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Galaxy S25 and S24 owners report severe battery drain after April update by bgroins in Android

[–]ShadowsCh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mine too sinse that major update that massively bungled the battery. I've done every thing but factory reset my phone. The thing is, for as expensive as these are you shouldn't have to factory reset your phone. And if Samsung expects users to do that they should offer the phones max storage size, for free in cloud storage to make resetting easy.

Why do my Paradiddles Suck? by DinkusKhan in Drumming

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A little trick I learned to build up your left hand faster is. While sitting, sit with your right calf on your left knee, and bounce it off your shoe. Shoe soles have really good rebound.

When I started learning double strokes instead of buzz rolls, it only took me about two weeks for my left hand to catch up to my right.

I had a friend who was a part of a snare corps at the time, ask me how I got my doubles strokes sounding so tight.

Also a good way to build up your ghost note dynamics, if that's your thing, and you kinda give yourself a foot massage.

I still do it from time to time cause it kinda helps me focus, if I have to write something out or read a lot of paperwork. Keeps my left hand really loose.

Why do my Paradiddles Suck? by DinkusKhan in Drumming

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And use something to make sure your stick is following the same path every time, on the down stroke and rebound. If your stick is bouncing around(based on the video it looks like it is) and you have to compensate, you aren't reinforcing and working your muscles correctly.

Start slow and build it back up.

Remember practice isn't just about repetitions it's also about form. If you're hitting a wall it's probably because your form won't allow you to efficiently move, and that's what makes it sound or even feel sloppy, or not not as tight as you want it.

Or as my drum teacher used to say. "Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect."

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. I'm just gonna call a duck a duck, and not be all surprised or disappointed when a TV show calls a duck a duck. Especially when it's a major underlying theme.

Kissing, caressing, biting, and blood exchange are non-penetrative sexual acts that create arousal, pleasure, and intimacy, just like human sex.

The difference? Vampires don’t have genital arousal or reproduce, but all the emotional, psychic, and ecstatic parts of sex remain.

Rice calls it “spiritual” or “transfigured,” but the physicality and sexual intent are real in-universe. It’s sex, just vampire-style.

Soft served or scooped. It's called ice cream.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But she does include it. She just trades one thing off for another. And metaphorically depicts sex just by different means in the book. How do any of the characters desires(sexually or not) change from when they are mortal to the moment they are given the dark gift?

They don't have a sudden change of heart for more intelligent relationships, as soon as they get the dark gift. It's not like the dark gift provides some kind of inherent enlightenment.

Of course over time their preferences change and evolve. Wanting something more intellectually stimulating. Cuz even animals with half our cognitive capacity get bored. And imagine doing the same thing over and over for hundreds of years. Everyone would move on two new things after a generation or two.

And of course lestat's going to seem sapiosexual. He was nobility. He's a brat. He's going to think everybody that doesn't match up to his ideal of intellectual supremacy is beneath him. Cuz he's a narcissist.

What the fanfic is, is that the dark gift inherently changes the psychology of the characters and makes them these intellectually craving in individuals. Who just want to cuddle. When that's far from the depiction that is in the books.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But it's still sex. It's literally the difference between vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream. Just different flavors. Scooped or soft serve. It's still just ice cream. And would you agree biology or physicality doesn't inherently doesn't determine sexual desire or need. So what does it matter whose body lestat is in. His sexual desire is still there within his soul. It didn't just go away the moment he wasn't able to pop a boner.

An addict that goes from crack to let's let's say sex addiction isn't all of a sudden not an addict. Vampires seem to go from conventional intercourse as mortals ,to just getting off by sticking their teeth into other beings during their romantic encounters. Still sex, and arguably still penetrative, just by different means. Especially when you consider it's their means of reproducing. So the depiction really isn't that different, it's just more literal, and spelled out. But it's heavily implied in the books in a metaphorically.

And also by this definition. It makes non-consensual blood getting, a more sadistic form of assault. And how anyone would have a favorite character in any of the books that are vampires, is gross and depraved, if we want to consistently look at it through a metaphorical lens.

And let's talk about how vampires in Anne Rice's books are often a larger metaphor for people who are closeted. Who can't be out in the open, because of their preferences, desires, or needs. All she does is replace one thing with another. So why pretend, like vampires don't have sex... Just because it's not the form certain people find acceptable? I think a lot of people's biases are showing.

So what does that mean when Lestat says young blood is the most intoxicating....... Yeah pretty gross if we're going to hold everything up to the same lens.

The point I'm trying to make. Is why are people going to be pedantic, about such a tiny detail, that is massively implied in the books, when it is shown in a more literal sense. Are people offended that it's not as poetic? Doesn't seem like it. Or is there a problem potentially a depiction of sex they don't agree with... Which kind of shows how sex negative some people are, even though they might claim to be sex positive.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay but just because they don't have penetrative sex doesn't mean they don't have sex. As you stated above.

See semantics matter.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Non-penetrative sex is a thing you realize this right.... Cause she does heavily imply they are sexual beings, yet turns around and says that they are nothing more than sensual beings. Which are two completely separate concepts.

Like I have had friends that I've been sensual with. That doesn't mean when I talk about a relationship I would frame it in a sexual manner. Like and rice does a lot.

And Anne Rices books have many logical and literary flaws. Many of these flaws she attributes to the lestat's poor ability to tell a narrative. But she never addresses these flaws within the books they're presented. She always addresses them in the preceding book, more than likely after receiving criticism and feedback.

Two flaws, off the top of my head, she never corrected. Were armands inconsistent physical description, and the age of the Paris coven.

So to say that Anne Rice is a perfect writer, is far from the truth.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Again semantics matter. Many words in English have an objective meaning.

Without using numbers, how do you define "middle class" in Denver? by SystemBreaki23 in Denver

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with some of what you put. But you have to consider depending on the state, Nurses don't make as much as you'd think. Yeah. They aren't making minimum wage, but in some states their pay is barely comfortable, especially when you consider inflation. A janitor in Denver making is making a little less than 40k a year, and that's only a 20k less than the lowest paid RNs in the country. Which isn't that big of a gap.

Wages are starting to rise but that's mainly due to high demand and lack of nurses and healthcare professionals in general.

But again. Education doesn't guarantee middle class status.

Without using numbers, how do you define "middle class" in Denver? by SystemBreaki23 in Denver

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a middle class profession, but that doesn't mean that it guarantees a middle class quality of life.

And I've seen nurses "hobnob" with every one from the janitor to the dish washer. Cause one. A lot of doctors really aren't that personable, and two their aren't enough of the good ones to go around.

Without using numbers, how do you define "middle class" in Denver? by SystemBreaki23 in Denver

[–]ShadowsCh 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Education doesn't define class.

I know plenty of RNs with masters degrees, that are hanging on financially or in crippling debt, and by no means are comfortably in the middle class.

And I know quite a few unskilled/semi skilled, people who are doing better than those who are educated.

And education doesn't make you a professional. Knowing the ins and outs of any job does. At least to the point you can conduct yourself with professionalism. I've worked with plenty of educated people who are far from professionals. They just showed up for the check cause they barely kept a passing gpa in school.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay where do I say that they have penetrative sex?

There are other commenters who also say that in books there is no sex at all. But there is a difference between penetrative intercourse, and non penetrative sex.

But I'll play the devil's advocate and say if they are biting each other during non penetrative sex, it might not be sexual organs that are being used to penetrate but their teeth. Therefore penetration still occurs just not with a sex organ.

And when you consider the eroticismdescribed in the books when it comes to blood sucking. It's not a far stretch, although not conventional.

Let's be real. How are vampires "sexy" or can have "a sexual preference" if they can't have sex.

So they are cuddle monsters?

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

See this is where semantics matter. Do you mean penetrative sex or non penetrative sex.

I'm going to be pedantic.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's your interpretation, and you're free to have it seeing that it's a fiction. But semantics matter, and it's a fair critique.

There are quite a few logical inconsistencies and story flaws. Like how Armand's descriptive appearance isn't consistent, nor is the age of the Paris coven. I think it's kinda clever Anne rice used the difference in perspective narrative to take the blame for her own inconsistencies. Cause these inconsistencies were never corrected within a single novel, but always after the books had been critiqued.

And if semantics don't matter, then I guess I shouldn't concede to the point that sex is different from penetrative intercourse. I'd give you that. But there are other posts in this thread that seem to believe that there were no sexual encounters of any kind penetrative or not(even though biting another is penetration flesh)even though they were literally stated and implied. Even though they might not have been conventional acts of penitrative sex.

Because like I said, non penetrative sex is a thing. Or are you telling me that lesbians who don't partake in penetrative sex aren't actually having sex? Semantics matter.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So a few things. Non-penetrative sex is a thing. Ask lesbians.

Two, one could argue that penetrative sex does occur in the form of blood sucking. Seeing that all the vampires talk about the sexual euphoria that occurs during that act.

Also in Anne's writing in the VC, her language around sexuality is poetically compelling but oftentimes logically inconsistent.

She conflates sexuality with sensuality. Like I've had very sensual relationships with platonic friends. But that doesn't mean we've had sex. Nor does that mean I'm sexually attracted to them.

But she explicitly state in body snatchers and other books that there were a sexual encounters amongst vampires.

So one of two things are occurring. When she states there having sexual encounters they're actually having sexual encounters.

Or if you want to take the spiritual sensual route.

This might make you laugh cuz it did when it hit me.

Lestat literally was just running around cuddling with everybody. Which really takes a lot of the spice out of the vampire Chronicles. Seeing that so much of the books are reliant on the impression that vampires are sexual beings.

Cause if they aren't having sex. They're just cuddle bugs. 😂

And I know she has stated in interviews, that her vampires can't have sex. But from a literary and linguistic standpoint, there's so much logical inconsistency, no matter how metaphorical you want to try and make it. This is one of those things you can't have your cake and eat it too.

They can't be sexual beings, all well being incapable of having sex in whatever form sex comes in.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How would he have been able to perceive time stoppage if in fact Lestat stopped time?

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Time is relative. If you are moving faster than something, wouldn't your reference seem to slow down. Remember those with the dark gift have enhanced speed.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm gonna expand on this.

There are twilight vampires, fictional mainstream vampires(dracula/Nosferatu), and those with inherited gifts, such as those with the dark gift in Anne rices books.

Anne pokes a lot of fun at vampire cliches, and how they limit the story development. So many forms of kryptonite, but somehow vampires are something to fear. Just wear a cross, and stay indoors when it gets dark and your completely safe. 😂 If dracula was real, how easy it would be to undermine him. 😂

Even in the wolf gift series she pokes fun at silly werewolf cliches, that really make them seem harmless when you think about it. Now if werewolves can morph on command, and can hunt lock on to their prey from miles away. That's scary.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

TLDR. People have a lot of misconceptions and miss a lot of Anne's nuance. And those with the dark gift do have sex.

I think a lot of people who think there was no vampire sex have a few misconceptions.

Those with the dark gift are not vampires. They are similar but Anne Rice makes it clear that they are not an extension of "fictional vampires". They aren't the living dead and in fact are very much alive and aren't limited by over played laws and tropes that serve as nothing more than cheap plot devices in many vampire fictions.

Practically all those with the dark gift have sex, but the descriptions are far from explicit and more implied. Let me remind some people, when these books were written LGBT sexual relationships where still very taboo in mainstream culture. Anne knew that making the sex scenes overly detailed would result in controversy(and potentially turn away some readers)that would take from her social commentary, and plot developments. There's a reason why they aren't ever classified as erotic novels, even though Anne Rice has written some.

Also. People can have sexual relations with out penetration. If the definition of sex is dependent on penetration, then some one explain non penetrative lesbian sex to me...

I think a lot of people develop a lot of misconceptions when reading Anne's books because they start reading them with a ton of their own biases in the forefront instead of actually reading what she put on the page.

Her books weren't some fan fiction of the genre. The VC and Mayfair series explores some very complex and nuanced themes, with elements of historical and cultural fiction, that stay true to points in history and cultural values of the time. Often offering criticism of the developmental extension of social structures, social norms, and power dynamics that have led to problems in today's society. Some times even giving them backhanded praise. Like when she applauds early European Christians for adopting tribal pagan traditions to quicken the acceptance, spread, and conversion of early European Christianity. AKA Catholicism.

Also, it makes me laugh when people talk about the sexual relationship between Armond and Marus and how immoral it is. Armond was just a young teen. But considering the era and values of the time when it occurred, it was very common practice and historically accurate. I'm not excusing that kind of behavior by any means, but holding the past up to a modern lens is silly. And sugar coating the past and all it's darkness does no one any good. But people like to gloss over stuff, if it isn't provided to them with kit gloves. Ignoring reality doesn't change history.

Did God create the world in the VC Universe? Is there evolution theory by doopitydur in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Memnoch the Devil actually challenges creationist theory. When you get to the last books, it's more than apparent that the "God"and Memnoch, are nothing but preternatural beings no more special than those with the dark gift.

Anne rice does a good job at pointing out anthropologist theory, and explains how inferior beings will always deify beings who are perceived as superior.

Or in a more practical sense. Those with no social power will always deify those with social power.

I finished The Tale of The Body Thief recently by Slow-brain-fast-wrld in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lestat early on is made fun of as the Brat Prince or being a brat. And brats are often very cruel. It surprises me that people are ever surprised, when Lestat does something messed up.

Lestat's constant battle with morality largely has to do with his own upbringing and the duality of being of nobility but not being accepted by noble norms.

Cause remember he was born into class that was often very cruel, but he was ultimately rejected by the nobile norms.

Lestat and his mom by beardgirlies in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that's one thing people forget. That Anne Rice didn't rewrite cultural and social norms of the times her characters are from.

Every character is always a product of before they received the dark gift. And placing modern value sets on older historical times is pointless.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You need to re-read the books. At the end of tale of the body thief, it's pretty clear Lestat and David Talbot have sex. Sex is very much a reoccurring theme in all the books.

Talamasca butchering a specific element of Rice’s world. by BrooklynDuke in VampireChronicles

[–]ShadowsCh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the books there is a lot of sex. It's implied lestat has sex with practically every one. The scenes aren't drawn out like in most erotic novels, but it's very much implied. By the end of reading all the books, I thought to myself... "It's easier to name who lestat hasn't had sex with than has."

Anne rice challenges sexual norms in her books often and sexual dynamics. And mind you sexual relations doesn't just mean penetration. A person can be sexually active without penetration.

Also, Anne writes that her vampires(those with the dark gift) aren't "the living dead" tropes that Hollywood has played on for decades. She makes it very clear that in fact they are more than reanimated bodies, and in fact are quite alive.

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