#scum goes to The Con

[idrawweirdstuffnominors]

I saw your Girl dad! Josh post!

….Bill in his girl dad arc when (JK! JK!….unless)

(Lol lock tf in chat this is gonna get interesting to say the least

Bill dickey as a Girl Dad headcannons

1. "You're Not Dating Anyone Until You're Thirty-Five."

Bill is insanely overprotective but in the worst possible way. He doesn't trust anyone, especially boys. If his daughter so much as mentions a crush, he launches into a 15-minute rant about how “men are scum, and I should know, because I am one!”

2. Turns Her into a Nerd by Force.

He starts her on comics, sci-fi, and horror movies from the womb. Think “Alien” at age six and mandatory Sunday night viewings of Twilight Zone.

“You don’t get to sleep until you can name the entire creative team behind Swamp Thing vol. 2.”

3. Absolutely Cannot Handle Emotions.

She cries? He panics. He just stands there holding a Mountain Dew can like, “Uh… do you want… a Funko Pop or something? Stop leaking! I didn’t raise a weakling!”

4. The Most Toxic PTA Parent Ever.

He shows up to school meetings in a black trench coat, rants about the school’s media literacy failures, and says things like, “If my daughter’s being bullied, I will sue. I have lawyers. I know people on forums. Don’t test me.”

5. Secretly the Best Coach in a Weird Way.

Bill is a ruthless perfectionist when she shows interest in anything creative. “If you’re gonna draw anime, do it right. These proportions? Amateur. You call this anatomy? This is CalArts-tier crap, and I won’t allow it under my roof.”

But his standards push her to be really, really good—even if she wants to murder him half the time.

6. Grudgingly Proud Dad Mode

She wins an art contest or aces a project? He brags nonstop for a month—but never directly to her face.

“She’s not bad. I mean, obviously she got the talent from me. But yeah, whatever. I guess she’s okay.”

7. Hyper Fixates on Her Interests to “Vet” Them

If she likes something he doesn’t understand (like K-pop), he goes full rage-research mode. Watches 6-hour YouTube essays. Then returns to say things like:

“Okay. So this Jungkook guy? I guess he’s talented. Still don’t trust him.”

8. Accidentally Raises a Girl Just Like Him

One day she quotes The Thing perfectly, destroys a boy in an online debate, and calls someone a “poser” for not knowing Kirby’s original designs. Bill just stares and mutters, “My work here is done.”

9. Will Go to War for Her

She never sees it, but if anyone seriously messes with her? He’s already on the dark web tracking their IP address. His threats are too specific.

“You want me to drop their home address or are we playing the long game?”

10. Sentimental? Nope. Never. (Okay, Maybe Once.)

He keeps a photo of her in his wallet, folded and beat up. He never talks about it.

But sometimes, when she’s not around, he looks at it and sighs.

“She’s… fine. Not like she makes me proud or anything. Idiot.”

“The Coat”

Bill was elbow-deep in a tote labeled "CON BADGES / UNTOUCHED GARBAGE", muttering under his breath about how these kids wouldn’t know practical effects if they crawled out of a latex womb, when his daughter walked in—dragging the massive, beat-up orange flannel from the back of his closet behind her.

It was practically a robe on her. Oversized, worn, and clinging to the smell of years of conventions, bad takeout, and Bill’s lingering rage.

Daughter:

“…Can I wear this to school tomorrow?”

Bill turned like she’d just asked to burn his comic collection.

Bill:

“That? You mean my coat? The coat I wore to every screening of The Thing between ‘92 and ‘06? The coat I nearly got kicked out of Wizard World for wearing over a Gremlins tee because some idiot thought I was doing a bit?”

Daughter: (nodding calmly)

“Yeah. That one.”

Bill: (offended beyond comprehension)

“Why would you want to wear that? You trying to look like a failed screenwriter with back problems?!”

Daughter:

“It’s warm. And I like how it smells. Like… your weird soap and burnt pizza.”

Bill: (pointing dramatically)

“That’s character! You don’t earn that smell, you live in it.”

Daughter:

“I want to live in it. Just for the day.”

That shut him up for a second. He looked at her—dwarfed by his rage-blanket of a coat, arms poking out like she was wrapped in a sleeping bag—and muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like: “…you’re a menace…”

Bill: (grumbling)

“Fine. But if anyone spills anything on it, anyone—you, your friends, some gluten-free goober with a juice box—I will rain hellfire upon that school. I will march in there, I will quote John Carpenter until they expel themselves, and I will not be held responsible for what happens next.”

Daughter: (grinning)

“Love you too, Dad.”

Bill:

“I didn’t say that. I don’t believe in love. I believe in practical effects and staying angry.”

She rolled her eyes, already backing out of the room.

Daughter:

“Sure. I’ll be careful. I swear on your limited edition ‘Murder of Crows’ box set.”

Bill: (horrified)

“DON’T YOU JOKE ABOUT THAT—!”

But she was gone. And he was left staring at the empty spot where the coat had been, rubbing his temples and muttering:

Bill:

“Kid’s gonna be the death of me. In the best possible way.”

[guzhufuren]

hi!! i was hoping you could help me find a ql to watch w my sister, im looking for one that is comedic/wacky, i tried searching and only found dramatic shows. i like your sense of humor, so i trust u with funny business lol

i made you a list of my favourite ql comedies! since you like my sense of humor, i picked those that got a belly deep laugh out of me many times. all those are either comedic on purpose, so absurd they become comedic and total crack, or just tv shows that have incredible humor at times

sorted in the order with funniest ones placed on top, country placement included. i'd start with 1-4, they are a safe bet to laugh lots. heads up, 1, 10, 13, 16 have darker or angstier elements later on. only one gl because it's still a developing genre and has much fewer options for now. sorry that i don't have gifs for newer shows

overall in this list we got ancient chinese romcoms, mafia bread kink, gay seizures, identifying missing people through sneezing, omegaverse mama-papa kink, and so much more crazyass shit

Comedic QL Shows

China 🇨🇳

1. Meet You At The Blossom period drama; fantasy; scum lead/sunshine lead

A young lord of marriageable age meets a cold-blooded assassin. Jin Xiaobao, the cheerful heir of the wealthiest family in Jiangnan, sees a beautiful woman fighting in a forest and falls in love with her at first sight. This “woman”, however, turns out to be a disguised icy young man named Huaien. When Huaien learns who Xiaobao is, he hatches a plot – hoping to use Xiaobao's feelings for him to access the Jin family's riches. But his plan backfires when Huaien starts to develop real feelings for Xiaobao.

YouTube or GagaOOLala or iQIYI or Viki (switch to chinese dubbing on yt and iq)

Japan 🇯🇵

2. Love Is Like a Poison lawyer/conman; cohabitation; partners

An elite but socially awkward lawyer takes in a genius con artist. Together, they secretly solve complex legal cases using unethically obtained evidence.

Netflix

3. Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko! wlw; office setting; age gap; misunderstanding

Ayaka, a young office worker, is madly in love with her senior team leader, Hiroko. As Ayaka tries to make her attraction known, Hiroko consistently misreads the situation, thinking that Ayaka is a straight girl.

GagaOOLala

4. Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice But to Kiss! lucky guy/unlucky guy; university setting

College student Fukuhara has bad luck that causes problems everywhere he goes. One day, Shinomiya, a student with super good luck, helps him out. Now, in order to divide the luck between them, Fukuhara needs to be with Shinomiya all the time.

Viki or GagaOOLala

5. Cherry Magic!   mind reading; secret crush; office setting

By still being a vіrgin at 30, Adachi gains a magical power – the ability to read other people’s minds by touching them. At first, he’s overwhelmed by his new ability, and it’s not proving to be helpful to him. But that all changes when he accidentally touches their office’s most perfect guy Kurosawa, who he learns has romantic feelings for him.

WeTV

6. Kieta Hatsukoi (My Love Mix-Up!)   misunderstanding; high school setting

Aoki has a crush on Hashimoto, the girl in the seat next to him in class. But he despairs when he borrows her eraser and sees she’s written the name of another boy — Ida — on it. To make matters more confusing, Ida sees Aoki holding that very eraser and thinks Aoki has a crush on him!

Viki

7. What Did You Eat Yesterday established relationship; growth; food

The story follows Shiro and Kenji, a middle aged gay couple living in Tokyo. Shiro is a serious and reserved lawyer, while Kenji is cheerful and outgoing hairdresser. Shiro's regular routine is that after work, he buys groceries at a mart, goes home and makes dinner for himself and Kenji.

S1 & New Year Special & movie & S2

8. A Man Who Defies the World of BL breaking the 4th wall; comedy; university setting

It suddenly dawns on Mob that he lives in a BL world! So he must turn down any hot guys who approach him.

Viki or GagaOOLala (S1) & Viki or GagaOOLala (S2) & Fansubs (S3)

South Korea 🇰🇷

9. Love Tractor farm setting; farmer/city musician

Sunyeol, a city man with zero ability to survive in the countryside, comes to his grandfather’s rural home. In front of him appears Yechan, a passionate and kind young farmer. While learning about rural life and assisting with farming tasks, Sunyeol gradually finds himself drawn to Yechan’s warm and straightforward nature, while Yechan helplessly falls for Sunyeol.

iQIYI

10. Boys Be Brave! perfectionist/chill slacker; secret crush; roommates

Giseop is Jinwoo's slacker friend - and secret crush. So when Giseop asks to crash at his place, his heart tingles to be near him everyday. But as the short stay turns into permanent mooch, how long can Jinwoo keep his true feelings under wraps and hold back from confessing?

Viki

11. Choco Milk Shake animals turned to humans; roommates

One day, two handsome strangers enter Jung Woo’s house and claim they are Choco and Milk, the reincarnation of his childhood pets, a dog and a cat. The arrival of the two embarks on a new beginning and the quest to discover love.

YouTube

Taiwan 🇹🇼

12. See Your Love injured rich man/caretaker; deaf character

Zixiang is sent to Taiwan for business negotiations but gets attacked. He hires Shaopeng to take care of him, and takes this opportunity to escape from his family responsibility while also falling for Shaopeng. Zixiang's assistant Jonathan acts as a stand-in for his boss, and Xinjia, the assassin hired to get rid of Zixiang, repeatedly fails to take out his target.

GagaOOLala or Viki or iQIYI

Thailand 🇹🇭

13. KinnPorsche mafia boss/bodyguard; action; kidnapper/kidnapee side couple

Kinn, a son of a prominent mafia head, is ambushed by an enemy, and meets Porsche, a bartender who comes to his rescue for a price, thus beginning their reluctant relationship as boss and bodyguard, which soon turns into something more.

iQIYI

14. Wandee Goodday doctor/boxer; friends with benefits; fake relationship

Because of a broken heart and drunkenness, doctor Wandee becomes involved with boxer Yak and their relationship develops from friends with benefits to something more profound.

YouTube

15. Knock Knock, Boys! roommates; ensemble show

Four boys move into a sharehouse and get closer after getting drinks. Almond makes a wager with his three roommates. If one of them manages to hook him up with his crush, he'll cover one year of their rent.

WeTV

16. My Stand-In stuntman/rich heir; scum romantic interest; transmigration

Stuntman Joe didn't realise that his lover Ming had always seen him as another man's replacement. Joe, reincarnated into another's body after an accident, reconnects with his ex Ming, who was looking for Joe for a long time.

iQIYI

17. Pit Babe omegaverse; alpha/alpha; car racing

Babe is the number one race car driver and an alpha with special abilities who only has sex with other alphas. Nerdy naive alpha Charlie approaches Babe to ask for his help to become a racer himself. Babe agrees to help Charlie realise his dream, but it will come with a price.

Uncut on iQIYI or cut on YouTube

*You can also watch most of these shows for free on KissKH

[web-novel-polls]

WN Rarepair Tournament

Please consider each rarepair and vote for the ship you like the best / find the most interesting / that compels you the most / etc.

JingQing from Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (MDZS)

Characters: Lan Jingyi x A-Qing

Submission: The Lan family are known for their terrible taste through falling for scoundrel's. Wouldn't it be funny if Lan Jingyi fell for a pickpocket con-artist with a heart of gold?

TianJiu from The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System (SVSSS)

Characters: Tianlang Jun x Original Shen Qingqiu (Shen Jiu)

Propaganda: Tianlang Jun has a thing for cold and ruthless beautiful people and Shen Jiu/Qingqiu hits all those marks. Tianlang Jun is persistent enough to try and keep trying. He'd be SOOOO shameless about it and Shen Qingqiu would be a salty mfer until the third time he punts Tianlang Jun across a lake and he comes back for more. Tianlang Jun likes human books and poetry and music and Shen Qingqiu is the peak lord of the scholarly peak. Tianlang Jun would probably hit him with the "I die every day we're apart" line and Shen Jiu goes "Then perish" and Tianlang Jun is even more interested. Eventually Shen Qingqiu brings Tianlang Jun to Qing Jing Peak and everyone's like "What do u have there" and he says "a fan" which Tianlang Jun IS a fan of legendary romantic tragicomedy The Lamentable Romance of Autumn and Death by prolific author Sleeping Willow Flower who also wrote the Epic of Tianqiu. But also Shen Qingqiu is holding a fan there. No one is amused but Tianlang Jun is there to stay.

Fic Rec: villainous thing by technorat

[Please be kind and respectful in the notes. Anti-Propaganda is NOT allowed.]

[boasamishipper]

wip wednesday

tagged by @lookforanewangle - thanks lyss!

excerpt from ch2 of my danharry fic, Code of Conduct:

On Sunday night, Harry lays out his clothes and his plans for the next day. Tomorrow night, the moment Dan arrives, Harry will ask to speak to him privately. He’ll apologize not only for his actions on Friday night, but for his feelings, which he knows go unreciprocated. What he’ll do from there, he thinks, will depend entirely on Dan’s reaction. If Dan goes cold—if, God help him, Dan looks at Harry without the barest trace of the respect that Harry has come to treasure even more than Dan’s friendship—Harry will drop to his knees and clasp his hands in prayer and say again and again how sorry he is. He’ll beg Dan’s forgiveness and insist that it’ll never happen again and promise that neither their encounter nor Harry’s feelings will impact their working relationship. And if Dan hands in his resignation on the spot, Harry will probably at that point realize that he shouldn’t have said anything at all. One of his professors at law school had been an expert in criminal law. He’d made a name for himself defending the scum of the earth—the real scum of the earth, pedophiles and rapists and murderers, not the pimps and drug dealers and amateur con artists who came before Harry’s bench night after night and were often bestowed that title by Dan. Professor Purdy’s theory of defense? Never for a second admit one fact or one piece of evidence that indicates guilt. Purdy is who comes to mind when Harry sets off for the courthouse on Monday afternoon, and by the time he parks, he’s come up with Plan B: Deny, Deny, Deny. He’ll pretend as valiantly as he can that, actually, nothing happened on Friday night. He’ll smile brightly and look into Dan’s eyes and greet him like he didn’t spend half the weekend jerking off to the memory of the noises Dan made when he came. Seeing as Dan tore out of the room like his Italian loafers were on fire, that’s probably just what Dan wants. To pretend. Dan is good at pretending. Lucky for him, Harry’s good at it too.

tagging @bornforastorm @bawnjourno @onekisstotakewithme @bicolumbo and any of my other writer mutuals who are interested!

[wilsondick-winterexchange]

WDWE Day 1

Welcome fellow WilsonDick lovers! The first day of posting for the WilsonDick Exchange has arrived 💙🧡

6 NEW WILSONDICK works await you today. Please remember to double check the warnings and tags before proceeding!

WORKS

In Which Dick Is/Gets Boned [ART] for FleetSparrow [Explicit, Chose Not to Use Warnings, Rape/Non-Con] [Wilson/Dick]

Summary:

The bad guys win. Nightwing, fearing Damian will succumb to his injuries while they wait for rescue, begs Deathstroke to buy them. Thus begins his life as the Wilson family's pet.

Not to Become a Phantom: Hazy World [FANFIC] for cheju [Explicit, Chose Not to Use Warnings] [Dick/Addie/Slade]

Summary:

There's a desperate fizzle to the air, something that feels a little like melting and a tinge like having a fever. It's not a quality that Blüdhaven’s air usually has. If anything, it touches on a memory so far in Dick's past that he's all but buried it. Now, he finds the feeling, the scent, the rolling sensation of it becoming a dredge to the scum-filled pits of his memory.

Chosen Family [FANFIC] for TheLadyBlackwood [Gen, Graphic Depictions of Violence] [Slade & Dick & Wilson Fam]

Summary:

During a contract hit, Slade Wilson meets a recently orphaned Dick Grayson. Impressed with the boy’s immense potential, he brings the boy home to where he’d been raising and training his three children to become future mercenaries. As Slade grapples with Grant's upcoming first kill and his growing bond with Dick, he soon realizes he has to make a choice between keeping Dick as a soldier or as a son.

Stupid Games and Stupid Prizes [FANFIC] for Averia [Explicit, Underage] [Dick/Grant]

Summary:

Grant's been gone for a year, and when he gets back, it seems like the entire school has been turned on its head. And somehow, all roads seem to lead back to Dick Grayson. Stupid, pretty, charming Dick Grayson, who's got the whole school wrapped around his finger. Everyone, in fact, except for Grant.

Close Haul [FANFIC] for erikakathryn [Gen, Teen] [Rose & Dick & Slade, Dick/Slade]

Summary:

Rose is grateful to be rescued. She isn’t so pleased that it’s by the Royal Navy. The Nightwing has no idea whose daughter they just picked up.

Hold On [FANFIC] for byrdsofthenyte [Teen, Graphic Depicitions of Violence] [Joey/Dick]

Summary:

It’s a coincidence, he told himself. It had to be a coincidence. Deathstroke couldn’t be the only man missing his right eye. There had to be others, and clearly Slade Wilson was one of them. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I’m Dick Grayson,” he finally said after what felt like an eternity. “Oh,” Slade Wilson replied, his smile making Dick tremble. “I know who you are.” Dick meets his boyfriend's father. It goes horribly wrong.

[fiend-streak]

The huuugs! Does Karlach give out the hug too? I accidentaly caused her death... xD

I made Wyll a grand duke by a complete accident (talked to him before saving his father) - and that was it. His mind was set even after I got his dad out. I realized my mistake when it was already too late lol. I don't save scum, I save only in few moments (usually when I want to try out new ways to die or dialogues I would never pick but lol they sound hilarious) and auto-save is not reliable in the matter. So Karlach died. Then I suggested Wyll is a threat... xD

Epilogue was... I don't know what I was expecting. But I didn't expect my Ascendant Vampire to be... like this. He's... idk, like he lost a limb or two. I mean, we all knew he was high on power but 6 months to calm down?!

Astarion just fly in his bat form, eavesdrop on people like some gossip lover and stare in the mirror - all normal stuff. I know he enjoy his time of freedom but holy hells, why we not taking over the city? 6 months and he did nothing to pursue taking over Baldur's Gate! Where is Merxes' throne? Arrghhh :( I love him though. And he loves me. Rest of the world can burn for all I care! But at least Merx is safe, well fed and taken care of <3 I strongly believe his insanity is more contained then. I made him chaotic neutral, he goes... slightly insane from time to time (I fucking love those random voice lines "KILL KILL KILL AGAIN!" or evil laugh when launching an attack - I just wish it would happen more often lol, any mod for it?). Spawn is also adorable but I feel like he has less dialogue options? Also I don't believe Spawn is a happy ending. Astarion doesn't have a good ending. Both have pros and cons.

Jaheira also wtf. Start a family? I want the stuff she's sniffing. But I guess she just wanna be Auntie. I don't think she sees how ridiculous her idea is, though. Even IF it was possible for 2 males to somehow make a bebe - those males are both undead and one is a bhaalspawn so creates more problems than he's worth. But just imagine, a bhaalspawn who has issues has a baby with a vampire. Parents of the year, right? Here, child, this is how you stab with utmost elegance. Bruh.

[sinisterexaggerator]

Things I learned about Hondo Ohnaka in Pirate’s Price:

So, I finished the book and wanted to compile a list of fascinating things I learned about the once great pirate king Hondo Ohnaka, whether it be a facet of his personality, something his mother once told him, his way of thinking about the galaxy at large, just a funny factoid, or a direct quote.

Enjoy!

Hondo labels himself by saying he “has been all those things and more,” when referring to various descriptors: rogue, opportunist, con artist, thief, and pirate.

His overconfidence is said to be “legendary.”

His mother once said, “If you are going to bet, bet big.”

Hondo says, “I never bluff – except on those occasions when I do.”

He strokes his frills like they are a beard, and it is assumed that perhaps he thinks they make him look distinguished.

He will play cards with “anybody who has credits to risk.”

Business is pleasure for Hondo. They are one and the same.

Hondo likes people who are straight and to the point.

For some reason, he has an aversion to the word “smuggler.” He describes himself as a “dishonest honest businessman making his way in a harsh galaxy the only way he knows how – the way his mother taught him,” and he is not “simple sleemo smuggler scum.”

He is always interested in news when “it carries with it the potential for profit.”

“There is always a price for a good time.”

Hondo does not like humidity, aka “swampy, stinky planets,” and prefers “the dry heat of his beloved Florrum.”

“Beggars cannot be choosers when their ships are on fire,” he always says (apparently).

“Opportunities abound for the unscrupulous and bold,” and he is “both of those things.”

The galaxy is a rough place, and he says that “we must all learn to take care of ourselves.” This is a lesson taught to him by his “sweet mother” before the “first time she threw him out.”

He repeatedly says that “It’s these little details that will get you into trouble every time,” when he forgets something important, such as that he does not have his blaster on him. Hondo flies by the seat of his pants more often than not.

Hondo is offended when he is not recognized. He introduces himself to an oblivious person as being “the famous pirate Hondo Ohnaka,” and says that “his exploits are legendary.” He goes onto explain that he “once had a crew that was feared throughout the galaxy.” He was “notorious, famous, infamous,” and he “captured a Sith.” He also brags about having fought with Jedi, and that he was once “a friend to Jango Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi.” No one will “have met a man as interesting as I.”

“Being a pirate is noble.”  He has something he calls “pirate’s honor.” It is like the honor of thieves. He can turn it on and off at will, so he only helps someone when it benefits him, or if he feels like it.

Hondo has a soft spot for underdogs.

Hondo is the only one in the galaxy to have found the “Lost Treasure of Kanata’s Castle.”

He describes himself as always being an “upbeat and jolly guy.”

With no one remembering who he is, and with being alone without a gang for so long, at some point it makes him feel something. He says there is a hole in his heart to be filled, but that it is a “ship-sized hole.” It is a cop-out, of course.

He says once he was “the scourge of the galaxy,” and that “how far the mighty have fallen” in reference to himself.

He has something called “a pirate’s hunch” which is defined as “a feeling.”

He appreciates irony.

There is “not a trick in the book he has not tried himself.”

Hondo admires those who can rip off or swindle others, such as Han Solo.

His mother used to tell him that “Hondo, someone else’s urgency is your opportunity.”

“Destiny sometimes throws the strangest things our way, does she not?”

“Where there is great desperation, there is also great opportunity.” He is not above using someone’s need to benefit himself.

He says that he is a “connoisseur of fashion.”

“Things just have a way of working out when Hondo is involved.”

“There is no sense crying once the bantha milk is split.”

Hondo can speak Shyriiwook, or the language of the Wookiees. He is good with guttural tongues, but he speaks Ugnaught with a slight accent. He “oinks when he should groink.”

He clucks his tongue at rudeness.

He warns of “attachments which can only bring you heartbreak (or the destruction of your base on Florrum).” – He has a strange feeling in regard to loneliness. Chewbacca tells him that his “status as a loner is a weakness,” but that it is a “truth he was not ready to hear.”

Hondo says there are “few brave souls, like himself, who make their own rules,” when referencing the fact there is “the empire, and those who live under its boot.”

Seeing Han Solo and Chewbacca interact makes him feel that hole in his soul again, and he questions “if it really is ship-shaped after all.”

His mother once said, “a smart pirate is always prepared for any eventuality.”

Hondo says, “sometimes it is important to stop and smell the blueblossoms,” meaning it is important to enjoy yourself when you can.

Hondo states that being a pirate is “a noble profession. He meets his enemies face-to-face,” and does not like it when someone says “pirate” as if it was a bad thing.

Han Solo reminds Hondo of himself as a young man.

Hondo “never feels bad” about robbing someone.

To steal something, it is “all a matter of deflection or suggestion.” He says that “most people can only focus on one thing at a time, so the way to take something off a mark is to tell them you are going to take something else.”

“Hondo is never down for long – not when there is profit in the air.”

He says “I have some experience being hurled through the sky,” and I cannot figure out what he means, unless it was during the episode the Padawans disguised themselves as circus performers and sent him soaring through the air.

“I can think about many things. Every day is full of possibilities,” Hondo says, even as he thinks about abandoning his “friends.”

Someone tells him he is “unconscionable,” and he responds by saying: “I’m a pirate! It comes with the territory!”

“Hondo is a force all to himself.”

Someone calls him old and he is irritated. “Old? I am not old! Distinguished, perhaps. Seasoned, like a fine chewba stew.”

His speeder tank was a WLO-5.

He says that “we Weequay have strong stomachs.”

“If I was about to die, I wanted to see it coming. Or maybe I did not.”

When Hondo is in fact about to die, or thinks that he is, he cries out “Pikk Mukmuk! I’m sorry!” Pikk was one of his monkey-lizards he had on Florrum. His dying words are to apologize to his pet. T_T

He learned during his time as leader of the Ohnaka gang that “good leaders need to move things along.”

He says that “you do not get to be a successful pirate by stealing things that are hard to get. No, you steal the easy pickings.” His mother used to say, “the easier something is to steal, the more it is asking to be stolen.”

He says that “we Weequay are naturally thick-skinned to begin with.”

Hondo’s mother used to say that “when the galaxy hands you an obvious gift, it would be rude not to take it.”

Hondo at some point sings a lullaby, commenting that maybe it was one like “my sweet mother may have sung to me, if she had not been so busy teaching me to pick pockets.”

When Hondo thinks he is about to die again, he is “resigned to his fate” and says, “I used to be someone,” and that he “had the respect of his people.” He was a “pirate scourge,” and he “had the will and the ability to take what I wanted from the galaxy.” He then goes on to ask what does he have now? He answers his own question: “I am alone. All alone. Without even a Kowakian monkey-lizard on my shoulder.” It is obvious he wants and needs companionship.

He says he is “never one to dwell on the past.” That is the opposite of what he actually does, when thinking about his gang and all his losses.

He says “little details matter.”

“Live and learn.”

When he’s desperate, “That is when Hondo Ohnaka does his best thinking – we just need a new perspective.”

Like he always says, “no confidence is better than none.” Han Solo is immediately confused.

Han Solo calls him a double-crosser and he says that he is wounded. When asked if he was going to deny the accusation he says, “What? No. Oh, it is true all right. But in this you can trust me.”

“I do not have the Force,” Hondo says, but something he refers to as “pirate’s luck.” I had a headcanon he was possibly Force sensitive, but Hondo says otherwise! Oh well.  ):

He admits he “tends to walk with a bit of swagger.”

He admires people who can double cross him.

He “does not like mopey people.”

He “does not joke about profits.”

He says that he would betray Han Solo “without hesitation.”

When he daydreams about a super weapon and all the things it can do, including being used to blackmail entire planets, the others look at him as if is too excitable. He says, “do not blame me just because I have a healthy ambition,” but that he is not saying he would do these things, only that he can see how someone could.

When he falls on his face, he states that “I was quick to flip over and stand up. You do not live as long as I have by staying down.”

He says it was possible he liked someone simply because “she had lied to me and tricked me.”

Eventually, Hondo says that he was shown “what he thought he needed was a ship,” but that it was “to be a part of something that matters.”

“When something works, go with it.”

Hondo likes Maz’s “no fighting rules” because it is a boon to be able to “court so many new potential business partners in a place where none of his former business partners are allowed to shoot him,” but that he does not know why they want to.

Hondo sometimes whistles to himself.

“It takes all types to make a galaxy go ‘round. Who am I to judge?”

Hondo’s old Ohnaka Gang flag flies over Maz’s Castle.

He says he is “more of a desert person myself. All the little creepy-crawlies in the forests give me the jeebie-heebies.”

His mother once told him, “never let friendship get in the way of a good profit.” He says he thinks she “said the same thing about family,” and that she “did swindle me out of quite a lot of money.”

When asked if profit is all there is to him, Hondo says no, there is always “eating, sleeping, and sometimes a little dancing.”

Hondo states that the Millennium Falcon is his favorite ship in the whole galaxy.

He “always wants to talk about profits.”

He thinks he could have had a successful career “writing holodramas” if he were not such a successful pirate. He thinks his own storytelling abilities are wonderful.

Hondo is not above fishing for praise and gets sulky if he does not get it.

Chewbacca brought Rey with him to meet Hondo. Hondo canonically knows Rey. Hondo is old as fuck because he is alive during the whole “Skywalker saga,” and is told by another character in the book that the “Rebellion” is now referred to as the “Resistance.”

“Old Hondo knows a thing or two about the culinary arts.” This bitch knows how to cook, ya’ll.

He claims that “he has been all over the galaxy, and many villainous scum are dear friends of his.”

“Sometimes a smile is all you need to turn a frown upside down.”

[outbursthubnj]

How to Get Affordable Bathroom Repair in Spring Lake, NJ – Expert Guide

A well-functioning and stylish bathroom is essential for any household, and when something goes wrong, finding affordable bathroom repair services becomes a top priority. Suppose you’re a homeowner in Spring Lake, NJ. In that case, this post will walk you through everything you need to know about identifying common bathroom issues, deciding between DIY and professional help, and finding reliable repair services without breaking the bank.

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a dated shower that needs a facelift, affordable bathroom repair is achievable with the right approach. Here’s your step-by-step guide to making it happen.

Shared Bathroom Issues in Spring Lake, NJ

Bathrooms face a host of issues, many of which result from daily usage and environmental factors unique to Spring Lake:

Leakage Problems: Dripping faucets, running toilets, or leaks in pipes are among the most common issues. Even a small leak can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water yearly.

Water Damage: Humid summer weather in Spring Lake can damage walls and cause mold growth, as well as ceilings and fixtures if ventilation is insufficient.

Clogged Drains: Hair, soap scum, and debris can accumulate over time, causing slow drains or blockages.

Outdated Fixtures: Fixtures like faucets and showers may stop functioning efficiently or look out of style over time.

Identifying these problems early ensures they don’t turn into costly repairs later. A small drip can damage flooring, woodwork, or even your home’s foundation if left unchecked.

Should You DIY or Call a Professional for Bathroom Repairs?

Regarding bathroom repairs, the first decision is whether to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional. Both of these options have their pros and cons, depending on the complexity of the problem and your skills:

DIY Bathroom Repairs

Embracing DIY projects can be a wonderfully cost-effective way to tackle those minor repairs around your home, such as:

Fixing a leaky faucet

Unclogging drains with a plunger or drain cleaner

Replacing toilet flappers or seals

Caulking or grouting tiles

If you’re handy, many simple fixes can be done in the afternoon. However, safety and proper technique should always be considered. For example, repairing your plumbing without turning off the water supply can lead to disasters!

Professional Bathroom Repairs

Professional help is the best option for larger or more complicated issues. When should you call the pros?

Major Plumbing Problems: Leaks hidden behind walls or under floors require expert diagnosis.

Extensive Water Damage: Mold remediation and structural waterproofing are not DIY-friendly.

Fixture Installation: Installing a new showerhead is one thing; upgrading your entire vanity or tub requires a steady hand.

Hiring a reliable contractor ensures the job is done right the first time, ultimately saving you time, money, and stress.

Understanding Cost Factors and Planning Your Budget

How much does bathroom repair cost? That depends on several factors:

Type of Repair: Fixing a faucet or unclogging a drain will cost much less than replacing a bathtub. On average, minor tweaks can range from one hundred to three hundred, whereas larger projects might start at one thousand.

Labor Costs: Rates in Spring Lake typically reflect the cost of living, so expect hourly rates of fifty hundred dollars for skilled labor.

Materials: The quality of materials, such as high-end tiles or fixtures, impacts your total cost. Opting for durable yet affordable options can lower expenses.

Urgency: Emergency repairs come with a premium price. Address problems early to reduce costs.

Estimate your budget realistically and set aside an additional 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses.

How to Repair a Bathroom Faucet (Quick Fix)

Tackling a faucet leak yourself? Here’s a simple DIY guide:

Turn off the water supply to avoid flooding.

Disassemble the faucet carefully to locate the faulty part (e.g., washers, o-ring, or valve).

Replace damaged parts; you can find affordable replacements at your local hardware store.

Reassemble the faucet and test.

If the leak persists, consider calling a professional to look closer.

Affordable and High-Quality Bathroom Repairs Are Possible

Maintaining your bathroom doesn’t have to be costly or stressful. By recognizing common issues early, weighing DIY versus professional options, and applying the tips above, Spring Lake homeowners can achieve affordable bathroom repairs without compromising quality.

If you’re ready to tackle your next repair project or upgrade, consult trusted local professionals or explore cost-saving DIY approaches for more minor fixes. Remember, a well-maintained bathroom isn’t just a functional space; it reflects your home’s comfort and care.

[crazypersonmentality]

What Are the Key Features to Look for in a Bathroom Soap Dish?

A bathroom soap dish might seem like a small thing, but it's an important one. It holds your soap and keeps it dry. Choosing the right soap dish can improve your bathroom’s look and functionality. It’s not just about holding soap—it’s about complimenting your decor while being practical. Let’s consider the key features when choosing a soap dish.

1. Material Durability

When shopping for a soap dish, the material matters a lot. The right material can make all the difference in how long your soap dish lasts and how easy it is to clean. Here are some common materials used in soap dishes:

Ceramic

Pros: Durable, stylish, easy to clean.

Cons: Can chip easily, heavy.

Stainless Steel

Pros: Long-lasting, sleek look, rust-resistant.

Cons: Can show water spots, may get slippery.

Glass

Pros: Elegant, easy to clean, resistant to soap scum.

Cons: Fragile, prone to breaking if dropped.

Plastic

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, durable.

Cons: Less durable, can stain or discolor over time.

Bamboo

Pros: Eco-friendly, stylish, lightweight.

Cons: Requires more maintenance, can absorb water.

Aluminum

Pros: Lightweight, rust-resistant, modern look.

Cons: Can scratch easily, may dent over time.

Each material offers different benefits. Ceramics and glass are great for those looking for style and elegance. Stainless steel is perfect for modern, sleek bathrooms. If you’re eco-conscious, bamboo is an option worth considering. Aluminum is a good option if you want something lightweight and durable. Just remember that plastic is affordable but might not hold up over time.

2. Design and Style

The design of your soap dish matters because it can tie the room together. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist, or vintage look, a soap dish can fit your bathroom’s vibe.

Modern: Clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist shapes. Perfect for contemporary bathrooms.

Minimalist: Simple, functional, and often neutral in color. It goes with almost any bathroom style.

Vintage: Adds character to your bathroom. These dishes often feature detailed designs or antique-inspired materials.

Eclectic: For those who love mixing different styles. An eclectic soap dish adds personality to the room.

Choosing the right design means considering how the bathroom soap dish will look with your other accessories. A bold design can make a statement, while a neutral one can blend seamlessly into your space.

3. Drainage Features

One of the most essential features of a good soap dish is proper drainage. You don’t want your soap sitting in a pool of water, which can cause it to get soggy and disintegrate quickly.

Look for soap dishes with drainage features that help keep the soap dry:

Slotted trays: These allow water to drain through the slots, keeping soap dry.

Raised platforms: Soap sits on a raised surface, preventing it from touching water that collects at the bottom.

Ventilated designs: These allow air circulation, helping the soap dry faster.

These drainage features are especially useful in a humid bathroom where water can accumulate. A dry bar of soap lasts longer and stays cleaner.

4. Size and Shape

Not all soap dishes are created equal in size and shape. The right soap dish should fit your soap, not vice versa. The soap might hang over the edges if the dish is too small. If it’s too big, the soap could slide around.

When picking the right size:

Standard soap dishes are usually sized for most soap bars. You might need a bigger dish if you use larger or shaped soaps.

Shape: Most soap dishes are rectangular or oval, but you can find unique, round, or geometric shapes to suit your style.

The key is balance. Your soap dish should be large enough to hold your soap comfortably but small enough to fit in your designated space.

5. Anti-Slip or Mounting Options

Nothing is worse than a soap dish that slides around every time you use it. Look for features that keep the dish in place:

Anti-slip bases: These are usually rubber or silicone pads that prevent the dish from moving on wet surfaces.

Wall-mounted soap dishes: Ideal for saving space in smaller bathrooms. They are fixed to the wall, so your counter stays clear.

Corner soap dishes: A great space-saving option. They fit neatly in bathroom corners, out of the way.

Free-standing soap dishes: These sit directly on your bathroom counter or shelf and do not require installation. They usually come with an anti-slip bottom to keep them in place.

6. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

A soap dish should be easy to clean. Soap scum, water stains, and grime can build up quickly. The easier it is to clean, the better it will look over time.

Smooth surfaces are best for easy cleaning. Avoid intricate designs that can trap soap or water.

Materials like stainless steel and glass are easy to wipe down.

Plastic may need more frequent cleaning to avoid staining.

To maintain your soap dish, rinse it regularly with warm water and a mild soap solution. Avoid harsh cleaners that damage certain materials, especially bamboo or delicate ceramics.

When picking a bathroom soap dish, consider its material, design, drainage, size, and ease of maintenance. The right soap dish can make a big difference in functionality and style. It should keep your soap dry, fit your bathroom's look, and be easy to maintain. Take the time to find one that matches your needs and elevates your bathroom space. Whether you want something sleek and modern or charmingly vintage, there's a perfect soap dish for every bathroom.

[theimpurelily]

Dear Podficcer Letter for ITPE 2024

Hello! Thank you for your hard work! This is my first time doing this so sorry if there is anything a little confusing and if my fandom list are a bit small. I'm kinda just tipping my toes into this since it's my first time doing any gift exchange/fandom event and I'm new to podficcin.

Podfic likes

Any length and rating is good for me!

Intro/outro songs - I just think they're neat!

SFX - Being a fan of Scum Villain I like hearing how people do effects for the System. They also help me really get immersed into the story

Character voices - I find them really fun but I don't mind when people opt out of doing voices (accents aren't necessary)

Podfic dislike (honestly not a lot since I don't really know what I don't like)

Commentaries during the story but little comments at the end are cool.

Green Light! (borderline just looking at the tags I use the most lol none of these are necessary just what I really like)

AUs

Romance - I don't mind a platonic relationship focused fics but I'm a sucker for romance

Fluff

Case fic

BAMF Character name

Protective Character Name

Crack taken seriously

Hurt/Comfort

Getting together

Established relationships

Found family

Soulmate AUs

Sick Fics (or any type of character A gets hurt and character B takes care of them)

Canon typical violence

Sexual content (not needed but I won't say no)

I don't mind major character death as long as it's the "they died but got better" kind since it goes with the territory in some of my randoms (looking at you Módào Zǔshī and Scum Villain)

Incest

Idiots to lovers or friends to lovers

Third person POV

Yellow Light!

Omegaverse: Not a huge fan of the constant calling the other omega and alpha but the idea of the dynamics is really interesting to me so I can overlook if the fic has a lot of stuff I like

Rape - non con (only exemption is if it's consensual non-con, once again looking at you Módào Zǔshī)

Character bashing, as long as it's not any of the main couples I have listed I'm down

First person POV

RED DNWs:

Unhappy endings (I know I said I was fine with character death but….let there be some kind of hopeful ending)

Waterworks and scat

Dead Dove Don't Read

Second person POV

Character/Reader

Fandoms:

Sk8 the Infinity:   Reki/Langa as the main focus This is where I love the fluff, found family and getting together

Under the Oak Tree: Rifan/Maximilian as main focus All the soft love here and established relationship.

Fruits Basket: Kyo/Tohru or Kyo/Yuki I've loved this fandom all the way back when it was still being published! I will love pretty much anything from here.

What I'm down to record! All my greens, yellows and reds and from above apply here as well!

Sk8 the Infinity Reki/Langa as the main focus

Sasaki and Miyano Sasaki/Miyano They're so soft and sweet!

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Any ship goes but my favorite are - Luo Binghe/Shen Qingqiu, Mobei-Jun/Shang Qinghua and Original Shen Qingqiu/Yue Qingyuan This is my latest obsession! I will love to do something from this fandom

Módào Zǔshī (any variation of the fandom): Any ship goes but favorite are - Lan Wanji/Wei Wuxian, Jin Ling/ Lan Sizhui, Jiang Cheng/Lan Xichen Watched the donghua and just started to read the books, I'm in love.

The Disabled Tyrant's Pet Palm Fish: Li Yu/Mu Tianchi It’s such a tiny fandom and it needs love!

I'll try to start organizing and making some of my bookmarks visible if that will help <3 my name on ao3 is ImpureLily

[booksummeries]

I Didn't Do It - Jamie Hendricks

Spoilers ahead! This is a personal review and summary of the above novel.

In the world of publishing, PR is everything.

When it comes to Victoria, a nominated murder mystery novelist at "Murder Con" a thriller themed awards convention for lovers of the genre, author or otherwise she is found in a bind as she faces off other attendees in suspicion. She is one of two female nominees where her posed "rival" is Kristin who has a flourishing career and shares an agent who has clear favorites. Notably, Victoria's boyfriend is an editor for their publisher and is found out to be fucking kristen. This starts the con with the two nominees at odds when kristen is found dead on day two.

This is where we meet our "washed up" author, Michael, who is deemed old news by himself and others. He is currently working with a mystery author for a new hit novel where an author turns up dead at a convention, how meta! Worse yet, this script is highly confidential and the plot is essentially two cowriters conflict boils to a head during a convention where one murders the other with money on the mind. This is highly notable as the dead author found was his coauthor.

Kristen did have a variety of suspects when foul play was proclaimed. First thought for those that knew was to be aware of her "stalker" who we will know as "stalk-ann" who had a parasocial relationship she took way too far and even snuck a questionable letter into her room which she insisted was "motivation" for the awards ceremony but was killer-chic to be honest. This heavily implicates her as the murder was at the time she was around her floor delivering said note.

Our next main player is a big shot new golden boy of the industry, I think his name was dennis, who has plenty of skeletons in the closet he is anxious to have exposed. Most relevant is that he caused a crash, fled the scene, made it look like a suicide, then stole the mans damn transcripts! talk about scumbag. But of course this scum man had to be pretty and also flirts around day one and sleeps with a self published romance author by a pen name but ends up being the sister of the dead man. So high and mighty he developed face blindness. This is important later.

All four are brought together by a crazy twitter account, because of course, where they promise to expose all their implicating secrets. Dennis of course is most excited to keep his skeletons far back in the closet as his is a felony. But he did not kill Kristen. Mike is sure to be exposed but writing a book about a plot suddenly happening is pretty odd but the man is old with a baby on the way and not fit so he was sure to not be a serious suspect. Victoria might have the "you fucked my boyfriend" rage but awfully unlikely as she was just exited for the press from this event not really about winning and they hadn't been together terribly long, would be a wild thing to murder about. Stalkann in her fervor might've killed her, if Kristen did not fake her death by hiring an insane amount of actors of police, alerting the real NYPD to do all this crazy shit as a PR stunt for the book Mike was writing.

She did it to be kind to mike and for the potential deals she would score after this. Her and the editor boyfriend apparently didn't bang, not sure if that's realistic, but they were collectively the weird twitter account. Victoria was kind of boned in this whole process but hey all press is good press. Kristen was part of a college book troupe with dennis and the dead guy and she also wanted to expose him as a fraud since also he was only ever able to publish the one hyper success and worked with the dead guys sister to get her a book deal too. Stalk-ann was implicated in all this bc she was a creep and wanted to expose her for that. Ends up maybe not the right bitch bc stalk-ann ends the book stabbing her in the actual literal neck and goes to jail. Kristen survives. Stalk-ann is excited for prison book deals?

Chronically online book for sure but a good read all the same. If you have a bit to pick this one up it has a couple unmentioned twists that are pretty good and some good self aware jabs at the industry

[waterfiltergurus]

Are Water Softeners Worth It? Exploring the Pros and Cons

Trying to decide whether a water softener is worth the upfront investment? Here, we've shared everything you should consider when deciding whether a water softener is worth the cost. 📌 Key Takeaways: - A water softener is worth it for you if hard water is your main water quality issue, you have skin or hair problems caused by hardness minerals, you want to improve appliance efficiency, and you're fed up with cleaning limescale. - A water softener might not be worth it if you can't afford the upfront cost, you don't want to commit to routine maintenance, you don't like salt-softened water, you're planning on moving or traveling, or you have another water quality issue. 🤔 Is A Water Softener Worth The Cost? If you answer "yes" to 5 or more of these questions, a water softener is likely worth it for you. - Have I got at least $500-$1,000 to spend upfront? - Can I confidently install a water softener myself, or can I afford to pay for a professional install? - Am I prepared to maintain my water softener by topping up the salt and occasionally cleaning the resin beads? - Is hard water the main water quality issue that I want to address? - Am I happy to add low levels of salt (or potassium chloride) to my water supply to produce soft water? - Do I want to reduce cleaning time by eliminating limescale build-up and water spots on my fixtures and appliances? - Am I keen to improve the efficiency and extend the lifespans of my washing machines, hot water heaters, and other water-using appliances? - Do I have skin conditions that would be reduced or ameliorated by installing a water softener? 🚰 When Are Water Softeners Worth The Cost? Let's look at some specific scenarios when water softeners are worth the cost. Hard Water Is Your Biggest Water Quality Issue A water softener is worth it for you if hard water is the predominant water quality issue that you want to tackle. Hardness is one of the most common water-related problems. You can test your water's hardness with a hard water test, and if high levels of calcium and magnesium are detected, you know you will benefit from installing a water softener. Water softener systems eliminate magnesium and calcium ions, producing soft water that's incapable of forming scale or mineral spots. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of soft water in your home, a water softener is worth it for you. You Have Skin/Hair Conditions Caused By Hard Water Hair and skin conditions can affect your well-being, so if you think your eczema, dandruff, or dermatitis is being triggered or worsened by hard water, a water softener is likely worth it for you. Water softening systems eliminate the minerals that form build-up and soap scum on your skin and hair. You're Fed Up With Cleaning Limescale A water softening system is a worthy investment for you if your biggest gripe with your water quality is the extra work that goes into cleaning limescale and hard water spots off your fixtures and surfaces. Cleaning up the effects of hard water is a full-time job. Installing a softener system eliminates scale formation, so it's well worth doing if you hate the fuss of cleaning limescale off your shower screen and toilets. You Want To Improve Your Appliance Lifespan & Efficiency Washing machines, dishwashers, and similar appliances in your home can't run optimally with hard water. If you want to get the very most out of these appliances for as long as possible, a water softening system is likely worth the money for you. Softeners eliminate the minerals that cause scale buildup and blockages in appliances, helping them to run as efficiently as possible and preventing issues that could shorten their lifespans. You're Happy With The Ion Exchange Process The conventional water softening process involves removing calcium and magnesium minerals from your water in exchange for salt (sodium) ions. This process, known as ion exchange, adds only very low levels of salt to water - and newer models use much less salt than the older softeners. However, you will need to confirm that you're okay with adding traces of salt to your water before buying a water softener. You will also need to acknowledge that water softener systems remove essential minerals from your water. Soft water is free from calcium and magnesium minerals, so you'll need to make sure you're getting plenty of these in your diet (which you should be whether you drink hard or soft water). If you think the ion exchange process has more benefits than setbacks, a water softener is worth it for you. 🚱 When Aren't Water Softeners Worth The Cost? Here are some instances when water softeners might not be worth the cost for you. You Can't Afford The Upfront Or Ongoing Cost If you can't justify, or you can't afford, the upfront cost of a water softener, it might not be worth it for you. The starting price of a conventional softening system is around $1,000. Cabinet softeners are more budget-friendly, starting at around $450. Some manufacturers offer no-interest payment plans that break down the upfront cost into smaller, more manageable payments. But even then, you might not want to commit to new debt, so a softener might not be right for you at this time. Water softener systems also slightly increase your water bill because they waste water during regeneration (although newer water softener models optimize their water and energy use). If you don't want to waste any more water than necessary, and you want to avoid the costs of this additional water use, a water softener might not be worth it for you. You Don't Want To Commit To Maintenance Water softener systems don't need a lot of maintenance - you just need to top up the salt every month or so, and clean the resin beads about once a year. However, if you don't want to commit to any amount of maintenance. a water softener might not be worth the upfront cost. The last thing you want is to spend all that money on a water softening system, only to neglect the system and end up drinking hard water anyway. You Don't Like Salt-Softened Water Conventional water softeners use sodium (or salt) to soften water. This gives water a slightly altered taste (although there isn't enough salt to make water taste salty), and a smooth, "slippery" texture. Some people simply don't like the idea of using salt-softened water in their homes. Even if water softened with salt is safe to drink and doesn't coat your skin with soap scum, it has a "foreign" taste and feel that some folks can't get used to. In this case, a water softener may not be worth it for you - but you can still consider salt-free water conditioners, which retain hardness minerals but prevent scale formation. You're Planning On Moving Or Traveling Since water softening systems are such big upfront investments, it probably won't make sense to buy one of these machines if you're planning on moving several times over the next few years, or you're thinking about traveling and won't have a base to return home to for a while. You get the most value out of your investment when you buy and use the system throughout its expected lifespan (which is typically 10-20 years for a modern softener). Of course, you can take your softener with you when you move, or you could leave it in your old home for the new homeowners to enjoy. But you might decide that the upfront purchase isn't worth it until you know you'll be settled in one location for a while. On a similar note, a water softening system isn't worth it for you if you currently rent and your landlord doesn't allow you to make "major changes" to your home's plumbing system (i.e. cutting into your water line to install a softener). The potential repercussions of subverting your rental terms aren't worth the risk! You Have Another Water Quality Issue A water softener is only worth it for you if you're looking for a solution to the effects of hard water in your home, such as mineral deposits, decreased efficiency of water-using appliances, and reduced flow in your plumbing system. Water softener systems can remove calcium and magnesium ions, and low levels of iron, from your water supply. If you have another drinking water quality issue, such as chlorine, fluoride, or lead, or you want to improve the taste and smell of your water, a water softener isn't the solution. The system won't be worth the money because it won't resolve your water issues. Instead, you'll need to look at water filters that do address these issues. 💰 Can A Water Softener Actually Help You Save Money? You've probably read various marketing materials from water softener manufacturers that say these systems will help you save money. But what's the reason for this, and how true is it? First of all, it is true that a water softener can help you to save money. There are a few reasons for this: - It prevents scale buildup in your water heater, so the unit can continue to heat your water quickly, keeping your heating costs low. - It reduces the amount of soap and detergent required in washing machines and dishwashers, so you can spend less on these items every month. - It extends the life-span of your appliances, reducing the need for repairs and replacements. - It reduces your cleaning duties, so you won't have to spend a fortune on scale-removers and commercial cleaners for hard water damage. Of course, running a water softener costs money that you wouldn't otherwise be spending, and that's something you should take into account. But most new softeners are highly efficient, and the total energy of running a water softener over a one-year period is apparently no more than the energy required to run an alarm clock. The average family of four uses less than 10 bags of softener salt per year, too, so you won't have to spend a fortune on upkeep. More Articles: - Whole House Water Filters Pros and Cons: Are They Are Worth the Investment - Salt-Free Water Softeners: Do They Live Up to the Hype? - Soft Water Bliss: Exploring the Best Water Softeners for Every Budget 📑 Final Word Ultimately, even if you can think of tens of reasons to buy a water softening system, water softeners are only worth it if they're high-quality systems sold by reputable manufacturers. There are hundreds of water softeners for sale today, and the reality is that a good portion of them simply aren't worth your money. When shopping for a water softener, make sure you're aware of all your options and shortlist the products that are best for your budget and water softening needs. Only consider manufacturers that are well-known in the industry and have a history of positive customer feedback. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, since they probably are. Generally, you'll need to spend at least $450 for a cabinet-style all-in-one softener, or around $1,000-1,200 on average for a conventional two-tank softener. Thankfully, you don't have to put in all the research work yourself. We've spent hours comparing and reviewing the best-selling water softeners available today, so you can find all the most important information about these systems in our buyer's guides. Read the full article

[scummy-writes]

Con Adventures!

--- Day One ---

The first day of con was pretty neat, and the very first thing we did was make our way to the dealers room so we could get to Cheritz's merch booth asap! The line to the room was kind of crazy, and I had never really been made to wait in such a long line for the dealers room before, but it was worth it finally getting to the booth!

(One side of it, I never managed to get a picture of the other side ;×; )

Thankfully the line wasn't too big, and everyone was very kind! I ended up spending....a lot.... but a fun thing the booth did was give you these bags if you bought something! The front and back looked like this:

While in line, I got to meet Mantamints, Mod Zen from Doodlemessenger, and Saeranuu! They were all such sweethearts and so nice, and Saeranuu even gave me a postcard!

So cute!! I was with Crystalsoul16 and Byebi during the con, and so Byebi was where I got the adorable Seven sticker from!

Pretty soon after saying hi and so on, we wondered around the dealers room until it was about time for the autographs to start, and we sat in the pre-line for a while and messed around on our phones while fawning over our bags.

I ran into the V and Yoosung cosplayer then, and got a picture, but right before then the Yoosung had asked if we wanted them to punch V before the picture and I ended up going "nOOOOO!" while laughing a lot. They were funny and kind!

For the autographs line it was really nerve inducing! I've only managed autographs from bands I've enjoyed before, but this had me so nervous, aaa orz Everyone has fun stories, but all I ended up doing was saying "Thank you" 2937947 times like a broken record, because I was too scared to say much else and didn't want to bother them.

They weren't mean, of course, and were incredibly sweet, but....ya know....anxiety. I ended up wearing my RFA badge to get the paper, and I'm so happy I was able the paper! I didn't......really.....bring....anything to sign....outside of that KSHSKDK i was a dumbass.

V's voice actor ended up asking for clarification on how to say my name, but since it's a little difficult he ended up pronouncing it wrong, and....without thinking...i corrected him, and I really regret doing that because he apologized a bit and I had to sit there feeling like a jerk o|-< People get my name wrong all the time at work so I'm used to rolling with it, so I have no idea what possessed me to correct him.

The autograph paper was great because they ended up having the VAs that couldn't come presign it! I'm so happy to be able to get all of them, but I'm also incredibly happy Sujin Ri was able to sign it was well! She looked so happy being asked to sign it!

After that, it was more wandering around the con, and I managed to run into Crystalstellar!! She gave me skeleton washi tape rolls ;v; She remembered I love skellies....

I closed my first day with this beauty:

I know its not MM related, but a quick note- People who can play this machine on extreme and get over 90% completion are insane and terrifying, but amazing to watch! Me and another guy were in line for the machines watching two dudes absolutely ROCK and we ended up talking about how awesome they were at it!

--- Day Two ---

I know everyone wants me to get to the panel stuff asap, probably, but for a little while I didn't even think we were going to make it to the panel! Crystal, Bibi, and I left the hotel early enough to try and get a good spot in line for the panel, but ended up getting stuck in a line for bag checks that wrapped around to the back of the first building.

I'm very, very, very, v e r y, thankful they did bag checks- incredibly thankful, but we waited in line for a while in super hot weather, with folks in full body costumes and such around us, only for them to...barely even check my bag????? The first day I had a small purse, and the woman checked the pockets fast and efficiently, and sent me on my way, but the second day I had a backpack on and the dude completely ignored two pockets?

I even pointed it out to them because they were big enough to like, put dangerous shit in if someone wanted to, and he told me to go ahead anyway? Like....if you're going to have a bag check line so big and make a big deal out of it, why the fuck aren't you actually checking the bags???

Jesus christ. I'm thankful no one wanted to do anything dangerous at the con.

Anyway, we ended up making it to the panel line in good enough time to get good seats, and eventually got in!

Before talking about the panel, I do want to link This Post where Mod Zen from Doodlemessenger recorded the panel from their spot! As of right now the official panel video isn't out, so this is nice for those of you who couldn't come! (Be sure to thank Mod Zen!!)

I don’t know what all to say about the panel, to be honest, especially after linking a video about it, but the person who set up the sound/video and was introducing the game was so funny and sweet. He seemed very nervous, but I felt like he helped give a calm air to the room, you know? He wasn’t afraid to joke around a little and he explained how surprised they were that so many people showed up.

I wasn’t really expecting them to play the opening video, but hearing everyone sing along made me happy ahhh ;;;; I get stupidly emotional over stuff like that ;w; And people actually cheered for Jaehee and Yoosung!!! I was so happy at that too!! I hope Cheritz can see that lots of people love them as well aaaaaa

I did like how they had the VA’s come out to reinact a few key VNS, and I was pretty surprised they had Ray’s VA do That VN, but it was so nice seeing and hearing all of them live, aaa.....aaaaa

I think my favorite parts of the panels were Sujin Ri explaining her thought process with the characters, and then the Va’s talking about how they felt towards their character/others. It was interesting hearing it all, and honestly Sujin Ri talking about how Seven came to be killed me o|-< I just really wanted to give her a hug after that. 

However, when she was talking about Jumin, and confirming he went through something traumatic with his mother, I felt aaah...sad and worried. Of course I’m not sure if she meant his birth mother, or a step mother, but I’m hoping that one theory I had isn’t actually true. It’s one thing to have it as a theory, but it possibly being true really....really....hurts. Not trying to say I hate that being written in, but I just don’t want these characters to have such hardships weeps

Hearing that Rika purposely made Yoosung weaker as well hurt.  aaah o|-< I dont know why I had hoped otherwise, though, when its apparent that she hardly had any sincere relationships of any kind. 

And speaking of, I was very thankful that Sujin Ri said that she had aimed for folks to see V and Rika's relationship as abusive- because it is. That's not me pointing to shippers and trying to mock them, I just mean I'm thankful that she was blunt about that, and that there's a good of how some relationships seem perfect at a glance, but once you pay more attention you can see how abusive some really are.

In my opinion, theres a lot of relationships portrayed as healthy or ideal in most medias, so I'm thankful when some abusive ones arent always shown as the same carbon-copy cutout tropes people often try and show them as- so that people can see abuse takes many shapes and aren't always covered in warning flags.

Ahh, serious topics aside, I also think V's va was....a huge highlight of the panel. He was hilarious, sweet, and, well...the Rika thing killed me akahjwhkwbqjshdkg

A lot of people are probably very upset the panel didn't get to Rika, and also didn't get to a Q&A session, but I hope you all realize that they were trying very hard to cover all the bases. Apparently, the con ended up cutting their time short, but I don't have any links to prove that, it was just what I've heard.

I'm assuming they're probably going to upload the video and maybe have an addition of Rika with talk of her VA (I hooope T_T) and try to answer the online Q&A's in some sort of format.

There's parts of the panel I didn't mention directly, and I want you guys to know that doesn't mean I hated those parts- I loved the whole panel. All of it. Every bit- I just don't see a reason to go over every little bit when I've linked a post with a recording of the panel, aaa... But if you guys wanna ask questions about my thoughts on things, please feel free! I love asks like that.

After the panel we ended up wandering around the artist alley a lot! I felt bad I couldn't snap some pics of another Rika cosplayer (and there was someone dressed as V's mom too!!!!!!!), but I had loads of fun! There were so many more MM cosplayers out on Sat, and it was so cool seeing all of them! I even ran into someone that looked so much like Saeran!! (But my friend took pictures of them, haha, I ended up getting too shy to ask if I could take one).

At the end of the night, I got to play Sushi Go with friends! I talked a little about that in a previous post, but it was so fun!

And...then I snuck to the Miku machines before the game room closed aaaaaaaaa

--- Day Three ---

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Went home.

Dhskjdkd I know some of you are probably like "Whaaaat!" Because there was another autograph signing, and as much as I love Cheritz and the Va's, there was an 8 hr drive ahead of me, and parking in Washington is fucking insane. Me and Crystal decided to head home as early as we could, and I'm glad for that because it was pretty late when we got back orz

I still have a lot to do, like find a proper pillow for my ray emoji case, and to hang up everything I bought, so I'm sorry for this post taking so long orz I'm still exhausted

Thank you for reading!!

[purgatoryandme]

Turning up both the crack and angst with people assuming the new LiuShen relationship dynamic is actually sadism (they're a little correct) on SQQ's part.

On the mountain, people are at least 50% more convinced Shen Yuan is the real SQQ with some gaps in his memory. He cannot remember how he previously antagonized LQG, accidentally discovered a new more effective version, and now is pursuing it to death! His disciples cry all the time now, too!! Clearly he's figured out a new outlet for evil!!! YQY is bitterly jealous because he cannot possibly allow himself the indulgence of crying about what he's done. This leads to some actually cold behaviour from our sect leader! Downright chilly in the face of tears!! Which only confirms for some people that SQQ is doing this because he hates them all. Of course, opposing camps think that this all actually means the old SQQ was actually...teasing? In a very sharp way?? And it just wasn't landing the way he intended it to??? There is a deep, deep divide amongst the Peak Lords regarding this. Shang Qinghua is heading the "sadism" faction, because he'd always imagined SQQ would be this kind of top anyway, though he's a little confused at some of the mommy dom aspects of SQQ like...bringing little treats for LQG and seemingly holding him on the edge of humiliation without fully tipping him over. Maybe he's playing some kind of long con? He firmly believes that his plot has been disrupted by something he's done himself and has no idea there's another transmigrator in their midst. Because of this, he still occasionally approaches Luo Binghe to try and save his own skin, which Binghe hates - truly this AU is suffering for him. SQQ gets way more B points this way, though. He's actually a little rich now! Has more capacity to manipulate the system, earning side plots and exploring the world, though his reputation is certainly far worse! He's actually a little smug about how well he's behaving as the scum villain, though the scenario pushers centering around LQG are a little ??? wife plots are perfectly normal in PIDW. OBVIOUSLY with LQG's maidenly attitude these plots would fall upon him! Totally normal!!

By the time we reach the Endless Abyss plot, SQQ has a reputation as an unscrupulous seductress full of thorns and is being directly targeted by Huanha's Palace Master who wants to capture and keep him. A cold beauty, full of harsh words and a "I will step on you" attitude? Who happens to be in possession of a certain disciple that the old pervert is way too interested in?? Yeah, he'd be obsessed.

LQG is ready to guard against demons (and Binghe), so he's a little confused when the Palace Master poisons SQQ with the intent of whisking him away in the chaos. Binghe, bless his bun heart, breaks his seal and goes after the Palace Master, engaging in a tug of war with SQQ's delirious self as the rope, and SQQ accidentally knocks him into the abyss. What a perfect opportunity for the Palace Master! With SQQ's rep he can totally spin this right? SQQ, cruel master that he was, seduced his disciple and then knocked him into the Endless Abyss to cover his tracks! The Palace Master only poisoned him to save that disciples life!! LQG is horrified, because wow he changed things but somehow only for the worse??? And SQQ isn't really all there, but the instinct is deeply engrained now: LQG looks pathetic? He must flirt. Right as others arrive into this situation, SQQ is like: "Why is Liu-Shidi's expression that of an abandoned wife, eh? Has this one been neglecting him?"

And that's how we start a fake marriage plot, full of people trying to steal LQG's husband (to put him in prison), SQQ beginning to realize he has been seduced by his shidi (why is everyone accusing HIM of being the seductress?????), and LQG being horrifically embarrassed by the realization of his own feelings but unable to run away.

SVSSS Crack Angst Liushen

It's been joked about in the fandom before: Liu Qingge never stood a chance with Shen Qingqiu because SQQ's kink is pretty men acting weak and pathetic. And now I'm spinning my wheels about the sheer crack angst potential that contains. Just imagine, on the day SQQ goes to self-destruct, LQG is trying to convince him not to like his old reliable self, and totally fails. And eternal vinegar jar Luo Binghe, who /knows/ what SQQ is weak to, says in bitterness during a fight over the body one day: "If you wanted him to listen to you, you should have cried more back then." LQG's earnest ass would so not be able to resist taking that to heart. Like wow, it truly was all his fault for trying to be SQQ's reliable defender - obviously his Shixiong wouldn't listen to that. Hadn't SQQ helped him and paid such close attention to him whenever he was in trouble? Wasn't he helpless to ignore LQG when he was in trouble? He should've cried more back then.

When he inevitably gets transmigrated back to the Lingxi caves and their first meeting, he manages to cry just a little, thin-faced as he is he's still so grateful to have another chance. And it WORKS! SQQ can't help himself - he sticks around after the Qi deviation and fusses and takes care of LQG. And the gap moe once LQG gets too embarrassed to tolerate it anymore? When he's destroying every demon that invades the sect, turning to SQQ with fierce eyes that seem to say, "See??? I am big and strong!!!" Is too much for SQQ's coquettish personality. He can't NOT tease LQG to death. And at peak embarrassment it gets juuuust a smidge easier for LQG to tear up a bit. He hates it, he loves it, it's WORKING and he can see young disciple Luo Binghe absolutely boiling over with jealousy so he can't STOP, right????? And if he occasionally faces off against plants or monsters that make him look particularly vulnerable, it's not really lying to SQQ, is it???

[fluffytriceratops]

Honestly, Nickelodeon did April’s character so dirty in the 2012 iteration. Like, what is that harlot? She’s not April, that’s for sure. Literally any other version of April is amazing. 2003, 2007, bay, Rise, they’re all great! And then they gave us 2012…

This bitch who treats Donnie like a piece of scum on the bottom of her shoe.

I love her voice actor. And I think she did a great job, but the writers? Cmon man! April is such a important and iconic character, how could you do her so dirty?!

There are moments where I don’t dislike her, but for the most part she just pisses me off. Especially when she goes out and does something stupid, which happens a lot. The way she treats both Casey and Donnie, for starters. I understand it can be a weird, uncomfortable and difficult situation but there are so many better ways she could have handled it.

And then she kills him in that one episode like she’s Thanos snapping half the planet into non-existence. Like bitch— grow some damn balls.

2003 April will always be my favourite because she’s the version I grew up on. Honestly, she’s such an icon. A badass babe who takes shit from no one without being a total asshole. Her and Casey’s relationship is such goals. I love them together, especially in that iteration.

It just saddens me that they took such an amazing character and absolutely butchered her. There are some good things about 2012 April. But the cons outweigh the pros and I can’t see her as being anything but an annoying twat who I want to backhand.

Anyways, rant over.

This is solely my opinion of course. If you have a different one, that’s totally fine. If you like 2012 April, that’s awesome. I just personally don’t. And that’s okay. 👁👄👁👌✨

Lemme know your opinions on miss April O’Neil, I’d love to hear them! 💕

[pandorem]

I actually really appreciate how, even though we never actually hear any, we are reliably informed that most of the statements in the archives are absolute bullshit? That as of the season one finale, Jon’s recorded HUNDREDS of statements, most of which recorded perfectly fine on the computer, and it’s only the ones we’ve heard so far (38 or so, not counting the last two episodes of season 1, which weren’t pre written statements) that had any truth to them whatsoever.

I’m a huge fan of genre fiction, and I adore fantasy or supernatural stories set in the modern day, but like… as fiction. And I always feel a little weird when a story set in something resembling our world but with hidden supernatural elements that the general populace don’t know about treat the characters who are genuinely skeptics as stubborn idiots. It makes sense in certain contexts, when that character is confronted with mysterious things, but there are plenty of weird things in real life that have entirely reasonable explanations when you take a moment to look into it.

And while I might not personally believe in tarot readings or astrology or ghost hunting, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with believing in those things or even having a job in those things. But. When you start going further down the road, you start getting really awful people who are straight up con artists taking advantage of grieving and vulnerable people by pretending to be psychics or faith healers or whatever. And even if you believe that such people COULD exist, so many of them have been proven to be scum of the earth con artists that I think giving any the benefit of the doubt is irresponsible and potentially dangerous. And some supernatural fiction treat psychic characters who involve themselves in investigations etc the exact same as they do ghost hunters, and their skeptic characters exactly the same amount of stupid or closed minded for not believing in them as they do for not believing in the very real supernatural happenings of that world.

And before I had adblocks on and before I turned off ad tracking, sometimes after getting into a supernatural or genre piece of fiction, I would start getting ads for people like that, which it kind of worrying.

It’s kind of like conspiracy theories. The more you look into some of them, the more you realize how much of the ideology is entirely set up on some fucked up, discriminatory, and dangerous world views, which makes fiction about them a lot less fun. Supernatural fiction isn’t nearly as fraught on that front, but it can get to that point, and it makes it kind of a relief when a story goes “yeah there’s real stuff going on but there’s also a lot of bullshit”.

This maybe got more serious than I intended, but it’s something that’s been bothering me about my love of these kinds of stories for a long time, and I like that Tma just… doesn’t fall into those pitfalls for me.