#moo moo the magician

[bryan360]

Here’s my note before I’ll get started….

(NO COPYING OR PLAGIARIZING FROM ME AND ONE OF MY CLOSEST FRIEND’S WORK! THAT INCLUDES OUR CHARACTERS, DESIGNS, STUFF, ETC. IMPOSTERS AND SEXBOTS ARE NOT WELCOME TO FOLLOW MY BLOG WHATSOEVER! 😡 That will be all….I mean it.)

AR - The Magician Duets

Now that after celebrated 👩Mother’s Day already, it’s time where I’ve showing off for today’s art trade to @rafacaz4lisam2k4

Yup, another art trade posting for this month. However, I would change it up a bit because I’m still working in progress for my 🇵🇭Filipino’s request. So for now is this one; featuring two of fictional magicians. Took about last week of having them to do magic tricks that we know of. Pulling rabbit out of their hats, playing cards, you name it. Personally, I’m much more interested in magic/fantasy genres through gaming; via “Kingdom Hearts”.

At least it’s nice after working out this art trade of mine. That’s something worth as a performance. 🙂👍

Moo Moo the Magician - Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! (2006-2010) ©️Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Bob Boyle

Trisha (HTF OC) created by @rafacaz4lisam2k4

Tagged: @murumokirby360 @carmenramcat @alexander1301 @paektu

[fangmich]

I honestly believe if someone can't pay for a service than I shouldn't be sitting here for 8 hours for a logo design which looks like a pizza to the project manager anyway 😭

we already have three designs to pick this isn't even a good practice because I also think the logo is shit anyway

[mha-quotes-and-such]

Shigaraki: I'm having a bad day. Tell me a joke.

Mr. Compress: I'm a magician, not a comedian.

Shigaraki: Come on, you have to know one.

Mr. Compress: Okay… …What do you call a cow with no vocal cords?

Shigaraki: I don't know, what?

Mr. Compress: A no-moo. Get it? Nomu, No-Moo?

Shigaraki: Get out

[tarotbubbletea]

✨ PAC Reading: Random messages you need to hear ✨

Hey everyone!

I haven't been regularly active on here for a while but I'm slowly trying to ease back into tarot readings. Here's my comeback attempt at a pick-a-card reading. It has some really random messages. You may resonate with just 1 or all in your pile.

As is standard in most PACs, I intend these readings to be timeless. Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Then pick the sparkles that you feel most drawn to. If you feel drawn to more than one, feel free to read those piles. If you feel drawn to none, perhaps I don't have a message for you at this time, but hope to have something for you in the future!

Going from left to right, we have piles 1, 2, and 3.

I'd love to hear some feedback, as I'm coming back from a pretty long hiatus. I'm also open for paid personal readings ($3 and up) or exchange readings (free) via DMs.

Pictures used are not mine.

My kofi ☕

Pile 1

Tarot: The Chariot, 6 of Pentacles, Knight of Cups, Justice

Oracles: You and your loved ones are safe (New Moon in Cancer) and Expect powerful change (New Moon Eclipse)

🌟 In one word? NEW. Expect NEW, NEW, NEW energy coming your way! Could be people, opportunities, places, things... you name it.

🌟 Heard BDE lol.

🌟 One (or some of you) need to get your driver's license. It's time. Get up. Get it done.

🌟 You were nice to someone recently. It's not gone unnoticed. The Universe is about to bless you.

🌟 However, you may have taken someone at home for granted (mom, perhaps?) Be nicer to them, whoever they are. Some of you aren't getting your manifestations or are seeing delays in your wishes (especially if they involve inviting new people into your lives) because you're not physically thankful for the people that are already here.

🌟 If you've been worrying about yourself or your loved ones recently, perhaps due to a health situation or money-related matters, a message coming through is you can take it easy. The Universe has your back. Keep it at with your earnest and consistent efforts and let go of the paranoia gently. You're good. You'll be good. You'll stay good.

🌟 Brush your hair.

🌟 Thinking a bit too much about boys/men? Relax. Please. Just relax. You might be good at hiding that desperate energy from others but the Universe sees all.

🌟 Be careful when you walk. Look out for bumping into things and hurting your knees/ankles.

Pile 2

Tarot: The Magician, 3 of Swords, 6 of Swords, 5 of Wands

Oracles: Emotions are running high (Supermoon) and Your hard work is paying off (New Moon in Capricorn)

💫 Some of you recently got into your dream school. Perhaps even an Ivy league school. CONGRATS! You worked hard and you deserve your success!

💫 Your manifestation powers are amped up right now. UTILIZE THEM!

💫 Some of you may be going through a bittersweet moment in your life. Perhaps you're moving away from home for school, work, or another reason, or your closest friends are. Might be a breakup for some of you. It's okay. You know it was time, though. Mourn the loss, say your thanks, but be ready to keep moving forward.

💫 Anxiety may be getting the best of you or of those around you. It's just a phase. Don't let it get to you, but also keep your own tongue in check. You don't want to say something while emotional and then deeply regret it.

💫 A part of you is tired of having worked your butt off and now wants to rest and party. Party if you can! But prioritize rest.

💫 Drink some juice, if you can't get yourself to drink water on the regular.

💫 Some of you have been swearing a lot recently. Uncharacteristically so. Stop it.

💫 Some of you may have lost some weight recently. Good job! Keep going!

💫 If you're struggling to find a way to rest (typical Capricorn energy) just watch a movie. Trust me. Sit your ass down and watch a movie.

💫 If you've been stuck between buying 2 options, go with the green one.

Pile 3

Tarot: The Hierophant, King of Swords, The Devil, The Hermit

Oracles: You are good enough (Full Moon in Virgo) and A new romantic cycle begins (New Moon in Libra)

💖 This is my fashionista pile. You know this but some of you may be too modest (or too perfectionistic?) to admit this LOL but GURL. SLAY.

💖 Also, do you like dancing? Or have you been thinking of taking up dancing? Go for it!!!

💖 This is going to sound silly if you’ve seen the Rider-Waite versions of these cards but trust me, it's honest advice: Get up. Get your ass up. You've been spending way too much time sitting. Get up a move around. DO IT. Especially if you've been spending way too much time on Tiktok.

💖 You might have some really opinionated and, frankly, judgemental energies around you right now. Perhaps a lot of expectation weighing down on you, or just criticisms being thrown at you that are in no way constructive, useful, or warranted. Breathe. It's unfair, I know, but just breathe. Don't waste your breath retaliating. It shouldn't be happening, but it is. No, it's not your fault. There's no real reason as to why you're having to bear the brunt of this. Maybe it'll make sense down the line, maybe it won't, but for now, just breathe. Be like a rock and let these waves wash over you. They can't break you down. Trust me. You're GOLD. This season too shall pass.

💖 Also turn on the goddamn light in your room. Your habit of sitting in the dark is doing some potentially irrepairable damage to your eyes, hun.

💖 Love is coming your way, and in a pretty unexpected way *wink wink.* Your next date could be a sushi date (for some of you).

💖 Read a book. Some of you were ardent readers but haven't had the time/chance/motivation lately. Try reading again; it'll ground you. Go for something nonfiction or historical, but steer clear of philosophy/religion for now.

💖 Spend more time with your dog; it'll do you both good.

I hope you found a message here today! And if not, I hope to have a message for you next time. Wishing you all love, light, and success! 🤎

Don't forget to leave feedback if your reading resonated in any capacity.

My kofi ☕

[verashalurks]

I know this is like dying but I’ve waited so long to post this cuz I wanted to get as much as I can but since I haven’t seen another alternate m*leven ship name in forever, I’ve decided to post all the alternate m*leven ship names I’ve seen.

milkvan

macarena

mumble

miley cyrus

melvin 

milkshake

mitochondria 

Keke waka 

milkdud

Misaligned Fallopian Tubes

machine gun

milkcurd

mildew

milkman

moonshine

menstruation

midleven 

Macroeconomice

microwave

Macadamia nut

monkeyvenom

masturbation

mythology

Minotaur

malware

malnutrition

Minecraft mobs

moon landing conspiracy

margerine

murmers

milkyway 

mcchicken

monsoon

melted marshmallows

mango

maroon 5

Of Mice and Men

Madagascar

Marty McFly

melville

Milk of Magnesia 

Milkwaukee

Milkchocchip

M-1 Rifles

Meerkats

Mlvn

M&Ms

McDonalds

McVans

Milehighclubs

Mitskivans

Mychemicalromance

Monsterhighs

Millennials

Malnourished Skin

Mona Lisa

Mushroom Raviolis

MK-16

Mascara

Monoclonal Antibodies

Mamma mia

Mealworm

messenger

mentoses

milkweed

microbe

mimetite 

morsels

mozzarella sticks

milkchicken

minestrone

macaroni

Methamphetamine

Markiplier

milkbag 

machine gun kelly

zoo wee mamas

Milevensies

molotov

mismatches

mandalorian

mildred

magdalena bay

milulu

Milkmaids

minimum wages

mailman

malt vinegars

moshimonsters

mids

mocha monsters

Marley and Me

Mitosis

three musketeers

milkshit

Miranda Sings

motorola

mobility exercises

Malnourished Foreskin

miscellaneous

McNuggets

microfungus

minnie mouse

millipede

milkmonsters

monkey ooh ooh ah ah

martians

milquetoast

Manicure

milkbone 

Meryl Streep

macadamias

Maple Syrup

mildew

multivitamins

mascarpone

mikeisdefinitelyisdefinitelyahetrosexual

magnesium

magician

mickey mouse clubhouse

Macaulay Culkin

Molotov Cocktail

meatball choppers

milky cereal cup

monkey see monkey do’s

meth lab

millyrocks

Milklovers

midvans

mac and cheese

mindflayer

Marvin martians

malteesers

minivan

MilkTit

milk and cookies

milklords

Tickle Me Elmos

minnions

mad mothers

mariposa

Milkbag

mitskivan 

Mucinex

mixed signals

Milkytitty

mighty morphin power rangers

🥛🚚

Milkvillains

Mosquito bites

Mug cakes

Moldy milks

micropenis

maggots

Machupichu

mephistopheles

malted milk

musculoskeletal

Mcdonald's happy meals

moose mooses

macaroni n cheese

maternity leave

moustache mountain

mocha cake a la goldilocks

Mcstuffins

Mcmuffin

Nickleback

MonkeyBall

mistletoes

moo moo

microphone

master of puppets

middleman

Monster of Men

Melted Cream Cheese

milkythooth's

meltdowns

mosh pits

Mikinam 

Megatron Titty

MontyPhyton

malaria

michigans

malibubarbie

Mockingbird

Machine Gunner

Milkbone

Milftits

Mcflurry

mangos

metric system

milkydudes

milk cartons

milklevel

Milan champions league

mcladdles

mustard

malfunctioning minotaurs

moaning myrtle

meep city

mount vesuvius

millyrocker

mango salsa 

milkspill

Mitochondrial Disease

m'leven

michigan

Machine Gunner

Maybelline

Mascot

Moldy Mozzarellas

malt powder

machine gun kelly

Manila papers

Merlin’s Beard

mackerel

Moldymilk

mariachi

mein kampf

melevenene

Miku

mediocre meat loaf

Mambo Jambos

Microscope 

my little pony

Menstrual cup

Mothman 

Megamind

Msg

Marvins 

Mesopotamias

Meralco

misanthropic villains

Mishawaka

Moldy bread

Marsupials

Marvin

Melon rinds

Moondance

Moldy macaroni

Magical miscarriages

Mauled maggots

Machine gunners

Moscova

Mondays

Momento Morí

mitochondrion

Megatron

Misused toilet

meeting micky mouse

melatonin deficiency

Minions

Milkovitch

Manly-man

McLovin It

Mexico

milkytruck

molars

Married Salamanders

mister mustard

Mario Kart

Mouse rat

marshal mathers

militia

milebin

Mewtoo

Margaritas

Mick Jagger

Elr 

Milkwaffers

Milkweven

Mud Stain

Mileperson

milerescent

Milanese

Manatee Turd

Magistrate

Mario run

Mint-chip icecream

Milkwaffers

Microsoft

miléveune

Mesothelioma

Moomoos

matchstick

malteser

morallysus

Macronutrient 

Miel

Milanese

milkies

Microsoft11

mineral water

multiplier

Mario Kart Wii

mild salsa

Minnesota

motorcycle

Minecart

Maltodextrin

muffin mans

Midlife crisis

Mortadella

Matcha

Microdickvan

Mac & cheese

Middle aged vans

Super Mario 64

Metamorphosis

Malcom in the middle

Magic Mike

711

Marijuana

mozzarella

Microbial virus

MySpace

Materasso Eminflex

microsoft software protection platform

Micheal Jackson

Mistyped

Miscarriage

Magnetic dipole

Marble Countertop

Michelin star

Milkkawaii

Mathematics

Microgodzilla

Milkchunk

milktruck

malooban

Masachussets Institute of Technology

Mango Juice

Mary had a little lamb

Menthols

Mark of Athenas

mendocino

[mario-music-tourney]

LEVEL ONE COMPLETE!

On to Round 2!

Sorry this took a while! I'll try to be more consistent with timing in the future. If all goes to plan, the polls for Round 2 of the Mario Music Tournament will begin on Friday, April 28 at around 5pm EST. (Not making any guarantees, though.)

Matchups for Round 2:

Round 2, Group 1:

Waluigi Pinball vs. Starship Mario (Winner: Waluigi Pinball)

Bowser's Road vs. Comet Observatory 3 (Winner: Comet Observatory 3)

World Bowser vs. Maple Treeway (Winner: World Bowser)

Bowser's Galaxy Generator vs. Buoy Base Galaxy (Winner: Buoy Base Galaxy)

The Fanged Fastener vs. Cosmic Cove Galaxy (Winner: Cosmic Cove Galaxy)

A Boss Approaches vs. Proof of Existence (Winner: Proof of Existence)

Delfino Plaza vs. Rainbow Road (DS) (Winner: Delfino Plaza)

Flower Garden vs. Overworld (NSMBW) (Winner: Flower Garden)

Space Junk Road vs. Luigi's Mansion (Winner: Luigi's Mansion)

Final Battle (Partners in Time) vs. SMB Overworld (Winner: Final Battle)

Toad's Factory vs. Melty Molten Galaxy (Winner: Toad's Factory)

Dire, Dire Docks vs. The Dual-Bladed Duelist (Winner: ????)

Electrodrome vs. Luma (Winner: Luma)

Rainbow Road (MK7) vs. Castle Bleck (Winner: Castle Bleck)

Bob-omb Battlefield vs. Moo Moo Meadows (Winner: Bob-omb Battlefield)

Fated Battle vs. Waltz of the Boos (Winner: Waltz of the Boos)

Round 2, Group 2:

The Grand Finale vs. SNES Rainbow Road (MK8) (Winner: The Grand Finale)

Powerful Mario vs. Final Bowser Battle (SMG) (Winner: Final Bowser Battle)

Autumn Mountain Battle vs. Gusty Garden Galaxy (Winner: Autumn Mountain Battle)

Phantom of the Bwahpera vs. Melty Monster Galaxy (Winner: ????)

Bounding Through Time vs. Fluffy Bluff Galaxy (Winner: Bounding Through Time)

Brobot Battle vs. Doopliss Battle (Winner: Brobot Battle)

Puzzle Plank Galaxy vs. Dimentio, Charming Magician (Winner: Dimentio, Charming Magician)

Beware the Forest's Mushrooms vs. Rainbow Road (Wii) (Winner: Beware the Forest's Mushrooms)

Coconut Mall vs. World 3 (SMG2) (Winner: Coconut Mall)

Floro Sapien Caverns vs. Beach Bowl Galaxy (Winner: Beach Bowl Galaxy)

Disco Devil vs. Thrills at Night (Winner: Disco Devil)

Slider vs. The Galaxy Reactor (Winner: The Galaxy Reactor)

The Ultimate Show vs. Sky Station Galaxy (Winner: The Ultimate Show)

Champion of Destruction vs. Dolphin Shoals (Winner: Champion of Destruction)

It's Showtime vs. Deep Castle (Inside Bowser) DX (Winner: It's Showtime)

Never Let Up! vs. Event Battle (TOK) (Winner: Never Let Up!)

(Please let me know if I've made any mistakes or typos above.)

[deluxinn]

Story under cut!

Made with short prompt suggestions from @fenharael @mintythesweettooth @omelevate and @iinsectaa

“Fi, are you sure this is the way to Pumpkin Con? We’re in the middle of the woods and I don’t even see the festival grounds anymore.” said Dime.

“Uhh, yeah. There was a sign like 20 mins back that pointed at a building saying that was where Pumpkin Con was but that doesn’t make sense like what kinda Pumpkin Con takes place indoors? Plus it’s an escape room so obviously it was trying to mislead us.”

“…Fi.”

“Dime.”

“We already beat the escape room like an hour ago!”

Fi paused and was seemingly trying to hide something behind her back.

“Mmmm. I wish you told me that earlier. I sorta searched some dude’s carriage cuz I thought it’d have some clues or something on how to escape this maze. In hindsight I’m seeing that I got us lost and also this thing is way too fancy to be a prop.”

She held up a thick book made up leather that radiated a faint purple glimmer.

“Holy shit. Yeah that’s fancy alright.” Dime said.

“I opened it to see if it’d have any clues or directions to the con but none of them really make sense. Like what does mooaloomoo even mean?” Fi asked.

As she spoke the words, the aura around the book grew and briefly extended as far as they could see before returning back to its small glow.

They paused and looked at each other.

“Okay that didn’t look like directions to me.” said Fi.

“So. Shall we run?” asked Dime.

“Ya.”

The two dashed toward the direction they came from, hoping to not have forgotten any steps but it was a bit difficult to recall which way they headed in the woods.

Fi tried to check her phone but her battery was already at 1% and what if she needed it for more important things like keeping a Snapchat streak?

Dime was also the owner of a dead phone, with their only hope being able to remember the way back.

But neither of them could remember. They were beginning to lose hope and accept that they will miss that day’s Pumpkin Con. At the height of their despair, that’s when they heard a voice.

“Moo?”

It was a cow. Then another. Ten cows?

Fi and Dime were surrounded by cows and the herd seems to be attached to them. One walked up to Fi and rubbed its head on her.

Another started sniffing Dime’s hand and licking them.

“The book did this? Pretty cool but I can’t imagine what magician would need this spell.” said Dine.

“Okay but like.. I love this and I might do this too all the time.” Fi replied.

“That’s true it is kind of lovely. Be better if we weren’t lost though.”

The cows seemed to look at the two of them with concern. They understood the sentiments of the two!

“Hey Dime, you know what Pumpkin Con has a lot of? Cows of course! Maybe these guys can lead us back there! And also maybe love us enough to hide the fact that I stole this book from someone!”

“That’s a good idea! Except maybe the last thing! That’d be like leading us into a plotline too dangerous and complex to be solved in a short story!”

Fi smiled and asked the cows to lead them to the con.

“Moo!”

Fi, Dime and the ten cows arrived at the pumpkin field that was inside a building. It was beautiful. They had all the usual things a pumpkin convention would have: Pumpkin carving, pumpkin pies, pumpkin q/a panels, everything!

“Thank you for leading us here. Hey if you understand me, here’s my phone number in case you wanna call later on.” Dime said.

The two spent the rest of the day in enjoyment till it was time to head to their hotel, Spellbook still in hand.

[vanosslirious]

BBS Dialogue Prompts #183

BBS Dialogue & Sentence Starter Prompts: [ 7 ]

VANOSSGAMING

I came back to save you.

I'm loading in, I'm not even in the map!

Did you really think that was him?

How do I use my weapon?

You stole that from me, you bitch.

How come you didn’t come back to life though?

How are you stuck?

How did you kill me?

Out of my fucking way.

Now we have a ball, so awesome.

I’m a magician.

I have no idea what the fuck is going on!

Nah, you made fun of me, so I’m not going to do anything with this opportunity.

We’re just following your lead.

I thought that one was pretty good.

This man got out of bed to see this.

I'm just trying to bond with my Irish friends here.

If you really think about it.

That is literally what I've been thinking this entire time I've been playing this game.

Alright, now we're halfway.

BASICALLYIDOWRK

You take damage so fast.

You’re in my world now.

I was alive this whole time?

We have to go back the other way, right?

Get out of here, bitch.

No, he hasn’t, give me sec, give me a sec, I got him.

How do you fly this shit?

Jesus Christ, this is a whole different game now.

Where are you guys at, I’m coming!

I’m in an elevator!

WILDCAT

It’s okay, I just want to vomit a little bit.

We’re somehow winning this game, and we’ve done nothing.

How do I fly it?

There’s a guy in front of you, crossing the street, yeah, that motherfucker right there.

I watched that motherfucker explode.

That’s a dog.

That had to be because of us, no way.

I didn’t know what we were doing at the end, but it was chaos.

We are certainly not in combat.

I’m fucking over this game.

NOGLA

I’m just going to crawl down to you, it’s just easier.

My hero, my hero!

Get in the bathroom, turn off the lights.

We were doing so well.

I don’t know, use it.

He’s on his last one.

Ya kinda ruined it.

This light is blinding.

You have to go on the other side now.

Boring, but...winning.

MOO

It's just standard, I think.

I'd bet they'd pay good money for that to be your coffin.

The funny thing is we still don't have food.

No, it was clearly mine.

I’m not getting footage, this is dumb!

Now, it’s working fine.

I’m not happy.

My game’s doing it again…

I’m trying to be a team player.

I’m so freaking good at this game.

TERRORISER

Don’t spoil the ending.

That’s fucking bullshit.

What the fuck did you just say?

I’m going to talk to the ghost.

Can you stop and just leave!

This is a long bridge.

What reference, he just wanted to fuck you in the bathroom.

We’re not your friends.

Shut the fuck up, sugar boy.

God, I can’t wait to see him in person.

H2ODELIRIOUS

I'm gonna go do more Cocaine.

That was two hours ago?

Am I in your will?

You’re a damn genius.

Listen, I didn’t cheat like you did.

What, we’re in love?

Is this something we have to cut out?

Listen, we did a lot, what do you mean, ‘that is the end?'

Can we dance?

I'm gonna start off with something easy.

[jb3islife]

Love is Like a Playing Card (J. Daniel Atlas) Chapter XVI

“Wait, what are you saying?” Danny questioned Merritt. “How is this possible?”

An eerie laugh sounded, drawing the Horsemen’s attention to the person. “I believe in your particular parlance, the word is “magic,”” the voice responded as the person spun around in their chair.

The jaws of every Horseman dropped. “That guy looks exactly like you!” Lula told Merritt who stood frozen. “He looks exactly like you. Are you seeing this right now?”

Sutton pulled on Merritt’s sleeve. “Is that your…?”

Merritt responded with a nod. “Chase.”

Chase smiled. “Must confess- it’s like what I heard about meeting the Rolling Stones. They’re a lot shorter in person.”

“Remember I told you about the guy who screwed me out of everything?” Merritt asked the Horsemen. “This is my twin brother, Chase.” Chase faked his flattery.

“Wait, did you do this?” Danny asked, stepping toward Chase. Men from all over the restaurant stood, shouting at Danny. Some grabbed onto the other Horsemen. Sutton pulled on Danny’s hand to stop him from moving any further.

Chase laughed. “As you can see, my boss doesn’t mess around.”

“I do not understand what is going on right now,” Lula stated, “at all.”

“Okay, let me break it down for you,” Chase replied. “You jumped off a rooftop in New York and you landed in Macau, AKA the Vegas of China, and, presto chango- don’t you just love it? The “greatest” magicians in the world are the object of someone else’s magic trick. Isn’t that poetic?” The Horsemen glanced at one another. “No? You know what- I’m not gonna let you guys yuck my yum. Shoo shoo, or moo shu. Whatever.”

The men holding the Horsemen shoved them out of the restaurant. “Oh, and you know what they say- what happens in Macau…” Chase’s voice trailed off.

The Horsemen were thrown into large black jeeps and driven down the streets of Macau.

“Are you okay?” Danny asked Sutton as the two sat beside each other, bumping into one another as the jeep drove on.

Sutton gave him a light smile. “I’m fine, Danny. I can take care of myself.”

Danny huffed. “I know. I’m just-”

“Frustrated?” Sutton smirked. Danny nodded. Sutton looked down. “I’m nervous,” Sutton muttered.

“Hey,” Danny whispered, picking up her chin, “don’t be nervous. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Sutton bit her lip. “I know you won’t.” She stared up at Danny in awe, seeing the man she had fallen in love with again for the first time in a long time.

“How can you two be so adorable at a time like this?” Merritt complained, drawing the attention of Jack and Lula.

“Are you gonna kiss?” Lula cooed.

Jack rolled his eyes. “Don’t be stupid. Danny hasn’t proven himself yet.”

Danny glared at Jack. “How do you even-”

“It’s all about blindspots,” Chase interrupted, Sutton silently thanking the creep. “When you’re staring straight at something and not see it. Why? Blindspots. We learned that together, didn’t we, bro?” Chase questioned Merritt. Merritt rolled his eyes. ”Did he tell you that we were partners once? No, I didn’t think so. The Mini-McKinneys.” Merritt sucked in his lower lip, ready to burst. “Chasey and Mer-Bear, gonna make ya scare-bear. Ma-Ma-Magic McKinneys.”

Merritt huffed, covering his face. “Cool,” Lula responded to Chase’s story.

“And then one day,” Chase continued, “we were twelve, and, uh, Virginia von welsheim had a very nice party down the street. I had a little tum-tum, couldn’t go. Mer-Bear did it on his own and got a taste of the solo thing, and, uh, kicked me to the curb.”

“Oh, God,” Jack sighed.

“Chase, you win!” Merritt yelled. “I concede. Just tell me how you did it.”

“Delivery guy came to your door, hmm, about a month ago,” Chase explained. “A little ‘za.”

“‘Za?’” Danny questioned.

“Pizza,” Sutton responded for Merritt.

“So what he did, my little womb-mate, is he, uh, downloaded all your private information.” Everyone glared at Merritt. “And my employer had all he needed.”

“Thanks,” Danny told him. Sutton hit him. “How did you know how to find him?” Danny asked Chase.

“That’s a very good question, Atlas,” Chase responded, pretending to lock his lips and throw out the key.

“Okay,” Danny responded, giving Merritt another glare.

Merritt sighed, guilt filling him. Sutton patted his leg in comfort. “It’s not your fault,” Sutton reminded Merritt.

“What?” Lula and Jack yelled.

“Sutton, don’t be ridiculous,” Danny told her.

Sutton glared at the others. “Oh, don’t act like you boys have never been hypnotized by me.” Jack and Danny looked at one another. “And should I explain what I made you each do?” They gave her pleading eyes. “Jack, you had to…”

“Don’t say it,” Jack muttered.

“...sing “I’m burnin’ up, burnin’ up, for you, baby” every time someone said, “I’m hot” for an entire week,” Sutton smirked. Jack slapped a palm to his face as Danny and Lula chuckled.

Merritt laughed. “This explains so much.”

“And you,” Sutton turned to Danny, a smile playing on her lips.

“You wouldn’t,” Danny challenged her.

Sutton raised an eyebrow. “You’re right. Better keep it PG.”

The others groaned. “This is so unfair!” Jack whined.

Sutton chuckled. “Maybe one day when we’re not in such a… compromising position.”

“Just give us a hint!” Lula pleaded. “Was it for your benefit? Danny’s?” Her eyes darted between the two. Danny’s blushed deepened even more. Sutton bit her lip. “Sutton, you naughty girl! Taking advantage of young Daniel like that!”

“God, now I need to know!” Merritt begged.

Jack grimaced disgustedly. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

[missbitatuva]

Bio-Med Tech-Girls 2022: Reflection

Over 5 days this summer, the Bio-Med Tech-Girls participants went on 4 behind-the-scenes tours of UVA BME labs, got hands-on with 3 different robotics platforms in the UVA Link Lab, tried out 2 makerspace technologies (VR and 3D design) in the UVA Library Robertson Media Center and had so many other wonderful experiences!

The Bio-Med Tech-Girls program is a unique collaboration between Charlottesville Women in Tech, the department of Biomedical Engineering, the School of Education, and the School of Engineering at the University of Virginia. The program is all about providing inspiration, community building and hands-on computer science (CS) and biomedical engineering (BME) activities for young women in high school, so they can get a glimpse of the vast opportunities available in these fields. Of course, the participants always inspire me too with their thoughtful questions, sharing what they are passionate about and coming up with ideas to solve real-world problems through the design challenge we set each year. This year 13 young women from 6 different high schools around the region participated in the program. Here are some highlights.

Day 1:

Dr. Homa Alemzadeh hosted us in the Link Lab along with her students Kay Hutchinson, Zongyu Li, Eli Bradburn and Joyce Park. The participants got hands-on with robotic surgery tools and programmed the Dobot Magician robotic arm.

Dr. Meara Habashi shared a lunchtime talk about diversity & inclusion.

Participants designed a robot assistant to solve a real-world problem through the Robot Zine activity and then began prototyping their solution with the Hummingbird Bit robotics kit.

Day 2:

David Chen and Hannah Moore hosted participants in the department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) for days 2 and 3.

Programming Cells and Diabetes Simulator with Mukti Chowkwale and Bryana Harris from the Saucerman Lab.

Peirce-Cottler Lab tour with Paul DeCostanza

Civelek Lab tour with Qianyi Yang, Jordan Reed, Noah Perry, Yonathan Aberra

Guest speaker: Dr Susan Blank, founder of BEATDiabetes

Day 3: 

Introduced this year's design challenge: addressing problems that individuals living with diabetes face.

We introduced the design thinking process for solving problems and participants worked on empathy maps, drafting need statements, and brainstorming ideas.

Lunch speakers: Sarah Hernandez and Zehra Demir, graduate students in the Sheybani Lab

Blemker Lab tour with Allie McCrady, Emily McCain, and Mario Garcia

Griffin Lab tour with Juliana Trujillo, Clare Flanagan and Sloan Pyatt

Day 4: 

Got hands-on with VR and 3D design in the Robertson Media Center with Fang Yi and Arin Bennet

Lots of prototyping solutions happened in the School of Education Design Lab

Day 5: 

Wrapped up projects, created poster boards and shared their projects at the Demo Party. The participants did an amazing job of coming up with unique & useful solutions in just a few days!

DiaBag (Ari, Cami, Polina, Tenzin)

Problem: A way to make packing and keeping track of diabetes supplies easier.

Solution: They designed a series of specialized handbags and backpacks to carry and track levels of supplies. They used 3D design and incorporated the Hummingbird bit into their prototype.

Moo-Monitor (Amelia, Lyndsey, Zada)

Problem: A way to help someone wake up to their low/high alerts.

Solution: They designed a stuffed animal for young children with diabetes with vibration and sound alerts that increase in intensity over time. They incorporated the Hummingbird bit into their design.

Diabetes for Dummies (Charlotte, Gaby, Sienna)

Problem: A way to help caretakers (teacher, babysitters, etc) not familiar with diabetes.

Solution: They designed an intro to diabetes package with a brochure, game, and website. They incorporated 3D design and Scratch into their prototype.

Level Up Your Health (Grace, Lily, Sophie)

Problem: A way to help someone manage their diet.

Solution: They designed an app to help children learn how to manage their diabetes through gamification. They incorporated Scratch into their prototype.

We could not do this program without all the wonderful folks who volunteered their time and shared their passion for BME and CS with the participants! I want to give a special shout out to David Chen for his partnership and Hannah Moore for her support this year and every year since the first Bio-Med Tech-Girls in 2014!!!

[twistytwine]

important psa

[faereth]

List of Ideas for 1st class triggers and suggestions in Hypno-play because I keep forgetting a lot of ideas.

Trigger :

-Visual trigger

Seeing an animal

Seeing a person

Seeing a color

Seeing a number

Seeing a vehicle (train, boat, plane)

Seeing a specific object

Seeing a hypno-themed object (pendulum, spiral, shiny object, light pen, metronome)

Seeing someone hypnotized / hypnotize

Seeing someone naked / clothed

Seeing themselves through a mirror or a camera

Seeing a body part

Specific movement (- eyes : wink, blink, circle, fixation

- lips : biting lip, licking chops

- breasts : groping, swaying, bouncing

- hands & fingers : a lot of things

- hips : swaying

- ass : groping, wiggling, swaying, bouncing

- feet : swaying)

Seeing someone dancing

Seeing a certain piece of clothing

Seeing someone in costume (firefighter, magician, tuxedo, clown, military, waiter(tress), swimsuit, gymclothes)

Watching a movie or a specific scene / TV show / anime

Seeing a painting

Being on a website

Specific ways of writing (formating, using spaces, ..., ~,

using

lign

return,

using bold / italic / CAPITAL, msseing wtih the odrer of the ltetres)

brackets [ ]

double brackets [[ ]]

quotation mark " "

Seeing a date on the calendar

Having an alarm on the phone

-Auditory trigger

Hearing someone's voice

Hearing someone singing

Hearing a good joke

Hearing a bad joke

Hearing a certain topic (weather, date, video games, chess, traveling, work

Hearing an instrument

Hearing a specific music

Hearing a specific sound (bell, cowbell, ringtone, tone, metronome, snap, clicker)

Hearing an animal 'speak' (bark, meow, growl, roar, purr, moo, howl, neigh)

Hearing a movie line

Hearing nicknames (sweety, honey, babe, love, beautiful, sunshine)

Hearing hypno-words and sentences (good boy / girl / toy / doll / puppet / thrall, sleep, drop, sink, deep, blank, empty, pause, play, freeze, unfreeze, obey)

wake up, up up !

-Kinesthetic trigger

Feeling cold / hot

Wearing a specific accessorry (glasses, cloth, headphones, collar, kilt, head cover (hat, cap, wig, top hat, beret) plug, dildo, ring, gloves)

Using an accessorry (ray gun, finger gun, TV remote, dial, ball, jar, glowing ball, rope, mirror, screen, feather, chest, key, pillow, ice, water)

Taking the bus or subway (perhaps fractionation with each stop (but careful with your belongings))

Spanking

Brushing hair

Brushing skin

Kiss (on the body, on the lips)

Eating specific food / drinking specific liquid

Blowing their nose

Yawning

Sucking / licking on something

Thinking of specific memory

Taking a shower

Going to sleep / waking up

Smelling a flower / a perfume

Feeling a taste

Being naked or in underwear

Suggestions

-Wholesome

Eat less / more / healthier

Spend less / be less miser

Less procrastination

Be more productive

Be happier / at peace

Smile

Laugh

Better sleep schedule

Exercice

Learn the thing you want to learn for so long

Suppress / tame bad habits, reinforce good habits

Less swear words

Be kinder / less naïve

Control their own emotions

Be an awesome person

Be an awesomer person

Be loved and cared

Feel pretty

-Recreational

Act like an animal (chicken, puppy, cat, snake, cow, sloth, horse, pig, bee, dinosaur, Pokemon)

Be an animal (act and think)

Shout or say something random and crazy ("The monkeys ate my bread !")

Say something embarrassing ("I love penis")

Can't stop telling the truth

Can't stop lying

Wanting to high-five

Positive and negative hallucinations

Feel a taste / spiciness / sweetness / sourness

Feel hot / cold

Body / body part (usually hands or eyes) heavy / light / impossible to lift / impossible to put down

Body part (usually hands) having a mind on their own

Feel an unsatisfying itch

Roleplay and changes of behavior (Won the lottery, become the hypnotist, a movie star, a dancer / professional dancer, stripteaser, soldier, clown, mime, TV journalist, newcaster, cartoon villain, child behavior, teen behavior, Scooby-Doo)

Speak with an accent

Mirror the hypnotist's movements

Body / body part bound

Body / body part frozen

Body and mind freeze / time stops

Constantly walking / talking / moving / touching / chewing / sucking / licking

Everything is the funniest / least funny thing ever

Write something

Forget a number, name, person, situation, location, concept (how to dress up, how to tie shoelaces, how to speak)

Only able to say yes / no

Only able to make one word / short sentences

Feel what you watch / read (movies or books)

Be blank for 5 seconds and resume as if nothing has happened

Boomerang trigger / suggestion (the subject tries to trigger the hypnotist but it boomerang back and stuns them)

Be jealous / possessive

Losing on purpose every game they play

Mindlessly pose

Be very ticklish

Drooling and / or unable to close mouth

Snore

Intelligence is reduced / increased

Focus is reduced / increased

Can't speak their native language (usually English)

No sound comes from their mouth

-Erotic & sexual

Experience arousal

Experience sexual pleasure

Experience an orgasm

Undress / dress

Be attracted to someone or something

Masturbate / urge to masturbate

Edge / urge to edge

Impossible to explode / explode without permission

Urge to have sex

For men : Be limp, be erect

For women : Be wet, play with nipples / breasts

-Control

Think of a person

Call the hypnotist by a nickname (Sir, Miss, Master, Mistress, Chief, chef, Lord Farquad, Optimus Prime)

The hypnotist's words are their thoughts

Unable to think

Feel pleasure

Write an email / a post on social medias

Transformation (doll, fuckdoll, slave, puppet, robot, tree, object)

Urge to satisfy the needs of the hypnotist

Urge to obey the hypnotist

Repeat a mantra in their head or out loud

Kneel

-Flavours

Aware / unaware

Able / unable to resist the suggestion

Wanting / not wanting (with consent. always.)

Resisting / not resisting / resistance fading

Forget / remember the trigger or/and the suggestion

Believing they were / were not hypnotized or given the suggestion

Thinking the suggestion was their idea

Dial from 0 to 10 to control the intensity of the suggestion

Sources and inspirations : BigTriggerList (3) by Leeallure

Suggestions List by Lex

Lydia Salia's stories

It is my current view on hypno-play from what I've experienced and what I can think of. I chose not to follow exactly the already existing lists even if the methodology and content are great, in order to bring a different point of view to hypno-play. Perhaps it is too reducing to simple concepts and actions that one can fit together. It is made to help people try complex things from these basic ideas and tools.

Feel free to suggest some !

[jaggedlittleteacup]

Three Acts

Note: @call-me-moo I guess it’s not three acts anymore?

Act Four

“It’s not like it is in the movies. There’s not a great big spurt of blood and you go flying backwards.”

Mary, cold, lifeless, her eyes empty, her smile taunting. She’s taunting me, laughing, she won’t stop laughing oh god-

STOP LAUGHING AT ME

Blood, blood, BLOOD-

Scared little boy, that’s what you are…it’s what you’ve always been…

DID YOU MISS ME DID YOU MISS ME DID YOU MISS ME

No, no, no, no…Oh, Sherlock, you know nothing…

Where did the blood go? Where did it go where did it go where did it-

Did John check? Did he check her? He’s a doctor, but DID HE CHECK?

My eyes fly open, and I can’t remember where I am. I feel…frozen in place. I can’t move, I can’t breathe, and my throat is so dry I can hardly croak out the word “John”, yet still I manage.

John, wake up, please.

He doesn’t stir.

“John,” I whisper, louder this time. My chest is heaving, and my fingers have drifted to the barely-healed scar on my ribs.

He makes a small noise and turns to me, half-asleep. “Yeah, Sh’rlock…?” he mumbles. “Wha’s wrong…?”

Everything everything is wrong I can’t breathe-

I’m shaking, and I can’t force myself to stop. “John, she…she was…she…” I can’t get out the words. My eyes are burning.

“Oh, Sherlock…” Suddenly, John is wide awake and running his fingers through my hair. “She’s not here, Sherlock. She’s…” He swallows. “She’s dead. She can’t hurt you. Not anymore.”

My eyes flicker over to him frantically, searching for any trace of- God, I don’t know what.

Heart rate quickened left hand shaking hasn’t shaved half asleep worried scared afraid-

“Sherlock,” he says sternly, his voice cracking the smallest bit. “Come back to me, please.”

I’m panicking, and he knows it, and I know it, but I can’t stop myself. “John, she’s here. Something’s wrong, John, I can feel it!”

“She’s not here,” John murmurs softly. “Sherlock, please…go back to sleep. I’m here. Whatever you dreamt, it wasn’t real. I promise.” He pulls me against his chest, and suddenly my thoughts are flooded with John.

“Okay,” I say, hushed. “Okay, I’ll…But…what if I see her again?” The thought frightens me. My chest hurts.

Her betrayal scarred and marked me. Forever. Every day, I will see this ugly scar and be reminded of what she did to me.

“I’ll be here every time,” John reassures me, his hand still absentmindedly stroking my hair. “Go back to sleep, yeah?”

I nod and move to lie down. John’s arms don’t pull away from my body.

Wholly, unequivocally John…

It’s a comforting weight. One that helps me fall into a more relaxed sleep, one unperturbed by nightmares and glimpses of something that couldn’t possibly be real.

~

I’m awoken by a sliver of light peeking through the curtains and falling on my eyes. All and all, it’s still far better than being woken up by some sort of awful nightmare.

John is clinging to me tightly. It makes it rather challenging to get out of bed, but I manage after a slight bit of difficulty.

I should thank him. Would it be odd if I thanked him?

I look at his softly sleeping form.

Is this what…couples do? Are we a couple? Was he simply being a good friend? Do friends kiss one another? Have I misread this whole thing-?

“Sherlock…” John grumbles from his pillow, “I can hear you having a bloody breakdown from here.” He groans and sits up, rubbing his hair back into its proper shape. “C’mere, you big idiot.”

I chuckle and slide back into my- our?- bed. He wraps his arms around me and smiles into my back.

“Hi,” he says.

“Hi,” I say back.

I twist around and look at him.

He should shave.

I push the thought away and sigh, before touching my lips. “John, I’m quite sure you’re aware of the awful after-effects of stubble burn…”

John pulls away, a flat expression on his face. I’m almost worried for a moment, but I see a spark in his eyes. “Sherlock,” he asks, “do you want me to shave?”

I glance away. “Perhaps.”

“Self-advocacy, love,” he sighs, a smile playing on his lips as he moves off the bed and heads for the loo. He might have said something after that, but I believe my brain temporarily stopped working, a rarity for me.

‘Love’…?

Love, as in…denoting a romantic partner?

Love meaning he doesn’t mind my celibacy, that he still wants to be with me, that he…cares about me?

“Sherlock!” John shouts from the sink. “Stop overthinking!”

I shake my head, still smiling like a fool, and pull on my favourite blue dressing gown so I can attempt to make breakfast. ‘Attempt’ being the operative word. The last time I cooked, I nearly burned down the kitchen, so I’m not really holding out on the idea.

I estimate I have seventeen minutes, based on his prior established grooming habits- but, then again, they may have changed while living with…her. I have noticed he uses considerably more product in his hair now.

It’s like déjà vu. My mind is swiftly and suddenly pulled back to one of our first cases together.

“With that level of personal grooming?”

“What, because he puts a bit of product in his hair? I put product in my hair!”

“You wash your hair, there’s a difference.”

The memory is fond. I wonder if he was trying to tell me something, or if that was a Freudian slip of some sort. I open the bedroom door, smoothing some of my unruly curls out of my face. “Of course, then there was the whole matter with Carl Pow…”

I’m stopped cold in my tracks.

No. No, I’m seeing things, I’m high, I’m sleeping.

He can’t be…

“Oh- um, hey!” Jim Moriarty lounges in my chair with not a care in the world, his feet resting on my coffee table as he slowly eats a biscuit. He swallows down his bite. “Sorry, were you expecting more? A big show of some sort?” He grins and puckers his lips. “Oh, Sherlock…did you miss me?”

He’s not here. He’s dead.

“You…shot yourself,” I mumble, almost drunkenly in shock. “You’re dead…”

“Well, you hurled yourself off a roof, honey.” Jim shrugs as though his mere presence isn’t an act defiant of nature. “It’s safe to say more than one miracle happened that day.”

“How did you do it? How?” I demand, my vision dizzy with horror.

I didn’t check no-one checked Mycroft didn’t check

“Ah-ah-ah…!” Jim tut-tuts and slowly drags his tongue along his finger to catch a bit of jam. “A magician never reveals his secrets…”

I shake my head viciously, praying that I can get rid of the manifestation of evil in front of me. “I’m dreaming,” I say weakly.

“You’re dreaming? You’re the one standing in front of me in pants and a dressing gown, I think I’m the one who’s dreaming, Sherlock.” His smile is cruel, vindictive. “Oh, how vulnerable you are right now…! I could stab you and lick the blood off the blade, and the Good Doctor wouldn’t know until he had a sniper’s sight on him.” Jim lowers his voice to a growl. “Bang.”

Not again, please, not again…

“You wouldn’t.”

He makes an exaggerated frown with his fingers. “No more Joooohn…” he whispers.

“Leave him out of this,” I snap, regaining some of my confidence. “This is between you and I.”

Jim giggles. “You know, I heard the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. What if I chopped up John Watson and fed him to you, piece by piece?” He slides his tongue over his lips and smiles blissfully. “Heaven.”

I want to throw up. I want to strangle him. I. Want. Him. Gone.

I take a deep breath, even though I can tell I have already paled at his suggestion. “Get out of my flat,” I say calmly, unable- or unwilling- to force myself to move.

Jim looks more amused than disappointed. “I thought you’d at least let me stay for dessert. I suppose I’ll have to settle for takeaway, instead.” He strolls over to me, maddeningly slow, and presses his lips to my neck, just barely nicking my skin with his teeth. “It’s so good to be back. I can’t wait for all the fun I’m going to have with you.”

I don’t say a word, my eyes fixed on watching him leave. When the front door closes, I finally shudder, still frozen in place, before collapsing on the sofa.

He’s back.

~

(Well, that was a ride. Act Five coming soon.)

Epilogue linked below:

https://benaddicted-linfanuel.tumblr.com/post/657054522939686912/three-acts

[vanosslirious]

BBS Dialogue prompts #130

BBS Dialogue Prompts & Sentence Starter: [8]

VANOSSGAMING

He's our last guy, okay, and he's not you.

I didn't know it was going to do that.

Get out of the way.

Ah, it goes right here.

You better be sorry.

Did you guys not see that?

I couldn't hear you guys.

You shouldn't have been standing there.

You fucking ruined it.

We paid the price to open that door.

Shut it, close it, I don't like the smile!

I mean, that is correct.

Why does it have to be an owl?

Alright, we have to explore every doorway.

What is that for?

Where the hell are we, what is this shit?

Did you find any clues?

This looks important.

That's the last time we ever heard from him.

This is so specific.

BASICALLYIDOWRK

Do you want to drive there or what?

I'm in a rough, rough spot, I cannot move.

It spawned me here, and there's no guns.

That is trash, bro!

I want all the smoke!

You're that confident right now?

I've literally never been scared in my entire life!

I think we got company.

Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Do you guys have rockets?

FOURZER0SEVEN

That's not a good answer, neither of us have a fucking gun.

He's looking at us, don't get sniped!

Just do what you did last time.

What the shit is this?

I have no idea what this is.

I wish I could say the same.

I don't know who's OP.

I'm going to steal her fucking coins.

I hate this guy.

They're hella cheap right now too.

BIGJIGGLYPANDA

To be fair, It's not really a word.

Well, I guess I'm saving that one for later.

I think mine is perfect if I'm being honest with you.

Oh boy, I'm going to get into trouble.

I'm excited for this one.

What do you want, man?

Last night? Shit, it was only an hour ago.

It means I'm a magician.

Never follow the drunk guy.

Who gave me this, you son of a bitch.

MOO

No, I don't like that idea.

Yep, he definitely sees you.

That's the greatest thing I've ever seen.

I'm just going to give you the win.

Try to jump on that if you can.

Oh no, I'm out of boxes.

How did you get up there?

I'm the only one that died from that?

Oh, he took his crown.

Our sanity is probably so low already.

SMII7Y

Don't worry, I'll hit 'em back.

I'm scared this is terrifying.

I would like to be released now.

I just saw him murder a man.

That's round one, oh my God, my blood's pumping.

I got to get you out of here.

You got to be ready for anything.

This was fun, now it's not.

You guys are seeing completely different things than me.

I need to go find the boys.

KRYOZ

You guys said 'okay' like that was actual information.

I forgot you were even here.

I forgot that was in there, that's crazy.

I got him, this is it...I missed!

That's what I wanted.

Yo, this guys throwing shit at us, bro.

If you want me to touch it, I'll fucking touch it.

Are you fucking serious?

I'll stroke you regardless.

You know what, you're facing me.

BYZE

What's wrong with this man today?

Don't leave me.

Oh my God, a marshmallow.

That's what you get for not giving a high five, bitch.

I felt like it.

God, I am so unlucky right now.

I'm already done.

Someone needs to stop this man.

I'm having a good time.

Yo, don't bring me into this.

[likearecordbb]

4, 9, 10 for the fanfic thing if you like! :)

Hey look this was ages ago and I’m the worst.

4. I mostly write academic papers. So many academic papers. Right now I’m supposed to be writing my prospectus for a dissertation on the ways contemporary popular women writers resist neoliberalism but forming supportive community groups and refusing to be isolated by it. Affect theory fits in there in the development of the isolated family/individual as a set or series of happy objects that reflect the values of late capitalism, blah blah blah.

9. Favorite fanfics is the best question. Right now I’m obsessed with “A Different Matter,” mooing/djhedy; “Damage Control for a Walking Corpse,” theheartischill (The Magicians); the Progress Comes in Small Steps series, ominous; “And We’ll Be Running,” allyasavedtheday (I’ve read this 100 times); “honey don’t feed me I will come back,” talls (I’ve also read this 100 times); 100,000 other AFTG fics, and “Next Big Thing”, earlgraytea68 (Inception)

10. How do you stay motivated to finish? I don’t! No, that’s not true. TBQH, I have returned to fanfic after 10 years of being out of fandoms in no small part because the world is on fire and having a rich internal fantasy life is a coping mechanism. Also, because Andrew and Neil are perhaps my OTP to end all OTPs and if I don’t get to the end of the thing I’m writing, how will they ever live happily ever after???

[curemoonliite]

Weird Shit I’ve Experienced in Branson, Missouri

(In other words, my family used to go here every summer and I had no idea how odd this town is until I really sat and thought about it. It’s basically a Midwestern Las Vegas with less casinos and more live shows.)

First of all, Branson legit has an entire public access channel dedicated to itself. This is mainly for first-time tourists and airs stuff on an approximately four-hour loop, but I still liked watching it as a kid for some reason.

The first thing Branson public access will tell you is to not take the Strip, the nickname for the long street that almost all the shows and theaters are on. The town has three color-coded alternate routes to get you where you need to go in a very roundabout way. Every map in town is marked with these routes, and there are even street signs telling you which route you’re on.

Red=north, Blue=central, Yellow=south. How the hell do I still remember this?

If you take the Yellow route to Silver Dollar City, you’ll happen across the remains of its fallen sister park, a casualty of the 2008 recession. It’s an empty field last I checked, but for some reason, they tore everything down and left the wooden coaster there for years?

Silver Dollar City still has a sister water park, but it’s on the other side of town. (Not super weird, but many water parks like this are right next to amusement parks.)

Cave tours are included with Silver Dollar City admission. They’re admittedly pretty awesome.

There’s a 50’s diner where the waiters sing in front of you and try to sell you their albums.

There’s also a place that throws dinner rolls at you and this one waiter named Rudy knocked one of my front teeth out with one when I was like seven.

There is even live entertainment at the local Golden Corral, I shit you not. It. Is. Everywhere.

One of the public access TV guys always walks around in a park ranger outfit and seems to randomly spawn in the same few places? I don’t know how many times I’ve run into this guy at Silver Dollar City.

Park ranger guy once tricked the public access lady in charge of shows and reviews by setting up a table for her directly under the giant bucket at an indoor water park so she’d get soaked. While still wearing her work clothes. This was likely staged, but undeniably hilarious.

One time this shitty mall magician came up to me, put a John Deere hat on my head, and claimed he’d “turned me into a Republican.”

This one salesman at the IMAX complex seems to have the best glasses cleaner I’ve ever seen. I’ve spent my entire life trying to replicate the shine I got from this dude’s glasses cleaning demonstration.

You know those amphibious duck boats that sunk a few years ago and killed a bunch of people? Yeah, they used to let kids steer those in the water for a couple of minutes. I still have my “official captain’s certificate.” How the hell did this place stay open as long as it did?

The outdoor mall has an hourly fire-and-fountain show set to a particular song. Supposedly, it only plays “Rocky Mountain Way” at the 1 o’clock show, but somehow, that’s the only song I ever remember it playing.

The outdoor mall used to have a Build-a-Bear style thing where you’d combine scents to make your own shower gel, and that shit slapped.

You know what else slapped in Branson? Maggie Moo’s, AKA the only known place in existence with chocolate cake batter ice cream. We used to have a ton in town, but my dad and I would go to the Branson one every night on vacation after ours all closed. (Now they’re owned by Marble Slab Creamery.)

The authentic old school Five-and-Dime has a Facebook page that it once used to advertise their Funko Pops. I often used this story in my tutoring sessions as an example of what the word “anachronism” means.

The biggest magician in Branson got several animals from a Tiger King-esque exotic breeder and was investigated by the USDA several times, but was eventually charged with tax evasion and left town.

On the subject of Tiger King, Joe Exotic’s records indicate he sent two lions to Branson’s Wild World, but no further records exist and Branson’s Wild World currently has no lions. No one remembers seeing lions there, and this is spawning a local investigation into their disappearance.

Fudge demonstrations are conveniently located, well, just about everywhere. If you don’t know how fudge is made before visiting Branson, you’ll know once you leave.

One of the strip malls has bright red roofs so every single building looks like it’s a Pizza Hut. Both tourists and locals joke about this.

One of the stores has a device called a “Jigglin’ George” that wiggles the lower half of your body as you lay down. You have to be 21 or older to receive a Jigglin’ George demonstration and not gonna lie, I looked forward to that as a kid more than being to drink. (Over 21 now, still never tried it.)

Branson claims to be “45 scenic minutes” away from Eureka Springs, Arkansas, but this advertised route is extremely twisty and not recommended for the motion sick. To the point where my family still uses “scenic” as a euphemism for “this will make you vomit on the side of the road.”