Is anyone else in KZN simply dying from hayfever/sinuses this week?

I'm in the South Coast and I think this is the worst bout of hayfever I have ever had in my life. A buddy is in Durbs and is bedridden.

Is looked it up. Pollen Count says DBN is in the orange for tree pollen but it might be last week's data. Accuweather says pet dander and dust is extreme, also that the AQ is pretty bad.

I'm just curious if its coincidental or if it's horrid for everyone.

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 8 hours ago

Would you guys be interested in a free review blog? (Long read)

UPDATE: I have set up a Google form if you'd like to submit your stuff. I will link it in the comments.


I actually worked as a writer before the machines took my job, so you'll be in good hands. I also have a strict no GenAI policy when it comes to writing, so all the words will be my own.

The general idea is this:

I'm setting up my artist blog (on Substack). I am in a country that doesn't have Stripe so it'll be 100% free to read and subscribe to.

It will be about music/the arts/entertainment as a whole. Mostly rambles and opines. I'm thinking maybe once a week (or twice if I can manage it), I can review your stuff, the gist being that once its up, we share it across our socials. People are exposed to your music, and by default mine through my profile. It's a kind of "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" deal.

Now the thing is, I genuinely despise the usual review practices on things like Submithub. I have never used it/them because I was put off by the hoops you have to jump through, and their snobbery (quality, no autotune, their "make us care" bullshit). I'd like mine to be a little less obnoxious and from the heart.

You record with your phone? Awesome. So do I.

You used autotune? Great. So did I.

Your song is 12 years old? Amazing. Art doesn't expire.

You could submit literally anything — as long as it's not AI *generated* (AI mastering is still fine, I guess. As long as the machines didn't make the song or the artwork *for* you).

I'd also like it to go beyond "I listened to this and here's what I think". I want to explore the artist behind the work too. Maybe include a profile/bio, some fun or cool facts about you, or even a quick 5 minute interview or Q&A. I'd like it to be as much storytelling as it is opinion.

Just a few more things for you to consider:

- It would be free for anyone to submit to. Though I am thinking maybe a "priority" system can happen? I'd have to figure out the rates and capacity. But the idea is if you'd like to guarantee a slot that week or ASAP, or line it up with your release etc maybe it could come at a small fee? I do need to get some money in, so it would be entirely optional, but just a little bonus for the extra work.

- I'm willing to accept all genres, but please keep in mind I don't have a refined pallete when it comes to instrumental music (with emphasis on electronica and jazz). I also prefer rock and alternative (all genres, from pop punk to blackened death metal lol). I have a new love for rap. And I'm always keen on cute/fun pop music.

- I don't have the means to purchase your songs unfortunately (at least not at the moment), so I will have to stream them (unless you'd like to gift it to me). If I love it though, I absolutely will follow you everywhere there is to follow and share it to the best of my ability, outside of the blog.

- I'm still building the blog. No followers yet. But hopefully it will grow in time. I should have it up and running sometime today. Maybe to start with the reviews next week? If anyone is interested.

Lastly, some market research:

- Do you think this would work? Or is it more trouble than it's worth?

- if so, how much do you think the "priority" fee should be? What's fair? (Remember, it's 100% optional).

- Can you think of anything else I need to consider?

- What do you think would be the best way to submit? I'm thinking a Google Form will cut it. It's free for all of us AFAIK. But if you have a better idea, please do share it.

- If it is weekly, which day you think works best? Music Monday? Feedback Friday? Tunes Day? Song Saturday/Sunday (might not name it that, but I do like alliteration lol).

Thanks for reading :) I eagerly await your feedback.

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 days ago

Silliest thing you've ever cried over?

For me it's the Adventure Time episode with Cookie (?)

The choc chip cookie that wants to be a princess.

When, at the end

EDIT SPOILER. Sorry, I don't think I tagged it right.

Jake visits him at the mental hospital and presents him with a crown I burst into tears. I literally fell to pieces 🤣

I still cry a little when I watch that one. It's just so unbearably sweet.

How about you?

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 days ago

Music is all I have left 🥹 Can I tell you about my album?

Hello. I'm Rainbow Skychild. I make pop rock (with hints of alt, punk, and new age/folk). My songs are mostly about love and heartbreak. They're very piscean, if that means anything to you haha.

I am an indie musician with an immense disdain for GenAI and, generally, commercial music standards. My usual music is messy and low-q/trash-q (deliberately, because I like grit, but also due to circumstance and lack of equipment and also production talent 🤣).

That said, I have a professionally recorded studio album out. It's called Origins, independently released in 2022.

It's a collection of 12 original songs, curated as the "Rainbow Skychild Starter Pack". Some songs (Like Nothing to Do and Follow Me) I wrote as a teen, others as a traumatized adult. The majority though, tell a bit of a story of finding love far away, fighting for it, and learning to let it go.

The cover & liner notes I made myself in Canva (pre-AI takeover). It's not much, but I put my soul into it.

I made Origins for myself. It's a labour of love, and was never meant to be commercial in the slightest. I hoped it would find whoever it was meant to find, but never bothered to promote it. I have little ambition to be a career musician.

But, my life has taken a turn for the worse, and now Origins is all I have left. As one last desperate attempt to cling to hope, I'd like to put it out there with hope that someone will like it enough to buy it.

Please have a listen if you have time. You can find it here: Origins - Rainbow Skychild. I believe it's set to 3 free listens. Otherwise, I published it through Distrokid so it's free forever on the usual streaming platforms.

Then, to offset the shameless self-promo (sorry, I really am desperate) and encourage comraderie, tell me: What's your favourite song of yours, and why? What inspired it? How old were you when you wrote it? What do you love about it? Can I hear it?

Thanks for reading. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you :)

P.S. my bandcamp page is a bit of a mess. I am open to suggestions on how to make it more appealing. I really don't know what I am doing lol

u/ManaScrewedIRL — 3 days ago

Could you listen to my album and buy it if you like it? Pretty please. I am truly desperate for cash.

Hello. I'm Rainbow Skychild. I describe my music as pop rock, but it's got hints of punk, alternative, and just a smidge of new age/folk as well.

In 2022, I released my debut album, Origins, as a labour of love. I had no interest in rock stardom or commercial success (and I still don't to be honest). I made it because I wanted to and I could afford to, but I never really promoted it. It just... made me happy, and was a check off the bucket list.

It's a collection of love songs from long bygone years. The ones I feel especially laid the foundation for my music and songwriting. It tells of experiences I've had with distance, and longing, and eventual defeat.

All songs were written and composed by me, then revamped and professionally arranged and recorded by Lwandile Prusent (of Vulvodynia fame). Funny story, I insisted he undo some of the polishing so it would sound a bit more... rustic. Also just a heads up. If you're a fan of Vulvo, erm.. this album is going to sound like Justin Bieber to you haha. It is the furthest thing from metal you could imagine. Don't say I didn't warn you.

I also DIYed the album art with Canva (before AI took over it). Ditto for the liner notes.

Here's my problem.

I lost my job, and I've run out of options. I have literally no money. Not even a single cent. And things are becoming pretty bad. I have to pay to keep my stuff in storage (which I can't afford) and the landlady has had it and is about to throw us out.

I'd like to put Origins out there again with hopes someone will like it enough to throw their spare change at me. I'm not expecting this to solve my problems, but no amount is too small, and it will make a world of difference.

I published it through Distrokid, so it's available for free streaming on all the platforms.

Oh, pretty please won't you have a listen, and if you deem it worthy, purchase it?

I've also got it up on Bandcamp, Ko-fi, and Buy Me A Coffee, as a downloadable package. It includes the full album and a 27-page liner notes PDF for $9 — or the option to pay more if you like (but again, I'm not expecting that).

Here's a taste or two:

Follow Me - Rainbow Skychild

Hunting Season - Rainbow Skychild

Or, you can stream the full album for free here Origins on YouTube Music

Origins on Spotify

Then, if you like what you hear, you can buy it here:

Origins on Ko-fi

Origins on BMC

Origins on Bandcamp

Thanks for lending me your eyes (and hopefully your ears too). I really appreciate it. I hope you like my music.

Have a nice day!

u/ManaScrewedIRL — 3 days ago

Can you think of any jokes about cast changes?

I'm watching the Adrian Mole series, and in The Secret Diary of... his mother, Pauline, is played by Julie Walters, but in The Growing Pains of... she's played by Lulu.

I had a thought that given the wry comedy of it all, it would have worked perfectly if Adrian commented that she looked different. Maybe a lead in to something like "it must be a new haircut".

Are there any real examples of this? Like, characters acknowledging, but not addressing, a cast change?

I'm not sure what you'd call this trope, if it exists so don't know where to even begin looking it up. I like the idea of it though, and would like to dig deeper.

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 5 days ago
▲ 12 r/polls

You are given the opportunity to erase one from existence. Which do you undo?

You don't *have* to. You just can if you want to. It won't just disappear, it will be like it never existed in the first place. So no catch, other than the full range of consequences or implications of doing that.

For example, if you pick Facebook, Zuckerburg's profits, the bots and Meta AI, stolen content, Marketplace scammers... all of it goes with it. But so do people's accounts that they may or may not have built businesses with or found their spouse through. The friends they made through it, bands they discovered, fundraisers that gained traction, support groups, all of it goes as well. You won't have any memories of it either. So you won't know what you've lost. No one will know. So you also can't be held accountable for taking it away.

View Poll

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 6 days ago

What do you need good juju for? And can we swop? I need some.

I have a sort of job interview tomorrow and I desperately need this job. I've felt for quite some time now that the winds of change are a-blowing, and I think this is what I've been sensing.

But I need all the good juju I can get. So, if you wouldn't mind to send me some, that would be fantastic and much appreciated.

Also, what do you need good juju for? What are looking forward to, or nervous about?

I'll gladly send you all the good juju I have to spare 🙂 I believe in you, and you've got this!

Here's to better days for all of us 🥂

UPDATE: The interview went SO well, you guys! It was mostly a casual chat, just to touch base and clarify my experience, the role, the company's values etc. They explained that from here, they'll refer my application their "Talent Acquisition Specialist" and if she likes what she sees they'll schedule a formal interview. So now we wait. Step one done! But seriously, it was great :D my unreliable internet even stayed connected the entire time. No awkward silences, no stress, they were funny and relaxed. And they asked, if it comes to that if I'm willing to relocate and also start ASAP. I think that's a good sign. Thanks for the juju. Please, if you can, keep it coming. I have so much to share with you now 😁 you guys are the best.

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 8 days ago

[TOMT] Looking for a cozy poem that ended with drinking tea

I've had a random flashback to a poem I read once. I don't remember where, it's name, or who wrote it.

It was a wholesome, cozy poem. The writer spoke of it being a rainy day. I think it started with the rain disrupting their plans but they were happy about it. And they listed all the cozy things they'd do instead of going outside. It ended with something like "But first I'll make a cup tea". Or possibly "And then I'll drink some tea".

Any ideas?

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 1 month ago

What's the hardest you've ever laughed?

I just remembered mine:

I watched a video from Cracked.com back when it was still the GOAT. Dr. Scott Bugg, giving a lecture on how dinosaurs make the earth spinsies.

This is going to sound unbelievable, but I swear to you, the way the video ended made me laugh so hard I blacked out. My then-bf now ex swears I deprived myself of oxygen and rendered myself unconscious 🤣 and I can actually believe it because I have never laughed so painfully, disgustingly hard in my life and I don't think I ever will again.

So, what's yours?

Edit: Prof. Scott Bug, sorry. It's been a while

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 1 month ago

What's an inconsequential thing you're proud of?

So nothing particularly life altering (for example quitting smoking, or having well adjusted kids, or getting a huge promotion).

More the little things you pat yourself on the back for, but that aren't necessarily worth writing home about?

I guess an example would be something like: You reached 50 subs on YouTube, or you did all your laundry and chores today. Maybe you cooked a fantastic meal and you got an extra forehead kiss from your partner over it. Or your boss told you done did good on a project you contributed to.

You know, little victories, that made your head a smidge fatter lol

My answer:

Hmm... someone told me the song I wrote was kickass and unique. And I guess I feel great having heard that.

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 months ago

WYR only be able to drink warm water, or turned-cold coffee/tea?

The water is warm like a hot summer's day warmed up the pipes.

The coffee is not cold brewed or iced. It's coffee that was hot and forgotten, and went cold. Same with the tea.

Edit: To clarify, I don't mean they'll be the only thing you can drink, just that if you do drink them they'd have to be that temp.

reddit.com
u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 months ago

WYR only be able to drink warm water, or turned-cold coffee/tea?

The water is warm like a hot summer's day warmed up the pipes.

The coffee is not cold brewed or iced. It's coffee that was hot and forgotten, and went cold. Same with the tea.

Edit: To clarify, I don't mean they'll be the only thing you can drink, just that if you do drink them they'd have to be that temp.

reddit.com
u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 months ago

If you could show one small, random, and cool modern thing to someone ancient, what it would be ?

Conditions:

- It doesn't have to be an item. It could be a place, an experience, a work of art etc.

- It cannot alter world history

- It cannot change, benefit or ruin either party's life. They'll have the memory, but they wouldn't be able to do anything with it when they go back to their own time.

- By ancient I mean anyone pre-technology.

- You have to have easy access to the thing you'd choose. So, if, for example, you couldn't go to Disneyland right now, you can't choose it.

- You do not have any ancestral or familial connection to the person.

- They're an adult, and all barriers (language for example) don't apply to your time with them.

- They'll get 2 hours to make the most of what you show them

- It can totally be personal. Like if you're really proud of a poem you wrote, for example.

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 months ago

[TOMT] [Song] groovy song with "bomb diggy diggy" line and ridiculous album art

I heard this song last year at a party, but I'm not sure what decade it's from. It was sort of an electronic indie party rock song ? I can't seem to define the genre lol.

​

Anyway, I believe it was a band. This particular song had a (possibly featured) male singer, he sounded carribbean. All I can recall from it is that the chorus was something like "My sound is the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bombdiggy diggy".

​

Oh also the album art was ridiculous. Something to do with a monkey or some type of ape.

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 months ago
▲ 2 r/polls

What's your work/financial situation?

Just some notes for clarity:

​

Stay at home parents count as unemployed in this context. Self-employed/freelancers count as employed. Maternity leave also counts as employed.

View Poll

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u/ManaScrewedIRL — 2 months ago