#temporal context

[hitchell-mope]

Remakes and fans should let things stand on their own.

Now I’ve never watched mash. Up until like last year I always thought that it was an hour long drama and not a half hour comedy. Mostly because I only ever knew about the dead chicken that was really a dead baby. But @rpsocsandcanonohmy told me about Klinger who dressed up as a woman in the hopes of getting Blighty’d out of the army on the grounds of insanity and how today they would probably fuck it up by making him transgender when it doesn’t make sense for the character. Which got me thinking.

In general. I think remakes can be a good thing. When done properly that is. Take the 2016 Jungle Book remake for instance. It gave Mowgli a proper character and agency as opposed to him just being a plot device for the animals

But. With things like mash you really need to remember when the original is set and when the original was made. @rpsocsandcanonohmy telling me about Klinger made me think how Sally Rogers would he ruined by a modern writing team.

Sally Rogers is a wonderful character. Man hungry. Hilarious entertainer. Gifted comedy writer. Wants to get married. She’s also the same height as Dick Van Dyke and has a raspy voice. So knowing a modern writing team’s shaky grasp on why she was groundbreaking. They’d probably make her a man hating lesbian. Either that or they’d turn her into a home wrecker by having an affair with either Mel, Rob or Buddy. All of whom are married.

And that goes for golden girls as well. I’ve seen people on tumblr ship Dorothy and Blanche. Now that in itself isn’t a bad thing. It’s just not my thing. Ship and let ship you know. But it seems to me that sometimes certain fans try to use shipping as a way to get past things they think unsavoury like Blanche’s man hungry nature. Which kind of befuddles me a little bit because apart from the typical jokes about it, mostly because on Dorothy and Sophia, Blanche was never ashamed of her hobby. So why should the fans be?

It applies to more modern things as well. Supernatural would probably never be made today because Dean Winchester goes against everything modern audiences think a male co-lead should be. And he’d probably be the villain nowadays what with his perviness, binge drinking and his very present Oedipus, Electra and brother complex. That is to say if hellers are rightfully left out of the conversation like they should be.

Take avatar for another example. The Netflix adaptation excised Sokka’s sexism in the early episodes because it was “politically correct”. Obviously failing to understand that he worked through that and won over the girl who made him see he was wrong.

Hell. It applies to modern things set in the past. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen posts either hinting or outright demanding a pride episode from stranger things that blatantly ignore that it’s set in Indiana during Reagan’s America. Aka. A time of sadly rampant homophobia. So frankly I forgive the show for not having Will and Robin be out and proud because it just doesn’t fit either the time period or the genre of the show.

Mash, The Dick Van Dyke Show, the golden girls, supernatural, avatar, stranger things. They’re all either beholden to or a product of either when they were made or set. And trying to change that to make a modern audience at ease is just plain stupid.

TL;DR: it all comes down to it being a feature and not a bug. People should accept things as they are. If you don’t like it then don’t like it. But don’t try to ruin it for people who accept the features as they are just because you don’t like it. Just accept that what it is isn’t for you and please. Move on. This goes for both fans and writers looking to remake. Don’t treat a feature like it’s a bug because then you’ll be getting rid of what made it interesting in the first place.

[unbelenting]

Lost In Your Eyes!

Remember when I asked for sketch ideas and said I'd do THIS one (below) digitally, after I rewatch this longform? Well it's finally done, an odd balance between messy and thought-out, but I like this play quite a bit so I had fun 💕 tysm for the suggestion!!

[al-luviec]

compiled whatever this is (and I run out of tag space)

meh HoT gifs (3/?)

[abtl]

Alright, someone's been stealing my falernian when I'm not looking. Gotta look into this.

[onlyhereforghosttrick]

By Omission - A PMD2 Oneshot

The stone lift moved through the sky towards the distant sight of Temporal Tower, carrying the two onwards in an awkward silence. It took Aigiel speaking up to break their silence.

"You know... Grovyle told me something. When we split up in the dungeon, I mean."

"Yeah?"

Makoto knew when she was referring to, but some part of him dreaded what she would say next.

"He... he said..." She cut herself off.

"Just say it. ...Please."

"He said you'd... you'd all... disappear... once the future was restored." Aigiel managed to choke it out between the sobs she was clearly trying to hold back. "B-but that isn't true, r-right...?"

"..."

"O-or you would've told me before now, right? ...Right?"

"..."

He still couldn't respond. It hurt enough to be near her like this.

"You..."

"..."

The silence dragged on.

P a i n f u l l y .

"...You didn't tell me?"

"...It's not like I knew much longer than you," He lied.

He didn't want to tell her how he had first told him the day after they got back from the dark future. Because he was worried about how Aigiel would react and wanted to double check he was still sure about this. He was, figuring she would understand.

...Apparently he was wrong.

"I... I thought we were supposed to be friends."

"We are, but this is just what has to be done. You understand, ri-"

"THEN WHY ARE YOU LEAVING ME BEHIND?"

The shout from her normally timid self nearly startled him into falling off the platform.

"WHY ARE YOU SO DETERMINED ON THROWING AWAY THE ONE THING I COULD HOLD ONTO?"

"...A-aigiel, I-"

"I thought you were different."

In her voice was now an unrestrained bitterness, as if the only thing that mattered in that moment was that she absolutely hated him.

"Guess I was wrong again."

"..."

The rest of the ride was taken in silence.

He wanted to stand closer to her, to give her some sense of comfort, but now... it didn't feel right.

They were both fighting for the same cause, sure, but no longer on the same side of things.

...I really messed this up, huh.

[moriamori]

Even now I feel the ghosts of muscles and nerves wishing to induce pain, as my upper torso works on healing missing skin from ripped kinetic sports tape used in recovery.

The words "Do what you love while you still have the bodily means to do it" rattles through my bones, I'm not that old by human standards but the sense of a countdown remains regardless. Comics are a deep love of mine. They're also the medium to tell a story very, very slowly.

With an average life span of 80 years, knock off my current 30, that's 50 years left. A completed series could take about ten years, many have taken longer. The manic could commit maybe five stories. Realistically, most manage half or a quarter of one. Maybe complete one. Maybe two. And my arms hurt, my spine pinches. My fingers tingle.

With my current funds, I choose between one physio session for the month, or hope to save up enough for an ergonomics assessment of my awful workdesk-setup in a slanted apartment, with a chair too big and items eternally too wide, too heavy for me. "This time," I say, "This time, this will help me get closer to drawing again".

I had wanted to be a freelance illustrator, when I realized my day job would never financially reflect the amount of work I do or don't put in. I wouldn't be able to increase my funds if I took on more work. My job will only realize they can expect more work out of me for the same pay. Getting hired elsewhere, while a possibility, would likely involve obtaining a new job that is twice as stressful and pays a tiny bit more. I don't even want this career.

I used to do commissions. I used to draw like I breathed. The irony of working in an art school is that the continuous exposure to technique and "how to get better", mainly makes you able to see your own mistakes and your own shortcomings over and over again. It's always about improvement. Find the faults, do better. Do better. Do better.

Don't sing this way, sing that way.

I feel like I've lost my voice. I feel like my voice hasn't much to say, actually. I know people loved it, once. People even demand my return.

"I want to see the next pages." "Where's that comic you said you'd do?" "Made any art recently?"

Positive attention doesn't pay bills, doesn't give me lunch, doesn't offer insurance for my physio therapy bills. It almost did. But I would have to keep performing. Keep producing through the burn. And I want to. I do. That's the awful thing in the end. I also want these pages done.

I want to love to create again. I remember I loved. I loved fearlessly. Made fearlessly. I embraced bad art. Minimalist art. Shitty art.

"I know you can make better than this." "You didn't put effort in this one."

Please put effort in me.

I am sorry the previous conditions I worked in were not enough, and the past support was not enough. I did have patreon. I did have some support. I had people willing to pay me for my time and effort and they even had patience. It was almost enough. Almost.

A flower still wilts if only given a slice of the sun it needs. It can try to grow in those conditions but it isn't going to be good.

"It used to be enough before!"

Maybe I grew. Maybe my appetite and my needs got bigger. Kids' meals don't fill me anymore. What right do I have to ask for more, when I have nothing to show for it? When what I make, may end up being terrible regardless?

"Remember you will love," I tell myself once more. Maybe I'll love regardless, in the end. Pages or no pages.

I do love terrible comics, in the end.

[abyssalpriest]

... Though now I'm admittedly thinking about making some kind of temple to Lev in my realm, specifically in the way to act as a head on a ley line of his influence spreading through. Hmm. Yeah

[loki-zen]

Jackbooted space stormtrooper who will shoot a recruit without mercy if they mispronoun a superior officer

[palin-tropos]

I know one of mazov’s skills is “kak ras”, that’s a skill name if I ever saw one

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Parentheses

Parentheses, while commonly viewed as simple punctuation marks used to insert additional information or clarify text, hold a deeper philosophical significance. Their role in language, logic, mathematics, and communication invites us to explore how they shape our understanding and interaction with the world. This exploration delves into the multifaceted philosophy of parentheses, examining their function, symbolism, and impact across various fields.

Understanding Parentheses

Linguistic Function:

In language, parentheses are used to provide supplementary information, clarify meaning, or offer asides without disrupting the main flow of the text. They create a space for additional context, allowing writers to include more nuanced details or explanations.

Mathematical Significance:

In mathematics, parentheses play a crucial role in defining the order of operations. They indicate which operations should be performed first, ensuring that complex equations are solved correctly. This use underscores the importance of structure and hierarchy in mathematical reasoning.

Logical Clarity:

In logic and formal languages, parentheses are used to group expressions and clarify the relationships between different components. They help avoid ambiguity and ensure precise interpretation of logical statements.

Programming Syntax:

In computer programming, parentheses are essential for functions, method calls, and controlling the flow of code. They define the scope of operations and organize code into manageable sections, facilitating readability and debugging.

Philosophical Perspectives on Parentheses

Symbolism and Meaning:

Parentheses symbolize inclusion and exclusion. They create a boundary within the text, setting apart specific elements while still maintaining their connection to the main narrative. This duality of separation and integration reflects broader philosophical themes of identity and difference.

Temporal and Spatial Dimensions:

The use of parentheses can be seen as a temporal and spatial device. Temporally, they allow for digressions and interruptions that enrich the narrative without altering its primary trajectory. Spatially, they create visual distinctions that guide the reader’s attention and understanding.

Context and Interpretation:

Parentheses influence how information is interpreted by providing context. They enable readers to grasp the intended meaning more fully, highlighting the significance of context in shaping comprehension and interpretation. This aligns with hermeneutical philosophies that emphasize the importance of context in understanding texts.

Metaphysical Implications:

From a metaphysical standpoint, parentheses can be viewed as a metaphor for the boundaries and structures that define our perception of reality. They encapsulate the idea that reality is not a monolithic entity but a composition of interconnected elements, each contributing to the whole while retaining individual distinctiveness.

Key Themes and Debates

Inclusion vs. Exclusion:

The philosophical tension between inclusion and exclusion is embodied in the use of parentheses. They invite us to consider what is included within the boundaries of our understanding and what is left outside. This raises questions about the nature of boundaries and the criteria for inclusion.

Hierarchy and Order:

Parentheses impose a hierarchical order on information, whether in language, mathematics, or logic. This hierarchy reflects broader philosophical inquiries into the nature of order, structure, and the principles that govern our interpretation of complex systems.

Clarification vs. Ambiguity:

While parentheses are often used to clarify, they can also introduce ambiguity by adding layers of meaning. This dual potential prompts reflection on the balance between clarity and complexity in communication and understanding.

Integration and Segmentation:

The role of parentheses in integrating and segmenting information mirrors philosophical discussions on the relationship between parts and wholes. How do individual elements contribute to the overall meaning, and how does segmentation affect our perception of unity and coherence?

The philosophy of parentheses reveals the profound impact of these seemingly simple punctuation marks on our understanding of language, logic, mathematics, and reality. By examining their function, symbolism, and implications, we gain insight into the intricate interplay between inclusion and exclusion, hierarchy and order, and clarity and ambiguity. Parentheses, therefore, are not just tools of communication but also gateways to deeper philosophical reflections on how we structure and interpret the world.

[mothpdf]

ive veen sitting here for 25 minutes trying to determine if socializing would make the situation better or worse

[blackthorn-legion-irl]

♣ - a fading memory

she's at... a birthday party? who would have invited her? she's... four or five? but her earliest memory is five... maybe six...? she doesn't know.

there's a swing set. she goes for it. she falls off. she hits her head.

she doesn't know what happened after that.

[chemicalarospec]

beautiful wonderful post I found from 2015 that could be from modern times. it even has time loop!

mikey way attending fob shows…… tai getting back together…….. i’m convinced that we’re stuck in a temporal time loop and experiencing 2005 all over again 

[chiarrara]

this is like so minor in my mind right now, but it *was* a vampire story and it makes me think about how i want to take that into my own work...writing yaoi about shonen jump characters (vampire themed)

[arolesbianism]

Bro I'm losing my god damn mind and I haven't even messed around with the new gameplay shit like at all. Ive spent the past like 5 hours just reading and looking at shit I haven't even played the damn video game

[astronomalyy]

Thinking about the lifespans of Dungeon Meshi elves... The fact that they're completely unnatural alters my brain chemistry, because you can tell just how haphazardly the demon implemented their wish. They live five times the length of tall-men, so they age at a fifth of their rate. It's simple maths and the implications are terrifying. No wonder their birth rate and population are declining - their early development is so slow that at the age of two, they're still unable to stand.

They don't reach adulthood until their eighties. What does the infant mortality look like? How many elves succumb to illness or injury before they're fully mature? It only takes one accident to lose the child you've been raising for decades - and could you bring yourself to care for another? Add to that the implication elf culture has no idea how to process grief... just look at the way the Canaries treat Rin after the death of her parents. They're callous and insensitive and detached - part of that's racism, but there's also an element of pure cold ignorance. They don't even recognise the emotion on her face.

And that's just scratching the surface... does elven memory accommodate their extended lifespan? Once you reach two hundred or so, do the years start blurring together? Kabru mentions that their temporal awareness is remarkably poor.

Two years feel like a few months. Their lives are longer but not fuller. They're older but not wiser than the short-lived races, and most refuse to understand this. Those that do grasp it are interesting - namely Otta, who's ostracised for pursuing half-foot women.

A 30-year old elf is a young child; a 30-year old half-foot has entered middle age. Otta is in the equivalent of her late twenties. She knows that her elven lifespan makes her no more mature than a half-foot - but she also acknowledges that it creates a rift between herself and her partners, and not just in the eyes of society. 'She dumps them as soon as they pass 30', but probably not for the reasons Lycion assumes. For this to be a pattern, decades must have passed - it's possible Otta doesn't want to watch them die as she herself barely ages. No doubt some of her previous lovers have already passed away. In the end, all living 400 years accomplishes is leaving them out of sync with the rest of humanity.

Marcille's perhaps the best example. As a half-elf, she's got 95% of her life ahead and the thought terrifies her. She's going to lose everyone she loves, over and over and over again, and this cycle has barely even started. She runs at a different pace. This context adds so much to her dynamic with Falin in earlier chapters.

Marcille loves her! She's scared for her! Maybe even of her! She's grown attached to a short-lived girl who she met as a kid when Marcille was a teaching assistant! Biologically and developmentally, they're the same age, but chronologically she's twice as old as Falin! Considering what happened to her mother, is history repeating itself? Her feelings towards Falin are tangled and messy and fascinating. They're also more than a little homoerotic, which makes Marcille's infantilization of her friend all the more interesting. It feels like her way of resolving their power imbalance, of remaining a responsible (former!) authority figure... but it's also a coping mechanism. She's frightened by the ways Falin is maturing and changing - aging - and keeping her mental image of her friend as young as possible is her way of denying the march of time that's destined to sever their bond.

Marcille's dream of lifespan extension would remove the need for this obfuscation, render them equal... only, they already are! This desire is imposed onto Falin, but it's primarily for Marcille's benefit. Watching her fight for a world nobody wants, for reasons both selfish and altruistic... it's as tragic as it is understandable. I love this manga.