Ryoki-neko

Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter could be said to remedy anything. Kurt Vonnegut

[ryoki-neko]

I couldn’t bear to put any writing with the image when I shared this as a story. It’s so gorgeous as is but if you know me, you know how much I adore this. Obsessed. https://www.instagram.com/p/CowPNrDOK3k/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[re-x]

God left twitter

https://twitter.com/thetweetofgod/status/1594148245164261378?s=61&t=xR-X1CsJ4nxQfcZQIPfRlw

[benjamingross-deactivated202302]

I always thought this would happen in like 10 years and they'd use an updated version of that GQ-style picture from Augustman, but I guess it's good to get the ball rolling early

[ryoki-neko]

Updated versions of these pictures from from Augustman…🫠

[stay-close]

“I’ve always been interested in people, but I’ve never liked them.”

— Henry James

[benjamingross-deactivated202302]

Prompt: Ben gets Aneesa a library card!

okay okay ill suffer through my bad key board. this is first time you send me prompt. i cannot ignore your plight.

ben is standing in hall. he is confused why is aneesa mad. he just made a joke. but aneesa has an anger. he was offering to help! "i go help you" he says under his breath. "i boost literacy rate.'

so he texts aneesa that night. he convinces her to go to Valentine's dinner because Harry styles is there. but no Harry styles. It is Ben ben. he is in a secret yellow porches shaped like a wasp. it has a bee pattern.. Not a honey comb but a stripey stripes.

"where are we going" says aneesa. Ben smile. "library "

"why we go" says aneesa.

"read this text I exain why"

aneesa sees text but she cannot sound out words. "pkay" she SAYS. "library has movie"

"Book is better" says Ben. He is sad she doesn't have the joy of reading. he thinks about how he has no cotton candy to give her. "i have no cotton candy"

"you can get it at walmart

"i do not shop to walmart" ben says. "only reader joe".

they get to the library and go inside. Aneesa is grumpy Ben lies to her. he takes her inside. she thinks there is a surprise soup and breadsticks inside. but there is only books with weird shapes inside. "i have brought the girl friend" Ben explains. "i get her a little library card"

"oh" gives him a form. "aneesa can apply hwe self"

"so complicated" says aneesa. ben nods, his brain a temple if knowledge. "i am understanding that is why i say i get one." he fills out the form. aneesa gets a card. Ben goes to choose books for hwe and anwesa browse. Ben comes back. he has a tale of two cities. aneesa rejects it. she reads the graphic novel of twilight

[ryoki-neko]

She tries to sound out the text 🤣

[benjamingross-deactivated202302]

Describe yourself in 4 fictional characters ✨️

...I promise I'm fine! 🥲

Tagging @themimsyborogove @corduevasmila @ryoki-neko and @deckerstarareotp

[ryoki-neko]

Apparently this is me in 4 fictional characters (according to my best friend-aww I love him lol)

According to him-and they may seem contradictory but aren't lol. you probably aren't meant to explain them but I am going to because seriously, who puts a picture of themselves as Tyler Durden? I didn't pick it ok? lol.

"Janine b/c she is all business and don't got time for your sass"

"Elizabeth Bennett because she has unshakeable standards, stubbornness and a firm ethical code she abides by"

"Buttercup* because fuck your rules" lol (yours, not mine)

"Tyler Durden because you (not so) secretly want to tear it all down)

*Buttercup also because of the hair.

Lucy Van Pelt honorable mention because "self assured, sneaky when it suits you, dances when makes money (true), and the forearms (wtf dude?)"

[ryoki-neko]

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Round 1- Texas Pride

If a man's from Texas, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him by asking? ~ John Gunther

Today I am going to tell y’all a little bit about my home state, as any Texan, born or naturalized, is bound to do when they are subjected to the grievous insult “What’s so great about Texas?" You might as well have slapped us across the face with your glove! Congratulations my friend, you have now set yourself up for a lifetime subscription to Texas: It’s Wonderful and Here’s Why! 🤣

So, how did all this start? Well, it could be my fault. I was listening to an interview with my favorite fellow Texan (outside of actual family and friends of course) Jaren Lewison. On I'm So Obsessed the interviewer, Patrick Holland, asked him if he preferred Dallas, his hometown or LA, where he is living now. OF COURSE he said Dallas. Holland seems truly baffled and asks him why. "Wait how come?" And Jaren has to explain! He very nicely explains that he is a Texas boy (duh!) It's his home, his friends are there, his family is there, his sports teams are there. IT'S TEXAS, he's a TEXAN. Come on Holland, it is KNOWN.

This was around about 23 minutes. I was highly offended on his behalf and made it known. “How dare he ask a Texan if he prefers somewhere else over Texas!” You just don't DO that!

This inevitably led to questions like “What is the deal with Whataburger? He is obsessed with it." and “What’s so special about Whataburger, why do you Texas like it so much?”. Oh friends, let me tell you, I could do a whole blog just on what is so special about Whataburger, more on that later. Also, why Texas BBQ is superior. Or perhaps why breakfast tacos are the best breakfast cuisine.🤣 no, not breakfast burritos, tacos! 🌮.

At that point it was fairly benign. Re-x left it with an “Oh you Texans and your inexplicable obsession with your home state.” But it grew. This is Re-x now.

She is always asking me what’s so great about Texas? Why are we so proud of our state? And can you really blame her when you look at the political situation going on there? We’ll get into that too. But this blog is about Texas Pride.

And why do we like football so much! What the hell?

So, let's start with where we get all this pride.

Quite simply, it's bred into us from a young age.

We learn songs like Texas our Texas, Deep in the Heart of Texas and yes, the Yellow Rose of Texas. We say the state pledge in school along with the US pledge. Es la ley. When I was little I got one of those weaving looms for kids. What did I make? A Dallas Cowboy's sweater for my teddy bear. Blue and silver. If you don't want to read all this though, this poem pretty much sums it up.

Local History

When I was a little girl I went to the Fandangle for the first time. It's an outdoor musical put on by the people of Albany, Texas.

The play tells the story of Fort Griffin, an 1867 military post. Below the fort, along the Clear Fork of the Brazos, a a river I grew up swimming in, a town grew. Western Cattle Trail drivers, ranchers, and Buffalo Hunters, cowboys from South Texas all met up there to gamble and drink including Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday.

Look at these cute little performers and tell me you don't believe we learn early to love Texas!

Below are a few more pictures from the Fandangle. The oldest outdoor musical in Texas happens every summer, the last two weeks of June.

The performers are locals, required to live in, own property or have a familial connection Shackleford County.

The creator of the Fandangle, Robert Nail, was a young playwright from the area who attended Princeton University and studied under Thornton Wilder

And of course it wouldn't be complete without the gorgeous Texas Longhorns

Source: Knight, Paul. "Singin' on the Range". Texas Monthly August, 2013. Photos: Artie Limmer

Six Flags of Texas

It wasn't just a theme park we went to in the summer. It was an opportunity to teach us about one of the unique things about Texas history. Texas wasn't always under the Lone Star.

Flag 1: The Republic of Texas

 "Texas is a state of mind. Texas is an obsession. Above all, Texas is a nation in every sense of the word.. . . A Texan outside of Texas is a foreigner." John Steinbeck

One of the first things we learn about our great state is that once upon a time it was a it's own country! Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845 and was admitted to the Union on December 29, 1845 as a territory, another unique characteristic. The Anglos residing in Texas at that time were referred to as Texians.

The Battle of Gonzales, an October 2nd 1835 skirmish, sparked the Texas Revolution when the Texian colonist in the city refused to give back the small cannon to a detachment of Mexican soldiers. It had been provided to them for protection from Native Americans but they now wanted to use it to protect themselves from General Santa Anna. After that skirmish, the famous "Come and Take It" flag was created by Sarah Seely DeWitt and her daughter, Evaline, from Noami DeWitt's wedding dress. It has become a Hallmark of Texas pride.

The Battle of the Alamo occurred during the Texas Revolution as well. The thirteen day siege took place between February 23 and March 06, 1836 at the Alamo mission in San Antonio, Texas. While the Texians were defeated, it was a turning point in the Revolution. Mexican troops led by Santa Anna reclaimed the Alamo and killed most of the occupants inside. However, Santa Anna's refusal to take prisoners during the battle inspired many Texian immigrants and Tejanos to join the Texian Army. Soon after Texians defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, on April 21, 1836.

The defenders of the Alamo came from around 30 different identified states or countries and several were unidentified or uncertain. These include Germany, England, Ireland and Scotland. Tennessee had the largest contingent with 29. Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Kentucky also had large contingents. And of course, Spanish/Mexican Texas. Some of the casualties of the battle include Davy Crocket of Tennessee who was 49 years old, James Bowie of Virginia who was 40 years old and William B. Travis of South Carolina who who was the 26 year old commander during the siege. While the legend of the line drawn in the sand with his sword is unproven, the Victory or Death letter is certainly not a myth.

Commandancy of the The Alamo

Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836

To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-

Fellow Citizens & compatriots-

I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna - I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man - The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken - I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls - I shall never surrender or retreat.  Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch - The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days.  If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country - Victory or Death.

William Barret Travis.

Flags 2-5 Spain, France, Mexico, Confederate States, United States

Spanish 1519-1685, French 1685-1690, Spanish 1690-1821, Mexican 1821-1836, United States 1845-1861, Confederate States 1861-1865, United States 1865-present

And yep, that's pretty much how we see it. lol.

But seriously, the history here is pretty fascinating and certainly helps one understand the culture and diversity of Texas. Particularly our Spanish and Mexican heritage. We are not just a state with a large Hispanic population. It is a foundational aspect of our culture. (more on the culture and diversity of Texas later)

But let's talk real quick about that whole, 'Texas can secede" thing. No, Texas cannot secede. It is true that Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation and part of that agreement permits division into as many as five states without federal approval. Pretty cool right? But does Texit really have any chance of happening? Texit ain't gonna happen y'all.

But just for fun, here is a clip from Bernie about the 5 different "states" within Texas. No offense to you snobs with your Mercedes up in Dallas from this Liberal fruitcake from the People's Republic of Austin.

Coming soon: "What's so great about Texas?" including food, art and literature, culture and some general trivia--Did you know the Capital building in Austin is built from Texas granite and is also the largest state capital building in the US? It's beautiful y'all. I know you can't wait...

[ryoki-neko]

Ben Ben the Bon Bon!

Ben went to the Drama club Coffee House night with a plan to kiss Devi. I will die on this hill. Until the writers or Jaren Lewison himself tells me otherwise! The evidence is all there....

Also, what the hell Devi? Why are having a hard time figuring out who to kiss when you have this guy sitting a few feet away this interested in what is going on in your "dusty vibes"?

[benjamingross-deactivated202302]

You are a secret Daxton, admit it.

I would rather fuck a cactus than... ship Daxton.

When I die and go to hell, this is the gif that Satan's lackeys will use to torture me. Those devily bastards will probably make me watch Daxton scenes, too. I've grown cushy with my fast-forward capabilities. Fuckers, all of them.

[ryoki-neko]

🤣 what else can I say?

[ryoki-neko]

Cats

The Japanese word for cat is in my name so it should come as surprise that I love the furry little sociopaths. Earlier Rex, Benjamingross and I were discussing how much we’d like to see Ben have a fur ball of his own to love. It’s certainly not the first time the topic has come up. After all, he did have a cat at one time, but Howard ran it over 😒

And what about Mr. Jaren Lewison? Well, we know he’d like to have a dog (remember this precious puppy?) but nary a word about kitties.

So, for now I thought I’d post some pics of other wonderful people with kitties to enjoy. Any favorites to share?

————————————————————————

First up Marlon Brando

Next up- Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain

“I simply can’t resist a cat, particularly a purring one. They are the cleanest, cunningest, and most intelligent things I know, outside of the girl you love, of course."

Now how about Raymond Chandler

Chandler wrote letters from the perspective of his cat, Taki. He also wrote, "I am one of the most fanatical cat lovers in the business. If you hate them, I may learn to hate you."

Look at that little house panther lounging happily on his arm.

Did you think it would be all hot men? I’m not that shallow

Philip K Dick with Magnificant

of course we cannot leave out Moz!

There’s a Tumblr dedicated to it.

[re-x]

That rescue puppy is just, like, chilling.

[ryoki-neko]

Every time, I just want to take this puppy home! #puppylove

[re-x]

Ben eyeing Devi up and down (2x10 and 3x10): 

Very different vibes

[ryoki-neko]

Yeah…very different vibes

[benjamingross-deactivated202302]

I love how in the beginning of 3x6, Ben tries hard to save face after his accidental exhaustion-induced outburst that Paxton is a dumbass. During this snap statement, he looks completely defensive. He’s not considering his thoughts or controlling his filter.

He looks incredibly stiff and uncomfortable, but he also has this deer-in-the-headlights look as Paxton asks him the totally innocuous question of “what did you just call me?”

But later in the episode, we have a scene where Ben deliberately pokes fun at Paxton’s “dumbass” quality:

This is deliberate - we see him contemplate what he’s going to say before he says it. We also see that he’s more smug-looking than he was in the beginning of the episode. It’s an affectionate type of poking fun, the kind he usually reserves for Devi (and Aneesa, at one point).

After this, when Paxton gives him a “what the fuck, man? I know what an event is,” Ben also does not attempt to save face or apologize in any way. He’s a bit more secure in his place in Paxton’s good graces now (despite still being insecure that he may not measure up to Paxton’s standard in other ways). He also tells Paxton to “get over” his embarrassment (which he correctly calls out as ridiculous since Ben’s gotten embarrassed a lot today). He never would have called Paxton out before.

Then, he offers to help him with his applications. This is a great show of quick growth as he chooses to channel his efforts into something more productive rather than fawning and trying to keep looking cool.

I love it.

[ryoki-neko]

I kind of forgot how much it makes me laugh when he say “do you not know what am event is” 🤣🤣

[kaceyrps]

JAREN LEWISON in NEVER HAVE I EVER

[ryoki-neko]

Yeah-that was good. 🤣🤣

[ryoki-neko]

What is your favourite Ben scene in NHIE? What Ben scene makes you laugh most? What is your favourite thing about Ben? What is your favourite aspect of Jaren's acting? 💙💜💙

My favorite Ben scene? That is tough. I have Ben a Ben fan since day one when he turned around with that disgusted look on his face after Devi told Jonah he smelled good. So, just about any scene with Ben in it, unless it’s with Aneesa, is a favorite. Of course the S1 and S3 Finales are up there. Just some of the really small funny moments like how he looks when Devi asks to move in with him and when he is griping to Mr. Shapiro about MUN. “What do you mean Eric’s sick? He’s supposed to be goddamn Equatorial Guinea! I need every loser I can get to make me look smarter by comparison!” 🤣🤣. Love his whole interaction with Fab at the party and when he blurts out that Devi broke his heart. The crazed potato famine face, the scene with Howard, the pear scene and of course when he tells Devi he’ll miss her, a lot. When he is in Nalani’s office. Basically all of 1x06

What Ben scene makes me laugh the most? Probably a tie between the scene where Devi shows him breaking into Mandarin at dinner and when he says he’ll get her to Malibu them drives like an old lady looking both ways at the stop lol. His face! 🤣🤣

My favorite thing about Ben is how dedicated he is to whatever he is doing or looking to accomplish. Whether it is school work or being”all in” with Devi (and trying with Aneesa). Samberg said he is a resilient kid and he has been so far, he has a big heart even if he doesn’t always show it.

My favorite aspect of Jaren’s acting is his superb ability to tell so much of his character’s story between the action and the dialogue he is given using expressions and body language, subtle character traits that he has developed. He does it so well that you feel like you know that character and what is going on with him and you want to seek that out bc it feels genuine.

[things-keeping-me-up-at-night]

My mom (finally) just watched the end of season 3 and she said to me „Well, you could always tell it was going to be Ben. I mean, every time he looks at her his eyes go so big and so blue“ which is one of the many reasons I believe she needs to go on tumblr at some point.

(Also, she is absolutely correct and I love Jaren Lewison for giving us all these moments.)

[ryoki-neko]

This does sound exactly like me!

[benjamingross-deactivated202302]

Ben Gross in Never Have I Ever 3x5 …Been Ghosted