There is so many unlikeable traits about Taylor, but the most annoying is what she did to the pop culture/music industry.
The music industry and pop culture has always been shady. However Taylor did change that, but not for the better.
Her career began as a teenager, and she didn’t have the normal high school experience she wanted. Which is understandable, if the high school experience you wanted was good for you and all classmates, but hers was not. Ex classmates have said she was a mean girl before high school. She wanted to continue that, but with her career taking off she couldn’t.
So she turned the pop culture and music industry into her high school experience with her as the top mean girl.
How did this happen?:
Being born a spoiled rich girl started it, but Kanye interrupted a speech, and so the mean girl with a victim complex disguised as America’s sweetheart was born.
How did she do?:

1. Slut shamed Camilla Belle so bluntly that it ruined her career, and made the world believe Camilla stole her boyfriend.
   When in reality they had broken up before Camilla. She was angry her ex moved on so fast.
   

Her excuse for it was “I was young” and to this day has not apologized to Camilla.

1. Went after Katy saying “she tired to hire a BUNCH of people from under me and sabotage an entire tour.” Got a bunch of people to make a violent revenge video rub it in Katy’s face how many people like her more. Then when Katy releases a new album the same day Taylor puts all her own music back on Spotify to block the attention from Katy’s new album. Katy gets suicidal because of all the backlash, and other personal struggles, and ends up apologizing to Taylor.

When in reality, it was three back up dancers that originally worked for Katy. Told Taylor from the beginning they were going back to Katy in their contracts. They even put in a 30 days notice. When Katy tired to work it out Taylor refused to talk to her.

1. Went after Kim and Kanye by saying she had no idea about Kanye’s song Famous until after it’s released. Made a whole Grammy speech about “…people are going to take credit for your fame.” and paused knowing people knew she was talking about the song.

When in reality, Kim recorded Kanye telling Taylor most of the lyrics. She laughed about it and thanked him for calling and said “that’s so nice”.
After the video was posted she backtracked her what she said at her Grammy speech saying she didn’t approve being called a bitch. Using the only excuse she had left to make herself not a lair.

1. Went after Harry Styles in the song “I knew you were trouble.” Portraying him as a psychopath womanizer.

When in reality the idea for the song came to her before they started dating. Made the music video while they dated. Promoted the hell out of it after the breakup. She used him to promote a song that couldn’t have been about it.
(This one is debatable because I don’t have clear dates but I have heard this claimed before.)

1. Went after ex Joe Alwyn claiming he kept her locked away from the world for six years. Claimed he was terrible for not wanting to marry her.

When in reality, he felt his depression was too strong for them to marry at the time and she wasn’t willing to wait for him to heal. Despite he totally stood by her when the world called her a snake. Emotionally and mentally cheated on him. Then left him the second she had another man waiting for her.
And he didn’t keep her locked up. Covid 19 did….for everyone not just her.

1. Went after Nicki Minaj for pitting women against each other.

Returns out, Nicki was upset about awards show not praising the bodies of women of color after her viral Anaconda music video was snubbed. Taylor made it about herself.
IF I AM MISSING ANY EXAMPLES ADD ON.
This is why the more she is in public the more unlikeable she is. She is the embodied of every high school mean girl we knew or know.

As an American citizen, I arrived at the airport on time for my flight. Upon reaching immigration, I was informed of a 20,000 baht fine for overstaying. Despite having the cash, I was treated unfairly compared to other travelers, the officer told me I would have to be detained and could not pay. I am African American, and I noticed other European travelers having no problem and quickly moving on to there flight. I figured something was about as the officer was looking me up and down and acting aggressively.
The treatment by immigration and police was disrespectful and in stark contrast to Thailand's promoted hospitality. The officer gave me fake deadlines to book a flight and when I said I had another flight booked and prepared to pay the 20,000 he said it was too late and that I would be arrested. I immediately contacted my Embassy at that point, which would turn out to be a saving decision.
Transferred to the airport prison, I endured unsanitary conditions, piss bottles in the cell, ramen served once over two days, denied phone calls or access to my computer and lack of facilities (no shower). Later moved to Subvarnhim Central Prison, the conditions remained dire, mosquitos, rats, roaches, requiring bribes for basic necessities like water, soap, and food. There was no schedule, no physical check up, if there was an event the police would not know. Witnessing others' suffering, I shared what I could.
After days without updates, I was taken to court and fined, then transferred to Bangkok's Immigration Detention Center. The US Embassy notified me they had been working non-stop to get me out which streamlined my arrival to the IDC and because of my Military status, I spent only a day there, unlike others languishing for years in deplorable conditions. 100 people in a room, no beds, subjected to the floor. The food was horribly cooked and did not contact a source of meat or protein. They did not provide bottle water, and you were forced to drink Tap water.
Sleeping on concrete floors in crowded cells, inmates there told me people had endured physical and sexual assaults, extortion, the experience was harrowing. On the way to the airport, officers subjected us to further humiliation, leaving us in caged truck in front of the Airport without water. Many of us took our clothes off to not overheat. I admonished him for there inhumane treatment as my case was resolved. The officer returned with another officer resorting to handcuffing me and punching me in my chest. He was small and almost knocked himself down.
The treatment I received tarnishes Thailand's reputation forever and more people are becoming aware of the unbalance in Thailand. I implore global authorities and human rights activist to investigate and rectify the inhumane treatment of foreigners for minor infractions.
There will be those who say its your fault for overstaying. I pray for you and your inability to understand the point of this testimony and I pray you find compassion in your heart one day.
Feel free to contact me, I would be happy to do a interview or further testimony to document my experience for any human rights groups.

Although I was old enough to be musically aware when they were popular, ELO was never really on my radar. They were just one of those "In the background" bands for me.
I just heard "Don't Bring Me Down" on the radio and it struck me as very Beatlesque. I would imagine that if the Beatles were still around in 1979, that is exactly how they would have sounded.
I cannot think of any other ELO songs right now, but "Don't Bring Me Down" really did remind me of The Beatles' style.
Was ELO ever considered to be copying or musically indebted to the Beatles?

I’ve always wondered, why the hell has Taylor dug herself a hole in this industry as someone who’s a victim to her circumstances and relationships?
It just baffles me because she’s kept this up since forever… yes, maybe some find her “real” and relatable, but how much more impact do you think she could have if she took some damn accountability and her songs (especially as she ages) were of growth and maturity. I’ve seen this acknowledgement of growth in many other artists that I’ve grown up listening to throughout the years. Not her, though. She even had the chance to rebrand after folklore/evermore. Yet she didn’t…
Is this her own selfishness? That’s the only thing I can think of, that she’s self aware enough to know she’s at fault yet refuses to acknowledge it in most, if not all her songs. I don’t understand it, her audience would grow even further perhaps, but she keeps it to where there’s a cult behind her at all times. Guys this genuinely confuses me 😂

Tim,
Let's talk. Let's talk about your services. I hear more unknown songs (not popular) than music hits. Do you have some kind of tiered pricing with artists, I think so. Same with the TV, seems lacking. I look at my news and it's not very important news. Then there is the weather app. Tim you purchased a great weather app, and killed it off. I can't tell you how inaccurate your weather is where I live. Never mind BS us for a decade about a car, that really made me mad when you pulled that. The glasses are just not ready for prime time and all you do is hype up this iOS upgrade or a new chipset in an iPad.
Honestly, WTF are you doing with the company?
Perhaps you should promote that person that has a few good ideas and become a director.

I was in store today to upgrade my phone. The sales associate was letting me know of the promotion they have where you can get an iPad and/or Apple Watch for $0.99 with the purchase of the iPhone 15. Initially he said “it’s only .99” then, after I agreed, he came out with the iPad and said “so just so you know it’s .99 per month over 36 months so it’s going to be 36 dollars in total.” I still agreed as I felt that was a great deal. Then he says I’d have to pay sales tax on the retail price of the iPad right before charging my card. I declined and just did the phone upgrade. I was frustrated that every time he told me something new, there wasn’t any up front direct details about all the fees. It felt like he was trying to be sneaky. “It’s ONLY .99” to “it’s actually .99 per month” to ok but then there’s also $50 in sales tax today…” over the course of 20 minutes. Do they make money by getting you to buy more in store? It’s fine if he wasn’t aware of all the details up front but I feel like he should be if he’s going to be promoting it? I dont know.

Exceptionally educational edition of Caitlin's Newsletter "The Media Skew Public Perception By Manipulating People's Attention", detailing how MSM's Palestine coverage makes propaganda clearer (and more evil) than ever:
(Clickthrough to see images of hand-marked highlights of the MSM's corrupt "linguistic gymnastics".)

“Israel Rescues 4 Hostages in Military Operation; Gazan Officials Say Scores Are Killed,” reads a New York Times headline from Saturday.
It’s a very odd-looking headline even if you don’t know anything about the propagandistic tactics being employed in it. The first half is very clear, while the second half is unintelligible and reads like some weird kind of riddle or word puzzle.
The New York Times is performing these bizarre, cryptic linguistic gymnastics to discuss the latest Israeli massacre in Gaza which as of this writing has a reported death toll of 236.
Right off the bat we can see something weird in this headline with the use of the word “scores” to describe the number of people reported killed in the massacre. The New York Times article itself says it was reported that “more than 200 people were killed in central Gaza,” so the correct quantifier for the headline would be “hundreds”, not “scores”. This would be like a headline saying “dozens” of people were killed on 9/11 instead of “thousands”; it would technically be correct since the number of people killed were mathematically speaking many many dozens, but it would give readers the wrong impression of the lethality of the incident.
https://x.com/TameeOliveFern/status/1799525189828649351
Next, notice the sudden switch mid-headline from active, certain voice to passive, doubtful voice. Four Israeli hostages were definitely rescued by Israel, while Gazan officials are alleging that scores were killed.
Scores of what? Cats? Chickens? Israelis?
Killed by what? Salmonella poisoning? Traffic accidents? Congolese militias?
There’s no way to tell from the headline.
The mass media in general and The New York Times in particular are notorious for their passive language “Palestinian child ceases breathing after encountering bullet” headlines when promoting Israeli information interests, but it really drives the point home when you see it switch from normal human language to something that sounds like a clue The Riddler would leave Batman within the very same headline.
And what’s interesting is that nothing The New York Times editors did here is technically a lie. Every word they meticulously selected for their headline is technically true, but it is shaped in such a way that it draws the reader’s attention away from the fact that Israel just massacred hundreds of human beings.
They could have just as easily written “Israel Kills Hundreds of Palestinians in Central Gaza Attack; 4 Hostages Rescued” and it would have been just as true, but then public attention would have been drawn in the opposite direction. The New York Times never, ever draws public attention in that direction; the slanting only ever goes one way.
https://x.com/ryangrim/status/1798799983447048303
We saw something similar the other day from The New York Times when they reported that Israel has been torturing Palestinian prisoners by sodomizing them with hot metal rods — sometimes to death — but buried this information at the very bottom of the article, without mentioning a word of it in the headline or sub-headline.
Here again, nobody can technically accuse The New York Times of lying; they didn’t report anything that wasn’t true or fail to report anything that was true. They just drastically underemphasized the real story in their report to direct their readers’ attention away from Israeli criminality.
A lot of people who grow skeptical of the mass media correctly assume that these outlets are propaganda services for the US empire, but incorrectly assume that this means they must be lying all the time. In truth the imperial propaganda machine is much more sophisticated than this, and much more effective.
Rather than making up whole-cloth lies and losing all credibility in the mainstream public, the mass media will generally rely on distortions like the above which skew public perception without actually technically lying. They’ll place emphasis in areas which benefit the empire, they’ll omit inconvenient facts, they’ll use tricky phrasing, they’ll uncritically report on the claims of favored government officials while saying the claims of unfavored government officials are made without evidence, they’ll mention convenient news stories over and over again, and they’ll report inconvenient stories only once before leaving them to get lost in the daily news churn.
I actually cite the mass media quite a bit in my own work, because a lot of useful and truthful information about the criminality of the western empire comes out through outlets like The New York Times. It’s just that that information is deemphasized and quickly shuffled out of public attention by the propagandists who run those outlets, allowing them to technically tell the truth while still manipulating the overarching narrative about what’s going on in the world.
https://x.com/AssalRad/status/1798757428764561889
The propagandists who edit outlets like The New York Times are able to skew public perception in favor of the empire because they understand that human experience is dominated by the movements of attention, so if they can manipulate those movements of attention, they can manipulate how people perceive the world.
I once met someone who described attention as “the uncrowned king of consciousness,” and I recall those words often because of their accuracy. Attention is the uncrowned king of consciousness because its movements dictate how we will experience our world: what we will think about, notice, see, hear, or otherwise perceive, but we don’t tend to place much importance on it or recognize the extent to which our life is ruled by it.
In reality there is little that is more crucial to our experience of life than the movements of our attention. It’s something so fundamental that two people walking across the exact same meadow at the exact same time will never have the same experience of it. One might experience a meadow with a pleasant breeze, a chirping bird in a tree, a grasshopper zipping across their path, and a sky of phenomenal beauty, while the other might experience the meadow as a distant and barely-noticed backdrop to their mental concerns for their future, their grievances about the past, their imaginary arguments with a family member, and a catchy song they’ve got stuck in their head.
After someone dies people often talk about the things they did in life — their accomplishments, their legacy, how many children they raised, what they did for work — but really the kind of life someone lived has less to do with the things they did than the way their attention moved. The movements of someone's attention throughout their life really was their life, because it determined what their experience of their time on this world actually was. How present they were for it. How much beauty they experienced. How much mental energy they wasted on imaginary bullshit. What they noticed. What they missed.
https://x.com/TheOnion/status/1721644886619836479
Our perception of the world is dominated by the movements of our attention, which means that our perception of the world can be changed by manipulating those movements. Propagandists understand this, so they spend their time doing things like telling us over and over again what a bad bad baddie Vladimir Putin is while just occasionally giving a single highly mitigated mention to an individual instance of Israeli criminality, or talking about October 7 over and over again while greatly deemphasizing the massacres Israel has been perpetrating on the Palestinians in Gaza every day since.
This causes public attention to move in directions that benefit the information interests of the empire and away from directions that would harm those information interests, all without having to tell actual lies. People’s perception of the world is shaped by these skillful propagandists without their even being aware that it is happening.
That’s what makes the propaganda of the western empire so much more effective than any other propaganda that has ever existed anywhere else: the inhabitants of the western empire have no idea they’re being propagandized.

I hope that the above pasting of full text (which is hard to condense because of its elegance and surgical precision) will not be objected to by Caitlin. To reward her high quality hard work, please do click through to her full article and/or to her related tweet.

https://youtu.be/_c_Yg8azAi0?si=Q_vn08wurgEkdQJR
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/rem/newtestleper.html
Hello everyone, I hope all is well. Today we are going to be taking a closer look/listen at “New Test Leper” which is the third track from the “Hi Side” of the band’s 1996 album New Adventures in Hi-Fi.
This song was actually one of the four songs from the album that was recorded in Seattle, Washington at the Bad Animal Studios. Even though this song wasn’t recorded on the road during the Monster tour like most of the album’s tracks, it was written and played during one of the band’s soundchecks. Peter said “And for some reason, we just forgot about it and never really played it. I don’t know why. Michael just happened to luckily enough have it on tape.” Peter also stated that this is the most “R.E.M.” sounding song on the album.
And I can see why Peter made that comment because the song starts off with Michael’s vocals right away, acoustic guitar, a shaker and some organs from Mike. With that acoustic guitar and that 6/8 time signature it’s definitely giving me Automatic for the People vibes, especially with a song like “Try Not to Breathe.” Now lyrically, here’s another quote from Peter in discussing the inspiration for the song;
“Michael was watching one of those talk shows and I think the subject was ‘People judge me by the way I look’ or something.” Whereas I, when I have the misfortune to look for two minutes at one of those Oprah, Geraldo things, I just get revolted at everyone concerned: the audience, me. Michael actually looked at it and felt like, ‘Gosh, what if someone’s actually trying to communicate something to these people and this person who’s in this awful, tacky, degrading situation?’”
The song starts off with the memorable lyric “I can't say that I love Jesus, that would be a hollow claim.” With this lyric in particular Peter said “It’s written from the perspective of a character that Michael saw on TV on a talk show. But are people going to think Michael’s talking about himself not liking Jesus? I don’t think that people will take us that seriously.”
The next lyric “he did make some observations and I'm quoting them today” seems to be Michael referencing the host of this religious talk show. The quote he uses is “judge not lest ye be judged” which, as Michael says, is a beautiful refrain. But the studio audience of the talk show don’t agree as they ask “have his lambs all gone astray?” It appears that there’s a guest on this talk show who is a “leper” which could mean an outcast of sorts. And in the chorus they say “call me leper.” I think the point that Michael is trying to make is how ironic it is that people of religious stature are judging someone else for not following teachings of the Bible when they are doing that themselves. As the title of this song deals with the New Testament and lepers played in a role in the different stories.
Now before we get into the rest of the song we gotta talk about the music up to this point. As I mentioned earlier, the song starts off with acoustic guitar, organs, vocals and a shaker. Despite it starting off as an acoustic number, the song has an upbeat tempo to it that makes it far from the slowest song on this album. And halfway through the first verse we get the bass and drums entering the mix. The song itself is fairly simple, but Mike’s bassline is far from it! Instead of playing a normal bassline, Mike is playing a lead melody that might as well be played on guitar. He’s what he had to say about this specific bassline just last year;
“I try to keep my bass lines a certain way, but for some reason with 'New Test Leper' I decided to basically play a bass solo all the way through the verses. You don't want the bass by itself, but in terms of free-forming and playing a lot of notes and having a lot of fun with it, I think 'New Test Leper' is the one where I took the guardrails off of it and had a good time."
I also love the electric guitar part during the chorus. Not only is the melody catchy but I love the tone to it. I can’t tell what effects it has on it but it sounds like a tiny bit of tremolo and it gives me strong surf vibe. It’s perfect because it fits alongside Michael’s simple delivery of “call me leper.” Which is also fitting because during the verses Michael’s vocal delivery is soft and warm and has a ton of great dynamics to it.
In the second verse we have Michael calling out the talk show after the host says “you are lost and disillusioned.” Michael understands how awful this show and crowd are and was hoping they’d be able to understand. But when the subtitle on the show say “I am not an animal” he realizes how ugly the whole event is. It should be noted that the quote “I am not an animal” comes from Michael’s favorite movie The Elephant Man which also inspired other R.E.M. songs like “Carnival of Sorts.”
After another melodic chorus we get an instrumental bridge with a gorgeous guitar solo from Peter over some mournful chords. It has that western Glen Campbell sound to it that Peter would return to in a couple albums with Reveal. The tone of that guitar shimmers and shines and the organs feel perfect backing the whole bridge. By far my favorite bridge on this album.
When the band goes back into that last verse we get this eerie sounding guitar feedback from Peter. I feel like this is suppose to be to leave a bad taste in your mouth the same way that this tv show has left a bad taste in this “leper’s” mouth. Michael sings from the perspective of the leper and how they finally understand the show was just a way to shock and awe people. Before they can tell their story, the show cuts to a commercial break. And as they are sitting through five commercials, the host is just staring blankly into his pre organized index cards. He explains how the guests were “scared and hardened” and ends the verse with the lyric “what a sad parade” which Michael admits he borrowed from his fellow songwriter and friend Vic Chestnutt.
The last chorus of the song starts off without any drums which is a nice way to slow the song down before one final chorus with all the instrumentation. Peter continues with that bouncy guitar riff until the band ends on a minor chord which is very appropriate.
Despite this song having a music video directed by Lance Bangs, and despite it being one of Michael’s favorite songs from the band, it was never an official single. It was only used a promotional single in Germany. Yet I feel that’s not a bad thing as this song and its profound meaning might have gone over some non fan’s heads after hearing that opening line. Yes, Michael used a real religious tv evangelism for the background of this song, but it’s not to hate on a specific religion. But more so to show the hypocrisy of preaching kindness and telling people to treating others how you want to be treated, to just then turn around and judge someone for being different. This message is wrapped up in this jaunty acoustic number that features all the great element throughout this album while remaining fresh. Plus it’s one of Mikes best basslines.
But what do you think of this song? Should it have been a single? What do you think the song is about? Favorite musical or lyrical moments? And did you ever see it live?

First time Sopranos watcher here, I've just started season 4, and let me say it has been a delight, especially having grown up in Northern Jersey.
Watching "Second Opinion", one of the things that has stuck with me was Carmela's off-hand line about reading "the new Barbara Kingsolver" when trying to connect with Meadow at Columbia. I assume Kingsolver is a deliberate choice here by the writers, and am curious about their thinking.
For context, I'm only marginially familiar with Kingsolver having read her 2022 novel Demon Copperhead, but mulling this over I have two theories:
1) This is a subtle reference to The Poisonwood Bible, which was published in '98. There are parallels between Tony, Carm, and Meadow with the preacher husband in TPB dragging his wife and 4 daughters on a mission to Africa, forcing them into a life they didn't choose. I just started reading TPB egged on by this curiosity.
2) At the time Barbara Kingsolver wasn't considered a heavyweight literary author, and this actually was the best choice to contrast whatever philosophical reading Meadow was doing. I saw on a literary site that TPB was promoted widely by Oprah which they referred to as a "Scarlet O"...lol. After reading Demon Copperfield and it winning a Pulitzer, I personally wouldn't put Kingsolver in this box, but I don't have context about how she was perceived at the time Sopranos was airing.
Curious to get opinions of crossover Sopranos X Kingsolver fans. Maybe there's another Kingsolver novel Carmela is referring to that I'm not aware of.

Ok so I (17f) think my co-worker might be putting the moves on me but I’m not sure, this all started last night.
So for some background info, at my part time job there’s this employee who I’ll call May, she is aware I am into girls and is cool with it, one quick thing to note is that May only works overnights at my job, so I only ever see her when I work an overnight or a late shift. Which is usually just me, her, a manger and one other. The manager is typically in their office unless it gets busy and the other person is in charge of a different section from us so it’s usually just me and her together alone.
Prior to last night May has always mocked me for my customer service voice, making her voice more high pitched to sound like mine. Whenever I talk to her about it she says it’s cause my voice is cute, she has also made comments about how I have a nice body. I never really paid much attention to it before as that’s just the way some girls poke fun at or compliment each other, plus I didn’t think she was into women and it was only ever a couple times, recently though she’s gotten super touchy with me and it has me looking at it in a different light.
One thing to note about me is that I have ADHD which causes me to get startled very easily ESPECIALLY if someone comes up behind me touches me. May disovered this a couple overnight shifts ago and has been taking full advantage of this, and purposely coming behind me and touching me nonstop trying to scare me.
At first it felt like she was just trying to poke fun at me but last night it felt different. Usually she just grabs my shoulder or lightly pokes my back but this time she was wrapping her hands around my waist, which she has never done before, it also felt like every single chance she had to grab my waist she would. Since I was working a late shift, with breaks and stuff I only really got to work with her for 1 hour, yet I SWEAR she tried to scare me more times in that hour than any of the previous 8 hour shifts we have worked together, and of course rather than just tapping me she was grabbing my waist every time which, once again, she has NEVER done before until last light. Plus when she needed to pass me she would grab my waist and move me out of the way but just push past anyone else, She even once grabbed my waist and pulled me into her then started dancing to the song on the speakers in a way that just felt a little too intimate. She even told me she was going to miss me when I got off of work since I finished before her, which she has NEVER done before.
At this point I’m so confused I don’t want to look too into things to much but also I just feel like this is getting way too intimate to be just friends. However I don’t even know if she likes girls! I coulda sworn I overheard her talking about a guy once but maybe I was mistaken? Plus it was months ago at this point. Please help 🙏

I don't know where to begin. I met the love of my life, we were addicted to each other. We couldn't keep our hands off of each other and the honeymoon phase seemed to never end.
One day he introduced me to a woman (F26) who was his friend. Apparently they met through a hobby they had in common and hit it off. He was confident she and I would get along too so he introduced us. She showered me in compliments and my gut immediately told me something was off. Ever since meeting her I couldn't shake off that feeling. He has many other female friends, mutuals too, never ever got this vibe before. So it isn't just the fact that she was a woman. It was just the energy. I can't explain it.
Anyway, I started feeling more tense than usual around him. Little arguments, a little more distance started occurring in our relationship. I thought I was overthinking. One night I woke up to several missed calls from him and a sentimental text. He suffers from depression and I guess he was having a bad episode. Unfortunately I was asleep and wasn't able to call him back. I go to see him the next day to check up on him and I asked him where he had been and told me he had been with her, but swore up and down nothing happened. That he just needed someone to vent to. My gut instantly dropped. He reassured me she was just a friend and was helping him through some things. I've never felt more uneasy in our relationship before.
I was trying to be supportive and considerate, but I told him that I didn't want him to see her alone again. That I didn't feel comfortable with their dynamic. He seemed a little upset about that and expressed fiercely that they were just friends and that I was just being jealous. This started to promote more arguments. I started to panic whenever I didn't hear back from him for hours. Found out through another friend that they were hanging out together online too, that they were playing games. He didn't keep it a secret. However, one day I finally caught them.
I noticed he wasn't answering his phone so I went to his house. I wish I hadn't. I didn't know what I was going to do if I caught them, but when I got there I was quiet. Just peered through and I saw them in the kitchen, just as I suspected. They were being touchy and then he kissed her. My heart exploded on the spot. The pain was so big it almost killed me. I thought I was having a heart attack.
I left quietly and began packing all of his things at my place immediately. Deleted all our photos and videos together, took out all his gifts, every trace of him. Sent him a text simply saying that there was a box waiting for him at the front porch with no further context. He was confused, acted like I was being crazy.
I finally confronted him and he kept denying it. I kept asking him to tell me the truth, kept drilling it into him that I knew something was going on. Over and over he kept denying it. Eventually I broke it to him and told him that I saw them and he went pale. He apologized and his act changed immediately. Told me that it was a mistake. All that typical pointless drivel and nonsense. That nothing more happened. I don't believe him.
I left him, couldn't sleep or eat for weeks. I felt so sick. I tried one night stands and random hook ups but nothing worked. One day we spoke and broke down together over how much we missed one another. We ended up sleeping together and I felt so much better that he was back again. He said he wanted to try again, that all he ever wanted was me.
I gave him a chance. I love him so much but I don't know if I should give up or if I made the right call. We've been happier lately, he's been communicative and open. He expressed that he had been suffering with a drug addiction as well, I knew he had a history of it but that he had been clean for years, but he used it as a coping mechanism for his depression. I can't relate to this because I have never taken drugs, but apparently this woman has a lot of experience with it and has been helping him through it. I guess she played as some sort of supportive role in his life because she could relate to him more? A moment of weakness during a time where our relationship was rocky?
I hate this situation. I hate that I don't have the strength to walk away. I told him one of the conditions for us to be together was for him to cut her off, and he has (as far as I'm aware). He hasn't spoken to her since but I can never trust him again. I feel better when I'm with him, but I feel disgusted that he touched someone else. That he was willing to betray me.
There was one night where I woke up riddled with anxiety, I cried to him and begged him not to hurt me. He told me he would never hurt me, and he did. Why can't I let him go?
TLDR; Bf cheated on me with the girl he told me not to worry about during a difficult time in his life. Claimed she was just supporting him because she could relate to his situation more. Caught them in the act and left him. Now he wants to work things out, not sure if I can trust him again. I love him a lot and just want him back. I'm hurting so bad. I don't know if this can be salvaged.
Edit: Spelling mistakes & typos.

This discussion will examine the possible personality disorders and mental health issues that may be present in the public persona of Ariana Grande. I will explore the symptoms, causes, and effects of these conditions, as well as any evidence that may indicate their presence in Grande's life and behavior.
(But the way , just because I assume that she has them, it does not excuse her actions towards other people)
The discussion will focus on five potential diagnoses:
•Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD),
•Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD),
•Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD),
•Substance abuse disorder (SAD)
•Orthorexia nervosa.
-------------------------------------------♡-----------------------------------------------------
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and chronic patterns of grandiosity, manipulation, and self-centered behavior. In many ways, this diagnosis has often been discussed in connection with Grande's persona.
Grande has often been criticized for her perceived vanity, attention-seeking behavior, and lack of empathy for others. Some argue that her numerous cosmetic procedures, constant self-promotion, and public feuds with other celebrities are symptoms of NPD. (Including the way how she treats people who don't lick her ass at all and are being honest with her)
One example of Grande stealing someone's man would be her involvement with the Broadway actor Ethan Slater, who is currently married and has a baby son. Grande became involved with Slater after they met on the set of the Wicked movie back in the December of 2022 when lilly around the time gave birth to her baby son. Slater reportedly left his wife eventually in June (with the confirmation of dalton's sister that she left dalton the day when she went out with Ethan and her male friend) and child to pursue a relationship with Grande, raising controversy and shock amongst their fans.
This situation became a major topic of public discussion, with many criticizing Grande for her role in sabotaging Slater's marriage and family. Some also accused her of being manipulative and insincere in the way she handled the situation.
[Apparently 2 of her friends (Cynthia and Victoria) are known homewreckers and due to that, she never hold herself accountable for it.]
To further elaborate on this example, Grande's involvement with Slater has been criticized for several reasons. Firstly, she actively pursued a relationship with a married man, which can be seen as a clear violation of moral and ethical boundaries. She never denied the rumours , nor did she confirm them, which it speculated that she doesn't care about the public's opinions, at all.
Overall, this incident has been seen as a prime example of Grande's alleged NPD, as it demonstrates her willingness to prioritize her own desires over the well-being of others.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
Next on the list is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Individuals with BPD often struggle with intense, unstable emotions and relationships. They may have difficulty controlling their impulses, experience a fear of abandonment, and engage in harmful behaviors such as substance abuse and self-harm.
Grande has been linked to BPD due to her emotional instability, impulsivity, and self-destructive behaviors. For example, she has a history of entering and ending relationships rapidly, has been seen engaging in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, and has publicly spoken about struggles with depression and anxiety.
Some fans and critics have pointed out that Grande's numerous tattoos, many of which are tributes to her ex-boyfriends or former relationships, may be a reflection of her impulsivity and unstable emotions. They argue that these tattoos represent a temporary obsession or infatuation, rather than a genuine expression of affection.
Grande's rapid shifts in relationships have led to speculation that she may struggle with BPD. She has dated high-profile celebrities such as Big Sean, Mac Miller, and Pete Davidson, and has often been criticized for moving on quickly from one relationship to another. Some speculate that these rapid changes may be a result of her difficulty with emotional regulation and a fear of abandonment.
In addition to her relationship history, some of Grande's lyrics also seem to hint at potential BPD symptoms. For example, her song "thank u, next" contains lyrics about her past relationships and the lessons she has learned from them. The song's title and repeated mantra of "thank u, next" seem to reflect her difficulty with emotional regulation and impulsivity.
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD):
Next on our list is Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD), a mental health condition characterized by excessive emotionality, attention-seeking behavior, and a need for approval from others. Individuals with HPD often use exaggerated emotional expressions and seductive behavior to gain attention and validation.
Grande has been linked to HPD due to her tendency towards dramatic emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Her public image, marked by extravagant outfits and bold fashion choices, has often been interpreted as a means of gaining attention and validation for herself. Grande is also known for her use of social media to connect with fans and create a public persona that is highly sexualized and seductive.
Her involvement in high-profile relationships and public feuds with other celebrities, as well as her tendency to be the center of attention, can also be seen as symptoms of HPD. Some critics have also pointed out that Grande's multiple cosmetic procedures may be an attempt to maintain her youthful appearance and appeal.
Grande's public persona has often been characterized as narcissistic and attention-seeking, and she has often been accused of being manipulative and self-centered. Some critics have suggested that her behavior may stem from a need for adoration and validation, which are hallmark traits of HPD.
Substance abuse disorder (SAD) :
We move on now to Substance Abuse Disorder (SAD), a condition characterized by the repeated use of substances despite negative consequences. Individuals with SAD may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal. Substance abuse can include alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, and other mind-altering substances.
Grande has been open about her struggles with substance abuse in the past, particularly with alcohol and drugs. She has spoken about using these substances as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties. Grande's former boyfriend, Mac Miller, died of an accidental overdose in 2018, which had a visible effect on her mental health. Grande has publicly expressed her grief and guilt over Miller's death and has hinted at struggles with addiction and recovery.
[Multiple blind items had been written about , that ariana has a long history of doing drugs , hiding it from the public]
Orthorexia nervosa:
Finally on our list is Orthorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with healthy eating and a fear of impure or unhealthy food. Individuals with orthorexia nervosa may have a restrictive diet and a preoccupation with eating only certain types of food, often restricting entire food groups. They may believe that their diet is a key component of their identity and may feel a sense of moral superiority over those who do not follow their eating habits.
Grande has long been scrutinized for her thin frame and weight, with many criticizing her for promoting unhealthy body standards through her weight loss. For example, Grande has repeatedly stated that she maintains a vegan diet for ethical reasons and has been criticized for promoting healthy eating on her social media accounts to her young fans.
Grande's recent music videos "yes, and?", "Boy is mine" and multiple instagram photos and TV appearances has fueled speculation about her eating habits and health. Some critics have pointed out that Grande appears excessively thin in the video and that her appearance may be the result of a restrictive diet and/or excessive exercise. Grande has been criticized for body-checking, a behavior common among individuals with orthorexia, in the music video.
Grande's eating habits and weight have also been discussed in connection with her fashion choices and public persona. Grande is often seen wearing revealing and form-fitting clothes, and some critics have suggested that her fashion choices may be influenced by her preoccupation with body image and control over her diet. Grande has been criticized for promoting unrealistic body standards and potentially triggering disordered eating behaviors in her young fans.
~This was my opinion about ariana.~

I'm currently trying to lease a new car. Every 2-3 years I have to go through this process, wherein I do some research on pricing, I go to the dealership (usually the one I last leased from) and try to get the car I picked out for just under the national promotion price or at it.
Yet despite this I am constantly highballed. Forced to meet with multiple different sales people, given ridiculously high prices that aren't accurate, pressured for my SSN so they can pull my credit before we've even discussed numbers and just an absolutely miserable 2+ hour pressure session where if I make a deal it's for more than I want to pay or only basically in the 11th hour they "found a way" to make it work.
It's frustrating, exhausting and I cant imagine it's meant to be this way.
I've tried just doing it through emails but they ghost me or insist on me calling/coming in...
So please can someone help me understand the process? This is my 6th lease (small business, I understand leasing isn't as financially intelligent as buying), and after going back to the Hyundai dealership I got my last lease from I can't waste hours doing this song and dance.
There's loads of conflicting information online and some of it ends up being moot as the dealerships don't seem eager to discuss MSRP or MF (which they always seem to add to) and always want to talk about how much I'll put down and how much per month I'm willing to pay. The first sheet with numbers is always wild too.
Any help or guidance or even a specific up to date guide to this would be welcome. I'm tired of being so frustrated and feeling like these people don't want my business.

Hey all! 29yo currently in undergrad (3.729 GPA current), haven't taken MCAT im good at standardized tests however.
I'm in a weird spot, so I originally went to school to be a firefighter, quit and joined a band, then got a massage therapist license, then joined the Army as a medic where honestly, I had a dream career. I was T2-10 (there was one guy I could never beat) in training all the way through on all diagnostics. Got a badge that 3% of medical personnel have and basically got promoted overnight, put in a senior medical position for 150+ people. And I did this for YEARS. I'm aware this looks good on a resume.
Anyway, my problem, my issue. Is that I was unmotivated in HS and I thought I was bad at school, turns out now I think college is so easy it's boring. I hate it here, I'm so unbelievably bored, and with the resume, the GPA , the LORs (they are some good ones, like old family coaches who have seen life growth etc etc) idfk man. I don't feel any stress applying to med school.
This isn't a shit post I promise, it's a post saying that Im having the opposite experience with stress and med school (not because I'm lucky or rich but because I've already gone through that stress in different ways) and I just feel out of pace with my life and my place in classes and ability to relate to people in premed.
Help, I'm just really sad right now tbh and idk why.

[ Notice: Not my article. Link: https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/04/i-thought-it-might-help-others-to-share_4319.html ]
Marriage Feast / New Covenant
(Benefit to those not anointed: https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/04/i-received-two-questions-1.html)
I thought it might help others to share the information from a letter to another anointed one:
Dear Xxxx, I am very happy that you decided to write me. Interaction with other chosen is a source of joy for those of us who seek truth, love and unity. Yes, as you know Satan's pressures are upon us, and will not let up until Christ comes to rescue us. Yet his care rescues us even now, in that he has sent us the spirit to be with us and feed us. He too, is manifesting his presence among us, that the world may believe that Christ is Lord. I hope you will clarify some things you said, because I don't know what you mean,

why Father allows many Witnesses to not be anointed, even though they can see the issues of the true gospel being the re-birth.

First, "why the Father allows many Witnesses to not be anointed". Are you wondering why Jehovah does not do more anointing among "Jehovah's Witnesses"? Not sure what you are saying here. I know that almost all "witnesses" now are worshiping an Organization, committing idolatry against Jehovah. Of those who are not, or who have left due to seeing the corruption, remember 2Chron.16:9? Jehovah shows his spirit to those with a complete heart. Only Jehovah can judge this about a person. The next part of that sentence, "even though they can see the issues of the true gospel being the re-birth." Now you've really got me. Can you explain what you mean by "issues", the "rebirth" and how this rebirth is the "true gospel"? Are you saying that the emergence of full truth (the spirit leading the anointed into "all the truth" John16:13), as being associated with the birth of the Kingdom? Or are you saying that when we are born again as perfect spirits, and the Sons of God are revealed (Rom.8:19), that only then will we have all the truth? Or, do you speak of the Word (true gospel) as being the "incorruptible seed", which, once sown in the heart and brought to maturity, gives a re-birth into eternal life? (Luke8:11; 1Pet.1:23; James1:21; Mark4:28,29; Eph.4:13)
If this is what you mean, perceiving this truth is not enough to obligate God to choose and anoint you as one of His sons. His righteous and just standards for making such a choice, reside with Him. I would love to understand what you are trying to say in order to share your thoughts, but the scriptures don't immediately come to mind as to what you are referring to, so I am at a loss. Remember the illustration of the marriage feast? (Matt.22:1-14) Those invited were not worthy, and so the King told his servants to invite anyone they saw, who were "going out from the City" (according to the Greek "diexodous") (Matt.22:8-9). These were given the opportunity to share in the marriage banquet. Today, all are being offered the truth of things that were previously hidden, such as the understanding of Revelation. Many anointed will not receive this spiritual food, because they are not worthy. They are busy filling their lamps with fuel that is teachings from men, or they are following their own thoughts independent of the body of Christ. These will not be given the true light of understanding (Matt.25:9-12). Their lamps, shine out darkness, because their "eye" of understanding is not "simple", exclusively guided by means of scripture (Matt.6:22-23; John8:47). Yet, those who have been drawn out of the corrupt "City" by Yhwh's spirit (Rev.18:10,18,4; Matt.22:7,9,10), will be invited to share in that feast of true food (Rev.19:9). It will be up to them if they are humble and appreciative enough, to attend and eat.
The next thing you say,

At least these are now partaking at home, after the Hall Memorial. That's a big plus.

If you are saying that you believe that the New Covenant is for all, and not for the sins of the Chosen heirs only; YHVH has plainly shown me how the ransom applies first, to the anointed. This is through the Covenant by virtue of Christ's blood (Luke22:20). Please consider Rev. 5:9,10:

And they sing a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slaughtered and ~with your blood you bought~ ~persons~ ~for God~ out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, ~and you made~ ~them~ ~to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.'~

This is only one of the many scriptures that indicate a small piece of what spirit has plainly shown me, concerning all the truths of the Kingdom, and how the ransom is applied to mankind in general, through it's ambassadors, priests, and kings (Matt.7:20; Rev.22:2; Matt.10:40-42; Gal.4:19; Rev.12:2; Gal.4:26; Rev.21:2-3; 1Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7). The New Covenant, which ends/is fulfilled, at the arrival/ coming of Christ (1Cor.11:26) is for that administration (Eph.1:9,10,11,12,13,14; Mark13:27), which is then completed. It is through them as the Bride Covenant/ "woman" (Gal.4:26), that Creation is set free (Num.8:19,21; Rom.8:17,19; Rev.22:17), unlike the New Covenant, which initially sets the priests free from sin (Lev.16:6; Heb.9:11,12). First the mother must be free. Then those born to her, are also set free from sin, darkness, and death. First, there must be a free mother. Then the mother must marry a free father (Isa.9:6; Luke 4:16-21; John8:36). After the marriage of the lamb, children will be brought forth (Rev.19:7-9).The New Covenant is for those who rule (Luke22:29; Rev.3:21; 5:9-10). All Creation will not be redeemed through Christ only (as the anointed are), but through New Jerusalem and Christ ~together~. Once that Holy City is finally made complete, God's Kingdom commences, to the benefit of all who have obeyed the gospel of Christ. But in the meantime, those who belong to that heavenly city (Eph.2:6), offer the healing fruit of their lips (Matt.7:20; Rev.22:2) to those who accept Gods' sons (Rom.8:19; Ps.82:6; Gal.3:26,29; Rom.8:17).
For those who are not being redeemed (receiving a white robe Rev.6:9,11; 12:11; 19:7,8) ~now~, in order to be ~cleansed for Kingdom Rule~; the emblems ~of that cleansing~ are not for them. The cleansing of the sins of the 144000 and great crowd of final priests (who come through the great tribulation), is through the blood of the Lamb (Rev.14:1; 7:9,14) It is important to realize that the "Great Crowd" are the last remnant (Rev.12:17), who come through end-time tribulation (see pearl-greatcrowd.blogspot.com ) The partaking of the emblems stop, when this promise is fulfilled for the Chosen (1Cor.11:26; Rev.20:5) Try to remember that Jesus fulfilled ~the Passover~ (1Cor.5:7; John1:29). Try to remember that the blood of the Passover lamb, was not for the saving of all Israel, but for the saving of the Firstborn (Exodus12:12,13; Num.3:13; Heb.11:28; 12:23; Rev.14:4). These "firstborn" ones are the first imperfect humans to be born again and released from sin and death by means of Christ's blood. The rest come to life subsequently, by means of Bride, Holy City New Jerusalem, and the Trees of Life who make up that City of living stones. Trees which offer the fruit which "cures the Nations" (Rev.22:1,2). All, whether chosen to be the bride of Christ, or her children, must be born again as spirit, in order to see God's kingdom (John3:3,5-6; 1Pet.1:23). All are born through the faithful and sealed anointed who have fulfilled the covenant promise in heaven (Gal.4:26).
That mother provides living water to others (Rev.22:1-2,17). Some are born now, by God's spirit, directly poured into their hearts, and his laws written on their heart by God's finger. They accept Christ, and live. They are tutored and nurtured by those already mature, to become members of the Bride (2Cor.11:2-3). Others are born through an acceptance of the living water, spirit, and truth from Christ's Bride (Matt.25:34-36,41,45; Matt.10:14-15; John13:20; Mark 9:37). By their treatment of God's messengers, they are judged. They are brought into account, at the last day. The difference between these two groups is seen in Jesus' words, at John11:25-26; 6:63,54,40,47-50 (John5:24; Rom.8:9; Eph.2:6). It is a wicked abomination for those who are not being raised up now, to partake of the emblems which are reserved as a symbol of Holy Promise, between those betrothed to the Christ, and their husbandly Lord. To take the emblems into oneself, is to become one "body" with Christ (1Cor.6:17; John17:22). Those who in presumption, do not discern this body of the Head, Christ (1Cor.12:27; 6:15) as a loyal husband is one flesh, only with his wife; drink judgement to themselves (1Cor.11:29,27).
That body of Christ, ~are anointed ones~ (1Cor.12:12,27-31). Partaking of the symbols of Christ's body, is to become symbolically, one flesh with him according to the promise. This is only for the virgins promised to Christ (2Cor.11:2; Rev.14:4) In godly fear, I certainly hope that a right to spiritual fornication with Christ, is not something you promote, to the destruction of all those who heed it (1Cor.11:29). Yet if it is, and this teaching is not sourced in scripture, there is yet time to correct this teaching. We are all being cleansed, refined, and perfected in the hope that by the arrival of Christ, we can be "~finally~ found" "without spot" or blemish (2Pet.3:14). This is why the parts of Christ's body, need one another to build one another up, in Truth (1Cor.14:26; 12:21; Eph.4:11,12). If you are actually saying that you believe that those not chosen to be one body with Christ, should show a marriage to him by taking his body into themselves; ~please provide me the scriptures which have guided you to this conclusion.~ Certainly we can not take it upon ourselves to leave the Bible's guidance, but more-so when we teach others and direct their actions before God (James 3:1).
Regarding one of your last comments:

I do believe in your anointing, and although I cannot see all your explanations being perfect as far as what things in Revelation in particular say

Please do not remain silent about the things you do not see eye to eye with (Eph.4:25; Zech.8:16). My explanations must be limited for each subject. The Truth is as wide as the sky, and I must choose how far to spread the border of what I discuss in each article. I have often received supplemental questions by individuals, requesting further proof or explanation of what perplexes them personally. If you ask, then I am made able to answer your personal questions, so that whatever point you do not clearly see as being scriptural, I can show you the scriptures to. In this way, individuals are assisted with their own doubts. There have been many times that an article is then made more beneficial for someone who did not benefit initially. Additions I then add, benefit all, including me. Each one has their own questions. I can not cover all Truth in each article, but if a point in particular is of personal interest to you, or is hard for you to see, if you let me know what it is, then you give both of us the opportunity to learn more. Please do not read an article, and leave it with unanswered questions, or worse, assumptions without scripture. If you need more, please request it of me. This has often lead to anointed ones having their vision clarified and re-adjusted, including myself. Any explanations I have given which you do not agree with, please speak up so that we may be "perfected" ~through the~ ~Bible's~ ~answer~. Again, I thank you so much for writing me. It is the will of YHWH and Christ that we come together, for many beneficial reasons. YHWH's spirit bless you with faith, hope, love, and Truth. Love, Pearl

^{This is a repost with new info, corrections and better formatting. Thanks for previous contributions! <3}
I've seen quite a few "All lost My Chemical Romance songs" and "My Chemical Romance rarities" posts, but they mostly all either:

A: Conflate "Lost" with "Rare" or "Not studio-produced" B: Aren't Sourced C: Incomplete D: Have disinfo E: Mistakenly include working titles for later released tracks as "lost"

So, here we go! I've gotten most of my info from a few archives and long-time fans in the community but I would love to hear any additions you have to add! The more eyes the better!

For clarity: Bullets = I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love Revenge = Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge LOTMS = Life on the Murder Scene TBP = The Black Parade TBPID = The Black Parade Is Dead! DD = Danger Days CW = Conventional Weapons TPK = The Paper Kingdom MDNSY = May Death Never Stop You

^{Tracks are listed in supposed creation order, then by discovery or release} Nine Volt Heart ^aka Android [..?] - Song title found in now-lost Flash player elements of My Chemical Romance's official site going back to at least 5/25/2002. According to a 2011 text interview by Cassie The Venomous with Gerard and Mikey, the song was played once live at NJ's Loop Lounge to bad reactions from the band and poor fanfare and as a result shelved from future releases. Later possibly reworked into an unreleased song named "'Android...' something?". Though according to a 2004 post by SpaceyRaygun, a long-time friend of the band, Nine Volt Heart was instead reworked onto a Revenge track. ^{Fandom rumors going back to at least 5/3/2006 claim Nine Volt Heart was a cover of the Smashing Pumpkins' song Bodies albeit with slightly different lyrics. Although the poster's source songmeanings.net has since taken down the potentially false lyrics page.}
The Attic Demos ^aka Dreams ^\of/about]) Stabbing and/or Being Stabbed - A CD Distributed at early shows and among the band's circle. Later partially released on 2014's MDNSY, though these demos circulated the fandom pre-2014 from these promotional CDs.

Wish You Away ^aka Drowning Lessons Rough Mix - If community sources are to be believed (1) (2) (3) (4)) (5) a variant of The Attic Demos distributed among friends and family of the band contains recordings of 'Vampires Will Never Hurt You' titled "Stabbing" and 'Drowning Lessons' titled "Wish You Away" (Pre-release titles corroborated by the early instances of My Chemical Romance's website).
Stabbing ^aka Vampires Will Never Hurt You Demo - Found as of July 23rd, 2022. Demo released via Instagram from for Bullet's 20th anniversary. This CD was given to Nada Recording in 2002 prior to their recording of Bullets. Clip is partially cut off and downloaded through Instagram API.
Early Sunsets Over Monroeville Demo - An Attic Demo found by SpaceyRaygun with an Early Sunsets Over Monroeville recording not included on MDNSY. Included in notable bootlegs such as Self-titled MP3 Collection released 2010. ~Fake demo debunked by (Friend of Matt Pelissier) and SpaceyRaygun (The track's original source).

Sister to Sleep - One of the earliest songs written for Revenge, revealed in a 2003 interview as conceptualized for The Freddy vs. Jason Soundtrack before licensing fell through. It was re-conceptualized around The Sandman series of comics, where sleep is anthropomorphized as the titular Sandman, and his sister as Death. In its released form, the lyrics explore sleep as an analogy for death and themes of insomnia and institutionalization. Ultimately, the track was cut from release by producer Howard Benson. Two live recordings (1) (2) of this song have circulated the fandom for a number of years, with one found more recently all from the same show played in NYC's the Knitting Factory on 6/26/2003. On 10/17/2022, it was played once more in Inglewood during the RETURN Tour, albeit slightly different lyrics. Later, Frank spoke on a 2023 interview about using live footage for practice, likely explaining the difference in lyrics. In 2013 the band had stated in an interview potentially none of the members still possessed a copy of Sister to Sleep's demo recording (A claim still supported by Frank in a 2022 interview) except possibly for a soundcheck library recording Mikey was given from the Knitting Factory show. With renewed interest in the song, Matt Pelissier was asked via Twitter about the track. ^{If community sources \}1]) ^\2]) ^{are to be believed, a Twitter user "Martin" asked Gerard the whereabouts and existing number of these demos, Gerard would share that they lost the only existing copy moving from coast to coast a number of years ago. Martin then asked Matt about the demos to corroborate Gerard's story, which prompted Matt to reveal more info.} Matt claimed he was given an additional copy of Sister to Sleep, as were all of the band members, their studio and their label. Fans supposedly questioned his demo's legitimacy. (1) (2) (3) Matt then posted three 15 second clips of the track to his Instagram. These clips were DMCA claimed by Warner and Matt was threatened with potential legal action if he continued copyright violations. However, fans downloaded these clips before they were taken down. (1) (2) Afterwards, Matt was asked via text conversations by his Revenir bandmate u/dansplayslol11 after hearing the track if he still intended on leaking it. Matt explained that he didn't intend on releasing them being content as the apparent sole owner of the demo.

Manhattan Demos ^aka A-Demos - In 2013 the band had stated in an interview Sister to Sleep's studio recording existed on the "Manhattan Demos" or "A-Demos" as Ray called them that also contained demo material later released on LOTMS. Screenshots of other production tracklists around this time have also been leaked and released by several sources including Revenge producer Howard Benson. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

I'm Not Okay (I Promise) Demo - A 1 minute 4 second Clip of an I'm Not Okay demo uploaded by the YouTube channel AJ Serna in 2012 which contains the line "And never mind the drugs you took" instead of Revenge's release version "The photographs your boyfriend took" with notably worse recording quality. ^{This lyric was likely remnants from when the song served as the conclusion to the album with a spoken word outro by Daryl Palumbo \}Of Glassjaw, Head Automatica] and is more in-line with) ^{early production takes of the song.}
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge Instrumentals - Instrumental versions of all 13 original Revenge tracks can be heard as backing tracks for the duration of LOTMS. Never released as a stand-alone instrumental promotional album unlike TBP.
Someone Out There Loves You - Released as a live performance on the official TBPID DVD as Track 30 with a live video. Unofficially titled 'Stay' by fans before its official title was revealed by Gerard on Twitter. Frank revealed in an interview with The Music that the song had a studio demo but "lyrical reservations" prevented its release.
MCRBlog 09' Demos - Throughout 2009, the band would post an occasional series titled 'Practice Cam' where they'd take photos and videos of whiteboards containing song titles. Fans like Cassie the Venomous were able to decipher some of these titles, and later corroborate them with at-the-time newly released live performances. (What was initially titled 'Siren Song' as a live performance eventually released as 'AMBULANCE', ect.) However, some of these teased titles never received accompanying live material. These include:

"Still Alive" ^\Also detailed in) ^{this interview.\}) "Teenage Girl" "Pretty [..?]" "Monster Jam" ^\This could be in reference to the video game 'Monster Jam: Masters of Mayhem' of which 'I'm Not Ok)' ^{appeared as an in-game track})^.\)

Hell Hath No Fury - This track was apparently credited to My Chemical Romance (1) (2) for 2012's The Man With The Iron Fists but never appeared on the movie's soundtrack. ^{It's theorized this track midway through the film is a snippet of the track.}
The Paper Kingdom - Proceeding DD's touring cycle, the My Chemical Romance began work on their 5th studio record before scrapping the album due to burnout, depression and unhealthy habits. (1) (2) Some of this material was likely posted by a user named Excalibur and sold for $10k+ on the leaked music website Leaked.cx in late September 2022. Snippets of these tracks with added auditory watermarks were provided by the leaker for legitimacy from tracks with the filenames "Dark Cloud", "Witch" and "Wake Up!". However, these clips were taken down by Warner both on leaked.cx and on other sites' reposts, likely validating the leak's legitimacy. One track recognized by Warner's automatic content ID system was entitled "Paper Swords" by My Chemical Romance.

The Foundations of Decay Sessions - According to comments by Excalibur made under leaked.cxs TPK leak, they also possessed demo sessions for the My Chemical Romance's 2022 release The Foundations of Decay. It was unclear whether these sessions were also purchased and vaulted alongside TPK's leak by the same or another buyer.

... These aren't exactly "lost", only ^\notable]) live performances with no evidence of official or studio variants: ^{FYI, any of these songs can be heard with a simple YouTube or Internet Archive search \}if I don't already link a primary or secondary source here.)
Everybody Tie Your Shoe - Stage banter on TBP's 2007 tour. Released on the 'Fans of Compilations' bootleg album in 2008.
The Drugs - A scrapped song played live sometime during 2009 during the Summer Sonic Festival. Later never released alongside the other CW-era singles or later DD material. Released as a live track on 'Still Chemical Dependency' bootleg album in 2009.
Everybody Hates the Eagles ^aka Kill Em' All ^aka DD Jam Session - A DD-era Jam Session repurposed for the My Chemical Romance's 2022-2023 tour and given lyrics with a variety of concluding lines rhyming or spinning on the phrase "Everybody Hates the Eagles". (1) (2) (3) (4)
... These aren't in any sense "lost". Some just aren't on streaming services, just obscure or with no official release: ^{FYI, any of these songs can be heard with a simple YouTube or Internet Archive search \}if I don't already link a primary or secondary source here.)
Jack the Ripper (cover) - Live cover of Morrissey's song released on the EP Like Phantoms, Forever in 2002 including live banter, then later released as a cut-down version on the Thank You for the Venom 7" in 2004. ^{Often mistaken for separate live and studio tracks such as mislabeling on the Self-titled MP3 Collection and other MP3 archives.}
Give Em' Hell, Kid Alt. Version - An alternate version of Give Em' Hell, Kid from iTunes.
Under Pressure (cover) - Cover of Queen and David Bowie's song as a collaboration with The Used made for release as a single and a bonus track for The Used's 2004 release 'In Love and Death'.
Astro Zombies (cover) - Cover of Misfits' song released for Tony Hawk's American Wasteland 2005.
I Never Told You What I Do For a Living Demo - Demo track released on LOTMS lyrically and sonically distinct from its Revenge release.
Bury Me in Black - Demo released first as a Japanese Revenge bonus track, later released internationally on LOTMS.
Desert Song - Complete studio track intended for Revenge, released exclusively on LOTMS.
Song 2 (cover) - Cover of Blur's song released on Radio 1's Live Lounge Album in 2006.
The Black Parade Instrumentals - Promotional CDr distributed to advertisers alongside TBP in 2006.
The Black Parade: The B-Sides - Includes My way Home Is Through You, Kill All Your Friends and Heaven Help Us. Released as a stand-alone b-side album in 2009 including bonus tracks released alongside TBP in 2006.
Desolation Row (cover) - Cover of Bob Dylan's song for release with Watchmen (2009) with an accompanying promotional music video set in the Watchmen universe.
All I Want for Christmas Is You (cover) - Cover of Mariah Carey's song for 2009's Christmas compilation album Gift Wrapped: 20 Songs That Keep On Giving.
We Don't Need Another Song About California - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys iTunes Deluxe bonus track.
Zero Percent - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys Japanese bonus track.
Sing Single - Radio edit and instrumental single of Sing released in 2010.
The Mad Gear and Missile Kid EP - Collection of songs written during DD's production (Black Dragon Fighting Society being written before DD), intended to be My Chemical Romance's in-universe proxy. Released with DD's 2010 box set and released digitally for the first time in 2022.
Bulletproof Heart Single - Radio edit and instrumental single of Bulletproof Heart released in 2011.
Planetary (GO!) Remixes - Planetary (GO!) single remixes by Lags Gallows & Vasquez/Gorman released in 2011.
Common People (cover) - Cover of Pulp's song for BBC Radio 1, Released on the 2011 The Only Hope For Me Is You EP.
Every Snowflake is Different (Just Like You) - A track made for the show Yo' Gabba Gabba in 2011. Made alongside a music video featured on the show. Notably similar to S/C/A/E/C/O/W and preformed live by My Chemical Romance on tour the same year.
#SINGItForJapan - Full orchestral Japanese instrumental version of SING following earthquakes and tsunamis that devastated Japan in 2011. Released as a single alongside a YouTube upload and merchandise to raise money for Japanese charities.
The Kids from Yesterday Remixes - Australian-exclusive box set released 2012 including remixes from Dan P. Carter, Lags Gallows and Vazquez/Gorman.
Fake Your Death - The first track on May Death Never Stop You and released as a single. Theorized as originally made for TPK. Aside: I hear his VERY widely talked about as a fact, butthe main article citedis mistakenly referencing Gerard's solo work. As likely as this rumor is, there is no evidence.
Black Parade / Living with Ghosts - Black Parade's 10-year anniversary release including a variety of TBP demos both scrapped and reworked onto the 2006 release.
Welcome to the Black Parade (Steve Aoki 10th Anniversary Remix) - Remix of Welcome to the Black Parade by Steve Aoki for TBP's 10th Anniversary.
... Specific thanks to u/mj2000p, u/Tongara, u/danplayslol11, SpaceyRaygun and Party in the affiliated My Chemical Romance Discord for previous edits. To see the edits check out my original post.

Please do not harass or beg band members or those affiliated with the band for unreleased material. Archival efforts are important but many of these songs fall under copyright and/or hold great personal value. Be respectful in reaching out to potential leads.

If anyone has better sources, anything else to correct or add I'd love to add to what I have and will credit.
Thanks for all the help! <3 Happy 20 years to Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge! :3

Credit card points are a fascinating and valuable aspect of modern financial management. Understanding how these points work can significantly benefit consumers, allowing them to maximize their spending and enjoy various rewards. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of credit card points, how they are earned, the various ways to redeem them, and strategies to maximize their value.

What Are Credit Card Points?

Credit card points are a type of reward currency that credit card companies offer to their cardholders as an incentive for using their cards. These points can be accumulated through various types of purchases and can later be redeemed for a range of rewards such as travel, merchandise, gift cards, and even cash back. The value and utility of these points can vary widely depending on the credit card issuer and the specific reward program.

How Are Credit Card Points Earned?

Spending Categories and Earning Rates

Credit card points are typically earned based on the amount of money spent using the credit card. The rate at which points are earned can vary depending on the card and the spending category. Common categories that may offer higher points include:

• Travel and Dining: Many cards offer bonus points for purchases made on travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and dining at restaurants.
• Groceries and Gas: Some cards provide extra points for everyday expenses like grocery shopping and fuel.
• Specific Retailers: Certain cards partner with specific retailers to offer higher points for purchases made with those merchants.

Sign-Up Bonuses

Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses as an incentive for new cardholders. These bonuses often require the cardholder to spend a certain amount of money within a specified period, such as $3,000 within the first three months. The sign-up bonus can significantly boost the number of points in a short period.

Promotional Offers

Credit card issuers frequently run promotional campaigns where cardholders can earn additional points. These promotions can be seasonal or tied to specific spending activities.

How to Redeem Credit Card Points

Travel Rewards

One of the most popular ways to redeem credit card points is for travel-related expenses. Points can be used to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Some credit cards are affiliated with specific airlines or hotel chains, providing even greater value when points are redeemed through these partners.

Cash Back and Statement Credits

Credit card points can often be converted into cash back or statement credits. This option provides direct financial benefit by reducing the cardholder’s balance or providing cash that can be deposited into a bank account.

Gift Cards and Merchandise

Many reward programs allow points to be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers or for a wide range of merchandise. While this can be a convenient option, it’s essential to compare the value of the points when redeemed this way to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Experiences and Events

Some credit card companies offer unique experiences and event access as redemption options. These can include concert tickets, exclusive dining experiences, or special sporting events.

Maximizing the Value of Your Points

Strategic Spending

To maximize the value of credit card points, it is crucial to understand the earning structure of your card. Prioritize using your card for purchases in categories that offer higher points. For example, if your card offers triple points on dining, ensure you use it every time you eat out.

Take Advantage of Bonus Offers

Regularly check for promotional offers and take advantage of them to earn additional points. These offers can provide a significant boost to your points balance without extra spending.

Combine Points with Other Programs

Some credit card points can be transferred to other loyalty programs, such as airline frequent flyer programs or hotel rewards. This can sometimes offer a higher redemption value, especially for travel-related redemptions.

Monitor Expiration Dates

Points can sometimes expire if not used within a specific timeframe. Be aware of your points' expiration dates and plan your redemptions accordingly to avoid losing them.

Understanding the Value of Points

Point Valuation

The value of a credit card point can vary significantly depending on how it is redeemed. For example, redeeming points for travel through a credit card’s portal may offer a higher value per point compared to redeeming for merchandise or gift cards. It is essential to understand the valuation of points for different redemption options to make informed decisions.

Redemption Rate Comparisons

Compare the redemption rates for different options to ensure you are getting the best value. For instance, if 10,000 points can get you a $100 gift card but can be used for a flight worth $150, the latter option provides a higher value per point.

Choosing the Right Credit Card

Assessing Your Spending Habits

Select a credit card that aligns with your spending habits and offers the best rewards for your lifestyle. If you travel frequently, a card that offers high points for travel-related expenses will be more beneficial than one that rewards grocery shopping.

Evaluating Fees and Interest Rates

Consider the annual fees and interest rates associated with the credit card. Sometimes, cards with higher fees offer better rewards, but it is essential to ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Reading the Fine Print

Understand the terms and conditions of the rewards program, including any restrictions or limitations on point earning and redemption. Some cards may have blackout dates for travel or limited options for point transfer.

Conclusion

Credit card points can provide substantial value if used wisely. By understanding how points are earned, the best ways to redeem them, and strategies to maximize their value, consumers can make the most out of their credit card rewards. Always choose a credit card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals to ensure you get the maximum benefit.

I’ve seen the band twice. Once at peach in 2019 and the second time last night in Denver.
When I saw them at peach I wasn’t blown away it made a lot of sense to me why there were so many people there. A really big name on the main stage let out and whoever was up after them wasn’t the same vibe. Everybody rolled over to the small stage because well, what else was there to do? Walk to a different liquor jurisdiction at the weird montage mountain or go to the new band stage. Idk nothing about it wowed me at all. Made sense to me the real reason their festival set was absolutely packed insanely.
I was excited to see them after all the hype. Concert promoters like Peter Shapiro and others putting them on. Papa Trey giving them his full blessing. Moving from red rocks to a bigger venue this year in Denver.
These are my thoughts:
The show was a complete let down.
Maybe people really are buying the hype or they just like the band. All these songs sounded either like phish teases or Radiohead teases. I was really confused. This band isn’t doing anything anybody else is doing at all. Peter is supposedly the keys player? But given the opportunity to lay some shit down he bombed. Great, he can bounce a funky clavinet groove. Eh.
Rick totally shreds but not on a different level as any awesome guitar player in the scene. Definitely though chops to that guy and Weekz for laying some shit down. The only time I saw the place actually movin and people dancing was when Rick played an extremely funky boom clap guitar part. Then during the track when he stopped playing that everyone went back to standing around.
I really don’t understand why this band is as big as they are. I stood on the lawn and saw a mass of people hardly dancing or doing really anything. The new drummers pocket just ain’t there. I was confused why nobody was getting down or shaking their asses. Except for the people in the front who have to lol.
If this is your favorite band then that’s awesome for you and it’s always cool to see people doing well in music where literally nobody makes money. Not trying to yuck your yums.. However I implore you to go deeper. There are deep cats in the scene who write awesome music and jam way hard. This is some of the dumbest and bad over hyped shit since twiddle. Everyone is dying to have a new stadium jamband and this is simply not it. This is a fad. Anyway I’m gonna put on goose and go grab some silly bandz, mighty beans, talk to my friends through a cb radio while I watch KONY 2012. Give me a break.

Good marrow, bonelickers!
Early last month I announced the 19th Speedlang Challenge. I broke the mould with it a little bit by confining how the ambitious among you would actually put together your speedlangs rather than defining a number of requisite features. The bulk of this process had speedlangers root all their creative linguistic decisions in a small set of natlangs, and these natlangs specifically had to be native to areas representative of a chosen clade of organisms. To ensure the clade of organisms was well represented, I also asked for a number of lexical items and conceptual metaphors that had to be specifically inspired by the clade in some way, as well as some aspect of the phonology.
Like last time, I'll provide my thoughts about what I think makes each submission special and the features I particularly like. Afterwards, I'll quickly review what was inspired by the chosen clade, in case that has any bearing on what you kind readers might like to check out, and give out brownie points for any easter eggs I spot, whether intended or not.
Overall this has been a deeply creative round of submissions and I learned a lot, both things I set out to achieve when I thought up this particular challenge. I hope it was just as rewarding a challenge for everyone who submitted as it was for me getting to read up on each entry, and I hope it will be the same for anyone who reads up on them, too.
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Seba Bàsa by Miacomet

Gyps (griffon vultures); Chamic, Bengali, Santali & Mundari
With a name including the element Bàsa, I knew this had to have Indic flavours of one sort of another, and indeed it does! This conlang is largely Austronesian in origin with sound changes from Old Cham, but it has a lot of Bengali influence and is well situated in the Indian subcontinent, and I greatly appreciate the nod to Parsi funerary traditions as an inspiring reason for choosing Gyps. Amusingly, this conlang has many features that fit right into the inspiration for the last speedlang challenge, which I find just delightful, with some split-S marking, dative enclitics, and grammaticalised constructions for simultaneous and sequential events, and light pronouns. Therebeside, the historical clipping, CVK syllable structure, postpositional pronouns, and aspectual auxiliaries speak to sensibilities in my own conlanging, and the dissimilation processes in some of the affixes are a nice touch, too. I'm also a big of fan just how the split-S system is implicated in some verbal polysemy, and I really like how the few voices seem kinda muddy but have clear use cases. What really sets this conlang apart, though, is the consideration paid to the effect of prestige languages. Some phonemes are restricted to loanwords from the local prestige language, and one is even only confined to prestige language-educated speakers, which causes some allophony other speakers don't have. Loaning processes are detailed, too, and the number and classifier system also draws nice lines along the prestige axis with a total of 3 parallel number systems, spread out across both divisions of native vs. loaned classifiers, which themselves have specific semantic domains they each classify, and across divisions of prestige language education. The story at the end, too, is a real treat: it's a translation of Hindu vulture myth, perfect for this project.
Seba Bàsa's Gyps-inspired phonology includes the development of creaky voice from the loss of glottals, glottalised consonants, and final /s/ in Old Cham to recall vulture cries. It's inspired lexicon includes some fun polysemy of vulture behaviours like circling = waiting or sheepling = looking for something desirable. I'm also a big fan of kite (the bird) = messy eater. It's inspired conceptual metaphors include dividing the beginning, middle, and end of a process into eating skin, meat, and bones, respectively, and equating head height/position with one's health or comfortableness as inspired by how vultures droop their heads when ill.
We're starting off string with double brownie points for meeting both the space epic easter egg by calquing the Ewokese word for 'outsider' and the empress easter egg by referring to Buddha's Birthday!
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Kogëdek by u/Porpoise_God

Setonix & Macropodidae more generally (quokkas + kangaroos & wallabies); Noongar, Pitjantjatjara, Wajarri, Guugu Yimithirr, Miriwoong, Guniyandi, Dyirbal, Mbabaram
Aside from the one splant you'll soon see, I think this entry gets the prize for the most unique chosen clade by being A) not a bird, and B) not an ungulate. As great as birds are, quokkas are pretty amazing, too. I'm not too familiar with Pama-Nyungan languages but this did a good job of affecting some of the features I've come to know them for, including but not limited to the phonological natural classes of peripheral vs. coronal, coverb constructions, and the word for 'dog' bearing a striking similarity to English. Split-ergativity features across the noun-pronoun axis, and there's a unique set of duals that specifically refer to sibling, parent-child, or spousal pairs of individuals that I might have to steal for myself. The case marking includes a lative case I haven't seen before, and implicates the comitative in a neat way in comparative constructions. I also appreciate the what-looks-to-be resumptive subject pronominal proclitics; very speedlang 18, and a great example of a fossilised mistake, which I always love to see! The verbs also feature multiple conjugations, and the imperative is implicated for its tenselessness in certain subclause constructions, which has a certain type of quirkiness I'd expect out of some past speedlang challenges.
Kogëdek's Setonix-inspired phonology included a /ç/ in the proto-lang, which bears some resemblance to quokka calls, although it was lost to /s/ and /x/ in the modern language. The inspired lexical entries include roots for different kinds of macropods and styles of jumping, and conflates jumping with breathing. Some of the idioms include "pouch-baby" for pejorative "mama's-boy" and using kangaroo badassery as a metaphor for all sorts of less than ideal situations.
Brownie points for a particularly insidious word-form for 'father'.
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Yatakang by Lichen

Bubalus (water buffaloes); Hindi-Urdu, Thai, Vietnamese, Khmer, Burmese, Malay
This one's a little rough around the edges, but it's a good foundation for a nice mix of both SEA features, like the isolating morphosyntax, and unique features, like the class agreement system. It's also got clicks limited to avoidance speech! Diachronics from a proto-lang where considered, and I really like how the typologies of the inspo langs were used as targets for the sound changes. I'll have to keep this workflow in mind! Some of the sound changes include expanding the number of stop contrasts to match the average number of contrasts, or eroding the number of vowels to match that of Malay. Phonotactics were carefully considered with full structures for both mono- and disyllables as well as bare roots vs. compound stems. Grammatically, morphology is mostly limited to a host of different reduplication patterns, which in itself is something I'd really like to see more of! Where this really shines, though, is with its agreement system: nouns are sorted into a 3x2 matrix of 6 classes, portmanteau agreement particles mark for the class of both the subject and the object, the system implicates the social hierarchies common to many SEA languages, and the position of the particle marks modality. Incredibly inspired to pack all that into a set of maybe 36 particles, if you ask me, never mind how it helps to disambiguate fluid word class and how it might be implicated in future plans for Indonesian object-oriented verbs. I'm also a fan of how the temporal question verb patterns like an agreement particle to mark for tense by co-opting the modality marking. We also get some prosody-syntax interfacing with different pitch contours at clause boundaries operating as different sorts of conjunctions.
Yatakang's Bubalus-inspired phonology includes a combination of creaky voice and syllabic nasals to affect a mooing phonaesthetic. The lexical entries exhibit some nice semantic drift from water buffalo activities and behaviours towards more human behaviours, and the planned phrase of hat-hand stroke fur for "suddenly realise a problem, and then pretend there isn't one" just feels exactly like an observation a water buffalo would make observing its human, which I really like. The inspired metaphors are also simple and straightforward, likening roundedness to goodness or knowledge to food, which makes for some brilliantly idiomatic language like "I ate the book" to mean "I read and understood the contents of the book."
Extra brownie points for including both halves of the space epic easter egg to placate both sides of nerddom; the term 'tax-man' is everything it ought to be.
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Kurikiri by Jjommoma

Casuariiformes (cassowaries and emus); Dhuwal, Motu, Tok Pisin
Compared to most other entries, this one's very short and sweet with some Australian sounds and some head-final Papuan grammar (however loose a description that is). That being said, Kurikiri is very inventive in being partially signed with much of its grammatical marking encoded by actions done with the foot, including number, case, definiteness, and some basic TAM.
Aside from the cassowary foot action grammar markers, as well as some lexical entries there-related, Kurikiri also equates flightedness to being ostentatious, disdaining flighted birds out of envy, which I think is a fun thought process for these terrestrially confined birds. There's also some neat phonosemantics in the taboo word for predator being especially difficult to pronounce.
This wasn't the intent, but I'm giving some space epic brownie points for the foot grammar if for nothing else than that it reminds me of Paul Frommer's Thark from John Carter and its telepathic grammatical and verbal lexical expression.
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Whaynisiday by u/Fimii

Spheniscidae (penguins); Māori, Xhosa, Quechua
What do you do when the entire population of penguins achieves human-like levels of intelligence after some gene splicing and they start calling for a language to call their own? Why, you do exactly what the prompt of this challenge asks for and combine the languages native to the homeland of the blue, african, and humboldt penguins! The write up for this conlang does a great job of pointing out what features are from which language exactly, and plays a fun balancing game between some of the phonological and grammatical extremes in its sourcelangs. In so doing it has a few quirks that really tickle the intersection of my linguist and conlanger venn diagram, specifically the presence of what I'd have to interpret as onset morae, as well as semantic noun class marked solely through agreement (which is very Varamm, so I'm not at all biased towards it). There's a handful of fun, rare cases, and the simulative mood fits right into the inspirations for the last challenge to create some vaguely Tupian simultaneous actions. There's a bunch more little grammatical bits that are fun, but impressionistically I appreciate how the more isolating grammar of Māori was incorporated into the synthetic common ground of the other 2 sourcelangs.
Whaynisiday's Spheniscidae-inspired phonology includes a couple syringeal sounds to complement the otherwise human capable inventory. The highlighted lexical entries pay special attention to how penguins locomote with basic stems for different kinds of movement options both on land and in the water, as well as a split in breathing for whether its on land at rest or in the water being active. The conceptual metaphors include a great model of time with the past on land and the future in the inky depths, and the very adorable notion that safety = community, and so naturally a farewell would be a wish of friendship.
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Poro by The Inky Baroness

Rangifer tarandus subsp. (domestic reindeers); Proto-Samic, Komi-Zyrian, Tundra Nenets, Chukchi
Where do I even begin with this one? I was excited to read this one when I first received it, but it was even better than I could have hoped when I got round to reading it! Although, not for any linguistic reasons: the first half of the doc reminds me of Gillian Teft's Anthro-Vision as an anthropological account of reindeers written by a fictitious Finnish researcher rather than any sort of sketched reference grammar, which I love dearly. The latter half, meanwhile, goes into great detail about what went into the first half, including all sorts of motivations or reasons for the decisions made. Some diachrony is detailed, as well as the effects of language contact rooted in actual historical events relevant to the chosen sourcelangs, which is just great to see. I loved the ways in which each of the different sourcelangs were all represented in the final product with it being Samic in origin but including some phonological and grammatical borrowings from Komi and Nenets like the lack of consonant gradation, the verb-final syntax, some vowel changes, and a fantastic predestinative affix that interacts with the conceptualisation of time in some neat ways. All the while, care was taken to do a wealth of research at every step in the process with a fairly extensive bibliography. Hoof clicks all around for this one!
Poro's Rangifer-inspired phonology includes a deer bellow as some sort of epiglottal obstruent that actually patterns with the Nenets glottal stop, as well as some other approximated reindeer vocalisations including what I presume to be grunts or chuffs, both oral and nasal. Care was also taken to think about what a fully reindeerised descendant of Proto-Samic would look like as accords with the included etiological myth for reindeers and reindeer husbandry, but this was well beyond the scope of a speedlang. The lexical entries include all sorts of terms for reindeer physiology, including but not limited to antler velvet, different types of vocalisations, and hoof clicks. These lexical entries feature in some wonderful idioms using antlers to describe social hierarchy, useful- or uselessness, and glibness or malicious intent, as well as an equivalent to "when pigs fly": "to catch a bird between one's hooves."
Extra brownie points both for the nominal hierarchical exaltation of mothers baked into reindeer culture and inclusion of an anti-imperialist message in promoting the research of the under-represented and often stigmatised language and culture of traditionally reindeer herding peoples. Also do keep an eye out for Dr. Dolittle easter eggs: Inky will reward you handsomely if you can spot one!
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Kiwi by NerpNerp

Apteryx & Novaeratitae more broadly (kiwis + cassowaries & emus); English, Māori, Traditional Tiwi, Miriwoong, Bardi
Given the number of bird entries with Indo-Pacific flavours, I'm almost half surprised this was the only kiwi entry: they're such good birbs! As might be expected, this conlang endeared itself to me just as its namesake does. The phonology has all sorts of trills and rhotics, and limits itself to high vowels; it's also got some neat phrase level prosody to mark different sorts of modal information and focus, even including an intrusive glottal stop at the sentence level. Noun incorporation is varied and detailed, and can create some polysynthetic constructions as a consequence of just how exactly the rest of the otherwise fairly analytic morphosyntax works. I'm a particular fan of the deictic categories including 7 different degrees of deixis characterising both distance and motion, and I'm also a fan of of the grammaticalised time of day. Heximal numbers and coverb constructions also feature. There's even a kiwi-capable featural alphabet that each of the examples show off!
Kiwi's Apteryx-inspired phonology includes the trills and high vowels being inspired by kiwi calls and I imagine a little of their anatomy with those long, thin bills. The inspired lexemes include specific types of smells humans can't detect at the expense of any colour terms, reflecting kiwis nocturnal, smell-based lifestyles. The idioms for "a long time ago" or "once upon a time" is absolutely delightful--"when kiwis flew"--and the grammaticalised time of day subdivides the night but not the day, as might be expected from a nocturnal beastie.
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Asamiin by Christian Evans

Asamina (pawpaws); Ottawa, Unami, Tuscarora, Mikasuki, Chitimacha, Timucua
The speech that nourishes! And a splant, too, no less; I was hoping for at least one of these! This one's made all the better by delving into some Eastern North American languages and I really like the flavours this lends itself to. Syncope is abound with all sorts of morphological obfuscation through detailed phonological processes, and animacy plays a key role in the verb complex. Care was also taken to find a phonological common ground between all the sourcelangs, which made for a really interesting set of vowels with a basic 6 vowel inventory, but with 2 nasal vowels that can surface as vocalic allophones to the nasal consonants. The grammar is fairly straightforward but has a few quirks that I really appreciate, including but not limited to the fluid O placement to make for some syntactic focusing strategies I so adore and the optional, enclitic case marking narrowed by various postpositions used as another, separate means of focus. Overall just really well laid out and the formatting is really cute, something I've now come to expect after Yumpịku last time.
Asamiin's Asamina-inspired phonology includes a pharyngeal approximant to recall the really long taproot pawpaws grow, as well as regressive sibilant harmony to recall the mimicry the flowers employ to attract pollinators, both of which are some really inspired departures from the sourcelangs.
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Ekaangäq by Atyx

Haliaeetus pelagicus (Steller's sea eagle); Chukchi, Alyutor, Koryak, Itelmen, Ainu, Nivkh, Evenki, Uilta
A bird that escapes any Indo-Pacific flavours? Well I'll be! Instead of South Pacific this one gives all sorts of North Pacific energy being spoken by a population of eaglefolk native to the Sea of Okhotsk and representative of the languages spoken along its coasts. The Ainu flavours are especially strong with both an Ainu-based consonant inventory and a kana orthography, among others. The vowels also show some interesting lopsidedness with 2 creaky vowels complementing an otherwise fairly straightforward 6 vowel system that feature in a front-back vowel harmony system, though I'm a real fan of the sandhi rules at word boundaries that cause all sorts of fun consonant alternations. Word stress is also detailed and has funky placement rules at odds with my understanding of theoretical prosodic processes! Grammatically there's a few quirks that really stand out to me and tickle my curiosity: a dual distinction on the nouns but not in the pronouns, and polypersonal agreement in a transitive alignment system, the only departure from direct, accusative, and/or ergative alignment in this round of submissions. I also appreciate some of the syncretism in the pronouns!
Ekkangäq's Haliaeetus-inspired phonology includes entirely unrounded vowels and a lack of any labial consonants to reflect the speakers have beaks, as well as the 2 creaky vowels as rooted in their physiology, a common theme for this challenge. The lexicon includes some distinctions between diving and eating as it applies to different kinds of prey. The conceptual metaphor, though, I think is really great equating the passage of time with ice: an iceberg calving off a glacier is birth, melting is ageing, and melting all away is dying. Great stuff!
I think I actually have to give negative brownie points for this one: as much as I appreciate 3 separate orthographies (Kana, Cyrillic, Latin) for some historicity, they are all at odds with the anti-imperialism the brownie criterion requires, and there's no girl power to balance it out.
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Taqồpaq by accruenewblue

Gallus (jungefowl); Hindi-Urdu, Burmese, Thai, Punjabi, Tamil, Indonesian
I'm a little surprised this is, I think, the only truly tonal submission despite all the SEA birds, and it's less synthetic than most in this round of submissions. In either case, this one does a great job of illustrating some tonogenesis and some recent and still very transparent synthetic developments from a formerly isolating language. The tones are simple registers, but they interact with morae in some neat rightwards reassigning sandhi patterns, and they complement a system of 12 vowels in a 3x2x2 matrix of height, frontedness, and roundedness. There's even some vocalic nasal allophones (which is twice now in this round of submissions), and labial consonant-vowel harmony to boot! Grammatically I greatly appreciate all the call-outs for similarities to natural languages, and I wanna shout-out the use of a positive tag question instead of negative. The numbers have this funky sexagesimal base with an octal sub-base and remnants of an old decimal sub-base, which recalls some of the duodecimal remnants in the otherwise decimal system of many European languages.
Taqồpaq's Gallus-inspired phonology includes the tonal system being described as recalling a rooster's crow. The lexicon includes roots for all things chicken, including using the word for 'wattle' as a classifier for hanging things, which is so delightfully what I wanted out of this challenge. The more idiomatic language makes use of chicken behaviours as descriptors: dust baths are metaphors for something useful but not everyone's cup of tea, and continuing to brood after the chicks have hatched is a metaphor for doing a good thing so long it has negative consequences.
Extra brownie points for exalting queen Trưng, first queen of Vietnam, and a nationalist hero who fought against Chinese imperialism. Double whammy right there!
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Ngālin by u/borago_officinalis

Aptenodytes forsteri (emperor penguins); Awabakal, Māori, Norwegian
We already had a penguin splang but this one's a nice twist by focusing on the territorial claims of Antarctica rather than the ranges of more temperate inclined penguins where there are actually native languages. This does a great job of shirking the indigenous implication in the language selection step of the challenge (although I'm very glad to see no English or Spanish), so there's a really neat mix of isolating Māori particles with a fusional Germanic verbal system, and I was able to easily pick up on both reading through the doc. The verb system actually pleases me greatly with a strong/weak contrast and a V2 word order wherein the strong verbs mark tense through stem change and the weak verbs with a tense auxiliary, all whilst maintaining a very Polynesian aesthetic despite the very Germanic number of vowels. The Māori possessive system is also really fun, I think. I can't speak to the Awabakal influences, but I was able to pick up on the one, tiny Mapudungan influence of tone tag particles before it was even explicitly mentioned! Not sure where the negation system came from, but it implicates the weak verbs in a way I so adore. Really sweet, despite the fun grim facts about emperor penguin hatchlings, and I found this one just darling. The myth at the end about how penguins lost their ability to fly is also real treat and is a perfect fit for the project.
Ngālin doesn't have any A. forsteri-inspired phonology, but it makes up for it with the inspired lexicon and idiomatic language. The emperor penguin breeding cycle is detailed with translations for all the important terms along the way, including but not limited to the ritual of transferring egg from mother to father and "motherless" to refer to a newborn, whose mother hasn't yet returned from the sea. There's some great, everyday idioms elided down from full phrases for greeting and consoling another penguin being "which way?" and "next year", and conceptualising a long distance as specifically the distance from colony to see is a nice touch. I also appreciate how the relationship between creche-mates is more important than that between (half-)siblings.
I have to give queen exaltation brownie points purely for the one illustrative example of āmā o pipa "hatchling's mum" grammatically indicating the senior authority of an empress penguin.
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Honourable Mention

I've been kept somewhat apprised of a Urile (North Pacific cormorants) splang by u/PastTheStarryVoids. It's still very much in the works, but it sounds funky with both some polysynthetic flavours, no doubt inspired by some PNW languages, I imagine, and some formorant (cormorant formant) analysis! Keep an eye out for it, I'm sure it'll grace the sub in due time!
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And that's everything I've seen in the time I put together this showcase. I know there were a few among you all who felt inspired but couldn't put anything together during the course of this challenge. I remember mention of a banana and a tree kangaroo splang on the announcement post. If anyone ever uses the challenge to inspire a future project of theirs, please keep me apprised! I'd be interested in seeing them if for nothing else than to see some more projects outside of South Asian and Oceanian birds, as great as those birbs are. I can't believe I didn't see a single monotreme or non-ungulate eutherian, and that there weren't any non-avian reptiles or anything fully aquatic! And no fossil clades, too, for that matter! I'm positive there are the makings of some really funky splangs if the relevant modern continental and climactic boundaries didn't yet exist.
In any case, I hope all parties involved had a great deal of fun through the course of this challenge! I know I did! Until next marrow, bonelickers!

Exploring the deep-seated fears that reside within us and how they manifest as what we traditionally call the "seven deadly sins." These ancient concepts, often cloaked in religious and moralistic language, serve as mirrors reflecting our innermost insecurities and self-imposed limitations. By understanding these fears and recognizing the acronym S.I.N. as Self-Inflicted Negatives, we can transcend these barriers and step into the fullness of our potential.

1. Pride (Hubris):
   
   • Fear: The fear of inadequacy and not being enough.
   • Manifestation: When we feel deeply insecure about our worth, we may inflate our ego to mask these feelings. Pride becomes a shield, protecting us from the vulnerability of admitting our perceived shortcomings.
   • Transformation: Embrace humility and self-acceptance. Recognize that true strength comes from acknowledging our imperfections and growing from them.
2. Envy:
   
   • Fear: The fear of lack and not having enough.
   • Manifestation: Envy arises from a scarcity mindset, where we believe that others' success diminishes our own potential. It is the fear that we are not capable of achieving our desires.
   • Transformation: Cultivate gratitude and abundance. Understand that the universe is infinite, and there is more than enough for everyone. Celebrate others' successes as a reflection of what is possible for you.
3. Wrath (Anger):
   
   • Fear: The fear of powerlessness and being out of control.
   • Manifestation: Anger often stems from a perceived threat to our sense of control or autonomy. It is a reaction to the fear that we are helpless in changing our circumstances.
   • Transformation: Practice patience and understanding. Recognize that anger is a signal pointing to deeper issues that need healing. Embrace compassion, both for yourself and others.
4. Sloth (Laziness):
   
   • Fear: The fear of failure and not measuring up.
   • Manifestation: Sloth can be a defense mechanism against the fear of trying and failing. It is easier to not try at all than to risk not succeeding.
   • Transformation: Ignite your passion and purpose. Understand that every step, no matter how small, is progress. Embrace the journey and learn from every experience.
5. Greed (Avarice):
   
   • Fear: The fear of loss and not having enough security.
   • Manifestation: Greed is driven by an insatiable desire for more, stemming from a deep-seated fear of scarcity and insecurity.
   • Transformation: Foster generosity and trust. Realize that true security comes from within and that sharing your abundance enriches both your life and the lives of others.
6. Gluttony:
   
   • Fear: The fear of emptiness and not being fulfilled.
   • Manifestation: Gluttony is an attempt to fill an emotional void with physical or material excess. It is the fear that we are not whole or complete.
   • Transformation: Seek inner fulfillment and balance. Discover what truly nourishes your soul and focus on holistic well-being.
7. Lust:
   
   • Fear: The fear of intimacy and not being loved.
   • Manifestation: Lust can be an escape from the vulnerability of genuine connection. It is driven by a fear that we are unlovable or unworthy of deep, authentic relationships.
   • Transformation: Embrace genuine connection and self-love. Understand that true intimacy begins with self-acceptance and extends to forming meaningful bonds with others.
   S.I.N. - Self-Inflicted Negatives
   

The term "sin" has long been associated with moral failings and spiritual transgressions. However, when we view sin through the lens of Self-Inflicted Negatives, we shift our perspective from judgment to understanding. These "sins" are not punishments or inherent flaws but rather reflections of our inner fears and limiting beliefs.
By recognizing and addressing these fears, we can transform our lives. The path to enlightenment and personal growth involves facing these inner demons, understanding their origins, and consciously choosing to transcend them. This process requires self-awareness, compassion, and a commitment to continuous growth.
Transcending Self-Inflicted Negatives

1. Awareness: Begin by acknowledging the fears that underlie your actions and reactions. This requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
   
2. Acceptance: Accept that these fears are a part of your human experience. They do not define you, but they do offer valuable lessons for your spiritual journey.
   
3. Action: Take proactive steps to address and transform these fears. This might involve seeking support, such as therapy or spiritual counseling, as well as engaging in practices that promote self-growth, such as meditation, journaling, or mindfulness.
   
4. Affirmation: Regularly affirm your worth and potential. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations that reinforce your inherent value and capabilities. Remember, you are a divine being having a human experience, and you possess the power to transcend any limitation.
   
5. Connection: Foster deeper connections with others and the universe. Engage in practices that enhance your sense of interconnectedness, such as community service, group meditations, or simply spending time in nature. Recognize that you are part of a vast, supportive network of beings.
   
6. Gratitude: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude. Focus on the abundance already present in your life and express thanks for it. Gratitude shifts your perspective from lack to abundance and opens the door to receiving more blessings.
   
7. Forgiveness: Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and others. Holding onto guilt or resentment only perpetuates the cycle of negativity. Release these burdens and allow yourself to heal.
   

The Path Forward
As we navigate the complexities of our human existence, it is essential to remember that our journey is one of continuous evolution. The seven deadly sins, or Self-Inflicted Negatives, are not obstacles meant to hinder us but opportunities designed to teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves.
By embracing these lessons with an open heart and a willing spirit, we can transcend our fears and limitations. This transformation is not about achieving perfection but about embracing our authentic selves, flaws and all, and realizing that we are inherently worthy and capable of greatness.
In conclusion, the seven deadly sins are not merely moral failings but reflections of deeper fears that we hold within ourselves. By recognizing and addressing these fears, we can transform our lives and transcend the limitations that hold us back. Remember, S.I.N. – Self-Inflicted Negatives – can be healed through awareness, acceptance, action, affirmation, connection, gratitude, and forgiveness. As you continue on your spiritual journey, may you find peace, wisdom, and the courage to embrace your true potential.
With infinite love and light,
Your fellow traveler on the path of spiritual awakening