Just learned about #DecRecs! To make up for yesterday, Day 1 of Dec Recs I'll recommend this Chinese short animated series "All Saints Street" with four seasons. An angel, vampire, mummy, zombie, and werewolf live together. What could go wrong? Really enjoy it for the combination of great art, slice of life, and the supernatural. There's also a comic. It's produced similar to "Hey your cat ears are showing" but more memes and skulls than wholesome uwu. https://anilist.co/anime/114555#anime
For day 2 of #DecRecs, a roguelike indie game that can be played cooperatively: Moonhunters! Played with some D&D fans who really enjoyed it. Solve the mystery of the moon goddess's disappearance! Play through a number of storylines, gain reputations in the community, unlock new constellations of legends in the sky! I bought this game years ago and didn't appreciate it more until recently. If you're trying to go full completion mode, you might want to look up some guides though. The same creators made Dwarf Fortress. It's on sale now for $3. (Lmk if you want to play together!) https://store.steampowered.com/app/320040/Moon_Hunters/ #games#videoGames#indieGames#pixelArt
For day 3 of #DecRecs, I want to recommend another game, but specifically a JRPG that ran from 1990-2007 (at least the originals)! The Mana series starts with "final fantasy adventure", a spin off from the original FF series to begin a story of it's own. I primarily played Children of Mana (2006) on the Nintendo DS Lite (platinum rose edition) after finding it discounted at gameStop when i was maybe in elementary school. It's a dungeon crawler with some really fun designs and boss fights. The other games have different gameplay formats!
@pixouls@geraineon Have either of you played Legend of Mana? Originally on the Playstation (1) it recently got a nice remake with HD graphics, orchestrated music (it's so nice!) and etc. I always loved this one best even though it's a pretty extreme gaiden (the only single connection is the tree exists in it, lol.)
Positively fascinating side stories. Every NPC has so much going on and each side story you do adds together to a series of several complex really interesting stories.
@geraineon@pixouls It's one of the good ones. Some remakes never feel the same, but the original artwork was already hand drawn and this feels like they either found the masters and reimaged them or did a darned good job of emulating them. No cheap resize algorithms on this one thank goodness. Also, the reorchestrated soundtrack is amazing and true to the original musical style and form except of course real instruments instead of PSG sounds. Can't recommend the remake enough.
@geraineon@pixouls If I might make a recommendation (I don't want to spoiler anything, but darn it's easy to miss!) in the beginning of the game, be sure to go with the annoying, demanding guy in the tavern. It's really easy to miss that, but I personally feel that the story line that starts is one of the most interesting in the game (and the rest can wait anyway.)
@geraineon@pixouls Oh, to be clear, the storylines are broken up and kind of disconnected. There are two you can start immediately at the beginning of the game, but one basically goes away if you start the other. However, you don't miss the entire storyline, just the first part of it. You can still do other parts later as you go.
Honestly, the game has to be played with a guide to get them all, but where's the fun in that? It adds a lot of replayability.
@geraineon If you should happen to remember, let me know how it turns out for you. I truly loved this game and all the side stories. Some are silly and pointless, but some are actually almost kind of deep.
For Day 4 of #DecRecs I'm going to cheat a little by recommending 3 short audio docs (podcast format) folx interested in learning more about an underrated topic.
🔥"Chester is Rising" (5 eps): the 30+ year grassroots Environmental Justice movement in the city home to the USA's largest incinerator among other major polluters. https://rss.com/podcasts/chesterisrising/
✊"March On: The Fight for Pride" (5 eps): the complicated history behind Philadelphia's pride march, including internalized racism and transphobia, and the work to heal and create something new https://whyy.org/programs/march-on/
🪲"Headlong: Surviving Y2K" (6 eps): despite the 2000's millennium bug being an afterthought for many, we explore the stories of those who were impacted by it personally, even years later https://topicstudios.com/podcasts/headlong-surviving-y2k/ #podcasts#nonfiction#storytelling#environmentalJustice#lgbt#philadelphia#philly#y2k
For Day 5 of #DecRecs I am narrowly sliding in as I tick toward midnight here, is a Taiwanese dessert I really like known as 太阳饼 (Tàiyáng bǐng) or suncake. I feel like a lot of Taiwanese foods are overlooked. My family will often bring it back from trips. It has a flakey outside pastry (be careful not to get those crumbs everywhere) and then a sweet filling that's a bit chewy. If you like pastries that aren't too sweet, this is a good choice. I just eat them whenever I feel like it, but usually it's served in tea or it can be eaten like a porridge if you pour hot water in. I don't really know where to buy them in the US, maybe uncommon in Asian grocers, but you can find them on Say Weee! #food#taiwanese
(1/3): For Day 6 of #DecRecs I'm recommending 3 of my favorite Asian films (that made me cry).
🐯 "Tigertail" (2020, 91 minutes): A complicated immigration story of a father and a daughter in modern day America that leads us into his past in a small rural town of Taiwan around the 1950's, much of which went completely unspoken about into her adulthood. Has one feeling like, "I couldn't even imagine how much I didn't know... when could i have been ready to know, would it have changed things?" Some things strongly parallel stories of my own family or my friends. The film is in both Taiwanese Hokkien, Mandarin, and English. I also really enjoyed the music in this film. This film is Alan Yang's, first feature film, though he's more well known for his work on Parks and Rec and the Good Place.
(2/3): For Day 6 of #DecRecs I'm recommending 3 of my favorite Asian films (that made me cry).
🎭"Song Lang" (2018): A beautiful, romantic, and tragic queer Vietnamese film set in 80's-90's Saigon, where two men, one an opera singer and one a debt collector for the mafia, find their lives entangled. It's a great opportunity to learn about the cultural practice of cải lương in Viet Nam. I loved soo much of the colors and framing they used in this film. Fans of the anime "Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju" might like this.
(3/3): For Day 6 of #DecRecs I'm recommending 3 of my favorite Asian films (that made me cry).
🌃"The Last Sunrise" (2019, 108 min): A sci-fi road trip drama set in China of the future, where the world is primarily powered by solar power. Suddenly, the sun vanishes and starts a race to survive. Some work together while others turn against each other. This film is the debut of Chinese American, Wen Ren. It was shot in an impressive 2 weeks. It could only be filmed in the daytime in order to get the lighting correct in the film. The majority of the film takes place in the night sky, completely edited in by gorgeous visual effects
@negative12dollarbill if it was straight up shot in the dark then they couldn't have filmed most of it. they fix the lighting to make it appear as night time afterward, still being able to preserve what the people and colors would look like in the full light in the original, to get the right balance later.
@negative12dollarbill i wish i could give you a direct quote/explainer. trying to find it. the staff mention it live at a panel for a film screening, but i cant find it mentioned in interviews online.
For Day 7 of #DecRecs, drawing implements
✏️ The Pentel Sharp Automatic Lead Pencil, the yellow one with .9mm lead. I struggle to control the pressure I put down on paper, so I always break lead. That's never been an issue ever since I came across this pencil in an assortment of random stationary we had in the basement. It's very sturdy and I find comfortable to hold.
🖌️Huion drawing tablets. They are the best budget alternatives to overpriced Wacoms. I've had both versions of the H610 pro, which come with a large workspace, hot keys, and 8192 sensitivity levels. Haven't had any issues with drawing software recognizing it either.
For Day 8 of #DecRecs, for what I'd consider my favorite book I read in 2023, "Strange Beasts of China" by Yang Ge. Originally found on a goblincore book rec list, this book feels like a unique where these sort of -core aesthetics can be eurocentric, or play into exotic orientalism. It is a bestiary of various creatures found in Yong'an, with an overarching plot that has us questioning what it means to be human. Definitely look elsewhere if you're looking for something cozy, it is meant to be a bit unsettling and frustrating, but in a way that makes me feel seen. The source text in Chinese was written in 2003, and wasn't translated till about two decades later, with the author's approval. https://bookwyrm.social/book/167944 #books#goblincore#bookstodon
For Day 9 of #DecRecs, a book that is short yet immensely profound. Jamaica Kincaid's "A Small Place" is an introduction to her homeland of Antigua and the complicated relationship she has as a member of diaspora, both with the people from there and the tourists and colonizers who occupy it. It serves as an important reminder that colonialism is not simply a thing of the past, but something that takes form actively in the present. I find her writing style refreshing and definitely recommend listening to her interviews. https://bookwyrm.social/book/137350/s/a-small-place #books#environmentalJustice#bookstodon
For Day 10 of #DecRecs, three ethnobotany papers that I really enjoyed and found useful in defining my interests in decolonial herbalism. All are publicly accessible.
Muniz de Medeiros et al. 2012. The use of medicinal plants by migrant people: adaption, maintenance, and replacement.
Pieroni et al. 2020. Taming the pandemic? The importance of homemade plant-based foods and beverages as community responses to COVID-19.
For Day 11 of #DecRecs, "Camp Here & There is a weekly horror comedy podcast tuned in to the loudspeakers of a small midwestern sleepaway camp plagued by supernatural terrors and natural disasters". It feels somewhat familiar as a Welcome to Night Vale fan but it definitely has a character of its own with a complex and well thought plot. The main character is a trans guy and tbh the whole cast is queer in some way. There's 34 episodes in the first season, with a potential season 2. However, I just learned that in early January, the creator Blue Mayfield was robbed of everything he owned (all his computer equipment, device with this TFA codes, clothing, and other sentimental personal items) and the police took no action to support him. So, check out the podcast and check out the gofundme. https://mayfieldandbelov.com/camp-here-and-there/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/blue-mayfield-stolen-items-fund #podcasts#horror
For Day 12 of #DecRecs, two surreal sci-fi animes that skew space and time with really fun experimental animation.
🏫 Sonny Boy (2021): a class of students find themselves alone in another dimension. While they slowly develop absurd powers, will they ever actually find their way back home, or will they forever wander other worlds? My anime of the year for 2023.
⛩ Kyousougiga (2013): A young girl who seeks to learn more about the strange circumstances around her family ends up putting the balance of the multiverse into peril. Nothing is what it seems, and all rules are meant to be broken. My anime of the year for 2018. #anime#scifi
For Day 13 of #DecRecs, my favorite phone case brand, Cadaube. These iPhone and Galaxy phone cases are slim profile while being very durable and comfortable to hold. I'll never go back. I've had mine now for a few years and there's really very little sign of wear. no issues with bending over time when removing the case. Still lets me use a magsafe charger. Also highly DON'T recommend Peel cases. https://caudabe.com/
For Day 14 of #DecRecs, a bar laundry soap always comes in handy. I use Purex's Fel-naptha as this is what my mom uses but I'm sure that there are others that work just as well. I take it out when there's a specific stain on a piece of clothing that I want to be gentle with or don't want to do a whole load of laundry for. Was super useful in college.
For Day 15 of #DecRecs, noise-reducing (not canceling) earplugs. I've mentioned this a few times before, they make my life so much better. These reduce noises of certain frequencies without completely blocking them out, which can help with audio sensitivities or reduce tinnitus triggers. I hate noise from HVAC or cars, and feel so much more at ease with these. I've used Flare Calmers and Loops. Calmers are slightly more discrete, but honestly I don't mind the more obvious appearance of Loops. Calmers can be easier to lose because they're smaller, there's also a lanyard version. Loops reduce more sound leading to my internal voice becoming louder which can be slightly distracting at times. You may find one or another easier to wear depending on the shape of your canal. They also make versions of earplugs for concert goers, Earasers are a great option there as well.
For Day 16 of #DecRecs, "Blue-Gold Ephemeral" is an album by a friend of a friend of an ex-friend I had freshman year of college. While I barely knew this person, I really enjoyed this album. Sometimes regrettable friendships still land you random and wonderful things to reclaim. https://seanthornton.bandcamp.com/album/blue-gold-ephemeral
For Day 17 of #DecRecs, Dog and Panther is a small band with only a couple of albums from Michigan. They give me Death Cab vibes (if you know me, Death Cab is one of my favorite bands of all time). All the members are now independent creatives. https://dogandpanther.bandcamp.com/
For Day 18 of #DecRecs, I recommend trying to shift your perspective a bit. Sleep on the opposite side of the bed. Brush your teeth in the opposite order. Drink a tea instead of a coffee (or the other way around). Wear formal shoes for casual reasons. Be a little unreasonable where no one is looking.
MAL-Sync: Extension that integrates with Kitsu, MyAnimeList, AniList, etc. to auto update your anime and manga trackers. It also automatically recommends sites to watch a show or read a manga when you open a page on the index. This really comes in handy when I'm trying to watch old and niche animes. https://malsync.moe/
Anilist: Anime and manga index and tracking. Also has a social feed, though I don't use it much. Interface is just nicer than MAL and has more active moderation (though not perfect). I was able to import my MAL account pretty seamlessly. Have heard the API is easier for developers. https://anilist.co/
Ryuusei: 3rd party mobile iOS app for anilist with widgets to keep track of new episode updates https://ryuusei.moe/
Paperback: Free manga reader for iOS and iPad OS with no Ads. Pretty nice interface with a wide array of database options and options to download manga offline. https://paperback.moe/ #iOS#anime#manga
For Day 20 of #DecRecs, my favorite movies that I watched in 2023. Coincidentally, they both take place in the 1980's.
🧑🌾 Minari (2020): A immigrant Korean family moves promptly from Cali to rural Arkansas to follow the father's dream of being an independent farmer of Korean crops. Of course, adjusting to their new home is far from easy.
🚕 A Taxi Driver (2017): Based on a true story, this pro-labor movie centers a Taxi Driver on the front lines of the uprising in Gwangju, Korea, thanks to a German journalist seeking to get the message out internationally. #movies
For Day 21 of #DecRecs, "The White Vault" is a horror podcast imbued with ancient magics and the supernatural. It was hard to pick up at first, but once I got into it, I couldn't stop. I really enjoy the diversity of cultures and languages featured. While the first season could have been great standalone, I'm very pleased with the second season and ongoing third season. The production quality is great and I'm so drawn to the lore that has been slowly building up. "It often showcases the found footage format, accurate depictions of modern archaeology, and isolation horror, brought to life by a full cast and detailed soundscape." https://thewhitevault.com/ #podcasts
For Day 22 of #DecRecs, two wearable life hacks.
👖 my waist size fluctuates more than I want to buy different sizes for. I learned how to create a hidden adjustable waist band. It does create some scrunching, but I cover it with a belt if I'm ever really worried about it. It works and looks better than the belt alone. I usually do the "button through the belt loop" trick when not wearing a belt but it wasn't working with these pants. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILJrXOTGz20
💳 I keep my wallet on an adjustable double clasp lanyard and wear it around my waist like a belt. If I'm wearing skirts, I could either wear it above like a charm or below like a secret pouch. If anyone wants to get to my wallet, they can't open it because it's a draw string and they'd have to tug on my waist. Usually I can have it hang out without needing pockets to keep my wallet in. I can also hang my wallet somewhere I'll be able to get to easily between wearing it. Or I can quickly snap my keys on there like a carabiner.
For Day 23 of #DecRecs I'm featuring some artists (in no particular order) from my "Your English is Good (Duh)" playlist, it's a reference to dunking on the forever foreigner label ascribed to API folx when they speak English
Grrl Gang: Indonesian indie pop band
Dua Empat: Indonesian jazz guitar duo
FIG: Malaysian bedroom pop/lo-fi R&B artist
Eunice Keitan: Malaysian Canadian R&B/neo-soul singer-songwriter
AlexTBH: Malaysian queer "twinkpop" artist
Gene Shinozaki: Japanese American beatboxer and singer-songwriter
H 3 F: Thai R&B/soul/funk band
Gym and Swim: Thai tropical pop band
9m88: Taiwanese jazz/R&B artist
The Fur: Taiwanese indie pop duo
Abi the Nomad: Indian alt hip hop rapper
Asha Puthli: Indian jazz/pop singer-songwriter
Cehryl: Hong Konger indie bedroom pop/R&B artist
Audrey Nuna: Korean American R&B/trap singer and rapper
Charlie Lim: Singaporean neo-soul and electro pop singer-songwriter
For Day 24 of #DecRecs, an electric fabric shaver/lint remover. They usually come with a necessary safety lock. Seriously comes in handy when my clothes are pilling. I try to avoid buying clothes and sometimes buy them second hand, so this helps me maintain my clothes for long term wear.
For Day 26 of #DecRecs: Narrative Absurdist/Weird Horror, in the format of one person talking about their experiences, sometimes other voice actors come into play. Usually my least favorite format, it means a lot if I end up sticking to it. In order of least to most scary.
🏠 John from Back Home: John starts leaving answering machine recordings for his childhood friend. We follow his relationship with his friend, his parents, and remembering who, or what, he really is. 9 ep and complete. https://www.johnfrombackhome.com/
🥛 The Milkman of St. Gaff’s: Howie is your local milk man, and he sometimes sleepwalks and has visions. Oh, but don’t mind that, he’s just trying to bring you milk from a very normal and average milk company. 43 episodes and ongoing. https://www.howiemilkman.com/
🐦 Leaving Corvat: Sleeper lived in the same town of Corvat all his life, working at a fast food chain. He musters up the courage to escape, only to find himself in the most bizarre circumstances. 20 episodes and ongoing. https://www.leavingcorvat.com/
🌆 I am in Eskew: David has found himself trapped in the strange and terrifying city of Eskew, unable to find his way home. Every day is a living nightmare. 30 episodes and completed. 30 episodes and complete. https://www.iamineskew.com/
Honorary mentions: Archive 81, TANIS, and Dreamboy #podcast#horror
For Day 27 of #DecRecs: Space Sci-Fi Podcasts
🧑🚀 Chaika: "a multi award-winning dystopian sci-fi drama of loss, isolation and hope, about a woman navigating a post-apocalyptic future" 13 eps and ongoing. https://y2kpod.com/chaika/
🌑 The Earth Collective: "The few million humans who remain have come together to form The Earth Collective. They travel across the surface of the planet in moving cities staying in perpetual sunlight, forever fleeing The Dark." 40 episodes and ongoing. https://www.theearthcollectivestory.com/
🛸 The Strange Case of Starship Iris: "In 2191, in a distant patch of space, a mysterious explosion kills nearly the entire crew of the science vessel Starship Iris. The only survivor is Violet Liu, an intrepid, sarcastic, terrified biologist." 19 episodes and ongoing. https://www.procyonpodcastnetwork.com/starship-iris
🤠 EOS 10: "Doctors in space, a deposed alien prince, a super gay space pirate and a fiery nurse who’ll help you win your bar fight." 37 episodes and potentially ongoing, between hiatus. http://www.stitcherpremium.com/eos #podcast#scifi#space
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