentially has at least dual citizenship.

[abrakophile]

I was looking through a bunch of junk and found some letters from my dad when he was in the army. I’m afraid I'll accidently toss them, so maybe I’ll put them here?

OPs Name JUNE 02 03

I LOVE YOU

THIS IS MY NAME IN KURDISH

*my dad wrote his first and last name, and under it, in Kurdish*

ILL TRY AND FIND OUT HOW TO WRITE YOUR NAME AND MOMS TOO.

ITS STILL HOT. I WORK AND READ BOOKS TO PASS THE TIME AWAY.

HOW ARE YOU DOING? GOOD I HOPE. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? DO YOU EVER HANG OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS? TELL THEM I SAID “WASSUP?” NAH, DONT TELL THEM. TELL ME WHAT YOUR THINKING. I’M TRYING TO SEND YOU SOME MORE OF MY DRAWINGS. WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DRAW YOU? DID YOU LIKE THE DRAWING I SENT YOU OF YOU NAME? ITS ALRIGHT IF YOU DIDNY. JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU DO WANT ME TO DRAW YOU.

(Flip Page)

THIS IS WEIRD! (The page does not have lines on the left side of it) i WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS PIECE OF PAPER. HaHa

I MISS YOU ALOT. PLEASE SOND ME SOME MORE OF YOUR DRAWINGS, YOU CAN DRAW ME ANYTHING YOU WANT TO.

ARE YOU BEING GOOD FOR YOUR MOM? ITS NICE IF YOU HELP HER OUT WHILE I’M AWAY.

HAVE YOU BEEN ANYPLACE NEW? HOW IS SCHOOL GOING FOR YOU? IS MOMMY GOING TO SCHOOL? I KNOW I WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL WHEN I GET BACK. HOPEFULLY I GET THE CHANCE TO LEARN EVERYTHING THAT THERE IS TO KNOW. THAT WOULD BE GREAT.

ALSO, ID LIKE TO DO SOME FISHING? HOW ABOUT YOU? I GUESS ILL END HERE. BE GOOD AND STAY IN SCHOOL. AND JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS.

THEYRE BAD.

I LIVE YOU OP

*hearts and x’s* DADDY

---

(I don’t know if all these pages are in order or if it’s missing any, but this was the letter in the same stack as the last but this one was for my mom. In some places his indents indicate passage of time.)

I HAVENT HAD ANY TIME TO WRITE SINCE WEVE BEEN ON THE ROAD, NOT TO MENTION THAT WE CAN’T SEND MAIL WHEN WE’RE MOVING ALL THE TIME.

WEVE BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT FIVE OR SIX DAYS, I HAVENT REALLY BEEN COUNTING. I KNOW I TOLD YOU THAT WE’D BE IN KUWAIT FOR A WHILE, BUT THAT WAS SO YOU WOULDNT BE WORRIED. I’M GOING TO KEEP THIS LETTER THOUGH, TILL I GET HOME.

ABOUT TWO NIGHTS AGO, WE DROVE THROUGH BAGDHAD, SOMEBODY SAID THAT THERE WERE PILED BODIES, I DONT KNOW IF IT WAS TRUE.

AND I GUESS YESTERDAY, A COUPLE OF PEOPLE SAID THEY SAW A MISSILE OR SOEMTHING SHOT AT US. I WAS TRYING TO FIX A TRUCK SO I DIDNT SEE IT.

ITS NOT AS DUSTY HERE IN IRAQ. IT REMINDS ME OF THE CONVOYS IN KOREA.

MOST OF THE PEOPLE WILL WAVE “HI”. SOME OTHERS DONT.

I SAW A KID OPEN HIS HAND ONCE WHILE MOVING, AND IT SAID “BUSH” THAT WAS KIND OF COOL.

OH YEAH. HERES A STORY. WHILE OUT DOING A MISSION, ONE OF OUR “BRADLEY” TANKS FIRED ON AN ENEMY AMMO TRUCK AND CLIPPED A KID. THE ROUNDS BLEW ONE OF HIS LEGS OFF AND SOME OF THE OTHER, FROM THE KNEE DOWN. SO THE MEDICS PICKED HIM UP AND BROUGHT HIM TO OUR RECONCOLIDATING POINT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. I GUESS HE EVENTUALLY DIED FROM LOSS OF BLOOD THE NEXT NIGHT AND YESTERDAY THEY TOOK HIM OUT AND BURIED HIM.

ALSO WE PICKED UP ABOUT 25-30 P.O.W.s AND SENT THEM SOUTH.

IT GETS PRETTY COLD AT NIGHT. AND THE DAY’S ARE VERY HOT.

SINCE WE LEFT KUWAIT ITS BEEN ME AND MENDOZA IN THE FIVE TON WRECKER AND I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT ITS BEEN EXCITING. WE KEPT GETTING SEPERATED FROM THE CONVOY AND BREAKING DOWN. BUT I THINK THAT WERE BETTER NOW. HOPEFULLY.

IM STILL WAITING TO BE AMBUSHED TO MAKE ALL THIS SEEM REAL TO ME. A PART OF ME WANTS IT AND ANOTHER DOESNT.

AND IT SEEMS LIKE ONLY OUR UNIT HAS TO STAY IN UNIFORM, EVERYONE ELSE WEARS T-SHIRTS AND BANDENA’S AND RAGS ON THEIR HEAD

WERE STILL GOING NORTH. NOBODY KNOWS HOW LONG WE’LL STAY. ITS NOT THAT BAD HERE. MEANING, IT COULD BE WORSE. 

I USED A “SHIT-CHAIR”. ITS JUST A METAL CHAIR WITH A HOLE CUT IN THE MIDDLE AND THE SEAT FROM A TOILET BOLTED TO IT, GROSS.

HELICOPTERS CAN BE HEARD ALL DAY AND NIGHT. I GOT TO SEE THEM DROP BOMBS ALL DAY ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO, FROM A DISTANCE OF COURSE.

ILL BE DRIVING AGAIN, IN A MINUTE. PROBABLY RE-FUEL AND BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN. IM ENJOYING IT.

I HAVE 8 MAGAZINES FULL OF ROUNDS. NO GRENADES, BUT I LIKE IT LIKE THAT.

SOMETIMES IT SMELLS LIKE SHIT.

I GUESS ILL END IT HERE FOR NOW

I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU TWO TWICE IF NOT THRICE AS MUCH AS YOU MIGHT MISS ME TOO.

HELLO AGAIN. WERE SOMEWHERE NEAR TIKRI + MOSUL. YESTERDAY, ME + MENDOZA WENT LOOKING FOR MOMENTO’S. WE BROKE A LOCK TO A NEAR BY BUNKER AND FOUND 6 A.K.47s! BUT ON OUR WAY BACK TO TURN THEM IN, MAJOR TATU GOT THEM FROM US. I WAS SO PISSED. BUT I GOT A GAS MASK w/ FILTER, A FULL MAGAZINE CLIP FROM ONE OF THE A.K.s AND A BERET WITH IRAQ 1 RANK ON IT.

I MADE A STENCIL FOR THE TRUCK WERE RIDING IN. ITS CALLED THE “GAMBLER.” YESTERDAY MENDOZA DROVE, SO TODAY ILL BE DRIVING.

IM NOT POSITIVE, BUT, I THINK WERE GOING TO TURKEY. NIETO SAYS THAT HE OVERHEARD SOMEBODY FROM S1 (or SI, I’m not sure) SAYING WE MIGHT GET PAID EXTRA FOR GOING THROUGH BAGHDAD.

I THINK NIETO’S MAD AT ME. CANT EXPLAIN WHY. MAYBE ITS BECAUSE IM RIDING WITH MENDOZA AND HE DOESNT LIKE MENDOZA TOO MUCH. OH WELL, WHATEVER REASON, HOPE THINGS GET NORMAL AGAIN. HAVE TO GO,

*hearts and xs*

TODAY IS THE 25th OF APRIL, I RECEIVED FIVE OR SIX (OR SEVEN) LETTERS YESTERDAY. THE LATEST WAS DATED 07 OF APRIL. THAT TELLS ME THAT ITS GOING TO TAKE A WHILE TO COMMUNICATE.

WE HAVENT RECEIVED MAIL BECAUSE WEVE BEEN MOVING NEVER STAYING IN ONE PLACE MORE THAN A DAY, OR TWO, UNTIL NOW. WE’VE BEEN IN THIS SPOT GOING ON FOUR DAYS TOMORROW?!

GIVE ME A MINUTE...

FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS IVE BEEN HELPING MENDOZA PULL THE ENGINE OUT OF A 5 TON TRUCK AND SWITCH IT w/ ANOTHER ONE. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY BUT THE FLY WHEEL SEIZED UP INSIDE THE BELL HOUSING. ITS FINISHED NOW AND THE RUMOR IS WE’RE LEAVING  (OR MOVING) AGAIN TOMORROW.

ITS 10:33 THURSDAY MORNING. YOUR TIME IS 12:32 JUST TURNING THURSDAY.

I ALMOST CRYED WHEN I SAW ELIS PICTURE. I REALLY MISS BOTH OF YOU. LET ME BACK TO BEFORE I GOT DISTRACTED. I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO SEND MAIL BECAUSE WE’VE BEEN MOVING. BUT I GUESS THAT WHATEVER THREAT THERE WAS (IF ANY), ISNT SO THREATFUL ANYMORE, WE CAN START RECEIVING AND SENDING MAIL. NO PHONE TO CALL FROM, AND NO INTERNET TO E-MAIL FROM.

THE WHOLE UNIT IS SCATTERED, SO EVEN IF I GET WHAT YOU NEED IT’LL TAKE FOREVER TO GET IT TO YOU. LET ME PULL THOSE LETTERS BACK OUT. OH WAIT. I DID LAUNDRY AND SOME UNDERWEAR THATS DRY, FELT HARD, OH WELL, WAIT A SECOND, K

I HAD TO FOLD SOME T-SHIRTS. ALL MY SOCKS ARE STILL DAMP. 

YOU CAN USE MY CONTRACT TO SHOW THAT I ENLISTED IN TEXAS AND HOWS THIS

*On a separate sheet my dad wrote a detailed note for my mom to give to someone to confirm that he did want to buy a house. He writes “I AM ALIVE AND WELL.” and “PLEASE ACCEPT THIS PAPER”, then he signed it with his scribble signature, and underneath it wrote his name in print and added “1st SQUADRON 10th CAVALRY HEADQUARTERS TROOP (I have no clue what this means)*

HOW’S THAT? HOPE I SPELLED EVERYTHING CORRECTLY. IM ALMOST READY WITH A DESIGN TO COVER THE OTHER TATTOOS ON MY LEFT FOREARM.

I JUST FINISHED LOOKING OVER ALL THOSE LETTERS YOU SENT FOR ME

IM BACK! I GOT SLEEPY SO I TRYED TO LAY DOWN FOR A LITTLE BIT. NO SLEEP. I DONT THINK. I DIDNT HAVE ENOUGH WATER TO WASH MY DCV’S AND A PAIR OF BDV’S. BESIDES FOR DRINKING WATER, BUT WE HAVE TO CONSERVE IT.

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE RUMORS. TOMORROW WE’LL BE LEAVING FOR THE IRAN/IRAQ BORDER TO DO “PEACE KEEPING” FOR 3 TO 6 mths. OTHERS SAY THAT THE 4ID (i think is what this says) GENERAL WANTS TO KEEP US HERE TILL NOV., THATS WHEN 1 CAV WILL COME TO REPLACE US. WHILE OTHERS SAY WE MIGHT LEAVE BY JUNE. NOTHINGS FOR SURE.

SMALLER RUMORS FLOATING AROUND THE SITE ARE; RAMSEY AND SFC BACON ARE SLEEPING TOGETHER. SGT SIREK HAS PLANS TO TAKE NIETO AS HIS APPRENTICE AND PADIWAN LEARNER OF THE DARK SIDE. LITTLE BLACK ARNOLD IS MILITARY INTELLIGENCE FOR SPECIAL FORCES OPERATING UNDER COVER A SURVEILLENCE AS PART OF

*the rest of the page is blank*

IM BACK. TODAY IS THE 27th. I GOT BACK TO THE LITTLE CAMP AREA ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF AGO. I LEFT YESTERDAY MORNING TO, WELL, AS PART OF DE-CON (DE-CONTAMINATION) MISSION. HERES THE INFORMATION THAT I GATHERED.

A SITE HAD BEEN FOUND THAT WAS THOUGHT TO HAVE CHEMICAL WEAPONS AND 1-10 WAS APPOINTED TO GO TO THE SITE AND DE-CON THE CIVILIANS THAT WERE GOING TO OPEN THEM. AS IT TURNS OUT THE CIVILIANS HAVE BEEN DE-LAYED AND WOULD BE SET BACK 1 DAY.

THE NBC TEAM THAT I WAS WITH WERENT PREPARED TO STAY OVER NIGHT AND AS FORCASTED BY SSG MINOR WE MIGHT HAVE HAD TO STAY 3 TO 4 DAYS. EVERYBODY WAS PISSED.

LATELY ITS BEEN GETTING REALLY COLD AT NIGHT AND WE JUST HAPPENED TO BE NEAR A RUNNING RIVER. SO THE, ITS ABOUT 9 O’CLOCK AND IM BEAT, NO SLEEPING BAG OR ANYTHING TO COVER UP WITH AND I DECIDE TO TRY AND SLEEP. I GET AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE AND I GET ATTACKED BY MOSQUITOS. NOW IM PISSED SO I DECIDED TO JUST TO STAY UP ALL NIGHT. ABOUT 10PM ONE OF THE HEMTT (this might just say “hemi”, I don’t know) FUELERS SHOWS UP AND SGT TORRES SAYS HE HAS EVERYBODYS SLEEPING BAG! THE SITES ABOUT 45 MINS AWAY AND THEY LEFT SOMETIME MID AFTERNOON TO GET OUR SHIT, I HATE THESE PEOPLE.

RIGHT NOW ITS 9:01 PM AND ITS 11:02 AM YOUR TIME. I MISS YOU.

RIGHT NOW IM GOING TO ADDRESS AN ENVELOPE AND HAVE IT READY TO SEND TOMMOROW THE 28th. IM SORRY IF IT SEEMS THAT IM NOT WRITING VERY OFTEN. FOR A WHILE WE COULDN’T. AND NOW THAT IT SEEMS WE MIGHT BE HERE A LITTLE WHILE, THEYVE KEPT ME REALLY BUSY. LET ME ADDRESS THE ENVELOPES (he drew a star here)

ALL DONE. I THOUGHT ABOUT THE HOUSE A LOT TODAY AND YESTERDAY. IM SURE BY THE TIME THIS LETTER REACHES YOU, YOU’LL HAVE EITHER GOTTEN IT OR GAVE IT UP. IM O.K. WITH EITHER DECISION YOUVE MADE.

YOUVE KEPT THIS FAMILY TOGETHER, AND THAT MAKES ME PROUD. YOUR SMART, ATTRACTIVE AND FUNNY. AND YOU DONT TAKE ANY SHIT FROM ANYBODY. I LOVE YOU.

I HOPE THAT OUR DAUGHTER TURNS OUT TO BE LIKE YOU.

I GUESS ILL MAIL THIS TOMORROW, FIRST THING, SO

EVER YOURS

EVER MINE

*my dad signed it with his scribble, and wrote his name under it. under that are hearts and x’s with my mom’s name and then my name under hers.*

[everything-lobotomy-corporation]

Worries & Welfar ~Chesed x Reader~

::Chapter 6::

ALEPH ENCOUNTER

"Y/N," You backed up a little bit upon hearing the familiar clink of Chesed drawing his E.G.O weapon. "Step away from it." The employee reached out to touch you.  His hands gently grabbed yours and you heard the Sephirah let out a harsh gasp. He fired, the bullet whizzing by your ear and making you recoil in pain. "Y/n!" The employee didn't let go, immediately yanking your arm and pulling you closer to him. Before you or Chesed could react the sound of boots stomping on the floor began to close in all around you. Chesed recognized this, grabbing you by the waist and using his free hand to put the barrel of his gun right in the employee's face. He fired twice and the employee exploded into a mass of flesh in bone, quickly reforming into an almost incomprehensible mess. Daniel's mouth fell open as he backed up, keeping a tight grip on you. The stomping closed in faster and as Chesed backed you both against a wall, armored suits that vaguely resembled rabbits flooded the halls. You instinctively clung to Chesed. The super soldiers filled the empty space, surrounding the mass of flesh and limbs  and pointing guns directly in it's face. It panted, it's long tongue bouncing almost cutely. It just kept looking at you and Chesed. Mostly You.

"Nothing There has been Located." One of the soldier started, "Proceeding with re-containment procedure."

"Get those 2 out of here!" Another yelled, pointing directly at you both without looking away from the abnormality. You didn't even have time to react as Chesed and you were ushered further down the hallway. 2 seperate agents grabbed you by the shoulders and Chesed didn't voice it but he didn't like the way you were being pushed down the hall. You kept trying to look back at the thing. Mostly because you could hear it calling your name in Chesed's voice.

He didn't want to go that long without a coffee again. The Sephirah brought you a cup, too, joining you on the couch and trying to calm your nerves. You seemed shaken by the whole ordeal but were handling it considerably well considering you weren't trained to handle direct contact with an ALEPH before. He expected you to be an emotional and mental mess after such an encounter.

"I want to see that creature again." You  said quickly, making Chesed choke on his coffee. He slurped up what he could, cursing himself for the undignified display. " What was that-"

"THAT was an incredibly dangerous ALEPH and you are lucky as hell that you didn't suffer any kind of permanent damage from that whole debacle."

"Daniel-"

"No." He interrupted, standing up and wiping off his suit. "Absolutely not. "

"But I will eventually have to deal with ALEPH level abnormalities-"

"Not today . Not Tomorrow. Not under my watch." He put his mug on the desk, taking in a deep breath. He admired your inquisitive nature. He really did. However, you were not ready to handle a face to face meeting with Nothing There quite yet and there was nothing that Chesed could do to prepare you. He was silent as he thought this over. There was absolutely no way you'd agree but he liked that little look of hope on your face as he was silent. You looked so eager to hear his answer. It was almost enough to change his mind. Not quite though. "No."

"Why not..." You mumbled, saying it more of a statement than a question. You knew you couldn't fight him on this. What you knew of Nothing There was basically rumors, having never actually gotten hold of his file before. He knew you didn't actually want him to answer that.

"If you want experience with an ALEPH there's only 2 I would trust you to meet." He said out of the blue. You seemed startled by that. He was expecting you to seem more excited but your fighting emotions on your face made him amused. "That's no time soon though. I'll wait until I can fill out my team more."

"When you get your team, can I join?" He laughed in response. The idea of the future manager wanting to start in that kind of position. Your smile faltered at his laugh and for a moment he actually felt bad.

"Oh-Please, tell me you're not serious."

"I want to do more in the company while I'm technically not a manager yet-"

"And I really do think it's admirable that you want a well rounded experience before taking that office, but if anything happens to you I could be in serious trouble."

"I feel like all we're going to do is argue about my safety."

"That's probably it, yeah." He admitted, leaning casually against his desk. "Admittedly, I'm very worried about you."

"I guess I just... want to be apart of this. As Mangaer, I'd just be watching and managing from the comfort and safety of an office. I'd be sending people into danger  without really knowing what I was sending them into.... I just want a well rounded perspective of that." He smiled. Genuinely smiled. He licked his lips slowly, trying his best to find the words to tell you no again. It was getting harder. You were so eager and your intentions were so pure. Before he could speak again there was a knock on his office door. Without a full second going by the door was kicked open, The brash redhead on the other side storming into the office. You clutched your mug in your hands and , sensing her intentions, Chesed put his own down on his desk.

"What do you want Gebura-" He stopped, being picked up by the shirt collar violently. You flinched, lifting your feet up onto the couch. He seemed shocked but still in an odd state of calm.

"Nothing There is saying her name." Gebura growled, gritting her teeth and staring directly into Chesed's eyes. If he did have any fear, his eyes did not betray him. He remained stoic in her grasp. "At what point did he come in contact with her-"

"It was a brief exchange as we were leaving Porccubus's containment unit. I acted immediately and Rabbit Team showed up almost immediately. How long was Nothing There just roaming around?"

"We don't know. We're still investigating. Yesod's fucking team didn't even notice that one of it's own members was acting different." Without warning she threw him down and if he hadn't caught the edge of his desk he wouldn't have remained standing. She immediately turned to you, leaning down and grabbing your chin firmly. She tilted your head, examining your ear. Chesed's blood ran cold as he remembered what had happened. "Her ear has taken black damage." You didn't say a thing. You even stopped breathing. She stepped back from you, looking back at Chesed. He couldn't hide his worry this time, crossing his arms and shifting foot to foot.

"I fired a warning shot-"

"She was hit-"

"She was grazed. It would have been a lot worse if I never fired that shot." He defended, closing his eyes and trying to remain distant.  Gebura was fuming. You just cowered into the couch, your eyes shifting between the two sephira. Gebura shook her head, waving off the comment.

"Fine, You believe that. Meanwhile, I've got a shit load of paperwork to do and I'm not leaving that out of my report. Her father will see it."

[mon-qi]

once again Re: Fire Emblem Three Houses, because nobody wants to read that in a general post, here’s some of my thoughts on it:

Part of the reason I bought a Switch was wanting to keep up with Fire Emblem, and since then I’ve been fretting about whether it’s going to be worth it. Whther the series would be going down the path of cash grabbing and fanservice like it did with Fates, or not. Echoes gave me hope in that regard.

 With what I’ve seen though so far, my fears are pretty much calmed. Well, mine, I know I’ve seen A LOT of griping about the game, most of which I couldn’t understand or relate to. Speaking of which, the dreaded fanservice: I mean, the female MyUnit still has somewhat badly designed armor with that belly button window but that is the only thing that stood out and nothing compared to what we had in Fates. Which is probably because the dev responsible for almost all of that shit doesn’t seem to be involved with this game.

I don’t really get the “ew, high-school anime” flair others mention either, but whether that’s others overreacting or me underreacting because I’m not familiar enough to see the signs, I don’t know. That said, from my PoV, I don’t fear a weird teacher-student romance happening either. The way the game was presented, I really got the impression that the “bonds” part they mentioned focuses on friendship and team-spirit that you’re emphasizing among your students while you teach them to punch enemies. OH YEAH, YOU CAN BE A FISTFIGHTER NOW!? I’m so happy! Let’s hope they understood that most people see characters/units as their children and want to help and coddle them probably more than they want to be chased around by them.

I doubt the whole game will take place in the school setting, I’m pretty sure the story we were presented with was just the prologue and stuff is going to go down sooner rather than later, when stuff will be muddied. Something about the three somewhat equally presented countries gives me hope that the story MIGHT be handled a bit like in Tellius games/Radiant Dawn which I really liked.

I also highly doubt that the main story will be split into several expensive as shit games like with Fates - split routes in ONE GAME were a thing back during the GBA era. If they were seperate and pay-to-play like in Fates, I think they would have had to announce that by now. So yeah, the split routes you can take combined with what looks like a somewhat complex  army building mechanic makes me think this game will have a high replay value for those who like that.

Of course I MAY just well be way too optimistic and Nintendo is going to jump some expensive and fanservice-y surprised on us but... I don’t believe that just yet.

[smilingperformer]

SM080 - Thoughts

Man, I really enjoyed this episode. We saw nice group dynamics, nice focus on Lilie and for me, few surprises! Let’s get started with our newest episode:

A Sand's Storm! An Ice Hole Double Battle!!

As I suspected a week ago, this episode is a direct continuation from last week’s episode, as the Alola Squad are heading back to Ferry terminal to go back to Melemele from their Observatory trip. I still find it odd Kukui isn’t there with them, but he probably decided to stay over at his best friend Mullein’s place for the day! He can trust the kids to take care of themselves ;D Anyway, Mamane knows the shortcut they found and they enter it.

Inside, they enter a cave with glowing moss that lights the cave. To me, it seems like this excites Garagara so much that it causes it to go on a bit of an excitement rampage, and here’s where the episode’s plot kicks in: Bakugames accidentally activates its spikes when trying to stop Garagara and kids get seperated with following groups: Kaki & Satoshi, Satoshi’s Pokemon plus Bakugames, Suiren with Garagara & Rotom and lastly the group with main focus: Lilie with Mao and Mamane!

Since the other groups really don’t have much focus and are simple sideplots, I’ll explain them right away: Kaki and Satoshi get in trouble with Satoshi stepping on different pokemon (we’re only shown Gantle/Boldore but Kaki says about others like Diglett) and being really lost in the caves (managing to find the other exit to Lanakila Mountain lol), and Suiren’s group just has Rotom doing the same thing he always does: explains each branching route having same chance of being the correct one, and Suiren just choosing the right one on the fly (she’s really good!) And the Pokemon group has Lugarugan finding their way out because he’s able to sniff the way out. Now that I’ve explained these sideplot groups quick, let’s get on with the main plot group!

Right away, I must say I’m extremely happy with them choosing to go with this group. Since the episode mainly focuses on Lilie, it’s great to have her closest friends to be there supporting her. First half of the episode is kinda slow, but it gives nice dialogue regarding each kid.

Mao talks about how she enjoyes seeing people’s happy faces whe eating good food, and once again tells us how her dream is to keep on living with seeing happy faces of her customers in Aina Cafeteria! Such a sweet dream Mao has. ♥ She feels embarrased talking about it, but it’s understandable!

Mamane then reveals how he wants to become an Astronaut! How cute is that? This is something a lot of kids dream about at their age, and I’m so happy with Sun & Moon giving kids very relatable dreams this time around! He explains how he wants to be able to explore the sea of stars. ♥ Never change Mamane!

When Mao asks Lilie about her dream, we get a confirmation of what I was suspecting for quite a while: she doesn’t have one right now. She did spend a lot of her life trying to re-learn to touch Pokemon, and when it finally got solved, she’s been mostly enjoying the fact that she’s able to touch them and get closer to them as well. And this is totally fine! Not every kid has a dream right of the pat. Even Serena didn’t have a dream, she basically just ran away from her mom’s dream with the first chance she saw, with returning the handkerchief to Satoshi. Anyway, back to this episode, I find it great that both Mao and Mamane tell her it’s fine that way. Such great supporting friends ♥

The trio then hears some noice which turns out to be a group of Alolan Sand training with each other, one of them being bigger than others.

I so love how Togedemaru gets all crush-like here. Look at her eyes. She gets so excited about the sight that she starts rolling towards them. Mamane tries to stop her, but the Alolan Sand notice them and then surround them. Another cute scene happens thou!

One of the Alolan Sand notice Mao’s pouch of cookies, sniffing it with growling stomach. Mao then gives it a cookie, and it cautiously takes it and eats it. The two groups then bond by eating cookies together. It’s a really cute sight ♥

Lilie and the big Sand seem to be bonding here, with Sand letting Lilie to pet it, and seeming to enjoy it! It’s such a nice moment ;v; This is where the peaceful sight is disturbed when Sand start heading to another location, and the kids decide to follow. Cue break time!

After break time, the kids find their way to a cave spot that has a beautiful Ice Castle like structure. Lilie comes to the conclusion with marks all over the place that this is Sand’s territory, and that they have carved out this beautiful sight.

What is also discovered is that a Bangiras has come to Sand’s territory, and ain’t exactly a friendly guy here. Sand try to fight it, but their tactic really isn’t working. This scene is where the plot really starts running for Lilie!

Bangiras uses Sandstorm move, and it manages to get Shiron flying, Lilie running after her. What happens next is that Bangiras uses Stone Edge, causing Sand to get caught in it and ceiling collapsing, seperating Lilie from Mao and Mamane.

It honestly looks like she got crushed here, but I’m glad it was just next to her lol. What happens next thou is what really matters to Lilie’s plot.

The Sand aren’t doing too good with the fight, most being too scared of Bangiras and with the rampage going on, ceiling is breaking more and more, causing the fear of everything breaking around the place. Lilie being the only one on their side at this moment, she wonders what she should do. And what does she decide?

YES!

YES YOU GO GIRL! She’s taking the initiative, going into the action. Mao and Mamane being her closest friends, are worried about her going at it alone, and start trying to get passed the barrier of ice that is between them.

Addition of Mao Kick is honestly the best thing I’ve seen of her as of now, and if you ask me, this is so Amajo/Tsareena-esque. I just evolved my Amamaiko/Steenee, and her pokedex talks about it being an aggressive personality with mastery of kicking. I do not doubt that we’ll be seeing Amamaiko evolving to Amajo in time! It fits this Mao Kick personality perfectly, to a T!

Meanwhile Mamane tries to eat the icea while Pokemon do their moves to get through the ice lol. I love this scene so much!

Meanwhile, Lilie commands Shiron to use Hail to get the Sandstorm out of the way, giving the Ice-Types the better weather to battle in. Lilie’s dialogue of asking to assist Sand is so her. She won’t barge in to help, she’ll ask if they’ll accept the help! She even tells Bangiras that it should leave the place before taking the action, as in to tell it to take the chance to leave before the battle begins!

What’s amazing is that we’re reminded of how observant Lilie is of past events, remembering Lychee’s skills on being able to command two Pokemon so perfectly in a double battle, other one providing support while other one goes on the offence. Lilie is gonna utilize what she learned from Lychee’s Grand Trial with Satoshi, using Shiron as support and the bigger Alolan Sand as offence. Which is good strat, she knows Shiron only knows one offensive move, while has a great support move with Aurora Vail.

Also quickly to add, Lilie’s theme called “Steely Lillie“ is playing in the background while this battle is happening, and I started crying when I heard it. ;v; It’s great to hear her own theme playing here, showing how she’s growing!

Lilie’s doing great in the battle btw, really showcasing her skills of actually learning from what she’s seen others do! That’s her strenght really, having good observing skills! Her hand movements are also very Gladio-like, you can clearly see the two are siblings :D

Y’know, it’s quite amazing that Lilie’s able to command a wild Sand so flawlessly. It’s like Sand trusts her to guide it to do the right moves. Before letting Lilie aid, all it did was blindly come crashing on Bangiras, not really doing any strategic moves. And we saw how little effect it had. With Lilie in command, the moves are coordinated and thought out, and Hail there to help the Ice Types out, is at a better position now.

In the end, the battle is won, and Bangiras is defeated! It tries to get up and fight back, but is not frightened by Sand, and flees from the scene.

Mao and Mamane finally get bassed the Ice Barrier blocking them off, and praise Lilie with what I explained above! Just look at how supportive these two are of Lilie ♥

Meanwhile, the other groups get united outside the caves, Kaki showing how much he loves his Pokemon (such an enthusiastic child!).

I kinda skipped about the fact that Mokuroh was with Satoshi all along, but instead of being of help, was care-freely sleeping in the bag. What a cutie.

However, our Main group is still with the Sand, helping them repair the damage Bangiras caused. While doing this, Mamane’s Denjimushi finds what was teased in the first preview!

Apparently this place is a Mine for the Ice Stones, and they conclude that Sand probably come there to evolve. This is where the case I very much suspected the moment we saw the preview happens!

The big Sand touches the stone, and evolves into Alolan Sandpan. Now take a very close look at the scene.

Shiron sees this happen, and if you ask me, she sounds kind of confused. Not sure of what exactly happened to Sand. This plays a part in what happens later in the episode! Trust me, it does. But first, the reward!

Turns out, Alolan Sand was a future Totem Sandpan, and as a thank you for helping it out with protecting the territory, it rewards Lilie with her own Ice-Z crystal! I didn’t see this coming at all! All I suspected was that Sand evolves to Sandpan, and that’s all. I’m very happy with Pokeani giving Lilie the reward in form of a Z-crystal, as I certainly believe she deserves it, esp. after that battle she did!

Lilie shows hesitation due to not owning a Z-Ring as of now, but Mao and Mamane tell her she’ll most likely get on any day now, so she gets couraged to actually take the Z-Crystal from Sandpan.

Look how happy she is! Gosh why am I tearing at this sight ;v;

Ice-Z, getto da ze! Lilie, I couldn’t be more proud!

The two groups now reunite, Mamane bragging about the having a great adventure, compared to others just being lost and having not-so-great time. :D

Brief explanation later, Lilie showcases her Ice-Z to others. They’re all so happy for Lilie’s accomplishment! ♥ But wait, there’s more!

Denjimushi found another Ice Stone!! OH. MY. GOD!!!! Another thing I didn’t see coming! They actually managed to make both Alolan Sand evolve with Ice Stone and give Lilie her own! Yes, Mamane being a good friend she is, gives the stone to Lilie.

Suiren asks this question, and remember when I said that Shiron’s reaction from earlier to Sand’s evolution comes into play? Well, this is that moment! She doesn’t sound thrilled, more like confused. Her ‘Koo’ sounds asking. Lilie being the kind person she is, she decides to ask Shiron what she wants to do. Take a very close look!

I don’t know about you guys, but to me it clearly looks like Shiron is scared of the stone, hiding behind Amamaiko instead of touching it. I’m pretty sure this was because of what she saw with Sand’s evolution to Sandpan. She’s scared of what could become of her. She’s still a child anyway.

That said, I don’t think Shiron stays as Rokon the whole series. This is not a similar case to Pikachu or Pochama. Pochama wanted to keep on being of use to Hikari while remaining Pochama, and Pikachu wants to prove it can be powerful without evolving! Those two cases are similar, but with Shiron, it’s more of a case of being scared of the unknown.

Even Lilie remarks that it’s just not time for her yet. Others are excited to see Shiron evolve to Kyokon someday, and I’m just as excited as well! Also to see her Z-move!

I love these kids. Supportive of each other, helping each other out, it’s the kind of friends group anyone would want for themselves, right? I know I do!

The end of the episode! Sorry for the delay on the episode, had other stuff I wanted/needed to do instead. But I’m glad I managed to talk about them! Lilie got great focus for herself, and even if I skipped talking about it in closer look, Kaki and Satoshi moments were so great for Z-ringshippers. :D But Mao, Mamane and Lilie’s group dynamic was definitely the highlight for me! ♥

In the Pokeproblem segments, we’re shown how Kaki accompanied the kids back to Melemele Island, even thou he could have easily gone back to Akala island with his Lizardon way earlier. He’s a caring kid ♥

Next week, Suiren gets her lying skills into action again, and we are back to Battle Royal Arena, with Royal Mask and newly born Royal Satoshi teaming up with their firey cats against none other than... Bourgain? The newly introduced antagonist from SM070! This episode looks to be incredible, and what’s more, Nyaheat is most definitely learning a new move!

Cya next week folks!

[thoughtfulpaperback]

Charmed 03x03 Spoiler Review!!!!

What was that? No really. I hope the whole me just complimenting the entertainment value of an episode but not seeing value in its place in lore doesnt become the norm from here on out. Entertainment wise it was a solid 8/10. Its place overall in the series as far as lore building or cannon compliant id say 5/10.

So let's start with the dislikes and just get them out of the way.

DISLIKES

1. Abigael's demon face

Okay so I could be wrong but, my understanding is that abigael's demon side was locked away in that figure. Which is why she hasn't (in the entire season 2) had a full body demon form like Parker and her dad. I actually like the demon face as far as design goes it sort of -but not entirely- reminds me of one of the demons in the OG Charmed. What I dont understand is that, if Abigael was at some point Overlord of the Demon world and before then she was working exclusively with demons, how the hell did she do this without every needing to show her demon face???

I guess maybe they only needed blood (see season 2 episode 2) but come on. Also, if apparently you can lock away your demon form, why the hell didn't Parker find that out? Granted in season 1 his daddy was using the fact his demon side was eating at him as leverage, so not like he was going to tell him about it, but Parker literally left season 1 to find a way to tame that side of him and get away from demons you'd think he would have asked one witch who might have known this between then and when he became overlord.

Also, does Macy then have a demon face? He eyes have gone black (season 1) and she had her demon powers. Apparently demon powers and demon face aren't tied together if Abi can have one without the other, so who knows.

They better at least go hard with Abby as a villian or else I am going to be unsatisfied. Charmed has been lacking in the villian department since season 1. The writing needs improvement.

2. Jimmy's Anti climatic and non sensical death.

Okay, so the fight scene was amazing and RE is like the best actor ever, but this whole thing made zero sense. For like so many reasons:

1. It was sloppy lore wise

So the established (poorly established btw) rule was that thier lives were tied together at a magical and molecular level. Magic could put them together not sever them. They established that a little after mid season. The other rule was that they could not kill each other, but others could kill them. Death by Suicide apparently would kill them both which now that they ended Jimmy like this makes that whole situation in episode 12 totally unnecessary and even more gross than it was (we do not support the indulgence of romanticizing suicide on this blog).

They literally just delt with all the tangling up they did with the Jimmy and Harry connection by having Jimmy say "well now that there is no magic we arent tied together anymore". Which again makes no sense since the before they made a deal about them being molecularlly tied hence the dna helix when macy creates a potion to merge them.

Also why was that a thing if it was never going to be used?

On top of that, they bond is apparently gone but apparently Jimmy and Harry are still missing halves because Jimmy didn't just turn human and die. He vanishes in white smoke. Which is different, but not different since smoke is smoke and Harry didn't vanish in white (to our knowledge) when he was stabbed the first time.

2. It was unnecessary story wise. Especially if by some want they decide to write Jimmy back in.

Why bother sending Jimmy away for an episode if you are going to kill him off in the next?. He was away, safe and happy, was it necessary to bring him back to die?

Yes I get it magic was wearing off so apparently his memories came back. But was it necessary to make it a thing where Jimmy with his memories just wants to come back and kill. Especially when the whole season 2 was about him wanting to be free. Wanting to live and not be a servant.

3. Shallow sisterhood

Okay so I am going to be careful in how I say this, but season 1 (for all its flaws) was the best at writing the sisters bonding. At having them on individual archs but still connected and growing with each other.

Season 2 had them pretty much seperate from each other and that was fine as I understood it to be leading to an eventual come back and uniting.

.... except it really didn't. There is a pattern of seperate jouneys but not the same connected feel of season 1, and then some big declaration of sisterhood, but not true reunion. I assume it is just the writing. So maybe these writer just aren't able to write the same sort of sisterhood which season 1 had. Sad, but if that is the case it's just something to expect here on out. I am curious if the destruction of the sisterhood was that they have to be apart now (convenient physical distancing wise) or if next episode it will be forgotten as a side effect that only lasted the initial moments afterwards.

LIKES

1. Maggie's growth

For my complaints about shallow sisterhood writing and how romances and villians are handled, Maggie's storylines this season have been 100% amazing. And looking at the whole series it feels solid.

Maggie starts off the series very much not into magic unless she can get some personal gain from it whether its a magical glamorous party or some fantasy time with a magic orb. She very much wants a normal party girl life although by the end of season 1 she seems to accept some responsibility to the magical world. Season 2 sort of unraveled that in the beginning as Maggie seemed not accepting of her role in the magical world as she was the last episode of season 1. But she is shown to be the same party girl with a lot of heart. Every episode she grows up until she no longer likes the person she was, and I love how Jordan tells her that growing up isn't about moving on and hating who you used to be but living who you are now (I swoon with him). Thats very Maggie season 2 arch confronting old self and ideas and trying to grow up. She is and she does but not in the ways that she think. When she "tries" to grow up she is actually making bad decisions or pushing down her trauma and pain, when she allows herself to just be, she is at her best. I love it.

2. Hacy

It was all angst and indulgent but still I love anytime a couple can still be going through a tough time but not make unnecessary drama. Macy wasn't being unrealistic or dramatic thinking about her being the one to die, and Harry wasn't being unrealistically bratty about the situation. They were as calm as could possibly be in that situation and he respected her choice although hoping it wouldn't happen. I appreciate it.

3. Mel

So season 2 was so bad for mel writing wise, for some reason the writers have trouble developing Mel outside of other characters considering her most significant and well written character development moments are either in relation to Abby or to Maggie and Ray.

But I liked seeing some of the old mel. The Mel willing to do whatever to save others and her family. Mel as an activist (confident and self assured) is the best Mel. I feel like season 2 didn't have that same Mel and I like the glimpse of her this last episode.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Sick Abby

Ruby at the grave

The Maggie

Island Dance

Jimmy the florist .... adorable

JimmyxHarry fight scene

Demon Abby

[vhalyria]

Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump - a dangerous parity?

I’m worried. I’m so worried that I can barely sleep at night, and it’s giving me stomach cramps. Because we’ve been here before, and we need to talk about this. 

So, my unprofessional, biased ass sat down for a few hours and tried to collect everything it knew about Hitler and Trump, in order to see if it’s just a bad feeling that I’m having, or if my fear is justified.

As I said, I am not a journalist or anything else, I simply did some research alongside the stuff I still remembered from my history classes and books. Sources can be seen at the end, although many of them are in german, sorry.

I won’t go much into the reasons behind Hitler’s and Trump’s behavior, because I don’t care what turned them into the people they were/are. Also, I tried to keep this as neutral as possible, only relying on facts (and no, those aren’t alternative). There are probably a few things I’ve forgotten about, but feel free to add them!

1.) Where did they come from?

Hitler: Adolf Hitler was the oldest of three siblings, born in Austria in 1889. Growing up, he started to care less and less about school and eventually dropped out without graduation. After that, he applied for a place at an art school, multiple times, but got rejected every time. He has spent a few years in poverty until he joined the army in WWI. After that, he joined the NSDAP and eventually became their leader. The rest should be known.

Trump: Donald Trump was born in 1976, as the fourth of five children. His father, the son of german immigrants, was a real estate businessman. After graduating from High School, Trump studied economics and eventually took on his father’s business. He joined the Republicans in 1987, and became their candidate for the election in 2015.

2.) How was it possible for them to become so popular/get voted?

Hitler: Hitler made the people like him because he was using their anger and their fears for his own means. After WWI, Germany was financially and socially destroyed. The Treaty of Versaille asked them to pay a lot of money for reparation, they had to reduce their military force to an absolute minimum and due to the high sanctions and the new yorker stock crash, an inflation came over the country, causing many people to lose their homes and all their savings. The people were scared about their future and felt betrayed by the government, because it was them who had to pay for everything. Radical groups arised and Hitler not only recognized those fears; he built his policy on them. He promised to create many new jobs, that the countries that won the war will pay them back because they were the guilty ones in his eyes, that no one will have to be homeless and hungry anymore. He promised to take revenge on those countries, even if that meant starting another war. Hitler promised to “give Germany its pride back”, and people believed him.

Trump: The rich are getting richer, the poor are losing what little they have left. That’s how people in the US felt when Trump got voted. They didn’t trust their government, even having multiple jobs wasn’t enough to pay the rent anymore and on top of that, terrorists kill people all over the world. The citizens were afraid and worried, they wanted to find a way out of their misery and feel safe. And that’s what Trump promised to provide them; he promised to make “America great again”, to create work for the american people so that no one has to be poor anymore. He said he would lead the fight against terrorism, and his people wouldn’t have to be scared anymore. Trump promised “America comes first”, and the people believed him. 

3.) Personality traits that made people like them 

Hitler: The one thing that every history book and every documentation about Hitler never leave out; he was a great rhetoritian. He was able to inspire to people, to make them believe everything, to cheer for anything he says. He was confident and determined.

Another thing that made him popular, was that he gave his people someone else to blame for their misery than themselves or the government; the jews. According to Hitler, they were at fault for everything bad that has ever happened in Germany, and people felt comforted by that thought. It takes the blame from them by assigning it to someone else; it made living easier.

By that, Hitler also managed to make the germans feel like a community; united by hate towards a minority, but united, still. He fed them the illusion that he would lead them to wealth and happiness, and that everything will be turning out greatly for them, as long as they’re supporting him.

Trump: Trump is a rich man, someone who calls himself a successful businessman. He made it to the top, and that inspired the people. He makes the American Dream seem still alive, and on top of that, he promises that he will be the one to lead the United States into a bright future, with lots of work, wealth and unity. He is a confident person and by talking like the common people, he makes them feel like they could relate to him. Like Hitler, he uses the fear of the people and unites them in hate towards minorities; the mexicans are to blame, the people of color and the muslims. They are the reason for misery in the US, but he can change that, he can throw these people out of the country and “make America great again”.

4.) A list of the exact things they promised:

Hitler: 

- “Deutschland über alles” (”Germany above everything”)

- to overturn the Treaty of Versailles and stop reparation payment

- to “give Germany its pride back”

- to re-arm Germany and to enlarge their military force

- to create jobs (by expanding the army)

- a strong government and stability

- a better life for the lower and the middle class

- to make Germany “a power country” again

Trump:

- “America First”

- “Make America great again”

- to cancel Obamacare to reduce costs

- to build a wall to Mexico

- to send immigrants back to their countries so that american citizens can have their jobs

- to send troops back into war zones and to enlarge the military force

- banishment of muslims

- tax reduction

- to bring back manufacturing jobs

- to step back from several international trading agreements

- to lead the fight against ISIS

5.) Foreign policy

Hitler: Hitler wanted Germany to become a global leading power again and to expand the german territory. He worked on an intense connection to fascist Italy, while he had an anti-russia policy. Promised other countries freedom while already planning to take over Europe, Hitler eventually declared war to Poland, which led to WWII.

Trump: Trumps goals when it comes to foreign policy are to work together closely with Russia, to step back from several international trade agreements, to impose penalties on several branches of import, to fight against ISIS and to support Israel in their conflict with Palestine, to name a few of the endless plans he talked about

6.) The role and value of women

Hitler: Hitlers policy understood women as barely more than birth machines. His propaganda made it look like being mother to (the more, the better) aryan children is the best thing to ever happen to a woman. It was socially unacceptable for a woman to go to work, they needed to stay at home to look after the children and to keep the house clean for their husbands. Women were a thing to be owned, their opinion didn’t matter. Emancipation was seen as something “evil” that the jews brought into Germany.

Trump: Trump treats woman without respect and like a thing to be owned. According to him, a woman’s worth it determined by her attractiveness and they should feel honored when he gropes them or makes obscene comments about them. Trumps policy is anti-abortion, he wants to take the right to decide over their bodies and lives away from american women. 

7.) The treatment of minorities

Hitler: Hitler used the jews as scapegoats for everything bad that happened. It was their fault that people lived in poverty, that women wanted to have a say about their lives, that germany lost the war etc. His party supported and encouraged violence against jewish people (the ”Kristallnacht”, for example), and they got socially seperated from the rest of the society. Sad peek of Hitler’s anti semitism was the torture and killing of millions of jews, within Germany and from other countries, in concentration camps. Over six million jews had to die. 

Homosexuals and people with disabilities often got the same treatment.

Trump: Not only once did Trump say what he thinks about Mexicans; they are rapists, criminals, they’re bringing drugs and misery into his country. “Some sure are nice, though.”, he says. He’s using them the same way Hitler used the jews; he blames them for everything. They are stealing jobs from americans, they are endangering the public safety, all they do is create chaos and crimes.

 His opinion about people of color isn’t better; he stated that he doesn’t support the Black Lives Matter Movement. “If Black lives matter, go back to Africa”, is what he said. He also believes that racism would not exist anymore. On several occasions he has encouraged his supporters to verbal and physical attacks towards people of color. He also claims that the era of slavery was a good time for the US and ignores police brutality towards poc’s.

Trump wants to ban muslims from entering/staying in the US. As we all know he already tried to do that a few days ago, but fortunately, a court declared his action to not be legal. Trump also made fun of people with disabilities.

8.) How they deal with the media

Hitler: Adolf Hitler knew how to use the media for himself. “The press is an instrument for education to bring 70 million people to an unified world view”, is one of the things he said. The principle was easy; every newspaper or radio station that wasn’t supporting him by reporting what he wanted them to report about, got banned. Resisting journalists and leader of companies got fired and also arrested in some cases. Hitlers party used the media for their propaganda, freedom of speech and press didn’t mean anything anymore.

Trump: Trump hates the media. While he enjoys the attention given to him, he can’t deal with negative reports. He calls those journalists “liars”, claims that they are spreading “alternate facts”, that only his point of view is the truth. Trumps party sees journalists as “part of the opposition”, and says they should “just shut up and listen”. Apparently, there were already plans made to ban the press from the White House. During Trump’s inauguration, the first journalists already got arrested.

(Personal) Conclusion:

Their differences:

- Hitler knew how to make the media work for him, Trump doesn’t (yet)

- Trump grew up wealthy and with academic success, Hitler grew up poorly and dropped out of school without graduation

- Trump’s politic is pro-russia, Hitler’s was anti-russia

- Hitler wanted to expand the german territory while Trump want to build a wall

- Hitler’s policy aimed to start a war

And, most importantly:

Their similarities:

- Power hungry, radical, racist, misogynistic

- use prejudices against minorities, support violence against them

- “America First” and “Germany above everything” are the same damn thing

- Unite people through hate

- mainly voted by people who aren’t wealthy, scared for their future

- creating jobs by extending the military, taking “stolen” jobs “back” from immigrants/women

- wanting their countries to be the first in everything, don’t care what it takes

- against freedom of speech and press

- enforcement of military power, getting ready for war

- give their people a minority to blame for all the existing misery

- aggressive, short tempered, determined

- no respect for human life

I don’t know about you, but I think this is terrifying.

Like I said, I have probably forgotten about a lot. Feel free to add!

Sources: x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x, x

[enchantedbyhiddles]

I think people are always very confused when talking about Germans, German nationality, and German nations in history. I get it, I’m confused as well. Short recap. There is no “Germany” before 1918, even though we use it as an easy term. Before that we had many German nations which people were German, though they had a different nationality in the modern sense, as German is initially a term applied to Germanic tribes and every nation that spoke German and its people. So Austria, Saxony, Prussia, Swabia, Bavaria, etc... are all German nations with German people, but the nationality would be Bavarian, Prussian, etc.

Germany was made up by Caesar when talking about German tribes and there are things that united them and things that divided them. Basically like considering all Native Americans just one nation. There were constant fights and wars and then Karl the Great/Charlemagne, the leader of the Franks (which were the biggest German tribe), somewhat united them in one country the Holy Roman Empire of German Nation. (See the duality in his name though? France and Germany have the same origins. He is one of the greatest kings of Germany and France.) With his grandsons it was then divided into three parts just fourty years later: France, Benelux area, Holy Roman Empire of German Nation.

If you speak of Germany in historic times you often mean the Holy Roman Empire of German Nation, which mainly consisted of the Kingdom of Germany and for a long time the Kingdom of Italy. It wasn’t really ONE country though or even one empire in the modern sense. It was more like the European Nations of German origin. They voted for their Kaiser from among their rulers and he was technically the leader, but couldn’t do shit without the rulers, princes and kings of the other German states. Then for the next 1000 years (familiar timeline?) you had many, many (up to 400 or even more) German states. Some were cities that were nearly democracies, some were clerical states, some were big kingdoms, some were more like just a little village, some were very feudal with people not having any rights, some were more modern monarchies with parliaments, some were absolutistic, some were elected, etc. There were many European wars that all happened on German soil and re-shaped the countries all the time. Rulers married and joined their lands, sons fought and divided their lands, etc. It was a constant change. At one point Austria decided to change the elected monarchy of the Holy Roman Empire into a inheritable one. (Yes, they simply declared themselves rulers of all Germans.) 

By 1700 though we are talking about a German duality, because two German states emerged as the ones that are the ones most influential (even though they are not necessarily the only powerful): Prussia and Austria. Then Napoleon came and started the biggest change of them all. For a few years he ruled big parts of Germany (again still not one nation but many states with somewhat joined history) and influenced the rest. He joined many states so that by the end of his reign there were only a few douzens left. Because of Napoleon and how easy he could run over the small German nations there was for the first time something like German national pride and the people (and certainly the rulers that saw it benefitial to their interests) wanted to unite Germany in the modern sense. Prussia had a big interest to do so and they made different unions. The big question was Großdeutsch or Kleindeutsch (big Germany or small Germany), meaning with Austria or without. German-Austrian war, German French-war, Wilhelm I. of Prussia crowns himself German Emperor in 1871 - without Austria. Technically by then we had two German Emperors as the Austrian one still held the title of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nation, even though they dropped the name somewhat. Even with all that though we still had Bavarian kings, Kings of Saxony, etc. WWI happened and by the end of it is the first time that we have Germany and Austria as two seperate countries of different nationality. 

So when people now want to categorise people and give them a nationality they most often fail. Take for example Mozart. Most English publications call him Austrian, which is simply wrong by historic terms. He was born in Salzburg, which was its own country. So his nationality is Salzburgian. He himself said he was German, though that shouldn’t be confused with the modern term of nationality. It is more like race. At no point was he Austrian, because he never was a national of that country. Yet because Salzburg is now Austria and always had strong links to it, he is now called Austrian by many. It is simply easier for modern people.

In short about German history, speaking about who is German, talking about Germany and Germans before 1918 in general: it is complicated.

[captain-spookycandycollecti-blog]

bmw 3 series insurance

"bmw 3 series insurance

bmw 3 series insurance

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://financeandcreditsolutions.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

RELATED QUESTIONS: 

What is the cheapest auto insurance i can get?

i got a v8 mustang, the insurance per year is 2,300 im 17 male""

Part-time job enough to pay car insurance?

Would a part-time job at a mall store or movie theatre pay enough to cover an 18-year-olds car insurance? How old are you and how much does your car insurance cost monthly?

We res the cheapest place to get car insurance?

We res the cheapest place to get car insurance?

How much does insurance generally cost?

-Health insurance -Car insurance (for a mustang GT, a newer model) -House insurance The house is 2.5 baths, 3 bedrooms and 150,000 dollars. This is for a school project. Seperate answers, please.""

Buying a used car and auto insurance?

I'm looking to get a used car in the US, but I have several questions regarding this: 1) I will have to get auto insurance before buying the car and driving it on the road. How can I do this if I haven't bought a car though? 2) I'm a non-US citizen, and I have no credit rating at the moment. Will insurance companies deny my application or will my premium go up? 3) I will be relocating to another state after getting the car. Therefore, can I purchase auto-insurance in my current state first for a month, and then purchase it again once I reside in the new state? What's the best way to handle the insurance matters in this situation? Thanks for all the help.""

Why do so many people complain about Health Care and not as much Car Insurance?

Why do people complain about the health insurance system when the car insurance companies rip people off just as much as they do?? Where are all the protesters? Most people act like the car insurance companies are doing you a favor when they are really not. They try to use unrealistic worse case scenarios to SCARE you into buying an expensive full coverage plan you do NOT need. They prey on your fears. So how come nobody questions the practices of Auto Insurance companies like they question the health care providers?

Possible to have such cheap car insurance at 20 years old?

Hello all, i'm looking for car insurance on gocompare.com site and if i'm taking the insurance on my own name, the price comes up at 1,200 for a 1995 Ford Fiesta LX 1.2. I am 20 years old, male and held the licence for 1 year (1 year and 6 months to be exact) and have 0 NCB. Now, here is where the 'cheap' part comes in. The 1,200 was ON me as a prosper and owner of the car. If i put my step dad as first driver (main) and me as an additional driver (second) it comes up as 1,500 for insurance. How is that possible? He has 6 years no claims and held the licence for over 20 years. Never made a claim or had accident. Now if i put my self as FIRST driver and him as SECOND driver, meaning that everything goes on me and i would be getting no claims bonus every year, i get the price at :- 750! Now basically my question is - Is that possible? The companies that are at 750 are Diamond, Elephant, and Admiral. Then the prices goes up to 1,500+""

""Annuities and life insurance, please help?""

I am 35 yrs old and I recently purchased Index Universal Life insurance for the tax free money, guarantee return flat rate, and protection from market loss. I also have $100k in my 401k and my insurance agent suggest I rollover to an index annuity to get the best maximum return. I will get a 10% bonus and both the interest and 10% bonus will be compounded for next 30 yrs. If I withdraw at age 55 at 4%, my yearly index return rate is $9.261. I can see for the first 11 years, the annuity company is giving back my original amount. If I live through age 86, I would have withdraw total amount $185,200. Everyone keeps telling me life insurance is a bad investment because of fees and the agent is trying to get a big commission off me. After running and looking at the numbers, it seems annuities and life insurance are the best savings program. Is there something else about the numbers quoted I should be aware of?""

Is there insurance for?

is there insurance for rabbits or is it just for cats and dogs? my rabbit is about 3 years old and want to get some insurance for her if i can.

Car Insurance Help needed?

I passed my test in January and I am hoping well was hoping to buy a car in September. I have been looking at car and how much they are to insure and I was getting quotes at about 2000 from Quinn Direct which was fantastic and meant I was on course to get a car in September but of course they have to go bust. When I look at quotes on confused.com for a small hatchback they are ridiculous prices the cheapest I can get is 5,000 that is a joke. Now I don't know what to do I need another insurance company that does cheap quotes. Please Help!""

How much is insurance for a nissan santra?

I'm 16 and I would like to get a nissan santra 2002 and I would like to know how much insurance is for it? also if you know any good quote sites thats easy and fast? thanks

How much is car insurance for a teenager?

Just an estimate, I'm getting my license in a couple months and it would be nice to know. I'm getting added on my parents plan btw.""

Cheap health insurance?

what is the cheapest health insurance in california? i am male 22, i do not smoke..""

""After buying a car, can you immediately drive it, without switching insurance?""

Or do you need to buy the car, go to the insurance company, switch it over, go back to the dealership, then get the car? I live in AR if that is relevant.""

Cheapest car insurance please?

hey i hope some1 can help me out. i am 22 years. i recently passed my driving test, on the 21/07/2009. i also bought a car honda civic. 1.4l i am looking for the cheapest car insurance possible. because i am full time student. and work part time. i wouldnt be able to afford paying 2000 annually. please if some1 knows where to get cheap car insurance for new drivers, would be very appreciated cheers""

Does a citation go on your insurance?

Does a citation go on your insurance?

Why do insurance companies charge first and last?

I had a nice Allstate agent call me and discuss my insurance with me, give me a lower rate and then come pay time, tell me that they require first and last. When I asked her why the last, she could not provide a good answer. I know not all insurance companies do this, but what is the point? When asked when I would get the last back, she said when I cancel my policy some day!! What if I don't want to cancel..ever? This does not make sense to me at all. Why keep my money there for nothing? When one does cancel the policy, do they get the money back with interest on that? Once confronted with these questions, the agent was not so nice any more. Can someone please answer the above?""

How much does it cost to insure a Ford Mustang?

Now for my first car I really wanted a Ford and the only one I like is the mustang. I know that they are sports cars so the insurance is high but I would like to know exactly how much it would cost for insurance especially since it would be my first car.

Turning 17 thinking of buying a car (Insurance Cover) [UK]?

Im going to turn 17 soon and thinking of buying a car and really want a BMW. I know I cannot get it because the insurance will be ridiculously high or simply will not insure me so I was wondering if I get a really rubbish car (1 litre or something) and get it Fully Comprehensive this should give me cheap insurance and the privilege to drive another car (so I heard) like my dads BMW and I want to know if this is possible for me and any background information about this will be appreciated!

Primerica life insurance help!!!?

ok well i was currently covered under Primerica untill Febuary, when i was terminated due to non payment. What are the steps that Primerica takes to reinstate a policy.""

Health Insurance and Hospital?

I'm not quite sure how to say this w/o getting too deep into it,but there seems to be a Communication problem between Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach and my Insurance company united american. They(the hospital) tell me they never get paid by my insurance Company and i have been back and forth between the two of them. Once Mount Sinai's business office sent me a correspondence saying my insurance company told them that i should pay the bill. I think the hospital is lying...anyone have any problems with this hospital when it comes to business etiquette and what came of it..what did you do about it. They don't have their heads screwed on right""

Geico nonowner auto insurance for rental cars?

I intend on driving a rental car for a couple of months. I don't own a car and never held any auto insurance in the past. Will Geico's nonowner auto insurance be right for me? Any ...show more

Cheapest auto insurance?

im shopping for auto insurance and i want to know which is the best and cheapest for a 18 year old driving a 1997 ford escort

Do I need insurance for my license?

I live in North Carolina, and I just got my license a few months ago. I don't have a car yet, but I was told that I needed insurance in order to have a license. So, I'm paying $80 a month for insurance, just for holding a license. My car savings aren't looking too good at this rate, so I was wondering if anyone knew of any cheaper insurance companies I could go with?""

Car insurance question.?

My boyfriend and I are in the process of buying a car, it is going to be in his name only. We obviously have to get insurance on the car and he doesn't have a car at the moment so only has a non-owners policy. We have to show proof of full coverage. When we go get the insurance are we supposed to tell them it needs to be on the car we are buying? What info about the car do we need? Also he has a not so good driving record, can he list me as the primary driver if my name is not on the car? And if so, will that make insurance a little cheaper?""

bmw 3 series insurance

bmw 3 series insurance

Can you be arrested for not having proof of insurance?

A friend of mine recently was pulled over for window tint being too dark in kansas. The only windows showing were extended cab part. Front drivers and passengers windows were rolled down. When asked for proof of insurance, he looked in glove box. Did not find most recent card but did find the previous one. The officer proceeded to arrest him for no proof of insurance. The officer also stated that it was a city law for that particular town. Can each city pass their own laws? Can they arrest you for no proof of insurance? Even if that certain town had this law, can they arrest you for that law even if you do not reside in that town/county?""

Are the following cars high on insurance?

Is the supra MK4, 240sx s13 and s14 high on insurance? please help I would like to get one of them for a first car but I need to know if there high on insurance.""

How much would insurance be on this car for a 17 year old?

Photo: http://i.imgur.com/oBPkdUi.jpg

What qualifies you for Medicaid in California?

Im 19years old. im in school but didnt get enough classes to stay on my parents insurance. now i dont have any and i only make like 600 dollars a month. i also dont get any financial aid for school. IM not pregnant or anything, i just need insurance. How much would it cost me per month to have Medicaid? Do i even Qualify? What does it cover if i do? How long would it take to get on it? PLease help im stressing so much about this.""

Has anyone bought car insurance that deals with people who have points?

I am 20 years old turnin 21 next year march. And I got 6 points in january. Now its impossible for me to get car insurance on my ford fiesta 1.3 2002 plate, they are askin me to pay 6000 pound for insurance. I was woundering if there are any car insurance companys that deal with people that have points?""

Can someone please explain what these new insurance laws are?

are we required to have insurance? do all companies have to offer insurance now? What percentage do companies have to pay for insurance? Thanks

How much is car insurance?

I have a 2007 GMC Envoy and I am about to get my licence. The car used to belong to my parents but was given to me as a gift. I'm wondering how much insurance will cost me if I go through AMA? I've taken the drivers class and have the certificate, so there's a discount there.""

Help with Car insurance cost?

ok so im 17 1/2 year old male and ive been driving since i was 15 1/2. As of right now im covered under my parents insurance with Mercury auto insurance and i pay $500 for 6 months of coverage ($1000 a year). I am currently covered for the three cars that my family owns 1996 Acura 2.5 TL (my crappy car) 2008 MBenz C300 (moms) 2011 Mazda 3 (Dads) So heres my question.. My car (the TL) is starting to break down and the cost of service is outmatching the value of the car. So ive been saving up to try to get another car and i am going to put down 40-50% of the money and my parents are gonna pay for the rest. The cost of the car is not the issue i was wondering more about my cost of insurance for the cars that i am interested in. I know that my most accurate response would be from the Insurance companies themselves, but i dont have time right now. I just wanted to know what you guys thought about how much i should pay per month for these cars. So the cars im interested in ( theres alot lol) are: 90's Toyota MR2 (preferably turbo, but i could live without it) Subaru WRX (Non-STI) Nissan 350Z Honda S2000 BMW 330i (coupe only) 00'-04' Ford Mustang GT There are others but i cant remember them right off the top of my head.. I know its gonna be WAY more expensive then what i pay now and that most of these cars are 2 door and 2 seat which will just make it worse. But im really willing to work for it and like i said i pay my own insurance bill. So how much do you think each of these cars cost for monthly insurance? And of the cars listed which would you most recommend?""

What cool yet cheap car is suitable for a 17 year old boy?

I was thinking a classic mini cooper maybe? they got really cheap insurance but tbh I shudder probs look at life insurance not car insurance. I saw the MG ZR and that's cheap and looks good and with airbags... what do u reckon?

Medical insurance on long term disability running out. Cobra WAY too expensive. Need affordable alternative.?

I'm on long-term disability from my job and receiving long term disability pay, my husband is unemployed because of a layoff as well, my medical insurance plan expires the end of ...show more""

How much would auto insurance cost me?

I am 19 years old and I do not have my license yet. I have been holding of for a while because I know that I will not be able to afford the insurance right now. My dad does have insurance and when I do get insurance, it will be on his policy. Although I know it will be alot because I am a 19 year old male, I really cant guess how much approximately it will be. Also, how much would it be if I were to get my own car and car insurance? ( something small and used, nothing fancy). Any help would be great. Thanks in advance""

Where can i get cheap insurance?

low rates? ???

Car insurance increase?

My 19 niece has moved in with us and is going to get her license and a car soon. Will that affect the rate we pay in our insurance even if she carries her own policy? I am not sure if it would be with the same insurance company or not. We live in Minnesota. Thank you for your help!

Are young adults covered under their parents health insurance till 26 under the new Obama law?

Is it true that the new Obama law states that children/young adults will receive health insurance coverage until they are 26 even if they are not in school, married, and living out of ...show more""

How do I purchase life insurance?

I'd like to purchase a life insurance policy, but have no financial savvy past Google. How do I go about this? What are the pitfalls? Do I need an agent? Any recommended companies? (It would have to be rated at least A- or better by A.M. Best). I'm a twenty-one year old unmarried non-smoking student. I'm in good physical health, though there's some family history of heart disease. No dangerous activities. (It must look odd for me to be checking into this at my age. It's a long story, but rest assured I don't plan on dying anytime soon.) I'd like an affordable policy with a payout of 105,000$ or a little over. Simplicity and good customer service would be nice of course. I'm pretty busy with school as it is. Finally: term or whole? I understand most people think term is the way to go, but considering my youth and good health would I be better off with something permanent? I know I'm going to want to be insured until my eventual (assumedly far-off) demise. Thanks for your time.""

Will my insurance go up over one speeding ticket?

I live in Pennsylvania and have Traveler's insurance paid by my parents. About 2 days ago I got a speeding citation. The officer who pulled me over said they clocked me going 74MPH in a 55MPH zone. I did not dispute this because I know I was speeding and who could have missed the huge signs with the posted speed limit. Anyway I am only 17 years old. This is the first time I have ever been pulled over or got in any trouble on the road. Prior to this I had a perfect driving record. My dad has not gotten any traffic violations in over 30 years and my mom has never gotten any violations of any kind. My older sister who is 18 (also on our Traveler's insurance) has a perfect driving record as well. Do you think our insurance rates will go up considering this is my first ticket and everyone in my family has a PERFECT record except for the ticket of my dad's?

Car insurance to help disabled grandparents?

My grandfather is ill in hospital and my nan is finding it difficult to drive to the hospital and back on a daily basis. Aunt has MS so she cares for her too, thus I was wondering if anyone knows of a type of car insurance that will enable me to help out with their daily living. I obviously know that standard insurance would work, but I'm a 21 yo male and don't have the funds to get full independent insurance. Thanks for any help.""

Long term disability insurance?

I am interested in buying long term disability insurance. Anyone has a good company in mind to recommand?

Which car would insurance be higher on?

Hi, I'm 16 and I'm getting my first car. I've saved up a chunk of money to make the down payment and 2 or 3 of the monthly payments (my parents are paying for the rest). I've narrowed it down to 2 cars of about the same price. A 2004 MiniCooper and a 2005 mustang (v6). My parents will be paying for my insurance so I was hoping you could tell me which one would have a lower rate so I could make it easier on them? I already know it's going to be high because I'm a teenage driver so whatever helps really. A mustang is kind of, sort of, sports car-ish (I'm not big into cars people, ignore my ignorant terminology) so I figured that would have an effect on the insurance. On the other hand, a minicoop is very small and I don't believe they're made in the U.S like a mustang is so parts and stuff would be higher if I'm correct? Thank you very much for any help!""

Where can I get health insurance?

I have a disability (hearing loss), and I don't have a job, so I am not working. I want to get a hearing evaluation at University of Washington (where I live) but I need health insurance. Otherwise it will cost me 900 dollars which, I don't have. What can I do?""

Car total by unlicensed and uninsured driver...what to do?

My car was being driven by my husband,an excluded driver on my insurance, and was hit by a driver running through a red light. The driver has no insurance and no license so I doubt I will recover anything from her but my insurance company won't pay anything as well. Will my GAP coverage still pay the difference between the totaled value and the cost of my lien?""

Car insurance when i turn 18?

Hi right now im 17 and im about to be 18 in march, im looking to get a car so i can commute back and forth for school and i need help on this car insurance ropes. Im planing on getting a used car for around 3000 maybe a jeep wrangler/loredo or a good nissan or toyota. Ill look into prices and student discounts after i figure this out, am i able to get car insurance under my name when i turn 18? My mom isn't a driver or owns a car this is another reason, so i can drive her around. So ill be doing this on my own, any help or tips? And please nothing that im young or stupid answers im trying to be serious. All help is appreciated, thanks.""

Can you get insurance for something you order online?

I'm buying a macbook pro from Pc world but will I be able to get insurance?

""IVF insurance, who covers it?""

Hello! My wife and I want to add a bundle of joy to our family and we wanted to know what insurance company and plan should we go with?! We are thinking blue cross, but don't know what plan to choose. Please be kind, and I'll be kind to you :)""

Should i Register my car under my dad's name to get cheaper insurance?

How does it work? Do i buy the car under his name and register it under his name? OR Do i buy it under my name and register it under my name and just insure it under him? How does it work? EZ 10 Points here guys.

bmw 3 series insurance

bmw 3 series insurance

How much does a root canal cost with insurance?

I do not have insurance right now. I went to the dentist's office recently and was informed that I have two wisdom teeth grown in. I have a job that offers dental insurance but I have to wait 3 more months to receive this benefit. I don't know if I should wait a few more months and pay less to get my wisdom teeth removed or if I should get it treated now and pay over $2,000 for 2 root canals and make a monthly payment of $200 for 12 months. How much would I save and pay if I were to get 2 root canals with dental insurance?""

Car or bike insurance?

What is more expensive when you are 17, Car or bike insurance???""

How much money is motorcycle insurance for a 17 year old?

I'm 17 and need to save money for a vehicle and I'm leaning towards a motorcycle because they are relatively cheap and fuel efficient. How much is insurance though?

""What can I, as a 19 year old guy, do to get cheap car insurance?""

Right now I'm just looking for cars with small engines and constantly checking on comparison sites to get a good quote... So for I got 1900 for a 1L 1999 Vauxhall Corsa, which is still far too expensive, but what else can I do? I know about Pass Plus and other things, but any help/advice/links would really, really help...""

Cheapest car insurance companies for young adults?

I'm a 23 year-old student attending to college, my dad has Allstate so he added me into his policy and it looks like I'll be paying $224.11 for six months; driving a 2001 Mazda Millenia. Does this sounds comprehensive? I feel as is too much. Also, what if I put myself as a married person, will that make a big difference? Thank you.""

""I am 21, and have been driving since I was 16. How much will my insurance be?

My parents always paid for my insurance (dont hate) and now I want to use the car for a courier service. How much do you think my insurance will cost me?

Insurance low balled me on my totaled car?

My car was rear ended and totaled in an accident. The insurance now is offering me a lowball offer that is not even close to my fair market value. They used CCC Services that found 3 comparable cars advertised for sale over 350 milles away from my zip code to determine my fair market value. Is this even legal or reasonable at all??? I researched and found 5 comparable cars within 50 miles of my zip code and faxed it to them but they don't seem to care. What do I need to do? I can't buy car within my market with the payout they offer. What is the best thing to get the insurance to raise the payout??? thanks

Will my car be fixed even though car insurance runs out?

Hi there. A car came into me the other day and bumped my car, I have fully comp insurance which runs out january 11th in my mums name, but i am the named driver. The car will have to have quite a bit of work done so im guessing it wont be fixed before this date. The other drivers insurance will be paying for the cost, the insurance and car is in my mums name, and I want to change myself to the owner (official through DVLA) and take out my own insurance before 11th instead of renewing with the smae company. Will they carrying on fixing the car if the insursance who have delt with the claim has run out, also will if be wrong if the car was in my name before the car was returned to my mum. I hope this makes sense, and i hope someone can help thanks.""

How much will gas and insurance cost for me?

I will be driving at least 30 miles per day on week days and about 12 miles per day on the weekend. I am 18 and in college. I haven't gotten my driver's license but plan to take the test in a month or two. I don't know what the MPG of my car will be as I have not purchase it yet but I can almost guarantee it will be fairly old so that may help determine it somewhat. An estimate on a cheap car would be nice too.

What are some cheap cars to insure for an 18 Year old?

What are some cheap cars to insure for an 18 Year old? I am learning to drive at the moment but I want to know what some cheap cars are to insure?

Farmes Car Insurance?

I had a accident on the freeway a girl hi tme from behind and she had farmers insurance are they good at fixing other peoples cars when their cutomers are at fault

State farm car insurance question?

My bf was in an accident recently where he was rear ended at a stop light. The other driver was ticketed and no one is contesting the fact that the other driver is at fault. My bf decided to go through the other driver's insurance (state farm) rather than his own so that he wouldn't have to pay a deductible. He needs about $600 worth of body work done. After going through all the hoops, he was told to take the car to a local body shop & that he would be approved for a rental car while it was being repaired. Today, he took the car to the shop, but they told him they won't take it until March 21st (about 3 weeks from now). Until then, they expect him to drive his DAMAGED car. He drives long distances pretty frequently (usually visits me an hour and a half away every week or two) and neither of us are comfortable with the idea of him getting on the interstate in a damaged car. What recourse does he have in this situation? It seems pretty unfair that the accident was someone else's fault entirely and he is going to be stuck waiting almost a month to be put whole again :( I suggested that he call state farm and let them know that he's not satisfied with their solution, but he doesn't think it will get him anywhere. Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing? Thoughts in general?""

Approximate monthly premium for State Unemployment insurance and the coverage?

1) My employer is in California and I have been working in Illinois for 8 years until last month for the client of my employer. My family is myself, spouse and two kids. The contract with the client is over and my employer might terminate me. In this case, should I file for unemployment insurance in California or in Illinois? 2)What is the approximate monthly premium to be paid for state unemployment insurance? 3)what things will be covered by this insurance? If various factors would affect the answers for the above questions, please try your best to give approximate estimation for the monthly premium and coverage details. Thanks.""

Do you have to have full coverage insurance on a new car?

We are going to try to get our first new car ever,and not really sure of the whole insurance process..We do keep liability insurance on our 2 cars we have now,but that alone about kills us,we pay $105 a month for 2 vehicles and 2 22 year old drivers..Everyone says its our age that causes us to have high insurance.Anyway, are we going to be required to have our own full coverage insurance on a new car if we get one? Or will the dealership help us with it or factor it in the payment? Because I don't think we could afford full coverage if its much higher..I priced it when I was 18 on a mustang and it was like $300 a month...I know crazy!!""

Guestimate how much i will have to pay for insurance?

In MA, a 1994-95 honda civic hatchback 120,000 miles,im 18 and didnt take driver's ed. This is my first car. All i have is a permit for 4 months.""

""Young driver insurance, should I get a tracker on my car?""

hi, I am 18, male and have my test in 2 days, I have been looking at cars and insurance but no one will even give me a quote on normal insurance. I have found a 1.0l lupo 51 plate and got a quote for 3400 with the tracker thing that records speeds, acceleration, breaking and that? just wondering should i do that or what? I don't want to be limited too much and feel im being watched. Anyway, does anyone know any companies that will even give me a quote? I know its not going to be cheap because of my age and sex but a price would be nice without that annoying box thing or should I just take the tracker insurance? Thanks in advance""

How much money do you need to maintain a car say four to six cylinder in a month time?

Insurance, gas, the norm for a regular commute.""

Car insurance and moving?

I'm going to buy a car soon, And then move pretty much right after that...It would be a good idea to get the insurance and plates and stuff before I go, obviously, but what will need to be done once I move? I heard that as long as I live in my parent's house, the insurance would be cheaper, well, I'd be moving out...so I have no idea how to get everything straightened around.""

Can i go on another person's insurance?

im 18 and my mom doesnt drive. i got quoted for 358/month (female) would it be possible to go under another family members insurance (aunts, uncle) or does it have to be your parents (same adress)?""

Cheapest car to insure and run?

So in all your opinions what is a cheap car both to run and insure? Also, would a 2000-2001 vehicle make much difference to an insurer?""

Do you have life insurance?

If so, at what age did you obtain your policy? How much did you purchase? How much do you pay a month? Is it a Term or Permanent?""

How much will my insurance go up?

I recently crash my car into a bush going 50 with 4 other people in it. The car costed $2000 and I totaled my car and the police came. My 6 months weren't up so I wasn't supposed to have anyone in the car with me so I got a ticket for that and I got a ticket for reckless driving plus my license suspended. How much will my insurance go up?

Whats a good car insurance comapany in onatrio canada?

im just looking for regular insurance,nothing fancy.im a 34yr old male.thanks in advance.10 points for whoever gets the best company is my gift to you...""

What is the cheapest car insurance agency???

What is the cheapest car insurance agency???

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES Insurance?

Is a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ES (automatic, 4 door sedan) significantly more expensive to insure than a 1993 Honda Accord LX (also automatic, 4 door sedan)? I am 18 and have had my drivers license for 2 months.""

bmw 3 series insurance

bmw 3 series insurance

USAA or Amica for auto insurance?

As far as I can tell, these are the two top auto insurance companies... Which do you think is better, and why?""

Do you have health insurance?

if so, how much is it per month?? How old are you?? what kind of deducatble do you have?? feel free to answer also if you do not have insurance and how you might pay any medical costs.""

Why is insurance more...?

Why does it cost more to insure a 1991 Nissan ZX than a 1986 Camaro? Wouldn't you think the Camaro would be more, since it has less safety features and is older?""

Should parents buy life insurance policies for their young children?

What do you think? Give good reasoning for your argument...THANKS!!!

What is the cheapest insurance I can get after an accident in NJ??

I am 18 years old so insurance is already extremely high for me(1100 for a 6 month policy through GEICO) and I recently had a minor accident where I rear ended another car and got a careless driving ticket. Im sure my rate will skyrocket in my next policy and I am wondering what I can do about it.

""I will b learning to ride a bike soon, if i get a Ducati 500cc 2ndHand bike howmuch insurance it will cost me?""

I will b learning to ride a bike soon, if i get a Ducati 500cc 2ndHand bike howmuch insurance it will cost me?""

Where can I find affordable health insurance?

It is for me, not a family""

Whats the cheapest Car Insurance for a 23 year old male and reckless driving ticket?

titles says it all

How much do you pay for motorcycle insurance?

I would like to know how much you pay for motorcycle insurance. If you could, in your answer, please state how much you pay, how old you are, and what size you bike is. Also say if it is a crotch rocket a cruiser....etc. I am seventeen and wondering what a roundabout insurance quote would be for me.""

How to calculate insurance quotations?

i want to know how insurance quotations are prepared?is there any software to prepare such quotations?what are the factors to be taken into account to prepare such quotations?

What papers do you need for car insurance?

Alright I don't know too much all I know is I'm determined, I want a car with car insurance on it. My dad has a car in which he is going to let me have and I am going with him next week to get car insurance. What papers do I need to present in order to get the car insurance because I want to be ready. I'm not sure what insurance I want yet but I believe he might be putting the insurance in his name and mine being that I am a young driver.""

Where do you get a semen analysis performed in southern California without insurance? ?

I have looked all over the Internet! !! We live near orange county and la county he has no insurance. Please help! !!

First Time Driver - Car Insurance?

I live in Western Massachusetts and will be 18 in July. I haven't gotten my permit yet, but I plan on getting it sometime in the next month to start practicing. In Massachusetts, you cannot get your license if you're under 18 and haven't taken a driving class, which I don't have the money for, so I plan on having my mom teach me everything about driving and I'm hoping to get my license when I turn 18. I do already own a car (1998 Honda Accord Coupe), so that won't be an issue. Here are my questions: 1. When I have to start paying insurance, how much (range) do you think it would be? I know that everyone says that first time drivers have to pay WAAAY more, but I don't even know how much regular drivers pay. 2. Would it be cheaper to just be added onto my parents' car insurance plan? They've already brought this idea up, but they're afraid that if I get into a serious accident that the people could go after everything they own. I don't want to be that much of a stress on them, but I really don't want to end up paying a lot. Please and thank you!""

Can somebody explain to me what LP means in home insurance?

For example, I know that there is a classification in homes that's called LP3 . What does that mean??""

If you rent a budget truck will my insurance company insure it while im driving it?

If you rent a budget truck will my insurance company insure it while im driving it?

How do people with preexisting conditions get affordable health insurance in America?

How do people with preexisting conditions get affordable health insurance in America?

Do you know any life insurance companies that has all of this?

1) Has banding coverage, meaning rates are base on total coverage of the primary and the spouse. 2) Has spouse rider and child rider, so there's only one policy fee 3) Has terminal illness benefit. If you are diagnose to be terminally ill, you can use a portion of the face amount for whatever reasons. 4) Has increasing benefit rider. That means every year up to a certain time, the face amount goes up by a certain percent without having to provide proof of insurability. And the rate of the added coverage is base on the age when the policy was issued to you. 5) Disability waiver of premium. This means when you become disabled, all your premiums will be waivered and the policy will remain enforced until it matures or expires. 6) Guarantees insurability for children. That means when the child becomes an adult, he/she can get life insurance regardless of current health conditions. 7) It has AM Best Rating of A+ or better or Moody Rating of AA or better. The company I work has all these features in all their life insurance policies. I was wondering if any other companies out there has the same features.""

Which health insurance plans do you like in California?

For individuals which health insurance plans are good for people in good health? Are the Anthem plans a good choice for a family?

Insurance information for young drivers?

Im 22 years old. I currently on my mom's insurance so that it's cheaper and I recently traded in my other car and got a new one. How much do You think insurnace would cost if I got it on my own. I pay 130.00 now for full coverage? I don't get along with her and I wold perfer not to have her on my title. I was told I needed to have her on my title in order to be under her insurnace?

In terms of premium cost the most expensive type of insurance is?

In terms of premium cost the most expensive type of insurance is?

How much will motorcycle insurance cost for me?

I'm 18, i live in austin, texas, and i plan on getting a kawasaki ninja 250 for my first bike""

Is it possible for me to get an insurance quote below 2000 for any possible car?

im 22..i've tried old and new cars for quotes... cars valued from 500 to 35,000... but the minimum possible quotes i get is around 2100.. and been given a quote of 7000 for a 2.0l bmw 3 series worth around 5000 itself... I know its not going to be 30 a month for such a young in experienced driver.. but 400 a month for a tiny car??!!... i have no one to help me ... how do i find out if car insurance is just a joke or is it possible to get some sensible quotes? how do normal people get sensible car insurance for the first time? or are they just born with 10 years of NCB ?""

How can I get a California Health & Life Insurance License ?

I would like to find an online course or a study at home course if possible. Also, how long does the course take ? Thank you for your help""

What is the average insurance cost for Mopeds/Scooters?

Im 18 and im looking to buy a moped or scooter and im just wondering what I should expect to pay on insurance. 50cc/125cc - 3rd Party. If I was to pay monthly, would 20/month be a reasonable estimate?""

""Where can i find cheap car insurance in Toronto, Ontario?""

Where can i find cheap car insurance in Toronto, Ontario?""

bmw 3 series insurance

bmw 3 series insurance

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/virginia-insurance-non-renewal-alan-patterson/"

[callumreyesfutureworksyear3]

Model Production 1

I have started to model aspects of my scene. I am trying to keep in mind modularity within my scene, I want to try and get the most out of my models as possible. The shop fronts I have made for instance I can, and have, created different versions of the windows. The base window isn’t changed but one variation has bars and another variation has shutters. Doing things like this saves time but maintains variety in the scene. 

Below you can see the shopfront window variations. The core model is the same but the addition of the bars to one and the shutters to the other make the models look quite different without requiring a re-do of the model.

I have also started creating some models for the neo-classical buildings of which my cyberpunk assets will be built onto. I’m doing this because it is a common theme of the cyberpunk style, the blending of the old and the new. You can see this within the art works of Syd Mead, a key designer of the visual look of Bladerunner.

The classical architecture will be the base aspect of the buildings within my scene with the cyberpunk theme being communicated via additions to these base buildings. 

I Generated an example of a small addtion that could be placed onto the base building models. This example is a small electrical box that would be fixated to the walls of the building. 

In terms of the amount of poly’s present in each model I am trying to maintain a good balance. I don’t want to have models that have too many poly’s that aren’t needed and I also don’t want too few poly’s that the models don’t have sufficient detail or look out of place. As of now I think that I am doing well in terms of the amount of poly’s I am using.

To generate the wires on the electrical box I used the EP curve tool and a cylinder. The cylinder was extruded along the curve I had created. After changing some of the divisions I had generated the wires the way i wanted.

I had not UV mapped any of the models up until this point and I really wanted to get this done so i could begin texturing the assets I had created up until this point. I want to do this as I felt it would be of high importance for me to establish a base for my textures. This will allow me to settle on the types of materials and colours I want to be featured in my scene. Although the scene will feature neon lights of varying colours, the materials and colours used in the structural assets of the scene I want to remain consistent and somewhat limited.

I started by unwrapping the electrical box. The wires were something I was worried about when it came to unwrapping as the shape is quite varied. However I discovered that if I unitize the UV’s and select an edge from end to end, invert the selection to uv’s and move and sew, it would create a near perfect uv map of the wires. I then unfolded to match the map to the model a little closer. This created an effective unwrap with no warping issues, it was also a quick process.

Now that the electrical box is unwrapped I am going to move onto unwrapping the other models I have created

I have now finished unwrapping the windows. I used automatic unwrap as a base and made a few changes to seams and moved and sewed where I felt best. The end result is an effective, non-stretched, UV map. Seams on the model are minimal and are located in places where I found necessary/ unavoidable. The front faces of the model shares a single shell for the most part, with only faces to the sides being seperated. This is going to be useful when it comes to texturing later.

My unwrapping of the shop front has finished. This took a little longer than the windows as I was debating the best places for the seams to be placed, something a little more complicated on this model compared to the windows. I had to include some seams that I didn’t feel were ideal. Maintaining an non-warped map was more important to me however.I used the same method for the cable on this model as I did for the wires on the electrical box. This technique is proving efficient and useful. As with my previous maps I have made sure that the shells are layed out to scale with each other, meaning the density of each part of the model will be the same in terms of pixels when it comes to texturing.

I have moved onto the advert machine for unwrapping. I decided to make the screen portion of the model a seperate object as I am planning to have different images playing on it. This model will be used more than one in the scene and whereas I am fine with the base model staying the same, having the screen seperate makes it easier for variation in the content they display.

The unwrap went quite well with this model. I used automatic mapping as a base again and then utilised tools like cutting, move and sew and unfolding to get a more accurate, fewer seamed and unwarped unwrap.

The final model in this period of unwrapping is the classical style “window seperator. This model will be used between windows and other assets as a divider and will add some protrusion to the buildings, making them less flat. As with the other structural models I have produced and plan to produce, this asset is modular.

As for the unwrap it was quite easy. Again I used automatic unwrap as a base and worked from their with cut, move and sew and unfold. Unfold was necessary for the edges to get an accurate unwrap and one that wasn’t stretched.

I have yet to texture these assets but they are starting to look nice together and the visual style of my scene is begging to develop.