#or even a single proper high budget one?

[gh-0-stcup]

We as a culture were robbed when Dracula caught on over Carmilla.

[piratecaptainscaptainpirates]

The more I think about season 2, the more grateful I am.

In a lot of ways, OFMD's writers, cast, and crew were given an almost impossible task. S1 was brilliant and took everyone by surprise by how successful it became. I am still shocked every time I rewatch by how smart and efficient the writing is, how intelligent the social commentary. S1 is a masterclass in good television.

And for s2, expectations were incredibly high. OFMD found massive word-of-mouth success in a way I've never seen with any other show, and they suddenly had a big, incredibly passionate audience - the renewal was because of massive fan support, and that must have translated to an incredible amount of pressure in the writer's room. Plus, as if that wasn't enough on its own, they're having to deal with budget cuts and Max slashing them down to only 8 episodes to tell a 10-episode story. This is an incredibly daunting task.

And yeah, I've been critical. OFMD is my favorite show, no contest, and it's easy to be critical of the things we love. We can all see that the pacing was off this season, especially in those last two episodes. Some arcs felt rushed; some side characters didn't get enough screen time to set up what they're doing this season. Jim and Olu especially suffer for that. It's inexcusable that this show's budget was slashed the way it was and I'm sad for what we could have had.

But, on the whole? Holy shit, this season was incredibly successful! Despite an incredible amount of fan pressure, the writers told the story they wanted to tell. They never lost sight of Ed and Stede's story, and were smart about allocating screen time so our leads' arcs never suffered too much for it. There's so much creative problem solving - when they realized they'd need to be smart about which side characters to keep on screen, they turned Buttons into a bird in a way that underscored season themes of transformation and change. 10/10, no notes. They even remembered their audience and left us on a satisfying note for all our characters - we get to end with Ed and Stede, happy and together, starting their new life.

They had an impossible task and they did a fucking commendable job. Character beats and humor are balanced amazingly well. Ed and Stede feel so much more fleshed out this season. Just like in s1, OFMD will never be a show where you can catch everything with one watch - there's so many little jokes, hidden gags, small details to discover with every rewatch. And every single actor is giving it their all in every scene! You can tell how much this show was a labor of love for everyone involved.

I'm proper fucking impressed. Here's hoping they get a renewal and a better budget for season 3!

[wooahaeruby]

Chapter 11: Birthday Blues

Chapter Word Count: 3,708

TW

Depression, Talks of some trauma responses (more rituals than anything), talks of feeling numb, crying, etc. Vague trauma talk This is just sad for a bit lmao.

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Since getting the job with the government, you’ve taken the same week off in the middle of July, the days always surrounding the fifteenth. You’ve always put it in as your vacation time but it never was what everyone called a vacation.

The fifteenth of July was your birthday, it was a date you disliked and haven’t celebrated since you were young. You had no love for turning a year older, you didn’t tell anyone it was your birthday because you didn’t want to bother about it. It was a time where you added another number to your age and moved on with your life, sort of…

It was the day not six years ago you were thrown out on the streets and told to fend for yourself. It was a day that no one around you at that time bothered to care about. There wasn’t anything to celebrate. 

Each day had a specific thing that was done, it became a routine since living on your own. Probably unhealthy if anyone was to know the truth, not that you cared about their opinions. 

The first day you turned off your phone and cleaned your entire apartment top to bottom. It wasn’t just dusting and putting things in their proper places in reality. You woke up early and took everything off your shelves, out of drawers, off the counter, and cleaned everything down. You usually got rid of things that no longer were needed, needed replacing, or clothes that didn’t fit. It was an all day affair and it always helped alleviate some of the unwanted feelings you were having. Feeling clean and refreshed was always a good way to air your home and your thoughts. 

The second and third day was for going out and handling any business needing to be done; paying bills, food shopping, stuff like that. It was a lot of running around, even more when you first left the house to bring all your usable items to a donation center, having to carry a few bags through the subway. You had enough money in your budget to get your nails done, something you didn’t do often but it was your birthday after all… 

The fourth day was your actual birthday. You spent the day making cookies from your childhood and your grandma’s chicken pot pie, a recipe you had ingrained in your head when she taught you as a child. You had taken the recipe before leaving your first home and it’s been in a safe place ever since. No birthday felt the same without it, it was one of the first core memories you had, sitting at the kitchen table with a large single serving of the warm dish that you always burned your mouth on whenever you ate it. 

You ate in silence, phone still off and staring at the walls of your apartment. Most of the lights were off and you were eating in relative darkness, alone. Your limbs felt numb like dead weight at your sides. Each bite of the delicious food had you taking breaths to soothe yourself. Tears were welling up in the corner of your eyes, you choked down one more bite before they were streaming down your cheeks. 

You didn’t make a sound, sobbing soundlessly aside from your shuttered breathing. You’d think that over the years you would stop the same routine to overcome the issues regarding the day. Truthfully you tried last year, but you couldn’t bear not going through the motions. It was a ritual that calmed you once it was over and you could move on with the rest of the year until the next time. It wasn’t a healthy thing to do, you knew that, yet no one could stop you as you sat alone in your apartment. 

The tears didn’t stop when you cleaned the dishes or curled up in bed, falling asleep early from the busy day you had in the kitchen. Emotions were high yet you felt so low. Sleep had consumed you easily.

The last few days were spent sleeping, drinking, and watching whatever show you found entertaining that time. You had made a comfy little nest on your couch with blankets and pillows and let yourself fall asleep and come to as your body pleased. You had to collect yourself before work on Monday and this was the only way you knew best. When you had gone out to the grocery store, you got plenty of frozen food to last your depressive days, knowing you wouldn’t have the energy to make anything else. 

On the last day, you turned on your phone and your heart melted. Handful of missed calls and messages came in while it was off, many on the day of your birthday from a variety of numbers.

Seokmin and Soonyoung sent many messages wishing you happy birthday, asking how your vacation was, and that they needed to have a celebration whenever you got back. Minghao, Junhui, and Chan sent their own messages, Chan’s embellished with emojis and gifs. Seungkwan, Vernon, and Mingyu sent a video wishing you a happy birthday with Seokmin and Soonyoung cheering in the background. Jihoon gave a ‘HBD’ and a thumbs up emoji, you couldn’t help but laugh at that one. Joshua gave a simple text along with Seungcheol. Jeonghan sent you a sweet happy birthday message and was in agreement with most of the rest to celebrate when you came back. 

What left you a bit floored was the message from Wonwoo. 

‘ I didn’t tell anyone you weren’t on vacation. They kept asking if I knew where you were staying for your trip and you can’t really hide that you were at home based on your credit card history. Don’t celebrate alone next time. Happy birthday. -WW’

You placed your phone down and trembled, letting a wave of sadness wash over your body. Openly sobbing unlike the few days prior, you pushed your face into a pillow and curled in on yourself. There was a new feeling settling in your chest, it was warm and light but it was nestled in with sadness. 

For the first time in a long time, you felt wanted. You felt loved and important. 

You didn’t want those feelings to go away. 

Seokmin was insistent that you come to the house because Soonyoung and Mingyu wanted to show you how to fight. It was the Saturday after your week-long self-pity bender. The Monday back had you bombarded with questions from coworkers and Seokmin pestering you regarding your time away. You didn’t have the heart to tell him it was a lie, Wonwoo was nice enough to keep it all a secret for now which you greatly appreciated. You had agreed with yourself that you wanted to thank Wonwoo at one point and spend time with people you enjoyed being around. 

Pulling up to the house, Seokmin parked in front for the first time since bringing you here. When you questioned it, he said something about Seungcheol fixing up a car in there and needing the space. Other cars were parked outside, even Jihoon’s signature red Lambo. 

“Let’s get inside, Mingyu and Soonyoung are probably bouncing off the walls waiting for you to show up.” 

“I swear they are like puppies that don’t know personal space.” You laughed. “Soonyoung is constantly texting me and asking what I’m up to and Mingyu asks for all the food I like and if I know certain recipes.” 

“Trust me, Honey, they haven’t changed from that in years.” 

Stepping out of the car, Seokmin hurried to your side. He took your hand and walked you to the front door, a little hop to his step the closer the two of you got. You didn’t think anything of it, he regularly had too much extra energy to burn, always a bundle of energy like Soonyoung and Mingyu. He reached out to open the door and was practically vibrating . You followed behind, ready to call out for Soonyoung and Mingyu when a chorus of yelling was heard and the popping of small handheld confetti cannons followed along. 

“Happy belated birthday!” 

You were stunned, frozen in place at the open doorway, seeing all the little streamers hung up, the balloons littering the living room floor, and the smiles spread on each of their faces as they stared at you. Before you could get a word out, tears were pooling in your eyes and one blink had them running down your face. 

Letting Seokmin’s hand go, you tried to wipe the tears away quickly. Some concern came but you started to laugh, letting out a groan in frustration from the tears unable to stop. A smile spread on your lips and you pulled the closest few into a big hug. Seokmin had held you so tightly and Seungkwan, the other you got ahold of, squeezed the life out of you as well. That same warm, gooey feeling of importance and love spread through your body. 

As a hand rubbed your back to bring some comfort, you pulled back from the two and pouted, struggling to catch your breath but still smiling. The tears wouldn’t stop, a few of them were laughing and pulling you further into the living room to close the door. Mingyu was talking rapidly about the food he made for today, excited for you to try it, and Joshua was boasting about some dessert he bought for after dinner. 

Jeonghan had moved closer, raising his sleeve covered hands and gently wiped away any shed tears, smiling so softly. “Little Mouse…Why are you crying?” 

“I-” You stuttered, letting him hold your face in both hands, “I wasn’t expecting any of this-” Taking a deep breath in, you sniffled, “I haven’t had people to celebrate my birthday with in a really long time.” 

“What?!” Mingyu gasped, nearly pushing Jeonghan out of the way, large eyes wide and sparkling. “Did you not do anything last week on vacation?” 

Shaking your head quickly, you brushed off his concern and Jeonghan’s hands fell to your shoulders, giving them a squeeze. “Well, Mouse, let’s make sure you have a blast today.” He winked. 

It didn’t take long for you to be dragged to and fro. Mingyu was insistent you try his food first, Seungkwan wanted you to show him how to flip someone over your shoulder like you did all that time ago, and Soonyoung really wanted to start drinking already. Seungcheol had made a comment to wait until everyone began to eat before drinking, seemingly knowing how they all really got when the alcohol was flowing. 

Your cheeks were starting to hurt with how much you were smiling. It had been way too long since you were smiling this much for so long. The tears stopped somewhere between the chaos but your eyes were red with a bit of puff to them. 

Wonwoo was aimlessly hanging around the kitchen, listening to any direction Mingyu or Joshua was giving. You were finally able to get a moment of breathing room and stepped towards him, looking around for any prying ears before nudging him with an elbow. He side-eyed you, raising an eyebrow but went back to his work on an appetizer board Mingyu wanted done. 

“Thank you.” You whispered, staring out to the group, seeing them talking and messing around.

He shrugged, adjusting his glasses and cleared his throat. “They’d break down your door if I told them the truth.” 

“Still, thank you, I know you aren’t my biggest fan but I appreciate it.” 

For the first time, you saw a smile crack on his features. Without another word, you moved away and were tucked into Seokmin’s hold when you rejoined the majority of them. He held you to his chest, rocking with you side to side. Everyone seemed on some level of contentment and you were happy.

When the drinking started, it was all over for you. Wonwoo's lips were getting looser and he wasn’t holding anything back. You were curled up on the couch between Jeonghan and Soonyoung, hiding your face in a pillow with one hand while the other held your fourth glass of whiskey on the rocks. If he wasn’t holding a full glass of beer, you’d throw the cushion at him. 

“It was just after Thanksgiving break when the biggest frat house on campus was throwing a party.” You gave a sound of complaint at his words but he never stopped. “I showed up with some buddies later in the night and Mouse was having the time of her life. I heard she won three rounds of beer pong-” 

“Four rounds, don’t discredit me if you are going to make fun of me!” 

“- Four rounds of beer pong and down victory shots, a lot of shots.” 

You laughed at the memory, pulling the pillow to rest it on your lap where Soonyoung rather quickly placed his head. Your fingers carded through his hair, watching him get more comfortable in his lying position. 

“To be fair, I had a lot of water too, but even more alcohol that night.” 

“When I showed up, she was blasted and doing body shots off another girl from a year higher than us.” Wonwoo laughed and you downed your whiskey, holding your glass out to Mingyu to pour you more.  Seokmin gave an ‘ Ohh~’ after hearing what Wonwoo said.

“Don’t act like you didn’t like watching.” You teased but he gave you a deadpanned look, rolling his eyes.

“Then she was spouting off about party games and somehow my friends got me involved with it all. It was boring after that.” 

You clicked your tongue and with another full glass, you smirked, leveling Wonwoo with a look. “Boring? I don’t think that game was boring. If I remember correctly, you enjoyed it.” 

“X to doubt.” He replied coolly and you were spurred on even more. 

“Ah~ Wonwoo…” You shook your head, looking at everyone, each in different levels of intoxication. 

The probably most sober one here was Jihoon, he had one shot then tapped out, not wanting to do too much. Joshua, Minghao, and Junhui were flushed red from the alcohol, but were composed enough to pay attention. Minghao was holding back a laugh at the banter between you and Wonwoo. Soonyoung was two seconds from falling asleep with his head in your lap, a lightweight compared to everyone here.. Seungcheol was comfortable on an armchair, enjoying the same whiskey you were partaking in. Seokmin and the youngest three were tucked in beside one another, half asleep. Mingyu was at the end of the couch you were on, lying his head on the armrest. 

Beside you, Jeonghan was a little pink but not overly so, he had brought a blanket earlier and tossed it over your lap and his own. He had been sitting beside you a majority of the night, teasing or just talking to you, it was nice and you were alright being a little personal heater since he seemed cold, sitting right up against you. 

“What he’s forgetting to mention is when he spun the bottle, it landed on me.” 

Minghao started to laugh as quietly as he could to himself, turning to hide behind Joshua was best he could. Wonwoo again rolled his eyes. 

“And he had to kiss me.” 

The few that were still listening started to rumble with laughter, little comments coming under breath.

“Worst kiss of my life.” Wonwoo gave a minimal fake gag and downed the rest of his beer. 

You leveled him with a stare, eyeing him from head to toe where he sat across from you on the other couch. “Mmm, keep telling yourself that.” 

The rest of the night went by easily. More drinks were shared to the ones who wanted to down more, and sleep found others in whatever position they were in. Soonyoung was dead to the world with his head on the pillow in your lap. Jihoon had disappeared a while ago, saying goodnight to the group and hasn’t been seen since. Minghao had said his goodnights and slipped away down the hall. Junhui and Joshua were knocked out against each other. Seungkwan, Vernon, and Chan were woken up by Seungcheol and sent off to their rooms for a proper night's rest, each giving a hug to you as they shuffled out of the room. When Wonwoo was ready to knock out he got Mingyu up and helped the larger man to his room. You saw Wonwoo come back and head down to Pandora. 

Seungcheol took his time getting Joshua and Junhui awake, knowing how uncomfortable it could be sleeping like they were, and got them to head to bed. Gently you shook Soonyoung and he was reluctant to get up with the help of Seungcheol who also wished you a goodnight before dragging the younger man down the hall to his room. 

All that was left was you and Jeonghan, sitting comfortably side by side. You were smiling, leaning your head back against the back of the couch, letting the calm of the night take over. The alcohol was helping lull you into the sleepiness you felt. 

“Mouse,” Jeonghan murmured your name, “Can I give you your birthday gift?” 

A gift? He didn’t need to get you anything-

Turning your head to face him, you were confused. He was mirroring your position, head leaning back on the couch but he was admiring you with soft, tired eyes. 

“Before you say that I didn’t have to, I wanted to.” Willing himself to stand up, he draped his side of the blanket over you and shuffled to the TV stand, pulled out one of the drawers and retrieved a rectangle, velvet box. “I wanted to give you something that will go along with the dress to the gala.” 

Sitting back down, Jeonghan placed the box in his lap, running his finger over the soft material of the case. “And before you ask, I didn’t steal it or anything, I bought it with my own money from a jewelry store if you want to see the receipt.” 

You shook your head, sitting up straight and shifting to face him. “No- I wasn’t going to ask that.” It broke your heart that he even thought you’d think that. 

“Here.” He quickly placed it in your lap, keeping his eyes down casted. 

Taking the box in your hands, you peeked up towards Jeonghan who kept his eyes on the jewelry case, waiting for it to be opened. Slowly, you opened the case and your jaw dropped.

Though the lights in the living room were dimmed earlier in the evening, the light reflected beautifully against diamonds and sapphire. The majority of the necklace ‘chain’ was pear-cut diamonds, the top row housing small oval sapphires with single, same cut diamonds between them. The second row was the teardrop shaped diamonds and a larger, oval cut sapphire that would rest against your sternum when worn.

Shaking your head slightly, you were taken back by such a beautiful piece of jewelry. Honestly, you were scared to even touch it with how expensive it probably was. Opening your mouth to speak, all that left you was a dumbfounded sigh.

“Jeonghan,” You were still at a loss for words. “This- This has to be too much. It’s gorgeous but I can’t accept-” 

“Please accept it.” He said it too quickly and sounded almost stubborn. “When I saw it in the store window, I thought it would go perfectly with the dress and you look amazing in dark blues..” Jeonghan trailed off, meeting your eyes. 

“I- It’s perfect, Jeonghan.” You ran your fingers over the shining diamonds, smiling. “But please never tell me how much this is.” 

Jeonghan huffed out a laugh, nodding and brushing some hair from his face. “I’ll store it here for safekeeping until the Gala.” 

A yawn rushed out and you covered your mouth, trying to stop. Jeonghan was following right behind with a yawn of his own, grumbling like a child who didn’t want to sleep. 

“Since neither of us are sober enough to drive, you can stay in my room for the night.” 

Frowning, you shook your head and patted the couch. “I’m fine sleeping here, it’s your bed, Jeonghan.” 

“Nope, already decided, I’ll kick Chan over and sleep on his bed.” 

“That’s rude.” You countered. 

“And he never cares.” 

Jeonghan walked you through the halls further into the house, passing art you’ve never seen and doors you’ve never entered. Really the two main places you’ve been inside the house were Seungcheol’s office and Pandora. He pushed the door open and flicked on the lights and let you walk in first, walking over to his closet with the jewelry box. 

Much like that rest of the house, there were brown and rusty colored accents that gave the room its own charm. His bed had a handful of throw pillows tossed to the side of his mattress and the other side was half made, much like you do with your bed. There was a bookcase with plenty of books, all different thicknesses and some titles you could pick out from your own reading escapades. It was simple but homey, it fit Jeonghan and how he most likely just wanted to relax without much care after a long day. 

He appeared back from his closet with a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, handing them off. “These should do, it's better than the same clothes you’ve been wearing all day.” 

Thanking him, you stood at the side of the bed, watching him head to the door and point further down the hall. 

“Chan’s room is two doors down on the left, if you need anything just knock or text me.” 

“I will, thank you again, Jeonghan.”

With the door closed firmly behind him, you changed into the clothing provided and hesitantly crawled into the bed after flicking the lights off. Staring into the dark, you tucked in, smiling at nothing in particular. Today was great, amazing even. The guys were your friends, people you could lean on and it felt nice to have them around you. 

You fell asleep filled with new found peace.

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@unlikelysublimekryptonite @iiaweirdo @aurorajoye

[coraniaid]

I think there's something fascinating about the evolution of Darla as a character in the Buffyverse.

It's very common in the Buffy fandom to talk about the show almost as if it were fully planned out from the beginning or somehow emerged fully-formed one day in its entirety.  To analyze Season 1 episodes as if the writers had already decided on the Heart/Mind/Spirit symbolism of the core Scooby Gang; to act as though a Season 5 retcon means that Spike was really in love with Buffy as early as Season 3's Lovers Walk; to suggest the constant changes in how the show deals with soul lore or vampires as a metaphor must mean that Giles and the Council were 'really' lying or ignorant in the first few seasons; to wonder what the Watchers Council introduced in Season 3 were doing in the show's first two seasons; to insist you can't really understand Season 1 until you've finished Season 7.

And, look, I totally get the temptation to do that sort of thing.  It's unavoidable if you want to talk about the universe of the show as a real thing in its own right, or try to write fanfiction that takes every season seriously.  It can be a useful and interesting way of thinking about the show.  I've done it myself and will no doubt keep doing it.

But at the same time, it's very misleading if you want to think about the show as a constructed work of collaborative art: as a piece of fiction in constant conversation with itself, shaped and reshaped again and again over years by a team of different people.  Which, to be clear, is what it actually is.

The real show is almost a piece of improv or some sort of conjuring act, with the writers and actors constantly juggling with new ideas and twists without any time to worry about how exactly everything fits together. With some episodes reportedly being written in only a handful of days and lore being continually changed and ignored as fits the current demands of the plot.  Questions like "how does soul lore really work?" or "after Prophecy Girl who is the real Slayer anyway?" ultimately can't be answered, because there simply is no single truth to uncover.  It depends entirely on the current episode.

And I think the ever-changing character of Darla provides the best illustration of that reality.

In the original unaired pilot, Julie Benz plays an unnamed vampire who is nonetheless pretty easy to identify with the Darla we'll see in the show proper.  She has no links to Angel or Luke or the Master, because none of these characters even exist yet.  Just like in Welcome to the Hellmouth, she lures an unsuspecting victim into the high school after dark before vamping out and killing him, but by the end of the episode she is dead: gruesomely dispatched (or as gruesomely as the pilot's limited special effects budget allowed) after Willow douses her with holy water.

The two parter Welcome to the Hellmouth / The Harvest expands on her role slightly.  She has a name now, for one thing. She works for the Master, too, but she doesn't at all seem to be his favorite (she's very much subordinate to Luke in both these episodes), and there's no suggestion that she has any special connection to Angel.  (Unsurprisingly, as the show's writers hadn't even decided to make Angel a vampire at this point.)  And her ultimate fate at the end of this two-parter is unclear: just as in the pilot, Willow soaks her with holy water, and then she's ... gone?  Nobody mentions her again, she's not in scenes with the Master in later episodes which logically she should be. I'm pretty sure that, just like in the pilot, we're meant to assume she's dead.

But then Darla gets her first big break.  Angel is, it turns out, a vampire, and he needs some backstory to match.  Julie Benz obviously made a decent enough impression in the first couple of episodes, and nothing she did or said quite ruled her out as Angel's sire, and we never quite see her die. So suddenly she's back,  now the Master's favorite vampire, attacking Buffy's mother in her own home and sowing the seeds of mistrust between Buffy and Angel and ... oh, she's dead again.  Bummer.

Except then in Season 2 Angel's role expands again -- he's not just Buffy's intermittently seen vampire boyfriend anymore, he's the focus of the whole season and he's going to appear in all but one episode.  Of course, he's going to need more backstory (and we're all going to be treated to David Boreanaz's best Irish accent) so ... once again Darla rises from the ashes, albeit this time only in flashbacks.  And the Darla we see in Becoming's flashbacks is once again an evolution of the character we last saw in Season 1's  Angel.  More confident, more complex.  A character that it is honestly difficult to reconcile with the take on the character we saw last season, especially the one we swa in the show's first two episodes.

Anyway, Angel gets sent to hell in Season 2, but not before managing to (somehow) act his way into his own spin-off series.  And yes, that means more flashbacks, and more Darla, and more retcons about the precise nature of her relationship with the Master, but ultimately it means the writers decide to bring Darla back from the dead at the end of the spin-off's first season (for, depending on exactly you count it, arguably the fourth time, though only the first in-universe).  And this iteration of Darla -- both the human Darla we see in the beginning of Angel's second season, and the vampire she becomes again later that season -- is arguably the closest thing there is to a definitive take on the character.  This is the Darla people mean when they talk about her on the show.  Not the mid-level vampire of Welcome to the Hellmouth or the essentially single episode villain of Season 1's Angel, but the real deal.  Darla at her most complicated and rich and alive, a Darla whose history is hopelessly entangled with that of her on-again, off-again lover Angel, a character who provides the driving force for the spin-off show's greatest season.  A character who is, I think, one of the most  interesting to ever appear on that show.

Then the last few episodes of Season 2 completely drop Darla and all trace of the arc she introduced. When she reappears next season (in just a handful of episodes) it's so that her character can be written out of the show via mystical and impossible-by-the show's-previous-rules pregnancy in order for men to feel sad about it (but not for very long), and afterwards everything generally goes to shit.

But then, that tells you quite a lot about the Buffyverse and its creators as well.

[a-vacuole]

I know this probably won't get much attention, but I still feel the need to talk about the situation in my country, Panama

there has been discussions regarding a mining contract for a Canadian (and I think also Korean?) mining company, to mine for copper

do be aware, they have been mining for about a year even though there was no signed contract

while I have not being able to read the contract out of sheer anxiety, several lawyers have said it was made favoring the mining company. by a lot, resembling the Hay-Bunau-Varilla contract, which was signed before we had a proper republic, allowed the construction of the canal and a zone exclusive for it

a zone panamanians had VERY LIMITED ACCESS TO until after the Marthyrs of January 9, 1964. twenty two persons died during the event, including A BABY.

there's the fear of the new mining zone become a second Zona del Canal, as well as the worry for the environmental impact (which is greater than most minesas this is an open-air mine) and health of the surrounding population

so far..

1 journalist lost an eye

1 person died today (24.10.23) after being wounded on the liver area by lead bullets

the antimotines are shooting lead bullets, rubber bullets and expired tear gas at random. they even threw tear gas bombs at a HOSPITAL. people are defending themselves with rocks or just anything in hand

the bus system is basically paused, getting anywhere has become so difficult people have had to walk on the bridge across the canal to get to their homes

the metro was closed today, station by station at the end of the work day. people struggled to get home. a big portion of the population relies on public transport to move around, and it was taken away from us

protestors have been burning old car tires too. unsure of why but it blocks the streets for HOURS. it's chaos, it's anxiety inducing. I know there's worse happening in the world but I'm SO TIRED ALREADY. there are no medications in public institutions, no reactives to run life-determining blood tests, work?? there's barely any people have resorted to theif and robbery to survive, crime rates are HIGH, infrastructure is falling apart and yet the goverment has the DESCARO to say that they have done a lot, that after 3 fucking years they are fixing the streets, 4 years for finishing the (currently) last line 1-metro station, they want to expand the genetics program yet reduce the budget for it. they have reduced the budget of almost every single institution minus the politician's ones.

they dare to say they have been listening to the population's worries even though we have MONTHS saying NO to the mining company. MONTH. THIS SHOULD HAVE GONE TO A REFERENDUM AND IT HAS NOT. THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT WITHING HOURS OF IT'S LAST REVISION.

there are memes of the situation, this is just one of them regarding the last speech of the president

people are TIRED

this isn't only about the mining, it's about the shit hole this goverment is making. about the state of the country and how those in power are concentrating on making more money

I am AFRAID of another dictatorship, because guess what? this is the EXACT SAME political party that was in power during the Dictatorship of Noriega.

I can't go to work in-person for who knows how long, because the country has become utterly innacessible. the price of food has risen in just days

I'm scared

we shouldn't have to resort to protests to be listened to. the public healthcare system shouldn't be falling apart. people should have access to transport. we shouldn't need to fear for our lives.

[soundrooms]

Soundrs: Kiss Your Ears

Kiss Your Ears is a Berlin based and Europe wide company focusing on offering better quality and far more affordable acoustic treatment for any kind of music studio. If there’s a problem with acoustics in your room, KYE can fix it - or guide you how to do so yourself DIY. Their website is a remarkable resource for learning about room acoustics, made simple for the average music producer. Go have a look at their Instagram full of glorious music studios!

➜ https://www.kissyourears.com/

➜ https://www.instagram.com/kissyourears/

Jon is the founder of Kiss your Ears

As an introduction please tell us a bit about yourself and the work that you are doing.

I am an entrepreneur working with concepts that create positive change in the music industry.

I have created Kiss Your Ears, an acoustic treatment manufacturing company that has been designed to offer much better quality acoustic treatment than what is otherwise available, and at a very competitive price point. We are also the only acoustic treatment company specialised in the requirements of electronic music production, aka. hitting those low frequencies that are left resonant by other available units. 

I have also built 73 high quality music production studios in Berlin, which I rent out with different companies across three buildings in different locations in the city, offering creative communities for producers to benefit from. 

Next, I will finish the book I'm currently writing, Kiss Your Ears: A Practical Guide to Acoustics for the Modern Music Maker. I will simplify some often confused topics, and give away build plans for all kinds of acoustic treatment modules as well as plans for affordable isolative constructions aka. Room-in-Room-in-Budget solutions. I aim to give away the answer to every single problem I have ever encountered in building and treating studios.

I am also in the process of starting a new company focused solely on office acoustics worldwide, and plan to hit that with the same innovative and value oriented mindset that KYE has benefited from. 

What is music to you? (Or sound rather.)

Music is sharing. Sound is energy (vibrations).

How did you learn about studio acoustics?

It has been a long process. 

I am thorough. I did some serious research and took some risks (large investments for research).

I decided to equip myself with the most thorough and relevant/ applicable skill set by studying in some small apprenticeships, I studied formally and in my own time, and served my 10.000 hours by helping hundreds of clients save a lot of money on their studio set ups. 

I've actually served my ten thousand hours more than once if we count that my achievements as a musician, music producer and construction professional have been racking up for many years…

I am now writing the book that will teach the average producer how to do what I do and treat rooms the right way! 

Studio Acoustics: The Basics | ADAM Audio & Kiss Your Ears

Why does it matter?

Why does Room Acoustics matter? Because in an untreated room, you are listening more to the room itself than what is actually coming out of your speakers!

Acoustic treatment is a tool like any other, and an important one at that. You can save a lot of time with a well treated room! 

People don't even realize how much of an effect proper acoustics treatment can have because it was not commercially available before.

How common is it nowadays for electronic music producers to mix and master their own work?

I would say around 90% of electronic music producers mix their own music. This is less in the area of "modern singer songwriter" and more in the area of "producer/ DJ".

In the professional arena, even those that do their own mixdowns do not master their own tracks. That is a folly.

aesthetically pleasing acoustic room treatment

What is the most common problem that you encounter in untreated rooms/home studios?

The most common problems we encounter in untreated rooms/ home studios are that the client has already wasted some of their budget on far lesser performing acoustic elements. For example, I quite often see clients with thin (10-15cm) absorbers in a music production environment. 

Also quite often, I see people fetishizing the "cloud placement" absorbers for no real reason, as well as buying diffusers before they have taken care of the low frequency resonances. 

This is all because of the misinformation spread around freely about room acoustics even on reputable forums. 

Tell us a bit about the measuring process, is it exciting and adventurous? What sounds are you using?

To be honest, the measuring itself is not so exciting, and in fact highly predictable. However, getting to help clients with their sacred spaces is highly rewarding. 

We would normally use full frequency spectrum sine wave sweeps.

Do you trust your ears or your visualizer?

Well, you don't really hear sub bass as much as feel it so… 

That said, I have relative pitch from playing instruments and I've looked at a lot of data so when I go into a room and hear a kick drum that is activating a 60Hz resonance in the room, I hear the B note…

But I would say I use both, and always trust the data because the data cannot lie. Our psychoacoustic perception can and does!

behold their legendary bass traps!

Why are the KYE absorbers called King Kong?

Because they are the most effective on the market! They are also the most affordable solution to achieving the 80/20 rule of high end results, so they required a legendary name!

The build quality is also far superior to the rest of the market. These monkeys are big boned.

We do have other ranges, but the King Kong Range is our best seller.

Is it all about the bass traps, i. e. fix the bass, fix the room?

Due to space and budget limitations, absorption is almost ALWAYS the most important factor in the control of room acoustics.

The theory behind the system we follow is to always use the input budget to prioritise fixing the low end (thereby fixing most of the rooms’ other issues along the way). Low frequency control is a widely misunderstood and somewhat mysterious practice.

How to do it properly? Start with a low reaching velocity absorber and hit the bass broadband/wideband as much as possible until exhausted. Again, that’s how the pro’s do it and it’s just logical. If our budget stops there, then that is the best use of it. 

In order to achieve a more even reverb time across the frequency spectrum, you should use the same traps for both functions (“bass trapping” diagonally over corners and “early reflections” covering certain wall areas).

Do you think it’s possible to trust digitally adjusted monitor speakers in an untreated room, with software like Sonarworks for example?

Sonarworks in particular is a very contemporary software package that works beautifully as this piece of the puzzle. It is almost a matter of taste. Sonarworks and other digital solutions do not compensate for the dimension of TIME - therefore resonances must be solved first- but it is recommended as a final step after the bass traps handle the room’s resonances. Without adding the bass traps first, you may end up in a messy and confusing situation!

What is the ideal listening level for mixing, producing, mastering?

Around 85 dB SPL.

Should audiophiles who only enjoy listening to music care about room treatment, too?

Only if they want to hear the music without the room. Again, in an untreated room, you are listening to the room more than the music because of the way the room "colours" the sound.

Can a music producer not just use headphones and ditch room acoustics altogether?

Acoustic treatment will save a producer A LOT of time. Most processes can be done maybe 50% faster if endless referencing is not needed and they can fully trust that what they hear is what is coming out of the speakers. It's of course optional. Some producers still seem to prefer to struggle on without it! Ignorance is bliss…

Headphones will not create the soundstage achievable with a properly acoustically treated room, which is not even that hard to achieve thanks to the innovative processes suggested by Kiss Your Ears. I would always suggest to someone that works primarily in headphones to go check their mixes in a properly treated room.

As an ideal fantasy, what would be the best room form for linear sound reproduction? Would it be an anechoic chamber?

I guess technically speaking, an anechoic chamber would lead to the most "linear" sound but looking for a linear SPL is not always the most important aspect of a room's sound.

Absorbers that tie the room together. No need for a carpet!

Want to drop some famous names of musicians, producers, engineers who Kiss Your Ears did room treatment for?

DVS1, Peggy Gou, Fjaak, Clouds, Hainbach, Mogwai, Palms Trax, Headless Horseman, D.Dan, Kamikaze Space Programme, Blush Response, ItaloJohnson, Ben Rau, Objekt… and companies like Elektron, Pioneer, Moog… and 500+ others! 

What is one of the worst tips about studio acoustics that‘s floating around the internet, on YouTube, etc?

Wow, where do I start? Most of the "tips" online are problematic in some way or other. 

I'll give you some blunt statements!

Tri-traps are an ineffective design.

Cylinder traps don't work properly. 

Foam based products are inferior. 

Putting diffusers at the back of the room (lowest axial mode) is a bad choice. 

Those are four things that almost all acoustic treatment companies are getting wrong on a daily basis! 

How much does it matter what kind or brand of monitor speakers producers use? Is more expensive more better? Can you recommend good monitor speakers (for different budgets)?

Putting expensive monitors in an untreated room is a false economy. You would be better off treating the room to a good level and getting old 80s Hi Fi speakers from ebay! 

An old industry rule of thumb is that you should spend as much on your acoustic treatment as your monitors. 

If you are prepared to spend some cash, I think HEDD offer incredible value in their lower range. The HEDD type 07s are amazing for the price when you want to spend around € 2.000. 

Then when you want to upgrade and spend more, like € 6.000: I recommend the Adam S3Vs… For the price, those are next level. But they put out some sub bass power, so proper bass treatment is essential. 

[ronbrown900000]

Navigating the Hidden Gems: Port Aransas Real Estate Market Unveiled

In the realm of coastal paradises, Port Aransas stands out as a shimmering jewel along the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant community, and charming atmosphere, this Texan coastal town is not just a vacation destination; it's also a promising real estate market. Whether you're seeking a permanent residence, a vacation home, or an investment opportunity, Port Aransas offers a diverse array of properties to suit every taste and budget.

A Coastal Haven: Port Aransas, affectionately referred to as "Port A" by locals, boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. With miles of sandy shores, clear blue waters, and an abundance of recreational activities, it's no wonder that it's a sought-after destination for beach enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers alike. The town's laid-back vibe and welcoming community make it an ideal place to call home or to escape to for a relaxing getaway.

Real Estate Landscape: The real estate market in Port Aransas is as diverse as its natural landscape. From cozy beachfront cottages to luxurious waterfront estates and everything in between, there's something for everyone here. Whether you prefer the convenience of a condominium, the privacy of a single-family home, or the potential for rental income with a vacation property, Port Aransas offers a range of options to suit various lifestyles and preferences.

Investment Potential: Beyond its allure as a vacation destination, Port Aransas also presents promising investment opportunities. The town's popularity continues to grow, attracting not only tourists but also investors seeking to capitalize on the area's appeal. Vacation rentals, in particular, are in high demand, offering the potential for lucrative returns on investment. With proper management and marketing, owning a vacation rental property in Port Aransas can provide a steady stream of income while allowing owners to enjoy their own slice of paradise whenever they please.

Market Trends: Like any real estate market, Port Aransas experiences fluctuations influenced by factors such as seasonality, economic conditions, and external events. However, despite occasional fluctuations, the overall trend in Port Aransas real estate has been one of growth and resilience. The town's strong appeal, coupled with its limited supply of waterfront properties, helps maintain property values and sustain demand even during uncertain times.

Navigating the Market: For those considering investing in Port Aransas real estate, navigating the market effectively is key to success. Working with a knowledgeable local real estate agent who understands the nuances of the area can provide invaluable insights and guidance. Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, a trusted agent can help you navigate the process with confidence, ensuring that you make informed decisions that align with your goals and priorities.

Conclusion: Port Aransas is more than just a picturesque coastal town; it's a vibrant community with a thriving real estate market. Whether you're drawn to its natural beauty, its recreational opportunities, or its investment potential, port aransas real estate offers something truly special for everyone. By understanding the unique characteristics of the local market and enlisting the support of a skilled real estate professional, you can unlock the door to your own piece of paradise in Port Aransas.

[d0d0-b0i]

(SPOILER FILLED) alrighty, time for some more cohesive thoughts on prime for me (since my last one was written directly after finishing it and now its had time to sit in my brain) (long post btw, i ramble @w@)

overall, i very much enjoyed it! the animation had me positively salivating over the fact that its /actually/ using animation techniques and not just. moving characters from A to B without the time for proper stylization. the overall plot was enjoyable and i am excited to see what the rest of the season will offer.

the fact that it is only one-third of the whole season also makes me a lot more forgiving about certain flaws i found at first, like only showing three worlds and not giving the characters a lot of time to breathe. theres the very high likelihood that such a thing actually will happen, and we might even see more places and worlds, which is an exciting thought! nonetheless, going in i did not know this as i was sleep deprived and had forgotten how many episodes the season has, so i felt a little bit salty, ngl.

Devon Mack does a very good job as sonic, and it makes me feel warm inside hearing his portrayal! every actor does a great job honestly, and it truly feels like they all understand the respective character they voice act(especially considering they have to acclimate the character /and/ voice for each new world. very talented!). the eggman voice actor could use some rerecords at times honestly;; but he does a good enough job that i only notice it sometimes; and he is fun to listen to regardless, and is just a subjective thought of mine.

the different universes also intrigue me! :D i really enjoyed the first one the jungle one was interesting and had beautiful flora models, but it is with this one that a problem of mine arises (but ill get to that later). the waterworld was also interesting, but kind of boring worldwise, since its just. water. (i get that its a pirate world and thats fine! i just cant give a good description of my feelings besides just. water. yknow?)

ive seen that a lot of people think rouge shouldve been the captain in the third world and. honestly. yeah. i think we might get to see why later on? but idk. i hope they have a reason that makes sense as to why she isnt, like if the worlds stick around and dont fuse back, shed be the next captain? weh! (i do love knuckles in a captains outfit though, so bonus points for that!)

now. i only have a few “criticisms”, and although some can be attributed to not being intended for me(and i will therefore not include cus. duh), there is one thing i just cannot let slip by.

(CRITIQUE START) the issue i have is that it feels so empty. new yolk (i refuse the yoke) is populated, but later episodes only really reuse the same five models roughly multiple times and i think had at most like 30? of them at the same time, and obviously could not have had more due to budget and such (which is understandable, but that still doesnt mean i cant point it out).

the jungle episodes! THE JUNGLE EPISODES?? ONLY HAD 5?? CHARACTERS MINUS SONIC (froggy counts) AT ALL TIMES?? and even the flashbacks only show those, probably so as not to imply death but like. come on. not even a few background characters at all? am i meant to believe they will all die out anyway simply by being the last people on this earth? im sorry i just cant get over this. you can make sean mcloughlin, mr jacksepticeye, get a cameo and his own personal character model, BUT CANNOT EVEN FILL A JUNGLE WITH PEOPLE?? did i miss something? if theyd shown even /one/ bg character once in a single frame in the flashbacks, id forgive it but i. cannot. im sorry. im nitpicking but come on! this is like the only issue i have. you only have 11 of the original characters in the first place (sonic. tails. knuckles. amy. rouge. big. froggy. shadow. eggman. orbot. cubot.), and then half of them are pretty much gone most of the time.

i just. its so empty? DO NOT GET ME WRONG I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. I DEEPLY ENJOY THIS SHOW! I LOVE THE CHARACTERS WEVE GOTTEN TO SEE !!! THAT DOES NOT MEAN I CANNOT COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING I HAD TROUBLE PROCESSING. if its gonna be a show about sonic and his friendships. where the fuck are the rest of them? is all we’re gonna get homages to their characters? (jungle knuckles was just sticks. come on now. just put her in shes already canon to the mainline games now) sega, if youre going to make a show about his friendships, why wont you let his friends be there? why can you only license 11 of your characters to the show? please make me eat my words.

and yeah you could say that the reasons others arent there (in-canon, not because of legal issues) is because they werent hit close-up with the prism shatter, but neither was big? he was shown to be down by the hills when it exploded, and i dont know if that counts considering that orbot and cubot arent even in any episode besides the first one, and they werent visible in the blast, i do not know what the blast radius would be to affect anything else. eugh. idk man. this is like the ONE issue i have, and its so small it feels meaningless. yeah yeah the budget the tight grip on characters yadda yadda i get the reasons behind it but it still affects the endgoal and i should be allowed to point it out.                                                                                                                     (CRITIQUE OVER)

that being said. i am in love with the character designs! especially a big fan of sonics gloves and shoes in the pirate world. i fuck w/ that very much <3

anyway, thats it. show good. binge it if possible! we need netflix to know that we like this. and maybe theyll realize that one episode per week for this show would be perfect (im looking at you episode recaps)

[sins-of-the-sea]

//I am significantly less anal about "realism" in fight scenes, especially as I researched real life kung fu and then compared them to wuxia films, or Hollywood swashbuckling sword fights compared to real life fencing.

It's less about the discipline and realistic portrayal and more about the narrative. In reality, real fights are seldom last longer than a few seconds, don't involve fancy and unnecessary moves, and a single contact blow can risk major or even life-changing injury. But where is the fun of that in an exciting story with flying death-defying pirates where golems rise from the mud and daggers fly like they are alive?

Usually my threshold to cross between "exciting and cool" and "really cringey and obviously choreographed to pad out budget/visuals" is dependent on the story. Does this super awesome and super unrealistic fight serve a purpose to the story? Then you'll know my answer. I am the kind of person who can be super bored with what is supposed to be an exciting fight scene--I slept throughout all of Matrix 2 in theaters since the opening combat sequence, for example, and I groaned and rolled my eyes throughout the final battle (and even the wedding) of POTC3. So the issue of choreography, visuals, and spectacle isn't the issue, even if I may favor it over a 10-second honestly-boring-as-hell real life fencing match.

RPing fights on Tumblr, as I have found out, extremely bores me to tears. This isn't to say the RP partner is boring--it's just that fights are meant to be fast-paced, without the need to draw out the sequence with pages upon pages between days and weeks to describe one single stroke of action. If our muses are to fight and you REALLY want to write out the fight itself, consider these:

Is the fight intended to show the muse's powers on full display with the goal of developing your character and having a grasp of their abilities? HECK YEAH, let's do it!

Is the fight to settle a dispute? Hell yeah, let's do that too! But's let's plot out the outcome and work our way to it.

Is the fight a story in itself, where a piece of land or property has to be defended from a siege/heist, or a monster is on a rampage, or the stakes are otherwise high in some way? FUCK YEAH FUCK YEAH FUCK YEAH, GIVE ME THAT SHIT!

Is the fight for the muses to "prove" themselves in-story, like for a job offer, or a short demonstration of a new ability? Let's please keep this short and to the point, as the fight is intended to be a stepping stone to a greater narrative rather than the focal point of the scene. Otherwise, these are fun in their own right.

Is it just goofiness? Crack? Or in-universe banter and silliness, like two bros duking it out in drunken brawl in a bar? Also short and to the point. Fun times CAN drag out and overstay their welcome. But note I love that shit to. In fact, I tend to adore these sort of fights the most.

Is the fight to obtain satisfaction from destroying my muses with their super awesome superpowers (without proper planning and prompt)? No. Fuck that shit. I hate RP fights to prove power and powerscaling. The first instance is different because the intention is development. There is a difference between "Look how cool my character can turn into shadows!" and "Look at how I have all the best armor in the world and I can kill God, also I can fly and turn into shadow!" THIS is where it crosses the line into cringey and I lose interest altogether. In that case, I just throw the fight and walk away, you can kiss my ass for not giving you the satisfaction of pwning my muses, and that is WITH the fact I write villains/antagonists.

Now if the fight is intended for anything else beyond these--or they fall into the "please keep it short" categories but you want to write them more out--then that's fine. I'd rather take these to Discord, where the fight can be written out in real time so the risk of dragging out won't happen. I don't want to clog my mutuals/followers' dashboard with constant reblogs of what is supposed to be a 2 minute fight. That's just, in my opinion, impolite.

[2n2n]

The anime kinda sucks but the op and the ending slap

I'm a fan of the anime! Though it doesn't really reflect the sheer beauty of Aida's art and color sense ... I do appreciate that it does try, and has very unique color for any anime, and is faithful to panels as best as it can be. I've seen much worse adaptations, much more generic flat anime (for shounens especially..) ... and it's sadly not as if Aida-sensei can personally do color keys for every episode ... it has better color than most anime. Jewel-toned, saturated, vibrant, I can tell they did all they could manage on their budget to follow the vibes of Aida-sensei's vivid covers.

My only like "augh" about the anime is just the kind of hyper-focus the fandom puts on only the anime's scenes, depictions. It's harder to find a good discussion about later arcs that isn't just reactionary!

I love the voice cast, I love that the twins are voiced by the same person, and Ogata-sensei is quite hype about her role as the Yugi, seems friendly with AidaIro-sensei... I like that she was directed to sound "more ghost-y" for Hanako, I love the delivery, and I love the difference in Tsukasa's higher, more perky tones. I'm sure given Ogata-sensei's prominence as a VA, that she was very specifically sought out by AidaIro-sensei.

Meanwhile Nene-chan's VA sings the ED, which I do adore ... it's very sweet that her VA can sing, and I wonder if AidaIro-sensei specifically wanted someone who could, given Nene-chan does like to whimsically sing little songs... Nene-chan's VA actually does like, singing in some sort of idol app game .. though she specifically sings like, lullabies.... ??? (its been a while since I looked though, so forgive me if details are off).... fascinating stuff. As a result, I look forward to future Nene-chan singing scenes being animated... and I wonder if other EDs would have her singing. I like the symbolic simplicity of the ED animation... very lovely.... very thoughtful.. it reminds me of how perfect some of the stage play's scenes are orchestrated, really thematic, really respecting the story's intentions...

I think about ED songs I like, vibes like this one....

OP tend to often be high octane so I rarely ever like them ... Brotherhood has the kind I like-- slow going into an emotional intensity-- focus on hands, gestures, love the shot of Riza in bed, would die for a vibe like that for JSHK... but even Brotherhood's later OPs are more action-oriented and don't work for meee.... ><;;; what I really like about Aida-sensei's art is how much she cares about gesture, expression, composition of a shot, specific lighting conditions ... I find the series so romantic, I wish the OP focused on that.

I don't actually like the OP of the anime LOL, and I feel like fkldsjsdkl; animating Aida-sensei's horny splash page image has genuinely poisoned the fandom into thinking about Tsukasa as some sexual predator WAY TOO MUCH (because they have to justify it as something other than a fun horny illustration, meant to draw in the proper audience.... ) ... again stuff BEING ANIMATED AT ALL means everyone, kind of, obsessively inflate the importance in their brains it feels lol .... I don't like the song really either, I prefer moody or somber OPs...! I would like something romantic and nostalgic.

I've been kinda hoping the announcement of new material is an OVA, because I would actually personally prefer less anime but a higher budget, getting to really explore a single arc, really get to see the faces rotating accurately (the anime never has as pretty of profiles as Aida-sensei draws;;; it kinda defaults.. the front-facing shots are accurate, but others are sortof 'whatever'....)

my favorite thing about Aida-sensei's art is the facial proportions... they look downright ah, weird, from many angles, bugeyed, tend to have an overbite, smooth muzzle.... extremely distinct

My Little Pony snouts.... gelfling..... cute upper lip....

I like Aida-sensei's art so much, that I doubt any anime would really have a high enough budget to do it justice ... but I don't dislike the anime we got, and just hearing scenes voiced is lovely. There are a lot of lines I am eager to hear aloud ... I think about getting to hear this aloud...

Ogata-sensei would crush it... mnnngh

[kevinsreviewcatalogue]

Review: Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, and some language

Score: 4 out of 5

The Evil Dead series has what may be the single best track record for quality out of any Hollywood horror franchise. With the big slasher franchises of the ‘80s, Halloween, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, I can name at least three movies from each series that are downright wretched. The Universal monsters fell off in quality during World War II and only came back when they let Abbott and Costello do an officially sanctioned parody of them. Saw fell off starting with the fourth movie and never fully recovered, even if it still had some decent movies afterwards. Even Scream and Final Destination each have one bad or otherwise forgettable movie marring their otherwise perfect records. Evil Dead, though? The original trilogy is golden and has something to offer for everyone, whether you prefer the first movie’s campy but effective low-budget grit, the second movie’s slapstick horror-comedy approach, or Army of Darkness’ wisecracking medieval fantasy action. The spinoff TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead was three seasons’ worth of horror-comedy goodness that fleshed out the franchise’s lore. Even the remake was awesome, a gritty, ultraviolent bloodbath that took the first film’s more serious tone and put an actual budget and production values behind it, making for one of the most graphic horror movies to ever get a wide release in American theaters. This latest film delivers on the same, with a tone and levels of violence akin to the remake and most of its strengths as a pure, straightforward, whoop-your-ass horror movie with lots of muscle and little fat once it gets going. It may not be revolutionary, but Evil Dead Rise is still as good as it gets, and exactly what I hoped for given this series’ high bar.

Like its predecessors barring Army of Darkness, this is a self-contained story set within an isolated, closed-off location, in this case the top floor of a Los Angeles apartment complex instead of a cabin in the woods. Our protagonists this time are a family, led by the single mother and tattoo artist Ellie with three kids, the teenage DJ son Dan, the teenage activist daughter Bridget, and the adolescent daughter Kassie, as well as Ellie’s sister Beth. After an earthquake reveals an old vault beneath the apartment complex (which used to be a bank), Dan explores it and discovers the Naturom Demonto, an evil-looking book bound in human flesh, along with three records recorded by the renegade priest who had last had that book a hundred years ago. Dan takes the book and the records back home, plays the latter on his turntable, and turns this into a proper Evil Dead movie, with Ellie winding up the first one possessed by the demon it unleashes.

Much like how the remake built its human drama around Mia’s friends staging an intervention for her, so too does this film root its central dynamic in the relationships between its human characters, in this case crafting a dysfunctional yet believable family. Lily Sullivan as Beth and Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie are the film’s MVPs, making their characters flawed yet sympathetic figures whose perspectives are understandable but who both clearly made mistakes in managing their relationship. Beth, an audio technician for a rock band, is visiting Ellie because she just found out she’s pregnant, but is naturally hesitant to tell her sister, given that Ellie sees Beth as a glorified groupie and still harbors some resentment for the fact that Beth wasn’t there for Ellie when her husband left her. News of a pregnancy would do little more than confirm Ellie’s suspicions of Beth and her lifestyle. After all, Beth abandoned Ellie and failed to return her calls, and Ellie readily sees that Beth’s motive for visiting is self-serving even without Beth telling her exactly why she’s there. Ellie herself isn’t blameless in the breakdown of their relationship, though. She clearly has a chip on her shoulder, somebody who sees herself as the more responsible sibling even though Beth is the one with a successful career while she’s living in a run-down apartment struggling to raise three kids after her husband walked out on her.

All of that is heightened when Ellie gets possessed, as the demon, inheriting all of Ellie’s memories, uses them to taunt Beth and go completely mask-off on all the things that she wouldn’t directly say in life, calling Beth a whore and her own children leeches. Not only do we get the metaphor of a family tearing itself apart made literal, it’s here where Sutherland truly shines as not just a working-class single mother but also as the terrifying demonic parody thereof that she turns into, demonstrating what separates the Evil Dead series’ “Deadites” from many other zombies: their sense of personality. The series takes George A. Romero’s already scary idea, that of a ravenous monster that looks human, used to be human, and is able to turn others into similar monsters with just a bite or a scratch, and adds the twist of a demonic component that gives the monster that person’s intelligence and memories as well, which it then uses to torment the people who knew them in life before it devours their souls. While the more comedic direction that the “main” series films and the TV series went in is more iconic, the remake showed that there’s just as much room for a straightforward horror take on the idea of combining a zombie film with a demonic possession film, and this movie takes that idea and runs with it even if it still retains a measure of camp in some of the one-liners and gore gags.

Dan and Bridget’s relationship, too, takes center stage in the second act as they have two very different reactions to the evil book that Dan brought back to their apartment, with Morgan Davies as Dan and Gabrielle Echols as Bridget giving their characters plenty of life and personality. Bridget is suspicious from the word “go”, and when Ellie gets possessed, she blames Dan for unleashing a dark, evil force in their lives, with implications that they had a fraught relationship even before this. Even Kassie, the youngest among them, was good, with Nell Fisher taking a role that could’ve easily turned annoying and making her character feel believably scared without being completely helpless or whiny, getting in one of my favorite lines when, after Beth tries to calm her down and tell her that they’ll be okay, she responds by telling Beth that she’ll be a great mother because she knows how to lie to kids. The only weak link in the cast was the family’s neighbors, who show up briefly early on but all of whom clearly existed as cannon fodder for Ellie to slaughter in a single sequence in the second act, even though some of them felt like they’d wind up more important or at least get more scenes to shine before they were killed. With how little they’re in the film, you could almost feel the pandemic filming conditions, getting the sense that some of them (particularly Gabe and the shotgun-wielding Mr. Fonda) were originally written to have larger roles but they couldn’t find a way to have that many actors on set at once.

Another thing I felt that made up for it, though, was this film’s unflinching brutality. One of the other things that even the more lighthearted entries in this series are known for is their absolute geysers of blood and gore, the fact that most of the carnage is inflicted on zombies seemingly giving it a pass in the eyes of an MPAA that normally slaps this kind of shit with an NC-17 when it’s done to living humans. And here, we get it all. Stabbings, a cheese grater to the leg, somebody getting scalped, an eye bitten out, multiple decapitations, a wooden spear through the mouth, Deadites puking up everything from vomit to blood to bugs, the good old shotgun and chainsaw (this series’ old favorites) taking off limbs, a woodchipper, and some gnarly Deadite makeup, most notably the freakish, multi-limbed monster at the very end. This movie does not play around, and it is not for the squeamish. The only gore scene that didn’t really work for me was one Deadite transformation that was let down by some dodgy effects shots of fake-looking black blood coming out of somebody’s face; the rest, however, was some seriously nasty-looking, mostly practical stuff. That’s not to say it’s just a parade of violence with no tension, though. Director Lee Cronin employs all the classic Sam Raimi tricks that have become staples of this series as much as Raimi’s career in general, knowing when to keep the monsters in the shadows, lurking ominously behind our characters, or coldly mocking them. Ellie especially is a key source of the film’s less bloody but no less effective scares, especially with how she tries to manipulate Kassie into letting her back into their apartment, as are the scenes of characters succumbing to possession and hearing voices in their head taunting them. Once the film gets going – and you will know when it gets going – it never once lets up or gives you much room to breathe, instead maintaining a heightened level of terror and suspense throughout.

The Bottom Line

This was a welcome return to the big screen for a classic horror franchise, especially with how certain plot threads at the beginning and end leave the door open for a sequel that, going by the box office returns this past weekend, is likely inevitable at this point. Right now, the Evil Dead series is five-for-five in my book.

[sukimas]

the american school system is pretty bad, though. like even with functionally unlimited budget (like in certain rich counties) information can't be imparted well as a function of how it's set up federally.

no child left behind and the every student succeeds act do incentivize increasing the academic performance of students as measured- which is in pass rates and test scores. states create their own standard of learning assessments, generally, which are set such that the benchmark for success is hilariously low so they have a good pass rate and a good graduation rate.

the problem with this is that you end up teaching to the lowest common denominator of students who were allowed into your course. universities, of course, look at classes with challenging-looking names on your transcript and go "wow!" so there's a push to put as many people in AP and honors as possible; this is especially important because it's extremely difficult to change your course track once you've been set on one in the school system, and this happens early (usually in late elementary.)

this isn't actually a official feature, though- it's an artifact of school counselors, who are averse to allowing students who have struggled in the past into more challenging courses.

the obvious solution to this is to put as many students in high-level classes as possible, and then to make those classes as easy as possible. this is usually not performed by teaching better (most teachers in the US public school system only have degrees in education, not in their actual subject; in fact, if you have an actual subject degree in some states, you cannot be licensed to teach without an education degree as well!) but instead by teaching less content at once.

you can, in fact, get through the entire proper history of the united states in ten months- you can actually do so for a fairly condensed (but still better than high school) version in four, with an acceptable level of information density. however, doing so requires nonstop teaching, without review or catch-up for students who are challenged. high school AP courses are traditionally taught over ten months, and replace university course credit for four-month courses.

the content is simply taught slowly, the parts tested on are repeated often, and the tests are set such that as low a number as possible (aiming for <25%) get unsatisfactory scores.

yet, somehow, students still end up getting unsatisfactory scores on exams (because they don't have a foundational understanding of the material). and thus the cycle repeats again. most people who struggle in school are being taught with methods that do not impart information in effective ways!

i can't blame the teachers themselves too much for this, though- their incentives are to get test scores up or get fired. while dealing with too-large class sizes and not enough pay. while you have similar incentives on the tenure track in universities, most tenure track university professors aren't teaching for 5-6 hours every single day of the week and grading homework for four more hours.

[depthbuffer]

Vague, aspirational project list for the year, in order neither of anticipated completion date, nor priority:

Finish & release "super separator" VST. Its function is not very interesting, basically applies equal & opposite comb filtering to two inputs to try and stop them smothering each other in a mix, and only really exists to teach myself VST programming (and because patching it with native FX is much more annoying in Renoise than Reaper).

Write article on getting started with cross-platform VST development.

Finally solder my Pi GPIO/breadboard breakout cable, and use it to experiment with whether the two SPI DACs I bought are fast & accurate enough to make usable CV outputs.

If they are, recode it for the RP2040, and turn it into some kind of digital CV mangler. Even just a MIDI-to-CV module with working pitch bend would be nice. Also as an exercise in microcontroller development, which I haven't done since uni.

Again, if they are, some kind of VST parameter automation curve to CV out is an obvious next step, unleashing more of the potential for Raspberry Pi as a modular control centre.

Solder the rest of my pile of Erica Synths EDU DIY module kits.

Tiny VST with two modes: record MIDI pitch bend to a plugin automation curve; convert parameter automation to pitch bend messages (whilst passing through any other incoming MIDI messages). Purely because pitch bend is the ONE THING Renoise can't map to an arbitrary automation curve, and for performance capture it's REALLY IRRITATING.

Album three. Back to "collection of semi-related singles" mode for this one; I have no high concept in mind, but have enough solid ideas to put something together. Considering releasing it a track at a time, whenever each is done, since music is not really a source of income for me warranting any kind of hype/reveal, and I am unsigned so beholden to nobody.

Mod my Werkstatt to better integrate with the rest of my rig. Requires me to have some means of making holes in the metal case, which I currently don't. Taking suggestions (bearing in mind I have neither the space, desire, nor budget for something like a proper drill press; I'm not becoming a full-on maker, I just want two holes in a metal box).

[hakesbros]

Jones Building Co In Las Cruces, Nm Custom Home Builder

These Las Cruces builders have a ardour for high quality construction, and have 46 new homes obtainable for sale in 14 Las Cruces communities. By taking what was started by our revolutionary and pioneering Past Presidents, we have a chance to change the face of the construction business right here in Southern New Mexico. In addition to that, we now have the ability home builders in las cruces to truly change peoples lives in our neighborhood. Every KT Home has been thoughtfully built to be environment friendly, comfortable, and useful for your way of life. We offer a big selection of choices, options, and facilities all designed to fulfill your style and budget wants.

High levels of employment and low unemployment rates are most likely to lead to more healthy housing markets. The age distribution of a inhabitants paints an important image of future home shopping for tendencies. Provides a trending view for pricing year-over-year available in the market.

Finding a pre-existing home that fits your distinctive necessities is very unlikely. When constructing a custom home, you have the option to design one that suits your needs. Whether you need more space new homes las cruces in the living room or make your master bedroom more spacious, a custom room sorts it out for you. We additionally maintain a wonderful status for our customer service.

We work closely with our clients to create their uniquely envisioned home and produce it to life effectively and effectively. Second, homeowners could be tempted to turn into landlords, wrote Taylor Marr, deputy chief economist for Redfin, in the true estate brokerage’s 2023 forecast. “Many householders will hire out their homes quite than sell as a end result of they don’t want to lose a low price. There might be an inflow of single-family homes for lease,” he predicted. Home costs, unlike mortgage charges, vary considerably from place to place and season to season, making it tricky to forecast them. For simplicity, we’ll take a glance at nationwide forecasts that predict what is going to occur to home prices from the top of 2022 to the tip of 2023.

The spacious great room, flex room and kitchen all open to an intimate enclosed out of doors living space that includes an out of doors kitchen, bar and fireplace pit. The home additionally features an all new mud room/laundry room/utility workplace concept that connects the master closet and great room. Las Cruces, New Mexico’s premier grasp planned group featuring custom homes and private homes for sale in las cruces nm neighborhoods designed for each part of life. Live along the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert within the heat city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. This desert oasis provides the proper backdrop for a brand new home. Recreation, amenities and a friendly demeanor move Las Cruces to the highest of the record for potential home patrons.

We would extremely advocate Jon to anybody thinking about building a customized home. Our pros can get you an correct and honest value quote right now. Jones Construction works carefully with their purchasers to insure the best homes for sale in las cruces new mexico quality of options and effectivity that make for an ideal new home. They are within the final levels of a Tenant Improvement for my enterprise and every little thing appears great.

See the emotional moments when three deserving veterans and their families are handed the keys to brand new, mortgage-free Meritage homes in 2022. A buyer is taken into account glad about about a question in the occasion that they answered with 4 or extra stars out of 5. For instance if the "Communication" query is at 95% satisfaction that implies homes for sale las cruces that 95% of survey respondents answered that question with 4 or extra stars out of 5 attainable stars. Verified This review has been verified as part of GuildQuality's survey process. Something extremely magical about homes is that whenever you leave them, it feels good, but coming back feels even better.

And the stretch of land expense is generally not part of that amount. In all probability, the price tag of a brand new home can value round $200 to $400 per sq. foot. Here at Copper Canyon Homes, LLC in Las Cruces, New Mexico, we love what we do and what we do is design and build a number of the areas most extraordinary in addition to practical customized homes.

Prices, promotions, kinds, and availability might vary. Prices and availability of services are subject to alter without notice. On the housing provide entrance, issues stay pretty tight nationally.

[resideinar]

Affordable and Comfortable Hostels Near Sharda University: A Complete Guide for Students

Sharda University is a renowned educational institution in Greater Noida, attracting students from across India and abroad. Finding the perfect accommodation is one of the key concerns for students coming from distant cities or countries. If you're looking for affordable, comfortable, and well-maintained hostels near Sharda University, this guide has you covered.

1. Proximity to Sharda University

Living near your campus has many advantages. Hostels near Sharda University are conveniently located within a 10-15 minute commute from the campus, saving time and transportation costs. Proximity to the university also means students can participate in extracurricular activities, group studies, and even enjoy access to the library without worrying about long travel times.

2. Types of Accommodation Available

There are a variety of accommodation options for students, including private hostels, PGs (paying guest accommodations), and university-affiliated hostels. Most of these offer a range of facilities catering to different budgets. Whether you are looking for single, double, or triple-sharing rooms, you will find options that suit your financial plan. Some hostels also offer air-conditioned rooms, while others stick to non-AC rooms to keep costs lower.

3. Facilities Provided

A majority of hostels near Sharda University are well-equipped with essential amenities. These include:

Furnished Rooms: Basic furniture like a bed, study table, chair, and wardrobe.

24/7 Security: CCTV cameras and security guards ensure student safety.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: High-speed internet is often included for online classes, research, and leisure.

Housekeeping: Regular cleaning of rooms and common areas.

Laundry: Most hostels offer laundry facilities or paid services.

Mess and Dining Options: Many hostels provide home-cooked meals or allow access to a mess where students can enjoy hygienic and nutritious meals.

4. Cost of Living

Affordability is a major factor for students and parents alike. Hostels near Sharda University vary in price based on the facilities provided. Typically, the cost for a shared room can range from INR 7,000 to INR 15,000 per month, depending on factors such as location, room type, and amenities. Some premium accommodations may charge higher rates, but they usually include extra facilities like a gym, recreation room, or air-conditioning.

5. Hostel Atmosphere and Community

A hostel isn’t just a place to live—it becomes a home away from home for students. The community atmosphere in these hostels is usually friendly, fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents. Regular interactions with peers, study groups, and hostel events like movie nights or festival celebrations help students build a support system away from their families.

6. Best Hostels Near Sharda University

Here are some popular hostels near Sharda University:

XYZ Hostel: Known for its cleanliness, safety, and supportive staff, this hostel offers both AC and non-AC rooms. Located 10 minutes away from the campus, it provides a peaceful environment ideal for studying.

ABC PG for Girls: This is a highly recommended accommodation for female students. With 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, and mess facilities, it has earned a reputation for being both safe and comfortable.

DEF Boys Hostel: Located just 12 minutes from the university, this hostel is popular among male students for its budget-friendly prices, spacious rooms, and sports facilities.

7. Things to Consider When Choosing a Hostel

Proximity: Choose a hostel that minimizes daily travel time.

Safety: Ensure the hostel has a good reputation for safety, with round-the-clock security and proper safety measures.

Budget: Look for accommodation within your financial plan without compromising on basic needs.

Hygiene: Cleanliness is essential for a healthy living environment.

Food Quality: If you plan to eat at the hostel mess, make sure the food quality is good and suits your preferences.

Hostels near Sharda University

Conclusion

Finding the right hostel near Sharda University is crucial for ensuring a smooth and productive academic life. With plenty of affordable options offering essential amenities, students can enjoy a comfortable stay that supports their educational journey. Be sure to visit a few hostels, speak to current residents, and check the facilities before making your final decision.

[budgetfloors1]

Discover the Best Carpets in Mornington for a Cozy and Stylish Home

When it comes to enhancing the comfort and aesthetics of your home, choosing the right carpet can make all the difference. In Mornington, a wide selection of carpets is available to suit various tastes, needs, and budgets. Whether you’re looking to add warmth to a living room, create a plush feel in a bedroom, or introduce a touch of elegance to your hallway, the perfect carpet is waiting for you in Mornington.

A Variety of Styles to Choose From

Carpets in Mornington come in an array of styles, colors, and materials, ensuring there’s something to match every home décor. From luxurious wool carpets that offer natural softness and durability to synthetic options that are both affordable and stain-resistant, you’ll find the ideal carpet to suit your lifestyle.

For those who love a classic look, traditional patterned carpets can bring a touch of timeless elegance to any room. If your home leans more towards modern design, consider sleek, minimalist carpets in neutral tones. These can effortlessly blend with contemporary furnishings, providing a clean and sophisticated backdrop.

Benefits of Carpeting Your Home

Carpets offer more than just visual appeal; they also provide numerous practical benefits. One of the most notable advantages is the comfort they bring. Carpets add a soft, cushioned layer underfoot, making your home feel cozy and inviting. This is especially appreciated in bedrooms and living rooms, where you want to create a warm, relaxing environment.

In addition to comfort, carpets also improve the acoustics of your home. They reduce noise levels by absorbing sound, making them an excellent choice for multi-story homes or rooms where you want to minimize echo. This can be particularly beneficial in households with children or pets.

Another significant benefit is the insulation that carpets provide. During the colder months, carpets can help retain heat in your home, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing heating costs. They offer a warm surface to walk on, which is especially pleasant in the winter.

Finding the Perfect Carpet in Mornington

When searching for the right carpet in Mornington, it’s essential to consider a few factors. First, think about the traffic level in the room where the carpet will be placed. High-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms require durable, easy-to-clean carpets, while lower-traffic spaces like bedrooms can accommodate softer, more luxurious options.

Next, consider the color and pattern of the carpet. Lighter colors can make a room feel larger and brighter, while darker shades add a sense of coziness. Patterns can add visual interest and hide stains, making them a practical choice for busy households.

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of professional installation. Even the highest quality carpet won’t look its best without proper installation. Many Mornington carpet retailers offer installation services to ensure your new carpet is laid perfectly, enhancing both its appearance and lifespan.

Conclusion

Choosing the right carpet can transform your Mornington home, adding warmth, comfort, and style to any room. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your taste and needs. Whether you’re updating a single room or carpeting your entire home, the right carpet can make your space feel more inviting and complete. Visit a Mornington carpet store today and discover the difference a quality carpet can make in your home.

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