#it doesn't help that our homework was just comparing numbers with < and> and mirrors in physics

[failure-girl-fuyu]

turns out that before we could even remember things our father has been giving us alcohol. letting us drink beer as a baby and making us go to sleep with wine and bread

on one hand, our alcohol tolerance must be higher than average then, but on the other it just feels.. wrong. and i'm not exactly sure that what he said on our 12th birthday was a joke anymore

[estrxlar]

The Ghost Of You

03 - Music Room 3007

Chapters songs:

*Dagger; Slowdive

On The Level; Mac Demarco

F song; Strawberry Guy

^^^ when including * in chapters next to a song, that means it is a song that will be performed in the chapter.

———

— Y.L. Perspective

      "Sunshine girl is sleeping. She falls in dreams alone," sings Toruku in a calming tone into a microphone, along with the strumming of a guitar. "And me, I am her dagger. Too numb to feel her pain."

     "The world is full of noise, yes. I hear it all the time. And me, I am your dagger. You know I am your wound." I join in, adding onto his

      The words we sang were truly upsetting. About a boy, a lover, who is aware he's hurting the girl he loves. I couldn't compare any relationship I'd ever been through to those lyrics.

      Although one had always caught my eye: "I didn't really lose you, I just lost it for a while." It was easy to automatically think of the boy I was duetting with when we covered this; for some time now, Toruku has had small feelings for me.

       One of the things that repelled me from a relationship with him was the idea that it would end horribly, and that it would potentially ruin our relationship.

      Not to mention how much drama that would cause for two other unproblematic teenagers who were only trying to make a living off of their talent: Hikishi and Giki.

      But today wasn't about what would happen between the two of us— today was her day.

     "I thought I heard your whisper, it happens all the time." And with that, the song is brought to an ending, followed by my gaze met with the blonde boy.

       "That was, once again, better than before. But I feel as if it's missing something." He explains, as he removed the wooden instrument from his arm and leaned it against the bean bag he sat in.

       Music room 3007 contained the following: I couple of bean bag seats, a coffee table, a vending machine, almost every instrument in existence in an extra storage room, tools used to record and analyze music, and posters + records we kept throughout the years.

       Truth is, music room 3007 wasn't even really a part of the school anymore. Sure, it was still on maps and the district still paid the electricity, cable, and water bill. But barely any students or teachers paid much attention to it, for it was stuffed behind the gyms, which were two large buildings that would block out any view of the smaller one that stood behind it.

      'I hope Sugawara won't have any problem with finding this place.' I think to myself, as I stand from the chair to turn the camera and microphone off.

      We would set up different amps, microphones, and cameras when recording a cover of a song. This time, it was a basic acoustic from 1993, named 'Dagger' by Slowdive.

     After turning it all off, I plop back onto the cushion. "I think we've don't this quite enough times already, 'Ruku. We should upload it already and get on to the second song. I mean, we've been here a whole hour trying to perfect 'Dagger'." I say, removing my uniform's blazer, and throwing it across the coffee table. Next came my tie, and I unhooked the first two small buttons of my white collared shirt. The music room got hot when so many electronics were in use.

     "Maybe you're right. We should probably get onto another song." He replied, running his hands in the bridge of his nose and down his neck.

      I quickly stand up from my chair and stand behind him, leaning onto his shoulders. "I think you're just tired. Are you sure you wouldn't wanna go home?"

      Toruku runs a hand up my arm, patting my shoulder, then sighs heavily. I couldn't imagine how tired he must be after today. His thoughts must've been wearing him down. "Yes, I'm sure. Besides, I don't wanna leave you all alone."

      "No need, Sugawara will help me get home, remember?" I ask him, followed by a moan of protest. It worried me that Sugawara and Toruku most likely wouldn't get along, especially since both seemed so compatible at first.

      Both his hands leave mine and lay in his lap. "And what's with this Suga guy, Y/n? Is he your buddy?" His voice echoed through the band room, stabbing the back of my brain while I think for an answer that wouldn't sound suspicious. I would say no, but who knew what the future could hold.

"I dunno. But he means no harm! At least I think so.." Tired from squatting, I lift to stand on both feet properly. Toruku slides his hand away from my figure and brings it towards his face. It covers his mouth as he once again sighs. "You seem tired after today, Ruku. Is it because of Moku?"

Hopefully, I hadn't overstepped any boundaries with what I had said. Hopefully, I was remotely correct about why he looked so down. "Yeah, it is. I won't act as if it doesn't bother me because I know it bothers you too. Although it's been three years, I still feel very guilty for going on without her."

'At least he knows I'm here with him.' I thought, moving to the bean bag I had been in just a few moments ago. By her, I meant Torukus passed girlfriend, and my best friend: the reason I practically stopped living at the age of fifteen. Honestly, Toruku and I weren't even really that close. I knew her as her boyfriend and he knew me as her best friend. And as close as we were to her, we were never friends. Moku's death only brought us closer to each other, stirring up the beginning of a rock band.

      "I know what you mean. I do. Thankfully, this birthday of hers went better than the last two, wouldn't you say?" I ask, leaning on my elbows that sat on my knees.

      "Definitely. The previous ones all ended up in fights and long makeups. I guess we're just more laid back about it now," He explains, getting up from his seat, and browsing the instruments that were hung on the wall. His fingers wrap around his belt loops as he stands. "I feel bad for getting over her so quickly."

       "I know exactly what you mean. Never forget that I'm right here next to you, Toruku. That we've gotten through this together instead of alone. Although I wish you had talked to me more when it had first happened, I was all alone!" I chuckle at the last part, even if it wasn't funny at all. "I think the life we made out of our relationship has turned out for the better. Look where we are now: moving to American in about a year to sign to a label. Wouldn't she be proud we've gotten so far?"

      "Maybe you're right," Toruku says, leaning against the back wall. His hair danced over his eyes barely, as they stared right at me. "Maybe you should hit up Toru and Hajime, ask how they're doing. They went through this too, you know."

      "Yeah, I know. I haven't because I'm afraid of what they'll say, or if they even say anything at all. They're both a part of a very different social class after all. If anything, I'll probably get a simple thumbs up on my message." My voice grows low, expressing my tiredness from this conversation already.

      Toru and Hajime were two other people that used to be in my friend group with Moku throughout our childhood. Both were loud and expressive and played volleyball, but they were also very kind and friendly towards Moku, Toruku, and me. Once middle school had started, the five of us grew closer and closer by the second. We joined volleyball clubs, hung out at our houses practically every day, and grew popular throughout the years. But once Moku had passed, we all fell apart. She was what held us together after all.

       Both Hajime and Toru decided to go to another high school, and Toruku and I went to another. After that, we hadn't heard a single word from them.

      "It's worth a try, Y/n. We wouldn't want to seem inconsiderate." Toruku says as he pulls out a pack of cigarettes from his pockets, as well as a lighter. After lighting one, the smoke leaves his mouth slowly, as he continues. "I wish you would at least try to make amends between them. You were closer to them than I ever was."

     "I'll try. Just not now."

———

       After another hour of practice with Toruku, the two of us stood silent on our phones while we waited for Sugawara. Something told me that he had gotten lost. Either that, or he just forgot about me, which I wouldn't blame him for.

       But right when I was about to tell Toruku that we should go home, a message from an unknown number had shown up on the top of my phone screen that alarmed me.

      [Text Message: ###-###-####]

Hey, I can't find the music room. It's not on the school campus. Either that, or it's the most invisible classroom ever brought to this school.

     [Reply to ###-###-####]

I'm assuming this is Sugawara? Sorry, I don't have your number saved. If otherwise, the wrong number.

       After the second the message gave me a preview, I fully entered the screen. It had a profile picture, but not a contact name. Although, that was my very first-year-like of me to be irresponsible. [Sugawara] read the title after I'd edited it, and nothing more. Only a few brief messages that we had just sent to each other.

Sugawara

  

Hey, I can't find the music room. It's not on school campus. Either that, or it's the most invisible classroom ever brought to this school.

I'm assuming this is Sugawara? Sorry, I don't have your number saved. If otherwise, the wrong number.

Actually, right number! But seriously... I have no idea where the hell you are. Is it off-campus? I might just cry if I don't figure this out. I've been at it for a solid ten minutes.

Ten minutes?? Damn boy, you could've just asked to meet me in the cafeteria or something. Toruku and I have been waiting here for a while as well.

Sorry!!

No need to apologize.

- you have started sharing your location with {Sugawara}-

Thanks. See you in a bit.

      After discussing where I was hanging, I decided to look more into this saved contact. 'Had I really been so close to him as to have discussions with him?' I think as I decide to read a few more messages above our most recent convo. They only consisted of homework answers, tutoring questions, and a few more comments about school festivals and such. A good ten invites to a volleyball game were stored in there as well. I hadn't realized how much he had meant to me just two years ago. Time flies, taking most of your memories with you.

      A few more moments went by before a knock came upon the room's entrance door, as well as the voice of someone behind it. "Uhm— hello..? Is this the right room?"

     "No, go away," Toruku replies in a deeper, scarier voice as he shuffled towards the door to reveal Sugawara standing there alone with a frightened expression.

      Suga sighed, putting a hand over his chest while he smiled. "That gave me a heart attack." He says, fixing his eyes towards my sitting figure. "Ready to go?"

     I nod, lifting from my seat and stretching out my arms while yawning loudly. "God, I'm tired," I mumble to myself, gathering my bag and the tie and jacket I had taken off, before slowly walking over towards Sugawara. "Isn't it after practice? Shouldn't you be all tired and worked out?"

    "Oh, no. Today was only focused on the new players, which honestly didn't go so well." He explained, finishing with a soft chuckle. Though I could tell it was filled with disappointment, for the way he looked down on the floor was purely depressing.

      But quickly steered the conversation another way to distract him from it; that was the least I could do. "Oh, well, today it was just Toruku and me. But thankfully we just recorded some extra vocals so we didn't have to record the rest of the teams' jobs."

     Sugawara distracts himself, taking small glances around the room as I explain to him what we did. He observes the different colors and pictures on the walls, the furniture we helped ourselves to, and the instruments gathered onto the wall. "It looks quite comfortable in here. To be honest, I'm surprised that the school even lets you decorate this place all by yourselves."

       "They didn't, they just don't know about it. It's quite convenient if you ask me.." I mumble, shuffling from one foot to the other. What I said was no lie, we were truly blessed to have had a room to ourselves here on campus. If it wasn't for the band teacher who had shown it to us, we probably would've spent our practice time in a garage where there's no AC or comfortable floors.

      Meanwhile, Toruku explained to Sugawara the reasoning behind each decoration, I check the timing. It was 6:00 PM, just in time for my mother to get home from work.

      "Should we get going?" I ask the grey-haired boy, as he's brought back to reality. He and Toruku sharply turn, pausing their supposedly intriguing conversation, as he nodded to my question.

       "I guess so. Well, thank you for showing me this place, I never would've discovered it if it wasn't for you two." Sugawara states, bowing towards the blonde boy with a cigar.

      "Alright, I'll catch you later, Y/n. And it was nice meeting you today, Sugawara." After I have a small hug to Toruku and said my goodbyes, Suga and I were out the door.

      Our walk began with the two of us climbing down a few stairs, and jogging towards where the sidewalk actually began. From there on, it was easy getting towards the main part of campus, and walking home would be a piece of cake. For Sugawara, I mean.

       "So, do you walk home every day?" I ask, tightening my hands around my bento box. The silence between us rested heavily on my chest; not a single word left his mouth.

       But it may have been because he was stuck in his own little world, for soon after my question, he blinked his eyes a couple of times and cleared his throat. "Oh, no— not really. I only walk after practice when I stay late. But on free days, like in the morning, I ride the bus."

       Nodding, I explain my way of getting to and from school as well. "Me too. Well, usually my mother would drive me before school even started. Either that or I would ride my skateboard and hide it in some gutter. You know how angry the school gets about skateboards." I laugh, hoping he'd approve of joking with school rules. But knowing Sugawara, he probably already knew I bend some.

       "Ah, yes. That's convenient. But how far did you live before moving into [Neighborhood]? Surely not too far, right?" He questions, looking down at me for an honest answer.

        I widen my eyes at this, making my answer to his questions obvious already. "Uhm.. no! Just a mile and a half away, not a big deal.." My head turns the other way while I giggle at Sugawara's shock. It wasn't a big deal for me at all, I didn't mind getting the few extra steps in the morning. As for him, he must have not had to walk that far every day to understand. I didn't blame him for being so surprised. It wasn't every day you find someone who voluntarily walks that far.

      "Oh— that's.. that's a lot! I'm sorry that you had to do that. It must have been hell! But thankfully you have someone to join you on transportation, right?" Sugawara gives me side-eyes, as a smile appeared on his pale face.

      "Yeah.. you're right." My sentence runs low in the cold, shaking as I shift from the sidewalk to the road. The pavement felt hard and slippery due to the transition from winter to spring, yet it was still freezing outside.

      "You know... it was strange bumping into you today. To be honest, I feel like I'm fifteen again. I think that's just how you make others feel, you know?" My words come out abruptly, but I didn't mind. After today's long day all I wanted was one honest conversation.

     Thankfully, Sugawara felt the same I did. "Spending time with each other must have brought back lots of memories, even if they were small." He says to me, observing the way my feet jumped from the curb to the street.

      The feeling he brought was like a scent from years ago when you're a little kid. Whether you're reading by a window, or running through a meadow, you'd forgotten it ever even tickled your senses.

     "It's kind of strange. Even if we weren't best friends, you still meant a lot to me. I'm wondering whether or not you're still the same, and if that could be brought back." I explain, drawing out my arms to make a tree-like pose while I played hopscotch with the roads. The keychains that hung on my badge made a 'clunk!' noise against the ID, meanwhile, I discussed. "We've both changed so much, Sugawara."

       "You're right, we have. But for the better, you know? I think at the moment I'm mentally healthier than in the past year. And as for you, I think anyone can see that. I don't mean that your time of grief was a mistake, but I'm happy that you've been nicer to yourself."

       "Yeah, me too." My words stutter, interrupted by the loud engine behind me. Sugawara and I quickly turn towards the noise, widening our eyes at how close the vehicle was. Suddenly, an ear-piercing honk is signaled from the driver, and I'm quickly pulled from in front of the car to under a streetlight in one's arms.

       The action is hasty and happened in just a split second, but enough to save me from being run over. Barely comprehending what had just occurred, I freeze in place just like the slippery road. And as the car honks off, I'm left, once again, alone with Suga. Only this time, uncomfortably in his arms.

     Lightning travels down my back once I realize I was being held by a stronger, warmer body. Both my arms were being tightly held by his, and my body barely being separated from his by an inch. I stared right into his eyes, as he did so as well.

     "Y/n, you. you've got to be careful. Be careful."

      Sugawara's words ring in my ears, as I rapidly blink to regain consciousness. Immediately after, a scatter to search for my school bag, which was thrown only a few feet away from me. After retrieving it, I quickly stand onto my feet and turn to Suga, who's already prepared to continue our walk.

      "I'll be careful."

      With that, the two of us continue our journey towards home in silence once more.

      I've gotta be careful with Sugawara.

——

Thanks for coming back to read :) I know my story is crappy but I've only been writing for a little so you could understand why. Please please vote for my chapters, thank you.

- star

[kingofthewilderwest]

How would you recommend learning about music theory for someone who doesn't know anything about it? I can play the clarinet but that's all, i don't have any knowledge except for the absolute necessary when playing instruments

I’m sorry it took me so long to respond to this! I wanted to come up with a better answer than: I’m not sure how I would recommend you do it.

I learned music theory primarily through formal means. And I believe that music theory is most effectively learned through formal means. Private teachers can helpfully insert music theory into lesson conversations, even assigning worksheets as “homework” if they desire. The most thorough material gets provided through academic music courses (AP Music Theory in high school, theory courses in college) to grind through the nit and grit.

But I understand: formal instruction is hella expensive, difficult to access, and not feasible for everyone. So I can’t in good conscience say “Formal Instruction or Bust.” And of course humans are species that can learn and adapt in many environments; I just think that music theory understanding, like mathematics, tends to garner better results in formal settings.

You could look into music theory lesson books people like my piano teacher used in my private lessons. Those books should explain enough in the text that you could read through the material and do exercises on your own. I don’t have a good lesson book to recommend because 1. I didn’t like the ones we used, and 2. I don’t remember the name of the ones we used. People at a music store may be able to direct you to them, though, if you ask! I’m sure they can help.

The college books on music theory I used would probably be too complicated to read and learn on your own. Still, I’ll list off the ones we used! We used Tonal Harmony (Kostka and Payne) for the first few semesters, although our teacher did lots of instruction outside the book. Later courses I used Counterpoint (Kent Kennan) and Introduction to Post-Tonal Theory (Joseph N. Straus). Post-tonal theory was a very advanced course and difficult for everyone except the most theory-oriented and theory-trained people in our class, so that’s definitely something that I’d say “work up to; get a good, strong understanding of other theory first.”

Now. I did also learn music theory through practical application. This is another potential route you could explore. I learned lots of music theory by joining a praise band for church. Praise band tends to use chord charts rather than standard notation, so the very process of playing chord charts resulted in me casually osmosising music theory. Learning how to read chord charts and understand the Nashville Number System was a great way to learn what makes up a chord, what chord inversions are, what common tones are, what different types of seventh chords there are, and start to recognize by intuition common chord patterns in Western music. It was nowhere near as formal, academic, or in-depth as what I could get in a music theory formal setting, but it did mean that when I started music theory courses, I had the clear upper-hand compared to classmates who’d had no background there at all.

Folk music can also tap similar playing structures, where you play by ear or by chord, improvising, rather than holding to notation. Again, it won’t create a deep formal understanding of music theory, but there will be some learning that reading sheet music alone won’t accomplish. So it’s possible you could look into local jamming sessions, though clarinet isn’t the most typical instrument in many genres, admittedly.

One thing that does majorly help, though, and is repeated by *SO* many people I’ve met in many walks of life: if you want to understand music theory, know the basics of piano. You don’t have to be able to play piano proficiently. Just. Know the basics of how it works and what the notes on the piano are. The reason for this is that piano is a uniquely visual instrument. Out of all the instruments I’ve played, piano is *THE* number one most visually helpful instrument when it comes to seeing chords and “how things work,” because the layout of the keyboard.... well, lays it out for you. I swear: it’ll help to be able to see the chords in action.

I hope some of this slightly helps! I’m sorry I don’t have a better answer for you! I wish you the best of luck with all your music endeavors. Clarinet is a glorious instrument - keep on rocking it!

[blamo-stramo]

How to fix Death Note (2017 Netflix live-action, "adaptation")

I may be late on this but I do feel like the movie is terrible and needs a lot of fixing. I'm gonna ignore the obvious, "Make a better adaptation" and/or, "Don't make it" jokes.

1. Get better writers.

Some of the dialogue in the movie is to be honest, cringy. "I get it, I'm in trouble, all I'm saying is that you have the chance to stop the people making things hard for everybody, you gotta see the big picture here." "T-two days, your fingers are huge." "I'm a FUCKING cheerleader Light."

2. Show us what you tell us.

The movie on multiple occasions tells us that Light is a smart kid, that L is a great detective, and that nothing is black and white. However I feel like the movie doesn't do enough to show us these things. In fact I'd say it goes against these things. Sure Light Turner is good at homework enough for people to pay him to do their homework for them, but he also makes stupid decisions like showing Mia the Notebook immediately and not burning the page is written in right after its revealed Mia wrote his name down. And yes L does some pretty great sleuthing he soon turns into every other character, an impulsive, over emotional brat. The film also goes back on its, "Message" by portraying Light as the sympathetic and, 'Lol #Relatable" main hero, with Mia as the evil, cold calculating Villain.

3. Actors

By God were some of the actors in this film terrible. Nat Wolff with his portrayal of Light Turner is comparable to a low production high school play. With the actress who plays Mia's performance is Disney Channel original movie level at best. There are only about 3 saving Graces here, 2 of those are even maybes. Lakeith Stanfield as L is good for the first half of his performance, however all goes to shot when Watari goes missing. The man who plays James Turner is alright but nothing else to say. And number 3 of our trio..

4. Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe as Ryuk had the potential to be the best casting in movie history. It is wasted however by the lack of passion heard in his voice, making it clear that he's here for a paycheck. More often than not he sounds like Willem is just talking. Again I feel like with better writing, direction and incentive, he could've sounded like the perfect Ryuk.

5. The little things

I think what tipped me off the most about the movie was the little things that happened. Such as Light Turner's hair being dyed blonde and not brunette, the reverse for Mia Sutton. That Watari and Light's father are clean shaven. The Kira task force being larger than 7 people. Ryuk not wearing gloves. The Death Note itself having its letters sewn into the cover instead of being written on by Ryuk, and even the type of book it is. Ryuk has quills in the film that replace the larger feathers on his shoulders for some odd reason.

6. Adapt it better

For this one I have a bullet list.

For some odd reason Light is a dumb motherfucker in this movie, when in the original he is considered an intellectual, manipulative and calculating genius.

Mia/Misa in the original is a bubbly not too smart girl who wants nothing more than Light's love and to help out Kira as the second one, having a notebook of her own. (It's almost like they switched the roles in the story as to say women can be manipulative too and men are weak willed and dumb)

L seems to lose his cool a lot faster in this movie. Yes the L in the original wasn't always calm and collected, but when he had an outburst he would soon correct himself and usual stays in his monotone voice even when in danger or angry.

Ryuk is a lot more villainous than he was in the original. Threatening Light multiple times and treating him like shit. When in the original Ryuk was more like a spectator in the grand scheme of things, not intervening unless he gets an apple out of it.

The movie teases gives us a backstory on L, and gets dangerously close to his name, (which is L Lawliet but I think the writers would've changed that) probably the worst thing you can do in Death Note in any form because it ruins the mystery and coolnes of the character.

L is very hands on in this version as well, being at the crime scene in person and making public appearances to the press. Something L Lawliet would never do.

If you aren't gonna do that, then at least...

7. Further separate it from the Death Note we know and love.

As we probably know, Death Note was a phenomenon when it first came out and still somewhat is to this day, with a new Japanese sequel movie coming out. To further separate what's been imbedded in the story for years I think they should've done a couple more things than botch the personalities and pretend it's the same thing through the dialogue. For instance, perhaps rename the characters, such as

Light Turner=Elliot Turner

Keep Mia Sutton since it's different enough.

L= S for the fact that he has some of L's mannerisms down but loses them and becomes more like Mello from the original.

Maybe even change Ryuk to something else because of the contrast with the original. It should go without saying that you need to write around the differences and make sure the descriptions a character give of each other match the actual character they're talking about. Maybe even a subtitle, "Death Note: A new note" or something

Ultimately, Death Note 2017 is hindered by bad writing and for the most part, bad acting. I feel like with the changes I have listed that the movie can be somewhat better.

The best way I can describe this movie is: the ultimate B movie. Bad actors, writing, sets, and an A-List celeb in there somehow.

In hindsight this came out more like a review.

Again I'm sorry that this is super late but I needed a place to vent all this.