#bandless

[pikslasrce]

the "i want to be in a band" epidemic is getting dire (the only thing i can do is play acoustic guitar and i haven't in years)

no yeah bc everybody wants to be in a band right. but so few of us actually end up in one 😭😭 its so sad bc i just know id be KILLING IT at jam sessions... if i knew guitar or bass or something

[whitherwanderyouspirit]

Finally free from Christmas gift making.

If I ever do this again, I need to start in early fall. My hands are cramping.

[bandomfandombeyond]

staring at 5 albums worth of lyrics is so frustrating. like. I know there are fucking hits here. I know my wordplay is clever. WHAT I DONT KNOW IS IF ILL EVER ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO TURN ANY OF IT INTO REAL MUSIC???

[chalet2000]

8 jars of mystery grape put up, that got rid of 2 freezer containers (had to supplement 4c of purple mystery juice w a random cup of white sour grape) and that's enough for me

[mammalsofaction]

HUMAN PERRY AU BACKSTORY

I've been having a lot of thoughts lately about Human Perry headcanons as I read a bunch of fic and rewatch phineas and ferb. You know you're hitting the nail on the head when scenes from a fic you might never write dog your every waking step and haunts your dreams so, I thought putting it on paper will help.

A lot of fics like to suggest that Perry's full name is Peregrine, which is understandable, but ever since I've rewatched 2D and found out their first name for him was actually Bartholomew my life was never the same. So Perry's actual name is Bartholomew. But nobody actually calls him that least of all himself.

FAMILY RELATIONS

-I really like winding headcanons that Perry is Ferb's biological mom's BROTHER, which honestly makes so much sense as to why both he and Ferb have green hair. Here are some add-ons that may get depressing;

Ferb's mom was Eve, or Evelyn. Her codename was E, for Echidna...because egg-laying mammals native to Australia. They were both orphans, and attached to the hip. They were each other's partner in crime.

-They were scouted for OWCA one day, bc the agency liked picking up kids with potential as young as possible. So Perry and Eve were trained for the agency since the start (which is why Perry is such a good agent at what seems to be a young age)

MY HEADCANONS FOR OWCA

-Owca is a largely independent authoritarian enterprise with branches all over the world. They aren't the only ones, obviously.

-OWCA also prefers training agents as early as they could. Sometimes that entails scouting talent. Sometimes that means taking in kids of employed agents. Either way, this means OWCA has elementary and high schools that are more akin to militant training camps. It's not cruel. The kids are well cared for and well fed, but OWCA prioritized competency, obedience and discipline.

On every level of OWCA recruitment, training and employment, there is a fedora, and band to mark whichever level you are on the totem pole.

1) Middle school kids are given a bandless fedora.

2) High school kids (soon to be graduates) are given a white band

3) Fresh graduates, training into full employment, are Yellow Bands. Here you start being assigned to full branches, and trained by field work professionals. Think OWCA Files.

4) It's fairly easy to graduate from Yellow Band into a Purple Band. Purple Bands are largely refereed to as Junior Agents, but that's not quite accurate. Purple Bands are the highest reporting authority in any division that ISN'T FIELD WORK. The OWCA Tech, Clerks, RnD and Science Divisions all have Purple Bands to signify they are fully employed, or Superior Officer. Pinky has a Purple Band.

5) It's VERY DIFFICULT to graduate from a Purple Band to a Black Band, not least because there IS NO PREDETERMINED TEST. Black Band agents are Superior Agents, only one level below Division General. There's no telling what could turn you from a Purple to a Black, because the agent has to prove unwavering obedience and faith to the agency in dire circumstances. It's saying "I am willing to do anything for the Greater Good."  Often it entails a death of some sort. OWCA often says Black is the band soaked in blood. Black Band agents have licenses to kill. It's why Black Band Agents are few and precious far in between.

6) After a black band, and you live long enough to retire, you can choose a bunch of things. Most agents choose to become Division Generals or Branch Managers: think Major Monogram. They're basically glorified "Guy in the Chair". Some agents choose to become educators, in which case they are given White Fedoras. White fedoras arent exclusive to black bands though; there are plenty purple band white fedoras. In fact most educators are purple band white fedoras.

-Perry's Black Band Event was Eve's death

-At the time of Eve's death, she had already been married to Lawrence. Ferb was barely a year old, maybe 10 months old?

-Lawrence was told it was a car accident: drunk driver. Truthfully it was a mission gone wrong, involving an underground child trafficking ring, and she stayed behind to give them all the chance to escape. She didn't have the chance to escape when security explosives around the building detonated, and she got caught in the crossfire. Perry had to leave her behind.

-This is why Perry refused to get a partner btw, aka his Lone Wolf tendencies come from.

-In the aftermath, OWCA agents approached the family to give them their condolences, and offer to take Ferb into the fold. For the first time since Eve's death, Perry practically lost it. He didn't hurt anyone, he's much too professional, but he knew Eve didn't want Ferb to get wrapped up in OWCA, and for good fucking reason. Due to their training, neither he nor Eve had much of a childhood, and he refused to subject Ferb to the same kind of life experience.

OWCA was NOT happy. Things were tetchy for a while, at least until Perry was approached by Major Monogram. Francis had a wife, and a son, and he understood where Perry was coming from. He suggested taking a permanent residence in Danville, which was his branch division. It was more stability than Perry ever had working in England, where he and Eve was originally stationed, and it was easy enough to come up with a work-related story to convince Lawrence, who was more than ready enough to leave the house where he and Eve originally lived.

-It was after moving did Lawrence meet and fall in love with Linda.

Edit; I've decided to change Ferb's bio mom's name bc I found something that fits better to me :) She's Eve now

End Backstory.

[dreamsatdusk]

Black Face Masks and Respirators

@bisexualbaker

I am so sorry for the delay in getting this info to you. There's some Stuff going on over here and it also took me a while to comb through all the mask info I'd squirreled away to find the black ones.

This got so long I decided I'd best post it on its own rather than hijack the original post. In case others see this: this is a post about mask/respirator options in black. I have grouped them in rough categories, but if someone needs a mask to be explicitly certified against a specific standard, please research the specs and confirm for the model you are interested in. Also be mindful of where things are being sourced, as there have been issues with counterfeit respirators. Some resources on that front:

Counterfeit Respirators/Misrepresentation of NIOSH Approval: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/counterfeitResp.html (Pertains to N95s)

More Tips To Spot Counterfeit Respirators: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/usernotices/AdditionalTips.html (More general advice for various types of respirators/masks)

The 3M Auras mentioned on the other post are an N95 and unfortunately they do not come in black at this time. (There has been a campaign to get them to make them in black and last I saw, there has been some attention from 3M.) They are widely considered a great mask though and many people find it well-fitting and comfortable. I've tried them and my face shape isn't quite suited to it I think because the staples dug into my cheekbones and I haven't seen most people mention that at all. But they have the best nose piece I've seen on any disposable respirator: very good at conforming to my face, padded, long enough to seal better than others.

Also there are several different models of Aura. The model I found at the local Home Depot was the one with blue rubber straps and I could not deal with wearing those. However the 9210+ has white braided elastic straps and those were great.

Getting into options in black:

"Surgical-Style":

This term is overloaded in many places these days, with everyday usage now often meaning a mask style by this term rather than indicating something like their ASTM level (or even if the have one). In this case I mean earloop face masks, typically but not always with pleated fronts, that are not respirators (e.g. not N95s, etc.). They may not be tight-fitting, as many models are focused on fluid resistance. The ones below are 3 or 4 ply and have various ASTM levels.

Armbrust has 3 ply masks in a variety of colours, including black: https://www.armbrustusa.com/products/usa-made-disposable-face-masks

Bandless style: https://www.armbrustusa.com/products/black-3ply-usa-made-disposable-masks?_pos=5&_sid=c44400ae4&_ss=r

Demetech - https://shop.demetech.us/products/copy-of-black-astm-level-3-disposable-face-mask-with-earloops-size-regular?variant=41286569328816

Altor: https://www.altorsafety.com/facemasks/black-facemask

Cranberry (that's the brand, the colour is black): https://aiden.health/products/cranberry-carbon-black-face-masks-astm-level-3-protection-fda-510k

High filtration face mask - Protective Health Gear: https://protectivehealthgear.com/collections/shop/products/high-filtration-face-mask?variant=42211501637865 These look more like some of the KN95s, but the maker does not claim them to be a type of respirator. They often have sales around holidays, between 35 - 50% off. There's currently a 35% off sale going. They have N95s too but those are only white.

KF94/KN95/FFP2:

This is the type that has more black versions than any other, so the below is only a short list of options.

Different ones are certified to different standards, so read up on individual details as needed.

KF94 - HappyLife: https://kollecteusa.com/products/happylifegooddaykf94-adult-black-mask?variant=35994428637333

KN95 - Armbrust: out of stock on black at the moment though. https://www.armbrustusa.com/products/us-made-kn95-mask?variant=40057768280197

KN95 - BNX:

Large: https://accumed.com/bnx-50-pack-kn95-face-mask-disposable-particulate-kn95-mask-made-in-usa-protection-against-dust-pollen-and-haze-50-pack-earloop-model-e95-black-4.html

Medium: https://accumed.com/bnx-20-pack-kn95-e95m-protective-face-mask-disposable-particulate-mask-made-in-usa-protection-against-dust-pollen-and-haze-black-20-pack-earloop-model-e95m.html

Demetech: https://shop.demetech.us/products/copy-of-d95-blue-particulate-respirator-fold-style-with-black-earloops-box-of-20 I dithered about where to group this - from what they said, I think they took their N95 design and made an earloop version. So it is NOT an N95 (and not NIOSH approved), but is a respirator style.

MaskLab: https://masklab.us They have some black options, along with a whole lot of patterns. Check the details on the various ones for what they are - the ones I looked at are FFP2, which is a European standard.

Powecom: https://bonafidemasks.com/Black-Powecom-KN95-Face-Mask

BreatheTeq KN95: Black in several sizes https://breatheteq.com/collections/all

Various models KF94: https://behealthyusa.net/collections/black

WellBefore KN95: https://wellbefore.com/products/kn95-disposable-fda-ce?variant=32907790909569

N95s:

True N95s always have head straps, not ear loops. They have received NIOSH approval - see link up top for info on how to validate authenticity. There aren't a ton out there in black, likely given their primary pre-pandemic use cases. But there are some.

BNX: They have two styles in black https://accumed.com/bnx-n95-mask-niosh-certified-made-in-usa-particulate-respirator-protective-face-mask-10-pack-approval-number-tc-84a-9315-model-h95w-black-3.html Trifold: https://accumed.com/bnx-n95-mask-black-niosh-certified-made-in-usa-particulate-respirator-protective-face-mask-tri-fold-cup-fish-style-10-pack-approval-number-tc-84a-9362-model-f95b-headband-black.html

Benehal: I've seen positive reports on their black N95, but at the moment I haven't found anything but the white ones for sale on legit sites that ship to/in the US.

Demetech: https://shop.demetech.us/products/black-n95-respirator-mask-fold-style-niosh-approved-box-of-20-size-regular

WellBefore: https://wellbefore.com/products/n95-medical-mask-fda?variant=32909323436161

VitaCore: Okay a note here: these are a Canadian manufacturer model certified to a standard in use in Canada. Their white version is also a NIOSH certified N95. The black is newer and is certified in Canada but the NIOSH process isn't done yet so VitaCore isn't selling them on their US site yet. However they did approve a reseller to sell the black ones in the US here. I've heard great things about these and am getting some to try myself. https://www.protectly.co/products/vitacore-can99-black-respirator-mask

Elastomeric Respirators:

These are reusable respirators, where you replace the filter material, but the overall respirator is reusable (made of rubber, etc). On the one hand they are widely held to be the most comfortable options for long term use and once the initial investment is made, it's less expensive to buy replacement filters than disposable respirators. Even the filters themselves can be used for a long time before replacement compared to a disposable. That said, these respirators are more 'noticeable' in style and like with any mask, not all models are going to be comfy on all face shapes.

I can't think of any ones with black filter materials but some of the respirators themselves come in black or can be painted. And some have housing over the filters such that you don't see much of the filter material itself except through little holes. If anyone is interested in more info on some of the more common models though, let me know.

I'll mention one that has a black faceplate option and is less obtrusive looking in style, that I also have personally tried: FloMask: https://www.flomask.com Adult and child modes available. I advise the halo strap for the top strap for staying put and comfort, especially if you have longer hair. There are two different levels of filter material available, interchangeable in the same respirator. They also have two different mask styles to suit different nose bridges.

Strapless:

I'm only familiar with ReadiMask, and I think those are just in yellow or grey. But mentioning them anyway to cover the use case of needing a respirator without metal parts. They are an actual N95, but use adhesive rather than straps. Very comfortable and can be worn in MRI machines. They'd also work well for things like massages IMO because laying on your face is comfortable in these.

https://readimask.com

https://alliantbiotech.com/product/readimask-strapless-n95-niosh-approved

They have different sizes. But in my experience, unless your face is VERY small, you probably need at least the Large size. There are instructions on how to measure your face for size.

---

Some other notes:

Armbrust has a mask sampler for $40 https://www.armbrustusa.com/products/armbrust-mask-sampler-kit?_pos=3&_sid=debca69cb&_ss=r Some of the samples are masks that do not come in black but some are ones that you can buy in black, 3 or 4 of them (though I think all the samples themselves are white or blue).

[ask-the-shiny-pokemons]

(@askabbyandeva) Melody (to Noelle): You know, we can't help but notice that you don't have the bands that other Houndoom typically have, is there a reason behind that? or is that too personal of a question?

Truth to be told, my mom tried to get rid of me because she was like: "DAMMIT, NO BANDS... AGAIN!" My family has a history of the bandless Houndours and Houndooms over many generations and they had the same defect. And unfortunately like with my family, none of them has succeed to have a child with bands.

I mean, I'm still happy as I am right now, not having bands does not make me weaker. I'm just a regular Houndoom like others, but without bands.

She smiles like nothing bad happened in her life.

[ @askabbyandeva ]

[nikatyler]

Greyson had a band once but he sucks so he's bandless now (keep Tyler away from him bc he thinks Tyler stole his bandmates but that's not really what happened, Greyson really just sucks 🤷‍♀️)

[vanweezer]

💌 👀‼️

mutuals send me a 💌 and ill tell you something i love about you

ASHA DEAREST!!! i loved that one thing you wrote about mcr i feel like if we were irls wed deffo be concert buddies. i love how despite the many many monkey wrenches thrown into your day to day you continue to be that bitch i LOVEEEE YOUR ARTWORK DONT EVEN GET ME STARTEDDDDD. we need to start our own film club or something. whenever i see your posts on my dash i feel like the online equivalent of someones little sibling being like Look Look I Made A Game On Roblox. I Made A Game On Roblox Look at it. because i genuinely love being able to share art and ~opinions~ with you!!! also enjoy being in the bandless bass players community™ with you i always enjoyed knowing that you , too , were a bassist. i love hearing from you dawggg have a good day!!

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2004 - Number 14 - Ewert Sundja - "Dance"

The Estonian Eurovision legends keep on coming, and yes he looks so young! Here's Ewert who has yet to find either of his dragons. This is his first appearance at Eurolaul. At this juncture in his musical journey he's found himself bandless. Since 1998 he'd been The Provokers and then Precious. They both split in 2002, so at a loose end, why not go for Eurovision?

Dance is by Vaiko Eplik, writer of Eighties Coming Back and lead singer of Ruffus/Claire's Birthday from last year's Estonian entry. It represents the first collaboration between Ewert and the former members of that band before they finally assembled into the final form. The songs sees Ewert channel some classic pop into a performance that looks like a Robert Palmer video. The white suit, the vivid green tie and buttonhole, the red hair. It's a look. Even though he's just standing there at the microphone, you can easily spend three minutes examining his costuming in detail.

It starts off haunted by synths before breaking out the guitar riffs and evolving into chorus full of las. It seems upbeat, yet even at its peak it's still bruised by a sadness that Ewert is reluctant to let go of. He's clinging to his failure even if he's blaming someone else for missing out on love. Or maybe he's addressing himself in the second person? The combination of the styling and the lyrics begin to feel creepy if you think about it for too long.

This performance did occur before Ewert's musical career really took off, which might account for a result at the lower end of the scoreboard. He finished seventh of the ten songs this year, receiving less than a tenth of the televote of the winner. He'd be back.

Directly after this, Ewert formed the band Thief and spent five years gigging and recording with them to no great acclaim. On their demise in 2009, Ewert and the Two Dragons rose from the ashes and conquered the Baltic nations with a brand of indie-rock that's not a million miles away from Dance. They've toured Europe, won award and sold many records. Ewert and the band came back to Eurovision contention in 2024. Ewert entered twice, once with the band and once as guest vocalist with Cartoon. He's also written for other Eurolaul and Eesti Laul entrants.

[nycskygirl99]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Vanity Fair | Beauty Back Full Figure Minimizer Underwire Bra, Size 38C, NWT.

[poshfind]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Reebok Light Gray Bandless Signature Logo Sweatshirt XS.

[theuniformedit]

Step into sophistication with our Women’s Bandless Skirt!

Say goodbye to the discomfort of tight waistbands and hello to freedom and style. This skirt isn't just a piece of clothing; it's a statement of confidence and empowerment. Designed to flatter every curve, it celebrates the beauty of the female form with grace and poise.

Whether you're out for brunch with friends, attending a business meeting, or hitting the town for a night out, this versatile piece will have you turning heads wherever you go. Dress it up with heels and a blazer for a professional look, or pair it with sneakers and a graphic tee for a casual vibe that exudes cool-girl chic.

Crafted from luxurious fabric and featuring impeccable craftsmanship, our bandless skirt offers both comfort and style in equal measure. Its seamless design creates a sleek silhouette, while its elastic waist ensures a perfect fit every time.

Available in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your unique taste and body type, this skirt is more than just a fashion statement—it's a celebration of individuality and self-expression. Elevate your look and embrace the freedom of movement with our bandless skirt today!

[butlersforge]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Warner's Pink Cloud 9 Inner Sling Wire Free T-Shirt Bra 36B NEW.

[blissfullvibe]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Sanctuary | Zebra Molded Underwire Bikini Top | D | Black.

[llytalbot]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: SPANX Women’s Slim Cognito Shaping Mid-Thigh Bodysuit Black Size 1X.