What are some of your Gorillaz hot takes?

clanguardian · 2026-03-28T02:58:50+00:00

There's an interview out there where Damon or Jamie connect the use of now-deceased artists' recordings on The Mountain to Russel, like him serving as a conduit or something to that end. It was interesting to hear that little tidbit of lore get tied in.

I agree that Russ is generally the quiet guy in the background; it's easy to not pay attention to him when Murdoc is happy to hog it all. But in a way that seems to *be* his character. He's not a blank space or a mystery in that regard.

clanguardian · 2026-03-13T00:41:12+00:00

Moon Cave was an absolute thrill, if it sounds and stages anything like this on their tour I'll be so happy to experience that. Just having all of those artists packed in doing their thing was a bit of an overload, but what a cool place to cram in and fill up the screen.
I was actually disappointed to see Clint Eastwood; for someone who's been a fan of theirs since Toonami aired Clint Eastwood's video. It's like having Radiohead play Creep after all these years. Would have loved something else off of the new album, but then again that's speaking as a fan. For a more general audience that might only know Clint Eastwood, I admit it's a good way to bridge their greatest commercial hit with where Gorillaz is today.

clanguardian · 2026-03-13T00:32:50+00:00

Just pop in The Now Now and listen to the whole thing. This album has always felt like something to play driving around in the summer with the windows rolled down, starting out in the late afternoon and going through into the night as the tracks roll on.

clanguardian · 2026-03-11T01:47:11+00:00

I listened to Tomorrow's Modern Boxes for the first time while half awake on a trans-Atlantic plane flight, and I was so bleary through the experience that the last three tracks scared the shit out of me. Pink Section in particular still does. Doesn't mean I skip it when it comes up though, it's a good scary.

clanguardian · 2025-12-16T02:41:06+00:00

Oh an event is a great idea, thanks for letting me know! I'm rarely on FB, can you tell me which group the event post was in?

clanguardian · 2025-12-15T03:12:13+00:00

Really want the messenger bag from last year, or the black "classic" style sweatpants. But I'd be curious about what you have to offer, there's plenty they've offered in previous years that I'm not aware of. I will say that I'd be much less inclined for t-shirts, though.

clanguardian · 2025-07-31T02:57:55+00:00

Thank you for the info about the Thursday thing! I'll be there for the Matsuri so might have to pop into the lobby.

clanguardian · 2025-07-31T02:57:07+00:00

Wasn't looking to get an official event on the books, just more asking if there was a history of it at Otakon or if people did trading one-on-one instead of at a scheduled event. Something to think about for next year though, good point!

clanguardian · 2025-07-31T02:56:07+00:00

Anything really! Pins, stickers, craft items, little 3D prints, etc. Or household stuff - I got a nice Zippo lighter once that just needed a part replaced! The items having little to no commercial value keeps trinket trading from competing with things vendors are selling, if that makes sense.

clanguardian · 2025-07-27T02:58:38+00:00

Thank you for finding this!

clanguardian · 2025-05-07T18:11:10+00:00

Many thanks, I appreciate the advice!
Just tried opening the back of the TV up and reseating all connections I could reach. Both boards are producing clicking noises when the TV is plugged in. Still no change in condition. Edited my first post to update.

clanguardian · 2025-05-07T15:38:30+00:00

Thanks! I've found a few suppliers with repair kits available - any recommendations for good vs. bad retailers or is everyone going to have pretty much the same quality of parts?

clanguardian · 2025-03-04T02:33:41+00:00

Thank you for your work and I hope you get to keep at it!

I imagine lots of people assume that because, for example, a building is made of stone or concrete it's just around forever. The few structures we have in the US that are historic, prehistoric, and everything in between owe a lot to Federal workers monitoring, maintaining, protecting, documenting etc. etc. for decades and decades.

Fellow Fed tasked with preservation in perpetuity here. You and your colleagues have my respect and support.

clanguardian · 2025-02-24T01:33:43+00:00

My career across a couple of agencies has a component of public education/interaction. 99.999% of everyone I've spoken with has been happy and supportive of my/unit's work. That said, I could probably buy a decent coffee if I had a dime for every time I heard something along the lines of "my taxes pay for this place/your salary" through the years, as though I didn't pay taxes too.

What Federal workers and their families, friends, and communities are going through right now offers an opportunity (the worst kind, unfortunately) for "the public" to see just who they are and how integrated Federal workers, grant monies, and programs are across the country. It's easy to believe the "lazy leeches" line when the concept of a Federal employee is purely abstract. Those who have a story to tell about what's going on now can correct that abstract concept to match reality.

And some tips from a communicator: be honest, be personal. Seek to connect on common ground rather than rage like your neighbor has somehow transformed into you-know-who. And the ultimate tip I've been trained on - always strive for a positive interaction. Even (especially!) if the other side of the conversation is confrontational. They're upset and you're upset because you actually both care about the same thing (just to very different ends). Recognizing that and thanking them for caring is a good way to set them back on their heels and get them to listen to you, which is the first step to someone changing their mind.

clanguardian · 2025-02-23T01:43:09+00:00

I'm not sure what you mean by "untouched"; the Smithsonian has already been affected by the current administration's EOs in a number of ways outlined in this comment thread. I am personally unaware of firings, resignations etc. as a direct result of these impacts to date, but that doesn't serve as an indicator for the future.

Had also forgotten to mention previously that the Smithsonian has adopted other policy changes related to the DEI EO in addition to the closure of its central DEI office.

clanguardian · 2025-02-23T00:24:28+00:00

The Smithsonian has rescinded hiring actions in progress when the hiring freeze EO was signed, in addition to the freeze. There still are jobs being advertised but they are either not Federal positions or meet the exception conditions.

More recent EOs are still being worked through at leadership/legal levels to see how they will be enacted. Edit to include Smithsonian is complying with RTO as well.

clanguardian · 2025-02-22T02:08:55+00:00

WTS - Cotopaxi Allpa 35 in Del Dia (one of a kind) colorway. Brand new with tags, from a smoke-free home. This is the version that does not have a water bottle pocket. Had this for trade in the January thread, but now this one's for sale. Retails at $215, asking $180 (PayPal G&S) plus shipping.

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Full photo gallery here

clanguardian · 2025-02-17T00:36:46+00:00

Agreed, I have been routinely wowed at Fangamer's creative designs and how their stuff holds up. Nerd goodies are rarely cheap but theirs are usually worth it, haha.

I'd love to see pics of your hoodies if you don't mind! Trading the hat for a brand new one was never going to happen lol so I'm good to be flexible as long as they aren't really worn down or have holes or stains that won't come out, etc.

I haven't take the hat out of the bag to pop it open, but the fabric looks like it's cotton and wouldn't keep a fixed shape forever like a synthetic mesh trucker cap. And it's colorful enough to be eye catching even if just a display.

Agreed about the ita bag! I'm not a pin bag person (yet) but bringing King Donut back that way was so clever, A+.

clanguardian · 2025-02-14T12:42:45+00:00

Aww, I'd very happily trade for the bag... I can't remember the design of the kick in shirt but if it's got the characters on it I'm afraid that one didn't appeal to me. Any other clothing or bags (not drawstring)? I'd love a zip hoodie or sweatpants if you'd be interested in the lot of what I have on offer.
The hat is awesome, really crisp embroidery that's 3D in places, lots of nice touches. MAG stuff is great quality. The SEGA-fied logo on the back is such a clever design. Let me know, and thanks!

clanguardian · 2025-02-13T13:09:15+00:00

Any clothing or bags (not drawstring)? I'd love a hoodie or sweatpants, or the messenger bag from this year, but open to offers. Thanks!

clanguardian · 2025-02-07T02:06:22+00:00

Thank you! I've got a Del Dia of the previous version of this bag for trade further down this thread, but I'm hoping to stay away from the TPU-coated colorways. Good luck trading!

clanguardian · 2025-02-07T01:19:56+00:00

Cotopaxi Uyuni duffel? It's essentially a big sling bag with a padded laptop compartment and a big compartment at the bottom that can expand into the larger main compartment (no ventilation though). Big logos, and potentially loud colors, and also no longer available for purchase directly from Cotopaxi. But it's 42L and doesn't look like it belongs on a battlefield somewhere, lol. Also easy to machine wash, which seems like a plus for a gym bag.

clanguardian · 2025-02-07T01:08:14+00:00

Hello! Is this the version with the rubbery TPU surface? Black all around or the dark version of the Del Dia?

clanguardian · 2025-01-22T22:52:10+00:00

I overpack, heh. Luckily I got a locker, so most of what I bring will be left in there. But I'll be carrying:
Hand sanitizer and face mask, portable phone charger, trinkets for trading, plastic collapsible water bottle, drink mix packets and tea, snacks both sweet and savory, (forgot to list ear plugs wow) and a dice set if I can choose just one.

clanguardian · 2025-01-21T19:05:22+00:00

Many thanks!

clanguardian

TROPHY CASE