...Completely Random

Hmm...

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:13:58 GMT

I wonder why people never just post short, random things on LJ like you might on Twitter or Tumblr or Facebook. Or... maybe they do?

Anyway. Anybody wondering what's been going on with me lately? No?

Oh well, I'll tell you anyway.

I'm sick with a cold. For like, the fourth or fifth day now, I think. I can't remember for sure. I hope to get better soon... but I'm not doing much to speed it along. :\

I've been working on hearts_and_guts stuff. I mean, duh. If you know me at all, you probably already know that. For anyone who cares: the submissions we've received so far have been pretty stellar, and I honestly think that everyone's gonna love their gifts. That being said... I'm up to my elbows in pinch-hitters and dropped assignments right now. I wish I knew how to do this faster.

I met a cute, very charming guy on New Year's Eve, who gave me a ride home from the subway. I know, I know... don't take rides from strangers in the middle of the night... but I did, and I haven't been axe-murdered. Don't worry, I'm not going to make a habit of it; and no one else should, either. Anyway... as I was saying, met a cute guy. Seemed like he was flirting, and he asked me to go get a drink after, but it was late, so instead I gave him my number (like a genius, did not think to ask for his). Long story short, he hasn't called. Maybe I imagined the whole flirting thing; or maybe he was only interested in a quick hook-up, so since that didn't happen, he was never planning to follow up. I dunno. Who knows, maybe I'm better off. Still sucks, though.

And this is getting a lot ramblier than I thought it would. Moving on...

I've read some very good fic in the last day or two. Fic I should probably rec — but I'm too lazy to go looking for links right now. If you want recs, I guess, then just ask me. Or I may post them later. (They're all Metalocalypse, I'm afraid; sorry non-MTL fans.)

Speaking or recs, I've somehow managed to convince my friend Sheila to check out Men of a Certain Age, which I must say is a proud moment for me. I love getting people into things; but more than that, I really think this is a show that she specifically would enjoy. I don't know how many more of you might like it or not, but I would certainly recommend checking it out, if you have the time.

On a related note: thanks to tiktaalikroseae, my interest in Supernatural has been mildly resparked. Mildly. No, no... I really do want to watch it again some day, and see all that new stuff that's going on, because it does sound good. But it would take a lot more time and effort than I've got right now. Oh, for a good friend with Netflix.

Okay, random update over. Anybody out there got anything to say? ask? shout at me? I dunno, I'm bored. But busy. I crave human interaction, yet, like a true hypocrite, I can't promise I'll respond right away. Or, ever. No, that's a stretch... I do make an effort to respond to comments eventually, I swear. Regardless, do talk to me if you're so inclined.

Enough stream of consciousness... back to work.

I had a clever title for this post... BUT I EATED IT.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:24:33 GMT

So, like the flake that I usually am, I completely forgot to pimp this in my own lj. But! Here goes, you guys:

One last day left to sign up for hearts_and_guts!

Yup, there's still time... but sign-ups close tomorrow at midnight. Now I KNOW there's at least one or two of you dudes on my f'list who'd love to participate. Here's your chance, guys. It's gonna be a heck of a lot of fun; so, go sign up while you still can!

</shameless pimping>

Back to Dethklok masterlist delay

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:35:40 GMT

If anybody's paying attention, you might have noticed that the Back to Klok masterlist of fic and art was scheduled to go up over a week ago, and that sort of never happened. I apologize. The truth is, time got away from me and I ended up pretty behind on BTK stuff toward the end, and now it's time for the new round of hearts_and_guts.

Unfortunately, what this means is that I'm going to have to put Back to Klok on the backburner for a bit, and focus on time-sensitive H&G stuff. I'm sure nobody is waiting for this masterlist with bated breath or anything, so it shouldn't be too big of a deal... still, I'm sorry for the inconvenience, and for not being able to stick to my word on this one. All I can tell you is: life happens. But please know that I will still get it up, as soon as I'm able.

Those who still have outstanding Back to Klok claims, do feel free to look at this as an extra chance to get your stuff in and have it be included on the masterlist. ;)

...In the mean time, I hope you guys will all join JediPirate and me for Round III of Hearts and Guts! \o/

I should stop overthinking things. And yet...

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:14:28 GMT

Okay, I feel kind of sad and pathetic about this, but here it is: Back to Klok still has a lot more prompts to be claimed... and there are a few specific people I would really like to make aware of this ficathon, in hopes that they may consider participating.

The thing is, most of them I either don't know or barely know. So I have no greater advantage over anyone else. Now me, while I am quite shy IRL, I have no problem talking to someone I've barely met online as long as I have an excuse (e.g. finding out whether they'd like to participate in something). Why I haven't done this yet is simply that I haven't had time. So I am going to do the desperate thing and beg you guys for your help.

If anyone would like to BE MY HERO and lend a hand getting the word out, please comment here and I'll tell you who all I'd like to nudge about this thing. I'm not going to offer bribes, because that would be a little too pitiful... but just know that you will WIN MY ETERNAL GRATITUDE.

The End.

Heads up, guys...

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:53:59 GMT

For anyone paying attention:

Back to Klok is now open for prompt claiming! \o/

You can go HERE to check out the prompts, or over HERE to snag a keyword instead (for those who'd rather write/draw their own idea). If you don't know what Back to Klok is yet, all the info is over yonder.

And I could still use your help spreading the word! In fact, anyone who is cool enough to post a BTK banner in their own journal (or a relevant community) and encourage others to come claim something will OFFICIALLY WIN THE INTERNET. Yup.

Yo, where ma' peeps at?

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:10:33 GMT

Okay, I know there are Metalocalypse people on my f'list. C'mon, dudes, lend a hand...

Help me pimp this!

I even made new banners, but nobody's using them. So far, the_ginga is the only person (that I know of) who's bothered to post a link in her lj. You guys are making me have a sad face. :(

What's this? Why, it's a Metalocalypse ficathon!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:55:47 GMT

Guys, first of all... I am not dead, despite evidence to the contrary. And to prove it, I've got something here for all you MTL folks — a ficathon! As for the rest of my f'list: I'll have something for you guys, soon, too. I promise.

Has the end of summer got you down?
Well, there's one thing to look forward to: new Metalocalypse!
So don't despair, come and celebrate the return of Season 3. It's...
The Back to ~~School~~ Dethklok
Mini Rareathon

information | ~~submit a prompt~~ | claim a prompt

Seen the flashy banners? Wondering what this thing is all about?
Well, here's the skinny...

What is it?
It's a ficathon. A fic and art fest, where traditionally people submit prompts, then other people claim them (like a kink meme, but a little more formal). And at the end a masterlist will go up, to preserve the results for future generations to enjoy.

But this fest has a twist: it's a rareathon! That means it's all about rarepairs; so if you've never tried writing/drawing one before, here's your chance. ;)

What's the occasion?
To ring in the return of new episodes, of course! Hence the name: The Back to Dethklok Mini Rareathon (or "Back to Klok" for short). But truth be told, I've wanted to do a rarepair ficathon for a long time... this just proved the perfect excuse.

Why call it a "mini" ficathon?
Because you only get about a month to write and draw your submissions; that way, the masterlist can go up on ~~September 27th, the day after~~ October 4th, the week after new episodes premiere. Sorry folks, but them's the breaks. If I ever do this again, I'll try to give you more time.

And what the heck is a rarepair, anyway?
A pairing that's rare, duh. For the purposes of this fest, a rarepair is anything other than:

Toki/Skwisgaar
Nathan/Toki
Nathan/Toki/Skwisgaar
Charles/Pickles
Charles/Nathan
Nathan/Pickles
Charles/Nathan/Pickles
Pickles/Tony

Everything else is fair game (including canon pairings like Nathan/Rebecca), as long as you use characters from the show. I have nothing against OCs... but OC pairings are not what this particular fest is all about, sorry.

Do you just hate popular pairings?
Not at all! In fact, Toki/Skwisgaar and Charles/Pickles are two of my OTPs. But I believe that rarepairs are just as deserving of being recognized and celebrated — and that's what this fest is all about.

So, I'm not allowed to use ANY of the above pairings, or pairings with OCs?
You can still have them as side pairings, or as part of a threesome/moresome. Just don't let them steal focus.

What will you do if I break the rules? Or if I sign up but never submit anything?
Nothing. This isn't a formal gift exchange, so I'm not going make you edit your submission if it doesn't meet the requirements, or chase you down if you're a no-show. I'm just providing the idea for this thing, but the rest is up to you guys.

If you completely ignore the rules, though, then your submission probably won't appear on the masterlist. That's only fair.

Okay, this sounds fun. How do I play?
You can either submit a prompt, or claim one... or both! Here's how:

Step 1: If you have an awesome idea for a rarepair fic or fanart, go HERE and submit it as a prompt (ETA: prompt submissions are now closed). You can submit a prompt even if you don't plan on claiming one — in fact, I highly encourage it! The more prompts, the better. 8D

Step 2: If you'd like to write or draw something for this fest, go HERE to check out the prompts and claim one. You may only claim one prompt at a time; but once you're done, (if there are any more prompts left) feel free to claim another.

Step 3: When you finish, simply post your fic or art anywhere you want, then come back to the claim post and comment with a link to your submission. Please don't forget! Doing this is the only way to ensure your fic or art is included in the masterlist.

But why can't I just use my own idea?
You can. I do hope you'll check out the prompts first; but if you don't find one you like, or if we simply run out of them, then you can go HERE and choose from a list of keywords instead. That way the plot and pairing are up to you.

When are submissions due?
Feel free to post your work as soon as you're finished. But if you want it included on the BTK Epic Masterlist of Awesome, try to have it posted by Monday, ~~September 27th~~ October 4th, because that's when said masterlist is going up. Think of it as a challenge; getting it done in under a month is part of the fun!

What if I'm late?
Things happen, and you might not be able to finish in time... that's understandable. If you're late, you can (and should!) still link me to your submission, and I will add it to the masterlist. WIPs (e.g. part 1 of a multi-part fic) are okay, too.

Are there any requirements or restrictions?
Not really. Any rating, any genre, any kink you might want... it's all welcome! Pretty much the only requirements are: a) that it features a rarepair, and b) if you claim a prompt, try to follow it. Obviously.

Of course, it's recommended that you use a beta reader for fic. But it's your call.

What about minimums?
Fic should be at least 500 words, and art should be more than a quick doodle; beyond that, it's all good. And of course, if you don't quite make it to 500, don't worry. No one's gonna come after you with a nail bat.

Do I have to have a title?
You don't have to, but keep in mind that if you don't, you fic or art will be listed as "Untitled" on the masterlist.

Do I have to link back here when I post my Back to Klok submission?
Please do. That way more people can participate — and later, your readers can find the masterlist and check out everyone else's submissions as well. If you don't know how to link back, or if you're just lazy, you can copy one of the following codes:

Written for Back to Klok.

Drawn for Back to Klok.

Written for the Back to Dethklok Mini Rareathon.

Drawn for the Back to Dethklok Mini Rareathon.

I want to help spread the joy of Back to Klok! What can I do?
You can tell all your friends and neighbors to haul ass down here and claim some prompts! Try doing it with one of these spiffy banners:

I still have questions you haven't answered!
By all means, comment here with any of your questions or concerns, and I'll get right back to you. :)

Hmm. Might as well try here first...

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:00:04 GMT

(Before I start: you may have missed this post, because I made it in the middle of the night. Go me. I am still pathetically hoping that it gets at least one comment...)

Guys, I have a request. I was about to go post it at capslokdethklok (which I might still do), but I figured, why not try asking my f'list? A few more of you are Metalocalypse fans nowadays, so maybe it's not as much of a long shot as it used to be.

First, show of hands:

Who has seen this brilliance yet?

Probably everyone but me, since I tend to live under a rock where fandom is concerned (that's part of the reason I'm reluctant to go posting to Capslok right off the bat — it could prove embarrassing). Anyway, I stumbled upon it via Dethklok.org, while searching on Google for "Dethrecord" screencaps.¹ And my immediate reaction was, of course: OMG WANT!!!11! O_O

Now, I know someone in the vast and mighty Metalocalypse fandom (hur hur) must already own this issue, and be able to provide scans of those glorious covers. AMIRITE, F'LIST? So, what are the chances that this Someone might be one of you kind folks? Because I might literally jump for joy if I could get my hands on those pretty, pretty images.

Of course, I could just buy the issue myself; but with shipping it comes out to $9, and as someone with a low budget, I'm a little reluctant to spend that on a magazine I mostly won't read. *ducks rotten tomatoes from true music fans* Especially if there's a chance to get the part I really want for free. (That's not to say I won't be looking for it at news stands and book stores, if I get the chance. But who knows when said chance may come. In short, I'm not banking on it.)

So it comes down to this: shameless mooching. F'list, help a sister out?

¹ By the way, if you happen to have "Dethrecord" caps, that would also be great. I specifically need the scene where Toki makes his infamous blowjob offer to Skwisgaar.

SWEET BLOWJOBBY METAL!! XD

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:15:05 GMT

It's 4:00 AM, and I am on a Metalocalypse high.

Awesome Thing #1
I just came from the Boston show of the 2009 Dethklok/Mastodon tour. It was my first major concert, and my first metal show. I might've enjoyed it more if the acoustics were better, I admit... but otherwise, it was effin' spectacular! Brendon was AMAZING on stage (I know, big surprise), the music videos were mind-blowing, and? I actually headbanged. Okay, so it's not like that's never happened before — but still.

Awesome Thing #2
Besides getting me a ticket to the show, which was already pretty freaking amazing of her (*glomps liek whoa*), feraltoki gave me a deluxe copy of the Dethalbum II. Oh, and a Dethklok teeshirt... with the horse from "Thunderhorse," my favorite DK song! *ded from glee*

Awesome Thing #3
dethepisode just opened, and we already have 21 watchers and members! (It's mostly thanks to tod_hollykim helping us get the word out, so many thanks and cookies to her for that.) Looks like this thing is gonna take off after all, and hopefully it'll be as fun and awesome as the_ginga and I have hoped it would be. :D

By the way, guys: check out the community layout (namely the header). And let me know what you think. Even if you're not an MTL fan (and I know most of you aren't), I think you'll be able to appreciate it. I'm pretty darn proud of this thing, if I do say so myself. >_>

Awesome Thing #4
Less than two weeks till new Metalocalypse!! ...No, seriously. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

*bounces up and down*

Alright, it's late... so I'm going to wonder off to bed now. I think I'm just tired enough that all this excitement shouldn't keep me from falling asleep. But don't be surprised if I'm still just as buzzed and gleeful tomorrow. :DD

F**K YEAH!

\m/ >_____< \m/

If I had a Twitter, I would post this there instead of here...

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:26:13 GMT

Quick thing I'd like to point out:

This is Toki Wartooth. He has a fu manchu (named after this dude). And not a biker or horseshoe mustache — like, say, what Hulk Hogan has.

To quote Wikipedia: while the latter has "vertical extensions grown down the sides of the mouth to the jawline," "the horseshoe is often confused with the fu manchu, which however is grown long from the upper lip only while the sides remain shaven." In other words, only the top part of Toki's mustache should be attached to his face. The sides of it hang free.

Some fanartists don't seem to get this, and insist on drawing him with a biker 'stache. I really don't know why. O.o

Somehow, this is FeralToki's fault. (Don't ask.)

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:29:45 GMT

I'm bored, and this journal needs content... and yes, I'm still going to reply to all the comments on that HP contemplation post. But for now, you guys get WIP artz.

Comment/critique as you wish.

For those who don't know him, Nathan is that dude down below; but here is a better shot of him. And looking at that, I realize there are still a bunch of things about this picture I need to fix (like the eyebrows). And his hair, of course, is total crap...

And yes, I am aware that it's parted on the wrong side. :\

Trust me, the original was worse. I meant to show it to you guys for comparison, actually — but turns out I saved over it. *facepalm*

Further random...

I do not agree with this:

But this is absolute truth:

Also? You guys. Go do my two truths and a lie thing!

I mean... if you want to. Or don't. But it would be awesome if you did. *bribes with candy*

Also also: I still do not have a Nathan [just Nathan] icon. What gives? O_o

Exciting Things Are Happening

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:25:41 GMT

I'm in a good mood right off the bat today. :D

(Heck, I'm even in the mood to update my journal, without having an immediate need to do so. How rare is that?)

Part of this is thanks to chatting with the_ginga yesterday, which really helped get me out of the funk I was in.* Another part is that I saw one of my icons randomly being used by someone I didn't specifically make it for. And it's unseemly how happy/excited this sort of thing makes me. Enough for one of those lame, corny anime smileys, even: ^________^;

I do wish the person had commented (or if they did comment, that I hadn't missed it); especially because I'm really curious how someone not on my f'list came across an icon I hadn't publically shared yet. But since it is snaggable, and used with credit, it's all good.

Mostly, I'm just hyped to see it getting some use. *bounces*

Oh, and I might even get to go to the Adult Swim party at the Santo Party House in New York, next week. Emphasis on "might," sadly, because I can't go unless I find (a) someone to take the bus or carpool with, or (b) a place to crash in NYC overnight...

But I did just post about this at capslokdethklok, checking to see if anyone from Massachusetts is going. And because I'm in high spirits at the mo', my hopes are up.

&&&&

* That's not to say don't comment on that post. It would still seriously help to talk about this with a few more people.

Shall I call this a crisis of faith? No, that would be melodramatic.

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:32:49 GMT

Metalocalypse people on my f'list... I know there's few of you, but you're there. And I could really use you guys right now.

I'm having major doubts about the community I'm working on, dethepisode — the one I first posted about last summer. I'm just not sure right now whether it's worth the effort, or if anyone will join, or if I'll be interested enough/have the energy to keep it running (especially if I don't find a co-mod).

But since the new season starts this fall — the time to make up my mind is now.

So, I'd really love someone to talk to about all this and hear your thoughts on the matter. Sometimes that really helps, y'know? I guess if you're not an MTL fan, but just a friend who wants to lend an ear or offer some advice, that would be great too. <3

What's the best thing about procrastination? ...I'll tell you tomorrow.

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:33:35 GMT

Check it out! A post that isn't birthday greetings or a rant. Don't ever say I don't come through on my promises. :P

So, this morning (or was it early this afternoon?) I got a brilliant idea on how to find the solution to a problem I've been having with the dethepisode layout. And it worked! I found the issue and fixed it, and now the layout is nearly perfect; just needs a few minor tweaks and a header. With luck, the community will be up and running by mid-July. &&&

(Do feel free to tell me what you think so far.)

Then I spent the rest of the day playing helper fairy to various people who posted questions about the original layout (by gossymer). Because she has this policy about not answering questions on layouts older than a week or two,* but not everyone — including myself, at first — seemed to realize this.

Some of these people had the same problems I had had; others just didn't know that they ought to be looking for help elsewhere. So I thought it might be nice of me to point a couple of them in the right direction. I even offered to help this one person with a certain rather unwieldy free hosting service, which I myself had much aggravation from last week. (I sure hope that one doesn't come back to bite me in the butt.)

I tell you guys all this not to brag, but to say that while randomly helping others is all well and good... what I should have been doing today was working out the details of my hostel stay and booking a flight to San Francisco for Azkatraz.**

*headdesk* And it's nearly July. Way to be another day late on that one. :\

* Hey, I don't blame her. Not every layout maker has time for individual questions (they're already taking a chunk out of their lives just to make the layouts); and there are plenty of communities on LJ where you can get coding help from the experts.

** Which, by the way, still has tickets left for only $130! Anyone wanna go who's not already going?

Cumulative Belated Birthday Post!... (And icons, if anyone's paying attention.)

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:39:16 GMT

Okay, first of all...

Happy Three-Days-After Your Birthday, Gingasan! <3

I'm sorry I don't have anything for you right now... but I would love to make you a late birthday icon, if you want one. Just let me know what you'd like it of. :)

In the mean time, I just wanted to say that I'm really glad to have you as a friend. You're a very bright and positive person, so talking to you (or just seeing a comment from you) always lifts my mood. You're sweet, fun to chat with, and at times utterly adorable... And even though we haven't gotten to know each other well yet, I hope that will change over the coming year. May it be a great one, darling!

I also want to wish a—

Happy [very] Belated Birthday to Fae Touched and ThatBoyDies! <3 <3

Okay, guys, I didn't forget... I swear. What happened, was: I knew one of your birthdays was coming up, but I realized last minute that the other's birthday was on the same day. So I had a gift for one, and not the other; which I thought would be pretty lame, when saying "Happy Birthday" to both of you. So, I figured I should make a second one before I do the birthday post — but RL got in the way, and it took a little longer than I thought. *fail*

Oh well. Anyway, I have birthday icons* for both of you (I trust you can figure out which is which :P). Fae, I didn't know what you might like... so, uh, I just went by your H&G request. If it's not really what you wanted, let me know and I'll do something else.

Variations:

To that, I just wanna add that both you guys as friends really mean a lot to me. You're both funny — in your own very different ways, — both great to talk to, and have each done plenty to keep me sane and make me happy when I needed cheering up. I'm glad for the things we have in common, but also enjoy our differences; and have generally had a lot of fun knowing both of you so far. Perhaps, hopefully, we'll all get to be even better friends in the coming year!

So... I am sorry that I suck and didn't manage this on your actual birthdays. *hides* (I'll try to correct that mistake next year, I promise.)

But! Pretty late, but just as great — right? No? Maybe... Okay, fine; I just wanted to say that because it rhymes. :P

* For those [other than the birthday boy and girl] who might be interested: all icons in this post are sharable. Please comment if taking!

GBP and an Icon

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:17:41 GMT

Happy birthday, Twilight Speaks! <3

Boy, there are a lot of these in March, aren't there? lol. I guess it must be all those reproductive spring vibes, making people have babies...

Anyway, I just want you to know that I'm really, really glad we've gotten to know each other. Your friendship has come to mean a lot to these last couple of months, and you and I both know you've really kept my spirits up and helped me through some stuff I might not've been able to handle on my own. Doing that for someone you're only just getting to know is pretty amazing... so, I guess what I'm saying is: thanks for being such an awesome person! I'm lucky to have someone like you in my fandom, and even more so to count you as a friend. <33

Also, I made you something. Last week actually; but I thought I'd hold on to it till your actual birthday...

I really hope you like, darling!
(But if you don't, that's okay. I'll just use it myself. :P)

If anyone else wants it, well... I guess that's gonna be up to Twilight, whether or not it's sharable. I certainly don't mind (as long as you comment and credit). Or if you just feel like telling me it's pretty, that's cool too. XD

/douchebag mode

Random moody fandom thoughts, feel free to ignore...

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:55:21 GMT

I dunno. You ever get that feeling, when you just keep thinking about something, and you need to say it? Even if no one's gonna care, you need to get it out of your head...

For the record: I don't know about anybody else, but I do not think everyone needs to like EVERYTHING, or else you're some closed-minded elitist. And I don't think promoting a pairing you love makes you a bully, either. You're not forcing anyone else to like it; you're just showing that you're proud to be a fan. And that's fine. Heck, that's awesome.

And if you're someone who happens to like just one or maybe two pairings, and you aren't interested in anything else, there's nothing wrong with that. It might make some of your friends sad that they can't share certain things with you... but that's not your fault. You just know what you like, and you'd rather stick to it. Good for you. You shouldn't be judged for it.

All I'm saying is, people who are like that should also not judge others who happen to prefer a little more variety. We all have our different tastes and our different approaches to fandom, and no, not everyone is going to be like you. Or like me. And what is so awful about that? Why can't we admit that all views are legitimate, including those we don't agree with; instead of shouting "Don't judge me!" while we go around judging everyone else?

I've seen phrases like "ship-hopping for kicks" thrown around, and I've seen people being called out for daring to like the same character in more than one pairing... and yes, I take offence. Why? Because I think it's wrong to think that someone is stupid or shallow just because they like something that's popular; and by that same token, it's wrong to treat someone as "misguided" just because they don't like the popular thing. I think it's wrong to call a person closed-minded or an elitist jerk just because they like to stick with their one OTP; and by that same token, it's wrong to assume a person is some kind of flake who "just can't commit" because they happen to enjoy a variety of different pairings.

Believe me, I would be just as outraged to see someone getting picked on for being a hardcore OTPer. I'm not exactly one myself... but that doesn't mean I don't respect that position. It's just that, I haven't seen the hardcore OTPers getting picked on. I'm not saying it isn't happening; I just haven't come across it myself, yet. So, I react to what I see. It's that simple.

I've also heard some people saying things like, "Even if so-and-so is not your OTP, you should come check it out! You might still like it." But then the same people get all up in arms when that policy is turned outwards — when someone who does share their OTP decides to check out another pairing (or, heaven forbid, someone else tries to persuade them to do so). It's that sort of hypocritical behavior that I just don't understand. People should be open-minded, but only toward things that you like? O.o

Most importantly? If you really want to know what I'm against... Let's put it this way: I just don't think we ought to treat shipping like it's warfare, where you have to prove your loyalty all the time. If someone is out there saying your OTP sucks, and you wish to stand up for it, you absolutely should! But there's not need to "defend your pairing to the death" when no one is attacking it. And people shouldn't get treated like some sort of "traitors to the cause" just because they happen to like your OTP and other pairings as well.

You don't have to pretend to like things you don't just to be "politically correct" (that would be stupid). Just don't be a jerk about it. What you like or don't like is your business — and what others like or don't like is their business. They don't have to answer to you any more than you have to answer to them.

It got long and rambly there, so I thought I'd better cut it this time. Still, I can't help but hope someone out there reads it...

If you disagree with me, please feel free to debate the issue; I promise I won't take offence. Just be polite about it, and I'll be sure to be equally polite in return. :)

Happy... That Thing That Was Yesterday!

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:09:54 GMT

So, yesterday was St. Patrick's Day, as you all know. It's that wonderful holiday when it's okay to get piss-drunk and act like a complete idiot — as long as you're wearing something green! Of course, I myself sat at home and didn't get to do anything special... But! I did make some icons.

This is actually my first complete icon set (a full seventeen; just like the date!), and the first time EVER I've made more than two, maybe three icons at a time.* Amazing, no? They were made for twilightspeaks's St. Patrick's Day mini-fest over on IJ. Do check it out; there are lots of other amazing submissions there! <3

[17] Metalocalypse: Pickles the Drummer (St. Pat's themed)

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1. Comment if you're taking, please. It only takes a minute!
2. Credit (see below if you don't know how). Not crediting is like saying you made it.
3. Don't hotlink and/or repost them elsewhere without my permission.
4. Do not claim as your own. Obviously. :P
5. Don't alter; if you need something changed, ask and I'll do it for you. Blank icons are not bases.
6. If you want to use these outside LJ, you MUST ask my permission. (I'll probably say yes.)

Warning: Pickles in his underwear; may be NWS

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004	005	006


007	008	009


010	011	012


013	014


Wristband-Free Alternatives:
015	016	017

Created with angelamaria's Icon Table Generator @ Bauble

Textures by ainodeluca, hgx, piemin, and shirirul0ve @ deviantART
Brushes by hgx and wickedground @ stormfronticons
Pickles screencaps by jedipirate <3

How to credit:

* Okay, there was that one time. But those were crap and it doesn't count.

Just something I wanted to say.

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:25:06 GMT

...To all my fellow Toki/Skwisgaar* shippers out there. I know there are few of you on my f'list — I can count you guys on one hand — but I hope you will pass this sentiment on to your fandom friends and neighbors.

Let's all come together and show that we're mature, intelligent people, and that shipping a popular and [as many of us see it] canon-supported pairing has not turned us into self-righteous douchbags. Let's be strong, and smart. Let's not be threatened by every other pairing under the sun. Let's not scream "BLASPHEMY!" every time we see one of our beloved Scandinavians shipped with someone other than each other.

Let's be people.

As someone I very much respect has said recently, we S/T shippers are solidly in the majority. We're the status quo.** But even if we weren't — it isn't as though other pairings are going to come out and get us. It's fine to like Nathan/Skwisgaar or Toki/Pickles, even when your first love is S/T. Or? It's fine if you don't. There's nothing wrong with liking lots of pairings, and there's nothing wrong with liking just one.

Let's be open-minded toward each other, that's all I'm saying. Let's stand together for fandom unity. Let's show our fellow Dethfans love and respect, no matter who they ship — and we will get the same from them in return. :)

If you love Toki/Skwisgaar* (or like it even a little), and happen to agree with my sentiments, please pass this on!

* Once again, to be clear: when I say "Toki/Skwisgaar," I also mean "Skwisgaar/Toki," or whatever else you want to call it. When it comes to shipping, it's not about who's on top for me.

** And there is nothing wrong with that, either. Disliking something simply because it's popular is hypocritical all in its own right; and we do not have to prove that our favorite pairing is "struggling" or "oppressed" in order to earn the right to like it.

giggle!snort

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:37:30 GMT

So, jedipirate linked me to this over on Twitter... and it was just too priceless not to share:

Here's the original image post, if you're interested.

I think I'd like that inspirational poster hanging in my office. >:D

Anyway, since it's not actual smut, I hope it'll pass as work-safe (though I'm setting the post's warning level to "adult concepts" just in case). But, am I the only one inspired to giggles, here? And... am I the only one reminded or one Skwisgaar Skwigelf? He would eat a hotdog, after all.

I'm also just slightly apprehensive of using my Very Inappropriate "Bale's Dilemma" icon in a post, rather than just a comment. For the first time ever, I might add. But then again... It's not like it's smutty unless you actually read it. :P

Another Little Fic Rant

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:01:34 GMT

Normally, I would whine to JediPirate about this, I suppose... but she's not around right now, and it's kinda bugging me not being able to say anything — so I guess I'll just say it here.

I mean, look. I don't really want to step on anybody's toes and seem like a bitch (or a canon nazi, or any of those other unpleasant things) by blatantly pointing out stuff in fandom that I dislike, when I know some people might disagree with me. But I also don't want to not say anything, just because I'm trying to get everyone to like me (pfft... people would have to actually know who I am first, anyway). Plus? When something is a question of good writing — however subjective that might be — I think it's important that we say these kinds of things, and that hopefully somebody out there hears us.

So, anyway...

Skwisgaar Skwigelf does NOT use the Swedish word "nej" in place of the American "no" when he is speaking English. He has never done this in canon, EVER. And he's said "no" plenty of times.

This whole "nej" thing has become almost a fanon staple, despite being completely contrary to canon; and the more I see it, the more it hurts to read. Please, for the love of Odin, people! Stop making him act out of character.

I'm not even going to get into the fact that, being an immigrant in the US and knowing many other immigrants, I personally know for certain that most foreign people do not typically substitute yes and no in their own language for the words "yes" and "no" when speaking English. I mean, none of us expect Metalocalypse to adhere to reality in every way. But I'm talking about actual CANON here.

(And please, if I'm wrong, tell me that I'm wrong. Show me just ONE example of Skwisgaar canonically using the word "nej," and I might shut up about this. Honest.)

*sigh*

So, I had this Toki/Skwisgaar* bunny...

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:12:22 GMT

I know, I know... no one is going to read this. Or maybe someone is. Goodness, I've pretty much lost track of whether anyone who watches Metalocalypse actually reads my journal. (Need to go make more friends, I guess.) And I think I may've just been unfriended by the one person who'd have been most likely to care about this kind of post.

But I do need to update my journal with something. So, I will trudge on.

Anyway, I had a Toki/Skwisgaar bunny. This morning, just hypothetically, I was trying to imagine what kind of T/S plot might make sense** to a person who doesn't find T/S canonically plausible (I won't say appeal — but at least make sense). And this idea came to me.

It's sort of lame and cracky, to tell you the truth... but hey. Crazier scenarios have been turned into good fic before; I've seen it.

So, I thought: what if Toki accidentally overdosed on some sort of wacky aphrodisiac drug (hey, it's Metalocalypse. I mean, if a drug can erase your whole brain...), and as a result, he had to have sex within the next, say, hour, or he would die/go insane/his peen would fall off... something along those lines. (Alternatively, it could also be that for whatever crazy reason, anyone in Dethklok who's a virgin is in some kind of mortal danger... and it turns out Toki has never had sex. I mean, I know a lot of people don't like or don't really buy virgin!Toki. But I could totally see it. And I'll gladly explain my reasoning, if anyone asks.)

Anyway, either there's not enough time to find Toki a groupie, or the guys are somewhere (on their way to a concert, maybe?) where women are not readily available to them. So basically, one of them has to sleep with Toki. Everyone is very put off by the thought of ghey seksorz — and Toki himself is at least weirded out by the idea — but finally Skwisgaar volunteers. Not because he's into it, but because he's the one who least wants Toki to die or whatever [something I feel is pretty supported by canon]. And possibly because he's the least picky in bed [something that could also be supported by canon].

And then the sex turns out to be surprisingly good... etc.

I'd actually really like to do something with this idea; I just don't know what. It might be fun to play out as an RP one day, with the right person. Or, I don't know, if anyone wants to use it as a fic bunny, you're welcome to it — just tell me so. Though, I reserve the right to use it again myself/pitch it to someone else/submit it somewhere as a challenge... or whatever.

It might be fun to see it written by someone who's not a big-time Toki/Skwisgaar* shipper, I think.

Or it could just sit there in the back of my brain, gathering dust, until ultimately I forget all about it. Who knows. That might be kinda sad, though.

(By the way, please tell me if anyone thinks this thing calls for an LJ-cut. I don't mind, I just never really know how long is too long. Plus, people hardly ever seem to click on LJ-cuts. :\ )

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* Just in case, if anyone here does that name-order thing (which I'll be honest, I hate); allow me to clarify. "Toki/Skwisgaar" is not intended to imply that Toki would be on top during sex. I just happen to think it sounds better that way.

** You have to understand: I'm of the mind that most pairings can be written realistically, and written well, if they are done right. Including ones I personally dislike, or ones I don't find very believable. Of course, not everyone shares this outlook... and I get that. Trust me. But theoretically, if someone did feel the same way as I do, then the right kind of story could make them buy a pairing they normally would consider unrealistic or out of character.

A Random Thought (and some Holiday ramblings)

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:17:42 GMT

So, you know that Motown song: Ain't no mountain high / Ain't no valley low / Ain't no river wide enough, baby...

To be honest, I don't really understand why a valley would be an obstacle. O_o Isn't that basically just a plain? Those are the easy areas to traverse, as opposed to... pretty much everything else. I mean, I get that it's just a lyric, and it's there because valleys are more or less the opposite of mountains (though, really I think that's canyons, isn't it?). But am I the only one to whom this doesn't quite make sense?

Not that song lyrics really have to make sense, or anything. >_>

Meanwhile, not doing much for Christmas Eve — just sittin' alone at home. It's not as depressing as it sounds, honest. My family's doing the big dinner and gift exchange on New Year's instead (which is the traditional Russian way), so this just means I have more time to buy last-minute presents. Plus, it's not like Jesus's real birthday is in December, anyway.

I do kinda wish we also celebrated Hanukah (and were wealthier). Then I'd get twice the presents. :P

Otherwise, if anyone cares... I've been occupying myself by [not] working on my hearts_and_guts assignment, and making more Metalocalypse LJ icons. See? *points to userpic*

Anyway, whatever you celebrate, if anything— Happy Holidays!

Boy, that's a lot of tags. *facepalm*

The late hour is taking a toll on my sanity. That must be it.

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:19:39 GMT

So, what if Harry Potter grew up and became the manager/CFO of a ridiculously successful death metal band?

...And then learned some kickass fighting moves.

That would be the granddaddy of all crack, wouldn't it? o_O

Somebody write this, plz.

WTF, El Jay peeps?

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:18:42 GMT

How is it that not a single person has "charles/pickles" (or even "pickles/ofdensen") listed as an interest? Not even one. No lie. O_o

(I'm looking at you, Itchy. You too, JediPirate.)

But seriously, people. This is a true FAIL in LiveJournal land. I just finally added it as an interest myself... and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it sans underline. I mean, I know the fandom is small, and not everyone puts their favorite pairings in their interests. But, damn. Nobody?

*sigh* I need more Metalocalypse people on my f'list, because otherwise this post is kinda useless. But, whatreyagonnado. Had to vent somewhere. :/