#subtitle: faster than fear

[trifoliate-undergrowth]

So the McElroy Brothers have gotten into the habit of giving a silly name to the new years in January that rhymes with the number, and this year they landed on "Tummy Buddy Life" because they were all hangry. This week the next episode featured them going like "yeah, I think we all knew that wasn't it. Our wives, staff and everyone who heard the episode were disappointed in us. anyways, we've eaten now, let's do this again."

and they came up with a different one, I'm relieved they didn't stick to Tummy Buddy Life (???), but I'm still pretty disappointed that they didn't come back around to my favorite, 2020Chive: Ramp It Up

it's the name of the year To Me.

[meadowfics]

insomnia

thanos x f!reader

nobody is unfamiliar with sleep besides you, luckily your boyfriend helps

warnings: insomnia. brief mentions of sex but no smut. fears of home invasion. medicine. this writing was sorta rushed.

sleep has never come easy to you. not as a kid, not as a teenager, and certainly not now.

your body is wired for survival, for vigilance.

as a child, the nights were filled with the sounds of your parents arguing, sharp words cutting through the thin walls of your bedroom.

on quieter nights, it was your siblings, their voices rising and falling in frustration, sometimes slamming doors, sometimes crying, sometimes just the eerie silence of people refusing to speak to one another.

you learned quickly that nighttime wasn’t peaceful... it was when things fell apart without the crowd.

even when there wasn’t fighting, your mind still found ways to keep you awake.

the fear of a home invasion sat heavily on your chest, a constant weight pressing against your ribs. you would lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, listening for the creak of floorboards, the sound of a door handle turning, proof that someone had broken in.

it never happened, but that didn’t matter. the fear was real enough to keep your eyes open, to keep your muscles tight and ready to run.

now, years later, you live in an apartment with your boyfriend, thanos, and your three closest friends, namgyu, se-mi, and minsu. it’s a good setup, a safe one. there’s laughter here, warmth, a feeling of belonging. but still, sleep refuses to come.

you lie in bed beside thanos most nights, scrolling through your phone, the dim light reflecting in your tired eyes.

sometimes you watch tv at the lowest possible volume, subtitles on, just to have something to focus on other than the silence. other nights, you game with se-mi, the two of you whispering through your headsets, laughing quietly while namgyu yells at you both to go to bed.

eventually, though, they all sleep.

before 4 a.m., they’re gone, lost in their dreams. you? you stay awake.

when you do manage to drift off, it never lasts. the smallest thing can pull you back into consciousness. the rustling of blankets, the hum of a car outside, thanos shifting in his sleep.

sometimes he mumbles...little incoherent rap phrases, sometimes soft, sometimes urgent, and that’s all it takes for your eyes to snap open.

your body tenses as if waiting for something worse, as if expecting a fight, a confrontation, a danger that never comes.

by 5 a.m., you usually give up entirely. you slip out of bed, feet silent against the floor, and make your way to the kitchen.

if you can’t sleep, you can at least do something productive. cooking is a distraction, a way to pass the hours. you whisk eggs, toast bread, slice fruit,

sometimes even make pancakes if you feel like putting in the effort. the smell fills the apartment, warm and inviting, though no one is awake to appreciate it yet.

thanos notices, of course. he notices everything about you.

“you’re doing that shit again,” he mutters one morning, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he leans against the doorway.

“doing what?” you ask, playing dumb, though you already know.

he gestures vaguely.

“this. not sleeping. cooking at ungodly hours.”

you shrug.

“gotta do something.”

he sighs, stepping closer, resting a hand on your waist.

“I know I can't talk but... it’s not healthy, babe.”

he tries everything to help.

back massages, soft and slow, his hands working gently over your tense muscles. it feels nice, but it doesn’t help you sleep. sometimes, it just needs into good sex where he is behind you. afterwards, you get to sleep but not for too long.

thano's downloads white noise apps, the sound of rain filling the room, the distant rumble of thunder. it works at first, you drift off faster...but then you wake up an hour later, disoriented, heart pounding for no reason.

one night, after another failed attempt at getting you to fully rest for multiple hours, he exhales sharply, frustrated.

“you should see a doctor or something.”

you snort, barely looking up from your phone.

“for what?”

“i don’t know, maybe they’ll give you some pills or something.”

you shoot him a teasing glance.

“what, you gonna steal ‘em?”

he rolls his eyes but smirks.

“i wouldn’t steal from you. but if it was namgyu or minsu… maybe.”

you laugh at that, shaking your head, and he leans over, pressing a kiss to your temple.

still, the idea lingers in your mind.

eventually, you take his advice. you’re exhausted, you know that much. even when you force yourself to get through the day, your body drags, your movements slow.

when you finally see a doctor, they take one look at you and can already tell. you can see it in their expression, the concern, the recognition of someone running on fumes. they prescribe hydroxyzine.

you don’t expect much.

you’ve tried things before being with thanos, and nothing ever really worked. that night, for the first time in as long as you can remember, sleep comes easily.

you don’t fight for it. it just… happens.

it’s not perfect.

some nights, the fear still creeps in.

some nights, you still wake up too early. but there’s progress.

thanos stays with you through it all. he still gives you massages, still makes you tea before bed, still hums soft songs in your ear when you curl up against him.

sometimes, he just runs his fingers through your hair, slow and repetitive, the motion lulling you to rest.

it’s not an instant fix but sleep doesn’t feel like the enemy anymore.

masterlist

[crusherthedoctor]

6, 8, 24 (for Eggman)!

6. Show us a bit of a WIP!

The hard part about selecting Eggman-related snippets, particularly ones that provoke a sufficient "ooooh" intrigue for these sort of asks, is that a lot of them tend to be too spoilerific. The snippets I've shared before are only the tip of the iceberg, and I want to keep the really heavy spoilers to a minimum... aside from in PMs lol.

So instead I'll share a simple quote fairly late on into Stellar that sounds bad enough without context, but I can guarantee is so much worse with context.

"Shame about the rest, though. Guess they should have been faster, eh?"

8. How did you come up with the title to [insert fic]?

Unfortunately, I can't bullshit up a philosophical speech for my titles since they're all purposefully straightforward. Not because I have limited imagination, but because I like to lure readers in with a simple yet no less thematically relevant title that belies the full contents of what actually awaits. Come for Sonic foiling another Eggman plot, stay for said Eggman plot delving into PG-rated horror in a way that even Sonic can't ignore. Also horseshipping and gratuitous scenery descriptions, but you already knew that.

The original version, Sonic & Tails: Beyond the Stars, was meant to be a callback to… Sonic & Tails, AKA the Japanese name for Sonic Chaos on the Game Gear, due to Tails being firmly on equal footing with Sonic in terms of role and participation in the action, and the subtitle being an allusion to the Ethereal Zone's scope without giving all of its nature away. Once I grew unsatisfied with it and started digivolving the story into its upgraded form, I felt I had to change the name to something more graceful and in-line with the usual Sonic naming convention. Sonic Adventure, Sonic Advance, Sonic Heroes, Sonic Rush, Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colours, Sonic Generations, Sonic Mania…

I initially considered Sonic Voyage, but that sounded too much like Mario Odyssey, so eventually I decided on Sonic Stellar for the alliteration appeal, and because it keeps the aforementioned subtitle theming that was present in the original title.

As for Paper Mario: The Eggman's Empire, this one's even more self-explanatory. Like Stellar, I wanted to stay true to the Paper Mario naming convention for extra official flavor, and I felt that mentioning Eggman by name would be the best decision so as to establish immediately what the setup is, and also because he's invading this world so hard that he even invaded the title, deeper layers than the characters in Netflixvania ack ack ack ack ack. You know Eggman's here, you know he's gonna give wahoo man a hard time, but you don't know what he's planning specifically... unless you decide to have a look. Also Vivianshipping and gratuitous scenery descriptions, but you already knew that.

I've still yet to come up with a satisfactory final title for the Trudy meeting ___ mini-series. I've been calling it Trudy Meets when referring to it, but that's a placeholder. I might try another subtle reference, like I did with the title for High and Unbroken. Maybe I could call it Second Wind, in reference to Trudy having a second chance at life after Sonic's assurance in Stellar, and because a Frontiers reference from someone who hates Frontiers might be funny.

24. What’s your favourite thing about [character]?

His unapologetic evil, slash goofy humor, slash ridiculous persistence, slash lack of fear, slash unique robot designs, slash meme factor, slash...

I really do love all of Eggman's canon, actual, not-invented-by-fandom-and-hack-writers, not-encouraged-by-fandom-and-hack-writers, realest real traits, but one that I feel doesn't get enough credit is how much of his success and reach is legitimately owed to the man himself. A lot of villains, even those with ungodly powers or who prove to be cunning masterminds themselves, tend to only get as far as they do because of someone else's contributions. Eggbotnik is built different: yeah, he'll trick someone on occasion, but other than that, he builds his robots, he constructs his bases, he comes up with his weapons, he sets up his companies, and he plans out his schemes. He steals a MacGuffin, but uses it to power something of his own creation. He unleashes a monster, but he has an Egg Carrier working alongside it. He's always pulling his own weight, no pun intended.

As you might expect, this is yet another reason why I do not consider SA2 absolute peak like most fans tend to: grandfather's link aside, taking someone else's space station and cannon, without even modifying it into his own design or anything along those lines, always felt a bit lacking to me for Eggman standards, considering he absolutely has the intelligence to design a weapon like that all on his own. I know the Death Egg's functions have always been somewhat ambiguous depending on the game, but considering what it was inspired by, surely it would have similar capabilities guaranteed to keep the planet in line. Now granted, I know someone will hit me with the talk about the Eclipse Cannon's true purpose, muh Gerald themes, etc etc etc, but that's a whole 'nother can of worms when it pertains to me now, isn't it? >:|

But yeah, aside from being a somewhat admirable trait that doesn't compromise Eggman's actual villainy (as opposed to "Sage is the reason for my existence"), it also goes a long way to cementing that the main villain's threat actually comes from the main villain, and not through some other twat that he takes credit for.

[barrenclan]

I think Time Deer by Bent Knee fits Rainhaze

Any song that calls someone a dog is pretty good for Mr. Haze.

"Oh, nasty dog You are choking on a cog in my time machine Drag you along to the times from which you run So you can see what I see"

"I was string thin, barren and scrambling for food My people exiled, subhuman and crude <- hello. literally barrenclan They took my lover and library too War left me vagrant with nothing to lose"

Oh my God, thank you for blasting me back in time with this. I watched the Flowey animatic with this song about a million times when I was deep in my Undertale phase. Also, yes, Rainhaze as hell, I could literally put every lyric here and they'd fit for him.

"They're-they're these terrors And it's like, it feels like as if somebody was gripping my throat and squeezing and It's like as if somebody was gripping my throat"

"Don't you breathe for me Undeserving of your sympathy 'Cause there ain't no way that I'm sorry for what I did"

"A drink for the horror that I'm in For the good guys and the bad guys For the monsters that I've been Three cheers for tyranny Unapologetic apathy 'Cause there ain't no way that I'm coming back again"

"Sometimes I see flames And sometimes I see people that I love dying"

"And through it all How could you cry for me? 'Cause I don't feel bad about it So shut your eyes Kiss me goodbye And sleep"

It's definitely softer than I think of music for them, but those lyrics are pretty good. It's almost making me think more of Rainhaze talking to Slugpelt!

"Hey Bunny What if I lose you too If I become the monster Together we can always be blue"

"Hey Bunny Is that your name again It's making me laugh 'cause we used to be friends Hey bunny Am I talking in the mirror I only see myself as what we were"

I don't think so! I like it.

"I hate my work But I'm in control I'm fearless now But it cost my soul"

"It's alright to scream I'm screaming too Why'd you think I do the things I do? For shadows haunted me like ghosts So I became what I feared the most" <- Aw yeah

Okay real about the energy level, I feel that so hard. It would make a cool PMV though!

"He could never stand up 'Til he had to run Finger on the trigger Of an empty gun" <- Verse 1

"Well, she was on an upswing In the spring of life Dancing on a tight rope 'Til he brought the knife" <- Verse 2

I mean, if this whole post doesn't prove that Rainhaze is fantastic to staple music to his forehead, this should.

What a pretty song! Yes, definitely a great song for the overall story.

"I hear it calling/Deep down in my dreams/The wind is blowing/Something lost in me"

"There's nothing else to do/There's nowhere else to go/There's nothing else to live for, anymore"

It's on the playlist, in fact!

Oh I know this song! I used it in a speedpaint once. Ah, a particular context makes it very sad for me with Rainhaze.

"Save yourself I am far beyond repair They will bury me alive But I'm not inclined to care I am too far gone now, oh ohoho"

"Forget the man I used to be You'll move along more easily"

Silly, trying to slip another FNAF fansong past me. It can definitely work for Rainhaze, even if I can't listen to the whispering (I don't like ASMR).

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Friday, July 26th

JINX: We have found that the signs of the alignment are moving faster than expected. GLORY: (primping in mirror) Meaning? JINX: If you are to use the key, you must act quickly. GLORY: Fine. (puts mirror down) I have been cooling my heels in this crappy little town long enough. (lies down on bed) Sunnydale's got too many demons and not enough retail outlets.

~~Checkpoint~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

The Uncanny Valley by aadler (Giles, OC Slayer, PG)

rainbow horses by Anonymous (Fred/Faith, E)

Lock the Doors and Close the Blinds by MadeInGold (Angel/Spike, E)

Just One Person by Cornerofmadness (Giles/Jenny, T)

Theatre AU for Fuffy! by juanabaloo

[Chaptered Fiction]

Methos' Home for Wayward Youths, Chapter 14 by shadeshifter (Faith, multiple crossovers, T)

I Need A Bad Idea, Chapter 47 by Skyson (Buffy/Giles, E)

Through the Looking Glass, Chapter 2 by shadeshifter (Lindsey, multiple crossovers, G)

Gemini, Chapter 10 by BuildMeUpButtercup_x (Buffy/Angel, M)

Never Let Me Down Again, Chapter 11 by BuildMeUpButtercup_x (Buffy/Angel, M)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer And Her Gay Foster Dads, Chapter 2 by Quordle (Buffy, MASH crossover, T)

In the Company of Witches and Slayers: Chapter 112 by VladimirHarkonnen (TheLightdancer) (Willow/Tara, E)

The Family Business, Chapter 27 by lou1spr1nce (Ensemble, multiple crossovers, T)

Hungry Like the Wolf, Chapter 1 by fleetfootedfox (Buffy/Giles, E)

The Watcher, Chapter 21 by In Mortal (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Tale as Old as Time, Chapter 9 by honeygirl51885 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

A Blackcap's Song, Chapter 4 by Murray (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Lost in Desolation, Chapter 1 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Jack Of All Trades, Taskmaster Of Every One, Chapter 9 by Greywizard (Ensemble, Marvel crossover, FR18)

Aegis, Chapter 12 by dogbertcarroll (Xander, DC crossover, FR15)

Dawn Before the Sun: The Doomsman’s Daughter, Chapter 11 by Luna (Dawn, Lord of the Rings crossover, FR15)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Giles by MayorLinguistic (worksafe)

Artwork: Buffy by captain-peroxid3 (worksafe)

Artwork: Drusilla by captain-peroxid3 (worksafe)

Artwork: Spike by alessandra-estrella (worksafe)

Animation: walk through the fire (BTVS) PMV Slideshow by Rita Vixen

Fanvid: Buffy summers MV || Control || Seasons 1-6 by cupcakexmeow

Fanvid: Drusilla - Thursday Girl by TheOverLookedOne

Vidlet: Buffy & Spike - Revolution 0 by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Willow & Oz - Sweetest Part by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Buffy Summers - All I Want by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Dawn Summers - Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Place We Were Made - Buffy the Vampire Slayer Edit by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Nobody's home by Dancer1991

Fanvid: Taylor Swift - Willow (Buffy's version) by Pages by Brandon

Fanvid: Buffy and Angel - Whispered Promises (with Lyrics and Arabic subtitle) by Vision Dream Media

Fanvid: Buffy The Vampire Slayer 3x01 "Anne" Opening Credits - "Quasimodo" [4K] by charmingslayer

Fanvid: loml [buffy + angel] by Aurora Edits

Fanvid: Gorgeous [Spike + Buffy HUMOR] by Aurora Edits

Fanvid: SpikexBuffy - save me - Bmike by Shaquille Mccoy

Fanvid: Buffy the Vampire Slayer AMV - Young Grow Old by MalechiFrFx

Fanvid: Buffy & Spike - A Man of His Word by Buffy & Spike Channel

[Reviews & Recaps]

About to have a go at Buffy for the og Xbox. What do you think of the game? by Trashooze

Video: Buffy Review - 5x22 The Gift by Reverse Angle

Video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4 - Episode 4 Review: Fear, Itself by The Cheshire Kiwi

Video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season Four, Episode Twenty-Two: Restless by Slayed! The Buffyverse Revisited Podcast

Podcast: Once more with feeling - 5x22The Gift (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) by Nerd Subculture Podcast

Video: Lessons-Slayer Sunday by Jane Talks Buffy

Podcast: Buffy 2.10 What's My Line Part 2 by Once More: A Rewatch Podcast

[Community Announcements]

Challenge: Spike gets a collar from his dom by yanamorgan

[Fandom Discussions]

[Marcie Ross and Lorraine Ross] by coraniaid

Almost anything you read on Tumblr about stuff that happened behind the scenes by coraniaid

Willow's magic arc in S7 by Girl4Music

Who else besides Spike has committed SA on Buffy [or others]? by greensaplinggrace

If Xander hadn’t lied to Buffy and told her that Willow said to kick Angel’s ass Buffy wouldn’t have run away by nicnacsnonsense

When Buffy learned about Jenny’s death, she probably thought at some point about her last interaction with her by redhatmeg

If I rewrite Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I would have Angel stick to his guns about not dating Buffy by agirlinsearchof

It really should have been Xander standing up to that dude creeping on Buffy while unconscious by agirlinsearchof

I will never shut up about Willow bringing Buffy back to life by duckwnoeyes

Overshadowed by controversy continued by The Whirlwind and Stoney

Rewatch thoughts and questions continued by multiple posters

Is Spike really prone to jealousy? continued by multiple posters

Is Connor more like Dawn or Faith? by Other_Thing_2551

The only ensouled vampire in the world…. by ginime_

Would Angel have stuck around forever? by sKullsHavezzz

The buddy comedy we deserved! [Xander and Spike] by TeddyKGB1

Is season 5 underestimated? by fabe1haft

Seeing red [Willow] by Samleb93

Why would Ben agree to meet Buffy in Spiral by CleanUpOnAisle10

Who do you want to be? by Lastaria

Did Dawn presence make Joyce a better mom? by LilLadyStorytime

How much are the characters "responsible"? by jogaforacont

The Mayor is the only 'Big Bad' I found legitimately terrifying by SplendoriaPlum

Giles is a terrible librarian by Sorry-Personality594

Newbie watching season 2 lol by Substantial_Tax5577

What's the most saddest episode in BtVS? by OptionNo1672

buffy vs glory the gift by brian5mbv

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

[edwardtobywagstaff]

Bilingual Edge: Practical Tips for Professionals Learning French and Italian

Speaking multiple languages is a valuable asset in an increasingly global business environment. French and Italian remain among the most widely spoken and culturally significant languages, especially in Europe, Africa, and parts of the Americas. Mastering these languages can enhance communication, build stronger relationships, and open up new career paths for professionals.

Learning two languages simultaneously might seem overwhelming, but busy professionals can make steady and meaningful progress with the proper methods. This article offers practical strategies to help you confidently learn French and Italian while balancing work and life demands.

Clarify Your Objectives and Plan Accordingly

Before you begin, clearly define why you want to learn French and Italian. Are you preparing for business travel, expanding your client base, or enriching your cultural knowledge? Knowing your “why” will help you tailor your learning focus and stay motivated.

It is often beneficial to concentrate on one language first to avoid confusion. For example, starting with French grammar and conversational basics can lay the groundwork for adding Italian later. Alternatively, you can divide your study time—allocating specific days to each language—to maintain momentum in both without mixing them up.

Harness Digital Resources for Flexible Learning

Technology makes language learning more accessible than ever. Apps like Lingoda, Drops, or Clozemaster offer interactive lessons that fit busy schedules. These tools often feature bite-sized exercises and spaced repetition, which improve retention without requiring long study sessions.

Podcasts and video content from native speakers expose authentic pronunciation and usage. Listening while commuting or exercising turns downtime into productive language practice. Additionally, online tutors or language platforms like iTalki allow personalized lessons tailored to your professional needs.

Immerse Yourself in French and Italian Culture

Language learning thrives when combined with cultural exposure. Incorporate French and Italian films, music, and books into your routine to deepen your understanding and keep learning enjoyable. Watching content with subtitles helps connect words to meaning and context.

Participate in language exchanges or virtual conversation groups. Platforms like Meetup or Speaky bring learners and native speakers together for practice and cultural exchange. Honest conversations accelerate fluency and help you grasp idiomatic expressions and social cues often missing from textbooks.

Concentrate on Relevant Vocabulary and Expressions

Learning a language that applies directly to your field and daily interactions is key for professionals. Focus on phrases used in greetings, introductions, meetings, and email correspondence. Adding industry-specific vocabulary improves your confidence in professional settings.

Create digital flashcards or notes with the most useful words and expressions. Review them regularly and practice forming sentences aloud or in writing. This targeted approach enables you to communicate clearly and efficiently.

Establish a Regular and Varied Study Habit

Consistency is essential. Aim for short, daily study sessions instead of infrequent, lengthy ones. Set a realistic schedule—whether 20 minutes in the morning or during lunch breaks—and stick to it. Vary your activities to engage different language skills. Alternate between grammar drills, listening exercises, speaking practice, and reading. This balanced approach keeps your learning fresh and addresses all aspects of language acquisition.

Speak Early and Often to Build Confidence

Many learners hesitate to speak, fearing mistakes, but speaking regularly is critical. Practice with language partners, tutors, or even by recording yourself. The sooner you start talking, the faster you improve.

Speaking aloud also helps solidify pronunciation and sentence structure. Use conversation apps or join online speaking clubs to get real-time practice. Mistakes are learning opportunities, so embrace them as part of your progress.

Perfect Your Pronunciation with Focused Exercises

French and Italian pronunciation include sounds that might be new to English speakers. Mastering these improves understanding and helps you sound more natural. Pay attention to French nasal vowels and the Italian trilled “r.”

Use online pronunciation guides, videos, and apps with speech recognition to practice these sounds. Shadow native speakers by repeating phrases immediately after hearing them. Consistent practice sharpens your accent and boosts your confidence in conversations.

Invest in Professional Language Training

Consider enrolling in courses designed for professionals. These often focus on business language and real-world scenarios, making learning practical and applicable. Many organizations offer flexible online classes that fit your schedule.

Professional instructors can provide personalized feedback, correct errors, and tailor lessons to your goals. Institutions like the Italian Cultural Institute or the French Alliance offer reputable programs that help you advance quickly.

Manage Challenges and Keep Your Motivation Alive Learning two languages simultaneously can be tricky. To avoid confusion, keep your notes, flashcards, and resources for French and Italian separate. Review them regularly to reinforce what you’ve learned and highlight differences.

Maintain motivation by setting small milestones and rewarding yourself when you achieve them. Whether you complete a lesson or hold your first conversation, celebrating progress fuels continued effort. Visualize how these language skills will benefit your career and personal life.

Apply Your Skills in Real-Life Situations

Find opportunities to use French and Italian professionally. Offer to handle communications, write reports, or attend meetings in these languages. Practical application solidifies your learning and impresses colleagues and clients.

Attend cultural events, conferences, or webinars in French and Italian. Networking in these languages not only builds fluency but also creates professional connections. Using your skills regularly integrates language learning into your everyday routine.

Mastering French and Italian equips professionals with a competitive edge in the global marketplace. By defining clear goals, leveraging technology, immersing in culture, and practicing consistently, you can navigate the challenges of bilingual learning.

Focus on practical vocabulary, speak regularly, and seek professional guidance to accelerate your progress. With determination and the right strategies, you’ll gain confidence and fluency that open doors to international opportunities. Embrace the journey of becoming bilingual and watch how it transforms your professional and personal horizons.

[sweatybelieverfun]

AI in Media and Entertainment Market Driving Personalized Content, Creativity, and Industry Transformation

The AI in media and entertainment market is undergoing a major transformation, reshaping how content is created, distributed, and consumed. As artificial intelligence technologies become more advanced and accessible, media companies are integrating AI into their operations to drive innovation, efficiency, and engagement. From movie production and music composition to news delivery and advertising, AI is revolutionizing the industry at every level.

One of the most significant contributions of AI in media is personalized content delivery. Today’s audiences expect content tailored to their preferences, and AI makes that possible by analyzing user behavior, demographics, and past interactions. Streaming platforms, for instance, use machine learning algorithms to recommend shows and movies that viewers are most likely to enjoy. This boosts user engagement and satisfaction while also helping companies retain subscribers in a competitive market.

AI is also playing a key role in content creation and production. In filmmaking, visual effects, scriptwriting, and editing are being enhanced by AI-powered tools that streamline workflows and reduce production time. These tools can automate routine tasks such as scene tagging, color correction, and even dialogue generation, allowing creative teams to focus more on storytelling and innovation. In music, AI algorithms can compose melodies or assist musicians in producing new sounds, opening up new creative possibilities.

The gaming industry is another area where AI is making a big impact. Developers are using AI to design more immersive and responsive game environments. By creating intelligent non-playable characters (NPCs) that adapt to a player's behavior, games become more engaging and lifelike. AI also supports real-time language translation in multiplayer games, helping players from different parts of the world connect and play together seamlessly.

In journalism and news media, AI is transforming how stories are generated and distributed. Automated systems can generate news reports on basic topics like weather, finance, or sports in real-time, freeing up journalists to focus on more complex, investigative reporting. AI also helps detect fake news and misinformation by analyzing content credibility and identifying suspicious sources.

Advertising and marketing within media and entertainment are benefiting from AI’s ability to analyze massive amounts of consumer data. Brands use AI to deliver more targeted and effective advertisements, optimizing ad placement based on viewer behavior and preferences. This not only improves ROI for advertisers but also enhances user experience by reducing irrelevant or intrusive ads.

The use of AI in animation and visual effects (VFX) is speeding up traditionally time-consuming processes. AI can help create realistic facial animations, automate background creation, and simulate natural movements, all of which save time and reduce production costs. As a result, studios can produce high-quality content faster and with fewer resources.

AI is also enhancing audio processing and voice recognition, allowing media platforms to offer advanced voice search and smart assistants. Podcasts and audiobooks benefit from AI-powered editing tools that improve sound quality, remove background noise, and generate subtitles or summaries automatically.

The adoption of AI in the media and entertainment market is not without challenges. Data privacy remains a major concern, as companies collect and analyze personal user data to deliver personalized experiences. Ensuring that data is handled ethically and securely is crucial to maintaining public trust. Additionally, the fear that AI might replace creative jobs is a growing concern, though many experts argue that AI is more likely to assist rather than replace human creators.

Despite these challenges, the growth potential of AI in media and entertainment is immense. The market has already surpassed USD 10 billion and continues to attract investments from major players across the globe. As AI technologies evolve further, they will empower creators, enhance audience experiences, and redefine how media is produced and consumed.

In conclusion, the AI in media and entertainment market is not just a trend but a transformative force. It’s reshaping the industry landscape by introducing smarter workflows, more engaging content, and deeper audience insights. As companies continue to innovate, AI will remain at the core of the entertainment experience, opening up endless possibilities for the future.

[thecanadianreport]

Rosie O’Donnell Exposes Trump’s Biggest Secrets & His Latest Twitter Meltdown Rosie O’Donnell’s Brutal Take on Trump’s Lies & Public Meltdowns #trumpmeltdown #rosieodonnell #trumpexposed Rosie O’Donnell has never been afraid to call out Donald Trump, but this time, she’s dropping truth bombs that expose his biggest lies—from his fake businessman persona to his latest social media disaster. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Video: ✔️ The truth about The Apprentice—Trump’s fake business image exposed ✔️ How Mark Burnett allegedly hid racist Trump tapes from the public ✔️ Why Trump fears Rosie O’Donnell’s jokes more than political attacks ✔️ Trump’s latest Twitter meltdown and desperate fundraising gimmicks ✔️ The psychological reason Trump can’t handle public ridicule While politicians debate policies, Rosie has mastered the art of exposing Trump through comedy—and nothing makes him unravel faster. Could laughter be the ultimate weapon against his lies? 📌 Subscribe for More Political & Pop Culture Commentary. 📌 Follow Us for More Truth Bombs & Breaking News! ✅Important Links to follow 👉Experience the future of AI with VivaGo – sign up now! https://ift.tt/0jBcbJG 👉Create eye-catching shorts with AI-powered subtitles – try Submagic now! https://ift.tt/NY5Iu0J 👉Generate realistic AI voices with ElevenLabs – start now! https://ift.tt/DiWBRA6 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@UNCANCELAMERICA/?sub_confirmation=1 🔗 Stay Connected With Us. Tiktok: https://ift.tt/TDw9X7j 📩 For business inquiries: canadianreport24@gmail.com ============================= 🎬Suggested videos for you: ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j9h5heEozk ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fBwuQRdrok ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3kozW9B0hk ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7gC3uAKVxY ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC1RNAmtadY ================================= Disclaimer: We do not condone or promote any violent actions. Any mention of such is purely for context and a deeper understanding of the issues discussed. We do not aim to defame or discredit individuals, organizations, or groups mentioned. Our focus is on fostering understanding and respectful discourse. 🔎 Related Phrases: Rosie O’Donnell Exposes Trump’s Biggest Secrets & His Latest Twitter Meltdown, Rosie O’Donnell Trump Feud, Trump Apprentice Scandal, Mark Burnett Trump Tapes, Trump Twitter Meltdown, Trump Comedy Roast, Trump Business Failures, Trump Lies Exposed, Trump Celebrity Feuds, Trump’s Hidden Past, Political Comedy #trumpmeltdown #rosieodonnell #trumpexposed #trumpscandal #politicalcomedy #trumplies #trumpapprentice #trumpfeud #trump2024 #markburnett via UnCancel America https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdyYAZROXnNV-8NYX1KWiAQ March 03, 2025 at 01:30AM

[idmaacademy]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing big changes to how people create content. It makes some tasks easier and faster, but it also creates challenges for human creators. In this article, we will look at how AI is affecting content creation and how content creators can adapt to these changes.

What is AI and How is it Used in content creators journey

Understanding AI in Simple Terms

AI stands for artificial intelligence. It refers to computer programs that can do tasks that normally need human thinking. In content creation, AI can:

Write blogs, articles, and social media posts.

Design things like logos, banners, and videos.

Help with SEO by analyzing what people like and making content more searchable.

AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Copy.ai are already widely used by writers to speed up their workflows. Similarly, design tools such as Canva and Adobe’s AI features assist creators in producing professional visuals with minimal effort. AI also helps with video editing by offering automated features for trimming, transitions, and subtitles.

Why is AI Helpful in Content Creators journey

AI brings several benefits, such as:

Fast Work: AI can create content quickly, saving time.

Lower Costs: It reduces the need for big teams, making it cheaper for businesses.

Better Insights: AI studies audience behavior, helping creators make content that people will like.

Challenges for Human Content Creators

Competing with AI

AI tools can create a lot of content in a short time. This can be tough for human writers, designers, and marketers because:

AI tools can write and edit automatically.

They are often cheaper than hiring people.

For instance, a business might use AI to produce hundreds of blog posts, which a single human creator would take months to complete. This volume can make it hard for creators to stand out in the crowded digital space.

Less Creativity in AI Content

AI can make lots of content, but it often lacks originality. Human creators can add depth, emotions, and creativity, which AI cannot.

For example, AI might generate a blog post that is grammatically correct and informative but lacks the engaging storytelling or humor that a human can bring. This is why human creators still have an edge in producing memorable and impactful content.

Also Read: Content marketing a beginner’s guide to getting started

Fear of Losing Jobs

Many creators worry that AI might replace them as businesses choose AI tools to save money. Writers, graphic designers, and video editors are particularly concerned about job security as AI tools continue to improve.

How Can Human Creators Stay Relevant?

Why Humans are Still Important

There are things AI cannot do as well as humans, such as:

Emotional Stories: People connect better with content that feels real and personal.

Unique Ideas: Humans think of new and creative ways to present ideas.

Cultural Understanding: AI might miss the small details that make content feel relatable to different groups.

Additionally, content that involves humor, empathy, or sensitive topics often requires a human touch to be effective and appropriate.

Using AI as a Partner

Instead of fearing AI, creators can use it as a helpful tool. For example:

Let AI handle repetitive tasks like editing or basic writing.

Use AI to brainstorm ideas or create templates.

Focus on adding a personal touch that AI cannot replicate.

For instance, a creator can use AI to draft an article outline and then build on it with unique insights and engaging examples.

Working Together: AI and Humans

The future of content creation could involve a mix of AI and human efforts. For example:

AI can do the heavy lifting, like data analysis or basic designs.

Humans can refine the content, making it more creative and emotional.

This collaboration allows creators to work faster and focus on higher-value tasks like strategy and storytelling.

Tips for Staying Ahead as a Content Creators

1. Learn About AI Tools

Understand how to use tools like Canva, Grammarly, or ChatGPT to improve your work. Learning these tools will make you more valuable.

2. Focus on What You Do Best

Find areas where human creativity is essential, like storytelling, branding, or creating in-depth guides. AI might be great at automation, but it’s not as strong in producing content that requires deep emotional connections.

3. Build a Strong Personal Brand

Share your expertise and personality online to stand out. A good personal brand helps you attract clients and followers.

Create a portfolio that highlights your unique style and skills. Consistently engage with your audience on social media to build trust and loyalty.

4. Stay Authentic

While using AI for support, make sure your content still feels real and personal. Your audience values authenticity and can often tell when content feels robotic.

5. Keep Learning

Stay updated on trends in AI and digital marketing to adjust your strategies when needed. Join forums, webinars, and communities where creators share insights about the latest tools and techniques.

Final Thoughts: Adapting to Change

AI is not here to replace human creators but to change how work is done. By combining the best of AI and human creativity, content creators can do amazing things. The key is to stay flexible, keep learning, and focus on what humans do best—connecting with other humans.

In the end, the creators who embrace AI as a partner will have a competitive edge. Whether you are a writer, designer, or marketer, using AI effectively can help you stay relevant and successful in this evolving landscape.

[nitesh-123n]

How to speak Hindi fastly and fluently.

Learning a new language is an exciting adventure, but let's be honest, sometimes you just want to speak it quickly! Here's the good news: with the right approach, you can pick up conversational Hindi faster than you might think.

This guide will equip you with practical tips and tricks to get your Hindi rolling. Remember, fluency takes time and dedication, but these steps will put you on the fast track to confident conversations.

1. Start Speaking from Day One

Don't wait until your grammar is perfect! Jump right in with basic greetings and common phrases. Find a language exchange partner like Hindustani tongue or practice with online tools. The more you speak, the more comfortable you'll become.

2. Focus on Everyday Hindi

Prioritize vocabulary and phrases you'll use daily. Learn how to talk about yourself, your family, hobbies, and order food. This practical approach gets you speaking Hindi in real-world situations.

3. Embrace the Devanagari Script (but don't get hung up on it)

Understanding the Devanagari script, the alphabet used for Hindi, will greatly benefit you in the long run. However, for initial spoken fluency, focus on pronunciation and mimicking native speakers. There are plenty of resources online to learn the script at your own pace.

4. Dive into Hindi Audio and Video

Immerse yourself in Hindi! Watch Bollywood movies (with subtitles!), listen to Hindi music, and find podcasts or Youtube channels tailored for learners. Surround yourself with the language and train your ear to pick up natural speech patterns.

5. Flashcard Frenzy

Flashcards are a classic language learning tool for a reason. Use them for vocabulary building, verb conjugations, and common sentence structures. Make them interactive - speak the words and sentences out loud as you study.

6. Don't Fear Making Mistakes

Making mistakes is part of the learning process! Embrace them as opportunities to grow. Native speakers will appreciate your effort and be happy to correct you in a kind way.

7. Find a Language Buddy

Having a language exchange partner is a fantastic way to practice conversation and gain cultural insights. Look for online platforms or local language learning groups to connect with native Hindi speakers Hindustani Tongue will suit best fir it.

8. Consistency is Key

The most important factor in language learning is consistent practice. Set aside dedicated time each day, even if it's just for 15 minutes. Regular practice will solidify your learning and accelerate your progress.

Remember, fluency is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the journey of learning Hindi, celebrate your milestones, and most importantly, have fun with it!

[wenchofthescullery]

What To Do During the Strike, Day 9

*

Subtitle: A loose collection of recommendations to keep you busy, should we suffer from similar tastes and interests.

*

So, religion. Sort of.

Although this series is about recommendations and not about me, the reader does inform the text. I should lay bare any biases of which I am aware.

I don't worship any named gods. Most of the time, I'm not sure what is going on in the most basic natural sense, much less anything supernatural. I'm certain there are more things in the World than are dreamt of in my philosophy.

That being said, there are a few constants I feel pretty certain about. Change is a constant (thank you, Octavia Butler), but so is the importance of where you place your attention. Focus on something, and it focuses on you -- or at least, your focus becomes a recursive process. How do you spend your time? Where do you focus your attention?

Living a human life feels an awful lot like careening forward into darkness, frantically building the roller coaster underneath you as you go. Things are happening faster than you can figure them out, whatever is underneath you is falling part all the time, and there is definitely a dearth of OSHA regulation in the situation. It is terrifying.

Life calls you to show up anyway -- sweaty, bruised face, ill-fitting clothes, and all. You don't get to stop the roller coaster. So, along the way, you have to figure out how to keep your cart in repair and get a look-see forward into where you are going. If possible, you have to learn how to do both of these things well, for whatever "well" may mean.

In another life, I completed a master's degree in philosophy and did my share of training in comparative religions. I think Buddhism has something to say about how to live a good life.

In addition to the academics, I also read a lot of mainstream writing about Buddhism (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, The Tao of Zen, The Tao of Pooh, etc.). Somewhere along the way, I came across Charlotte Joko Beck and Nothing Special: Living Zen.

Y'all, Joko Beck is dense. So dense, much moreso than is obvious on the surface. These are the sort of writings that mire me down after a page or two, just trying to unfold the origami to see how far it expands.

We are rather like whirlpools in the river of life. In flowing forward, a river or stream may hit rocks, branches, or irregularities in the ground, causing whirlpools to spring up spontaneously here and there. Water entering one whirlpool quickly passes through and rejoins the river, eventually joining another whirlpool and moving on. Though for short periods it seems to be distinguishable as a separate even, the water in the whirlpools is just the river itself. … We'd rather not think of our lives this way, however. … The fact is, we take form for a while, then when conditions are appropriate, we fade out. … Our whole energy goes into trying to protect our supposed separateness. To protect the separateness, we set up artificial, fixed boundaries; as a consequence, we accumulate excess baggage, stuff that slips into our whirlpool and can't flow out again. … If our particular whirlpool is bogged down, we also impair the energy of the stream itself. It can't go anywhere. Neighboring whirlpools may get less water because of our frantic holding on. … Water that should be rushing in and out, so it can serve, becomes stagnant. A whirlpool that puts a dam around itself and shuts itself off from the river becomes stagnant and loses its vitality. Practice is about no longer being caught in the particular, and instead seeing it for what it is -- a part of the whole. … Zen practice helps us to see how we have created stagnation in our lives. … Unacknowledged depression, fear, and anger create rigidity. When we recognize the rigidity and stagnation, the water begins to flow again, bit by bit. So the most vital part of practice is to be willing to be life itself -- which is simply the incoming sensations -- that which creates our whirlpool.

I think there is something important here. I really, truly believe that many of the ills we do one another stem from being unable to face who we ourselves are, at the core. So there is lashing out in anger, but also the sedations of substances of abuse, excessive food and sex, all the ways to avoid dealing with pain and shame.

And it is also true that whatever you run from is driving you. A life of avoiding something is a life designed around that very same thing.

I suspect a form of practice that neither idolizes "enlightenment" nor specific teachers, which is focused on nothing special (just looking clearly and calmly at what is, in our everyday lives), probably has something useful to say to that.

This is a short documentary (~ 1/2 hour) about Joko Beck, titled Nothing Special. It has Dutch subtitles, but the audio is English. (I think she has a strong appeal to both the Dutch and Germans, from what I can find online. No surprise, then. :) ) The film touches a bit on some of the scandal and wrongness that infused traditional schools of practice in California at the time she was there, and thus why she moved away from it.

Her focus is on how to live a typical, everyday life embedded in the world and still incorporate the practice of Zen. You cannot just sit with practice and then walk back into the World with insight. It's a skill that needs development in context there, too.

"Therapy gives relief, and sitting gives freedom."

"It doesn't look like much, but once you do it, it gets a grip on you."

"The real Zen is just being aware of what is going on, because that teaches everything."

—————————

Next up is classic fantasy.

[sewerpalette]

Ahh yes, I haven’t listened to the VL files in a bit so I couldn’t think of that convo off the top of my head, but now that you mention it I remember.

I think In the early access BZ game there was also a conversation between the two of them where robin confronts AL-AN about not listening to the sea emperor and he says something along the lines of „our existential fear was greater than our ability to process correctly“, wich would also give credit to the agression symtom showing itself through the architects, even if it might’ve been processed differently, I know that this is not technically canon anymore, but the fact that it was at some point shows the developers intent I think. (Sadly I have no screenshot but it was the conversation right before the demo ended, wich is why the conversation didn’t get subtitles at that point, but it should be in one of the early access walk throughs with the sea emperor story line, right after robin discovers the force field.)

I also like the idea that the precursors were weaker to the virus, as in the symptoms might’ve developed faster, especially with so much identical bio mass to save in its memory and shut down the same way repeatedly. Maybe the outcome would’ve been more intense, leading to a lack of resources to create more bodies, therefore not being able to ‚revive‘ those that passed quickly enough to sustain a society.

Thinking about the way the architects are constructed of a couple dozen different species‘ wich might’ve made them more ‚attractive‘ to the virus aswell.

Either way, the kharaa must’ve been insane to deal with; the architects are from a galaxy outside of our Milky Way; through the kharaa figuring out the architects‘ biological components so quickly it wouldn’t be surprising if it would’ve caused a mass extinction event within that galaxy, affecting not only the creatures who are sharing parts of their biology with the architects‘ bodies but also their respective environments.

Can’t sleep. Thinking about the fact that one of the symptoms of Kharaa is increased aggression. And how that would’ve affected the Architects considering their minds are all networked. I don’t think they’re above experiencing this symptom, especially with the whole point of their story sort of being that they were wrong to think themselves capable of fighting nature itself, and what happened with Kharaa being sort of the manifestation of that in a way.

But I wonder if they could all feel each others’ pain. I wonder if each of them could feel the network as a whole getting angrier and more desperate around them as the infection spread. I wonder if that’s why the Sea Emperor couldn’t break through and communicate with them. The Architects’ own telepathy just being too loud and chaotic with the state the network was in.

I wonder if the network’s growing aggression singled out and targeted Al-An, when he was supposed to be developing a cure, he was supposed to save them; instead he disobeyed the collective, betrayed them, and set back their progress finding a cure. I wonder how often they reminded him of that.

I wonder if he heard their voices, felt their anger towards him. He was such an easy target for the heightened aggression Kharaa left them with. What was he hearing over the network as he tried to fix his mistake? As the Warpers were created? As the Sea Emperor fetus was dissected?

I wonder if he felt the progression of the infection in other Architects through the network billions of times over before his own body began to develop those tell-tale green blisters, signifying he didn’t have long.

I wonder if it was almost a relief for Al-An to be put into storage, not able to hear them anymore. Not able to notice as the network goes from unusually uproarious compared to the usual order… to silencing almost completely as his species slowly died off… only echos of familiar harmonies remaining.

[shadow-schemer]

More Things I’ve Scraped From IGN. The Player Knows How To Play. Thank God.

Miracle Cure

Purchase our miracle cure!

The miraculous alchemist Clarke Shaw, also known as Professor Cure-It-All, has finally created a miracle cure for the horrible plague spreading through Krat City!

|| my thoughts ||:  sounds like a scam from Honest John... /lmao

“Venigni is a dummy!”

“I want to be paid like his puppet butler”

|| my thought ||:  ... /lmao

Workshop Engineer’s Guide [1/2]

Subtitle: Do you want to be a workshop engineer? A guide for aspiring engineers.

The place people are most interested in these days is Krat, the city of puppets.

When the great V first arrived it was nothing more than a small fishing town. But over the past 30 years, it has grown leaps and bounds thanks to the puppet industry.

The puppets manufactured at the Krat Workshop have gained a reputation for a level of technology that blows their competition out of the water.

The puppets are as sophisticated as humans and follows their masters’ orders naturally, to the point that people wonder if they might have souls.

Many competitors have tried but failed to reproduce their mechanical hearts, only proving the overwhelming disparity in their abilities.

--

Workshop Engineer’s Guide [2/2]

However, it wasn’t always easy for the Workshop.

Their history begins with a legendary craftsman, and to this day his notes are used as teaching material for apprentice engineers.

The legendary G, known to all aspiring engineers.

The next page displays his achievements.

(Omitted)

|| my thoughts ||:  V = Venigni. G = Geppetto. Possibly. The demo takes place in the Venigni factory after all. Geppetto possibly was an alchemist before he became an engineer?

With Krat having a fishing town background, the scenario with Monstro the whale is within possibility. And tuna. Vacuum-packed. With the smell of mayonnaise.

Memoirs of Factory Supervisor Pascal [1/2]

XX/XX/189X

When puppets are designed, they cannot refuse to obey the Grand Covenant. They are bound to follow the orders of their creator and cannot harm humans.

However, look at that fire stoker puppet we used to call Fuoco. Maybe the Grand Covenant was flawed?

A puppet that used to manage fires now kills people, makes new puppets, and started to worship something in place of humans. It’s as if there’s a king of puppet out there somewhere. Pulling the strings.

It’s acting more like a human being than a puppet.

Is it just imitating people? Is it really just a defect?

I need to investigate this further.

--

Memoirs of Factory Supervisor Pascal [2/2]

Surprising, it’s not loyalty. Rather, it’s cult-like worship. Fuoco was glorifying this so-called king.

Religion in puppets... This doesn’t make any sense...

I was wrong. They’re not merely imitating people.

They are becoming human.

This terrifies me. Not death, but the fact that they’re changing.

Someone’s got to destroy them. For the sake of humankind.

|| my thoughts ||:  Ah. Become as gods. The puppet boss battles shown so far were speaking a language P can’t seem to translate yet so it appears as these.

Hopefully as we progress we can understand the puppets’ dialogue?

Earrings of Fire Crusher

Gear: Ear | Weight 0.5

Effect: Slightly increases fire reduction rate.

Gears that control the currents from the ear terminal, enhancing the performance of the puppet.

Gears that enhance reflexes against fire attacks, reducing their damage. Increases the fire defense of armor and deflect damage.

|| my thoughts ||:  I like the idea of jewelry as enhancement plug-ins for P lol

By my observation, you can put out the Burn status ailment faster by rolling/side-stepping around! Stop-Drop-and Roll actually works! At the expense of your Stamina of course.

Mad Donkey’s Hunting Clothes

The Mad Donkey’s hunting outfit. It reeks of terrible violence.

As the madman’s death drew near, he no longer feared the puppets or the disease.

He only wanted the reason behind the bloodshed of his brothers.

|| my thoughts ||:  I wonder what the Pleasure Island scenario equivalent is? Hopefully no escape sequence.

I’ve noticed that once your Pulse Charge (your HP restoration ala Blood Vials) counter reaches 0, you have a chance of restoring that by defeating enemies until you fill up the gauge. I appreciate more survivability chances.

These Red Butterflies seem to be like Crystal Lizards from Dark Souls.

This doppelganger fella spooked me a little because they moved fast, wears the same clothes as P, but has an animal head instead. This one dropped a [Stalker’s Oath] on defeat. Must be a gesture?

[cumbunnywitch]

ITT: Internet Piracy, and the ethics of stealing from large corporations.

So, you recently found a new movie isn't available on any one of the three streaming services you've been conned into subscribing to, out of the ten or so available. You realize that adding any more of them would be more expensive than actually just paying for premium cable TV, and you aren't even sure which service has it. Well, I have the answer for you!

Piracy!

If you still need more encouragement or are just interested in my take, please, keep reading below.

What do you do? Well let me help you get over your fear of Internet Piracy, a concept that was given moral implications by the same companies that bust unions, sue small artists, and who's only interest is importing your money directly from your bank account faster than other companies.

Seriously, that is the point of service-based capitalism. You shouldn't need to pay thousands a year to watch a show that has bounced between Hulu and HBO Max and Disney+ once a season. Did you know Blockbuster, the brick-and-mortar place, used to have on average upwards of 10,000 movies on hand at any given time? Netflix has never come close to that amount, and even it is one of the services that decided not to fuck with commercials.

Just as a tangent, the first time I watched a show on Hulu, there were so many advertisements, I decided to pirate the entire 4k season we were watching. I finished downloading and had it set up to watch by the 4th fucking ad break of episode 1.

Now I get it- not everyone has great internet. You're on rural networks or satellite or dsl. I understand that pain. But, are you really watching uninterrupted? Would you rather spend 3 days watching that progress bar fill as internet users send you their energy like Goku with a Spirit Bomb, or do you want to watch your new favorite show buffer every 6 seconds and the subtitles fail to load? Yea I want that first one, I can be patient when the alternative is making me fucking hate everything.

So! We've got your reasons for wanting to be a Pirate down, what about the moral and ethical implications? Great, I'm glad you asked!

The thing about most studios that put out art like movies and games, is that they've been paid already. Whoever published the thing has paid those workers, and it's really, really unlikely they're going to be getting royalties from sales. So, who do sales actually help?

Publishers, IP holders(also usually the publisher but sometimes not(more later)), and the distribution source. If you by something physical at Walmart, you're paying Walmart, and they pay the publisher to send them more so they can sell more. If you buy it on YouTube, Youtube gets a cut, as well as the IP holder. If you watch something on Netflix or Hulu, they MIGHT go to the publisher and studio and purchase another season, but once it's bought, only the publisher and IP holder get that money.

So let's talk about IP holders now. IP is Intellectual Property. The idea of the thing, the permission to use/license it, etc. IP Holders and places like Disney, HBO, Disney, Sony Pictures, Disney again, Universal Pictures(Comcast). Big-ass corporations. These companies have, and I am not exaggerating, literal fuck-mountain sized shit-loads of money. They have had money for decades, they will outlive the governments of the worlds, I fucking guarantee you. They have "Should I buy my cloned pet White Rhino her own yacht? She doesn't seem to like sharing any of my yachts with the other pets." kind of money.

These companies have so much money in so many countries, they do their best to make sure the candidate they can squeeze the most out of gets elected. They lobby against your rights like a mother-fucker, and I bet you pay more in taxes than any of them. They are the very definition of "I have too much money to consider you a person." So Fuck'em. Steal.

Except... it's not stealing. It's copying. Yes, Piracy on the internet is not taking anything away from any other person. If you attack a cargo ship and take some shipping containers, someone isn't getting those things. If you torrent The Land Before Time, you're not taking someone's long-awaited or well-beloved and oft watched VHS copy. You're making a copy, doing no damage to already existing copies. This isn't like cloning a sheep where you lose something or cause pain to a living creature either. Just an exact replica, now on your computer.

Next, we have malicious IP Holders. There's a game my girlfriend @leahplease loves, Klonoa, which after over a decade, finally got a remake for modern consoles. It's not even a new game. It's the first 2 games, remade. And yes, that sort of thing costs money and requires resources, but Bandai-Namco makes plenty of money, and this isn't even a new iteration of the game. This is what IP Holders do- they hold onto some creative thing, and refuse to give it to anyone else. No one who loves Klonoa can just start making a fan work and make money, or most of the time even distribute it for free. They squat on the rights and then cash in on nostalgia, and then they let it start collecting dust again, until all the people with nostalgia are gone or stop caring, and let it die.

Or, you have people like Just Kidding Rowling and her transphobic, antisemitic, racist series of books, Harry Potter. She's a fucking billionaire, because she retained the rights to her books and someone made a wildly successful series of movies out of them. JK does not deserve billions more dollars, or even one more dollar from her (frankly awful in many ways) YA stiff-upper-lip-apologist fiction. The goblins are jew-coded, Cho Chang is something a 19 year old redneck would say to a homeless Asian while teasing them with a crumpled dollar, and Snape was a fucking Incel.

AAAAGGHH

So anyway. Now we know who we pirate from. Who don't we pirate from?

Small studios, self publishers, short story novelists, bands without labels, independent creators. Do you follow someone on Tumblr that makes cool games? How about NSFW artists that make their money through Patreon, or a SWer that has an OnlyFans/subscribestar? These are the places we try not to steal from.

There is an exception if these people end up being terrible, like they are nazis(punch them then steal their art) or transphobic or racist. Punish them by pirating their shit, fucking go for it. But if they are just trying to make a living and are decent human beings looking to share the things they make at the price they're willing to sell it for, then pay up.

Now, I'm not going to tell you how to be a pirate. There is some risk involved, both in the legal sense and in the sense you may get a virus. Be safe on the internet, because there are bad actors. Cracks aren't always safe, trojans lurk in many places. Get a good idea on what to trust when downloading, find an anti-malware software that you can use, and make sure you back things up. This is just like normal piracy, where getting caught can have consequences.

If you get a cease-and-desist letter, just turn that torrent off, maybe move the content you pirated to a drive that isn't constantly connected to the internet. Most of the time, that's as far as things will go unless you're the main distributor. Let someone else take that fall, don't be a hero.

And if you're safe, have decent internet, and you have private access to your computer, SEED. If you download something popular, seed it until you have at least a 1:1 ratio, but shoot for more. Big numbers feel good. My ratio used to be 80:1 but that got reset and now I'm down to 3:1 and I want my big number back.

Good luck, and happy hunting you pirate you.

[kawaiichibiart]

It's morning. I'm having mac and cheese for breakfast. Let's talk about Hack-San.

First off, I still stand by what I said about Alya's Ladybug (Scarabella) costume:

It's one of the better Ladybug designs (second to Mr. Bug). Her transformation was pretty okay. I like that it's similar to her Rena Rouge transformation, but different enough to be Scarabella's.

I also enjoyed the dynamic Scarabella and Chat Noir had. These are two kids who are just so fucking dramatic. Like, I swear, if they knew they knew each other as civilians, they would take the time to do more dramatic antics. Outside their costumes. The entire time I was getting a combination of theater kids vibes and "younger sibling joins older sibling in an activity that had been only for the older sibling and their friend" from these two (especially Alya/Scarabella for the theater kid).

I also feel that, should Scarabella be seen again, Chat will be more comfortable with her because they've already worked together.

Sure, it may not be Ladybug, but Scarabella is a good partner. If things come down to it, he'd likely be very willing to have her be Ladybug's permanent replacement should the need for it (Ladybug giving up her memories) come (which I doubt but still, point stands).

The cycle of "can I trust you?" would repeat itself if a different person, say Nino or Luka, were to show up as Ladybug, when Chat has already accepted Scarabella and is likely going to expect her to be the stand-in Ladybug for Ladybug should she need the stand-in.

At the end of the day, Chat has some trust (because I doubt he fully trusts anyone at this point given everything that's (been) happening) in Scarabella, but he's completely willing to work with her and have a similar dynamic with her as he does with Ladybug.

Can I just say, Robustus mocking Scarabella was one of the funniest things I've seen. "Chat Noir and *mockingly* JuSTicE SpOtS"

I'm also just, really curious, if a couple got hit by Robustus' beam, and they were each other's most precious thing, would they both capture each other, or would it be a matter of who's faster?

Also, Marc, we know your most precious thing is Nathaniel. Why point the phone at him and not his sketchpad if it were the manga? Sure, Nathaniel might still have been trapped, but pointing it at the sketchpad would give the impression of the manga being the more precious thing. Pointing it at Nathaniel says "I love this boy right here more than anything."

As for the ending, I'm not sure how to feel. Like, I'm happy some of the truth is out. Chat knows someone knows Ladybug's identity. And he's fine (so he says) with it. But he doesn't know that it's Alya who knows. He doesn't know Scarabella is Alya/Rena Rouge/Fertive. He just knows someone knows Ladybug's identity. And watching the scene, with english subtitles, she doesn't even outright say she told someone. She says if she found out that he had told someone his identity she'd be upset (which I personally don't count as telling him she told someone her identity. This comes off as more of a, "I'm trying to guess how you feel about this situation since you probably know by now, and I'm just confirming it").

It feels like Chat just, brushed off what he felt but at the same time, he let some honesty be shown (his fear of losing Ladybug, or as I'm beginning to see it, abandonment issues). He doesn't want to lose someone he cares about, especially in a way where he has no idea what happened to them. And Ladybug very likely realized that and is now going to at least try to give him a heads up and only ask he do the same for her should he ever have to leave Paris. Chances are there will always, always, be a time where they don't get the chance to call or leave a message. But they should at least try to give each other a heads up.

[nbrook29]

robbe 1️⃣8️⃣

Warning: This is smutty, proceed with caution if it’s not your jam ;)

ao3

If anybody asked Robbe, bad weather in the summer should be illegal. Because what the hell? He needs sun rays and blue sky like he needs oxygen, he wants 30+ degrees temperatures and not a single cloud above, and he always welcomes it with all the small inconveniences it brings along, like clammy skin mere minutes after showering or freckles covering his nose and arms. So when it’s August and it’s raining, sorry, pouring buckets, sue him if he turns into a whiny mess for a bit. That’s just who he is.

Or, that’s who he was. Because right now, lying on a soft cloud-like throw blanket in a not-his t-shirt and sweatpants, head a mess of wild damp curls, fuzzy socks on his feet tangled with another pair, he’s feeling pretty good.

Even though the original scenario for his birthday was supposed to be different.

It all started at 12:00 am sharp with a dorky text from Sander because of course it did.

Sander: Hey there you sexy thing

Heard you're legal now 👅 

Robbe: Omg sander 🙈 

Sander: Yes, that's what you'll be screaming today during our own little celebration 😈

 Robbe almost spat out the water he was drinking, face burning hot as he tried to assess whether anybody was paying him any attention.

 Robbe: SHSHDHSHSJSJS STOP 

Sander: I'll do that thing you like 😏👅 

Robbe: IM WITH MY PARENTS DICKHEAD 

Sander: Am I bothering you cutie? 😏 

Robbe: Yessssss 😩 my face is all red they're gonna know what's up 

Sander: I think *I* know what is up 😏🍆 

Robbe: 🤣 GO COOL OFF 

Sander: Hehe

No but for real now

Happy birthday! 🥰🥳😘❤🎂

I love you SO much ❤❤❤💯 

Robbe: Thank youuuu baby 😊😘 

Sander: Can't believe you're an adult *wipes a tear*

You'll always be my baby tho ❤ 

Robbe: Haha yes ❤❤ 

Sander: I'll be waiting for you at 4 pm 

Robbe: But where?? 

Sander: 😌 

Robbe: Sanderrr tell me 

Sander: Nope 

Goodnight 😌

 Sander absolutely loves to tease him and keep him at the edge of the seat which is why he told him the place only half an hour before their meeting, for which Robbe intended to tell him off. That is until he actually got to Park Spoor Noord and saw his boyfriend lounging on grass, blanket underneath him, surrounded by Robbe’s favorite food and wearing the most charming smile as soon as their eyes met.

And he got him a sunflower. A sunflower. How cute is that?

Needless to say, there was no telling off, Robbe didn’t exactly find time for it between kisses and laughs and Sander feeding him croques and fries and cupcakes (which Sander baked and decorated himself, swearing for dear life the small thingies made from frosting on top were not dicks, but Robbe knows him too well to believe him).

And then all hell broke loose and the storm that had been loudly talked about in the media came to Antwerp and made a puddle out of the two of them.

They looked really miserable, but somehow Robbe couldn’t care less as they were running to Sander’s house holding hands, water in their shoes, the sunflower cradled carefully underneath his shirt, huge smiles on their faces as they finally got there, tripping in their haste to get inside.

The hot shower that followed next and Sander taking the lead oh so well will definitely rank in the top 5 moments of Robbe’s life. He’s very grateful Sander’s parents are on holiday in London because he’s not sure he’d ever be able to look them in the eyes otherwise.

Afterwards, Sander made them ice coffee and handed Robbe his real gift which turned out to be a long weekend in Paris a week from now, shutting him up with a kiss when Robbe was about to protest and complain about it being too expensive.

Since the concert they were supposed to go to was canceled due to poor weather conditions, they resorted to eating cake in Sander’s bed and watching the show Robbe had been talking about for weeks now. Sander, being the thoughtful and amazing boyfriend that he is, graciously agreed to Robbe’s birthday wish and sat him down between his legs, kissed the side of his face, brought his laptop closer and pressed play, as Robbe made himself comfy in his arms, the smile that originated at midnight not slipping off even for a second.

***

Another thunder strikes the night sky and Robbe jumps involuntarily, only a little, more from shock than actual fear, but it doesn’t stop Sander from tightening his arms around him, lips grazing delicately the lobe of his ear.

“Don’t worry, Robin, I will protect you,” he whispers with a teasing note in his voice, grunting when a well-aimed elbow meets his side.

“Shut up, I’m not scared.”

Sander’s only reply is a low chuckle and a kiss on that sweet spot under Robbe’s ear that never fails to send a shiver down his spine. Without barely having to move at all considering how close they are, he tilts his head and noses along Sander’s defined jaw, leaving a peck or two on his cheek.

“Now shush, I can’t focus.” He unceremoniously turns away from Sander’s searching lips, a sly grin on his face when he hears an affronted huff.

“Oh I see how it is, you-”

“Shhhh, Wille is talking.”

Robbe loves to be a little shit sometimes, especially if he wants to get a certain reaction from his huffy other half.

“Look how cute he is.” He has to press his lips hard to keep the giggle in when Sander whines in protest.

“Stoooop, why are you being mean to me.” He now has a full-blown pout on his face. “Jerk.”

The laughter finally comes out and Robbe pauses the show, cooing at Sander’s little frowny face and brushing the runaway strands away from his forehead, leaning up to press a kiss there too.

“It’s okay, I still think you’re the cutest prince in the entire kingdom.” He runs a thumb over his jutting lower lip, kissing it once, twice, three times, until the corners of Sander’s mouth pull up.

“Whatever. Simon is cuter than the other one anyway.”

Robbe grins cheekily. “You just think that because he has curly hair like me.” Sander’s jaw drops at that.

“Wow,” he exclaims, voice faux-scandalous as he shakes his head at Robbe. “Someone’s cocky today.” 

“It’s my birthday so it’s allowed.” Winking at him obnoxiously, he turns back to the screen, hands reaching for Sander’s arms to wrap them around himself again as he settles in his embrace with a content sigh before pressing play.

Sander’s quiet behind him for a second, and then his lips touch his ear again, tongue slightly peeking out to play and lick the shell of his ear with just the tip, hot air hitting Robbe’s skin turning his insides into mush, butchering his focus again just as Sander purrs, “I think it’s hot when you’re like that.”

There’s something important happening on screen, but Robbe can’t make any sense of the subtitles because Sander’s lips continue their path down the column of his throat, stopping for a second to suck a kiss in the middle, killing any rational thought Robbe might have had. His hand rushes to Sander’s head to keep him there without his permission, eyes closing as he sighs when the kiss turns into licks and nips to the thin skin.

“Do you think he could kiss you and touch you like that?”

The question breaks the fog in Robbe’s brain for a second, and he barks a laugh at the slight possessiveness in Sander’s voice that’s poorly hidden under a joking tone. 

“Like what?” He presses, excitement bubbling in his stomach when one of Sander’s hands sneaks underneath his t-shirt, fingers grazing the skin and leaving goosebumps in their wake as they finally reach the place Robbe needs them most. 

“Like that.” He flicks his nipple with those black-polish covered nails of his that make him look so hot Robbe’s head spins. “For starters.” He keeps it up, tugging and pinching unhurriedly, with a dirty smirk growing on his face that Robbe can just feel on his collarbone, and he pulls on his hair as he arches his back a little, seeking more of those skillful fingers.

With his hooded eyes, he can see Sander closing the laptop and putting it away quickly before his other hand joins in the fun, a featherlight touch to the growing bulge in his sweatpants, nothing more than teasing for now.

When Sander’s teeth tug at his earring, Robbe lets out a frustrated whine because it’s too much and not enough at the same time, and his boyfriend reads him like a book because he pulls the t-shirt off him to gain full access, mouth latching on his neglected nipple just as his hand dives inside his pants. It doesn’t grant him any relief though, bypassing his dick completely and traveling lower, caressing the soft skin, one finger running back and forth without reaching any further, and Robbe grabs Sander’s thigh in desperation.

“Sander...”

“You didn’t answer me,” Sander whispers in a sweet sweet voice.

“Whaa?” It takes a second for Robbe to understand what he’s asking and he would laugh if his body wasn’t on fire, Sander playing him like a violin.

Also, this playful possessiveness is getting to him, whether he likes it or not.

He does though. Like it.

Oh fuck, he likes it so much.

“Tell me, baby,” Sander breathes into his mouth as he reaches for something Robbe doesn’t see, and he can hear in his voice how it affects him too, can feel him against his lower back, rubbing himself off with minuscule moves, clearly struggling to hold back. 

“You, just you-, fuuuuck,” Robbe’s cut off when two lubed fingers press inside him at the confession, back arching slightly, the feeling so intense he keens and searches blindly for Sander’s lips. Thankfully, Sander doesn’t waste any time and plunges his tongue inside his mouth, swallowing the little whines that escape them with each twist of his fingers.

The rocking behind him gets faster and this is not how Robbe wants this to end so he breaks the kiss, ignoring Sander’s protests as he pulls away from him, only to pull his pants off completely, green eyes following his every move like he’s ready to pounce, and the need inside Robbe’s stomach only grows. He tugs impatiently at Sander’s sweatpants, biting his lip when his hard cock slaps his abdomen, the smirk dancing on Sander’s lips at his reaction liquefying his insides and he crawls closer to him, needing his touch to ground him. 

“You’re still good to go?” He loves how even when it’s hot and heavy Sander still remembers to check in with him.

“Uh-huh,” is the only thing he can come up with now, especially when Sander’s hand settles on his hip bringing them so close there’s no space left between them, guiding his movements just like Robbe likes. He kisses his glistening neck, licking the sweat of his body as Robbe reaches behind to position his slick cock at his entrance, forehead resting against Sander’s as he sinks down fast.

He gasps at the feeling of fullness because it’s always a lot, but Sander’s hands are always there, brushing his sides in a comforting motion, even when his own body is probably screaming at him to move.

“Happy birthday to me,” Robbe lets out a shaky chuckle that ends up in a gasp when Sander laughs too and involuntarily moves inside him. He’s quick to lick into his lips and distract him from the momentary discomfort, and once he’s done with him, the overwhelming need is back double force. 

Sander notices right away, guiding Robbe’s hips to keep grinding for a while before planting his feet on the bed and holding them in place giving several hard jabs that make Robbe hide his face in his neck, cries leaving his mouth with each thrust.

“Like that?”

Robbe just nods helplessly, mouth leaving a wet trail on his skin, but Sander doesn’t seem to mind because he continues his pace, completely taking over once Robbe’s thighs give out and turning him into a mess.

“You’re so hot like this, fuck.” The strain in Sander’s voice tells him he’s getting close so he goes back to bouncing, meeting him in the middle, and it only takes a minute for things to become too much, Sander’s uncoordinated jerks when he’s coming triggering Robbe’s orgasm too.

They stay like that, cooling off while kissing lazily, tongues sliding against each other, but without a rush for now.

Sander pulls back first, their lips smacking when they disconnect. "I'm sorry today didn't work out." Scrunching up his face, he reaches to comb through Robbe's hair consolingly. He leans into the touch before cuddling even closer, seeking warmth when the cold air makes goosebumps appear on his heated skin.

"But I loved today, really. We can go to a concert another time." He kisses the underside of his jaw, sighing dreamily. "And I can't wait for Paris with you."