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Mohave County

2011.11.20 06:58 wiseblueberry Mohave County

A community for the desert dwellers of Mohave County, AZ. Mohave County is located in the northwestern corner of Arizona and shares borders with California, Nevada, and Utah. All are welcome to participate, whether you live here, have previously lived here, live nearby, have family here, or are just curious.

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2024.05.19 11:48 InitialRemarkable455 Why do Indian millennials and gen z drool over drugs, tobacco and booze?

Today I work as a software engineer. But there was a time two years ago when I too used to work in customer support. I hated it. I grew vengeful against Indians and Indian customers in particular. But the main point is every male female colleague was into drugs and smoking cigarettes. Pathetic. Knowing what tobacco, alcohol and drugs do to health and psychological aspects of humans.....and still doing it just to copy web series characters and look cool... seriously? Why? Even today in my present office people smoke. Women smoke like it's not big deal. We all know that pregnant women run the risk of turning their babies into drug addicts or alcoholics too. But still men like me are frowned upon and smoking, drinking, weeding drugging are appreciated. Why? Any particular reason?

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2024.05.18 23:58 AustralianChrono Chronologica's Drag Race Season 6: Episode 1- Prove Your Worth

https://i.redd.it/lnq1hwinb91d1.gif
In a bright yellow wig, her hair up to high heavens, and a massive black coat with a pair of matching black boots that go up to cover above the coat, Molly Moppit walks in. With a smile on her face, Molly Moppit looks up at the pink wallpaper of the room. “I want that.” Molly smirks, ripping off her coat to reveal a minidress made out of the same pink wallpaper of the werkroom. “Mopped it!”
Molly looks around at the empty room. “…and nobody here to see me stun.” She shrugs. “Pity for them!”
Molly Moppit: “I’m Molly Moppit, and I’m here to run away with the competition.” Molly winks.
“This table’s cuuute.” Molly looks over at the table, before running to a sculpture on the side of the workroom and trying to pull at the sculpture, before realizing it’s glued to the floor. “FUCK!”
Molly Moppit: “I am currently based in New Jersey, but I'm a New York staple, as well.” Molly grins. “First and foremost, I’m a NEW JERSEY DRAG QUEEN.”
“What about the…” Molly swipes at a coat hanger, tucking it behind her back.
Molly Moppit: “Being an Atlantic City Queen means being ready to do what you can to survive. It’s a cutthroat lifestyle, and that’s fine. It taught me to host, perform, serve looks, make ‘em laugh… and it’ll help me to win.”
“You saw nothing.” Molly smiles.
A lone tumbleweed rolls into the werkroom as clouds of red dust fill the entrance. There are two loud bangs, and on the far wall of the room, two bullet holes tear into the eyes of a hanging portrait of Chronologica.
Molly looks over as the portrait falls to the ground, the glass of the frame shattering loudly. When she looks back, a masked bandit stands amidst their midst, blowing smoke from his old-timey pistol. In a cowboy hat, long black jacket, beaded vest, and denim chaps, Ethan Angel-Eye glowers, his nose and mouth hidden behind a vigilante’s black bandana.
The room is silent for a long moment.
Molly Moppit: “It’s a Mexican Stand-Off. And I’m NOT talking.”
Molly and Ethan stare at each other.
Ethan Angel-Eye: “Please welcome the best performer this side of the Mississippi, your very own Apache-Dakota bandit vigilante drag king, and the only person here who actually needs to win. I’ve beaten Kaneq and Vitória in lip sync competitions, I’ve out-danced professionally trained celebs; I’m unstoppable onstage and I’m always providing that debonaire dastardly Western rogue fantasy. I’m Ethan Angel-Eye, and I’ve got my eye on this crown.”
“The fuck are you supposed to be?” Ethan asks, looking Molly up and down as he strides into the room, his voice low and gravelly.
“I’m Molly Moppit, what the fuck YOU supposed to be?” Molly raises an eyebrow.
Molly Moppit: “Are we cosplaying as ugly men this season?”
“Cute.” Ethan brushes past Molly, and then hops up on one of the werkroom tables, sinking into a menacing squat and looming over the space like a vulture.
“It’s pinker here than I thought it’d be.” Ethan glares, looking at her wallpaper look.
Molly scoffs. “Course it’s pink. Do you watch the show?”
“Do you watch the show?” Ethan parrots back, doing a crude impression of Molly’s voice. “I breathe this show.”
Ethan Angel-Eye: “I am not a pretty faerie princess, and I am not everyone’s cup of tea, but I know how to win this, in and out. Some petty little bitch isn’t getting in my way.”
“Ooooh, he’s a hater. Love.” Molly laughs, looking up at Ethan as he perches on the table. “What’s your name, my little masked bandit? Here to take some shots at me?”
“Ethan Angel-Eye.” Ethan cocks his head to the side. “My shots don’t miss.”
“Neither do mine.” Molly smirks.
Ethan looks around, as he realizes a button of his top has gone missing.
A tall, proud Indian woman struts out from the werkroom entrance, with many elaborate blue hair clips and a strikingly long blue gown which cascades in wave-like shapes behind her into a long train. She gestures broadly with her hands, emphasizing each syllable of her words as if they’re the most important thing anyone’s ever said. “WA-TER-FALL!!!!”
Niagara Halls: “New York in the HOUSE what-what!! Hey divas, it’s me, your Desi-American god-DESS of season 6, here to bring upstate pageantry and that Canadian border flair to your screens. I KNOW I’m serving as a pageant fashion icon in this entrance look, you can’t tell me otherwise. Don’t I look GORGEOUS?!”
Niagara Halls twirls, the blue gown’s long train wrapping around her feet, then swirling back out again, where it smacks Molly in the knee.
“Um, hello, waterfall woman.” Molly exclaims, pulling away to avoid being smacked again.
“Hello, hello!” Niagara Halls waves an emphatic wave to Molly and Ethan before daintily picking up her gown’s train with one hand and gently striding to sit at the werkroom table Ethan is perched on. “How are we?”
Molly reaches over and snatches a hair clip from Niagara’s hair, causing several long brown locks to tumble into Niagara’s face.
“Oh! You–” Niagara looks baffled. “So it’s gonna be THAT kind of season!”
Ethan rolls his eyes, looking decidedly down at the two girls.
Molly laughs. “No, oh my gosh! I just love these clips! Where’d you get them?”
Niagara pulls the fallen hair out of her face and clips it into another one of her clips, chuckling. “You WISH I would tell you. You could use the help with that mop!”
“MOP!” Molly bursts out laughing. “You don’t even know!”
“What’s your drag, what’s your name, who are you both? I need to know who I’m demolishing here.” Niagara smiles a huge smile, talking with her hands again.
“But where is the clips from?” Molly asks.
“I-” Niagara looks into the mirror.
“...You didn’t buy the clips?!” Molly says dramatically, putting on a gasping face. “Who did?!”
“What’s your names?” Niagara smiles awkwardly.
Niagara Halls: “My Drag Mother helped with the outfit! I don’t know!”
“I’m Molly Moppit.” Molly grins. “Atlantic City roya–”
Ethan interrupts. “Ethan Angel-Eye. And you’re Niagara Halls.”
Niagara enthusiastically tosses her hair (and all of its clips) back and forth. “I KNOW you know me, that’s right, that’s right!”
Ethan nods. “You lost Miss Toronto to Vitória Benedita.”
Niagara gasps.
Niagara Halls: “How did this MAN KNOW me?!”
Ethan Eagle-Eye: “Does no one look at reddit on their way to the season? Scope the competition out.”
A mysterious black mist seeps through the entrance of the werkroom, followed by a devilish laugh. Lokii struts in, and flips a green cape, revealing their face and leather-clad body. Golden horns, almost corrupted with black veins connected to his face, just from Lokii’s forehead. In thin black hands, Lokii holds a corrupted golden scepter and a smoke machine. She smirks, and her Londoner accent is obvious when she speaks. “I am Lokii, of Asgard, and I am burdened with glorious purpose.”
“We’re all stealing something, aren’t we?” Molly jokes.
“I don’t get it.” Niagara says.
“Loki. Marvel.” Ethan says gruffly.
“Welcome, nerd.” Molly smiles, as Lokii runs over.
Lokii blushes deep red. “Oh my gosh. Hello!”
Lokii: “I’m Lokii, and low-key? Aye, I’m pretty bloody psyched to be here! I’m 22 years old, visiting from across the pond by way of South London, and like, I’m pretty new to drag, but cosplay has been a huge part of my life since I was really young, and I’ve felt really called to take it in this new direction!”
“So are you really called Lokii? Like the Norse god?” Molly investigates every inch of Lokii’s outfit.
“The… Disney character?” Niagara ponders. “I don’t watch superhero movies.”
“They are.” Ethan flexes his ankles, looking at Lokii with an intense stare. “You’re the Tumblr cosplayer, right?”
Lokii nods, smiling. “Yeah! Loki was the first character I did in cosplay. We have a long history, he and I!”
“And so you came to Chronologica’s Drag Race dressed up in your little Marvel cosplay character!” Niagara chuckles nastily.
Lokii laughs awkwardly, making their way to the table. “Yep!”
“You look incredible, by the way.” Lokii smiles at Niagara. “This is a really beautiful garment.”
“I KNOW, baby, thank you.” Niagara smiles daggers. “You’re pretty new, right?”
Lokii looks surprised. “Oh, I–”
“JUST teasing!” Niagara laughs.
Lokii: “I have.. Not been doing drag, that long. But I have been crafting, designing and MAKING things for years. I think that’s my edge…” Lokii smiles slightly awkwardly.
Ethan Angel-Eye: “So far, the girls are…childish.”
“Wait, what’s this?” Lokii picks up a brown paper bag on one of the werkroom tables and reads something written on it in sharpie. “Barf bags…for if you gag too hard?”
Niagara makes a face. “What the fuck?”
Suddenly, in a sculpted silver one-piece with sharp ridges and bulky shoulders, a stylized mop of blonde and pink curls, super-shadowed fierce makeup and chunky black boots with chains, Lady Gag arrives. In an exact recreation of one of Lady Gaga’s looks from the 2009 VMAs, she purrs. “Dirty pony, I can’t wait to hose you down.”
Ethan makes an obvious look of disgust. Niagara stops laughing very suddenly. Molly laughs even harder.
“HEAVY METAL LOVER!” Lokii yells, before covering her mouth as if she is in fear of being too loud.
Lady Gag: “When our Lord and Saviour Gaga said ‘No matter gay, straight, or bi', lesbian, transgender life?” Lady Gaga smirks. “She was talking first and foremost about me. Are you gagging? I’m Lady Gag, foremost Gaga impersonator of Miami, Florida, and the most gag-worthy woman known to man. Mama I am known to man, if you know what I mean.”
Lady Gag strikes poses in the entrance, twisting her arms into strange shapes and cocking her head at strange angles. “Everyone, just imagine Alejandro is playing over this.”
“I’m imagining it.” Molly says, smiling and still laughing.
Niagara looks nonplussed, Ethan looks dismissive, and Lokii looks shy, but Molly warmly greets Lady Gag with a firm handshake.
“Welcome, Miss Gaga, welcome! You’re giving very 2000 and late! I’m Molly Moppit. Atlantic City roya–”
“MRS. Moppit.” Lady Gag stops her, putting a hand up. “Don’t try to read me with those smile lines and bags under your eyes. I’m 2000 and fresh off the boat if you ever saw it. You will not be coming for me on this, the day of my arrival.”
Molly’s jaw drops. She looks thrilled.
Niagara smiles softly. “You’re going to talk about her looks when you’re a copy-and-paste baby? LOVE to see a tiny little fighter.”
Niagara Halls: “The good thing about doing drag that’s literally on the Canadian-American border is that I can leave the worst of both sides behind. Canadians, watch out: I will NOT be apologizing for my shade! And I can say THIS… who the fuck is Lady Gag?”
“Your shade needs work, I think.” Lady Gag says. “It’s about as dark as midday in FLORIDA. I would know.”
Ethan’s eyes give away his smile. He sits back on the table, relaxing for the first time, to listen to the girls snip back and forth.
Ethan Angel-Eye: “I’m watching these girls, and I think, good. Let them fight. If this is the energy first day, they’re never gonna be able to focus on a challenge, and that’s perfect for me.”
“I BET you would know Florida pretty well!” Niagara shoots back. “That contour job looks pretty Florida Man to me.”
“I am a WOMAN and you will treat me with respect!” Lady Gag yells dramatically.
Niagara looks confused, almost as if she is unsure if Gag is playing into the shade or not.
Molly chuckles. “Girls, girls, oh my gosh! This is gonna be fun as fuck.”
Lokii looks utterly horrified and speechless.
There’s a sound of heels approaching, and the contestants turn to look at the entrance.
“Please give me another crazy bitch,” Molly joke-pleads. “Please!”
In a heavy, blood red reconstructed kimono covered in pearlescent white beads, Shiseido Red slowly struts into the werkroom. Her hair is bold, black and sculpted upwards into a towering beehive, and her silhouette is intricate, yet the restructuring of the kimono lets her show off her legs. “Paint the town red?” She cackles. “Baby, just paint these lips.”
Shiseido blows a kiss. Lokii whoops.
Ethan’s eyes glint with recognition. “An old bitch. Thank goodness.”
Niagara vigorously applauds. Lady Gag still looks caught up in the fight from before. Molly looks concerned, before putting on a smile.
“Oh, it’s YOU!” Molly yells.
Molly Moppit: “I know Shiseido from the New York scene. I travel around the area, and she doesn’t.” Molly smiles.
“Ahh, you’re here!” Shiseido ignores the others around her, looking straight at Molly. “Would you take my bags to that corner of the werkroom over there?” Shiseido asks, pointing to the farthest (and largest) dressing alcove.
“I’d rather not.” Molly drops the playful facade for a moment, as the two look at each other.
Shiseido Red: “Darlings. I’m Shiseido Red, and I’m no spring chicken. I am 45 years old and proud–I have a long legacy in New York City that will outlive any of these basic-bitch children. I was a princess of the 90s club scene and now, I’m their grand duchess. In my scene, we’re all about originality, ingenuity, innovation. So… nothing like what most of these kids are wearing.”
Lokii scurries over to Shiseido. “This kimono is incredible.”
Shiseido smiles curtly. “It’s certainly one step up from a costume, yes.”
Lokii looks awkwardly.
Molly tries to roll one of Shiseido’s suitcases from where it’s parked near the entrance and fails to move it despite pulling with all her strength. Nobody seems to notice.
Molly Moppit: “Damn it, I was going to take half of her shit- subtly!”
Niagara waves a broad hello. “HELLO NEW YORK! I’m SO glad you’re here, these girls are all WHORES so far.”
Niagara goes in for a hug, but Shiseido moves away.
“I’m sorry…do I know you?” Shiseido asks, clearly baffled.
Lady Gag loudly guffaws. Niagara laughs once, awkwardly.
“Oh, yes!” Niagara blushes, pulling away from her failed hug and gesturing wildly with her hands. “I’m Niagara Halls, mama. We worked together at–”
“All you young girls blend together for me.” Shiseido shrugs. “Name doesn’t ring a bell.”
Molly, laughing under her breath, opens Shiseido’s suitcase while she’s distracted and snatches a blonde curly wig.
Molly Moppit: “I don’t get along with Shiseido. But I know this- she has good wigs… and I KNOW that old lady is a smart bitch. Whether or not she actually knows Niagara, she won’t admit it. Throw the girl off. I see you, mama.”
“Aha.” Niagara looks put off. “No worries. It was just last year when–”
“Hello, children.” Shiseido addresses the group like a troop leader. “I fear you look as bland as expected.”
Lady Gag starts up again. “GIRL, this is not–”
It’s Drag Time!
Chronologica steps into the werkroom, and the gathered contestants gasp in shock–except Ethan, who looks over passively.
Ethan Angel-Eye: “Interrupted at 6. So it’s a split premiere…which hasn’t happened since Season 3. Just, of course…of course it would be…”
Molly hurriedly closes Shiseido’s suitcase and tucks the stolen wig into her top. Lady Gag, Niagara, and Lokii rush over towards Chronologica excitedly, while Shiseido and Ethan take their time, making eye contact as they do.
Hello, racers! I’m thrilled to welcome you to the fantabulous Season 6 of Chronologica’s Drag Race! Here, you’ll be competing for the chance to win a spectacular crown and scepter from Moxie Maniac jewels, plus an extra-special grand prize of $100,000.
Everyone cheers and applauds.
One of you could become the next Drag Superstar…orrrr one of the other bitches who shows up next week could snatch the crown away from all of you. This week is your chance to prove your worth before any of those nasty skanks come and get in your way.
Lady Gag: “Quite simply, yes. We ALL know Gaga is THE queen. I can guarantee I’ll be the one to get her her crown!”
For your very first challenge, you’re putting on a premiere talent show. Show us what YOU can do that no one else can, and show us who you are. First impressions count! And you’d better hope it’s not a countDOWN…good luck! And don’t fuck it up!
Shiseido Red: “Believe me, for some of these baby girls? The countdown’s already started.” Shiseido smirks. “I’m prepared for a talent show. I’ve been talented since I was born.”
~
Later, the monarchs strip out of their entrance looks and claim their dressing areas.
Shiseido Red: “For this week’s maxi challenge, it’s time for us to showcase our abilities in a talent show. But first, it’s time to get to know each other.”
Without a word, Ethan picks up Shiseido’s heavy suitcases and moves them to her preferred corner.
“A gentleman.” Shiseido smiles, looking at Ethan’s bandana. “My faceless guardian.”
Ethan chuckles. “No. You’re just not my mark today.”
“Your mark? Alright. You’re an assassin, of sorts.” Shiseido ponders. “Mhm.”
Shiseido Red: “Ethan is giving some sort of Bessie Big Sky-Jupiter Sterling story…but evil? It’s a very specific take, I’ll give him that…I’m at least…curious.”
Ethan looks serious. “Assassin. You could say that.” Ethan retrieves his own bags and puts them next to Shiseido’s, just as Lokii enthusiastically hurries up towards the two-person dressing alcove.
“Oh, sorry!” Lokii says, chuckling awkwardly. “I would love to uh, room with Shiseido, here, uh, the other girls are kinda mean and–”
Ethan looks over, one eyebrow raised.
Shiseido makes a face. “Baby. You’re not old enough to be here.”
Lokii blanches. “No worries, then.” She scurry off.
“...If she bantered back, I’d have had her.” Shiseido responds.
“The baby queens can’t take it. No surprise.” Ethan grumbles.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Niagara, Molly, and Lady Gag each make for separate adjacent dressing stations. Lokii stands awkwardly in the middle of the room.
Lokii: “The producers very clearly told us that we had to share 4 of the dressing rooms, two racers per room. But none of the girls are willing to share with each other… what’s … happening right now? Where am I supposed to go?”
Niagara carefully changes out of her blue gown and puts on a comfortable yellow sweatsuit, then starts picking the clips out of her hair one by one. She watches Ethan and Shiseido across the room as Ethan takes off the bandana covering his face for the first time, then lets out the loudest gasp imaginable and throws her arms to the side, shocked. Blue butterfly clips fall to the ground everywhere.
Lady Gag gives Niagara a look in between racks of hanging clothes. “Diva, what the FUCK are you doing?”
Niagara whispers loudly. “Looooook!!!!” She aggressively points at Ethan, who is currently changing his shirt. Ethan very clearly and visibly has scratchy scruffy facial hair, and no makeup on the bottom half of his face.
Niagara looks gagged. “That’s a MAN, Maury!”
Niagara Halls: “I didn’t expect him to look like that, out of drag… kinda tracks, THOUGH!” Niagara cackles.
Lady Gag yells across the room. “Mister Ethan!”
Ethan looks over as he takes off his beaded vest and reveals his bare chest, clearly showcasing obvious top surgery scars.
Lady Gag looks back to Niagara. “Queens recognize kings. Are you gagging yet?”
“Not on your copy-and-paste eleganza.” Niagara shakes her head, then takes a step and slips on the fallen butterfly clips, awkwardly plopping on her butt.
Niagara Halls: “We’ve had many trans divas compete in this competition- me included. But is this the first trans man here?” Niagara ponders.
While Niagara has fallen, Molly sneaks in and grabs some more blue clips off the ground.
I’m ba-ack!
Chronologica waves from the entrance. Lokii returns the wave. Everyone else hurriedly finishes changing.
Our producers let me know that we’re having some trouble getting into our dressing stations. We do actually need you to share space, here, now.
Lokii: “I kinda was just waiting around- when they came in. I guess I kinda looked.. Awkward.” Lokii exhales. “This is a lot.”
Lokii nods. Lady Gag and Niagara roll their eyes. Molly tuts excitedly.
Molly Moppit: “I live for this drama, honestly. It’s so stuuupid I love it. I’m gonna make this shit eat up as much time as I can.”
“Our space is set, Miss C.” Shiseido says assuredly.
Great. So, which one of you three wants to share space with Lokii?
“I KNOW you’re not equating Miss GAGA to a Disney gay–” Lady Gag smirks.
Niagara shakes her head. “Well, I don’t think our visions are exactly aligned–”
Molly winks, looking at the others. “I’m not cut out for sharing…” She says cheekily.
Lokii stands awkwardly, a bit embarrassed.
Okay, fine. Which two of you want to share with each other?
Niagara scoffs. “The impersonator? That raggedy-ass mop bitch? I am not–”
Girls.
Chronologica looks annoyed.
Okay. Let’s be serious.
“No, of course, I’d love to work with Lokii in our space.” Molly smiles.
Molly Moppit: “I am a playful artist, but I do take this seriously- and I look around, and Lokii looks like a deer in headlights. It’s a competition. But I’ll make her feel welcome. I mean, she’s better then the Gaga impersonator and fucking Niagara Halls.” She takes a sip of her drink.
…
Molly Moppit: “Can we circle back to Lady Gag as a name? Like be inspired and be an orignator but LADY GAG?! I DON’T GET IT!” She bursts, interrupting herself from finishing her drink.
Shiseido and Ethan, who have returned to their corner, give each other a look.
Ethan Angel-Eye: “It’s just like the last few seasons. All the kids are incompetent. No surprise.”
I’ll leave you to it. Now. I’ll see you on the main stage. Let’s keep it professional, alright?
Chronologica departs, and Molly drags her singular small suitcase into Niagara’s dressing station. She drops the bag heavily, and all of the butterfly clips Molly has stolen spill out of it onto the floor.
“Where’s my clips?!” Niagara yells.
Lokii and Molly look at each other, and Molly giggles.
~
Chronologica goes to visit the racers.
Hello, Mr. Angel-Eye.
“Chronologica.” Ethan says gruffly.
Now, you’re drag family, right?!
The other’s ears pick up, as Ethan nods.
“Yeah, I used to be related to Bessie Big Sky. But we’re not talking about that, we’re talking about my talent show.” Ethan says, clearly displeased.
Shiseido Red: “Oh… Inteeeeerersting.” Shiseido purses her lips. “This makes a lot of sense.”
Totally. Well, tell me then, what ARE you doing for the talent show?
“I’m from Montana. We’re not basic-ass pageant queens, who haven’t fought for anything a day in their life-“
Niagara’s head turns over to Ethan’s conversation as she has caught interest, clearly offended.
Niagara Halls: “Wow.” Niagara is looking in a complete state of shock in her confessional room. “… Alright.” Niagara nods.
“…because life’s hard,” Ethan continues. “I was a rez kid, I was in the foster care system, I been through some shit. And I’ve picked up a few skills along the way. So I will be doing a Projectile Weaponry Showcase.”
Interesting. What does that entail?
“Pistols, throwing knives, bow and arrow, shotgun.” Ethan nods. “I’m a good shot, no matter what I’m shooting.”
Fuck yeah.
Ethan smiles for a moment, before nodding.
I was raised at my local gun club, over in La Perouse, Sydney. I know a good few weapons. How are you going to make it dragged up?
“I do it my way. Ethan Angel-Eye is the evil Indian from cowboys and Indians. He’s a vigilante bandit, and these are a bandit’s weapons. I’ve got a story. I know what I do in my performance space- to me, the art stands for itself. I don’t need bells and whistles, because this has never been done before.”
If you keep us excited, well that’s all that matters.
Ethan nods. “I will.”
…
Niagara Halls.
“Chronologica.” Niagara smiles.
Now, you’re a pageant Queen. How is that going to impact you in this competition?
“Well, MAMA!” Niagara says excitedly, talking with her hands. “For me, it’s about serving. I’m pretty, I’m gorgeous and I am not scared to CUT a bitch when I want to.” Niagara draws a line across her throat with one hand.
Chronologica chuckles.
Tell me, what are you doing for the talent show?
“Yodeling.” Niagara smiles brightly.
…Yodelling? Are you a singer?
“NOT at ALL.” Niagara shakes her head. “Like, I’d probably say I am a bad singer.”
Then…why are you yodeling?
“For me, it’s about standing out. I wanted to deliver something no one has really done, make it camp, and then stun on the runway.” Niagara tongue pops.
But do you feel like you are able to do this well? If you’re not a singer-
“I feel like it’s an opportunity to showcase what I can do, and make it fun.” Niagara smiles.
Okay. Well, good luck…
….
Molly Moppit!
“Shhh.” Molly whispers, pointing Chronologica to outside.
I-
“Let’s chat outside; I don’t need them hearing.” Molly whispers, as the two walk to the smoking area outside.
The others look confused as the two disappear.
“Cigarette?” Molly hands one to Chronologica.
Is that from my packet- Okay, tell me, Molly, what’s your talent show?
“For me, I do really take my drag seriously.” Molly smiles. “But I don’t need them all to know that, initially.”
I get it. So, what are you doing for the talent show?
Molly whips out a packet of notes.
Chronologica grins.
“I’ll be presenting onto the main stage, MOPPING DUTY. It’s a live freestyle Diss Track of the Cast of Season 6.” Molly smirks. “And I’ve got the notes for it.”
Why is it called… Mopping Duty?
“Because I am about to wash these bitches out and mop the crown, duh.” Molly chuckles.
Chronologica bursts into laughter.
I think that’s a fantastic idea.
“I don’t want them to know what I’m doing, because part of the work here is centered around making them react. I’m great off the cuff- and planned, secretly. So, for me it’s really important to get to embrace all of that.”
I am really excited to see how you do it, Molly.
Molly grins. “I am too.”
Molly Moppit: “I am going to blow these bitches out of the water, they just don’t know it yet.” Molly winks.
~
The next day, the racers twirl into the werkroom and get ready for the talent show.
Lady Gag: “It’s time for the talent show, and I’m ready. Are these girls ready? Well, they should be, because… I’m coming for them.”
“So, what are you bitches doing for the talent show?” Lady Gag asks, plaiting her hair. “I mean, I know some…”
Niagara starts to yodel.
Ethan rolls his eyes.
Ethan Angel-Eye: “Bitches. The way these children talk.”
“I’m not a bitch, first of all.” Shiseido says. “So let us start there, lookalike.”
“Okay, I was just talking like us girls do.” Lady Gag scoffs.
“Do you know actual Drag Queens?” Shiseido asks.
Lady Gag rolls her eyes.
Lokii whispers under her breath. “So much shade…”
“I’m doing a Stand-Up show.” Lady Gag flicks back her hair. “I’ve been told I’m a funny bitch, so-”
Everyone looks surprised.
Molly Moppit: “She’s a comedian?” Molly bursts into laughter. “Oh, let’s be honest, her biggest joke is her name!”
“Have you done comedy?” Lokii asks.
“Actually, yes.” Lady Gag smiles. “In my room, to my family…”
“Love.” Niagara clicks her fingers. “Werk, bitch, creativity…”
Shiseido Red: “I am starting to notice something. These girls claim to be experienced, knowledgeable- but then, you speak to them, and suddenly they’re like ‘I’ve done this… at home.’ Lacking experience. It SHOWS.”
“I am a designer and club kid.” Shiseido smiles to herself.
“I’d love to hear about what that was like.” Lokii interrupts.
“Well, if you survive the first week, you might hear it.” Shiseido says swiftly.
Lokii looks to the left, then down.
“I’m doing a megamix to 90s club anthems, and designing a look all the while.” Shiseido nods.
Shiseido Red: “This will allow me to put my best foot forward instead of dancing the stage up and down, something I… can’t do as well anymore.”
“That sounds… fine.” Niagara shrugs.
Niagara Halls: “Like, BORING…and honestly, I don’t see it for her?!” Niagara laughs. “OH, the shade of ME!”
Niagara giggles to herself.
“What are you two doing, Molly and Lokii?” Ethan says, surprising the two.
“I’m not talking about it.” Molly winks. “You can wait and see.”
Ethan purses his lips.
“I do wonder if it’s going to be anything of note.” Shiseido says.
Shiseido Red: “Molly has a…not-so-great reputation, in New York. I’ll be honest, she’s never been notable to me, though. Beyond the theft jokes.”
“Well, you gotta wait and see.” Molly winks.
Molly Moppit: “Keep it fun… until you make the move.” Molly smirks.
“I am a bit of a nerd.” Lokii says.
“What a surprise.” Lady Gag jokes.
“...Finish your thought.” Ethan looks at Lokii.
“I’ll be repeating the plot of star wars, with puppets.” Lokii grins.
Everyone once again looks around awkwardly.
“Well, I’m excited for MY own talent show, because it sounds like I’m winning.” Lady Gag says.
“Don’t count your chickens yet, Miss Copypasta.” Ethan responds.
Lady Gag rolls her eyes for what appears to be the 10th time.
Lokii: “I… don’t think anyone gets me here.”
“The cosplay newbie… and the puppets.” Shiseido whispers, shaking her head to Ethan. “The impersonator who does stand-up in her bedroom. The tone-deaf girl singing, and the thief who probably doesn’t even have talents of her own. Great.”
Lokii: “But I have crafted an entire concept. I’ve sewn and made these puppets, made a comedic story and saga- and if there’s one thing I do believe in, it’s the lore. It’s my knowledge in the cosplay, nerd space…”
Lokii giggles, playing with her puppets.
Lokii: “Lokii, you can do this…” Lokii gulps. “I think.”
“Who’s.” Niagara claps. “Gonna.” Niagara claps. “GO HOME FIRST?!”
“You, bitch!” Lady Gag snaps her fingers.
“RUDE, RUDE!!!!!” Niagara yells.
“Not me.” Molly whispers into the camera and winks.
~
Stats
Voting
Spreadsheet

submitted by AustralianChrono to ChronologicasDragRace [link] [comments]

2024.05.18 22:17 CreativeNerd1729 Does she want an Uber driver? 💀

submitted by CreativeNerd1729 to Indiangirlsontinder [link] [comments]

2024.05.18 01:05 _b1llygo4t_ Everyone wants something

My email is so flooded daily that I can't sift through it all, Im afraid to sign up for anything because they will just sell my shit.
I can't use Google because it just wants to sell me crap. I can't even shop locally with it because Amazon paid to be the top 20 search results. Even Google maps will try to divert my attention from what I am searching for to some paid for company placement.
I get Indian scam calls as late as 2 am and as early as 6 am, it's all day every day. They text me constantly.
My TV is constantly trying to sell me youtube or movies I don't care about.
The radio is mostly ads. I gave up on TV over a decade ago
I can't see what my friends are doing on Facebook because they just feed me clickbait about kid rock and tailor swift and hate Hate Hate. And ads.
People beg for money at all the intersections leaving my neighborhood.
Even the liquor store where I get cigarettes wants tips.
The roads are congested and everyone cuts people off
My friends only hit me up when they need something.
No one is telling me I'm okay or that everything will be alright or that I'm doing any appreciable amount of anything.
I'm so tired.
::edit:: reddit wanted me to click on busses and motorcycles to post this.

submitted by _b1llygo4t_ to rant [link] [comments]

2024.05.16 00:22 seffial Newsletter week of May 17th 2024

Omnivoracious Listeners New Music Newsletter (Week of May 19th):
New LPs:
🇺🇸 Ahem - 'Avoider' (Genre: Indie Rock, Pop Punk)
🇺🇸 Almanac Man - 'Terrain' (Genre: Noise Rock)
🇺🇸 Altar of Gore - 'Litanies of the Unceasing Agonies' (Genre: Black Death)
🇻🇪 Ancient Settlers - 'Oblivion's Legacy' (Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore)
🇺🇸 Animal, Surrender! - 'Animal, Surrender!' (Genre: Post-Rock)
🇺🇸 Ape Vermin - 'Andromedas Colossus' (Genre: Prog Sludge Metal)
🇺🇸 August Winter - 'Redemption' (Genre: Post Rock)
🇳🇱 Baardvader - 'When the Stars Arrive' (Genre: Stoner Doom)
🇺🇸 Babylon A.D. - 'Rome Wasn't Built in a Day' (Genre: Hard Rock)
🇬🇧 Bad Breeding - 'Contempt' (Genre: Hardcore Punk, Anarcho Punk)
🇺🇸 Baphorator - 'I.B.L.I.S.' (Genre: Black Death)
🇺🇸 Bat - 'Under the Crooked Claw' (Genre: Speed Metal)
🇺🇸 Bermuda Squares - 'Outsider' (Genre: Garage Punk)
🇺🇸 Billie Eilish - 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' (Genre: Pop)
🇺🇸 Blitzen Trapper - '100's of 1000's, Millions of Billions' (Genre: Alt Country, Folk Rock)
🇮🇹 Boleskine House - 'Miserabilist Blues' (Genre: Atmo Black Metal)
🇨🇦 Bootlicker - '1000 Yd. Bars' (Genre: D-Beat, Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Botanist - 'Paleobotany' (Genre: Experimental Post-Black Metal)
🇺🇸 Burnt Sherpa - 'Last of Later' (Genre: Stoner Rock)
🇺🇸 Cage the Elephant - 'Neon Pill' (Genre: Alt Rock, Indie Rock)
🇺🇸 Candy Apple - 'Comatose' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Cardiac Arrest - 'The Stench of Eternity' (Genre: Death Metal)
🇳🇱 Celestial Season - 'Mysterium III' (Genre: Death Doom)
🇺🇸 Childish Gambino - 'Atavista' (Genre: R&B, Rap)
🇧🇷 Chococorn and the Sugarcanes - 'Siamês' (Genre: Midwest Emo, Power Pop)
🇺🇸 Cognitive - 'Abhorrence' (Genre: Tech Death Metal, Deathcore)
🇷🇺 Cold Blooded Murder - 'From Russia With Hate' (Genre: Brutal Death Metal)
🇺🇸 Collective Soul - 'Here to Eternity' (Genre: Alt Rock, Post-Grunge)
🇳🇴 Combichrist - 'CMBCRST' (Genre: Industrial Metal)
🇺🇸 Crumb - 'Amama' (Genre: Psych Rock)
🇦🇺 Danielle Whalebone - 'Whispers of Shadows' (Genre: Noise Rock)
🇺🇸 Dawnbreaker - 'Banisher of Unlight' (Genre: Blackened Death Metal)
🇫🇷 Dead Horse One - 'Seas of Static' (Genre: Shoegaze, Psych Rock)
🇬🇧 Demon - 'Invincible' (Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock)
🇮🇸 Demored - 'Well of Liquid Souls' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Devitalized - 'State of Aggression' (Genre: Deathcore)
🇺🇸 Dog Party - 'Dangerous' (Genre: Punk Rock)
🇺🇸 Don McLean - 'American Boys' (Genre: Folk Rock)
🇮🇹 Duft - 'Altar of Instant Gratification' (Genre: Metalcore)
🇺🇸 Dystopica - 'Infinite Reflection' (Genre: Prog Metal)
🇺🇸 Early Internet - 'Ruminator' (Genre: Indie Pop)
🇨🇦 Earth Ball - 'It's Yours' (Genre: Experimental Rock)
🇺🇸 Egg Drop Soup - 'One Hit Woman' (Genre: Garage Punk, Surf Punk)
🇸🇪 Eigenstate Zero - 'The Malthusian' (Genre: Prog Death Metal)
🇮🇪 El Morta - 'The Man Who Laughs' (Genre: Doom Metal)
🇩🇪 Elvellon - 'Ascending Synergy' (Genre: Symphonic Metal)
🇧🇷 Eminent Shadow - 'Dawn of the Dark Age - Inferno Diaboli' (Genre: Death Metal)
🇪🇸 Esclavitud - 'Stronger Than a God' (Genre: Heavy Metal)
🇫🇷 Etwas - 'Rites of the Damned - Chvpter. II' (Genre: Symphonic Metal)
🇺🇸 Excuse Me, Who Are You? - 'Double Blind' (Genre: Midwest Emo, Post-Hardcore)
🇺🇸 Extinguish - 'One Less Enemy' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Extortionist - 'Devoid of Love & Light' (Genre: Deathcore)
🇮🇹 Forever Falling - 'The Determinism of Essence in Matter' (Genre: Death Doom)
🇸🇪 Freedom - 'Stay Free!' (Genre: Hard Rock)
🇺🇸 From Indian Lakes - 'Head Void' (Genre: Indie Pop)
🇺🇸 Gatecreeper - 'Dark Superstition' (Genre: Death Metal)
🇬🇧 Ghost Keeper - 'The Dread Legion' (Genre: Thrash Metal)
🇩🇪 Goblyns - 'Hunki Bobo' (Genre: Psych Rock)
🇺🇸 Göden - 'Vale of the Fallen' (Genre: Death Doom)
🇬🇧 Gumshoes - 'Cacophony' (Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Folk)
🇺🇸 Guppy - 'Something Is Happening' (Genre: Garage Rock)
🇺🇸 Guster - 'Ooh La La' (Genre: Art Rock, Pop Rock)
🇬🇧 Halloweens - 'Opera Singing at the Salsa Bar' (Genre: Pop Rock)
🇺🇸 Hardy - 'Psycho' (Genre: Country Rock, Post-Grunge)
🇺🇸 Heavy Feather & the Magic Word - 'Two-Way Mirror' (Genre: Psych Rock)
🇺🇦 Hell:On - 'Shaman' (Genre: Death Thrash)
🇺🇸 Hemotoxin - 'When Time Becomes Loss' (Genre: Prog Death Metal)
🇸🇪 Henry Kane - 'Circle of Pain' (Genre: Crust Punk, Grindcore)
🇺🇸 High Noon Kahuna - 'This Place Is Haunted' (Genre: Noise Rock)
🇺🇸 Home Invasion - 'Enemy' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇧🇪 Hudič - 'Into the Abyss' (Genre: Heavy Metal)
🇺🇸 If Not for Me - 'Everything You Wanted' (Genre: Metalcore)
🇮🇹 I Hate My Village - 'Nevermind the Tempo' (Genre: Psych Rock)
🇫🇷 Inner Landscape - '3H33' (Genre: Post Metal)
🇨🇦 Intervals - 'Memory Palace' (Genre: Prog Metal)
🇺🇸 Jack Name - 'Fabulous Soundtracks' (Genre: Hypnagogic Pop, Neo Psychedelia)
🇺🇸 Jasta - '...And Jasta for All' (Genre: Thrash Metal)
🇺🇸 Jeff Kollman - '2023 AD' (Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal)
🇬🇧 Jeff Slate - 'The Last Day of Summer' (Genre: Hard Rock)
🇺🇸 John Larson and the SIlver Fields - 'Constellation Prize' (Genre: Power Pop)
🇺🇸 John Oates - 'Reunion' (Genre: Blue Eyed Soul, Pop Rock)
🇺🇸 Joywave - 'Permanent Pleasure' (Genre: Indie Rock)
🇺🇸 Kate Hudson - 'Glorious' (Genre: Pop, Soft Rock)
🇺🇸 Kerry King - 'From Hell I Rise' (Genre: Thrash Metal)
🇺🇸 Kev and Cam - 'Kevin's Gate' (Genre: Prog Metal)
🇳🇱 Krezip - 'Music for Maximum' (Genre: Alt Pop Rock)
🇬🇧 Kulk - 'It Gets Worse' (Genre: Sludge Metal, Noise Rock)
🇺🇸 Lightheaded - 'Combustible Gems' (Genre: Jangle Pop)
🇺🇸 Littered With Arrows - 'No Doves Fly Above' (Genre: Sludge Metal, Noise Rock)
🇺🇸 Little Feat - 'Sam's Phone' (Genre: Southern Rock)
🇧🇪 Lovelorn Dolls - 'Deadtime Stories' (Genre: Alt Rock, Synthpop)
🇳🇱 Lucassen & Soeterboek's Plan Nine - 'The Long-Lost Songs' (Genre: Hard Rock)
🇫🇮 Lucidity - 'Escherian' (Genre: Melodic Death Metal)
🇧🇷 Madame Frankenstein - 'The Eyes of the Mountain Are Mine' (Genre: Stoner Doom)
🇺🇸 Magic Fig - 'Magic Fig' (Genre: Psych Rock, Psych Pop)
🇩🇰 Mansfield - 'For All the Right Reasons' (Genre: Indie Rock)
🇮🇹 Marea - 'The Silene of Rust' (Genre: Black Doom, Post Metal)
🇺🇸 Marty Friedman - 'Drama' (Genre: Prog Rock, Prog Metal)
🇩🇪 Meanwhile Project LTD - 'Sir Mandrill' (Genre: Prog Rock, Post-Rock)
🇺🇸 Mia Day - 'Hellier, Forever' (Genre: Indie Rock)
🇺🇸 Mineshaft - 'We've Taken This Too Far' (Genre: Screamo)
🇲🇽 Moonlight - 'Skogstronen' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇩🇰 Morbid Grave - 'The Slime Crawlers' (Genre: Death Metal)
🇺🇸 Mortal Reminder - 'Mortal Reminder' (Genre: Metalcore, Djent)
🇬🇧 Mutes - '...Buried Where You Stand' (Genre: Post-Punk, Noise Rock)
🇷🇸 Nadsvest - 'Slovo Meseca I Krvi' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇨🇦 Naomi King - 'Black Water' (Genre: Alt Rock)
🇨🇦 Necht - 'The Prophect of Karnifor' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇷🇸 Neven - 'U Svakom Srcu Gore Svetla' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 New Kids on the Block - 'Still Kids' (Genre: Boy Band)
🇺🇸 Nobody - 'Despair Is Where My Thoughts Swim' (Genre: Post-Black Metal)
🇺🇸 Nocturnus AD - 'Unicursal' (Genre: Tech Death Metal)
🇭🇺 Norms - '100% Hazaárulás' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇦🇺 Northeast Party House - 'Enhancer' (Genre: Dance Punk)
🇺🇸 Of Montreal - 'Lady on the Cusp' (Genre: Indie Pop)
🇨🇦 Olim - 'Because' (Genre: Post-Black Metal)
🇺🇸 One Step Closer - 'All You Embrace' (Genre: Straight Edge Hardcore)
🇪🇸 Orion Child - 'Aesthesis' (Genre: Power Metal)
🇸🇪 Pain - 'I Am' (Genre: Industrial Rock, Electronic Rock)
🇺🇸 Pallbearer - 'Mind Burns Alive' (Genre: Doom Metal)
🇨🇦 Passage - 'Crystal' (Genre: Doom Metal)
🇺🇸 Pathology - 'Unholy Descent' (Genre: Brutal Death Metal)
🇦🇺 Peter Freebairn - 'Silhouettes & Cigarettes' (Genre: Pop Rock, Singer-Songwriter)
🇬🇧 Pig - 'Red Room' (Genre: Industrial Rock,, Industrial Metal)
🇪🇸 Pòstum-0 - 'Nueva Humanidad' (Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal)
🇸🇪 PreHistoric Animals - 'Finding Love in Strange Places' (Genre: Prog Rock)
🇺🇸 Radar - 'Radar' (Genre: Pop Punk, Supergroup)
🇫🇮 Rats Will Feast - 'Hellhole' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇳🇿 Rendered Helpless - 'From Nothing Comes All' (Genre: Slam Death Metal)
🇮🇩 Reveals - 'Attachment, Destruction and Extinction' (Genre: Atmo Black Metal)
🇩🇪 Rope Sect - 'Estrangement' (Genre: Gothic Rock)
🇨🇱 Rotten Tomb - 'The Relief of Death' (Genre: Death Metal)
🇺🇸 Salt on Sunday - 'A Docket of Votive Offerings' (Genre: Experimental Metal)
🇺🇸 Secrecies - 'Perfect Bite' (Genre: Dreampop)
🇺🇸 Sekengard - 'Creation's Veil' (Genre: Folk Metal)
🇬🇷 Serement - 'Abhorrent Invocations' (Genre: Blackened Death Metal)
🇲🇽 Servus - 'Cyclical Existence' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇺🇸 Shellac - 'To All Trains' (Genre: Noise Rock)
🇷🇺 Shokran - 'Duat' (Genre: Prog Metalcore)
🇬🇧 Shoshy - '誰にも (Darenimo)' (Genre: Dreampop)
🇳🇴 Sibiir - 'Undergang' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Sludgeworth - 'Together Not Together' (Genre: Punk Rock)
🇺🇸 So Much Hope, Buried - 'I'd Be Lying to Say I'm Not Weak' (Genre: Post-Hardcore)
🇨🇭 SoulLine - 'Reflections' (Genre: Melodic Death Metal)
🇺🇸 SQÜRL - 'Music for Man Ray' (Genre: Psych Rock, Post-Rock)
🇧🇪 Stacks - 'Want' (Genre: Synthpop)
🇩🇰 Strychnos - 'Armageddon Patronage' (Genre: Black Death)
🇬🇷 Subfire - 'Blood Omen' (Genre: Symphonic Power Metal)
🇺🇸 Suck Brick Kid - 'The End Is What I Want' (Genre: Pop Punk)
🇺🇸 Sweat FM - 'You and I, We Were Born to Cry' (Genre: Punk Rock)
🇺🇸 System Exclusive - 'Click' (Genre: Synthpop)
🇺🇸 Telltale - 'Telltale' (Genre: Pop Punk)
🇮🇹 Tezza F. - 'Key to Your Kingdom' (Genre: Prog Power Metal)
🇨🇦 The Anti-Queens - 'Disenchanted' (Genre: Punk Rock)
🇺🇸 The Co Founder - 'Never Miss a Good Opportunity to Shut the Fuck Up' (Genre: Indie Rock)
🇬🇧 The Dave Foster Band - 'Maybe They'll Come Back for Us' (Genre: Prog Rock)
🇬🇧 The Howlers - 'What You've Got to Lose to Win It All' (Genre: Indie Rock)
🇺🇸 The Last of Lucy - 'Godform' (Genre: Tech Death)
🇬🇧 The Lovely Eggs - 'Eggistentialism' (Genre: Egg Punk, Psych Punk)
🇺🇸 The Macks - 'The Macks Are a Knife' (Genre: Indie Rock, Indie Punk)
🇺🇸 The Mountain Movers - 'Walking After Dark' (Genre: Psych Rock, Neo Psychedelia)
🇺🇸 Tim Easton - 'Find Your Way' (Genre: Country Blues, Roots Rock)
🇺🇸 Tolls - 'Plummet Through Agony' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Torturer's Lobby - 'Deadened Nerves' (Genre: Death Thrash)
🇯🇵 角松敏生 (Toshiki Kadomatsu) - 'MAGIC HOUR ~Lovers at Dusk~' (Genre: City Pop, Jazz Fusion)
🇦🇺 Tropical Strength - 'Tropical Strength & the Silverbeats' (Genre: Indie Pop)
🇬🇧 Troy Redfern - 'Invocation' (Genre: Blues Rock)
🇺🇸 Twenty One Pilots - 'Clancy' (Genre: Indie Pop, Alt Rock)
🇺🇸 Tzompantli - 'Beating the Drums of Ancestral Force' (Genre: Death Doom)
🇮🇹 Ufomammut - 'Hidden' (Genre: Psych Doom)
🇸🇪 Universe III - 'Universe III' (Genre: Hard Rock)
🇩🇪 Unwesen - 'Irrsinnfonie' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇺🇸 (Un)worthy - 'This Present Darkness' (Genre: Death Metal, Deathcore)
🇯🇵 Valhalla - 'Memories of Yggdrasil' (Genre: Power Metal)
🇺🇸 Vitskär Süden - 'Vessel' (Genre: Heavy Psych)
🇺🇸 Ward White - 'Here Come the Dowsers!' (Genre: Art Rock)
🇺🇸 Warren Dunes - 'Aquamarine' (Genre: Indie Pop)
🇨🇦 William Shatner - 'Where Will the Animals Sleep? Songs for Kids and Other Living Things' (Genre: Indie Rock, Spoken Word)
🇺🇸 Winter Aid - 'Pull the Sky Inside' (Genre: Indie Folk)
🇺🇸 Your Ghost in Glass - 'Drowning to Escape the Fire' (Genre: Post-Hardcore)
🇬🇧 Zayn - 'Room Under the Stairs' (Genre: Pop, Singer-Songwriter)
🇺🇸 Zero Point Energy - 'Tilted Planet' (Genre: Shoegaze, Indie Rock)
🇺🇸 Zig Zags - 'Strange Masters' (Genre: Crossover Thrash, Garage Punk)
🇺🇸 Zombeast - 'Heart of Darkness' (Genre: Punk Rock)
New EPs:
🇺🇸 Ameonna - 'Goddes Reign' (Genre: Deathcore, Prog Metalcore)
🇸🇪 Aspernamentum - 'Primal Judgement Manifesto' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇺🇦 Azimut - 'Nun' (Genre: Atmo Sludge Metal)
🇮🇹 Barbarian - 'A Kiss of a Whisper' (Genre: Speed Thrash)
🇫🇷 Black Velvet - 'Identity?' (Genre: Heavy Metal)
🇺🇸 Black Water Sunset - 'When Man and Machine Collide - A Tribute to Control Denied' (Genre: Prog Death Metal)
🇵🇪 Culmen - 'De Un Soplo La Creacion' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇬🇧 Darko - 'Greyscale' (Genre: Melodic Hardcore)
🇬🇧 De'Lour - 'The Ghost You Left Behind' (Genre: Post-Hardcore)
🇦🇺 Divine Grave - 'Traumapieces' (Genre: Prog Metalcore)
🇺🇸 Draag - 'Actually, the Quiet Is Nice' (Genre: Dreampop, Shoegaze)
🇨🇦 Erythrite Throne - 'Thy Bastard Offspring Birthed of the Gallows Tree' (Genre: Black Doom)
🇩🇪 Evoked - 'Immoral Arts' (Genre: Death Metal)
🇧🇪 Fatal Move - 'Fugazi' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Female Gaze - 'Tender Futures' (Genre: Hard Rock)
🇩🇰 Gradience - 'Ironsight' (Genre: Deathcore)
🇬🇧 I Häxa - 'Part 2' (Genre: Folk Metal)
🇲🇽 Imperator - 'Diable' (Genre: Black Metal)
🇦🇹 Insanity Alert - 'Moshemian Thrashody' (Genre: Crossover Thrash)
🇬🇧 Irked - 'Irked' (Genre: Punk Rock)
🇧🇷 Katástrofe - 'Terra Sombria' (Genre: Thrash Metal)
🇯🇵 Loyal to the Grave - 'Rectitude' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 Mechanistic Butchery - 'Post-Human Putridity' (Genre: Grindcore, Cybergrind)
🇨🇦 MLRiffage - 'Bleak II' (Genre: Death Thrash)
🇺🇸 Night Sins - 'A Silver Blade in the Shadow' (Genre: Gothic Rock, Darkwave)
🇯🇵 Nothing's Carved in Stone - 'Brightness' (Genre: J-Rock, Alt Rock)
🇩🇰 Omsorg - 'Echoes' (Genre: Post-Hardcore)
🇩🇰 Pretext - 'Force the Hand of Fate' (Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal)
🇺🇸 Psithurism - 'A Dead Sun' (Genre: Metalcore, Deathcore)
🇯🇵 Purple Hell - 'Asthenia Soul 灵魂病症' (Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore)
🇬🇧 Queen Laya - 'Queen Laya' (Genre: Alt Rock)
🇨🇭 ReDraw - 'The Party' (Genre: Thrash Metal)
🇺🇸 Soften the Glare - 'EP III' (Genre: Prog Rock)
🇪🇸 Sons of Cult - 'Desolation' (Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock)
🇺🇸 Stylogaster - 'Keepsake' (Genre: Slowcore)
🇺🇸 Vanquishment - 'Dogfights' (Genre: Melodic Black Metal)
🇺🇸 Virologist - 'Ameliorating Vicissitudes' (Genre: Brutal Death Metal)
🇺🇦 Wallflower - 'The Place Where I Feel Free' (Genre: Hardcore Punk)
🇺🇸 We're All Wrong - 'Leerer' (Genre: Prog Metalcore)
New Cover Albums:
🇨🇦 Arkells - 'Disco Loadout' (Genre: Alt Rock)
🇺🇸 Slash - 'Orgy of the Damned' (Genre: Hard Rock, Blues Rock)
Off to Detroit tomorrow for some live music! Cage The Elephant dropping this week, and thanks to concert week I got tickets for that also! Anyone you're seeing on the list this week?
https://discord.gg/atDujWqf9P
Feel free to contribute to our ever-growing newsletter:
Just DM Seffial!
Happy Listening!

submitted by seffial to OmniListeners [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 22:40 ConfidentLeg7645 Japan (Honshu) 3 Week Spring Trip Report. A perfect trip (almost)!.

LONG POST WARNING
Hello everyone,
My partner (24F) and I (25M) returned home from our 3-week Japan trip last week and due to us using this sub a lot during our planning I thought it would be helpful for other current planners to upload a trip report.
Our main interests are Japanese traditions and history, street style/culture, and food so keep reading if these interests are mutual. Read to the bottom to see how much we spent plus some tips and disappointments.
Prelude
We were caught up in the madness at Dubai airport during our layover. Long story short; Airport (and the rest of Dubai) flooded and caused all the flights to be cancelled. What was meant to be a 5-hour layover turned into a torturous 36 hour wait. No staff to be seen, crowds of people arguing, fighting, and crying. We queued for 12 hours to get a new boarding pass for the next flight to Japan. We were meant to fly to Haneda but settled for Narita as we needed to get out of that place as soon as possible but still ended up missing our first day in Tokyo (should have had 5 days). We can’t complain too much as some of the people I spoke to on emirates were in the airport for up to 5 days before getting a flight back to their departure destination. Oh, and our baggage was missing with us only receiving our checked in bags on day 19. Cheers Emirates.
Day 1
Arrived in Shinjuku around midnight. We went straight to Don Quiojte to buy some replacement cosmetics and clothes. The combination of no good-quality sleep for 48 hours and the stimulating nature of the store was very intense! We then started to walk back towards the hostel and passed a Ichiran, so dropped in for some 2am ramen. Not the best ramen I’ve ever had but was still very good for the price.
Steps: 21,643 (includes some airport steps)
Day 2
Woke up and ate the free breakfast at the hostel (this turned out to be a really good money saver for the whole trip as we are not huge eaters in the morning anyway, but it was good to get something light in us before a long day walking). We then walked through the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden – saw some late blooming cheery blossoms and overall, it was a really beautiful botanical garden.
The next stop was Meji Shrine and a walk through Yoyogi park. The shrine was cool to see, especially as it was our first one in Japan. Saw a middle-aged man wearing denim hotpants so short that his balls were hanging out?!?!
Walked to Shibuya to see the scramble. This was cool but also felt it was a bit underwhelming at ground level but the view from Shibuya station walkway was wicked. Lunch was at a conveyor belt sushi place on the top floor of this department store right next to the scramble. This would be higher than average quality sushi in Europe, so it blew our minds that it was available on the top floor of a department store and for so cheap.
Shimokitazawa – We picked up some bargains at 2^nd street and I treated myself some Japanese jeans from a small Demin shop called Bears. The guy in the shop was super helpful and friendly and even tailored the trousers to exactly my size.
In the evening, we first had a poke around Golden Gai and then headed towards Shibuya and stopped in a cool bar where the owner was mixing vinyl while he mixed your drinks (think it was called Q Bar).
We had previously bought tickets to a gig at Circus for one of my fav rappers who I’d been wanting to see for a while. Also really enjoyed seeing the local Japanese warm up acts. Stayed until 5am and then go the train straight to the Tsukiji outer fish market. Was there way too early and had to wait roughly an hour for thing to open. Went to chill by a bench for a bit and by the time we went back to the market it was rammed! Went to bed around 8:30am.
Steps: 32,159
Day 3
We woke up at 2:30pm, got ready, and headed to the Bunkyo civic centre for the free observation deck. We heard it wasn’t meant to be the best Tokyo skyline view but for a free attraction we thought it was very good! Jimbocho book town was also very cool to see. We had a peak into a couple adult movie/magazine stores where I don’t think the owner appreciated our presence as western tourists.
In the evening, we first went for Ramen at Motenashi Kuraki in Asakusa Bashi. Honestly probably the best Ramen I’ve had to date. I ordered the Black Pepper Shio special, and it blew my mind. Even though the staff didn’t speak English they were very accommodating for my partner who doesn’t eat meat (pescetarian but will brave a meaty broth).
We then had a stroll around Akihabara and played some dance mat games in the arcades before heading back for an earlyish night.
Steps: 28,680
Day 4
I couldn’t sleep so got up around 3am and did some admin stuff to try and get our bags back to us ASAP. Chatted to people in the hostel for a few hours.
We arrived at Senso-ji for around 8am. Wasn’t too busy at this time and the temple was impressive. Went for a coffee down the road and had a chill for about an hour before heading into Asakusa. Got admission to the Drum museum which was wicked. Only 400 yen each and had the whole place to ourselves to smack some big fucking drums and make as much noise as we wanted.
We then started to head towards Ueno but made a slight detour to Kappabashi Dougu street to peruse the Japanese chef knives and other cookware. Grabbed lunch from a 7/11 and went and sat in Ueno park which was super busy. There was some food market event on which loads of food stalls had set up. There was also a stage with some J-pop performers and people dressed as ninjas dancing in the crowd. Weird to say the least. By mid-afternoon we were pretty tired so headed back to the hostel for a nap.
In the evening, we headed down to Harajuku and stopped by Big Love records. My partner is really into vinyl, so this was definitely a highlight for her. She picked up Wu Tang 36 chambers in case you were wondering. We then went for food at Afuri as my partner wanted to try the Vegan ramen to which she said it was ok but nothing special. My cold dipping noodle dish was very tasty, however. We then stumbled across this vinyl listening bar called Bar Music on the 5^th floor of this pokey building on the outskirts of Shibuya for a few drinks before bed. There was such a good vibe in there and the cocktails were super good for the price. If you’re looking for a romantic spot, then this is the place to go.
Steps: 31,818
Day 5
Today we headed to Kyoto on the shinkansen around midday after a slow morning chilling in and around the hostel and catching up on some sleep. Checked in to the hostel and had a walk around downtown Kyoto, stopping at 2^nd Street to buy some more clothes.
In the evening, we headed to Kodai-Ji to see the shrine lit up at night. We couldn’t believe how few people were there as it was stunning and truly magical place to be at night. It also has a bamboo grove (much better than Arashiyama, see below). The bar for Kyoto shrines/temples had been set very high.
Walked down Pontocho alley and stopped at a yakitori restaurant which was just ok. We knew it was going to be average when we looked around the restaurant and it was just western tourists dining.
Steps: 25,255
Day 6
First thing in the morning we rented bikes and cycled across the city to Arashiyama. Parked the bikes at the train station and walked up through Arashiyama. We were expecting it to be busy but there were so many people it was almost impossible to move. Had a look around the bamboo grove and was slightly underwhelmed after our visit to Kodai-Ji so we took the tram and then bus up to Kosan-Ji. This was very much worth the 45-minute journey as there was only one other group there and the temple nestled between the trees overlooking the river was breath-taking. On the whole, Arashiyama was way too packed during peak times to enjoy and with everything else Kyoto has to offer we wouldn’t say it was a must see.
We then picked up the bikes from the train station and cycled back across Kyoto taking the long route to explore and get lost. Once we dropped off the bikes, we went for another explore and this time went into WeGo for more clothes shopping. At this point we’d pretty much matched the amount of clothing that we had packed in our checked-in luggage that was still stuck in Dubai.
After a nap we walked towards the metro and stopped at a Katsu restaurant as we wanted to try something different, and it was pretty good. For the price of 1300 yen each we got so much food/sake and left stuffed.
Fushimi Inari in the evening. Like Kodai-Ji, we would recommend visiting Fushimi Inari at night. Firstly, to help avoid the crowds (we got there around 9pm and there was hardly anybody there) and secondly as seeing it lit up at night is a nice change. It was however slightly creepy at night, especially as it was lightly raining. My partner started to get a bit scared once we saw the signs to be careful of the wild boar and monkeys haha. We didn’t make it to the top of Mt Inari as the rain started to get heavy but still very much enjoyed walking through the hundreds of tori gates, stopping off at the shrines and soaking up the history.
Steps: 23,686
Day 7
Today was a late start as even after 8 hours sleep the 25k plus steps a day was starting to catch up with us.
We took the metro to Shimogamo Shrine in north Kyoto. It was very peaceful and quiet however temple fatigue had definitely set in at this point. We then walked through Kyoto to the beginning of Philosophers path. We had seen on this sub that people recommend skipping it unless its Sakura season however we disagree. The path along the river is so pretty and atmospheric, along with the fish gently swimming along in the river.
Kyoto Hand Crafts Centre – if you have the money then this is a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Pre-booked Sushi Iwa for a 15 course Omakase. The food was amazing, but it came to an eye watering 28k yen each. The difference for our western palettes between mid-range sushi and exceptional sushi is negligible. Nonetheless it was a good experience and I’m glad that we did it.
Steps: 23,751
Day 8
Today was an empty day in terms of things we wanted to do, so used it to walk the city and explore.
We checked out the Nishiki market and ate various fried foods on sticks which were all pretty tasty. We then walked northwards, stopping for coffee before reaching the imperial palace. By this point we were very much bored of temples and structures of similar architecture, but we actually ended up enjoying walking the palace grounds and seeing the buildings more than we thought and would recommend it to those who find themselves in north Kyoto.
A leisurely walk back down towards downtown Kyoto, stopping off at a wicked standing soba joint. Forgotten the name but their curry soba was delicious.
Chao Chao gyozas (only veggie gyoza place we could find) for our evening meal before a night cap at the bar across the road before bed.
Steps: 23,304
Day 9
Shinkansen to Hiroshima arriving around 11am.
Checked into hostel and then went straight to the A-dome, peace memorial and museum. We thought the museum was very moving and captured the horror of the events that unfolded very well. A must see for sure.
Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura and then some vintage clothes shopping in Hondori.
Went back out for food in the evening and ended up getting Okonomiyaki again. This time it we enjoyed it a lot more than we did at lunch (probably because we got it covered in cheese). There are a few streets by Hiroshima station with lots of bars and restaurants on top of each other, much like Golden Gai in Shinjuku, however they are not super touristy and has a more laid-back feel to them.
We then went to some bars in the city centre. The best one we stumbled across was called Tropical Bar Revolucion. It was on the 8^th floor and the smoking balcony overlooked the city. Plus, the beers in there tasted so good and I’m not sure why.
Steps: 23,299
Day 10
A hungover morning. Headed to the Hiroshima National Gardens. Going to some gardens is my go-to hangover activity as its low effort, relaxing, and feels productive. These gardens in particular were great and we really appreciated the signs explaining the history behind the space. Overall, we enjoyed this more than the national gardens in Shinjuku.
Public baths near Dobashi in the afternoon. If you’re feeling brave enough to get your kit off in front of 10s of strangers, then this is a good experience. Male and female baths are separate. Can’t go wrong for 400 yen.
Went for a drink at Bar Pretty and then realised the effect of golden week on trying to get a table walking into a restaurant. Walked around for about an hour with no success so settled for food from a department store food court. Sounds miserable but the food was pretty good for the price, and it was busy in there, so it still had an atmosphere.
Steps: 29,487
Day 11
Miyajima Day. Took the ferry to the island arriving at 10:30am. The Ryokan staff met us at the port and collected our bags to take back to the hotel.
Had a mooch around the port area before doing the hike up Mt Misen. The climb to the top on a hot day is not to be underestimated. Sweating buckets, but the route and the view from the top was amazing and one of the standout highlights of the whole trip.
After descending Mt Misen, we bought some beers, oysters and, ice cream and sat along the beach wall and chilled in the sun for a couple hours. The hotel staff then picked us up from the ferry terminal, we checked in and went straight to the Onsen for a couple hours before dinner. Dinner was a traditional kaiseki meal (with more courses than I can remember) served in the banquet hall with the other guests.
While the staff converted our retro ryokan room and set up the futons we had a few more beers before bed.
Steps: 20,803
Day 12
Today we had a chilled morning on the island, having a stroll and stopping for some coffees. We then took the ferry back to Hiroshima, stopping for Okonomiyaki one more time, before taking the shinkansen to Osaka.
Checked into our hostel near Namba and went out for a walk around 8pm. When looking for somewhere to eat we walked past a sign for a vegetarian Indian restaurant called Shama. After nearly two weeks of pure Japanese food we were craving some variety so decided to head in. Located on the basement floor of a particularly run down looking building the restaurant was not the most glamorous. Barely enough space for 10 people, it was hot in there. A constant stream of people was coming in and out of the restaurant and we were lucky enough to walk in when there were two spaces available. From sitting down at the table to receiving our food we waited just under an hour. This would be enough to put most people off but fuck me the food was good when it did finally arrive. We got a selection of 4 different curries, naan breads and samosa. We left stuffed. If you’re in the area this is definitely a place worth checking out.
Steps: 25,502
Day 13
Our first stop of the day was the Umeda Sky Building. Not suitable if you are scared of heights as the glass elevator made our stomachs drop slightly. The views were impressive but we thought the price was a bit steep at 1500 yen each.
We then spent the afternoon wondering about near Namba and Shinsujibashi dropping into shops and picking up some food.
For dinner we made a reservation for a Mexican restaurant near Dotonbori. Massive margheritas, nachos and enchiladas. The food was great, and it shows by how busy the place was still at 10pm. It had been open since the late 70’s with the décor to match and it had a great atmosphere.
Steps: 27,290
Day 14
Checked out Tsuruhashi and Korea Town. Loved the market – dimly lit maze of numerous food and clothing vendors. Stopped to have some Korean stew and pancakes and it was delicious. One of the best meals of the trip.
Shinsekai in the evening. What I can describe as the armpit of Osaka. We loved it. Dirty? Yes. Rowdy? Yes. Rough around the edges with a red light district to top it all off. We had Kushikatsu to finish the evening off. Fried stuff on a stick – of course it going to be tasty but it wasn’t exactly flavour town.
Steps: 23,777
Day 15
Took the train to Minoh and hiked up the trail to see the waterfall. Hike was easy in comparison to Mt Misen and the waterfall was very cool to see. Had a wonder around Minoh stopping for some lunch at a Ramen bar.
We went to the Team lab botanical gardens in the evening. It was very awe inspiring seeing all the installations lit up.
After sampling Japanese McDonalds (I had a burger where the buns were made out of rice) we went for some drinks at Zerro. We liked this bar a lot, the guys working there were very friendly and it had a good vibe.
We then sat and watched the skaters at triangle park with some beers from the konbini before going to see Dj Masda at Circus until around 4am. This area of Osaka was such a vibe and came back here a few times over our 6 days here. Overall, a very fun evening.
Steps: 26,130
Day 16
Woke up chronically hungover but powered on and went to see a baseball game. You’re allowed to bring food and drink into the stadium (as long as alcohol is in plastic/paper cups) so we grabbed some beers and snacks from family mart. We had no idea what was happening but the atmosphere was electric and we enjoyed getting pissed and cheering.
Had a nap and then went to Hafez for middle eastern food. The food was good but not amazing, nothing in comparison to my local middle eastern restaurant back home. Chilled around the Namba park/Big step area. Loved this area so much, we are big into street fashion and culture so this place really ticked some boxes. Lots of skaters and street wear stores concentrated around here. Got an early night watching Battle Royale back at the hostel.
Steps: 22,065
Day 17
Today we went to the Umeda area. Popped into some shopping centres and had Omurice for lunch. It was tasty but not something I will crave when back home. Good experience trying it though. We then walked through Yodoyobashi along the rivers and got gelato and sat in the rose garden. The sun was beating down and we enjoyed just chilling in the sun eating our ice cream.
Compufunk Records were holding a party in their store. Decent gaff with some very welcoming and kind people to party with until the early hours.
Steps: 21,267
Day 18
We reluctantly left Osaka for Hakone today. Very sad to go but onwards to the next adventure. Took the shinkansen to Odawara and then the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora. Checked into our Ryokan and relaxed in the Onsen for a few hours.
Went for a walk around Gora and had dinner at the Ryokan before watching Predator in bed.
Steps: 16,926
Day 19
Today we did the Hakone Loop, starting early in Gora.
Started with the Open-air museum and it was great. We loved the installation and ended up spending 3 hours slowly making our way round. Got some cool photos as well for the gram.
Ropeway to Lake Ashi. This was absolutely terrifying. You have to swap cable cars 3 times on the way over and the warnings of the service being suspended due to the wind was announced at each stop. I’m not going to ruin the surprise, but one section made me literally freeze in terror due to the winds outside so try to do it on a calm weather day.
We then took the pirate boat (bit underwhelming) across the Lake and stopped for some soba noodles and a wander around. Unfortunately it was way too cloudy to even get a chance at seeing Mt Fuji.
Train to Kamakura and checked into our super cute traditional hostel near the beach.
Dinner at an Izakaya from the hostel owners recommendation. Food great and beers slipped down a treat. First time I tried Yuzu Kosho as well – I’m now addicted to the stuff and literally cover all my food with it.
Steps: 19,512
Day 20
A slow start to the morning. Weather was pretty bad but we still managed to hit all the main sights in Kamakura. Big Buddha was a refreshing sight from the temples. Did some shopping up Komachi Dori. Highlight of the day was Hukokaji temple. It was so peaceful and zen in the rain with its very own matcha tea ceremony backdropped by bamboo forest. This turned out to be our second favourite temple/shrine we visited, just being beaten by Kodaji.
In the evening we went for Sushi at a conveyor belt place. Figured this would probably be my last Japanese sushi of the trip so devoured 7000 yen worth of sushi and beer. Went back to the hostel and invited some of the other guests to drink with us. The owner of the hostel had some bayberry homebrew, so we got stuck into that.
Steps: 20,494
Day 21
Enoshima Island is just a 25 min train from Kamakura. Started off the day by walking to the top of the island to get French toast and a beer with a lovely view across the bay. We then headed up the Sea candle to check out the observation deck, still the illusive Mt Fuji hides behind the clouds.
We then bought admission to the caves beneath the island which was pretty cool. I won’t ruin the surprise but there’s something waiting for you at the end of one of the caves.
Had an explore around the rockpools near the caves and took some cool photos. We then had a pizza with fish on which was pretty crazy. Walked around the island a little bit more and I picked up some more Japanese denim which wasn’t the cheapest but the quality of the trousers are great and will last me a lifetime.
Back to Tokyo in the evening.
Went for Izakaya around Asakusa and popped into a couple bars. One was called Not Suspicious and the whole bar was covered in handwritten notes by patrons. Very touristy but quite cool at the same time. Our favourite was a drawing of Mario saying It’s a Me Muthafucka.
Steps: 25,903
Day 22
First stop was Don Quiojte to pick up some Yuzu Kosho (if you know you know) and weird flavoured KitKats.
Kappabashi Dougu street to purchase a fine Japanese carbon stell Santoku. Honestly in love with this knife so much. The people at the store were very happy to hear exactly what I was looking for and even let me try before you buy on some daikon radish.
While in Asakusa I had to return to the place where I put the best thing in my mouth in Japan. Motenashi Kuroki. Switched it up this time and had their classic Shio ramen plus the duck rice as a side. Honestly this place is amazing, and you have to go there if you have time. They aren’t veggie/pescy friendly so my partner went for one last round of sushi round the corner. We met up at a massage chair parlour and spent 30 mins relaxing in the chairs.
We had a bright idea to watch the sunset one last time so headed over to the rooftop park on a department store in Shibuya. Sipping on an ice cold Kirin, the sun slowly dropped behind the distant mountains and we knew our trip had come to an end. How symbolic.
Flight at 11pm from Haneda.
Steps: 23,187
On reflection:
I honestly think this trip was almost perfect in terms of hitting our interests and travel style. There was a good balance of doing the typical first time visit to Japan sights and activities while still exploring and seeing what we came across in the moment.
It hard to pinpoint exact highlights of the trip as everywhere we visited had so much going for it in different ways. We loved the rugged and trendy vibe to Osaka, and I think this would be the city I would most want to live in for a considerable amount of time (If I had to choose). Miyajima was also stunning and a great overnight trip with the Ryokan experience. We also underestimated how much we would enjoy Kamakura with its laid-back surfer vibe and access to Enoshima Island.
One random memorable moment that has stuck with me was when we landed at Narita airport, we took the limo bus to Shinjuku. As the driver pulled away, all the staff at the station turned and bowed in unison. It felt so special to first observe a culture totally opposite to the one I grew up with and was at this point I knew I had embarked on the trip of a lifetime.
If I could go back and change something I would probably miss out Hakone and do an extra day in one of the major cities. This isn’t because we didn’t enjoy Hakone, but we feel like it’s a place that needs more time to soak in what’s going on around you (plus the weather was bad when we were there). This being said the Open-Air Museum was amazing and we enjoyed it more than the Teamlab botanical gardens so the trip up the mountains was worth it just for that.
So, how much did we spend per person (not inc flights)?
Accommodation - £765pp
Given that we spent a couple nights in Ryokans raising the average price slightly, we were pretty happy with the accommodation costs. We stayed in a mix of private room and shared dorm hostels and pretty much all of them were spot on. Travelling as a couple meant that anywhere with a private room split the price between 2. The only hostel we didn’t like was the one in Hiroshima, there wasn’t anything in particularly wrong with it, there was just a really bad vibe from the owner and other guests.
Transport - £344pp
This includes shinkansen to and from all the major cities as well as our suica top ups for metros and buses. Unless your itinerary is something like 3 days Tokyo, 2 days Osaka 2 days Kyoto then there really isn’t any point getting the JR pass now that the price has increased.
Activities – £280pp
It is hard to give an exact amount for activities and food as 1) I didn’t track what we spent our cash on and 2) my partner and I would take in turns paying for things like temple admission. That being said I’ve allocated 25% of the cash we spent to activities such as temple admission. Activities includes our baseball tickets plus club entries as well as temple and museum admissions etc.
Food – £962pp
As above, its hard to give an exact amount for food. On the whole we tried to eat cheap with possible, especially at the start of our trip. There were a few expensive meals peppered in plus we ate out twice a day towards the end of our trip as we realised we were under budget.
The total is a bit skewed as this includes all the alcohol we bought in bars as well as the konbini trips for beers and cigarettes. I estimate that booze accounts for around a third of the total per person. If you would like to do Japan on a budget, reducing the booze will make a big difference.
Shopping/Souvenirs/Gifts – £607 (just me)
We went hard with the shopping. We didn’t actually receive our checked in luggage until day 19 so we had to buy all new clothes and cosmetics. If this wasn’t the case, then I don’t think I would have spent so much (airline is comping us for the additional clothing bought anyway). I also bought a fairly expensive chef knife and Japanese denim pieces, plus lots of gifts for friends and family. Obviously, this number could theoretically 0 if you are on a serious budget and did no shopping but I really underestimated Japanese shopping, especially thrifting. Also, given our cheap choices when it came to accommodation we could afford to splurge. However just to note my partner spent less than half than I did on shopping.
Total: £2958 (582,628 yen at time of writing)
I kept within my budget of £3000. I definitely got a bit frivolous with the cash in the last few days or so, if being as careful as I was towards the start of the trip, I think the total would be closer to £2500.
Disappointments
Takoyaki. We thought it was going to be all about the octopus but were disappointed with our balls of sloppy goo surrounding tiny chewy pieces of octopus. We tried it twice and couldn’t get behind it. Sorry Takoyaki fans.
Arashiyama. Way too busy, especially around the main station and bamboo grove. If it’s the bamboo you are going to see, then Kodaji is a much better spot.
Dotonburi. Albeit we were there in golden week, and it was pretty busy. However, I get the feeling this area has fallen to the past its golden days title and has become a bit of a cash cow for places selling spiralised potatoes on a stick. The area around Namba park was a better option for us.
Tips
Konbini. Absolute life saver for snacks and drinks on the go. The food quality for a convenience store is higher than most other countries so we had no problem with grabbing a meal from one to help keep within our budget.
Don’t over pack – even though we didn’t get our checked in bags, I still packed light so had plenty of space to bring stuff back. Emirates give you your allowance by weight rather than number of baggage so we could check in additional bags on the way back.
Don’t be scared of hostels. If you don’t want to brave the shared dorms, then most hostels offer private rooms with just the shower and toilet shared. Obviously, it’s cheaper if there are two people sharing a room.
Don’t stress about cash. Most places take debit/credit card and if they don’t, you’re never more than 5 minutes from a konbini ATM.
For us, golden week didn’t seem that big of an issue. No problems booking shinkansen around GW. We spent most of GW in Osaka, as such it was going to be busy anyway so maybe we didn’t see much of a difference from normal numbers in the spring.

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2024.05.14 21:32 Huge_Peak6142 [UK] I dont know where my son is

The situation:
Me and my ex-fiance broke up a month before she gave birth to our child. Initially we agreed that I was going to be at the birth. However, after we broke up, she did not want me there. I came to terms with this and was okay with it as this was her right/choice. We were still in communication during this time (after we broke up), and we were civil, even flirtatious. Leading up to the birth she got paranoid that I was cheating on her or sleeping with other women as my location was not at my house but on the street behind me, i explained to her that iPhone geolocation isn't always accurate, and i even offered to face time her to prove that I am where I am but she did not respond to my requsts. My ex's phone stopped working so i had no contact with her for 1 weeks straight out of concern i called her mother to see if she was okay as they live together, and her mother started slandering me saying that i got her pregnant and now ive left her a month before she was due, the breakup was mutual and agreed on both sides, and for our child we planned on co parenting effectivly.She started calling me a bitch and slandering my religon (islam) and became racist even though her daughter is half white and half indian, she also threatened me with force and threatend the police on me even though i hadnt done anything. I let the abuse slide as i didnt want to winde up any tension or make the sitatuion/breakup worse. My friends advised me to apologise for the hurt the breakup caused which i did.
1 week later, My ex texted me the night before at like 1am she was induced into labour that she was going to be induced and i asked her if she needs anything or wants me there, she said there isnt anything she needs and she said not to come and said it can take days until our son is born. 4 hours after this text she had given birth, but i had not been told this, and i had missed my sons birth. I recieve a text from bitter mother the next day that "he is here now come and see him". I was the last person to be contacted, her friends and family were all notifed immediatley, but they willingly contacted me late knowing that i wanted to be there (not in delivery room but in the hospital). The friends and family all saw my son before me and i knew this because of social media posts. I travelled from birmingham to london imediatly to see our son. When i arrived at the hospital, I was bitter because i was notifed last so i decided not to speak to her family and friends and see my son as the nurses allowed me. Upon picking up my son, My exs grandmother, my sons great grand mother, said "he will not be raised muslim, this is england not india, we dont do that here", her mother then proceedes to say he will eat what his grandmother feeds him, knowing i want my son to be muslim and eat halal food. She says why werent you here earlier, why are you here hours later making out to seem that i was some neglectful father who didnt care, her grand mother then policed me on how to pick up my child, how to hold him and how to change nappies, and threatend to kick me out, the nurse overheard this and said to her that i have a right to be here and i have 24hrs viewing access. then there was silence.
. They kept sayiing you should have been in london already we told you to book an airbnb in london, but i planned on booking it the day she was going into labour as that is when my paternity leave was due to start, i could not afford to pay a 300-400 so i can be there a week early.
I couldnt speak to my ex when I was at the hospital as they were in seperate wards, my son was in a special care unit and she was in her ward. So i spent a few hours with him. After the day had finished, it was too late and she had gone to sleep so i didnt want to disturb her so i went to my the hotel i booked.
I sent my ex a nice text saying thank you for delivering our son .etc and send gifts and flowers. I told her that my friends and family are coming down the next day from birmingham to see him. I walk into the hospital, and my exs mother started swearing at me saying im so horrible for not speaking to my ex after she had just given birth, and kept portaying me to be a cunt, she said that the messages and gifts dont mean anything even though my intentions in my text were me being grateful and thankful for the delivery of our son. She said your family and friends arent allowed to come, they have no right to be here, and said that she is going to get me banned from seeing my son if they come. I didnt believe or take serious what she said so ignored her and went to see my ex who was now with our son. my ex didnt speak to me once even though i tried to speak. A few hours later i went to grab lunch, and my family had already set of at this time. I told my ex that they are coming down to see him, and she said no, they dont have her permission to our son, eventhough no one from her side asked for my permission to vist and take photos. I couldnt believe what she was saying, she said that I couldnt see him at this point. Her mother overheard this, and said they she will ban them from coming but i laughed saying how and why are they doing this? I then get told that they will raise a safeguarding claim so im not allowed in the hospital. after my lunch i call the the head nurse to see if he is okay and if i can come down, and i am told that there is a safe guarding claim, and i cannot see my son, and they cannot dicuss anything about him to me as i am not on the birth certficate/i am not married. Eventhough this safeguarding claim is absolutely fictiuous. My family arrive and i had to turn them away. Since that day (2nd day of son being born), I have not seen him or heard of him. My ex has gone no contact and is not replying to any of my texts even though has read them. Throughout this entire situation my friends advised me to "bite my tongue and keep a level head" and ignore the abuse as it isnt the time or the place to have such discussions.
In navigating this challenging situation, my main concern is ensuring my son's well-being and maintaining a meaningful presence in his life. Despite my efforts to communicate and explore mediation options, my ex-partner's lack of response has added to the complexity of the situation.
Given the circumstances, I'm seriously considering seeking either full custody of my son, shared custody if that is a thing in the UK. I don't have access to the birth certificate but I know that they have no disclosed me on it. I've gathered compelling evidence regarding my ex-partner's living situation and behaviors, including substance abuse and instability within her household. It's clear that my son's best interests are at stake, and I'm committed to providing him with a safe and nurturing environment.
In terms of my own situation, I'm fortunate to have stable housing, financial stability, and flexibility in my schedule due to being a full-time student with part-time work (1 year left until i am a full time teacher, she isnt working and does not plan to and live on social welfare for the foreseeable future). I'm prepared to provide the stability and support that my son needs.
As I weigh my options, I'm considering pursuing shared custody initially, with the possibility of addressing schooling arrangements in court later on. Alternatively, I'm contemplating seeking full custody from the outset, given the concerns about my ex-partner's ability to provide a suitable environment for our son's upbringing. I do not want to take my child away completely from his mother as this is not right/islamic at all, I want us to coparent effectively so our son is raised with both parents. but this no contact thing makes it seem impossible. she has rejected to showing me the birth certificate and refused medations, (the mediator called her)
Ultimately, my chances of winning full custody will depend on various factors, including the strength of the evidence I've gathered and the court's assessment of what is in my son's best interests. Seeking guidance from a legal expert who specialises in family law will be crucial as I navigate this process.
My primary focus remains on ensuring that my son receives the love, care, and stability he deserves, regardless of the legal complexities involved.
Update: I have also contacted the police about the abusive behaviours from the my ex's mother. Id like to also mention that my son has a serious heart defect, and my exs mother is a habitual smoker regularly smoking cannabis and cigarettes, which is not ideal and can worsen his heart. he is due for an operation but I don't know when this is but I know its within the coming months. but I do not want him in a household that will hurt his health due to innapproiate care.

submitted by Huge_Peak6142 to Custody [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 21:21 Huge_Peak6142 Help me please my ex has taken my son and gone no contact

The situation:
Me and my ex-fiance broke up a month before she gave birth to our child. Initially we agreed that I was going to be at the birth. However, after we broke up, she did not want me there. I came to terms with this and was okay with it as this was her right/choice. We were still in communication during this time (after we broke up), and we were civil, even flirtatious. Leading up to the birth she got paranoid that I was cheating on her or sleeping with other women as my location was not at my house but on the street behind me, i explained to her that iPhone geolocation isn't always accurate, and i even offered to face time her to prove that I am where I am but she did not respond to my requsts. My ex's phone stopped working so i had no contact with her for 1 weeks straight out of concern i called her mother to see if she was okay as they live together, and her mother started slandering me saying that i got her pregnant and now ive left her a month before she was due, the breakup was mutual and agreed on both sides, and for our child we planned on co parenting effectivly.She started calling me a bitch and slandering my religon (islam) and became racist even though her daughter is half white and half indian, she also threatened me with force and threatend the police on me even though i hadnt done anything. I let the abuse slide as i didnt want to winde up any tension or make the sitatuion/breakup worse. My friends advised me to apologise for the hurt the breakup caused which i did.
1 week later, My ex texted me the night before at like 1am she was induced into labour that she was going to be induced and i asked her if she needs anything or wants me there, she said there isnt anything she needs and she said not to come and said it can take days until our son is born. 4 hours after this text she had given birth, but i had not been told this, and i had missed my sons birth. I recieve a text from bitter mother the next day that "he is here now come and see him". I was the last person to be contacted, her friends and family were all notifed immediatley, but they willingly contacted me late knowing that i wanted to be there (not in delivery room but in the hospital). The friends and family all saw my son before me and i knew this because of social media posts. I travelled from birmingham to london imediatly to see our son. When i arrived at the hospital, I was bitter because i was notifed last so i decided not to speak to her family and friends and see my son as the nurses allowed me. Upon picking up my son, My exs grandmother, my sons great grand mother, said "he will not be raised muslim, this is england not india, we dont do that here", her mother then proceedes to say he will eat what his grandmother feeds him, knowing i want my son to be muslim and eat halal food. She says why werent you here earlier, why are you here hours later making out to seem that i was some neglectful father who didnt care, her grand mother then policed me on how to pick up my child, how to hold him and how to change nappies, and threatend to kick me out, the nurse overheard this and said to her that i have a right to be here and i have 24hrs viewing access. then there was silence.
. They kept sayiing you should have been in london already we told you to book an airbnb in london, but i planned on booking it the day she was going into labour as that is when my paternity leave was due to start, i could not afford to pay a 300-400 so i can be there a week early.
I couldnt speak to my ex when I was at the hospital as they were in seperate wards, my son was in a special care unit and she was in her ward. So i spent a few hours with him. After the day had finished, it was too late and she had gone to sleep so i didnt want to disturb her so i went to my the hotel i booked.
I sent my ex a nice text saying thank you for delivering our son .etc and send gifts and flowers. I told her that my friends and family are coming down the next day from birmingham to see him. I walk into the hospital, and my exs mother started swearing at me saying im so horrible for not speaking to my ex after she had just given birth, and kept portaying me to be a Horrible personnt, she said that the messages and gifts dont mean anything even though my intentions in my text were me being grateful and thankful for the delivery of our son. She said your family and friends arent allowed to come, they have no right to be here, and said that she is going to get me banned from seeing my son if they come. I didnt believe or take serious what she said so ignored her and went to see my ex who was now with our son. my ex didnt speak to me once even though i tried to speak. A few hours later i went to grab lunch, and my family had already set of at this time. I told my ex that they are coming down to see him, and she said no, they dont have her permission to our son, eventhough no one from her side asked for my permission to vist and take photos. I couldnt believe what she was saying, she said that I couldnt see him at this point. Her mother overheard this, and said they she will ban them from coming but i laughed saying how and why are they doing this? I then get told that they will raise a safeguarding claim so im not allowed in the hospital. after my lunch i call the the head nurse to see if he is okay and if i can come down, and i am told that there is a safe guarding claim, and i cannot see my son, and they cannot dicuss anything about him to me as i am not on the birth certficate/i am not married. Eventhough this safeguarding claim is absolutely fictiuous. My family arrive and i had to turn them away. Since that day (2nd day of son being born), I have not seen him or heard of him. My ex has gone no contact and is not replying to any of my texts even though has read them. Throughout this entire situation my friends advised me to "bite my tongue and keep a level head" and ignore the abuse as it isnt the time or the place to have such discussions.
In navigating this challenging situation, my main concern is ensuring my son's well-being and maintaining a meaningful presence in his life. Despite my efforts to communicate and explore mediation options, my ex-partner's lack of response has added to the complexity of the situation.
Given the circumstances, I'm seriously considering seeking either full custody of my son, shared custody if that is a thing in the UK. I don't have access to the birth certificate but I know that they have no disclosed me on it. I've gathered compelling evidence regarding my ex-partner's living situation and behaviors, including substance abuse and instability within her household. It's clear that my son's best interests are at stake, and I'm committed to providing him with a safe and nurturing environment.
In terms of my own situation, I'm fortunate to have stable housing, financial stability, and flexibility in my schedule due to being a full-time student with part-time work (1 year left until i am a full time teacher, she isnt working and does not plan to and live on social welfare for the foreseeable future). I'm prepared to provide the stability and support that my son needs.
As I weigh my options, I'm considering pursuing shared custody initially, with the possibility of addressing schooling arrangements in court later on. Alternatively, I'm contemplating seeking full custody from the outset, given the concerns about my ex-partner's ability to provide a suitable environment for our son's upbringing. I do not want to take my child away completely from his mother as this is not right/islamic at all, I want us to coparent effectively so our son is raised with both parents. but this no contact thing makes it seem impossible. she has rejected to showing me the birth certificate and refused medations, (the mediator called her)
Ultimately, my chances of winning full custody will depend on various factors, including the strength of the evidence I've gathered and the court's assessment of what is in my son's best interests. Seeking guidance from a legal expert who specialises in family law will be crucial as I navigate this process.
My primary focus remains on ensuring that my son receives the love, care, and stability he deserves, regardless of the legal complexities involved.
Update: I have also contacted the police about the abusive behaviours from the my ex's mother. Id like to also mention that my son has a serious heart defect, and my exs mother is a habitual smoker regularly smoking cannabis and cigarettes, which is not ideal and can worsen his heart. he is due for an operation but I don't know when this is but I know its within the coming months. but I do not want him in a household that will hurt his health due to innapproiate care.

submitted by Huge_Peak6142 to SingleDads [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 21:16 Huge_Peak6142 Im hurting so much, i have no idea where my son is

submitted by Huge_Peak6142 to SingleDads [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 21:14 Huge_Peak6142 Need help with seeing my son/custody

submitted by Huge_Peak6142 to LegalAdviceUK [link] [comments]

2024.05.14 09:37 thatguypratik What’s it gonna take for us as a society to finally care about air quality and climate change on a mass scale?

As an indian residing overseas, I visit india about twice a year and every time after I land, I get either a nasal infection, itchiness or face allergies which are not gone until I go back to my country of residence. Doctors often point out that it is the reaction to the extreme air pollution. I know many people who face similar issues. Living in an indian metropolis is equivalent to smoking multiple cigarettes daily.
— I’m deeply concerned about the lack of widespread action and the unmuted response to the environmental emergencies.

We owe it to our parents who deserve to breathe fresh air in their golden years, to fellow citizens l, and future generations. They should inherit the nation that’s as beautiful and bountiful as its meant to be.
It goes beyond health. Imagine getting unobscured view of the Himalayas and our country being lauded for the beauty and cleanliness and us becoming a leader in promoting a cleaner and pristine natural environment, globally.
In my country of residence , Germany, parties are solely formed on the basis of environmental issues. ( Green party for example) and elections can make or break on the basis of environmental issues.
This also has to do with what we as a society demand from our law and policy makers. Here I observe a huge pressure from the general population to breathe fresh air, get clean water and access to a ton of natural beauty to make living more fulfilling.
We are still way focussed on topics such as communal and religious politics, in an unhealthy proposition.
I am sure many people who have been in other parts of the world also more or less notice it. But it still hasn’t become a mainstream issue. None of the election manifestos emphasise on those topics. I wonder what is it going to take to finally that to happen!

Edit: A lot of people are straight up jumping to developed cvs developing country comparison. My question is, is physics and ecology going to care and wait until your, mine and our loved ones’ bodies have permanent damages? Are the ice glaciers going to wait for the next 50 years until India is developed and the wrongdoing in the past by other countries are balanced before cities like Mumbai are submerged? And other extreme weather conditions? Also why cannot we make our living conditions better if we see an obvious problem instead of jumping into ‘what-aboutism’ ?

submitted by thatguypratik to india [link] [comments]

2024.05.13 17:31 IGG_Center_Ramapo Salem County John Doe (New Jersey, 1979) – Genetic Genealogy Testing after Forty-Five Year Mystery

Salem County John Doe (New Jersey, 1979) – Genetic Genealogy Testing after Forty-Five Year Mystery
Sometime during the winter of 1978 to 1979, along a rural dirt road, a young man was shot in the face and partially buried in the woods in Quinton Township, New Jersey. Though his body was covered with brush and logs, his left arm and left hip remained exposed, waiting to be discovered. Approximately six months after his death, police were called to the scene by a local resident on the afternoon of June 3, 1979. The man’s body underwent an autopsy, and newspapers featured descriptions of his unfortunate demise and deserted belongings. A facial reconstruction was painstakingly created and distributed, but the man’s identity has remained a mystery for nearly 45 years. Researchers and students at the Ramapo College of New Jersey’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy department have begun analysis of the man’s DNA in the hopes of bringing answers.
Sources differ on the level of trauma inflicted on this John Doe. Some papers indicate that he was shot in the left eye with a “small caliber” or “.22 caliber” bullet, while another suggests that his face was “completed obliterated, apparently by a shotgun blast”. Despite the undeniably poor condition of the remains, police determined the man to be between white, 18-22 years of age, approximately 5’8” tall, and 150 pounds prior to his death. He had straight, medium brown hair, that was 4-6 inches long. He had the following clothing and accessories with him:
• White Madewell brand painters’ pants (without bib) • Brief underwear • Dark blue Lee brand jacker (size small), adorned with a 1” gold colored metal letter ‘R’ on the right and a quarter-inch gold colored cross on the left jacket breast pockets • Michelangelo brand heavy knit V-neck sweater, dark blue or black yoke and sleeves with white body and large buttons no • Red plaid Cotton Poppy brand Indian style print shirt • T-shirt (size 34/36S) • Black Pro Ked brand sneakers (size 8) • Yellow metal 17-inch spiral twist chain necklace • Gray metal 14½-inch chain necklace with decorative gray metal horn ornament (possibly an Italian good luck charm) • Pack of Marlboro cigarettes with the words “Meth” and “Weed” written along one side with some artwork, and the words “Joints” and “Pot” written on the other side • A matchbook decorated with a gold Tolz Realty Co. advertisement
Sources: No 1. Unidentified Wiki: Salem County John Doe (1979) ) 2. NamUS: Unidentified Person/NamUS #UP1526 3. June 3, 1979, Press of Atlantic City (New Jersey): “Shotgun Murder is Probed” 4. June 15, 1979: Courier-Post (Camden, New Jersey): “Police request help to identify victim” 5. June 22, 1979, Press of Atlantic City (New Jersey): “ID on Body Of Slain Man Sought” 6. Ramapo College of New Jersey: Cases in Progress

submitted by IGG_Center_Ramapo to gratefuldoe [link] [comments]

2024.05.13 17:29 IGG_Center_Ramapo Salem County John Doe (New Jersey, 1979) – Genetic Genealogy Testing after Forty-Five Year Mystery

submitted by IGG_Center_Ramapo to UnresolvedMysteries [link] [comments]

2024.05.12 11:53 Reclaimer_2324 Sunbelt: LA - Phoenix - Tucson

tldr: You could spend $9 billion, and get 2-hourly service along the corridor, plus 1-2 commuter trains per hour from LA to Coachella or Phoenix to Tucson.
Los Angeles - Coachella - Yuma - Phoenix - Tucson
This is a very fast growing corridor, but rail service does not reflect it at all. This post will mainly consider the intercity benefits of the corridor, but keep in mind we will have huge upside for regional/commuter trains (hourly or better trains travelling up to 2 hours end to end).
25,000 vehicles per day cross the state border on I-10, over 2 million people fly every year from Phoenix to LA with another 200k flying from Tucson to LA. The current Amtrak service is the thrice weekly Sunset Limited, which does the run in around 10.5 hours - much slower than even driving and does not even go directly to Phoenix. We can do a lot better than this.
Rather than going the full-way to high-speed rail with this post let's consider the up to 125 mph diesel-electric higher speed rail like Brightline in Florida.
Why this and not HSR?
Great question, there are a couple reasons: the first is the cost; benefit ratio is close enough to a truly high speed rail. The second is compatibility with longer distance trains.
A fast-ish train (75 mph avg.) might attract 35% of air mode share and 10% of road mode share, vs a truly high speed train (125 mph avg.) that would cost at least 3x as much that might gain a 75% air mode share and a 25% road mode share - you could do more digging and tell me I am wrong this is just a back of the notebook calculation. If you only have $9-10 billion to spend for this corridor, between CA, AZ and Feds, you might prefer the slower but much cheaper option.
If the Sunset Limited were to hypothetically run LA-Mobile daily (the bare minimum), or twice daily (useable for most people), it would need to benefit from upgrades in the LA area for reliability that it might not justify on its own, same thing for speed upgrades, you wouldn't do for a once a day train. But the higher-speeds the Texas Eagle can do from Chicago to St Louis might really help it catch up when delayed. Faster speeds also means less rolling stock is needed to run a given route.
As the Sunset is timetabled currently (45.5 hours avg), it can't reliably run the route daily with just 4 train sets since it takes at least 4 hours to turn a train around which would mean more than 4 sets are needed in a 48 hour period, but if we could cut this down by 3 or 4 hours to 42 or 41 hours and improve reliability the 7 hour gap means that 4 sets would reliably run the route. If we went straight to a high-speed option
There might be 20 million people in the corridor, 12 million in LA, 4.5 million in both Phoenix and Inland Empire, 1 million in Tucson, 300-600k in the Coachella Valley (depending on the season), 100-200k in Yuma AZ (season dependent).
With appropriate track works bringing the service up to 90 or 110 mph for most of the 550 mile corridor, and rebuilding the Wellton branch to 125 mph standards, a fast diesel tilt train might average 73 mph - specifically; 3.75 hours from LA to Yuma, 2 hours from Yuma to Phoenix and 1.75 hours from Phoenix to Tucson. At an average cost to upgrade of $15 million per mile, it would cost $8.25 billion in Track works.
Now what demand would we get?
To calculate the mode share change we might look to other examples on Amtrak and abroad. At NY to Rochester had an 18% mode share with 7 hour journey time, while Philly to Pittsburgh had a 24% mode share on its 7.5 hour journey in 2019. We could average this out to guess a 20% modeshare on flights from Tucson to LA, providing a respectable 100 pax/day. At 5.5 hours from LA to Phoenix we might get a 35% mode share on air traffic, based on similar services in Sweden and Toronto-Montreal, this would give us around 1900 passengers per day. If we could assume a modest 10% mode switch of car journeys of the 25k cars on I-10 it might be another 3,750 pax/day. Already, nearly 6,000 passengers and we haven't considered Yuma-Phoenix/Tucson demand or LA to Coachella. Therefore we can imagine to fill at least 7 trains each way each day. Now one of these trains is likely to be a daily Sunset Limited.
Business passengers are unlikely to switch over to the train unless a few things are provided: 1. Free and reliable wifi to work on the move, 2. comfortable and quiet seats, 3. high-quality food service which would also attract higher paying tourists as well. First class should be outfitted with this, hence a dining car - serving perhaps one full meal and plus a lighter meal or snack at seat.
We should care about having a first-class service for first class passengers, not out of elitism but because by attracting people who will pay a lot (perhaps $250+ compared a likely economy fare of $75-100) Prices not much cheaper than flying, but might be a fair bit cheaper when you factor in airport parking, or an Uber to the airport on either end.
Therefore we might have an 11-car tilt-train in push-pull configuration with a consist of;
Baggage, 5x 80-seat Coaches, 1x 64 seat Accessible Coach, Twin unit Cafe/Kitchen + Dining/First class Lounge, 2x 50 seat Business-class.
The tilting would help with faster speeds through curve, allowing for higher speeds on less aggressively realigned track, the push-pull would help with higher acceleration and turnaround time for the trains.
Eight train sets might be ordered, each costing perhaps $115 million - accounting for a premium over the Amtrak Airo sets. Throw in a maintenance depot at Tucson and it might come to $1 billion.
If you could operate it with costs of $0.14/seat mile, and charge $0.27/mile on average ($0.2/mi for coach and $0.6/mi for business class), it would be profitable with an average load factor of greater than 52% or so, which you could get on this busy route.
Please pick at this example, and I hope it inspires you to think of other 300-550 mile corridors that could do with Brightline Florida esqe service (2-hourly or better, faster than driving, more comfortable than flying). Perhaps Chicago - Toledo - Cleveland - Pittsburgh?
I'll release another post in the future on the 9 to 10.5 hour, 55-65 mph average sweet spot of twice daily overnight/daylight routes - think Toronto to Chicago or New York, DC to Atlanta - where this is useful, and where you might want to run a longer train...
UAC TurboTrain - a fast Tilting Train like this would be useful for the Sunbelt

submitted by Reclaimer_2324 to Amtrak [link] [comments]

2024.05.10 20:57 antishockboulder Where is the Indian reservation to buy cigarettes for cheap?

I heard that you can buy cigarettes for cheap at Indian reservation but I am not able to find the exact address for the same. If anyone knows please share it.

submitted by antishockboulder to Buffalo [link] [comments]

2024.05.10 09:34 Prashant-12345 Was homosexuality permitted in India before the British came

There is no relation between British rule and shunning of homosexuality by the societies in the countries ruled by them.
Homosexuality was never accepted as a normal human behaviour anywhere on earth till late 20th century and was always considered as a mental disease and a perversion by all the communities in the world. Medical science labelled homosexuality as a normal counterpart of heterosexuality only in 1970's. Thereafter, northern Europe was the first to accept it as normal. Denmark was the first country in the world to grant legal recognition to same-sex unions in the form of registered partnerships in 1989. Thereafter Norway, Sweden, Iceland made such partnership laws. The Netherlands was the first country to not only make this law but also call it as marriage law instead of partnership law in 2001.
We blame British for IPC-377 and claim that homosexuality was accepted in India before they made this law ("Same-Sex Love in India" by Ruth Vanita and Saleem Kidwai). But this is completely wrong. IPC was introduced in India in 1860. Before that during the British rule (which started in 1785) and during the Mughal era (1526 onwards), we cannot cite even a single incidence in which two men or two women married together and lived openly in India with the permission of the society. Any such incidence cannot be cited even before that under the Maurya Empire, Gupta Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Maratha Empire etc. Actually, no such incidence is present since Indus Valley Civilization.
So, what the British did? They simply wrote in legal terms what was already the practice in India (and throughout the world). Homosexuality was always completely unacceptable in India and considered as a shameful practice. The British only wrote it in black and white. If today I make a law that no meat shops will be allowed in city areas mainly inhabited by Jains or if I make a law that selling cigarettes to Sikhs will be a punishable offence, will such laws have any meaning?
There is nothing against female homosexuality (lesbianism) in IPC-377. Why? Because in the time of Lord Macaulay (who drafted IPC), the existence of lesbians was not even known. Otherwise, it would also have been prohibited in IPC-377. Do we want to say that the British only wanted to forbid male homosexuality and not female homosexuality? How can there be acceptability of female homosexuality in India when it was not even known?
If gay marriages or even same-sex live-in-relationships were allowed in India before the British came, wouldn't Indians have protested against IPC-377? Indians had violently protested against the British when they banned Sati Pratha in 1829. On the contrary, there was no reaction by Indians against IPC-377 since it was just a written rule on what already prevailed in India.
From 1860 to 2018 when India repealed IPC-377, i.e., in 158 years, it was rarely used in India to punish anybody. And whenever it has been used, it was in a case of rape in which a man had tried to force himself on another man/boy. A few other occasions when it came into force were the cases of intimate activity between two men in a public place. It was never used in any case of consensual physical activity between two men in a private place. Had homosexuality been socially accepted in India, there would have been many cases of violation of IPC-377 and many men would have been punished under it.
Eastern world historically has been having many more social evils than the western. India had, and probably still has, many more social evils than Britain. The British had been trying to abolish Sati, child marriage, female infanticide etc. from India. Under such a scenario, imagining that India did not have a social evil which Britain had, does not make any sense. If that would have been true, why today Britain has full acceptability of homosexuality and has already made Same-sex Civil Partnership Act in 2005 (and SSML in 2013) whereas homosexuality is completely shunned in India and any such law is a far cry for it even after about 20 years of Britain doing so. Do we want to say that they changed our minds by this law in such a way that we became even more rigid against homosexuality than them while they themselves started accepting it? Ridiculous.
Basic human nature and customs cannot be changed just by making a law. Delhi High Court repealed IPC-377 in 2009. Has anything changed since then in last 15 years? Nothing. Today if India makes SSML, how many gay people will come out of their closet and marry? Almost none. Can you form an opinion against heterosexuality by making a law against it?

submitted by Prashant-12345 to gayrights [link] [comments]

2024.05.10 06:49 seashellshell21 Our cigarette tax is 120% lower than WHO recommendation and vapes are about to be banned. Big tobacco lobbying before budget.

Our cigarette tax is 120% lower than WHO recommendation and vapes are about to be banned. Big tobacco lobbying before budget.

https://preview.redd.it/ns8fwfzb1jzc1.png?width=355&format=png&auto=webp&s=68780e227a7ad2f116ad0dc92b28774d06ef7fe1
Surya is basically a monopoly, majority owned by an indian conglomerate. Billions of profit derived from our consumers get remitted out every year. There was a report British American Tobacco lobbied to keep taxes low (not just for domestic nepali market but illegally smuggle cheaper cigs to india). If government bans e-cigs then its another stupid move, reverse will happen, illegal smuggling and possible tax revenue lost. 32 billion worth e-cigs imported last year. Some suspect harmonic code import fraud since 32 billion seems a bit too much. Gold hidden inside vapes etc so illicit activity surely happening but all will channel through black market if banned. The goal of banning vapes wont be achieved, and revenue lost.
Nepal already faces tax revenue shortage, either its need massively cut government spending and impose brutal austerity (remember the swarnim wagle slash military budget fiasco) or increase taxes on specific sectors. The low taxes on tobacco don't just stimulate consumption but also pose future costs to government healthcare budget.

Burden of tobacco in Nepal: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2017
On average, the average amount of money spent per year on cigarettes is around 11% of GDP per capita.⁵ Nepal currently imposes a tobacco tax of just 15.5% of retail price (excluding value-added tax (VAT)) which is the lowest among the South Asian countries and far below the WHO guideline of 70% of the retail price.³⁶ Tobacco taxation increases the retail price of tobacco products and reduces the demand therefore is considered to be the most cost-effective method in tobacco control.³⁷ A 10% increase in the price of tobacco products is expected to reduce the demand by 5%–10% in lower-income and middle-income countries.⁴ Given the high burden of tobacco use in Nepal, an increment of the tax on tobacco products should be given high priority.

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2024.05.10 05:41 divyankasinghaniya Duty Free Retail Market Opportunities: Growth Status & Regional Forecast to 2032

The global duty free retail market size was valued at USD 42.65 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 46.67 billion in 2024 to USD 78.78 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.76% during the forecast period.. The rising demand for alcohol in several economies especially in Asia owing to increasing spending capacity of middle class people, changing consumer habits, and growing international tourist arrivals has elevated the demand for premium duty free liquor worldwide. Strategic developments and innovations in the sector will further propel duty free alcohol sales, thus aiding market expansion. This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights, in its report titled, “Duty Free Retail Market, 2024-2032.”
Get a Free Sample PDF: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/duty-free-retail-market-106652
Top Companies Covered in the Duty Free Retail Market:

China Duty Free Group (China)
Lotte Duty Free (South Korea)
The Shilla Duty Free (South Korea)
Dufry AG (Switzerland)
DFS Group (China)
Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG (Germany)
Shinsegae Duty Free Inc. (South Korea)
The King Power International Group (Thailand)
Lagardère Group (France)
Dubai Duty Free (UAE)

Segments:
Perfumes Segment to Lead Owing to Availability of Variety of Internationally Reputed Brands
As per type, the market is split into perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes, and others. Among these, the perfumes segment captured the largest market share in 2022. Affluent global travelers usually visit retail chains that offer perfumes of internationally reputed brands, including Hugo Boss, Prada, Gucci, Al Haramain Dazzle Intense, Giorgio Armani, Belle, Signature Silver, Signature Rose, and Khulasat Al Oud. They offer several types of perfumes, including Eau De Perfume (EDP), Perfume or De Perfume, Eau De Toilette (EDT), and Eau De Cologne (EDC) in one place, which is contributing to segment growth.
Airports Segment to Capture Significant Share Due to Rising Number of Duty Free Retail Stores
According to sales channel, the market is divided into airports, onboard aircraft, seaports, train stations, and others. Among these, the airports segment dominated the global market in 2022. The growing number of international and domestic airports in several economies is attributed to segment expansion. The increasing number of duty free retail stores across airports worldwide will further drive segment growth in the coming years.
Geographically, the market is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.
Report Coverage:
The report includes:

Drivers, restraints, opportunities and threats influencing market dynamics in the coming years.
List of key market players along with strategic developments undertaken in the past five years.
Market share, growth rate, and valuation projections for each region and segment.
Impact of COVID-19 on the global economy.

Drivers and Restraints:
Rising Number of Airports in Several Countries to Aid Market Expansion
The construction of new airports in several economies and rising investments to expand existing ones will generate many opportunities for market growth. For example, in February 2021, the Airport Authority of India (AAI), an Indian governmental body that operates 125 airports, issued a construction permit worth USD 135.07 million (INR 987 crore) for the first phase of an international airport named ‘Dholera’ in Gujarat. According to Global Aviation Summit 2019, the Civil Aviation Ministry of India aims to have 190-200 operational airports by 2040 under the ‘Indian Aviation Vision 2040’. Mumbai and Delhi will each have three international airports, while the top 31 Indian cities will have two operating airports.
On the other hand, fluctuations in currency exchange rates will hinder market augmentation in the forthcoming years.
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Regional Insights:
Asia Pacific to Capture Significant Share Stoked by Innovative Product Launches
Asia Pacific held majority of the duty free retail market share in 2022 backed by strategic developments in Asian economies, which will facilitate the launch of innovative products in the region. For example, in its master plan dated June 1st, 2020, China’s central government announced various policies aimed at establishing the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP) on the country’s southern coast. The government also announced its plan to make Hainan FTP an internationally renowned free trade port by 2050. This strategic move will elevate the expansion of domestic retail chains that offer a wide variety of retail products in the coming years.
Meanwhile, the Europe market is slated to grow substantially over the forecast period due to rising expenditure on luxury goods by tourists. After the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, airports in European countries have taken measures to attract tourists/passengers to retail stores that are duty free. This, in turn, will boost sales and aid regional market expansion.
The North America market is driven by travel spending in the U.S. and the growing number of tourists. Canada is one of the key contributors to the North America market. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), duty free stores operate in approximately 53 locations across Canada, including land border locations and international airports.
Competitive Landscape:
Launch of New Duty Free Stores by New Entrants and Existing Players to Drive Market Proliferation
Industry leaders are launching new duty free retail stores or investing funds in expanding existing ones to strengthen their position in the global market. For instance, in June 2022, Mumbai Travel Retail Pvt Ltd. ((MTRPL), an Indian private travel retailer, unveiled its new outlet at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India. The new store is a part of the company's Duty Free (TDF) stores covering approximately 2,450 sq ft. These travel retail stores offer a broad spectrum of products, from branded perfumes, travel accessories to imported confectionery. This strategic move opens up new business opportunities for prospective travel retail operators across Indian states, including Kerala and Karnataka.
Key Industry Development:
January 2023: Foreo, a Sweden-based connected beauty brand, launched a new store in Manila, Philippines, in collaboration with Duty Free Philippines. The new store (Luxe Duty Free) contributed to Duty Free Philippines' expansion strategies within the country.
About Us:
Fortune Business Insights™ offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in.
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Email: [sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com](mailto:sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com)

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2024.05.08 21:14 Cats_Parkour_CompEng Artists with flavors from around the globe (world fusion)

Doesn't necessarily have to be prog, or super metal. Basically looking for distinct musical flavors from different cultures around the world fused with western rock/metal/jazz.
Artists on my World Fusion playlist at the moment:

Project Mishram (Indian prog metal fusion)
Shubh Saran (Prog Indian jazz rock, highly recommend)
Clement Belio (prog composer with fusion of tons of stuff)
Shakti (John McLaughlin's of Mahavishnu Orchestra Carnatic Indian jazz fusion band)
Mestis (Javier Reyes of AAL, Spanish influenced metal classical fusion)
Tigran Hamasyan (Armenian folk jazz Djent)
Syncatto (flamenco mixed with modern guitarock/metal)

Heavy preference for instrumental but open to whatever.

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2024.05.06 19:22 hot-Mess-1980 Should I tell my neighbour he is being cheated on ?

My first post, so sorry If there are errors.
So we are not close by any means with my neighbours. We live on the same floor of an apartment building and sometimes talk about weather, work etc.
Husband is Indian, wife from Ukraine, their child propably from hell. Both in their late thirties.
One day last week I was coming home and this lady was passionately kissing a man in front of our building, not trying to even hide it. None of my business I thought, i didn't think she was cheating under their own window. Maybe open relationship..whatever.
Any how. Yesterday evening when coming home the husband of this family was sitting outside on a bench smoking a cigarette and crying. We have no language barrier as we both speak ok english.
He just blurted out that he is sure his wife is cheating and in love with someone else but won't admit to it and he is going insane, and he just sobbed.
My culture is very much like "stay out of peoples business".
But this is killing me, The pain he was in. I have to tell him? Right? But I would have to live with the hate and wrath of this woman If I tell.

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2024.05.06 00:23 newsu1 The Electrifying Birth of Jazz Fusion

In the late 1960s, a musical revolution was brewing. A new generation of artists was about to blend the intricate improvisation and spontaneity of jazz with the groovy rhythms and electrifying sound of rock. The result? Jazz Fusion - a boundary-shattering genre that forever changed the musical landscape.
The pioneers were a fearless vanguard - Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, and more. Pushing against the constraints of traditional jazz, they infused their compositions with elements of funk, R&B, Indian and Latin rhythms, and even avant-garde experimentation. Their "fusion" erased barriers between styles and ushered in a new era of musical creativity.
Davis' groundbreaking albums "In A Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew" are widely considered the catalysts, melding his modal jazz genius with psychedelic rock and exotic influences. The listener was transported to uncharted realms of sound - wah-wah pedals wailed, electric instruments scorched, and textures shapeshifted in hypnotic metamorphosis.

The Fusion Revolution Takes Hold

In jazz fusion's earliest days, the sounds were raw, gritty, almost confrontational in their intense experimentalism. But as the 1970s dawned, fusion's sonic alchemists like Weather Report, Return to Forever, and Mahavishnu Orchestra unlocked a new level of sophistication.
Their dizzying compositions fused labyrinthine melodies and extended improvisation with intricate latin and Indian polyrhythms. Virtuosic players like McLaughlin and Al Di Meola unleashed blistering solos that blurred the line between precision and wild abandon. Jazz fusion's soundscapes became lush and vivid - equal parts cerebral thrill and visceral exhilaration.
As the decade progressed, jazz fusion assimilated more and more styles into its eclectic orbit. Artists like Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea embraced synthesizers and electronic textures. Pat Metheny and John Scofield infused the genre with boundary-pushing experimentation. All the while, fusion retained its core adventurousness - each new album was an aural expedition into uncharted territory.

Fusion's Diffusion and Continual Evolution

While jazz purists protested the "adulteration" of their beloved art form, for open-minded listeners, fusion's ecstatic blend of visceral groove and cerebral complexity was a revelation. Its impact soon diffused into various subgenres and even the pop mainstream.
Smooth jazz, funk fusion, acid jazz, and more formed their own stylistic offshoots, expanding fusion's universe while making it more widely accessible. Artists like Al Jarreau, Lee Ritenour, and David Benoit became radio stars. Meanwhile, jam bands like the Dixie Dregs maintained fusion's exploratory verve on the fringes.
Today, jazz fusion's intrepid spirit burns brighter than ever, inspiring new generations of artists to demolish boundaries. Groups like Snarky Puppy, Beats Antique, and Butcher Brown are reinventing the genre with revolutionary infusions of hip-hop, EDM, world music, and more. In their hands, jazz fusion remains what it always was - an electrifying vessel for creative expression without limits.
At its core, jazz fusion is more than just a genre - it's a worldview. An unwavering belief that by transcending stylistic constraints, true musical enlightenment awaits. It's a perpetual frontier of experimentation and groove. Buckle up and prepare for liftoff - the jazz fusion odyssey never ends.
(An overview of)

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2024.05.05 14:18 byacolate Note-Free House Reviews... Mostly! BPAL Edition

Howdy, howdy! I've posted a few times before with long yapping reviews; the format below is slightly more streamlined than what I've posted previously, because some perfume houses don't always feel like they need the whole kit and caboodle, for a multitude of reasons. The point is still to review these perfumes with a note-free first impression, so as to not muddy the waters of my opinion with notes.
The format:
Noteless Impression: A description of the scent after being applied to skin, before knowing any notes. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: Listing and cross-referencing the notes, as provided by the shop, with my observations. Projection Strength: How strong and broad the scent bubble is on a scale of 1-10. Final Verdict: How much I like it on a scale of 1-10, and why.
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab
13 (Though I first tried this several months before writing this review and looked at the notes back then, I forgot literally all but one, so this review is almost entirely blind. Thanks, memory!) Noteless Impression: I know I'm in good company when I say that intrigue begets adoration. At first whiff, I wouldn't say 13 is exactly pleasant, but it does pique the curiosity - and that only deepens during the drydown. Close to the skin, this smells like cinnamon, incense, and DARK chocolate. When I get whiffs of it through the air it's more of the impression of a dark autumn evening. Howling wind. Something scratching at the door. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: "Smoky cacao, with thirteen jubilant, uplifting companions: white carnation, pimento, whiskey, Madagascar vanilla cream, sugar cane, almond, coffee bean, perigord truffle, tea leaf, nutmeg, cardamom, orris butter, and coconut." Smoky cacao YES, coffee been YES, nutmeg YES, whiskey YES, and the rest just sort of swirl behind phantomlike in the background. I can't say I pick any notes out in particular, try as I might. I can't believe there's no incense note, because at a distance, it just smells like high quality handmade incense. Projection Strength: 8/10; with some of these notes, you really would think it'd be louder, but it's at least somewhat formidable! Final Verdict: 9/10... but not because I think it's the best scent ever. She just gets the brain going! This was the scent that turned me around on chocolate perfumes. I talk about it literally any chance I get. And honestly, I should say it has made me a bit softer on boozy scents too, because that whiskey note is so fire. On a baddie, this perfume would be diabolical. She's the witchy aunt who plays it fast and loose with hexes. She's the werewolf in the darkest corner of the bar. She's a kiss on the cheek that leaves a mark. 13 is that bitch.
Aperotos Eros Noteless Impression: Oooh, bright candied oranges at the top! This is bringing to mind Sorcellerie's "I Think About You, Too" in a big way, but then that brightness and complexity settles into something more akin to the docile nature of Death & Floral's "Color Me Blood Orange". It's like the perfume version of watching a wide-eyed young person with big dreams learn about taxes. I like it even more after that melancholy phase when it gets herby and medicinal. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: “Unloving love: benzoin, Indian musk, massoia bark, myrrh, ambrette seed, galbanum, bergamot, and fir.” Oh, interesting! I want to attribute like, the majority of this scent to the bergamot and fir, but that's mostly because I have no idea what most of the other notes are meant to smell like. I'm typically a huge fan of myrrh, but I can't really pick it out of this one. Projection Strength: 5/10 Final Verdict: Once she's gone through all the stages of life and grief, she gets hot in the way your family dentist is hot. You get it. 5/10
Baku Noteless Impression: I really like this, and a particular note is at the forefront that I can't quite place, but is extremely common in lotion and hair products; think something like "verbena" or "lavender" (though not necessarily either of those). I smell this, and I know that if I go digging far enough in my shower, I'll find that same note on the front of a bottle. In the deepest drydown when it was almost all faded, it maintained this lovely perfume-y scent on my wrist that was very mature and pleasant. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: None. That's fun! Projection Strength: 3/10. After two hours, 'tis but a pleasant memory. Final Verdict: 6/10. I did like this quite a bit, but I'm not really looking for shampoo as perfume, and this one is giving Herbal Essence.
Bliss Noteless Impression: So, I first tried this on a few months ago, and I was so delighted by how chocolatey it was, even though chocolate isn't usually my thing. Just yummy marshmallowy hot cocoa-smelling, really rich and lactonic and perfect for winter. Since then, I've been spending a lot of time with an infant, and trying Bliss on now, after all that baby time... well, she smells like a big ol' fat chocolate baby. It turns less so over time, and more cocoa-pebbles-y, but that first hit was a shocker. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: "A shot of pure, self-indulgent euphoria! A scent that is very, very wicked in its own way: the serotonin-slathered scent of pure milk chocolate." Whatever that milk chocolate note is, is very marshmallow-y. At first super rich, and then over time more of a cute young breakfast cereal milky chocolate. Projection Strength: 8/10 Final Verdict: 7/10; this is such a treat in a very real sense, just totally pleasant and delightful, but I don't think I could ever get over the baby-lactonic quality and FS her.
Dead Leaves and Cinnamon Buns Noteless Impression: There's a lovely deep red fruity smell and cinnamon, and it's all really intense. This smells like sitting in a room on a rainy autumn day with a season-appropriate Yankee Candle burning. There's a hyper specific product this brings to mind, and I'm trying desperately to place it; my brain places it over a decade ago, like a product used pretty often, but it won't leave the tip of my tongue. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: I tried searching for the notes, but they remain elusive! Projection Strength: 7/10 Final Verdict: 5/10. While I do technically like this one, it's just so... reed diffuser oil. I don't want it as a perfume.
Desire Noteless Impression: At first blush, plastic-herby with some kid medicine fake fruitiness. But after a little while, it turns into something that smells very intentionally "vintage". The drydown is very nice if you like old-timey powdery floral goodness, and I do! However, there's something else lurking underneath that's kinda funky which, if you're sniffing right against it, smells like your grandma in her youth slapping some baby powder over her sweaty armpit. BO and baby powder isn't exactly my thing, but it's so realistic that I can't help but appreciate it. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: "The overwhelming agony of passion crystallized into a singularly dark and magnetic blend: bittersweet neroli, black patchouli and black musk, gilded by apple, bergamot, blood red rose, teak, and vanilla." That's a lot of fun notes to crack! Among them I can pick out musks, though they aren't nearly as dark and sexy to my nose as this description says, definitely the apple, and the rose. Maybe the sexy sexy sex part is the BO undertone. Projection Strength: 4/10. It's such a soft, gentle scent that you could mistake a whiff of it for just about any creamy body product. Final Verdict: 4/10. This is the first time in a while I've had the opportunity to smell a perfume with an intentional powdery vibe, so that bumps my rating up a little. It's not precisely my style, but I think it would definitely suit a sapphic femme for date night with her lady, or right before bed.
Dove’s Heart Noteless Impression: It's giving "vintage perfume made by someone who has never seen the outside of a metaphysical shop". I really like this! It smells incense-y and mature, like an older woman is embracing me and then I'm becoming her. The closest I can get to describing the scent itself is like... incense soap. I want to bathe in it. I want to put this on my loved ones so I can smell them wearing it and hold them tight. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: This is discontinued from their Bewitching Brews: Conjure Bag collection, and the only information I can find from BPAL is: "A gentle, healing love blend, often used to help mend a broken heart. Brings peace of mind, soothes the sting of loss, and aids in finding closure." It definitely makes me feel soft-hearted and affectionate, so that's amazing. Very well done. I don't know that I would want this to be a bitterweet sort of scent memory, because it genuinely makes me feel super happy and content. Projection Strength: 8/10 Final Verdict: 8/10. I was genuinely so enchanted by this one, and it's a shame that it's discontinued. I don't know if I would have purchased a FS, just because the DNA isn't exactly unique, but if someone had the opportunity to get their hands on a sample of this, I would 100% recommend it.
Half-Elf Noteless Impression: My childhood friend had a relatively famous painter stepfather and a hippie mother who, despite their own fringe identities, were outrageously bigoted, to the point where my friend was terrified to even hint at an LGBT subject, an identity we shared, in the lowest whispers, even behind closed doors. Anyway, this smells like their house. I honestly just get dank patchouli and old cigarettes. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: “White sandalwood, beeswax, white tea leaf, oud, and a hint of sophisticated urban musk.” I'm shocked that there's no patchouli in this, because that's almost all I smell, aside from the aforementioned pinch of ol' ciggy. Projection Strength: 2/10, but thank Christ for it. Final Verdict: 1/10; even without the negative scent association, "van life chainsmoker who rejects the harsh chemicals in deodorant and swears instead by the power of all-purpose patchouli oil" isn't my personal schtick.
Halfling Noteless Impression: This is EXACTLY what I would want from a halfling-inspired perfume! Gorgeous gourmand right in your face! This is warm and bready, rich desserty vanilla. This is a happy happy scent, almost buttery without necessarily smelling like butter... although now that I'm thinking of it, it's hard not to think I'm smelling butter. Rich. Decadent. Joyful. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: “Porridge, kukui nuts, and pastry crumbs.” If this is porridge, I've been doing porridge all wrong. I didn't realize that porridge was meant to be a religious experience. Projection Strength: 8/10 Final Verdict: 9/10. I've begun to realize that a full ten for me is "I'm going to full size/buy a backup of this, I simply can't live without it." And when I asked myself if I needed a full size of this one, I wasn't convinced. It is one of my top favorites among what I've tried of BPAL, and an amazing gourmand; I truly love this one, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a comforting, joyful scent in their collection.
Incubus Noteless Impression: This bad boy is extremely subtle, like the incubus himself is still lurking in another realm. "Herb candy" is the first thing that comes to mind as I'm whiffing, and then "bubblegum fruit". After a few minutes, she's almost completely gone, leaving the faint scent of grandma's nice hand cream, or the dust you find on a candy wrapper. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: "Spectral white musk and the heart-stopping chill of sheared mint, fanned by caramel-touched body heat, and the diabolical sensuality of black musk, nicotiana, and sage." That mint is the only thing that really sticks around, and its lingering is so sweet. The musks - sure! What little scent is left behind certainly is a lovely skin-type essence. Projection Strength: 1/10, on a scale where 0/10 is totally anosomatic. Final Verdict: The thing is, I'm obsessed with what little of this I can smell. I keep huffing away at my wrist because it's so beautiful. A gorgeous, a dreamy calming minty clean cream vibe. I wish to god I could still smell it thirty minutes later. If it had any power at all, I think this would be a nine, but as it stands, 5/10.
Nocturne Noteless Impression: Right at application, this smelled so similar to Andromeda's Curse's Ouija, a little cousinly. I'm doing my best to not allow what I know of Ouija to affect my impression of Nocturne. This is so so so nice, floral and incense-y. It's definitely a darker "purple" floral, maybe violet? This is a sapphic seductress for sure, the love, yearning, and devotion of a witch who does not realise that her love is requited. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: “An olfactory serenede. A somber, contemplative scent — dreamy and subdued. Deepest violet touched with lilac and tuberose.” They absolutely nailed it. I'm a little shook. While I can sort of find the lilac and tuberose, I think the dominant scent here is violet. It's the one I get a whiff of the most when just going about my business. Projection Strength: 7/10 Final Verdict: 9/10. I would consider full-sizing this one, but if I had to choose to FS either Nocturne or AC's Ouija, I'm not entirely sure I'd choose Nocturne.
Oberon Noteless Impression: At the initial application, this was wholly unpleasant; I wondered if the oil had gone bad. Fortunately, the dry down came pretty quickly, and this transformed into something very fresh and clean! I'm getting generic but cozy dryer sheets from this, or any kid shampoo called something like "Sudsy Bubbles". It's gotta be floral too, but again in a supermarket laundry product sort of way. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: “Orchid, white musk, and bergamot wafting over juniper berries, with a gentle touch of soft, earthy patchouli.” Huh! I don't typically think of orchids when I'm hit with "generic floral scent", but in the deep deep drydown after a few hours, I can maybe get that earthy patchouli. I'm glad it stayed far, far in the background. Projection Strength: 5/10. This projected modestly but decently, and it lasted around three hours. Final Verdict: 6/10. It's nice, but the fanciful name doesn't particularly save it from its generic vibes.
Port-au-Prince Noteless Impression: Oh my gosh. At first I got one of the prettiest cherries I've ever smelled; it faded pretty quickly, as cherry (if indeed it was cherry) is wont to do, but in its place is this unbelievably photorealistic cinnamon. Like, it smells like taking a huge whiff of a cinnamon stick. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: “Dark, decadent and incomparably exotic: the rich scent of buttered rum flavored with almond, bay, clove and sassafras.” Well, what the hell do I know about cinnamon! She's clove, baby! I can get the buttered rum vibe now that I know it's there, a smooth undercurrent, and the almond note is probably to credit for that gorgeous cherry in the beginning. Projection Strength: 4/10. I'm sad this isn't stronger now that I see the notes; unless your skin chemistry amps up and projects any of these notes like crazy, it's unfortunately quite faint. Final Verdict: 9/10. This would have been a ten if only it was stronger and longer-lasting, because I'm truly in love with it.
Prototype MMHXI Noteless Impression: The first hit of this is so potent and incensey, but sniffing deeper it smells like brown sugar and old timey soda. Like the perfect cusp between summer and autumn. Sipping sarsaparilla in a metaphysical shop. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: I couldn't find any notes for this bad boy, try as I might! Projection Strength: 4/10 - it's a STRONG scent, but does not project from my skin particularly well. Final Verdict: 7/10. I really like this! It's super interesting, and the rating would definitely be higher if I could smell it better. This perfume smells like how I imagine the home that every late 90s-early 2000s kids' networks Halloween specials' witch grandma lived in. Don't pick apart that Frankensteinian grammar, I've already tried.
Pumpkin Patch Noteless Impression: This one is so so faint, even after a generous application. The more I sniff, the more it smells like clean laundry With A Twist. Like an empty pack of dryer sheets. Two Roads Converged in the Notes: None notes with left beef. Projection Strength: 1/10 Final Verdict: 3/10
Wilde Noteless Impression: On first opening, I desperately want to say this is lavender, the super herby kind, and my god this thing just blooms into an intense pet shampoo smell. It smells like walking directly into a fully packed pet salon. It's lovely! I had my husband smell this without telling him my impression, and he said it smells like "an air freshener, or the Trader Joe's laundry detergent". We use their lavender detergent, so that makes sense. If I convince myself to get back into perfumeland with this one, there's something classically masc underneath, almost like aftershave? Two Roads Converged in the Notes: “A sophisticated traditional gentleman’s cologne, with just the slightest taint of patchouli’s passion, tonka bean’s decadence, the philanthropy of bergamot, moss’ cynicism, the sharp wit of lavender, and the hopeless romantic longing of jasmine and thyme.” Heavy on the cologne and lavender, and I can definitely see how other herbs are thrown in there for good measure! Projection Strength: 5/10 Final Verdict: 6/10. I do like it quite a bit, but I'm not sure if Doggie Spa is my personal vibe. Mad funny that she had taint in the description.
House Review: I can see why BPAL is the powerhouse of the cell. Now that all the reviews are done, it's fun to see what kept coming up for me - regular incense vibes, and what unfortunately feels like a comparable number of more generic product scents. There were enough winners for me to want to keep trying more, and hopefully one day find my holy grail that I want to fullsize. If I had to pick one of the perfumes I've reviewed above to FS, I think it'd have to be 13. I'd keep her to wear during DnD night where I'm wooing a werewolf in Curse of Strahd, and nothing could get me into character faster. This hypothetical is starting to feel more like an inevitability.
Let me know if you've tried any of these, and what your experiences were like!

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