#nonam culture

[nonamorous-culture-is]

Nonamorous culture is not being able to be happy for a family members that gets engaged, because you know you're going to get so many comments from "conserned" family members.

.

[alien-ally]

So. Yesterday, a classmate asked me a very interesting question. (I’m out to her btw) Lolol honestly me clarifying in between that i’m actually 100% on the far end of being aro kind of collapsed the quo but i told her to ask away anyway. It was something like ‘Hypothetically, if u happened to meet an arospec person in school and you guys managed to really hit it off together, so much that you felt like you wanted them in your life even after school ended, would it…’ basically you get it. So she wasn’t really asking if i would date them but if it could possibly lead to any kind of partnership/if i could see myself in that sort of a companionship. and actually. what a brain-gear turning quo. The answer is no btw, that’s not the brain gear turning part. cause the quo ties to me Also happening to be aplatonic. which means nothing of that sort has happened to me till now and i frankly see the possibility to be very low. There has never been an instance where i’ve ‘hit it off’ with someone so profoundly that i end up ‘wanting them in my life more intensely’. (which doesn’t mean i don’t ever hit off with people or ever find happiness from having them in my life. No, that would be a gross misconstrue.) Uh anyways, i’m not going to explain the phenomenon of being💥apl💥top to bottom once again, just know that the answer is a direct no for me without any further ruminations. However the brain-gear turning part to me is that i nevertheless see meeting a fellow aroace(apl) person as the next biggest thing to happen in my life. And i have fantasized about it on many occasions. cause that would entail an exquisite kind of understanding i’ve never experienced in my life and mark an important milestone. which i’m sure won’t be happening until later. school is about to end in less than 6 months. So then what would it be like? Given that i am what i am. What form would that grandeur take? What form can it take?

On a lesser note, it also made me aware of the sort of ‘lack of determinism’ on my part. cause i have always been so led to want things i don’t truly want, which part of the yearning is real and which an inherent conditioning? Yeah you don’t see anyone asking straight people if they would ever turn gay but it’s allowed to aspecs? And it’s a thing we repeatedly ask ourselves too due to the same conditioning. Given that growing up and finding partnership doesn’t invalidate your aspec-ness in any way? As harmless a quo (my classmate’s) it was, led to a cascade of thoughts all over again. Good old Aromanticism.

[01001001101]

Noname- Song 33

[nanowrimo]

BIPOC Bookstore Feature: Freedom to Read

Meet our Summer BIPOC Bookstore feature: Freedom to Read, a Native-led program of Red Media based in Tiwa Territory (Albuquerque, NM). It aims to alleviate the financial and societal obstacles that create book scarcity in and around Indigenous communities. Support their program by purchasing books for their wish list at Massive Bookshop! Q: We're so excited to learn about Freedom to Read! Can you tell us a little bit about who your program serves, and how your partnership with Massive Bookshop works? How does Freedom to Read fit into your work with Red Media?

A: Thank you for featuring Freedom to Read! With Freedom to Read, we seek to alleviate some social and financial barriers that create book scarcity by offering free books. We prioritize Native people, but we also supply free books to community spaces wanting to highlight Native politics and history. Monetary donations go towards purchasing requested titles through Massive Bookshop. Additionally, Massive Bookshop helped us set up a book wish list on their website, where people can donate a book at a discounted price for Freedom to Read to distribute. The book wish list is a nice visual of which books Native people are requesting, and offers a vehicle of support. It’s genuinely steeped in solidarity. Q: Your program creates literary access for incarcerated Native community members, as well as libraries and schools. Have you heard back from any readers about their experience receiving books from your program? Are your participants able to make requests for your booklist?

A: Honestly, we’ve been a bit slow getting books to incarcerated people because it’s something we want to get right, and Freedom to Read is still relatively young, so we want to have more developed principles. At the moment we rely on knowledgeable people for guidance to point us toward those with a solid structure for book distribution inside prisons.

In 2022, we received a letter from an incarcerated Native person expressing their thoughts and gratitude about two books we donated, The Red Deal: Indigenous Action to Save Our Earth and Red Nation Rising: From Bordertown Violence to Native Liberation, which Noname Book Club distributed. It was such a pivotal moment indicating that these books are needed. Earlier this year, we donated books to the Nambe Pueblo Tewa Language Department, and they sent us a card thanking us for providing culturally relevant resources. It was so rewarding to know that others can experience joy from a program like this, and it’s reciprocal. 

We are currently trying different approaches, figuring out what works, and people are still learning about Freedom to Read. Next year, we aim to open communication for people to request books for themselves or their relatives. Q: Your book list spans titles from children's picture books, to poetry, academic texts, and more. How did you staff select these titles in particular?

There have been very few instances where I’ll add a book I think is essential for people to read. Still, for the most part, all of the books we have on our wish list have been requested or recommended by librarians, workers, relatives, professors, and organizers wanting politics, history, and stories by Native authors and authors from oppressed communities in their space. Our booklist is carefully curated and adjusted to meet the needs of the people.

[novemberthewriter]

How vocal is a vocalist allowed to be? Chappell Roan made headlines throughout the summer for her attempts to push back against a culture of “creepy” fan interactions, urging her TikTok audience in August to treat her like a “random bitch.” But for years, critiquing aspects of fame has been a pretty reliable way of getting a singer dragged as ungrateful or unfit to be famous. (Consider Fiona Apple’s 1997 “this world is bullshit” speech, in which she urged fans to not aspire to celebrity while accepting the Best New Artist Video award at the VMAs; her remarks made worst-of lists across decades.) Roan has prompted discourse over whether backlash for speaking up is rooted in misogyny, asserting in a follow-up Instagram statement that “predatory behavior (disguised as ‘superfan’ behavior)” has become “normalized because of the way women who are well-known have been treated in the past.” In a recent Rolling Stone cover story, she noted only a few men — Orville Peck, Troye Sivan, Noah Kahan, and Elton John — have extended invitations to her to talk, while rattling off a much longer list of women who reached out to offer support, including Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Hayley Williams, Katy Perry, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and the members of both boygenius and Muna. According to Roan, Mitski sent her an email to “humbly welcome” her to “the shittiest exclusive club in the world,” where “strangers think you belong to them” and “harass” your family. The club has definitely welcomed a lot of women over the years. Is this a femininomenon?

[to bypass banners / paywall, try viewing using your browser's incognito/private mode or paste article link into 12ft.io] This article was everything ... it examines the misogyny/fan entitlement thing through several artists' experiences including: Chappell Roan, Halsey, Mitski, Noname, Lorde, Phoebe Bridgers, Doja Cat, Ethel Cain

[morgleaf]

heyyy u made it!! so glad u showed up uhhh here’s some stuff that i may or may not be obsessed with ( o˘◡˘o)

♡┊꒰ movies ꒱ — the outsiders (1983), the karate kid (1984), the breakfast club (1985), back to the future (1985), ferris bueller’s day off (1986), my cousin vinny (1992), remember the titans (2000), napoleon dynamite (2004), roll bounce (2005)

♡┊꒰ songs ꒱ — every little thing she does is magic by the police, oh my god by a tribe called quest, gloria (mono version) by them, self by noname, boogie nights by heatwave, when i b on tha mic by rakim, dirty laundry by don henley, roadrunner (once) by the modern lovers & jonathan richman

♡┊꒰ other ꒱ — rotary phones, drive-in theaters, july, sunburns, discos, old burger joints, cool breezes, when the waiter puts a cherry in your shirley temple, laughing so hard your stomach starts to hurt, beat up sneakers, old magazines with crinkly pages, roller skating, derry girls, columbo

♡┊꒰ 80s ꒱ — music, movies, fashion, graphic design, magazines, illustration, television, and pop culture (and literally anything ralph macchio related)

[slowdancingtorock]

Ireland- Day 3

Well, today was exhausting. I was mostly on duty for supervision before and after the meals. Since I was off during the main activity I tagged along for a ride to the city - the bus rides were awful. However, I got to hang out with two of my colleagues, which was great since I really needed some socializing. I bought a small chessboard and some snacks; I might also need some sugar and caffeine if I wanna make it through this so better be prepared. Also, I might be able to bribe some of colleagues to switch some shifts.

Speaking of shifts, this evening I got to supervise one of the photography groups. They were a handful but eventually I got through to them and they did much more work than I could have expected. The photos turned out very well and I am very proud of the kids and got them a little reward in the form of raffle tickets for the college-intern lottery.

After photography we went to the sports hall where I got to "kick it with the lads" for half an hour. We also chatted about movies and what to watch for sunday's movie night. The staff was in favour of a Harry Potter movie, especially after I told them I never watched them. I put in a good word for the Spiderverse movies, so we'll see how it turns out.

I was encouraged to start documenting my my stay here, especially about "Culture Shock and Settling in". Only culture shocks were the amount and varieties of potatoes that we're eating every and how everyone asks me how I'm doing when they see me. They don't expect like a full on answer, so why ask in the first place? My I'm too German for this. Oh well.

Gotta wrap this up since I'll be doing the early shifts tomorrow, so here is my choice for the song of the day: Rainforest by Noname. I am exhausted and full of thoughts that I can't write down right now, so a relaxing yet though-provoking tune seems fitting. Godbless Brian for showing me the song.

[blizzardream]

ah hell Nona @noname-nonartist tagged me and I can't resist a tag game...

Tag game time yippee

read more added if you don't wanna read it all lmao

1. Are you named after anyone?

uhhhh no? not technically

2. When was the last time you cried?

I made myself cry last week while self-reflecting lmao it happens a lot

3. Do you have kids?

*gestures to my miles-long list of OCs* there. those are my kids, say hi :D

4. What sports do you play/have you played?

I think almost literally everything. I played a lot of sports as a kid because my mom would sign me up for classes, although I don't think I've been in any proper competitions. I used to love soccer as a little kid, but I think the most notable one I've done is archery, if that counts. (I would love to do archery again it's really fun.)

5. Do you use sarcasm?

No. Never. Never in my life. No I'm not being sarcastic right now. (I am being very sarcastic right now LMAO I can't even read sarcasm most of the time)

6. What's the first thing you notice about someone?

Um. If irl then their appearance and any notable colors they're wearing, if online then I note their mannerisms and associate them immediately with their pfp. If it's notable enough I might lock on to their name more than their pfp.

7. Eye color?

They look like two balls of void but in sunlight they turn into maple syrup.

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

My ass cannot handle scary movies for the life of me but I'm more okay with horror games for some reason. Happy endings all the way in this case.

9. Any talents?

Perfect pitch, physically really flexible, I have some useless ones like touching my tongue to my nose (don't ask for proof I won't give it to you. just trust)

10. Where were you born?

Taiwan! I'm not going more specific than that.

11. Hobbies?

I draw and sometimes I get motivated to animate stuff. I'm also an avid video gamer (see my list of hyperfixations and interests in my pinned post lmao) and a huge enjoyer of stories in general. I used to write a lot, I've written a few fanfictions but they're nothing to write home about.

12. Any pets?

Not currently. In the past I've had custody over hamsters and a goldfish, not at the same time.

13. Height?

5'3 or 5'4 I think. somewhere in there

14. Favorite school subject?

World history hands down. It's so interesting to me. Especially if it's like ancient civilizations and empires and their belief systems. I love learning about different cultures. Also maybe music?

15. Dream job?

does being an animator count if I'm actively working towards being a better one and also taking an animation class currently

...I'm not gonna tag anyone else lol I don't know anyone on this site I'm like. completely okay with bothering for a tag game

[neotrances]

like i probably won’t watch black is king again for a while bc it’s long but the entire thing was a celebration of different african cultures fashion and history and all the money made went to them and their creative projects….and kendrick worked on that same movie and noname said not one word about him being on it so it’s giving internalized misogyny

[blackhistorychatgpt]

Afrofuturism

Today just felt like afrofuturism. Here's some content from ai on afrofuturism and some prompt turning my plans for the next week into afrofuturism journey. Enjoy!

From Perplexity:

Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic and philosophy that combines elements of science fiction, technology, and futuristic concepts with Black history and culture. It encompasses literature, music, art, and activism, envisioning liberated futures for Black communities and inspiring pride. The movement dares to imagine a world where African-descended peoples and their cultures play a central role, challenging traditional narratives and stereotypes. Afrofuturism has a rich history and has had a broad influence on American culture, with its impact extending to music, film, literature, and visual arts. It is a multidisciplinary movement that addresses the experience of race, displacement, and difference using recognizable visual symbols[1][2][3]. The concept has also been the subject of a documentary exploring its definition and activism and the ways it informs dynamic discussions about social practice, politics, and the arts[5].

Citations: [1] https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/articles/2022/6/library-afrofuturism [2] https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/afrofuturism [3] https://newsroom.ucla.edu/magazine/afrofuturism [4] https://www.reddit.com/r/worldbuilding/comments/8hkiqm/why_i_think_afrofuturism_is_a_silly_worldbuilding/ [5] https://www.pbs.org/video/afrofantastic-n5yggg/

Afrofuturism has made significant contributions to art and music, with various artists incorporating its themes and aesthetics into their work. In music, Afrofuturism is characterized by the fusion of different genres, innovative concepts, and influences from Black folk traditions and spirituality. Notable artists within Afrofuturism include Erykah Badu, Sun Ra, Janelle Monáe, Beyoncé, Solange Knowles, Thundercat, Shabazz Palaces, Little Simz, and Noname[1]. These artists have crafted a unique sonic landscape that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide. In art, Afrofuturism combines elements of science fiction, technology, and futuristic concepts with Black history and culture. It often uses current social movements or popular culture as a backdrop and focuses on works that examine the past, question the present, or imagine an optimistic future to inspire pride in their audience[3]. The movement has also been the subject of a documentary exploring its definition and activism and the ways it informs dynamic discussions about social practice, politics, and the arts[2]. The influence of Afrofuturism can be seen in various art forms, including literature, music, visual arts, and fashion, where it challenges traditional narratives and stereotypes while envisioning liberated futures for Black communities[5].

Citations: [1] https://culturebay.co/blogs/afrofuturism/evolution-of-afrofuturism-in-music [2] https://www.pbs.org/video/afrofantastic-n5yggg/ [3] https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/articles/2022/6/library-afrofuturism [4] https://www.carnegiehall.org/Explore/Articles/2022/03/03/Pop-Music-and-Afrofuturism [5] https://newsroom.ucla.edu/magazine/afrofuturism

Some common themes in Afrofuturist art and music include:

Reclamation and Black Liberation: Afrofuturism often involves the reclamation of Black identity, history, and culture, as well as the envisioning of liberated futures for Black communities[1].

Revisioning of the Past and Predictions of the Future: Afrofuturism incorporates a revisioning of history and the past, while also offering predictions and alternative visions of the future through a Black cultural lens[2].

Alien or "Otherness": The movement explores themes of alien or "otherness," reflecting on the experiences of Black individuals as outsiders and their place in the world[1].

Utopian Ideologies: Afrofuturist art and music often engage with utopian ideals, imagining idealized and improved futures for Black people and society[1].

Feminism: Some Afrofuturist works address feminist themes, exploring gender, power, and liberation within the context of Black culture and future societies[1].

The Digital Divide: This theme reflects on the disparities in access to technology and digital resources, particularly as they affect Black communities[1].

The Grotesque: Afrofuturism may incorporate elements of the grotesque, challenging traditional aesthetic norms and exploring unconventional or distorted representations[1].

These themes are recurrent in Afrofuturist art and music, reflecting a complex interplay between history, culture, and speculative visions of the future.

Citations: [1] https://libguides.colum.edu/afrofuturism [2] https://haenfler.sites.grinnell.edu/afrofuturism/ [3] https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/articles/2022/6/library-afrofuturism [4] https://culturebay.co/blogs/afrofuturism/evolution-of-afrofuturism-in-music [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrofuturism

From Gemini (used a middle school level prompt first to show my daughter)

Blast Off with Afrofuturism!

Imagine soaring through a vibrant city in the clouds, powered by solar energy harnessed from ancient African griots' songs. Or picture robots adorned with intricate beadwork, programmed with wisdom passed down through generations. That's the world of Afrofuturism, and it's as exciting as it sounds!

Think science fiction, but cooler and with melanin. ✨ Instead of just spaceships and aliens, Afrofuturism throws in African culture, history, and traditions. It's like looking at the future through a lens designed by artists, musicians, and storytellers from the African diaspora.

Why is it important?

Afrofuturism is more than just cool spaceships. It's about:

Reclaiming the narrative: For centuries, Black people were left out of stories about the future. Afrofuturism says, "Hold on, we have a vision too!"

Celebrating Black brilliance: This movement showcases the creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills of Black people.

Inspiring young minds: By seeing themselves as inventors, astronauts, and leaders in futuristic worlds, young Black people are empowered to reach for their dreams.

Ready to join the adventure?

Here are some ways to explore Afrofuturism:

** Read:**

"Black Panther" comic book series: Witness Wakanda, a technologically advanced African nation led by a superhero king.

"Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia: A young boy travels to mythical Midgard, inspired by Norse mythology and African folklore.

"Akata Witch" by Nnedi Okorafor: Follow a Nigerian girl who discovers she has magical powers in a society where magic is forbidden.

** Listen:**

Sun Ra Arkestra: This jazz group created music that blended futuristic sounds with Egyptian mythology and Afrocentrism.

Janelle Monáe: This singer combines soulful vocals with futuristic visuals and empowering lyrics.

Thundercat: This musician's funky bass lines and futuristic beats will get your head bopping.

** Watch:**

"Black Panther" movie: See Wakanda brought to life on the big screen!

"Queen Sono" Netflix series: A South African superhero fights crime and corruption in a stylish and action-packed show.

"Lovecraft Country" HBO series: This horror series reimagines H.P. Lovecraft's stories through the lens of Black history.

Remember, Afrofuturism is an ever-growing movement, so keep exploring and creating your own visions of the future!

Bonus!

Check out the National Museum of African American History and Culture's online exhibition "Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures."

Visit "TheOctaviaButler.org" for resources about the pioneering Afrofuturist author.

I hope this sparks your curiosity about Afrofuturism! Remember, the future is what we make it, and in the Afrofuturist world, anything is possible. ✨

Now at a high school level:

Embark on the Intergalactic Griot's Journey: Understanding Afrofuturism at a High School Level

Greetings, future visionaries! Prepare to delve into the captivating realm of Afrofuturism, a movement that transcends mere science fiction, offering a powerful critique of the present while reimagining the possibilities of tomorrow through a distinctly Black lens.

Beyond Spaceships and Aliens:

Unlike traditional sci-fi narratives often devoid of diverse voices, Afrofuturism weaves elements of African culture, history, and mythology into its futuristic tapestry. It's not just about exploring distant galaxies; it's about reclaiming the narrative, challenging historical erasure, and asserting the agency and ingenuity of Black individuals and communities in shaping the future.

Why Does It Matter?:

More than just escapist entertainment, Afrofuturism serves as a critical lens:

Deconstructing Domination: It interrogates systemic power structures, challenging oppressive narratives and envisioning alternative futures free from discrimination and marginalization.

Celebrating Black Brilliance: It showcases the vast intellectual and creative potential of Black communities, amplifying the voices of inventors, innovators, and storytellers often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Empowering the Next Generation: By depicting Black protagonists as astronauts, scientists, and leaders in technologically advanced societies, Afrofuturism provides powerful role models, fostering self-belief and aspirations for young people of color.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Engage with Literary Masterpieces:

N.K. Jemisin's "Broken Earth" trilogy: Journey through a shattered planet where tectonic magic and societal upheaval intertwine.

**Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower":**Witness Lauren Olamina's struggle for survival and community amidst climate change and societal collapse.

Nnedi Okorafor's "Binti" trilogy: Experience a young woman's interstellar adventures fraught with cultural clashes and philosophical quandaries.

Explore the Soundscape:

Sun Ra Arkestra's Afro-futurist jazz: Immerse yourself in their cosmic soundscapes infused with Egyptian mythology and Pan-Africanism.

Erykah Badu's "Mama's Gun": Unveil the social commentary and futuristic imagery woven into her soulful sounds.

Thundercat's "Drunk": Embrace the genre-bending grooves and futuristic bass lines that defy categorization.

Immerse Yourself in Visual Spectacles:

"Black Panther" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever": Witness Wakanda's technological marvels and grapple with questions of leadership and cultural authenticity.

"Lovecraft Country": Prepare for a thrilling horror series that reimagines H.P. Lovecraft's stories through the lens of Black history and Afrofuturism.

"Annihilation": Decipher the mind-bending visuals and explore themes of identity and environmentalism in this sci-fi film.

Remember, Afrofuturism is an ever-evolving movement. Engage with new artists, authors, and creators, and don't hesitate to contribute your own unique vision to this ongoing conversation!

Pro Tip:

Check out academic journals like "Journal of African American History" and "MELUS" for in-depth discussions and analyses of Afrofuturism.

Attend Afrofuturism-themed conferences and workshops to connect with a vibrant community of scholars, artists, and enthusiasts.

Join the conversation, question the present, and dream the future into existence! The vast canvas of Afrofuturism awaits your exploration.

[golivefest]

How to Stop Death with... NICKI MINAJ

via lyrics from PINK FRIDAY 2

by +

*

1. "Love Me Enough" by NICKI MINAJ (feat. Monica & Keyshia Cole) inspires us to protect black women & create a world w/o police via our survivor fund 💜

2. in #GagCity 'you receive a mansion, car & canned goods' NICKI MINAJ inspires us to raise #reparations for free homes + fresh food 🌻

3. & 4. "Last Time i Saw You" by NICKI MINAJ inspires us to tap in with each other daily via #After12 💜🔊

5. & 6. 'Stay in your Tory lane, bitch' NICKI inspires us to 🅱️uild utopia w/o police* Join the #YCAconvo 🔊

7. 'ion fw horses since Christopher Reeves' NICKI inspires us to reshare our Utopian Canon~* essay "How noname killed the revolution" #YCAharm 💜

8. NICKI MINAJ: 'there's a river that i go to & it heals me' Pop culture is a utopian network xoxo #mtvxo 🌐

9. "Just The Memories." by NICKI MINAJ inspires us to #GoLive 🥳 to #STOPDEATH 🖐🏿

10. Gag City visualizes utopia* Whites! RSVP to build free homes for black people today* #BLKPWR 🖤

11. 'tell em i'm inhaling funny' NICKI inspires us to #StayHome & end the virus via the #COVIDstrike ⬛

12. #NICKIparty 🦄🥳 (2024)

How does NICKI MINAJ inspire you? Leave a message or tag us in a post to be featured in the Utopian Canon~*

[nonamorous-culture-is]

nonamorous/non partnering culture is being single your entire life and barely noticing an absence until you remember that you don't have anyone!

.

[ghostedglitch]

i made a psyncer sona

i could not think of a name for it, so it goes by the alias "noname", which obviously comes from the english words "no name", but is pronounced as "NO-na-may" because it's spelled in japanese syllables. (i don't speak a lick of japanese, so forgive any weirdness—i spelled it in hiragana because the katakana all looked similar which made it look strange. i did not get any weird translations when i put it through google translate, so. hopefully its fine lol.)

its ai-ball, moira's name is actually put together from the first letter of each of the 5 routes in the first game: Mizuki, Ota, Iris, Resolution, Annihilation. you could make a lot of different names from the same letters... including Mario!

noname is an unsubtle, self indulgent self insert. i don't have a story for these guys. they are just dolls for me to play with in my brain, and i like them :)

one design detail i love is the fact that, since i am nearsighted, and therefore noname is too, it wears glasses, or more accurately, glass, because moira doesn't need a lens, so they popped the left one out.

i also love every design detail, because noname is supposed to be an expression of my gender vibes. :)

noname helps out around abis but is also here to learn—specifically about the wadjet system and AI balls, yes, but also to learn japanese. moira plays a major role in helping noname navigate its life by translating things for it, including connotations, nuances, and cultural context. they think to each other in english and moira often reminds noname about particular practices or about how it has class today, please don't forget to go to class, noname you won't be able to work on the investigation if you keep forgetting how to pronounce the questions you want to ask, noname please, NONAME—

anyway first image and profile pages completed july 29 2023 and last image completed december 26 2023

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Wednesday, May 11

ANGEL: You ever miss it? You were turned, what... 5 years ago? HARMONY: Oh, that. Yeah. Graduation night. I don't know. It's weird. Part of me always knew life would end after high school. I was very popular, you know. The whole golden years thing. ANGEL: I don't remember what it was like... being human. It was too long ago. HARMONY: (shrugs) Not so great. Zits. Dandruff. Mortality. Although I do remember... my heart. (smiles) And the way it would thump when I kissed a really hot boy for the first time. That was cool. Angel? Something's going down, isn't it? And everybody's in on it except me. ANGEL: You're not a part of this. HARMONY: I could be. I'm your assistant, after all. I could, I don't know... assist you or something.

~~Not Fade Away~~

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for at least one new editor. Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! Find out more here.

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Hanging Around by badly_knitted (Buffy, Cordelia, Tom, Machida, PG)

Just Another Lie by NAOA (Connor, Fred/Gunn, T)

[Chaptered Fiction]

Sineya Rambles - Chapter 1-3 by desicat (Sineya, eventual Buffy/Spike, M)

Stronger than Destiny (Stronger series: part 11) by jayme_stone (Stargate Atlantis crossover, Scoobies, G)

Rise, Ch. 10 by CheekyKitten (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Creative Solutions, Ch. 8 by Harlow Turner (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

So One of Us is Living, Ch. 27 by violettathepiratequeen (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Sineya Rambles, Ch. 1-3 by Desicat (Sineya, eventual Buffy/Spike, R)

Sineya Rambles, Ch. 3 by Desicat (Sineya, eventual Buffy/Spike, R)

Postcards and Snapshots, Ch. 12 by TheSunnySlayer (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Sparks, Ch. 7 by Dusty (Buffy/Spike/Angel, NC-17)

The Home Invasions, Ch. 28 by VeroNyxK84 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Dawn the Vampire Slayer, Ch. 9 by LJ94 (Buffy/Spike, R)

Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Ch. 5 by VeroNyxK84 (Buffy/Spike, R)

One Step Away, Ch. 4 by flootzavut (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

In Which the Potentials Time Travel and are Greatly Befuddled, Ch. 1 by FlightsofFancy (Buffy/Spike, R)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Anya and Halfrek gifset by andremichaux (worksafe)

Gifset: Bangel Crossovers by bangelgifs (Buffy/Angel, worksafe)

Mermay comic: day 7 and 8 by malvymary (Buffy/Faith, worksafe)

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[worldsneverfilled]

Time Travelers — "The Guild of Event Enforcement" or TGEE

I'll edit and add to this as time goes on but for now, here are some of the ranks I have so far and their jobs.

Races from multiple realities and planes will be present in this guild. Some are homebrewed races and I'll link them once I finish making corrections to their lore that very needed because I goofed up real good.

Background is they're trying to undo the damage done by cultists purposefully trying to dismantle time in the name of multiple chaos gods. There are rumors that there might be a mole or two in the organization. I've taken a bit of inspo from our campaign tbh...

Watchers — There are seven of them and their role is to identify anomalies in time and then submit the needed changes to the Delegators and Historians.

Delegators — They take the new anomalies and write up a few details to create a mission that guild members will then bid on. Their role involves calculating the predicted outcomes based on what information the Historians provide.

Historians — They assist the Delegators with the finer details of the events and their role lies in historical research rather than the numbers and uncertainties that the Delegates have to predict. Their information is more concrete in comparison.

Auctioneers — They read plans the Event Agents present them for bids on jobs and choose those whose plans run the least risk of errors and will not collapse reality if the event is not ensured.

Event Agents — Event Agents compete for jobs via written reports detailing their plans for making sure an event takes place as it is meant to. Once they win their bid, they're given whatever gear they need for that era, micro language translators included, information on the culture of that area and era, and then are sent to that time period to make sure everything falls into place smoothly so the necessary, major event happens. Sometimes this requires killing people; they have to understand that sometimes an innocent life must be lost to be the catalyst for the event to occur. It's not a job for those who hesitate to take a life. All life is precious, yes, but all life may cease to exist if one life is spared that was the tipping point.

Event Enforcer Guards — Each Agent travels with at least one Guard to help protect them from whatever dangers may be present in the time period they're traveling to. While Agents aren't squishy by any means and are thoroughly trained in combat, the added protection provided lessens the risk of failure. Most are presumed to be merely grunts and barely above a standard mercenary, but the vetting process before they're hired ensures that not a single one of them is just a mindless brute, all brawn and no brains. They have to be intelligent with a sharp eye and sharper mind for details. Their role in the pairing is just as vital as that of the Agent. Some will eventually choose to become Agents themselves, possessing the same love of history as their partners.

Quartermasters — They provide needed materials for education and era appropriate weapons and clothing, along with any other necessary supplies to help the Agents and Guards blend in. Each quartermaster is assigned to five teams.

Known Members:

Carla Normal —Event Agent

Dorian Wright —Quartermaster

Guthry Average —Event Enforcer Guard

Pearl Cattan —Delegator

Cyprus Noname —Event Agent

Theron Dekrel —Watcher

Chipper —Historian

Digi —Watcher and Quartermaster

Jer Shafwell — Event Enforcer Guard

[clairestrb]

The importance of places in Rap  

Two weeks ago we talked about the chapter of the Negus focusing on the link between recorded musical sounds and particular places. In other words : the way that particular musical sounds became associated with specific places. 

After the debate around the terms “global” and “world” musics, the question of “local” music was raised. What about it ? Local distinctiveness shows that there is a real connection between an actual place and the cultural forms produced there, music is a real “place-maker”. 

This is actually relevant for Rap, which is part of the Hip-hop culture. This culture was initially localized in boroughs of New York (South Bronx) and it included rap music, graffiti, breakdance (or b-boying), fashion… 

Then it spread across many cities in the United States such as Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Chicago… where communities with their own local styles were developed so as to express their experience of living in these urban locales. 

Indeed, geography plays a central role in the world of the Hip-Hop culture. 

In these places a peculiar slang and flow of the artists created a unique and geographical specific soundscapes. Many cities in the US have been associated with distinct musical sounds. 

Rap is so attached to geographical identities because of its idea of representing and the artists'' will to reappropriate their identity. 

One example that I would like to talk about is the city of Chicago. It is in the early 1990s that Chicago began to have a nationally recognised hip-hop community which is now central to the cultural landscape of the city. 

Rappers like Twista or Common paved the way for many other rappers such as : Kanye, Lupe Fiasco or Noname : I highly recommend you to listen to her album “telefone”, released in 2016, if you have never heard of it! 

Sources :

Negus, chapter Geographies 

https://storymaps.esri.com/stories/2017/hip-hop/essay/index.html