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Saori Hayami plays mysterious girl Hisui, performs ending song 'Kisekiralink' with Rie Takahashi, Yui Horie

4th generation Hinatazaka46 members to star in March 2025 play

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Once upon a time, computers didn’t really have enough resources to play back high-quality audio. It took too much RAM and too many CPU cycles and it was just altogether …read more

"A facility for quotation covers the absence of original thought."

Chores done Time for a beer I should cut back Maybe next year. Tires crunching gravel Engage parking brake Will tired feet to travel I have thirst to slake. Bright outside, inside dim Eyes adjust Disinhibited shouts, the usual din Here and there, a smattering of lust. Bartender, sleeves rolled up Looking at me and […]

The post Sunday At The Bar appeared first on Waiter Rant.

Young, trim and cute Setting all reason on mute Forever twenty-one I thought she was the one. Yet lost in trauma Oh Mama! Slipped away Through my fingers one day.  Day she was lost My friend crucified on cancer’s cross Wheeled out on gurney entire Consigned to death and fire.  The keening widow Grief bubbling […]

The post The One That Got Away  appeared first on Waiter Rant.

Things you have to do  To your body stay true. Diet, exercise, apothecary Doctors, tests, insurance mandatory.  Youth ground away  A little more each day But forget counsel’s irredentist I still have to go to the dentist.  Ever since battles malignant Naked, poked – most indignant Chattering angst free floats  Whenever I spy a lab […]

The post Fighting Decay  appeared first on Waiter Rant.

It’s the day of international working class solidarity, so a few quick answers to some things I’ve been hearing. 1) No serious revolutionist has ever wanted to make things worse in order to incite revolution. Utter rubbish.  Especially now; things are quite bad enough. What’s missing is consciousness that there is a way forward, a … Continue reading May Day Post

I remember the days when a week could go by and you wouldn’t even register the fact that we had a president, much less be aware of some stupid thing that he had said or done.  Unfortunately the past four years that hasn’t happened.  It seems not a week has gone by where Trump hasn’t found a

Continue Reading "FREAK OUT FRIDAY – September 25, 2020" →

We will not laugh. This is serious business. We are * heh * we are adults here and we will not laugh at the situation.  There are * heh heh * there are lives on the line and we will not chuckle, guffaw or otherwise spread any sense of amusement over the… …the… BWWAAAAAHAAHAHAHAAHAAHAHHHHHHAAAAA Ha. Okay.  Okay,

Continue Reading "FREAK OUT FRIDAY – OCTOBER 2, 2020" →

It’s astounding how election day seems to both be speeding toward us and simultaneously taking its own freaking sweet time.  As fast as it’s moving, it’s also taking forever.  We are becoming that desperate to get Trump out of office that every day he’s still there seems like ten. It’s also been ten days since Trump came

Continue Reading "FREAK OUT FRIDAY – October 8, 2020" →

I did as I said I would:  I watched “Supernatural,” and don’t regret it for a moment.  I then tuned in to watch the last half hour of Biden:  he seemed natural, relaxed, and sane. Then, in order to write this column, I sat down and watched the Trump town hall on Youtube.    I am producing this commentary

Continue Reading "FREAK OUT FRIDAY – October 16, 2020" →

We have neighbors down the street with whom we had developed a sort of tradition.  Every year we’d go over to their house on New Year’s Eve.  We’d celebrate the end of the old year, watch the ball drop in Times Square.  I’d sing “Edelweiss” for some reason because the wife loved the way I did that song.  It

Continue Reading "FREAK OUT FRIDAY – October 30, 2020" →

This or any DORK TOWER strip is now available as a signed, high-quality print, from just $25!  CLICK HERE to find out more! HEY! Want to help keep DORK TOWER going? Then consider joining the DORK TOWER Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! (We have COOKIES!) (And SWAG!) (And GRATITUDE!)

This or any DORK TOWER strip is now available as a signed, high-quality print, from just $25!  CLICK HERE to find out more! HEY! Want to help keep DORK TOWER going? Then consider joining the DORK TOWER Patreon and ENLIST IN THE ARMY OF DORKNESS TODAY! (We have COOKIES!) (And SWAG!) (And GRATITUDE!)

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Bakery. I am your host, your ghost host.

Hey, ghosts of tennis rackets make awesome servers.

Ahem.

Our tour begins here, in this grocery, where you see pictures of some of our residents in their corruptible, mortal display cases.

Pilgrim ogres...

Zitty zombies...

... and beatniks.

Your cadaverous pallor betrays an aura of foreboding, almost as though you sense a disquieting metamorphosis. 

Is Frank's nose actually shrinking?

Or is it just cold in here, hmm?

And consider this dismaying observation:

This is a cupcake cake.

Patooie!

Also it's supposed to be a BAT.

::bloodcurdling scream::

I'm sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you prematurely. After all we have 999 happy bakers here — but there’s room for 1,000. So please...

Hairy baaa-aaack.

Thanks to Jodee R., Marianne S., Janet R., Lauren M., M. D., Jeannie W., Lauren E., Rae L., & Anony M. for having our backs. Or at least this guy's.
*****

P.S. Here's something for your own mansion with hot and cold running chills:

Haunted Mansion Shower Curtain

Aww yeeeeah.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

I'm back with more Halloween goodies, spoops and ghouls! 

I didn't have anything too specific in mind for this week's theme, so I ended up with a boo-tiful mix of everything from Gothic Glam:

(Cake Effect Buffalo, New York)

... to bright pastel eye candy.

(Wonderfully Whitty Cakes, California)

I couldn't decide which of Whitney's cakes I liked best, so you get two:

(Wonderfully Whitty Cakes, California)

Ooooh. Those stripes are swoon-worthy.

Have you ever seen a little kid smile with a mouth full of Oreos?
This is kind of like that, only cuter:

(Backfeevi, Germany)

Hee!

I know I usually err on the adorable side of Halloween, so here's something more dark and dramatic: 

(AyşenButikPasta, Turkey)

This could almost be a wedding cake! And that dry-brushed gold detailing? Gorgeous.

Ahh, but now I bet you want to see an actual Halloween wedding cake.

So to quote the coffin lid as it slammed shut,

BAM:

(MakeLuvBlog)

Isn't this stunning? The wrought iron gate trim, the autumn flowers, the chocolate casket toppers! I love the light gray icing, too; less dye AND you can see all the details better.


Veering right back into Cute with this magical lil guy:

(That Baking Girl)

Batty Potter. Ermergersh. 

And of course we need more Pumpkin King and friends in here:

(Lovlie Cakes & Brookies Cookies Co.)

Digging the vintage illustration style on this one: 

(Saucy Bakes, Canada & Arizona)

The bright green and red makes it pop, and then that bottom piped border made me do a double-take; it looks just like real lace! Whaaaaat.

And finally, even more cheery pastels, since I can't get enough this season:

(Cake Happy, Virginia)

Is this not the happiest skull cake you've ever seen?? I guess Mickey ears really do make everything better. :D

I hope these made you a little happier, too, friends. Happy Sunday, and may your Halloween this year be extra extra Sweet.
*****
P.S. Speaking of happy skulls, I don't know who needs to hear this, but there is such a thing as rainbow skull spoons:

Stainless Steel Skull Spoons, set of 6

They also come in black or silver, for the more traditional/boring goths out there. :p

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Sittin' in the morning sun

(oops)

I like wreckin' 'til the evening comes!

 

Stuffin' some flotsam in.

Grab another cake and do it again.

Yeah...

 

I'm thinkin' they'll be dockin' my pay.

I thought that's what they wanted to say!

Oooo -oo -oo -ooo

I'm thinkin' they'll be dockin' my pay...

Meh, looks fine. (Hiiii-iiine.)

 

The cake you want'll bore ya.

Thought I'd go a disco way.

 

I got nothin' against George.

It's just I'm tired of frosting him all day.

So...

I'm thinkin' they'll be dockin' my pay.

No one could read the French, anyway!

Ooh!

Maybe they'll be dockin' my pay...

Nah, it's fine.

 

Thankfully, our faithful Wreckporters -- Laurel G., Anna C., Kate P., Stacey W., Sammi K., Kathryn R., Bath C., Sylvie C., and Teresa P. -- weren't wasting time. Now, I think I'm supposed to end this with harmonic whistling, so here goes...

::whistles badly for 3 seconds::

Nope, hang on, I found a prettier option:

A rainbow whistling tea kettle? YES PLEASE.

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

Confession Time: as much as I love all the Sweets I feature, it's the kids' cakes that thrill me the most.

From classic childhood characters:

(By Alana Lily Chocolates & Cakes)

 

...to more modern favorites:

(By Sugar Top Cakes)

 

...to squee-inducing cuteness I just want to snuggle:

(By Bake-A-Boo)

MUST. RESIST. SNUGGLE URGE!

 

Then there are colorful, guitar-rockin' monsters:

(By Phoenix Cake Company)

 

Dapper little owls:

(By Eunice Cake Designs)

 

...and the sweetest bees you ever did see:

(By Frosted Indulgence)

Just looking at this makes me happy. :)

 

When I was very young my parents let me buy a Little Twin Stars stationary set from Epcot, and even though I had no idea who they were, I've loved the pastel pair ever since.

And this is the best Little Twin Stars cake I've ever seen:

(By The Bunny Baker)

Kids' cakes, schmids' cakes. I'll take this one for my next birthday, thx.

 

Or how about this drop dead gorgeous Tangled tower?

(By Sabz Cakes)

 

Oooh! Or this little yellow submarine?

(By Über Angel Cakes)

Complete with a cutie-patootie pink seahorse!

 

And finally, since you all know I have a soft spot for adorable robots:

(By Isabella's Sweet Tooth)

D'awwww.

Yep, this grown-up just wants kids' cakes from now on, guys. And I bet I'm not the only one, right?

 

Happy Sunday!

*****

And now that I’ve got Gonzo on the brain, OH MY GOSH LOOK HOW COOL!!!

The Great Gonzo Christmas Ornament

*****

And from my other blog, Epbot:

I don't have a specific theme for you today, unless maybe "cakes that made Jen squee like a little girl" is a theme.

Oh, it is?

EXCELLENT.

(By Scrum Diddly)

Whoah. That bottom layer is done in a "billow weave," and this is one of the best examples I've seen. (Here's a tutorial, if you want to learn.) Also love the off-center flowers & color choices; just a gorgeous composition over all.

Speaking of composition, how great is this cheery asymmetrical number?

(By Bellaria Cakes Design)

Such a simple change, but stacking the tiers like this makes an otherwise traditional design so much more fresh and modern!

Now, just so you know, I'm a sucker for balloons. And bright pastels. And pink bicycles with little gift-wrapped presents on them.

(By My Cake School, click for tutorial)

Squeee!

This is another one with a tutorial, so if you can pipe with royal icing candy melts, I bet you can make this yourself! You know, perhaps as a gift. For your favorite cake blogger. [winkwinknudgenudge]

One thing I love about Sweets is that I'm always learning new techniques. That said, I have no idea how this heart was made:

(By Magical Edible Art by Nadia)

That intricate geometric pattern taunts me, you guys. I MUST KNOW ITS SECRETS. Someone explain in the comments, please!

If you look closely at this next one, you'll see little creases that almost look like sheer fabric wrapped around the tiers:

(By For The Love Of Cake)

Such a great texture! And don't get me started on that incredible floral swag. So delicate. So perfect.

I am all abuzz for these sweet bee cookies:

(By Sweet Art Sweets)

SO CUTE. And here's a first: you can actually purchase them on Etsy!

Take an unexpected color combo, throw in some soft petal ruffles, top it off with STUNNING hibiscus flowers, and you get magic:

(By Cake Central member micialuna)

Perfection.

Will I ever get tired of tiny bunting & delicate floral swags?

(By Sarah Edwards Cakes, featured on Marry Me Ink.)

NUH-UH.

And I'll never get enough of sweet vintage-inspired designs like this, either:

(By Mina Bakalova)

Mint green and pink paired with wood planks and a skeleton key? Who would dream up a combo like that?

I'll tell you: a GENIUS, that's who.

And finally, the cake that launched a thousand Jen squeals:

(By Corrie Cakes)

The colors! The teeny flowers & butterflies! THE HAND-PAINTED FAWN!!

I never thought I'd advocate hanging cake photographs as art, but this should be a wall-sized mural somewhere. It's just so... happy.

Hope today's post made your Sunday a little sweeter, everyone! Happy weekend!

Technically Veterans Day was yesterday here in the U.S., but since a lot of us get today off to celebrate, CELEBRATE WE SHALL.

Veterans Day is all about honoring those who have and are serving in our country's military. There are lots of great ways to do this:

This is not one of them.

Now, I happen to know that a fair number of military personnel read this blog - a fact I find both humbling and just a teensy bit alarming, since I'm not sure those who share my twisted sense of humor should have access to heavy artillery. (Holy Hand Grenade, anyone?) 

On the other hand, I do so enjoy all the e-mails with the giant "DECLASSIFIED" stamps on them.  Makes me feel all James Bond-ish, only in an American, hermit-girl-blogger kind of way.

So in your honor, my dear veterans, here are some patriotic cake designs that will surely bring a tear to your eyes.

 Tissue?

The underline is what really sells it.

Of course today is about you, the troops:

And as "Owl Troops" you deserve "Supott."

Because you are all "Hero's."

 And so we "honer" you, our "vetr ans."

Kind of like how we honor the flag, the symbol of this great nation:

Stirring.

No wait, I take that back: this Wreck leaves me shaken, not stirred. [ba dum bump!]

Some bakeries pipe their greetings on clear plastic sheets, which they then lay on top of the finished cakes. It's cheating, sure, but this way bakers can trace their messages or start over if they make a mistake.

Or just slap the plastic on anyway and call it a "Vetrans" day.

So remember, everyone: it is thanks to our veterans that we have the freedom to live in this great country, the United States...

 ...of Amercia?

Hang on, that doesn't sound right. Can we try that one again?

Muuuch better. 

(But who stole the corner piece?!)

Thanks to Eric H., Dave K., Sara B., Nikki G., Adria P., Tory L., Michael H., Christina R., Tara L., & Allyson H. for fully vetting today's wrecks.

This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you! Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun! If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section … Continue reading Sunday Sale Digest! →

Here is a news report that absolutely dropped my jaw: the Tribal Alliance Against Frauds (TAAF) has released a report that debut romance author Colby Wilkens, whose bio says she is of Choctaw and Cherokee descent, has no Native ancestry.  The TAAF “is an intertribal anti-fraud non-profit whistleblower organization comprised of allies and citizens of Tribes whose sovereignty has been formally acknowledged.” Wilkens is the author of If I Stopped Haunting You, which released last week … Continue reading Tribal Alliance Against Frauds Says Colby Wilkens is Not Indigenous →

This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you! Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun! If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section … Continue reading Sunday Sale Digest! →

Amazon has many pages of fantasy and sci-fi novels on sale today! Check out the full list here.

This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you! Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun! If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section … Continue reading Sunday Sale Digest! →

This guest review is from Danielle Fritz. Danielle is a former librarian who has a special affection for children’s lit and books about the funeral industry. She first cut her criticism teeth as a fanfic writer. A resident of the upper midwest, she’s learned to love beer and tater tot casserole and tolerate long winters. Most nights will find her cuddled up with her pups and wearing out her wrists with yet another crochet project. … Continue reading Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday →

This piece of literary mayhem is exclusive to Smart Bitches After Dark, but fret not. If you'd like to join, we'd love to have you! Have a look at our membership options, and come join the fun! If you want to have a little extra fun, be a little more yourself, and be part of keeping the site open for everyone in the future, we can’t wait to see you in our new subscription-based section … Continue reading Sunday Sale Digest! →

Hip and with it

Evan's never tried Dora's tea

apologies to the real life Dr. Burnell

wait this ISN'T Liz's villain arc?!

Yay has the worst poker face(s) in history

:)

I'm gonna be at Gencon at booth 1237 this weekend! I'll have some books and stuff and will be doing sketches and complimenting your pet photos. SEE YOU THERE???

Hooray!

NO MORE CLUBBING

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