TLDR: The Atlanta Braves baseball team is the only publicly traded baseball team. DFV just posted a picture that was already tweeted by Gamestop, difference being he drew some Red Socks on the image. The Braves played the Red Sox last Tuesday and Wednesday, which led me down an incredible rabbit hole.
I am not a smart man. Just a man, who thinks too much. Even now, I should be getting my last minute Mother’s day gifts together but this won’t leave my brain. Neil Gaiman’s “American God’s” sits unfinished on my dresser but weighs heavily on my mind. This movement feels like the New God’s fighting the Old Gods. Operating software being forcefully updated to keep up with growing technology. It’s still big business and time is money.
Wednesday, Odin’s day of magic, The Braves played the Boston Red Sox and won 5-0 but there was an ill feeling in the air as the message above was broadcast on all the tv’s in the stadium including the big screen over centerfield and for those of us watching from home. Feels like a message was being sent but something caught my eye in the very first sentence. “Bankruptcy”, Cohencidence #1. I started asking myself questions and the most important was, “Who, own’s Bally network?”. The Sinclair Group and Allen Media Group.
The Sinclair Group wasn’t really eye catching for me until I saw Dr. Ben Carson is on the board of directors. Cohencidence #2 as he’s close to Trump, who’s potentially part of this new entity being created. I could taste the tin foil slowly twisting my brain like a hamster named Algernon running non-stop on a hamster wheel, while high thinking “why am I running?”. I click on the about page and see this:
Our Values
Love What You Do
Be inspirational
Be communicative
Be part of something important
Make a difference
Live What You Do
Be a person of integrity
Be customer focused
Be transparent
Drive results
Embrace What You Do
Be forward thinking
Be adaptive
Be a strategic thinker
Challenge the status quo
This really opened my eyes as it reminded me of GameStop’s motto:
Power to the Players (Love What You Do)
Power to the Creators (Live What You Do)
Power to the Collectors (Embrace What You Do)
I click on Interactivity and see that they have a NFT Marketplace. This message pops up:
“Through Sinclair’s OWNMINE store, NFTs and physical goods can be purchased on Shopify, with no digital currency required.”
Shopify? They work very closely with Flexport, who’s potentially handling the new companies shipping. Shopify also has a commercial that has a neon rocket blasting off on the wall and ice cream. Cohencidences #3.
Allen Media Group is owned by Byron Allen. Yes, the owner of The Weather Channel. Byron, successfully sued AT&T, Comcast and Charter Communications seperately in a Racial Discrimination Lawsuit that went all the way to the Supreme Court for the Comcast case.
I overheard a Braves Fan say “the owner’s of Bally Sports Network don’t like CNN”. Why? Who own’s CNN?
Warner Bros. Discovery and they own all the good entertainment shows. HBO, Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, etc.
Here’s an article from January 25, 2024 talking about Comcast potentially merging with Warner Brother’s Discovery. The CEO of Comcast denies of course but the owners of Warner have made it known that everything is up for sale. America’s for sale. The way this country has been run economically has got everybody’s money “fucked up” and people are pissed. Which is hard to fathom, when it comes to people who have way more money than the combined generational wealth accumulated by your family.
One such man is Ted Turner. Like Ryan Cohen, he learned lessons from his father, who built a successful billboard company. He started off with CNN before turning into a media mogul and then he bought, The Atlanta Braves. He managed the team for one day May 11, 1977. He owned all of Atlanta’s sports teams at one time. Time Warner would eventually sell off the teams. He’s been through economic downturn before as he watched the company he built be sold off after making decisions to merge with Time Warner in the 90’s and AOL-Time Warner in 2001. It’s estimated the deals cost him 7 Billion dollars. I wonder who advised him.
Ted is a philanthropist. At one time Ted was the largest private landowner in the United States until John C. Malone surpassed him in 2011. Ted brought Buffalo back from dwindling numbers. What once was 30k now boasts numbers well over 400k. He knows how to take things, create something new and make them grow. He’s a 2013 recipient of the Lone Sailor Award, given to Sea Service veterans, who have excelled with distinction in their respective careers during or after their service. Another recipient of this award, President Theodore Roosevelt at the turn of the millennia in 2000. Cohencidence # 4
My acting teacher often said “There are two types of people. Creators and takers.” There has to be balance otherwise there’s not enough to go around.
Still, the question remains, who would buy Warner Bros?
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/nbcuniversal-plus-warner-bros-discovery-comcast-ceo-1235806791/amp/
I wonder who would be interested? Jeff Bezos, nope he has a “small” position in Diamond Media Group, a subsidiary of the previously mentioned Sinclair Group, who runs Bally Sports. Is he hedging a Bet on a company going through bankruptcy?
What does Comcast have to do with this? Comcast/NBC Universal has headquarters at The Battery, where the Braves Play. A friend, of my friend, is my friend. Right?
Lets zoom out:
Well, that’s weird. These two neighbors can’t get along. In fact Comcast responded to Bally Sport’s message with their own:
"Bally Sports chose not to exercise a right to extend their contract and they declined multiple offers so now we no longer have the rights to their programming," Comcast said in a statement to the News earlier this week”- Per the Detroit press.
That statement sounds an awful lot like someone chose to turn the buy button off. Like they’re making a point. But why point to Comcast? What do they own?
Comcast owns NewsCorp and so much more.
It doesn’t get interesting until you scroll down to “Former Assets-Divested” under Warner Brothers Discovery.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assets_owned_by_Warner_Bros._Discovery
Five bullet points down you’ll see the Atlanta Braves:
WTF?!
With renewed vigor, I keep going.
Who the hell is Liberty Media? Why were the Braves transferred and not sold?
John C. Malone started Liberty media and he’s been dubbed “Darth Vader” in business dealings, allegedly by Al Gore. Makes that Dumb Storm Troopers line hit differently from RC. Malone and Ted Turner are really good friends with similar ideals. Malone has said “I would never step on his toes” for the sake of business. Both have a contentious relationship with media mogul Rupert Murdoch, founder of News Corp. Ted and Rupert have beef from a boating incident and of course John has his good friends back. So, much so, that he starts buying up shares of News Corp. I keep searching until I find these two paragraphs on Liberty’s Wiki page:
[“In June 2002, Liberty Media acquired Wink Communications, a maker of set-top boxes founded by Brian P. Dougherty (of GEOS) fame), for $100 million.[33] Liberty Media subsequently spent $5 billion on nine German regional cable networks. Apart from television distribution it held major interests in other groups. For example, it was the largest shareholder in News Corporation (though the founding Murdoch family owns more voting shares), and had a 4% stake in Time Warner. In June 2005, Liberty Media International combined with UnitedGlobalCom, creating Liberty Global. In May 2006, Time Warner acquired Liberty Media's 50% stake in Court TV, for $735 million.[34] On May 16, 2006, IDT sold its IDT Entertainment division to Liberty Media "for all of Liberty Media's interests in IDT, $186 million in cash and the assumption of existing indebtedness". IDT Entertainment's assets and Starz Entertainment Group's line of premium television channels combined to produce content for all distribution platforms, and IDT Entertainment was later renamed as Starz Media.[35][36]
Liberty negotiated an asset swap with News Corp. and Time Warner that would give it control of DirecTV and the Atlanta Braves baseball team.[37] On February 12, 2007, the deal was completed with Time Warner wherein Liberty would receive the Atlanta Braves and a group of craft magazines, along with $1 billion in cash in exchange for 60 million shares of Time Warner stock (valued at $1.27 billion as of market close on February 12, 2007).[38] The deal was approved by Major League Baseballand then completed on May 16, 2007.[39] On February 20, 2008, the Federal Communications Commission approved the exchange of 16.3% of News Corp. for 38.4% of DirecTV, an $11 billion deal that also gave Liberty sports networks in Denver, Pittsburgh and Seattle plus $550 million in cash.[40]”]
Did you catch that Honey Nut Cheerio??
February 12, 2007 The deal was done for the Braves but wasn’t completed until May 16, 2007, once approved by the MLB.
This article published April 3, 2007 talks about the asset swap but makes no mention of the Braves as an asset but it does talk about Murdoch:
https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/technology/03iht-liberty.4.5133859.html
Why did it take MLB so long to approve the sale?
https://www.savannahnow.com/story/sports/2007/05/17/mlb-approves-sale-braves/13801856007/
You know who else has a problem with Comcast other than Allen Media Group?
https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2020/03/01/trump-attacks-comcast-vows-to-destroy-their-image.cnn
Thanks to Edwin Barnes it all begins to make sense. He was the first to mention the connection to Trump and $DJT, which allowed me to question everything. He often says MGGA=MAGA, which does nothing to reinforce what I’m trying to drive home until I realize, The Atlanta Braves were once, The Boston Braves.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Braves
“The Boston Braves were a Major League Baseball club that originated in Boston, Massachusetts, and played from 1871 to 1952. Afterwards they moved to Milwaukee (and became the Milwaukee Braves). Then in 1966 they were relocated to Atlanta, where they were renamed the Atlanta Braves.^\5])
During its 82-year stay in Massachusetts, the franchise was known by various nicknames, including the Red Stockings, Red Caps, Rustlers, Bees, and "Braves”.”
Red Stockings, Red Caps. What about Red Coats? Thus sparking a whole new dig.
“The Boston Tea Party was an American political and mercantile protest on December 16, 1773, by the Sons of Liberty in Boston in colonial Massachusetts. The target was the Tea Act of May 10, 1773, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea from China in American colonies without paying taxes apart from those imposed by the Townshend Acts. The Sons of Liberty strongly opposed the taxes in the Townshend Act as a violation of their rights. In response, the Sons of Liberty, some disguised as Native Americans, destroyed an entire shipment of tea sent by the East India Company.
“Foley, sees the Tea Party as a movement of principles over politics. She identifies three “core principles” of American constitutional law that bind the decentralized, wide-ranging movement: limited government, unapologetic U. S. Sovereignty, and constitutional originalism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Tea_Party
Liberty Media Group makes more sense now. But why? What are they up to?
This:
https://www.libertymedia.com/news/detail/502/liberty-media-corporation-completes-split-off-of-atlanta
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) (Nasdaq: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, FWONA, FWONK) announced that it completed the split-off (the “Split-Off”) of Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves Holdings”) (Nasdaq: BATRA, BATRK) at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, today. As a result, Liberty Media and Atlanta Braves Holdings are now separate publicly traded companies. Atlanta Braves Holdings Series A common stock and Series C common stock will begin trading on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 on the Nasdaq Stock Market, under the symbols “BATRA” and “BATRK”, respectively. Atlanta Braves Holdings Series B common stock will be quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “BATRB.”
Liberty Media’s Liberty SiriusXM common stock and Liberty Formula One common stock will continue trading following the Split-Off until the completion of its previously announced reclassification of its existing common stock and the creation of the new Liberty Live common stock on August 3, 2023 after market close (the “Reclassification”). For additional details regarding the Reclassification, please see the press release issued by Liberty Media earlier today, July 18, 2023.
IS RC REALLY TRYING TO BUY ALL THE STOCKS, I MEAN GOT DAMN THE YOUNGEST HOTTEST TEAM IN BASEBALL….YEAH I’LL TAKE A COUPLE THOUSAND SCOOPS PLEASE!!!!
Once you start down this path you can’t unsee it. I feel like Charlie from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia pointing to the map meme. Once again, Why Atlanta? It’s the same thing I thought when the PP seeds show came to town. The same thing I thought when I saw Trump on TV at my local gym while walking thoughtlessly on the treadmill for a nice warmup. The tv next to him is showing an image from the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s, whose theme this year is “Alice In Wonderland”. Follow the white rabbit indeed. The exhibit is from May 11- September 15.
Yes, Atlanta is the busiest airport in the world. Yes, Atlanta Is becoming the Hollywood of the South. But Why Atlanta? The answer comes to me as I turn around:
Remember 84 years ago when GameStop was shipping Diet Coke along with packages. I’m reminded of Quincy, Florida, a small town that at one time had the most millionaires per capita because of Coca-Cola. Whose home is Atlanta, Georgia. Also, founded in Atlanta on May 8, Odin’s Day 1886.
But why did they choose The Braves? I mean I’m sure the Yankees are worth more. I look on Fidelity and I can’t find them. What about the Los Angeles Dodgers? Can’t find them either. I google how many baseball teams are publicly traded? The Braves. Just the Braves. It’s the WuTang Album dividend all over again. We did it!!!!
I truly know what it means to be a “GMErican”. I look forward to doing my part in making this country great again.
Last question: Why the bread crumbs? Because the people are needed. Yes, you and me. Progressive thinkers who can make shit happen and aren’t afraid to take a chance on something new. Whether, your ancestors were born here, immigrated here or forcefully brought here, were all here and have the opportunity to take advantage of this once in a generational opportunity.
The Braves won 5-0. The number 5 represents the center point which unifies these four extremes.
1 - Unity
2 - Dualism and multiplicity
3 - The unity between two extremes
4 - Multiplicity in two directions, like the cardinal directions.
Someone asked “What song would you play when you knew it was done?” Here’s another cohencidence for you, on May 8, Odin’s day, 1970 the Beatles released the album “Let it Be”. From Wiki:
“Concerned about recent friction within the band, Paul McCartney had conceived the project as an attempt to reinvigorate the group by returning to simpler rock ’n’ roll configurations.” Sounds a lot like trying to make something great again.
I think I’ll do the same while vibing to the albums single “Let It Be”.
Happy Mother’s Day!!!!
Updates as I edit: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/05/09/sinclair-explores-selling-30percent-of-broadcast-stations.html
This was published the morning after the Braves game and you know what they say, once it hits the news it’s already too late.
Allen Media Group has made several bids to purchase Paramount, which means they’re for sale: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/05/09/sinclair-explores-selling-30percent-of-broadcast-stations.html
Another cohencidence, I stopped counting LOL. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a bunch of companies going through bankruptcy that will soon emerge better for us all.
P.S. - If I made you smile and you want to make a donation to this struggling artist please DM me because rent is past due and if you think I need to pull myself up by the boot straps ill be slanging drinks all day Monday and Tuesday for Burn By Rocky Patel, at the Battery, where the Atlanta Braves play.
P.P.S. I think we go this week. No way I find this without them being ready.
Thank You For Reading.
Thank You to my loved ones, who put up with me wile I worked through this.
Links:
Sinclair Group: https://sbgi.net/who-we-are/
Sinclair Group Sale: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/05/09/sinclair-explores-selling-30percent-of-broadcast-stations.html
Ownmine NFT Marketplace: https://shopownmine.com/collections/john-cole-baseball-nostalgia-collection/Nostalgia
Allen Media Group Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Media_Group
Own Mine https://shopownmine.com/collections/nfts
Liberty Wiki: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Media
Liberty: https://www.libertymedia.com/about/company-history
Liberty asset swap: https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/03/technology/03iht-liberty.4.5133859.html
Boston Tea Party: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Tea_Party
Boston Braves: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Braves
Warner Bros: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_assets_owned_by_Warner_Bros._Discovery
Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/nbcuniversal-plus-warner-bros-discovery-comcast-ceo-1235806791/amp/

I graduated high-school in 2022. The slang at the time was “rizz, no cap, bussin, caught in 4k…” and other crap like that. Students (including myself) were never ‘bored’ in class as we could just stick some AirPods in and scroll onto tiktok when we felt like we’d had enough of the teacher. Up till then, we’d have grown up playing Fortnite and COD BO3, and I was in the tenth grade when the COVID pandemic hit. 7-9 months of isolation, usually up till!7am on discord shooting the shit with my friends.
I graduated two years ago and I don’t talk to the majority of those people. How did I go from talking to them every day of my life, at school and over games, to not at all?
Now I’m just wondering, what the hell highschool would have looked like in the years 2005-2011. For some reason, I’m thinking it would have been more “analog”, as in having an iPod touch, or if you wanted to look at some video games, you and a buddy would take the bus to the mall or some shit. I’m thinking shooting the shit at the food court till the sun went down, no phones, or maybe a couple of your buddies had a flip phone or something if they had saved up for one. I’m too young to visualize what 2005-2011 would have looked like. When I think of those years I think of Ian and Anthony from Smosh.

T-Minus 1 week until the next edition of the very contest we all love and enjoy. We are approaching the best of the best that this contest has to offer, as we are in the top 20! These countries represent 40 of the 50 highest ranked songs since 1975, which just shows how much all of these countries have contributed to the longest running singing competition.

The Countries

Placement	Country	Score
16	Malta	140231.278
17	Spain	138804.573
18	Austria	125761.301
19	Finland	120225.116
20	Turkey	118659.853

We are getting some big hitters now! At #20, we have Turkey, who first participated at the start of this time period and is really a late bloomer to this competition, as they started to get consistently great results in the 2000s, the last full decade they would participate in. Coming in in front of Turkey is our second Nordic nation in Finland, who like Turkey really struggled to place well at this competition until their Magnum opus arrived, which really shook the foundation of who could win at this contest, and since then have really started to come into their own, embracing their wacky nature. Above them is Austria, who is the oldest ESC nation on this list so far, getting their start in only the contest’s second year, 1957. They actually had one of the longest winless streaks in Eurovision since their first win in 1966, taking 48 tries after that to claim their second crown. Our first “Big Five” nation comes up at #17, with Spain, as they are part of some of the wackiest results ever at this contest, and in back to back years as well! The reason why they are the lowest ranked “Big Five” nation is because they really bottomed out in the 2000s and 2010s, only recently finding redemption in the early 2020s. And at #16 on our list is Malta, who have participated in every edition of ESC since ‘91, and is the best performing country to never win Eurovision, considering that they are the only country in the top 20 to not have one ESC crown on their resume, which is a big shame, considering the bangers they have given us over the years.
Some Notable Artists: Athena (Turkey), Blind Channel (Finland), Bravo (Spain), Chanel (Spain), Chiara (Malta), Anabel Conde (Spain), Sergio Dalma (Spain), Destiny (Malta), Sertab Erener (Turkey), Thomas Forstner (Austria), Grup Etnik (Turkey), Hadise (Turkey), Käärijä (Finland), Lordi (Finland), Ira Losco (Malta), Manga (Turkey), Betty Missiego (Spain), Şebnem Paker (Turkey), Pihasoittajat (Finland), Alf Poier (Austria), Anneli Saaristo (Finland), Cesár Sampson (Austria), Mary Spiteri (Malta), Conchita Wurst (Austria), Zoë (Austria)

The Worst Years

Austria 2015 The Makemakes - I Am Yours

Contest Ranking: 26th (last, 0 pts) My Ranking: 39th (last, -3.9)
What a difference a year makes! Coming off high from their win in 2014, their first in almost 50 years, Austria was set to host this year’s edition. As such, they had a free pass to the Grand Final, with their song “I Am Yours” performed by The Makemakes, an Austrian pop rock band. I didn’t think much of this song when I initially heard it, so imagine my shock when I saw that it didn’t receive a single point on the final scoreboard. I actually don’t know why this got last place, maybe this entry is an example of the douze points system rearing its ugly head, or maybe no one remembered to vote for this song at the end. Either way, this is a confusing entry in the Hall of nul points. And because there were so many countries that year, this song sinks far to the depths of this club.

Turkey 1987 Seyyal Taner and Grup Lokomotif - Şarkım Sevgi Üstüne

Contest Ranking: 22nd (last, 0 pts) My Ranking: 22nd (last, -2.1)
A common theme you will see here for countries like Turkey or Finland or any non Western European Country (besides Portugal), is that with the language rules, they would struggle to do well at all, especially in the 80’s and 90’s, where English was overtaking French as the dominant language of Eurovision. It would take some time for these countries to find a formula that transcends language (see Turkey 1997 for more details), but for now it would be rough sailing for Turkey and these other countries to appeal the juries. That doesn’t mean that bangers weren’t being sent in though! This song seems like it would be the opening for a space odyssey or something, it just has that feel. Unfortunately, a little nervousness would doom this performance, scoring zero points** in Belgium.

Spain 1983 Remedios Amaya - Quién maneja mi barca

Contest Ranking: 19th (last, 0 pts) My Ranking: 19th (last, -1.9)
Ok, so I kind of take back what I said about only Western European countries doing well in this era of ESC. Spain, like Portugal, struggled mightily when they entered in 1961. They already had two last place, nul point entries by the year 1968, where they would pull off one of the most infamous wins in Eurovision history, pipping the United Kingdom by a singular point. The year after they would have another infamous win at this contest, sharing the win with the UK, France, and The Netherlands. Since then, it would be alright for Spain… until this year, where they would have *another last place, nul point entry. This one probably didn’t deserve the honor, and I say “probably” because after listening to this song, I’m confused on where it should place. Probably not last though. People say that ESC was not ready for this type of music, which I probably agree with, I just don’t know when ESC would be ready for this type of music though.
** Turkey only has two entries that have scored nul points at ESC, with the other one being in 1983

Finland 1982 Kojo - Nuku pommiin

Contest Ranking: 18th (last, 0 pts) My Ranking: 22nd (last, -1.7)
Like I said, tough sledding for the non Western European Countries, especially tough for the Nordic nations, who really were seen as jokes at this competition for the longest time (really until Sweden and Norway went back to back in ‘84 and ‘85). Fortunately for Finland, this time period gets rid of two other last place, nil point performances in 1963 and 1965. This also doesn’t count their 1 point performance in 1968, but I think you get the point. They have finished last six** Other times since 1975 however, and since they do not have as many hits as their Nordic contemporaries (sans Iceland), they are only 19th. Anyway, while Germany ran away with the contest singing a song about peace (another ESC staple), Finland would obtain last place with a song about peace, in particular a song about protesting nuclear bombs. While Germany’s song was a neatly composed song that was nice on the ears, this one is the complete opposite, so it’s fitting that this one finished last. I would say more but I don’t want to listen to this song again, so…
** Six last place performances in the Grand Final, they have an additional two last place finishes in the semifinals.

Malta 2017 Claudia Faniello - Breathlessly

Contest Ranking: DNQ (16th 2nd Semifinal , 55 pts) My Ranking: 22nd (41st, 0.062)
Malta surprisingly has not had an entry receiving nul points (though 2016 and 2023 are very, very close). But they have struggled to qualify in the last 8 years, only qualifying twice in that span. This entry was one that did not make the cut, a decent ballad that just didn’t work with enough people, which is unfortunate. Malta used to rule with dramatic ballads, in fact, all of their top 3 finishes (sans 2002), were ballads, so they do know what they are doing in this department. Maybe like Ireland, their type of ballads just don’t work anymore in modern Eurovision, which is sad to say, but maybe Malta can reinvent themselves and be back on top one day!

The Best Years

Malta 2021 Destiny - Je me casse

Contest Ranking: 7th (255 pts) My Ranking: 6th (398.4*)
Surprised? Like I said earlier Malta have sent in some classics to this competition, this one included. Despite the fact that there are at least 3 other songs with higher placements, none of them were able to outperform Destiny, our second COVID participant! Before this entry, she was more well known for winning Eurovision for Malta! Well, it was actually Junior Eurovision, but still, that is a heck of an achievement to have in your locker. She has also appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, and she has also won the X Factor in Malta, so safe to say she definitely has the talent to compete! From the ESC website, she says that her dream was to represent Malta and obtain that first victory for her country, and with the support of former Maltese entrant Ira Losco, she would get the chance to do so with her song “All of My Soul” for ESC 2020… and well you know what happened after that. But for 2021, she will have another opportunity to achieve her dream with her new song “Je Me Casse”. This song is just energy personified. Destiny said that her influences for singing were Lizzo, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion, women who are known for their energy that they bring to every performance. She definitely brings it here, with her song about empowerment and breaking free. Destiny has a powerful voice as well, which really helps bring out the emotion in this song, commanding the attention of everyone who watched it! When I heard this song for the first time, I immediately thought she would win, the song just has that winning energy surrounding it, and Destiny is the main reason why. Unfortunately for Destiny and for Malta, while this song would finish in the top 10, it would not be the one for the country, as they end up 7th, which is pretty respectable considering the stacked lineup for this year. Even more unfortunately for Malta, they haven’t qualified to the Grand Final since that year (even though it’s only been two years). Who knows, maybe in the future Destiny can come back for Malta to get the elusive crown, if Portugal can win one, anything is possible.

• This song is ranked 68th of all entries since 1975

Turkey 2004 Athena - For Real

Contest Ranking: 4th (195 pts) My Ranking: 4th (401.842*)
The most points Turkey has ever received at Eurovision, which is crazy to say considering the renaissance they were going through at the time. No it’s not their only win that takes the top spot (3 way battles tend to make the winner’s score weaker, and according to my formula Turkey didn’t even win this year), but rather the entry after it, that does. Meet the rock/ska band Athena, regarded as one of the best rock bands in Turkey. The band got their start in 1987, formed by twin brothers Gökhan Özoğuz and Hakan Özoğuz. After releasing their first album, they switched their style from rock centered to ska centered, which is like a fusion of punk rock and ska music (basically there are a lot of trumpets, trombones, and woodwind instruments). Once they switched their style they caught fire in Turkey, which culminated in a large tour of their country as well as opening for the Rolling Stones(!). They were selected by the Turkish broadcaster to be the host’s act for ESC 2004. I was wondering what this song was, considering that I didn’t recognize it when I started writing this piece. But then the song started, and I was like “Oh, this song”, which is nothing against the band, because this song is pretty decent! The ska influence still rings large in this entry, with the horns blaring throughout the song. Songs like this tend to be really catchy, with this one being no exception. Other examples of songs like this that I can name off the top of my head are “Alcohol is Free” in 2013 and Turkey’s future entry in “We Could Be The Same” in 2010. While "For Real" may not have been immediately recognizable to some compared to the other two, its infectious charm quickly captures attention. It finished 4th, showcasing the future promise of songs from this region, while continuing Turkey’s strong period that would disappointingly end with their withdrawal in the early 2010s.
This entry is ranked 65th of all songs since 1975.

Spain 2022 Chanel - SloMo

Contest Ranking: 3rd (459 pts) My Ranking: 3rd (481.959**)
Their best result in decades, and it is in the most sexy Spanish way! After a turbulent 2010s, which included several finishes in the 20s, a last place finish (which contained a legendary voice crack), it seemed to be more of the same in the 2020s, as their 2021 entry only received 6 measly points and a 24th placement. Then Chanel appeared. Born in Cuba, Chanel Terrero Martínez moved to Spain at the age of 6. Once she moved to Spain, she began taking acting, singing, and ballet classes, culminating in her beginning her musical theater journey when she was 16. Chanel featured in many Spanish shows and musical productions, and she almost got the part of the musical West Side Story, directed by Steven Spilburg. Notice how I haven’t mentioned much about her singing, it’s because her musical career started very recently! Chanel decided to participate in Benidorm Fest 2022, with her debut single called “SloMo”. This song had a lot of hands in production, as Chanel worked with stars like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, among others. The effort would be worth it, as she won the Festival, claiming her ticket to Turin for ESC 2022. The last time Spain finished in the Top 5, you would have to go all the way back to the year 1995, with Anabel Conde delivering a Eurovision classic with the song "Vuelve conmigo", which finished 2nd to Norway’s entry. That song was a slow, methodical ballad, this song is the complete opposite, it leaves almost everyone (including the singer) breathless! Like with Destiny, this song is pure energy, but this entry falls in line with the typical “sexy Spanish energy”, and when you look at the performance (this link is for the Benidorm version), I mean, the woman literally says “booty hypnotic” about 6 times! Singing wise, it’s nothing special, but the performance really takes this to another level. It’s like Spain got the memo that Latvia sent out about how performance really drives an entry about 20 years too late. But they definitely got the message alright! It must be difficult to be a fan of Spain at Eurovision, considering that the country has been swimming in mediocrity along with its fellow Big Five brethren (except for Italy and sometimes France/UK, but definitely with Germany). But when the stars align, this is what Spain can do, and it’s so amazing when they do it! Spain in this contest's history really surprises you when they do well, and then you wonder why they can’t do this more often, only to disappear until the next great performance, rinse and repeat. Maybe after this entry and last year’s one (which got robbed of a better placement), Spain can finally flex their might at this competition, and one day we may go back to Spain for an ESC!
** This song is one of the Top 50 ESC songs since 1975.

Austria 2014 Conchita Wurst - Rise Like a Phoenix

Contest Ranking: 1st (290 pts) My Ranking: 1st (602.765**)
48 years between podium finishes, but what a way to do it! Austria occupies an interesting place within ESC lore. At the beginning of their journey, they weren’t much of anything, and it took a certain Udo Jürgens performing three times in back to back to back years to finally take the crown for the country. Since then, nothing much, just wading in the ESC waters, with the occasional decent tune once in a while. Then comes 2014. Austria up to this point were not known to be that influential in Eurovision, but then there was Conchita Wurst, who changed that perception in about 3 minutes. But first, some backstory. Conchita Wurst is the drag persona of Tom Neuwirth, who had a long career before joining the ESC stage. He was the founding member of a boy band in the early 2010s, and before that embarked on his singing career through an Austrian casting show. In 2011, Tom would start appearing as Conchita Wurst, a name literally meaning “Vagina (Spanish slang) Penis (German slang)” Conchita is also well noted for having a beard, a decision consciously made because as Tom/Conchita put it, “you can achieve anything, no matter who you are or how you look”. In 2012, Conchita almost became the representative for Austria at Eurovision, but narrowly lost out to Trackshittaz by 2% of the vote. In 2014, Conchita would not need a vote, as the national broadcaster would select Wurst and the song “Rise Like A Phoenix” to perform in Copenhagen. Now Conchita’s inclusion in ESC did not come without its outroar of disapproval, specifically from conservative groups in Eastern Europe. There were even petitions made for the local broadcasters to cut out Conchita’s performance entirely. Of course there were comparisons made between Conchita and Dana International, not only because of the LGBT likeness but also because of the threats and disapproval they both received prior to the contest. This disapproval would extend onto the ESC stage, as Armenia’s representative that year would make various remarks about how Conchita wasn’t living a “natural life”. That wouldn’t stop the drag queen however, as Wurst would go on to deliver a stunning ballad, appropriately about how she would rise from the ashes of her haters to become stronger. It reminds me of James Bond music, just with the horns and the overall vibe of the song. The entry was meant to be serious and on that note it succeeded, and overall it just has the commanding energy that so many winning songs demonstrate. This entry would not only win for Austria, breaking a nearly 50 year drought*, but would become one of the most iconic ESC entries of the 21st century, maybe even ever! Like with 1998, this would open the door for LGBT visibility in this contest, something that would only be embraced more and more in the years since this song took gold.
** This song is one of the Top 50 ESC songs since 1975. *** He would say that those comments were a joke, but you get the picture **** The 2010’s (and some of the 2020s) overall were really an era of breaking droughts. You got Germany (first since 1982), Azerbaijan (first ever), Sweden (first since 1999), Denmark (first since 2001), Austria (first since 1966), Sweden (first since 2012 lol), Ukraine (first since 2004), Portugal (first ever), Israel (first since 1998), and the Netherlands (first since 1975) all winning. Maybe countries like France (1977), Spain (1969) the UK (1998), even Ireland (1997, and who am I kidding, this drought will not be broken for a long time) could break their droughts as well?

Finland 2023 Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha

Contest Ranking: 2nd (526 pts) My Ranking: 1st (732.848**)
All of the songs on this list have surprised me, sans Austria and Spain. Finland’s best ever performing entry prior to 2023 was Lordi’s “Hard Rock Halleujah”, an entry that broke the barrier on what type of entries could win at this competition. Lordi’s song will forever remain in ESC lore, and for Finland it would be at the top of a surprisingly lackluster list. Outside of Lordi,there is only one other entry that has a score of over 150 (basically Top 7ish) prior to 2023, which was Blind Channel’s song “Dark Side” in 2021. Finland when it comes to the power of Scandinavia at this contest are really only above Iceland when it comes to performance and impact. The other three countries are loaded with iconic songs and impact to this competition, something that Finland has been lacking, until recently. Of course there’s Lordi and in 2021 there was Blind Channel, but both of those songs demonstrate what Finland can bring to this competition, which is hard party rock, and that is perfectly demonstrated with the song many people thought should have won, “Cha Cha Cha”, performed by Käärijä. Käärijä, or Jere Mikael Pöyhönen is a rapper and songwriter, known for his bowl cut and his shirtlessness, with the ladder having a nice sentiment driving it.*** There are many more things that he is known for and has done, from how his name is a play on the word for gambling in Finnish, to how he mostly performed shirtless due to the fact that his original yellow suit would get too hot, but you are all here for me to talk about the song, so let’s get to it. There are many similarities between this song and “Hard Rock Hallejah”, but the similarity that matters most is the fact that these songs are so unapologetically themselves. They both invite you to join their worlds, promising a hell of a time if one were to accept the invitation. While Lordi’s song involved the “acrocoplis” this song involves a party, a crazy party, nonetheless. I think what works the best for this song is that despite the fact that all of the lyrics are in Finnish, the first time that has happened for Finland since 2010, the chorus is where everyone can let loose, and boy does it let you. The roars you hear when the audience says “CHA CHA CHA CHA CHA CHA CHA EY” are really a testament to how much energy this song has (I feel like I’ve said this a lot today). This song is pure fun, and it’s such a joy to go through all of the acts with Käärijä. Did this song deserve to win? Well… yes and no. This song did get the highest televoting percentage of any entry not named “Stefania”, even surpassing Portugal’s entry in 2017. And if you see my contest ranking, according to my formula it placed first. On those fronts, it deserved to win. Does this song carry more winning energy than Sweden? Yes, but then I’m reminded of 2007, and how the more serious song (“Molitva”) won over the more campy fun song ("Dancing Lasha Tumbai"). From the history of ESC, the more serious songs win out most of the time, so I can see why this song didn’t surpass Sweden. Do I think this song deserved to win? Well I’m torn. Both songs have the potential to win, and I love both of them for different reasons. I could talk about it more, but this is a Finland post, and this song could have the impact of Ukraine 2007, even if it didn’t win. What this song has done is raise Finland’s profile in ESC and in my rankings, because without this song Finland may be below Iceland in the rankings.
** This song is one of the Top 50 ESC songs since 1975. *** Basically Käärijä said that going topless should be more accepted, no matter what size you are, which is a pretty cool message if you ask me.

Final Thoughts

So what do you think? Do you believe that Finland deserved to win last year? Which country here has delivered the biggest impact to ESC? Will Malta ever join the winner’s circle at Eurovision? And who will be next?

So I'm in Bye Bye Birdie for the first time. There are SO many references that I feel like I had to do research to figure out. I can't believe how much I miss of the references and context. The only place I found these compiled was this text-based personal website last dated 16 years ago, and even then it's only a few (though really key ones!) and some of them don't show up in my 2024 copy - I wonder if they were pared down. Regardless, figured I'd make a context and reference list based on the copy I have!
I can't fit it all in one post, I exceed the text limit, so we'll start with Act 1 with general context stuff and the second post will be Act 2 only :)

Context

How Dated Was the Musical When Released?
Bye Bye Birdie is famously a direct reference to Elvis Presley getting drafted in 1957 and the stir it caused. But note the musical was written and published in 1958, and went on Broadway in 1960. It's like if a musical went on Broadway this year (2024) about a blonde-haired pop star named Tay-lee Quick (instead of Taylor Swift) who performed a world tour, but didn't initially book any dates in Canada, causing a massive outcry, leading to several Canadian officials and the president "Justice Troodoo" to beg her to stop there and... something else silly happens involving her, then she gets punched by a jealous girlfriend, and silliness ensues.
That is how on-the-nose this musical really is. There are many references to what would have been VERY modern events in this musical. For that reason, I'll try to give some equivalences of how the references in the musical would sound if it was written today.
Elvis' Perception in America
This extensive Wikipedia article does a great job of saying in many words that Elvis was insanely influential and deeply controversial. 1956 was a major year of stardom for Elvis -
Phone Calls
Phones are obviously a huge part of this musical! Wanted to combine all the phone references here.
Kim's Phone Number: Kim's number is, according to Rosie in Act 1, Scene 1, "Capitol 7 - 8820". In the 50s, the previous system which used 6-digit phone numbers started to be replaced by one that used an "exchange prefix" and 5 digits after. (Source) (Source) At the time, phone numbers that didn't connect to anyone were given out for shows like I Love Lucy, so that may be what happened here as well, though I don't know.
One Phone Line to Share: Kim's mother asks her to get off the phone early in the play so she can take a phone call. For a long time before cell phones, each home had a "home number" and you couldn't use it at the same time. This is why Kim's mother is asking her to finish up her call so she can call someone and eventually get a phone call as well.
Picking Kim's Number: Rosie uses a rolodex she randomly flips through to pick Kim - which would have been very standard in the 1950s.
The Operator Trying to Get Through: Calls were pushed through using real people, usually women, plugging lines into a "switchboard" to connect them manually. So when Kim's mom says the operator has been trying to get through for nearly three quarters of an hour, she's been trying to not get a busy signal when manually connecting the lines for 45 minutes! That's dedication!
Mr. MacAfee Frustrated with Long Distance Calls: Cost of international calls at this time was per-minute - so calls to New York, Chicago, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Hong Kong would have cost a pretty penny - over $100 for the first 3 minutes in a similar estimation! It sounds like Conrad and Albert didn't really offer to cover this cost, so you can see why Mr. MacAfee is so cross.
Getting Pinned/Going Steady
"Going steady" referred to, in short, being exclusive with someone. "As Time reported in 1957, "Boys and girls who go steady dance together exclusively (cutting in is frowned upon), sip their sodas, absorb their double features and spin their platters in each other's company or not at all. Steady-going girls indicate their unavailability in various ways, [like] the old-fashioned fraternity pins." (Source) It's mentioned in other sources that this could also be school pins, or rings. Something to show your commitment. One of the heads of my production described it like a "promise ring". It's definitely a firmer promise and commitment then just going out with someone, but not quite an engagement.
However, why, if this is such a sweet gesture of romantic love and commitment, would everyone be freaking out about it, and Kim's parents potentially not reacting well to "getting pinned" or "going steady"? (Kim has a line where she exclaims to her mother that she thinks her dad took the announcement "awfully well"). Truth be told, going steady in high school was actually highly discouraged by adults and especially church at the time. This article/Reddit thread sheds some light. I'll copy the first comment here by u/Gfrisse1. "It was felt that going steady would encourage the relationship to develop into one of physical intimacy, something parents wished to avoid. On the other hand, dating a wider, more diverse number of individuals would give them the experience of being exposed to a greater number of character and personality types, thereby helping to hone their mate-selection skills for later on. In the meantime, the short-term relationships were not expected to get much beyond the first- or second-date stage of intimacy. (One-night-stands, or casual hook-ups were not as common-place as they are today.)"
Cigarettes/Age
There are many references to smoking, cigarettes, and how old you should be in this play. It's complicated, but just know that in the 1950s, EVERYONE smoked. Everywhere. In the early 1950s, though, the first studies were coming out with the link to lung cancer, and tobacco companies used every trick in the book to try to squash that. It's genuinely fascinating (and terrifying) how much money and strategy was poured into this misinformation campaign. Read about it here. Anyway, what this means is in the late 1950s, it's not like most were giving up smoking, but because tobacco companies had started more explicitly advertising to minors, several states were in debate about the smoking age. It varied from 21 to 16, but just know that Kim was not considered old enough to be doing it. (Source.)) However, MANY minors did. Think of it like underaged drinking today as the best analogy. There's some specific cigarette references that will pop up in specific scenes, but just know that's the standard.
Patriotism
Fresh(ish) off of the victory of World War II, which was filled with MASSIVE pushes for increased American patriotism (to the degree that Disney even got in on it!), love for the USA was very culturally acceptable and a way to show you were a good person! It was easy to rally around (especially if you ignored the growing civil rights movement of Black people trying to achieve equality, which many white people at the time were very happy to do until they could no longer ignore it - obviously, not touched on in this musical, but significant. Several racist references have been either removed or are requested to be removed by current versions.) But that's why we hear so many classic American anthems in this play!

References by Order of Appearance (Act 1)

Almaelou Music Corporation

This is the end of Almaelou Music Corporation!

Almaelou may very well be a parody of Aldon Music, which would fit due to its major success being in the late 50s, and it's influence in music written for teen girls at the time.
Arpege

Rosie: A five-dollar raise in 1954 and a bottle of Arpege last Christmas.

Arpege is a perfume that was released in 1927 and remained the best-selling perfume of well-loved fashion line Levine for decades. (Source) Albert is quoting a commercial tagline tied to the perfume that was very well-known at the time. It continued to be used in commercials for many years. (Commercial example). It was possible to see 1/2 oz bottles at the time (Source), but Albert gave her a laughably small amount at 1/16 of an ounce. You can still buy this perfume today!
A five-dollar raise in 1954. Secretaries in metropolitan areas could earn around $75 a week. (Source) A five-dollar raise bringing that to $80 a week would, ironically, be about a 1/16 increase in earnings. Also, Rosie is pointing out in an earlier line she has put in 90 hour weeks and hasn't gotten a raise in four years.
Modern example:

Rosie: My last raise was four years ago and you got me that jewelry from Kay Jewelers once
Albert: "Every Kiss Begins with Kay", Rosie. Rosie: Not when that "Kay" is a .25 karat discontinued friendship ring!

Music Business Bum Vs. English Teacher
This is related to the prestige of being an English teacher who is helping people learn a scholarly subject vs. the "seedy" music industry.
Ugga Bugga Boo

"When you wrote Conrad's last hit 'Ugga Bugga Boo' then I knew this was it/You were thru with English forever."

Ugga Bugga Boo is a real song released 1947. It's a comedy song, written by voice acting legend and radio host Mel Blanc (voice of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and many others) for his comedy radio show. I do wonder if Elvis had a song in this vein, as the Jetsons did a similar parody with an Elvis expy a few years later, but I couldn't find one.
Geoffrey ChauceWilliam Morris

"It was goodbye, Geoffrey ChauceHello, William Morris"

Geoffrey Chaucer is considered one of the greatest English writers, specifically poets, of all time. Born in the 1400s.
As for William Morris, this could be two references, possibly combining.
William Morris Agency was an incredibly famous music talent agency that would have likely been known by some audience members in the 1950s. They've represented tons of major talent. This is what I believe is the most likely reference given the song context.
However William Morris was a man also considered a legendary poet during his life, born in the 1830s. However, he also made wallpapers and textiles. After his passing, he became infinitely more famous in the public eye for his wallpaper designs than he did for his poetry. This is could be a dig at that Alfred could be great in the English world, but like Morris, his legacy will be for something "silly" instead. (Important to note that his works, both art and poetry, had great impact - and this may just be a coincidence reference, I don't know)
Bliss! Kiss! That rhymes! I wonder if anyone's ever used it before?
Many people had and have, this is a joke of him being unaware of current trends. Dean Martin had a #1 song in 1955 with this very rhyme for instance that audiences may have remembered at the time.
Dentifrice

Albert: Oh one last kiss; it gives so much bliss... what is your dentifrice! No, that's too clinical...

Basically, toothpaste. Which is, kind of, related to kissing? It could actually be a paste or powder for cleaning the teeth, though in the 50s it wouldn't have been the default way to refer to what you used it seems from my research, like in this commercial. May be a way to show off that Albert really does have an excellent English teacher level vocabulary!
A modern example may be "do you use fluoride? No, that's too clinical..."
"What's the story? Morning glory?"
This is most likely a reference to the song "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?" by jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald released in 1958, another topical reference. It's very possible Helen, the teen who says this line, would be aware of the song because Ella Fitzgerald in 1956 had released her "Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Book" album, her attempt to pull in a non-jazz audience. (Source on Ella's Discography)
"What's the tale, nightingale" is most likely an original line to match the "Morning glory" one, same with the hummingbird line.
"Go to a fancy night club and stay out after ten!"
A nightclub was different from what we think of today. Think tables and chairs, late night musical performances (not the NSFW kind), and in some of the most famous like the Copacabana night club, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. And drinking, of course! Source on Nightclub Definition
18 in World War II

Mr. MacAfee: I am not an old man! I was 18 in World War II.

This is one that may get a bit better with time. WWII ended in 1945, but the play is in 1958 at the earliest. It's better to demonstrate with a modern example written for 2024. "I am not an old man! I was 18 when Facebook first launched." Not quite the same impact as WWII, but the timeline is similar. Essentially this is not a flex and just shows he definitely is old to a teenager.
No Smoking 'Till You're 14

Albert: Remember the Conrad Birdie Creed dear. No smoking till you're fourteen.

As mentioned in my blurb above, 14 was too young to smoke. A modern version may say "No drinking 'till you're 16" or something. Similar to the line "and stay out of the bar!" later on.
"Go down to Track 12"

Albert: Why don't you girls go down to Track 12 and I'll talk to her.

This is one of the many train tracks that must have run through this station. This station is located in New York, so it would make sense for there to be at least 12.
Wear your rubbers

"Keep your money in your inside pocket. Wear your rubbers. And eat a hot lunch..."

While "rubber" as slang for a condom definitely did exist in the 1950s, I believe it's far more likely Mae is referring to overshoes due to the context, though to be fair, I can't find a source to this being "official slang" besides casual mention in posts like these. Something tells me Mae is not randomly mentioning condoms lol.
A Plain G.I.

Albert: Proud to be a plain G.I.!

Mentioning this because it's faded away from current use and surged in usage most recently at WWII, this is just referring to being a soldier. (Source) Hence, G.I. Joe, if you're old enough to remember that.
Appealing for the Draft

Albert: And that's why he volunteered for...

Men were drafted to join the US armed forces until 1973. (Source)
Jerries

Albert: "Say Mr. Peterson," he cried eagerly, "Do you suppose I can get assigned to the front-line trenches? That way I'll be sure to get one of those dirty jerries..."

"Jerries" is slang for German soldiers and was most popular during WWII. The joke here is that WWII is over at this point - the enemies Conrad would be facing at this time would be the Vietnamese, not the Germans. When Rosie tries to correct him, he just says "whoever's dirty this time!".
2024 equivalent: "Conrad said 'Is there any way I could be placed on Seal Team 6? That way I'll be sure to get that Osama Bin Laden for sure!'" "Albert!" "...Or whoever the terrorist is this time!"
Rosie + Albert's "Origin Stories" for Conrad
Just a few references from Rosie's and Albert's stories in "Healthy Normal American Boy" that may be interesting.
Old Virginie - This may be known as a historical fact for people in Virginia, but Carry Me Back to Old Virginny was popular enough in the state of Virginia that it was the state song starting in 1940. In 1940, the version that became the state song had "Virginia" instead of "Virginny", but people watching the musical would definitely be familiar with the original version as this play was only 20 years later.
Indo-China - An eastern territory that got independence from France claim in 1954, and comprised Cambodia, Laos, and parts of Vietnam. Audiences would have been very aware of what Indochina was - according to Wikipedia, "The events of [Indochina getting independence in 1954 through the Geneva Convention and the political tensions of that between S/N Vietnam and other countries] marked the beginnings of serious United States involvement in Vietnam and the ensuing Vietnam War." (Source) Remember, that's the current war during the events of the play!
Dirty Hong Kong moon - We had a complicated relationship with Hong Kong in the 1950s-60s. Read more here. Though I'm not sure if this is meant to be a mis-insult like when Albert said "dirty Jerries".
A wire to New York

Another Reporter: I'll make sure we've got a wire to New York.

This is almost certainly setting up a telegraph communication to New York, which was still happening (though declining in popularity) by 1960. (Source)
I mean I really feel that girl

Conrad: When I sing about a tree/I really feel that tree!/When I sing about a girl,/I really feel that girl,/I mean I really feel sincere!

This isn't necessarily specific to the 50s or 60s but I think this joke gets missed because it seems so tame today. A huge part of Elvis' appeal was his explicit sex appeal at the time (in the form of - gasp! - hip thrusts!) so he's slipping in accidentally a reference to "feeling up" a girl%20for%20sexual%20pleasure) here. Yeah, that slang started in the 1930s!
Mr. MacAfee's Speech
Just know that this is a lot of great historical references, nothing specific to 1950 - 60.
Ed Sullivan
Ed Sullivan was the nationwide sensation that lead The Ed Sullivan Show, a TV program considered one of the most iconic of all time in US television history. You have to understand just how influential and huge the Ed Sullivan Show was at this time. It's genuinely difficult to think of an equivalent in 2024 - today, people get entertainment from tons of sources on the internet, TV, etc. but in 1960 there were THREE television channels. That was it. THREE. To be fair, there were many, many more radio stations that could deliver information and entertainment, but by 1960 it was a TV nation - as the Library of Congress says, "In 1950 only 9 percent of American households had a television set, but by 1960 the figure had reached 90 percent." The Ed Sullivan Show was well watched and well loved by all of the United States. (And Albert saying that they would appear on Sunday at 8:05 was right, as that's when it aired in real life!)
One reason Ed Sullivan is specifically picked is the absolute bombshell of a privilege to be a normal family on this show beamed in practically every household in the United States. But another is Elvis' relationship with the show. When Elvis finally appeared on the show in 1956, it set a record of the most-viewed TV program ever in the US. In fact, it still holds the record TODAY of having the highest share of TV viewers in all of television history in the US. No other TV program has ever had a higher percentage of people tune in vs. other stations. (I mean, that's helped by the fact that there were only 3 choices, but still!) So yeah - this was a cultural phenomenon that was easy to reference in this show!
Margo out of Shangri-La

Mrs. Peterson: She looks like Margo when they took her out of Shangri-La.

Going to take this one right from that personal website I referenced above!

In the 1937 [movie] "Lost Horizon)" [...] a group of travelers are stuck in a utopia called Shangri-La, somewhere in the Himalayas. One of the residents of Shangri-La is Maria, played by Margo), a Mexican dancer and actress. When the travelers finally escape, Maria insists on going with them. But outside the realm of Shangri-La, her youthful beauty can no longer be maintained and she reverts to her true age, causing her to die and her appearance to transform to the hideously withered, wrinkled features of someone who has lived way beyond a normal life span.

You can watch the movie free with ads here, if you're curious! Also, according to the synopsis, Maria never actually escapes Shangri-La. She just dies and "reverts to her true age". AKA looks very very very decrepit. I'm guessing this is more of an easy thing to misremember and better shorthand, though. See the face at 2 hr 3 minutes in abouts!
Suwannee River

Gloria: Mae, can you hum Suwannee River?

While this is a nice convenient copyright-free tune, it would definitely have been publicly known at the time. It had been sung at least partially by Bing Crosby, on the Honeymooners, etc. in recent years before the musical premiered. Unsure if this is what they were going for, but the original lyrics are racist - no wonder it was Mae's "favorite selection".
Ruby Keeler

(Stage direction) Gloria tap dances as Mrs. Peterson hums gaily. Sort of Ruby Keeler-ish steps with a lot of feet-slapping.

Ruby was a well known actress and dancer in the 1920s-30s (and then later after a break). Here's some footage of her dancing! Interestingly, in her early career she was cast in a musical called Bye, Bye, Bonnie. In a newspaper article review, it seems the plot wasn't very similar to Bye Bye Birdie, though it did involve someone going to jail. (Source)
The Touch System

Mrs. Peterson: I'll find you a typewriter (Exits) Albert: [TO GLORIA] Do you use the touch system? Gloria: Whenever possible.

Albert is just referring to the touch system of typing - basically, not looking at the keyboard while you type. Still relevant today, though not with typewriters, which were standard until the 1980s, so that fits here. Of course, Gloria is of course referring to, uh, something a bit more sensual. (Read: She wants to touch him and not like a friend.)
Kodak Ad

Sullivan: So remember: your surest way to the best in color slides is to insist on the new Kodak! And now, the young man you've all been waiting to see.

Just like media today, the Ed Sullivan Show certainly included ads. This included ad deals where Ed himself would promote a product, kind of like YouTubers do with "This video is sponsored by...". And, as you can guess, one of those products was Kodak cameras and camera related products. Kodak was still a huge brand at the time (there were not cell phone cameras as competition, so it was way more likely your home owned a camera or two), Kodak absolutely was sponsoring the Ed Sullivan show and had been for a few years (Source). Here's an example from the time period. What you may miss about this ad in the musical is that it's not actually advertising a camera! Cameras at the time required physical film be loaded into them, and wouldn't you know it, Kodak released a new high-speed color film in 1959! (I think this may be a coincidence, as Kodak had been selling color film for quite a bit before this) Yet another reference that's right on the nose of the current times (of the time)!
Wear it in good health

Albert: Who let that kid in here? Rosie: I did Albert. Albert: Rosie! Rosie: It's a sort of farewell present to you and Miss Rasputin. Wear it in good health.

Not invented in the 50s by any means, but this phrase really isn't used as much today I think. There's not really a deeper meaning here besides sarcasm that I can find - it's just wishing someone well. Obviously, the sarcasm is dripping here lol.
Dinah Shore

STAGE DIRECTION: ...as Mr. MacAfee throws a tremendous Dinah Shore kiss to the audience.

Dinah Shore was an actress and entertainer that had been popular for years at that point. Super interesting career if you want to give it a read. This is referencing her famous "Dinah Shore kiss" that she would give at the end of her show broadcasts and was a huge part of her brand. Here's an example!
Stay tuned for Part 2! :)

What's good! I was hella bored so I made my ideal tracklist for his upcoming 'It's A Boy' with features and what each song may talk about. And yes, I called it a mixtape even though it's probably going to be an album. This may get long but if you can be bothered to read all of this, feel free to critique below! Features mentioned: Don Toliver + Kali Uchis, Travis Scott, Daylyt + Denzel Curry, Snoh Aalegra, JID, Tyler, the Creator (on production).
​
Track 1: Just like Yebba's heartbreak from Drake's CLB and Audio Hug from Summer Walker's EP, I believe the intro should be features purely. From a chronological standpoint, this song will cover the struggles of urban poverty and drug abuse experienced by both J Cole's parents whilst giving birth to J Cole; hence the namesake 'It's A Boy'. I said features (plural) as I believe Don Toliver and Kali Uchis would do a perfect role. Little is known about J Cole's father but he has stated he would spend time in Dallas, Texas. With this we can get an insight into who we was through Don Toliver. Kali Uchis would be perfect to outline J Cole's mother's postpartum depression, struggle with alcohols and drugs (which was mentioned by J Cole in the interlude 'Once an Addict') and her vocal style would be the perfect match for this. A hazy, cloud beat with psychadelic vocals and tempo changes to top it all off. By having both Don Toliver and Kali Uchis play the role of Cole's parents it also teaches them between right and wrong when bringing up a child.
​
Track 2: J Cole's experience with cigarettes. During his interview with Bob Myers, J Cole explains how he used to smoke with older children at the age of 6. With his brother finding out and reporting to his mother, this song will outline the changes in motherhood and how his actions can hurt his loved ones. Much like his songs on the album: 4 Your Eyez Only, I see this song to be pure story-telling. No features, just J Cole doing his thing. I love when J Cole samples soul beats, for example Erykah Badu's 'Didn't Cha Know' on 'Too Deep for the Intro'. J Cole being Marijuana free since 2011, a sample from Amy Winehouse's 'Addicted' (which she talks about Weed) would be the cherry on top.
​
Track 3: J Cole sets off to New York to puruse his music career. Throughout his discography, J Cole talks about how lit he gets in New York. This has trap written all over it and J Cole on one of the 'Might Delete Later' volumes states that he has been in the studio with Metro Boomin. The London was undisputedly a banger, as well as MAFIA by Travis Scott which features uncredited J Cole vocals. J Cole, Travis and Metro Boomin? YES SIR! Without a doubt this would be a song for the charts.
​
Track 4: Despite the confusion, J Cole was one of the feature artists on Future and Metro Boomin's 'WE STILL DON'T TRUST YOU' on the track 'Red Leather'. He states he kept his nose out of the streets but loves to get a whiff so this will be a pure hip-hop track. Daylyt being one of the best battle rappers of all time, showcased his skills on 'Pi' off of J Cole's mixtape 'Might Delete Later' is most definitely returning on this track. Another feature artist? Probably the most underrated rapper right now in the likes of former Raider Klan member Denzel Curry. J Cole, Denzel Curry and Daylyt would be straight up OVERKILL. Daylyt and Denzel Curry being exposed to the streets more than Cole might give an anecdotal experience in the song relating to drugs as well. After all, 'boy' is also a slang term for heroin, so in this song the narrative is shifted to drugs and gang culture. A Conductor Williams or Uncle Al beat you say? DAMN. (no pun intended).
​
Track 5: Wet Dreamz has always had mixed reviews. Some say it's top 3 on 2014 FHD, while others say it's too corny. Nonetheless, J Cole does not fail when it comes to love songs especially on his older projects. Both J Cole and Melissa have been couples since his arrival to New York. Unlike his typical love songs, this will be a back and forth between Snoh Aalegra (who will play as Melissa Heholt) and J Cole himself talking about their desires and futures as a couple. With a starting line sung by Snoh Aalegra along the lines of, 'It's a Boy named Jermaine...' this will kickstart the RnB vibe that will be on full display in this multi-genre project. To be frank, Snoh Aalegra, H.E.R., Ari Lennox and Summer Walker can all walk perfectly but given that Cole has already worked with Ari Lennox on 'Shea Butter Baby' as well as 'Pricey', Snoh Aalegra would be the perfect fit. Not to mention, she has worked with Vince Staples as well. I would like to see the exploration of lust, vulnerable emotion and mental unrest.
​
Track 6: During his interview with Narduwar, Cole says that he had introduced Kendrick to Dr. Dre. Although I do not believe it was entirely Cole, I still believe this gesture by Cole is what keeps their friendship intact. In my opinion, J Cole is the better rapper, but there is no denying that Kendrick is a better artist. I compare this 'beef' to relighting a flame that has been put of for years: the flame being hip-hop. This so called beef has made grown men like Dj Akademiks lose sleep and worry about things that are the opposite behind disses and cameras. This leads me on to the next track being, 'It's a boy from Compton' as I assume how J Cole would've introduced Kendrick to Dr. Dre. Only Cole on this beat, I believe this track to be clearing all the rumours amongst them and further explaining the reasoning behind Cole removing his verse. Thematically, it would obviously cover friendship and brotherhood. A jazzy boom-bap sample would do just right seeming as though it would be about Kendrick.
​
Track 7: Present day. Social Media era. J Cole has mentioned about the toll social media has on one's well being with Angie Martinez as well as Kevin Hart. In this track, 'social media' is personified as a controlling head that tempts J Cole into becoming this toxic conundrum. Assisted with a funk bassline provided by Bootsy Collins, JID will feature as the voice of 'social media' by creating this parallel. This goes deeper into being doxxed, illicit content etc. By comparing social media to drugs, this shows how the same 'bad energy' is constantly following someone set out to better themselves.
​
Track 8: The last track on this mixtape I randomly made up. This will actually be about Cole's son and his steps towards fatherhood. Each song prior to this track has a message that leads to this point. No further explanation other than to expect a story telling masterpiece similar to the song 4 Your Eyez Only or She's Mine Pt. 1 and Pt. 2. A mellow beat with a slow tempo produced by Tyler, the Creator to heighten the short steps taken by Cole and not to rush in whilst raising a son.
​
Yes. I am one bored MF. Peace.

Shipping is $5 unlimited in USA Will give discount on multiples
Grading Record/cover NM/EX/VG+/VG/G/P
Zwan - Mary star of the sea VG+/VG+ (records are closer to EX) pics available $325
Twilight - New Moon Sound track SEALED / cover is VG+ (pics available) $300
Nine Inch Nails - Downward Spiral (picture disc Ltd to 500 alt artwork) NM/VG+ (seam split, records unplayed) $89
Violent Femmes - self titled (1984 SRC pressing) EX/VG+ $50
Van Morrison- Moondance (Canada 1970 1st press) $20 NM/VG+
The National - Cherry Tree (2011 black) EX/EX $10
The Cure - From Land Down Under (Green, 1981 FM broadcast show) NM/NM unofficial $25
Jose Gonzalez - Veneer (Test Pressing) city slang optimal pressing NM $50
The Sight Below - Glider 2xLP (Test Pressing) signed by artist on label, ghostly sleeve - super rare only 5 were pressed and 3 sold to public on kickstarter- NM $55
The Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldiers (2010 180g) EX/EX $20

I was born in 2011 and im always been call iPad kid cuz of my iPad i like to call myself gen Z because I’m not after 2013 anyways I don’t watch Skibidi toilet as much as the rest do because I only watch a few like month because the song r good lol
Also just because I don’t go outside that much it doesn’t mean I’m iPad kid. Also how do people think it’s weird to call people Skibidi or rizz because it’s just slang so I can call people Skibidi or fanum tax.
Please don’t bully or I’ll report u

Okay, I feel like it's time to introduce another of my female OCs. This is Sheila. You know the drill; below will be a bio on her:
Full Name: Sheila, Dunney (yes, her last name is a pun on the Aussie slang dunny)
Birthplace: Alice Springs, Australia
Birthdate: Thursday, October 23rd, 1986 (canon age 24-25)
Astrological Sign: Scorpio (Year of the Fire Tiger; Chinese Zodiac) ♏️ 🔥🐅
Nationalities: Australian 🇦🇺
Pronouns/Sexual Orientation: Female/HeShe; Straight
Height: 5' 10" (177.69 cm)
Weight: 130 lb (58.96 kg)
Blood Type: AB
Handedness: Left-handed
Likes: Dogs (pitties in particular), gaming (pretty much the same as with Yume), drinking (more specifically, beer), hunting and camping (she grew up around 330 km away from Uluru, so both make perfect sense), older music (about the same as Yume, but more into the heavier stuff), analog audio (same as with Yume and Heiko), surfing, driving (mostly diesel, but she does have a car that runs on petrol), hot and warm weather
Dislikes: More or less the same things as Yume and Heiko, erotic photography (even though she thinks her figure is cut out for the job, she simply hates being photographed nude on the whole), cool and cold weather (with her being from Alice Springs, that would make perfect sense), high gas prices (especially true for diesel)
Proper debut as my OC: Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Technical Debut: Saturday, July 30th, 2011
​
Out of the lot, I'd have to say that Sheila's probably the most boisterous and tomboyish out of all my female OCs. She's a bit hotheaded (more so when she's been drinking too much), but she generally gets along with her friends and bandmates.
​
Side note: Even though she debuted four years later, she's actually about a year older than Yume.
Also, this is a wip. As always, feel free to share your thoughts. :)
This is from about seven years ago, but it's generally how she looks most of the time
Sheila doing her thing in Metal Warriǒrs (also part of something my friend did 6 years ago)

March was another huge month for new releases. This is a list of everything I thought was worth checking out that I listened to. LMK if I missed anything you thought was slept on.
Solo Albums:
Claire - Volume 1
9.11 playa - THEY ARE WATCHING YOU
Local Stranger - Terror Town II
LIL PROBLEM - LP2023SINGLES
playawoods - Followin' The Killa
42PATH - THE HORROR MACHINE
CRIMINAL PLAYA - DRUG DEALERS 3
BERRYMANE - DEAD WALKING 2
SILMANE - THE GATEWAY
PEPPER BUMP - MONEY OUTTA BAG
Judgement G - CIMARRON 2
PURPPB3RRY - CRIMINAL SLANG PT. II
Syfych - WORLDWIDE BIZNESS SEASON
FOVLA - VIRTUAL MANE UNIVERSE
DJ Bxxmer13 - BLESSED WITH A CURSE VOL. 2
mstfts - MSTFTS UNRELEASED
MABELAYD - BLACKY MISSURO
DJ Snekmanez - 2muchdrank
BLVCK AGE - Southside Shooters
Towa - ROLL THE DICE
EVIL - RAW FILES VOL. 1 & RAW & DIRTY CUTZ & DIRTY COMPILATION (2024)
ipr4yfrsm0k - VHS/DVD TAPE 1994-1996 (LOST TAPE)
HORRIFYING - Forgiveness
CV70 - FOMO
Nik Badint - SEIZURE
dryiere - Bleeding Purp, Vol. 3
DJ HELLA - MURDA HATAZ
BACKWHEN - SMOKE & MIRRORS 3
JACK - NO WITNESSES VOL. III
EVILEAF - MILLION OFFER 3
Ghxsteyez - THE FORBIDDEN TAPEZ 2011
GUCCIGARETTE - LOST ISSUE Vol. 1
KAETO - NIGHTFALL
WXTMXT - HORIZONS
ONITEX HASSE - GHETTO STARS
12-Riot - ESCAPE CHRONICLES
North Posse - Paris Robbery IV
SHINING BREEZZE - FROM THE STATIC
KILLER MANTIS - PURE EVIL
Zombie Murdaz - DIRTY BUSSINES VOL. 3 & LOST IN DA NEW YORK
LANCEXCV - GUNZ N BUTTA VOL. 2
SPACED - TOP SHELF
TWOPAIN - METAMORPHOSIS
ARTURO - SMOKE SESSIONS VOL. 2
Midnight Light - Cycle of Death
defivnt - Everything Is Business
Mich Halera - BLOODY COLD IV
Roland Jones - The Haunting 3
Collab Albums:
9.11 playa & playawoods - SAVE THAT STYLE
Camyo & YVNG FIJI - TWIN PEAKZ
KXUDV & hvndrd leavs - UNDERGROUND CASTLE 2
MEMPHIS PHAROAH & ESCOBARY - GEEKED UP
TAKEDA & MYSTERYOFBEIN-G - REDEMPTION 1
EVIL & HOLYMANE - UNDERGROUND SESSIONS VOL. 2
Solo EP's:
.arima - WRAPPED IN TERROR
DIMEZ - Be Cool
DJ PLAYASTATION - MUTHA FUCKIN SET
EVIL - UNDERGROUND HITZ
GUSTAVO - WOCKMADE
HYKIOS - CARDS DEALT
K.R. TOB!N - BALLER ON A BUDGET
NORTHPLAYA - The Most Unknown Triple Mix
PURPPB3RRY - CRIMINAL SLANG
RAPIRA666 - HAVE A NIGHTMARE EVERY TIME I WAKE UP
SCARECROW MANIAC - STILL SCARECROW
SIX MANE - DISORDER
STXTELI - Bumper from West-Side
thirteeman - Lethal Buckshot
yveskaf - MEMORIES FOR DA GANG
znuski - DEFAMATION
COURSED DOLPHIN - NIGHT JEWELRY
ROTTEN - THROWAWAY TAPE VOL. 2
Collab EP's:
ARswisha & CxnnrHouse on Haunted Hill
DJ Twi$t IIBack To Death
Hoodmafia & CamomaneAbsolute Power
HOODMAFIA & H X 7 x Team7urboModern Dirt
Occvlt & Dj Twi$t IIRelentless By Yourself
Odd 1 Out & SekizoTwin Strike
GHOST RYDER & Ryan Celsius SoundsDARK PHANTASY
Collective Albums:
$hutdaphonkup MobExotic Mixtape Vol.5
9TOD RecordsGOLD ERA
BACKWOODS FAMILYBACKWOODS FAMILY MIXTAPE VOL. 3
Harmony HustlersHarmony Hustlers Vol. 3
Memphis Revival Solo Albums, Collab Albums & EP's & Dungeon Rap:
DASCARY - DRACULA
G Lucid - Through The Eyes Of The Blindfolded Pitbull
SLYYE - GREATEST HITS 2020 - 2022
DJ Twi$t II & M.I.C. Murphy - No Mercy
3.5 PROPOVEDNIK & Z-0 - DARKNESS RISING
Gallokruz & SLVG - DRACO MOSES
GOONMANE & GHOST TOWN - JESTER'S CURSE
Madruga & $an - MADRUGA
DASCARY - GRAY SPANKING
Jupiluxe - Southstar
Ruindawolf - WOLF TEST VOL IV
Yxng Demon x RONIN x Bushido Blade - Cheat Codes
SAPPHIREGAWD - Requiem Aeternam
Instrumental Tapes:
EXISTANZE - 24' CLIPS
LV*RK - Palm Street Bumps

— ...But because of the Gorebox Style, Vibe Gorebox, some things have changed and events. For example: Gorebox takes place in 2030 but for some reason the weapons there are very 90-2000s (due to style, vibe) The music is more similar to the 90s-70s-2000s (in style, style, vibe) perhaps the music in Gorebox is one of the most distinctive and cool things that is different. For example: If Fonk was in the Gorebox universe he would be with the notes and style of the 70s-2000x (Gorebox style) - some events such as: September 11, Covid, there was no war in Ukraine. - Fictional brands, and the clothing style is closer to the 90s and 2010, but there are also very modern things. Slang and memes of our 2004. - fictitious brands and companies. Progress in the Gorebox universe but much higher but perhaps due to the style ..—
— ..some familiar things are not so common to us (perhaps the only thing that is poorly developed in the Gorebox universe is the cameras: they are at the 2010-2015 level. And everything else is cooler, although less accessible) But in many ways it is similar to our real world. Like: 2010-2011 but with things from 2024 except some .... . — But Gorebox not retro (just Gorebox style)
Hm..im thinking
Maybe Gorebox its:
if you were from the time of the 2005s, sitting in a car from the 2024s, sitting in headphones from the 90s, 2005, listening to modern phonk 2023-2024 through a phone from 2012-2016 And all buildings 2017-2024 But with posters and interior in the style of 2005-2010 Idk :l just
but at home your computer,tv looks like 2007-2010 but your gaming chair looks like 2024 (game 2024)
Youtube 2024 or 2007

So, over the past month or so I read the first 10 books in the Percy Jackson series. Overall I've had a had a really good time with them. When I got to the HoO series, Rick started including, at the time, modern slang words. It wasn't very often and the year in the book was only a few behind the year of release, so it didn't bother me much. Now I'm reading chalise of the gods and there's constant references to late 2010's-early 2020's slang, but the year in the book is supposed to be 2010 or 2011 and it's starting to annoy me. There was the himbo smoothie shop, he calls old people boomers, he uses the term "salty" in reference to him being annoyed or resentful, and a few other smaller ones. The last 2 aren't exclusive to the last 10 years, but they werent very prevalent. Am I the only one annoyed by this? I haven't engaged in the fandom so I'm pretty oblivious to general consensus. Regardless I'm sure I'll get over it, but it's bothering me lol

First of all, let's see how Shadow of Chernobyl's PDA describes them:
"Members of the criminal underworld who came to the Zone for different reasons: to make money by selling artifacts, hide from the law or trade in weapons. The Zone is full of bandits, ranging from common thugs to serious criminals, most of whom are members of one gang or another. Although the Zone gangs frequently fight among themselves, the criminal element still poses a serious problem for normal stalkers." It is important to note that "Bandit" isn't a faction. Not all bandits belong to 1 single organization. SoC's description of the bandits even states that different gangs fight eachother. In Call of Pripyat, different gangs have different leaders. Sultan is a leader of Zaton bandits, Jack is a leader of the bandit gang that's located at "Checkpoint" location, and Shishak is a leader of another gang. That gang, as well as Shishak can be found at "Container warehouse".
- Their slang: This is especially interesting case. Bandits speak in slangs and prison dialects сalled Fenya (In Russian Феня), which isn't understandable for many Russians as well. Words like "Friar" and "Chushpan" (Фраер, Чушпан) are prison slangs. These words mean someone who isn't in criminal underworld and isn't associated with it. They can also say words such as BugoБугор. This particular word, Bugor means someone who has an authority in criminal environment. Other than that, they also uphold so called "thieves' code". In fact, this thieves' code is the only thing that truly unifies them.
Shishak: "And I want respect for the bandits and our rules, buddy, but I ain't interested in unnecessary trouble either... 15,000 or a suitable artifact will do for now... I'm a fair man - I won't take more than I'm owed."
Sultan: "Where do I begin... I guess it goes back to high school. I had a good buddy, a best friend, if you will. We hung out together, smoking, drinking and whatnot. Only he wanted more and more thrills. He got into drugs: some weed at first, then smach and then coke, when he started getting some coin. I told him, "You gotta get off this shit, Tolyan, before it's too late." But he didn't listen. He scored some bad shit one day and that was that. I found his dealers and got even for my buddy... Got my picture took and all hell broke loose - the slammer, the gang fights, the shiv in the belly... Got out, started a business, got busted again... When I got out again, I left all that shit behind and set my sights on the Zone. Spent a couple months toughing it out, then got promoted. So now I'm in charge here, upholding the local law."
​
- Their activities:
Taxation: It was stated many times in Clear Sky and Call of Pripyat that bandits are taxing others. Few examples:
Clear Sky, Garbage, dialogue of Flea Market Loner NPC: "Listen pal, the sooner you get clear of this place the better. There ain't nothing here for you except taxes and humiliation from the bandits, a knife in the back or a nice little spot in a concentration camp. I'd get out of here if I were you, and I'd do it fast."
Sultans dialogue in Call of Pripyat: "We watch over stalkers. You have to admit that a good half of you are more like little kids than men. You come to the Zone with some silly dreams, or to play heroes, or just because life's treating you badly. You don't realize all that's waiting for you in here - the grim reaper, mostly. That's the kind we look after. We find one at the Garbage, we take his gear and send 'im back to the Cordon. Some wise up and go back to the outside. Those with the stones to come back here, we put under our protection and we tax 'em. I'm tellin' ya, no one dares go on our territory - not the army, not the mercenaries, not even mutants."
Making money by selling artifacts: Other than SoC's PDA mentioning bandits making money from artifacts, "Destroy the group of bandits at the Agroprom" sidequest also mentions that bandits make profit from the artifacts:
"I remember how in '94 the racketeers latched on to me - cough it up, they said. Man, I went through hell then, I had a restaurant and all. Back then there was no case against them! And here I find out that the same gang's working in the Agroprom, making a profit off of the artifacts they find there. But here I can do something. I even know exactly where they're hiding. Do me a favour, punish them."
Arms Trafficking: Sultans bandits, in Call of Pripyat's side quest called "The Transaction" were buying weapons from Morgan, corrupt Duty quartermaster.
Loan-sharking: In a sidequest called "Debts", Vano mentions the following:
"Well... I had an old suit that was starting to wear out, so I figured I need a new one. Soon as I thought that, I saw a brand spanking new suit for sale... It had a closed-cycle respiratory module and everything... I counted my money this way and that but came up short every time... Then Jack, the seller, said to me, "Don't worry Vano, you can pay me the rest later." I was like, "What a nice guy!" and all that... I sold my old suit, got all my cash and brought it to him. Jack was like, "Well done, Vano, but what about the interest?" I thought, "Yeah, he's right... I need to get the interest to him..." I put together some more cash and took it to him. When I got there he said, "While you were out, more interest built up, Vano." Seems the interest grows so fast I can't catch up... I had to pawn the new suit and my weapons, too..."
Kidnapping people and then demanding a ransom: It was said that Mitay (A free stalker, not to be mistaken with Duty trader that appeared in Clear Sky) was taken as hostage by bandits (specifically by Shishak and his gang) and that they demand a ranson:
"Mitay is in real trouble... The bandits have started putting their foot down and demanding a cut of the artifacts stalkers find. We told them to take a hike, 'cause we figured stalkers don't owe nobody shit, and that seemed to be the end of it... But they ambushed the poor bastard when he went hunting for loot on his own and now they're demanding a ransom. Torba is suggesting giving them an artifact as ransom... I reckon we shouldn't give them shit. If we do, that means stalkers are working for the bandits... We should sell the artifact, hire us a solid crew and attack the bandit base."
Forced Labor: In Clear Sky, bandits literally had a concentration camp, where they were forcing stalkers to work in hellish conditions. Dialogue of a random Flea Market Loner NPC:
"There's a camp not far from here, where the bandits hold stalkers like us. I'd rather die than end up there - they make you dig 16 hours a day and send you to the most dangerous and radioactive parts of the Zone without any protection or equipement. They feed you scraps, beat you... You get the picture - to them you're nothing but goddamn cattle."
- What they were doing in 2011-2012:
In 2011, During Clear Sky events, many bandits were united. Their leader back then was Yoga and they were controlling the Garbage. Dialogues of bandits, Flea Market Loners and even Dutyers confirm this. Other than that, there were other bandits operating in different areas. Some were attacking the loners base in Agroprom, and some were EVEN in Limansk, which is pretty impressive achievement for bandits. Speaking of that, there's a Bandit Minigunner in Limansk. His name is randomly generated and he's unique because he's the only bandit who has RP-74 and Exoskeleton.
Dialogue of bandit: "We make the laws at the Garbage, and others live by them. The basic law is - you gotta share your loot. If you don't wanna, we'll make you. And trust me, anyone who tries to take a stand ends up regretting it real soon.
Dialogue of Dutyer: "There used to be a research institute here called...well, Agroprom Research Institute. Whatever it was used for before, now it serves as our base. Our commander is General Krylov, but we just call him Commodore. Not to his face, naturally. There's also a neutral base around here, at the deserted factory. If you head south you'll come to the Swamps. The bandits have taken over the Garbage to the east - the bastards are taking advantage of the fact that we're busy and can't deal with them right now. To the north is Lake Yantar. They say that there are some sort of emissions up there turning people into zombies. The fact that they attack us from there in large numbers would seem to support that theory.
Dialogue of Flea Market Loner: "Nowadays the bandits rule the Garbage. They got us by the balls so tight we can't take a leak without their say-so. Wanna enter? That'll cost you. Wanna come out again? That'll cost you more. Even if you find something valuable that don't mean you'll be able to get it out of the Garbage. Bump into a group of bandits and you got two options: either they take everything or you take a bullet. Or worse, they'll send you to dig through trash until you meet your end in an anomaly or die from the radiation."
They were also getting the intel from the Military. Father Valerian confirms this.
"From Sidorovich, you say... so, you know about the commander, too? Alright, I'll be straight with you. We used to cooperate with the army. They'd allow us to transport goods safely through the outpost and let us in on some useful information. We paid well for their services. But then we found out that jerk of a commander worked for both sides - he supplied the bandits with our whereabouts! Then he went and sold two of our guys as slaves at the Garbage! That was the last straw."
In 2012, during Shadow of Chernobyl's events many bandits relocated to Dark Valley. Their base later got raided by Strelok. Their grip on the Garbage wasn't as strong as it was during Clear Sky events either. They attacked Bes, Seriy and their squads. Tried to rob Yurik as well. All these attempts ended up in a failure. There's also a ton of information about their wrongdoings.
Bes: "Hey stalker, you're just in time! We could really use your help. Those bandit bastards are trying to take control of the Garbage. We had a shootout here half an hour ago and managed to take down three of the dogs. The others retreated, but I'm dead certain they are going to come back with reinforcements any minute now. There aren't too many of us left and another man wouldn't hurt. We've set up an ambush for them here. They'll be coming from the West, from the Agroprom Research Institute. Help us destroy their reinforcements and you won't regret it!"
Barkeep, in "Eliminate the Mercs and bandits in Rostok" sidequest mentioned that bandits and mercs teamed up:
"There's a gang of Mercs not far away, in Rostok. They hit it off with the bandits, so now they're scheming to block the passage through the plant. I don't need to tell you what a nuisance it is, it's got to be resolved straight away. The Duty guys and some of the old-timers have already gone to teach them a lessons, but we haven't heard from them in a while… So why don't you… eh… go and check on them. The money's good, too."
"Eliminate two bandits at the Garbage" sidequest, given by Sidorovich is particularly interesting, as it mentions tourists as well.
"Recently one of the best places in the Zone became inaccessible for lovers of the wonderful. At the Garbage... yeah, the Garbage, there's a quaint little place like nothing else, where all your sadness leaves you, where you forget about the dirt, about money, about blood. Forgot, that is, because now there are two dirty freaks sitting there, who threaten to kill anyone who doesn't pay them for being able to enter the place. Get rid of them, I have no other place to take the tourists."
Sidorovich also mentions in "Kill the bandit leader" sidequest that his courier got shook up by the bandits: "You'll have to finish off this one dandy, one of the bandit leaders. The other day the bandits, by his order, intercepted my courier and shook him up and I don't waste words with those who touch my people... In a word, if you get it done, I'll return the favor. So are you up for it?"
2012, events of Call of Pripyat: Bandits also moved to Zaton and Jupiter. These territories weren't accessible before, due to Brain Scorcher. It later got disabled by Strelok. Bandits in CoP generally don't seem to play a very big role. It's just Sultan making moves and trying to take control of Beard's business, Jack loan-sharking Vano and Shishak demanding a Ransom from Mitay's friends. They also play some role in "Theft" and "Reputation" sidequests.
- Their leaders: There is some information about Yoga, Sultan and Borov. Not much is known about Jack and Shishak, though. They're relatively small-time.
Yoga: An actual scum, even by bandits standards.
According to Limpid the Technician he killed a Chernobyl puppy of his subordinate nicknamed Spotty:
"Frankly, I couldn't give a shit about what's going on. So long as there's enough work (and drink!) to go around - it's all good. My life might be crap, but it's too late to change it now. So why should I cram my head full of useless gossip? I mean, all sorts of shit happens around here. You met Kirill yet? He's the lad with the spotty face - we even call him Spotty. Well, if you ain't seen him he's probably at the bottom of a bottle somewhere. Anyway, I spotted Spotty going outside the base a few times. I figured the boy's got himself a stash where he hides the loot he don't feel like sharing after raids. Others noticed it too, and it got to Yoga one way or another. He summoned Spotty and ordered him to give up the stash. Spotty was like: "Boss, I ain't no rat, I swear..." so he went and showed him. Turns out the lad picked up a wounded Chernobyl puppy and was feeding him scraps, 'cause he had no one else to talk to - the boys didn't think too much of him. Anyways, Yoga got real pissed about the whole thing - shot the puppy, Spotty got a bad beating and lost his cut. Man, that's life..."
Yoga saying that he killed his subordinate, Chef, just because latter was getting cocky and started demanding a bigger cut: "There's only one thing I care about: where the jarheads or some other cocksuckers are gonna attack us from. I couldn't give two shits about nothin' else, except maybe the emissions and stalkers fighting the military, 'cause those are things we can profit from. Anyways, let me tell you a little story. There used to be this loser around here - we called him Chef. That wasn't 'cause he was a cook, it's just he could spot a meat grinder, one of the shittiest anomalies around here, from a hundred paces away. He started getting real cocky, saying he's saving us from certain death but his cut don't get any juicier. The little bitch needed a reminder of who's the boss around here, so I called him in, lamped him one between the eyes, and broke that cocksucker's fingers while he was out of it. Then I got my boys to blindfold him and take him to a good spot. I figured if he walks a hundred paces and stays alive I'll let him go on living and cleaning my boots. Well, he found himself his beloved meat grinder to step into and that was the end of Chef. The moral of the story is: mess with me and you'll be mince.
Even some bandits weren't satisfied with his leadership. Borov, who was only a barkeep at the time and Tooth the trader in particular.
Tooth talking about Yoga: "Here's what I think: Yoga ain't gonna be the boss for long. I have this feeling Borov is gonna make his move sooner or later, 'cause Yoga is getting a bit too big for his britches, and he can't seem to see an inch beyond his nose. He's got him a snake in his bosom and it's gonna bite him sooner or later. I ain't tellin' you this for you to go and share it with every Tom, Dick and Harry. I'm trusting you with information, so if you find something worthwhile you bring it here, understand? Don't you worry, it don't matter who the boss is - Yoga or Borov - I'll still be trading here.
Borov: "Kicking my heels and pouring drinks, that's what I'm doing. Wasting my friggin' time, basically. I've wanted to be a leader since I was a kid and I ain't never been a flunky. And look at me now, pouring vodka and watching Yoga do jack shit and get fat. The boys ain't doing much either. Man, if I was the top dog around here I'd find them something to do! We'd stir up so much trouble the Zone would shake worse than it does after an emission." These dialogues also foreshadow future events, as in the future the leader of bandits would be Borov instead of Yoga. It is also both very ironic and funny, that Borov accused Yoga of getting lazy and fat, while Borov himself in Shadow of Chernobyl looks like he ate Yoga.
Borov: Dialogue above informed us that he wanted to be a leader since he was a kid, but there are also random Garbage bandit NPCs that call him an "Aristocrat Wannabe":
"Ah, what the hell - I'll tell you all about it. The local boss' name is Yoga, and he's the authority around here. Got his own den at the base all full of expensive stuff. Then there's Borov - he's the barkeep and a real aristocrat-wannabe. Further up is Agroprom, that's where the stalker rabble and the Duty boys defend us from monsters, hehe. If you go the other way, that's where folks peddle their stuff on the black market. The market offers more variety come nighttime, but more dangers as well, the biggest being the Asubers brothers. Farther that way you'll find Freedom in the Dark Valley."
Sultan: Dialogue about Sultan telling us about his life is provided above. Other than that, it's important to mention the fact that bandits (in case player obtains One of Ours achievement) will mention that Sultan ain't got the same weight anymore.
Random Bandit: "Word on the street is, Sultan's stepped into some deep shit. The don wanted to bust up Beard and take his business under, but he bit off more than he could chew. Got a mouthful instead. He's got rough times ahead with his crew looking at him all sideways. Ain't got the same weight anymore."
​
​
​
​
​
​

Not really sure how to word this but autocorrect seems to be stuck in 2011. While I appreciate that it has saved me more often than it doesn't and while I admittedly have seen some small changes here and there, I am constantly rereading my messages and catching massive grammatical errors that I didn't type out. Autocorrect just changed (I typed changes, btw. I'm gonna leave any errands messages I type. I typed "errant" as well) words while I was looking at my keyboard and the new word can often change the meaning of the sentence, sometimes making it the opposite of what I was intending. It's gotten me in some irritating situations with miscommunications before.
I feel like in this day and age, this would be largely solved, at least in areas where you are intending to be grammatically accurate. I can imagine it struggling with slange or new acronyms or "internet lingo". But to change were to we're when it doesn't make any sense when we have pretty darn advanced AI accomplishing some impressive tasks and improving every single day, it seems like this would be something that could be improved very quickly. I personally use G-board from Google to type, if that is of any importance.
What am I missing here? Would they have to throw out the current system and replace it with something much more elaborate?

I was born in June 2005. In May 2018 I was blipped, and returned in October 2023.
My birth year is solidly in the 1995-2010 period for Gen Z. My childhood was spent in an upbringing shared with other Gen Zers. I watched the same shows. Used the same slang, and was shaped by the same formative events (Presidency of Obama, Rise of social media, Battle of New York, etc.)
Now it's February 2027. I celebrated my 16th birthday this January Half the other people who did on that day were born in 2011. For the past 3 years I have been then same age as people in Gen Alpha. Some of my best friends are Gen Alpha. I've followed Gen Alpha trends. even my girlfriend are Gen Alpha, which makes it extra awkward when I mentioned my favorite cartoon growing up was Teen Titans and hers was Teen Titans Go.
I know its a small thing, but for millions of people our upbringings don't really match our age or our year of birth. Am I Gen Z? Gen Alpha? Should we make a "sub-generations" depending on if your blipped? It's so confusing.

The following records are priced, shipped and tracked via USPS w/ Tracking Information. International inquiries welcome. Discounts are considered if multiple items are being bundled. Easy to work with; if you have any questions, shoot me a chat / DM!Shipping is $5, regardless of how many LPs are purchased.

1. **Angel Olsen - My Woman - $15.00**
2. **Bad Brains - The Youth Are Getting Restless (Clear w/ Yellow) - $20.00**
3. **Bayside - The Walking Wounded (Tan) - $175.00**
4. **Braid - Frame & Canvas (Blue) - $20.00**
5. **Black Flag - I Can See You - $20.00**
6. **Black Flag - TV Party - $20.00**
7. **Boys Night Out - Boys Night Out (Pink / Yellow) - $30.00**
8. **Bright Eyes - There is No Beginning to the Story - $10.00**
9. **CHVRCHES - Under the Tide (Yellow 12” Single) - $15.00**
10. **Daft Punk - Alive 1997 - $25.00**
11. **Descendents - 9th & Walnut (Blue / Gold) - $20.00**
12. **Dikembe - Mediumship - $20.00**
13. **Fall Out Boy - So Much (For) Stardust (Gold) - $15.00**
14. **Fall Out Boy - Take This To Your Grave - (Silver Vinyl) - $20.00**
15. **Foo Fighters - Concrete & Gold - $20.00**
16. **Fun - Some Nights (Silver) - $20.00**
17. **Give Up The Ghost - Background Music (Green) - $25.00**
18. **Grateful Dead - In The Dark (Purple / Blue) - $35.00**
19. **Grateful Dead - Long Strange Trip OST Soundtrack - $20.00**
20. **Head Automatica - Popaganda (Colored Vinyl) - $40.00**
21. **Hawthorne Heights - If Only You Were Lonely (Live) - $25.00**
22. **Hot Hot Heat - Make up the Breakdown (Yellow Vinyl) - $20.00**
23. **Linkin Park - Live at Madison Square Garden NYC 2/4/2011 - $40.00**
24. **Less Than Jake - Losing Streak (Yellow / Black Splatter) - $100.00**
25. **Metallica - 72 Seasons (2x LP, Black) - $20.00**
26. **Minus The Bear - Acoustics II (Tri Color Vinyl)**
27. **Minus The Bear - Lost Loves (Clear) - $20.00**
28. **Modest Mouse - The Lonesome Crowded West (2x LP, Purple / Blue) - 2x LP**
29. **Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Airplane Over The Sea - $15.00**
30. **NOFX - Eating Lamb (Red / Blue) - $40.00**
31. **NOFX - Pump Up The Vallum (Red / Blue) - $30.00**
32. **No Doubt - Icon (Greatest Hits) (2x LP, Yellow / White) - $35.00**
33. **OST - Almost Famous - $25.00**
34. **OST - Lost in Translation (Black) - $20.00**
35. **OST - Pokemon Pinball Soundtrack $70.00**
36. **OST - School of Rock (Orange) - $40.00**
37. **OST - Space Jam (Red / Black) - $25.00**
38. **OST - The Crow - $35.00**
39. **OST - Transformers 1 - $20.00**
40. **OST - Transformers 2 - $20.00**
41. **OST - Watchmen Volume 1 (Trent Reznor / Atticus Ross) - $20.00**
42. **OST - Watchmen Volume 2 (Trent Reznor / Atticus Ross) - $20.00**
43. **OST - WWF The Music, Volume 2 - $30.00**
44. **Panic at the Disco - A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (Silver) - $20.00**
45. **Pearl Jam - Live at Easy Street Records (Black) - $20.00**
46. **Prince - 1999 (Clear Vinyl, 2x LP) - $20.00**
47. **Prince - Sign o’ The Times (Clear w/ White Swirl) - $20.00**
48. **Propagandi- How To Clean Everything (Black) - $20.00**
49. **PUP - The Unraveling of PUP (Colored Vinyl) - $20.00**
50. **Rancid - …And Out Come The Wolves (Silver) - $50.00**
51. **Rush - Icon (Greatest Hits) (White Vinyl) - $20.00**
52. **Simple Creatures - Simple Creatures (Black / White) - $20.00**
53. **Sugarcult - Start Static (Clear Vinyl) - $20.00**
54. **Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders - Get The Money - $20.00**
55. **Tegan & Sara - Love You 2 Death (White) - $30.00**
56. **Tegan & Sara - The Con X: Covers - $15.00**
57. **Tegan And Sara - Live at Zia Records - $15.00**
58. **Tegan And Sara - Tonight In the Dark We’re Seeing Colors - $15.00**
59. **The Foremat - Interventions and Lullabies (Blue Vinyl) - $25.00**
60. **The Format - Dog Problems (Blue Vinyl) - $25.00**
61. **The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Colored Vinyl) - $25.00**
62. **The Get Up Kids - 4 Minute Mile (White Vinyl) - $30.00**
63. **The Get Up Kids - Guilt Show (Yellow / Red) - $20.00**
64. **The Hives - Barely Legal (Colored Vinyl) - $20.00**
65. **The Lonely Island - Incredibad (2x LP, Clear) - $20.00**
66. **Thrice - Live at the House of Blues (Orange Vinyl) - $35.00**
67. **Van Halen - Van Halen (Black Vinyl w/ Replica Pass) - $20.00**

The following records are priced, shipped and tracked via USPS w/ Tracking Information. International inquiries welcome. Discounts are considered if multiple items are being bundled. Easy to work with; if you have any questions, shoot me a chat / DM!Shipping is $5, regardless of how many LPs are purchased.
NOFX - S & M Airlines (Orange / Green) - $35.00 Black Flag - TV Party - $20.00 Dikembe - Mediumship - $20.00 Four Year Strong - Brain Pain (Colored Vinyl) - $25.00 Four Year Strong - Some of You Will Like This, Some of you Won’t (Colored Vinyl) - $15.00 Four Year Strong - Go Down in History - $15.00 The Get Up Kids - Guilt Show (Yellow / Red) - $20.00 The Format - Dog Problems (Blue Vinyl) - $25.00 Give Up The Ghost - We’re Down Til We’re Underground (Pink Vinyl) - $40.00 Further Seems Forever - How To Start a Fire (Beer Colored Vinyl) - $20.00 The Foremat - Interventions and Lullabies (Blue Vinyl) - $25.00 NOFX - Pump Up The Vallum (Red / Blue) - $30.00 Van Halen - Van Halen (Black Vinyl w/ Replica Pass) - $20.00 Rush - Icon (Greatest Hits) (White Vinyl) - $20.00 Prince - 1999 (Clear Vinyl, 2x LP) - $20.00 Bad Brains - The Youth Are Getting Restless (Clear w/ Yellow) - $20.00 Sugarcult - Start Static (Clear Vinyl) - $20.00 Black Flag - I Can See You - $20.00 Minus The Bear - Interpretationes Del Oso (Blue / Gold) - $15.00 Grateful Dead - Long Strange Trip OST Soundtrack - $20.00 Descendants - 9th & Walnut (Blue / Gold) - $20.00 NOFX - Eating Lamb (Red / Blue) - $40.00 Braid - Frame & Canvas (Blue) - $20.00 Boys Night Out - Boys Night Out (Pink / Yellow) - $30.00 Propagandi- How To Clean Everything (Black) - $20.00 Simple Creatures - Simple Creatures (Black / White) - $20.00 PUP - The Unraveling of PUP (Colored Vinyl) - $20.00 Motion City Soundtrack - GO (Green Vinyl) - $30.00 Hawthorne Heights - If Only You Were Lonely (Live) - $25.00 Panic at the Disco - A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (Silver) - $20.00 Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Airplane Over The Sea - $15.00 Melvins - Houdini (Silver Vinyl, MOV #’d) - $50.00 Metallica - 72 Seasons (2x LP, Black) - $20.00 Prince - Sign o’ The Times (Clear w/ White Swirl) - $20.00 Circle Jerks - Group Sex (Yellow) - $20.00 Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders - Get The Money - $20.00 Thrice - Live at the House of Blues (Orange Vinyl) - $35.00 Link in Park - Live at Madison Square Garden NYC 2/4/2011 - $40.00 Give Up The Ghost - Background Music (Green) - $25.00 Fall Out Boy - So Much (For) Stardust (Gold) - $15.00 Rancid - …And Out Come The Wolves (Silver) - $50.00 Pearl Jam - Live at Easy Street Records (Black) - $20.00 Fall Out Boy - Take This To Your Grave - (Silver Vinyl) - $20.00 Tegan & Sara - The Con X: Covers - $15.00 The Get Up Kids - 4 Minute Mile (White Vinyl) - $30.00 Foo Fighters - Greatest Hits (2x LP) - $25.00 Grateful Dead - In The Dark (Purple / Blue) - $35.00 The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang (Colored Vinyl) - $25.00 Fun - Some Nights (Silver) - $20.00 Bright Eyes - There is No Beginning to the Story - $10.00 Hot Hot Heat - Make up the Breakdown (Yellow Vinyl) - $20.00 Modest Mouse - Interstate 8 (Blue Vinyl) $30.00 Modest Mouse - The Fruit that Ate Itself (Seafoam Green) - $25.00 Minus The Bear - Acoustics II (Tri Color Vinyl) Fun - Aim & Ignite (Red / Yellow) Minus The Bear - Lost Loves (Clear) - $20.00 CHVRCHES - Under the Tide (Yellow 12” Single) - $15.00 Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (Yellow) - $15.00 Angel Olsen - My Woman - $15.00 Foo Fighters - Concrete & Gold - $20.00 The Hives - Barely Legal (Colored Vinyl) - $20.00 OST - The Nightmare Before Christmas (Purple / Yellow) OST - School of Rock (Orange) - $40.00 OST - Space Jam (Red / Black) - $25.00 OST - Transformers 1 - $20.00 OST - Transformers 2 - $20.00 OST - Watchmen Volume 1 (Trent Reznor / Atticus Ross) - $20.00 OST - Watchmen Volume 2 (Trent Reznor / Atticus Ross) - $20.00 OST - Lost in Translation (Black) - $20.00 OST - Pokemon Pinball Soundtrack $70.00 OST - Super Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater - $30.00 OST - The Dark Knight (2x LP, Splatter) - $35.00 OST - WWF The Music, Volume 2 - $30.00 Linkin Park - One More Light - $15.00 The Lonely Island - Incredibad (2x LP, Clear) - $20.00 OST - The Crow - $35.00 OST - Almost Famous - $25.00 Daft Punk - Alive 1997 - $25.00 No Doubt - Icon (Greatest Hits) (2x LP, Yellow / White) - $35.00 Modest Mouse - The Lonesome Crowded West (2x LP, Purple / Blue) - 2x LPUsher - Confessions (VMP Colored Vinyl) - $100.00 Soundgarden - Superunknown (2x LP) - $35.00 Tegan And Sara - Live at Zia Records - $15.00 Tegan And Sara - Tonight In the Dark We’re Seeing Colors - $15.00 Taylor Swift - The Long Pond Sessions, 2x LP - $220.00 Bayside - Bayside (Baby Blue, First Press) - $175.00 Bayside - The Walking Wounded (Tan) - $175.00 Head Automatica - Decadence (Colored Vinyl) - $40.00 Head Automatica - Popaganda (Colored Vinyl) - $40.00 Less Than Jake - Losing Streak (Yellow / Black Splatter) - $100.00 Hawthorne Heights - The Silence in Black & White (White) - $100.00 Bouncing Souls - Hopeless Romantic (Blue) - $50.00 A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory (Red/Green) - $60.00 Bayside - Shudder (Red) - $125.00 Tegan And Sara - Love You 2 Death (White) - $30.00

LEGACY OF DESTRUCTION

Etymology/Translation Corner
Tagline: "The long silence is now broken. This battle between souls will carve open a way to the future and turn into light!!"
CM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxnOMm7miEY
Yugi: "My other self... I promise to beat you in this fight!"
Dark Yugi: "Partner... I'll take you on!"
Yugi: "Here I go! I'm betting it all on this card! Appear! The vicious dragon clad in black and gold who will unleash a shimmer of glorious devastation! Gandora Geas, the Dragon of Destruction!"
...
Yugi and Dark Yugi: "DUEL!!"
This is a list of translated Japanese names for all of the cards in Legacy of Destruction. See below for further notes.
Each card name is linked to an image!! (Use an image-zooming extension like Imagus to view them instantly.)
Any questions or issues you may have about the translations are welcome.

• Magicians of Bonds and Unity

1. Gandora Geas, the Dragon of Destruction
2. Silent Swordman Zero
3. Silent Magician Zero
4. Tricolore Gadget
5. Mashimarshmallon
6. Antique Gear Dark Golem / Mechanical Dark Giant of Antiquity
7. Antique Gear Tanker / Mechanical Tank Soldier of Antiquity
8. Antique Gear Commander / Mechanical Commander of Antiquity
9. Refrain, Melodious Songstress of the Phantasmic Performance
10. Couplet, Melodious Songstress of the Phantasmic Performance
11. Snake-Eyes Diabellstar / Great Flame Demon with Serpentine Eyes
12. Diabellze the Original Sin
13. Raika-no-Marikobe / Scourgebud Skullcone
14. Raika-no-Yahazukamikiri / Scourgebud Arrowhorn Beetle
15. Raika-no-Yoroitokage / Scourgebud Armor Lizard
16. Tenpai Dragon Paidora / Heavenly Cup Dragon - Paidora
17. Tenpai Dragon Fadora / Heavenly Cup Dragon - Fadora
18. Tenpai Dragon Chundora / Heavenly Cup Dragon - Chundora
19. Hellgrave Squirmer
20. Gold Pride - Assassinator
21. Centurion Gargoyle II / Dragoon Cavalry - Gargoyle II
22. Selettrice Varmonica / Voice-Picking Princess of Angels and Demons
23. Dragoon of Light-Road / Dragon of the Way of Light
24. Light-Road Demon Veiss
25. Wight Lord
26. Golgoil, the Great Demon of Steel
27. Moonfang Dragon - Crescent Dragon
28. Talons of Schlieren
29. Nightmare Apprentice / Apprentice Magician of Entrancement
30. Dinovader Docus
31. Cyclus the Summon Ring Fairy
32. Fishborg - Harpooner
33. Chilling Fire
34. Saffira, the Dragon Deity of Silent Voices
35. Spectacular Bach, Melodious Princess of the Phantasmic Performance
36. Flowering Étoile, Musical Flower Goddess of the Phantasmic Performance
37. Memento Twin Dragon
38. Enlightenment Dragoon / Dragon of Divine Light
39. Burgeoning Dragon of Lustrous Phantoms - Bident Dragion
40. Supreme Dragon of Lustrous Phantoms - Transcend Dragion
41. Gold Pride - Annihilator
42. Centurion Arxila / Empress of Knights - Arxila
43. Light-Road Athena Minerva
44. Goblin Rider - The Griare Trio / The Flesh-Eater Pandemonic Parade - The Griare Trio
45. Decanelogue - Varudras / Supreme Beast of the Endtime Commandments - Varudras
46. Okosama / Mister Angry Pants
47. Raika-no-Mushadokuro / Scourgebud Warrior Skull
48. Raika-no-Ogaminushi / Scourgebud Mantis Priest
49. Raika-no-Kusarigami / Scourgebud Chain Serpent
50. Raika-no-Daiohga / Scourgebud Great King Ogrefang
51. Gold Coffer of Light
52. The Silence of Time - Turn Silence
53. Ties of Friendship
54. Silence Towards the Future
55. Antique Gear Advance / March of Antiquity
56. Phantasmic Performance Concerto
57. The Battle of Tainted Treasures
58. Raika Off-Season Profusion / Off-Season Profusion of Scourgebuds
59. The Lustrous Phantom Parlor of Brimming Cups
60. Lustrous Phantoms: Opening the Gate
61. Nightmare Throne
62. A Blessing for the Silent Voices
63. Nether-Skeleton Fusion - Memento Fusion
64. Wake Up, Centurion!
65. Varmonica Invitare
66. Varmonica Disarmonia
67. Map Your Way Out
68. Blinkout
69. Metatronius / The Embodiment of God's Abyss in the Coexistent Worlds
70. Boot Tracks in the Snow, We Follow Them with Our Steps, One by One They Go
71. Strong-Hold the Hidden Fortress
72. Antique Gear Duel / Mechanical Competitive Bout of Antiquity
73. The Goblin Rider Grand Pile-Up / Grand Pile-Up of the Flesh-Eater Pandemonic Parade
74. Tainted Treasure Turnaround
75. Tainted Treasure of Slumbering - Morrigan
76. Raika Large-Flowered Headhunting Dance / Large-Flowered Headhunting Dance of the Scourgebuds
77. Light-Road Aegis
78. Barrier of Entrancement -Mirage Force-
79. Zoma the Earthbound Ghost
80. Terrifying Simultaneous Fixed-Point Cannon Equations

+1 Bonus Pack

• Gandora, the Dragon of Destruction

Etymology and other trivia:

Yugi's Deck

• Gandora Geas is a reference to Final Geas, a Trap Card used by Yugi Muto in THE DARK SIDE OF DIMENSIONS that was used to summon Gandora Cross, the Dragon of Annihilation, another counterpart to Yugi's original Gandora, the Dragon of Destruction. (A geas is an Irish-folklore term for an obligation or prohibition magically imposed on a person.) Its effect of Special Summoning a monster after using its effect is a reference to how Silent Swordman LV7 was brought back after Gandora used its effect in Yugi's Duel against Dark Bakura.
• Silent Swordman Zero and Silent Magician Zero are references to Yugi's Silent Swordman LV0 and Silent Magician LV0, respectively. Silent Magician Zero's Level-increasing effect is also a more faithful recreation of how the original one's worked.
• Tricolore is French for tricolor.
• Mashimarshmallon is a portmanteau of mashimashi (Japanese for "to increase" or "to enlarge") and Marshmallon, another of Yugi's monsters. It has the effect of Marshmallon Glasses built into it as well.
• Gold Coffer of Light is based on Yugi's Gold Coffer of Sealing (Gold Sarcophagus in the TCG), whicn in its original iteration was able to prevent the usage of any card sealed away inside it. This card's effect of being able to send back to the Graveyard a monster Special Summoned from there by a Magic Card effect is a reference to when Yugi sealed away his own Resurrection of the Dead to prevent Dark Yugi from using it in their final Duel against each other. Its effect of being unable to be destroyed by monster effects is a reference to how the card sealed inside the original Gold Coffer was unaffected by any magical effect, including Gandora's ability in the manga.
• Turn Silence is a reference to Yugi's A Leap in Time -Turn Jump-, which was used in his Duel against Dark Bakura to skip time ahead to three of his turns into the future (thus this card's effect being able to raise a monster's Level by 3, similar to how Yugi's Silent monsters gained LVs with each passing turn). Its artwork is a reference to a scene from that Duel in which Yugi's Silent Swordman destroys Bakura's Zoma the Ghost. This card being able to negate a monster effect if activated in response to one is a reference to how the time skipped by Turn Jump effectively prevented Bakura's Zoma from applying its damage-inflicting effect at the end of that Battle Phase.
• Ties of Friendship is a reference to Yugi's Ties of the Brethren, and has a similar effect to it. This card's artwork mimics an illustration drawn by Kazuki Takahashi and published on the STUDIO DICE official website with a message of support for the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The illustration depicted Yugi Muto with the original versions of the monsters in this card's artwork, and was later printed in DUEL ART—a collection containing some of Takahashi's illustrations.
• Silence Towards the Future's artwork and effect are a reference to a scene from Yugi Muto's Duel against his other self in which he uses Treasured Cards from the Heavens (Card of Sanctity in the TCG) to draw multiple cards and power up his Silent Magician.
• Strong-Hold the Hidden Fortress's title is a reference to when Dark Yugi referred to Yugi's Strong-Hold the Moving Fortress as "the trap of the hidden fortress."

Antique Gear

• Antique Gear Dark Golem is a reference to the fact Chronos de Medici's Deck was called a Dark Medieval Deck in the GX anime.
• Antique Gear Tanker's artwork and ATK-increasing effect are a reference to when Chronos equipped his Antique Gear Soldier with Antique Gear Tank in his Duel against Napoleon in the anime.
• Antique Gear Commander's pose mimics one Chronos himself struck often during Duels, while his bladed weapon is a visual reference to Chronos's Duel Disk, which was built into the Duel Coat he wore.
• Antique Gear Duel depicts a scene from Chronos's second Duel against Judai Yuki, in which Antique Gear Ultimate Golem attacks Judai's Flare Neos. The phrase Competitive Bout (Kyōtō) is a pun on the Japanese word for "vice-headmaster" (also pronounced kyōtō), referring to the title Chronos held at Duel Academia at the time of that Duel. This same pun is used for the card Competitive Bout - Cross-Dimension (Cross-Dimensional Duel in the TCG).

Phantasmic Performance

• Refrain (pronounced "REH-FRAWN") is the French word for the English refrain or chorus—the line or lines that are repeated in music or in poetry.
• Couplet (pronounced "COO-PLAY") is the French word for the English couplet—a pair of successive lines of verse, typically rhyming and of the same length.
• Both Refrain and Couplet are reference to a rondo—a musical form that contains a principal theme (sometimes called the "refrain") which alternates with one or more contrasting themes, generally called "episodes", but also occasionally referred to as "digressions" or "couplets". This alternation can also be seen in their effects that return them to the Pendulum Zones after a Fusion Monster is Special Summoned.
• Spectacular Bach is based on Johann Sebastian Bach—a German composer and musician of the late Baroque period, generally regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music.
• Flowering Étoile is named after Danseuse étoile (French for "star dancer")—the highest rank a dancer can reach at the Paris Opera Ballet. The star-shaped flowers on her dress are the flowers of the yuzu plant, referencing Yuzu Hiiragi, who played a Phantasmic Performance Deck in the ARC-V anime.
• A concerto is a musical composition for a solo instrument or instruments accompanied by an orchestra, especially one conceived on a relatively large scale.

Diabellstar storyline

• Snake-Eyes Diabellstar's stat line could mean it's a reference to Magician of Black Chaos, seeing as how the original Diabellstar is to Black Magician.
• Diabellze is a portmanteau of Diabell- and Beelzebub.
• Griare is pronounced "GREE-AW-RAY." The word Trio (Sanketsu) here is a Japanese phrase used to refer to "three great people" of a certain historic era, but sanketsu is also a pun on the phrase niketsu ("riding double on a motorcycle").
• Grand Pile-Up refers to piling up Xyz Materials under a single monster with its effect.
• Morrigan is named after the Morrígan—a figure from Irish mythology associated with war and fate, especially with foretelling doom, death, or victory in battle, and is often depicted as a crow.

Raika

• Raika is written with the kanji for bud and calamity, roughly translated as Scourgebud for the alternate translations above.
• Marikobe is a pun on the Japanese words igakusa (written with similar kanji as Marikobe)—the Japanese name for the Rhynchospora rubra, a member of the sedge family that features a distinctive spherical spikelet at the end of its stem—and sharikōbe (an alternate reading of dokuro—the Japanese word for "skull").
• Yahazukamikiri is the Japanese name for Uraecha bimaculata, a species of beetle. It is a slender longhorn beetle with a reddish-brown body and a pair of diagonal dark spots on its forewings that resemble arrow notches (with yahazu being the Japanese term for the nock of an arrow). Its name could also be a reference to yahazu-midare—a type of hamon that resembles of sequence of nocks. Since the Raika theme has a yōkai motif, it is also possibly a reference to the Kamikiri (lit. "hair-cutter")—a Japanese yōkai said to secretly cut people's hair on the head.
• Yoroitokage literally means armored lizard, referring to the armadillo girdled lizard—a diurnal animal with rows of tough spiny scales all over its body.
• Mushadokuro is a portmanteau of musha (a Japanese word meaning "warrior") and Gashadokuro (lit. "rattling skull")—a yōkai spirit that takes the form of a giant skeleton made of the skulls of people who died in the battlefield.
• Ogaminushi is a portmanteau of ogamimushi (a dialectal Japanese term for the praying mantis) and ōkannushi (the chief Shinto priest serving the Grand Shrine).
• Kusarigami is a portmanteau of kusarigama (lit. "chain-sickle")—a traditional Japanese weapon consisting of a sickle attached to a metal chain with a heavy iron weight at the end—and kusarihebi (lit. "chain snake")—the Japanese name for the viper.
• Daiohga is based on Dorcus bucephalus, a type of stag beetle also known as the great king (daiou) stag beetle in Japanese. Its name also sounds like a portmanteau of daiou and ogre.
• Raika Off-Season Profusion (Raikaryouran Kuruizaki) is a play on the Japanese idiom hyakkaryōran ("many flowers blooming in profusion").

Tenpai Dragon/Lustrous Phantom

• This theme is based heavily on Japanese mahjong, also known as riichi mahjong.
• Tenpai (lit. "heavenly cup" or "sky cup") is a pun on the Japanese-mahjong term tenpai (lit. "listening tile")—meaning to be one tile short of a winning hand (sometimes called "fishing" in English).
• The Main Deck monsters are based on the dragon tiles (sangenpai, lit. "three fundamental tiles") in mahjong. Their names ending in dora (from doragon or "dragon") is additionaly a pun on mahjong's dora tiles—bonus tiles that add han value to a winning hand.
• Paidora comes from paipan—the white dragon tile without any markings (also known as haku).
• Fadora comes from ryuufa (roughly meaning "green wealth")—the official name for the green dragon tile hatsu, which has the Chinese character for "wealth" written on it.
• Chundora comes from honchun or hóngzhōng (lit. "red center")—the official name for the red dragon tile chun (lit. "medium" or "center"), which has the same character written on it.
• Bident Dragion is a reference to the card Trident Dragion, with a bident being a two-pronged spear as opposed to the three-pronged trident. Burgeoning Dragon of Lustrous Phantoms (Sangenshōryū) is a pun on the Japanese mahjong term shōsangen (lit. "little three fundamentals")—a yaku (a certain pattern in a mahjong hand) reliant on all three sangenpai (dragon tiles). The hand consists of triplets of two dragons and a pair of the third.
• Transcend Dragion's title (Sangenchōryū) is in turn based on a chōsangen (lit. "superior three fundamentals")—a non-standard yaku containing all three quads of sangenpai.
• The Lustrous Phantom Parlor of Brimming Cups (Sakazuki Michiru Sangensō) is a pun on the Japanese term jansō ("mahjong parlor")—a Japanese venue which offers tables for playing mahjong. The two kanji for Brimming Cups (Sakazuki Michiru) can also be read haiman, similar to the Japanese-mahjong term baiman (lit. "double-full")—a win worth 16,000 points (or 24,000 if the dealer wins). This likely refers to this theme's ability to field massive amounts of battle damage in a single Battle Phase.
• Opening the gate (Kaimen) is a Japanese-mahjong term for determining which tile the dealing of hands starts at the start of the game.

Yubel

• Hellgrave Squirmer is based on Grave Squirmer, a monster used by Yubel in the GX anime. Its wings and left arm now resemble those of Yubel.
• Nightmare Throne is based on the throne on the top floor of Yubel's tower in the Spirit World. The artwork is a reference to a scene in which Johann Andersen (possessed by Yubel) leans on the left side of the throne after his Duel against Amon Garam.

Centurion

• The II in Gargoyle II is read as zwei (the German word for the number two).
• Arxila (pronounced "ARK-SEE-LAH") is a twist on auxilia (lit. "auxiliaries")–auxiliary troops in the Roman army.

Varmonica

• Selettrice (pronounced "SELETREE-CHE") is an Italian feminine noun meaning "selector." The title Voice-Picking Princess (Seisenki) is a reference to the card Voice Picker of Angels and Demons - "Varmonica", whose Voice Picker is also pronounced the same (Seisenki), but is written with a different ki kanji meaning "device."
• Invitare is Italian for "to invite."
• Disarmonia is Italian for "dissonance."

Light-Road

• This theme's inclusion in this set could possibly be a reference to its similar name to LIGHT OF DESTRUCTION, the core booster set in which the Light-Road theme first appeared. LIGHT OF DESTRUCTION was also released next after the core booster set PHANTOM DARKNESS, which was the basis for the previous set PHANTOM NIGHTMARE.
• Veiss is a pun on vice (as in "immoral or wicked behavior") and Weiß (German for "white"). This monster seems to be a Light-Road version of Snoww, Sorceress of the Dark World, who is also connected to the color white and is present in several card artworks together with Light-Road Hunter Ryko.
• Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, especially strategic warfare, the arts, and especially crafts. Her Roman counterpart is Minerva.
• Aegis is named after an attribute of Zeus and Athena (or their Roman counterparts Jupiter and Minerva) usually represented as a goatskin shield.

Memento

• Memento Twin Dragon is based on the early-era OCG Fusion Monster Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon.

Miscellaneous

• Wight Lord (Waitorōdo) is a pun on the Light-Road (Raitorōdo) theme's name, and even has a similar Deck-milling effect. In its artwork, Wight Lord and Skull Dog Marron appear to be wearing armors similar to those of Light-Road Paladin Jain and Light-Road Hunter Ryko, respectively.
• Golgoil, the Great Demon of Steel is an Illusion Magic remake of the early-era OCG monster Golgoil. Its title comes from the fact the original Golgoil has the words MAJIN OF KOTETSU (roughly meaning "demon of steel" in mixed Japanese and English) engraved on its upper armor. Great Demon of Steel (Kōtetsu no Daimajin) is also a reference to both Great Mazinger (Gurēto Majingā) and Steel Jeeg (Kōtetsu Jīgu), which are two Japanese mecha anime series created by Go Nagai.
• Moonfang Dragon - Crescent Dragon is a remake of the early-era OCG monster Crescent Dragon (known as Mikazukinoyaiba in the TCG). This monster is meant to symbolize 2024 being a Year of the Dragon.
• Schlieren (pronounced "SHLEER-EN" and meaning "streaks" in German) are discernible layers in a transparent material that differ from the surrounding material in density or composition. An example of this phenomenon would be the shimerring sunlight on a hot summer day. Its effect is a reference to its flavor text in some of the Game Boy Yu-Gi-Oh! games, where this monster originates from.
• Nightmare Apprentice has a similar name, stats, and effect as Apprentice Mage of Illusions (known as Apprentice Illusion Magician in the TCG).
• Dinovader Docus is a pun on dinosaur, invader, and Diplodocus—a huge herbivorous dinosaur of the late Jurassic period, with a long slender neck and tail.
• Cyclus (Kikurosu) is the Latin form of the Ancient Greek kyklos ("circle" or "ring"). Its title is a play on a fairy ring or fairy circle—a circular area of grass that is darker in color than the surrounding grass due to the growth of certain fungi. They were popularly believed to have been caused by fairies dancing.
• Chilling Fire (Hieru Hi) is a counterpart to and has a similarly alliterative name (in Japanese) as the card Burning Algae (Moeru Mo).
• Decanelogue is a twist on Decalogue, another name for the Ten Commandments—a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship that play a fundamental role in Judaism and Christianity.
• Okosama is a pun on okosama (a Japanese polite expression used to refer to children, albeit written in different kanji than this card's name) and oko (Japanese internet slang for being angry). The kanji used in its card name are those for "angry," "young child," and the polite honorific sama.
• Map Your Way Out (Kyūsureba Tsūzu) is a pun on the Japanese proverb also pronounced the same way, which is basically the equivalent of the English idiom, "Necessity is the mother of invention," meaning that when the need for something becomes essential, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it. The last kanji in the card name is the kanji for "map" or "diagram"—this and its artwork are a reference to the anime/manga series Eyeshield 21, where the protagonist would sometimes imagine a mapped-out route through the opposing players that would lead him to a touchdown. Kyū is also the Japanese pronunication for the number nine, referring to its effect of wiping out the opponent's field and Graveyard if a player uses its effect while their opponent controls 9 or more monsters.
• Blinkout is a pun on "to blink out of existence," link (referring to Link Monsters), and possibly blackout.
• Metatronius is based on the Ancient Greek metathronios, which can be translated as "one who sits behind the throne." It has been suggested this phrase is the origin of the name Metatron—an archangel in Christian and Jewish folklore.
• Boot Tracks in the Snow, We Follow Them with Our Steps, One by One They Go (Yukigutsu no / Ato Ou Hitotsu / Mata Hitotsu) is written as a haiku—a Japanese poem of seventeen syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five, traditionally evoking images of the natural world. Its effect also mentions the numbers five, seven, and five in that order.
• Zoma the Earthbound Ghost is a combination of Dark Bakura's Zoma the Ghost and Call of the Earthbound Spirits. Its effect to inflict damage equal to double the ATK of the attacking monster is a reference to the original depiction of Zoma the Ghost in the anime and manga, which had a similar effect to inflict damage equal to double the ATK of the monster that destroyed it at the end of the Battle Phase.
• Terrifying Simultaneous Fixed-Point Cannon Equations (Renritsu Hōkoteishiki) is a pun on the Japanese term for simultaneous equations or equation system (renritsu hōteishiki)—in its simplest form, a set of two equations with two variables. The ritsu in renritsu has been replaced with the second kanji from senritsu ("terrifying"), and the hōteishiki meaning "equation" has had the kanji ko ("cannon") spliced in-between, and the teishi part has been replaced for the teishi meaning "fixed-point." Its effect can be expressed as the equation system {2x + y = a; x + y = b}, where 'x' and 'y' stand for the number of Xyz Monsters and Fusion (Yūgō in Japanese) Monsters, respectively.

Tournament Pack 2024 Vol.1

1. Archethys, the Ravenous Crocodile Dragon
2. Wight King
3. Wight Prince
4. Decoy Dragon
5. Light-Road Maiden Minerva
6. Soprano, Melodious Songstress of the Phantasmic Performance
7. Naga
8. Antique Gear Golem - Ultimate Pound / Mechanical Giant of Antiquity - Ultimate Pound
9. Exodius, the Ultimate Sealed God
10. Trident Dragion
11. Hagakuremino the Insect Chunin
12. Piri Reis Map
13. Sword of Silence
14. Silent Burning
15. Spirit Conversion Device
16. Grave of the Super-Ancient Organisms
17. Horror of the Lifeless Dragon - Destrudo

V Jump March 2024 Edition bonus card

• Magic Card: "Resurrection of the Dead"

Etymology:

• This card's name is taken from a line usually said when Resurrection of the Dead was activated in the Duel Monsters anime and manga: "I activate the Magic Card Resurrection of the Dead!" Its artwork is taken from a scene during Yugi's Duel against Pandora in Battle City, in which both he and Pandora use their own Resurrection of the Dead at the same time to revive their Black Magicians from the Graveyard. It being a Quick-Play Magic Card is a reference to the fact all Magic Cards functioned like Quick-Play ones in the manga (and sometimes in the anime).

Allow me to have some counter arguments for the 2010 start date:
1: "2010 babies were born after the iPad so they're Alpha". What the hell? That'd be like if I start Alpha in July 2007 because they were born after the iPhone.
FFS, I could call someone born in 2007 or 2008 Gen Alpha because you were born after the iPhone. I might just start doing that one day to piss off the people who use 2010 as an Alpha start because they were "born after the iPad".
Also no one born in 2008 or 2009 will remember a pre-2010 world. They were 2 at the oldest. Someone born in 2009 will have their first memories around 2012, that's when smartphones were really beginning to take off.
People born in 2008 and 2009 have no memory of a world without the iPad and iPhone being common in everyday lives. That doesn't mean all of them grew up with an iPad at the age of 2-5, but it's still possible, they were 2-5 in 2010-2013 and 2011-2014, respectively. That's no different from someone born in 2010.
2: Someone born in 2010 is a 2010s kid. This is one of the defining traits of Gen Z: being a 2010s kid. 2009 and 2010 both grew up in the mid-late 2010s as kids and would spend only a small amount of childhood in the early 2020s, and are both 2020s teens. In America, 2010 borns will vote in 2028.
True Gen Alpha would be elementary schoolers who spent most of or a significant amount of either childhood or K-5 education during/after COVID. This does not apply to someone born in 2010. This would apply to someone born in 2012 and after.
3: It's still too early to start Gen Alpha, and 2010 feels like a placeholder year in 2024. This reminds me of very old and outdated Millennial ranges from the 90s, 2000s and early 2010s.
Back around the 90s and 2000s, some sources began Millennials in 1977. Nielsen and MetLife both used 1977-1994 for Millennials. Nowadays you'd be called crazy for thinking 1977 is anything but Gen X.
Also, NPR, Time magazine, Forbes, and even the US Census Bureau all ended Millennials in 2000. Nowadays, 2000 is almost universally seen as Z.
What makes McCrindle any more reasonable than those ranges? Their entire ideology behind 1980-1994, 1995-2009, 2010-2024, etc. is just that it looks nice numerically.
4: If you do any research, you'll find that McCrindle is full of shit.
On their website they basically give a lazy and shit excuse saying that every generation should be 15 years, because "it looks nice".

Generational definitions are most useful when they span a set age range and so allow meaningful comparisons across generations. That is why the generations today each span 15 years with Generation Y (Millennials) born from 1980 to 1994; Generation Z from 1995 to 2009 and Generation Alpha from 2010 to 2024. And so it follows that Generation Beta will be born from 2025 to 2039.

This makes no sense whatsoever. They don't define it by generation-defining events, but by numbers. They ignore the fact that someone born in 1995 was in school before 9/11, or that 1980 graduated high school/became adults before Y2K/the new millennium, because "it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing" and just do a terrible and arbitrary "every generation after Boomers MUST be 15 years, no exception".
Also, just because they "coined the term" for Alpha, doesn't make their range a sensical and logical. Strauss and Howe coined the term "Millennial" in 1987. Also, Neil Howe uses a 1982-2004 Millennial range. Do you think someone born in fucking 2004 is a Millennial?!? That's as Gen Z as you can get! It's widely agreed that no, someone born in 2001-2004 is NOT a Millennial.
Oh and look at this graph:
Infographic.png (1066×730) (mccrindle.com.au)
There are so many things wrong with it.

• What kid born in 2015 is playing with fidget spinners in 2024? That was a 2017-2018 thing. 2008-2012 borns were the main kids playing with those. Not "2010 and after".
• "Lit" and "yeet" is Gen Z slang.

1997 is widely considered to be the first Gen Z year, not 1995.
Literally dozens and dozens of recognizable sources cite Pew's 1997-2012 definition or start Z in 1997.
If Gen Z starts in 1997, then at the very least, it must go all the way to 2011. If we use 1997-2009, that's literally only 13 years. Generations must be at least 15+ years.
Cusps also must be longer than 3 years. 2010-2012 is commonly used as "Zalpha"; this is way too short. Xennials uses 1977-1984 (too long, in my opinion) and Zillennials uses 1994-1999. Cusps should not be 3 years long. The widely regarded Xennial range is not 1980-1982 or something like that, but rather 1977-1983.
Oh, and Zalpha is a real thing. Xennial is a real thing. Zillennial is a real thing. And if you start Alpha in 2010, that'd make 2007-2009 cuspers in Zalpha (all leaning Gen Z, but still on the cusp).
5: "2010 was a super transitional year, it was the first year of modern tech, etc". Do you really think anyone born in 2007-2009 would remember a time before 2010? They were no older than 3 in 2010. Someone born in 2008 and 2009 would also only be preschoolers 3-4 years old during the early 2010s, they weren't even in K-12 education during the early 2010s. Someone born in January-August 2008 entered in late 2013
6: Someone born in 2010 will almost certainly remember a pre-COVID world vividly. They were 5-9 COVID-19 was a defining event on the level of 9/11. The world literally had global lockdowns and someone born in 2010 would remember life years before then.
Most people born in 2009 were still 10 during COVID-19 lockdowns in March/April 2020, and in America were still in elementary school during it. They will spent most of their K-12 education after the lockdowns.
Also, someone born in late 2009 was likely held back from September school cutoffs and would be in the same class as early-mid 2010 borns.
I know many people on here are just ignorant and won't bother to research why 2010 is a bad start date, but I don't care. The portion of 2005-2009 babies that gatekeep 2010 from Gen Z can live in their own ignorant insecurities if they want.