#Bryan Hibbard

[clevervonskelli]

The Liberator (2020)

I have been excited about this project since the very first hints about it were released, so in full disclosure I have to admit that I approached this with high hopes. I also have to disclose that – despite being a huge military history nerd and a fan of reading source material before adaptions are made – I have not had a chance to read The Liberator: One World War II Soldier's 500-Day Odyssey from the Beaches of Sicily to the Gates of Dachau by Alex Kershaw, so I cannot speak to how accurate anything is, nor can I comment on the quality of the original material either. Here are my thoughts on the visual choices, the characterizations and narrative structure, and the approach to diversity and representation. 

The hybrid-animated style is something that I was a bit surprised by because even after watching the trailers that were released my poor grad-school-addled brain processed it as a marketing choice just for promo. Everything looked like a comic page done by an awesome colourist and it I was :O but also :D Since I love comics, especially those that use muted palettes and a realistic style, I think I adapted to watching something that didn’t look like every other war drama out there a lot faster than my parents, who were watching with me. Comics and war (and WWII in particular) have a fascinating and interconnected history, so although it is a unique way of styling the show it also fits it so well! At times I did find myself wanting to see the characters faces in a bit more detail but, in fact, closeups were better than farther shots. Facial ticks and micro expressions came through well in most scenes and I was impressed all over again with the work the animations teams must have done as well as by the voice work and performances by the actors. I’m so familiar with Bradley James’ face and movements that I was never worried about missing something in his performance because of the show’s visual aesthetics and I feel like all the other cast members were just as transparent to me despite having never had the pleasure of watching them before. Overall, the visual style of the series gave it a certain charm and I imagine it helped to mitigate effects costs on what I don’t THINK was a project with a big budget.

The story itself is one that I really enjoyed. The character Felix Sparks is such a central hero, and I can certainly see how he could come off as too good to be true. The same can be said for most of the characters, from Sergeant Sam Coldfoot’s tenacity and escape from death to the German soldiers who show mercy and do not shoot Sparks while collecting his dead and wounded men from the mountain. **[This in particular seemed odd to me since they were from an SS unit and those dudes were generally some of the nastiest Nazis to ever serve but maybe its from the book, idk. It also underlines the “ugh, officers, ammirite? Except you Sparks, you’re an okay guy” vibe that is so common for military dramas by showing that on both sides there are men who are just soldiers being soldiers. Similar to the events in Aschaffenburg and at Dachau, we are purposefully reminded that there are good and bad people on both sides].                                                                                                                      I think that the heroic portrayals of the characters (while a tiny bit one-dimensional) mostly speak to what the real men must have been like. Or, perhaps more relevantly, to how they have been remembered. This is where I think the source material and how it is used becomes a big factor. Kershaw’s book uses historical research and interviews with Sparks, some of his men, and even some German soldiers. As I said, I have not read it but knowing his style a lot of the elements in the show that feel quite ‘all hail the conquering heroes’, or that are so focussed on the brotherhood of the unit, likely come from his narrative choices. I’m willing to believe that the members of the Thunderbirds were brave and caring men who did what was best for the outcome of the war and for each other, regardless of the personal cost or the expectations of the American military/society at large. We see some of their ‘faults’ in the series – something that is often only possible when it comes to accounts of small-unit fighting – and they are not actually perfect; it just happens to be that those faults have favourable outcomes or are mediated in the particular context of WWII, especially when we are looking back on them decades later. If the character’s representation largely reflects how they have been remembered it seems simplistic to forsake stories expressing awe and hope for daring to do so when the limitations or biases inherent to memory are also at fault. I believe it will always be important to tell the stories of individuals who inspire us to be better, which I think The Liberator does in a few different ways. All the same, having more time to dig deeper into the characters would have made them much more dynamic and would have been amazing.

On that note, it is important to be critical of how the ethnic/racial differences were addressed. The focus of the series narrows quite a bit by the end of the first episode to follow Sparks. I believe that the Kershaw book uses him as a primary interviewee, so that plays into it, but this is also where having the series be longer would have made a difference. Following a central character is a model of historical narrative that works and has worked for quite some time. It is essentially a safe bet for a project like this that I’m sure did not have the luxury of taking chances, but it didn’t allow for us to really dive into the other characters beyond what see of them through Sparks’ eyes. As the 2ndLt and later Captain of the battalion I think it’s fair to have a significant portion of the story told from his perspective or with him as a focal point because his position affords him the most information to share, but adding more variation of voices could have been so good! Instances of other characters talking about him in the series are great moments that give the other characters more ‘screen-time’ and also nicely back up the claims of brotherhood and togetherness that the overall story is making about the men. Having them speak about themselves too would have been even more awesome. The elements of simplification or Nationalism that can be felt when Sparks whips the men into shape and they become a fine fighting unit made up of usually segregated Native American/Indigenous, Mexican American, and white cowboy soldiers would be mediated by this more equal sharing of perspective. I have little doubt that the real men came together in an unexpected but inspirational way that discarded (most) of the prejudices that existed outside of their little bubble in order to fight a common enemy – at the very least their strategic accomplishments and survival would suggest as much. The portrayal of their coming-together would benefit from being a tad less contrived or solely laid on Sparks’ shoulders.

Overall, I really enjoyed the series and I hope more people watch it. It’s not perfect by any means but it does do a nice job of making a small but important chunk of history more accessible and it attempts to provide a realistic representation of events that border the unimaginable.

I would love to hear what anyone else thought of it.

[oneofusnet]

Screener Squad: The Liberator THE LIBERATOR MINISERIES REVIEW Some say it was our greatest war, exemplifying one of the shining moments in the history of the United States. Others say World War II was a complex conflict unlike any other: with valor and cowardice, heroes and villains. Could the truth be encompassed in one man’s singular wartime experience? Join… Read More »Screener Squad: The Liberator read more on One of Us

[agentem]

Emily reads "Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon"

"Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon" is a nonfiction book by EW writer James Hibbard about the making of Game of Thrones. I am reading this solely to make fun of the original showrunners because I am a hater.

Benioff and Weiss met while studying Literature at Trinity College in Dublin. So just two rich Americans abroad, being nerds.

George RR Martin was "touched" they had read the books. These two assholes just stepped over the lowest bar, you guys. GRRM wanted someone who had read the books to do a faithful adaptation and they were the only ones who didn't "put their own spin on it".

It's like, "George, bby girl, they have no spin to put on it. They are basic." Like the showrunners should be adding some value. (I feel like the rest of the crew did with design and such but not the writers. I'm not sure how to describe it. Peter Jackson did adapting LotR faithfully too but he added, like, New Zealand to it and shit. Bryan Cogman says D&D had very naturalistic dialogue, not high fantasy diction. And I am like, "most screenwriters could do that.")

[Okay I should say here that my "hot take" on the end of Game of Thrones is that D&D did what they thought was "best' in adapting GoT. Admittedly, cutting the final seasons down to fewer episodes was dumb, etc. But I think that was them trying which is the sad part. See, I think they have very flawed understandings of the characters (like when Weiss said "Arya always does the awesomest thing" as opposed to Sansa frowny face) so it's kind of an undead zombie version of the outline they received from Martin--which was apparently not given in writing so their memories could be flawed too.]

They think they were lucky guessing Lyanna was Jon's mother. They had "discussed it" the day before. You could have Googled it then. People were discussing it online. That's what is SO ANNOYING about them to me. They never go to anyone else for a deeper understanding of what they read. They just guess and hope they are right.

[idk, right now they are making it sound really innovative to do a book a season and didn't "true blood" already do that?]

just go out and pitch shit to people. apparently if you are confident they will just believe you know how to do stuff.

[mrmorgan-mrjames]

Bradley James &  Bryan Hibbard.

Source => https://www.instagram.com/_bryanhibbard_/

[torentialtribute]

Joe Marler joins up with Barbarians team-mates ahead England clash at Twickenham 

[Barbaren]

] Retired England, forward Joe Marler going to play for the invitational side

Published: 19:18 BST, May 29, 2019 | Joe Marler and his barbarian teammates continued their game against England on Sunday

Harlequins-strut Marler stopped from England last September , but is part of the invitational side in Twickenham when they play a young side of England.

The team – with former All Black stars Brock James and Colin Slade – are known for their hard parties, but they can also work hard during a training session.

Joe Marler plays against England in Twickenham on Sunday "England in Twickenham on Sunday"

Joe Marler will play for the Barbarians against England in Twickenham on Sunday

<img id = "i-6b7c6a7beeec70b" src = "https://dailym.ai/2V7xoKx 29/18 / 14111128-0-image-a-44_1559151461916.jpg "height =" 423 "width =" 634 "alt =" The Barbarians will be coached by Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam before the game "coach Pat Lam before the game "

The Barbarians will be coached by Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam before the game

They were led by Bristol Bears coach Pat Lam, who took charge of the party for the competition.

The hosts will be coached by former boss Jim Mallinder of Northampton Saints, but are shaved from participants in the World Cup competitions, Saracens and Exeter players and young people playing in the World Championship under 20

The other players give a glimpse of what the future looks like from the English side, with only back rower Teimana Harrison, prop Paul Hill and hooker Tommy Taylor winning test caps

BARBARIANS SQUAD

FORWARDS: Joe Marler (Harlequins & England), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), John Afoa (Bristol Bears & New Zealand), Finlay Bealham & Ireland), David Heffernan (Connacht & Ireland), Richard Hibbard (Dragons & Wales), James Horwill (Harlequins & Australia), Chris Vui (Bristol Bears & Samoa), Steven Luatua Toulon & Argentina), Liam Messam (Toulon & New Zealand), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh & Fiji), Francois Louw (Bath & South Africa)

BACK: Rhys Webb, Rhodri Williams (Dragons & Wales ), Colin Slade (Pau & New Zealand), Brock Jam es (Bordeaux Begles), Mark Atkinson (Gloucester), Malakai Fekitoa (Toulon & New Zealand), Filipo Nakosi (Toulon), Taqele Naiyaravoro Northampton Saints & Australia), Niyi Adeolokun (Connacht & Ireland), Charles Piutau (Bristol Bears & New Zealand)

Marler is accompanied in the Barbaren squadron by other Premiership stars John Afoa, Steven Luatua, Charles Piutau and Chris Vui, throughout Bristol, the center of Gloucester Mark Atkinson, South African Fracois Louw from Bath, Northampton & Taqele Naiyaravoro and his newly retired Harlequins captain James Horwill

Marler, who quit 59 senior citizen hats with international rugby at the age of 28, insisted that he alone would return to the English fold if there were serious injuries at the World Cup. Sportsmail: & # 39; If there was an injury crisis and two of the three props lay down, I made myself available to help them if necessary.

Speaking of his call from Baa-Baas to brave England, he added: & # 39; It will be a little weird in the other team, but I am sure it will be fun, especially like a couple of Quins boys. I take my costume very seriously, I have a few costumes of film quality ready for a night out. & # 39; Rhys Webb, currently not eligible for Wales, will play scrum-half for the Barbarians "

Rhys Webb, currently not eligible for Wales, plays scrum-half for the Barbarians "

Rhys Webb, currently not eligible for Wales, will play scrum-half for the Barbarians

<img id =" i -9cda6ac1577b6e94 "src =" https://dailym.ai/2Xez7uw "height =" 423 "width =" 634 " alt = "

]

Meanwhile, the Barbarians have a confi

Meanwhile, the Barbarians have a confi Rmed will return to the Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, November 16 to meet Fiji in the first international rugby match to be held after the Rugby World Cup in 2019 in Great Britain is staged.

Tickets are

In the only Autumn International of 2019 to be played in Twickenham, the Barbarians

Over their 129-year history, the Barbarians shirt became carried by more than 5,000 players from more than 30 different countries, including sporting Legends such as Jonah Lomu, Brian D & Driscoll, Bryan Habana and the winning captain of Rugby World Cup 2003, Martin Johnson

<img id = "i-b1e1f21ccb4da70d" src = "https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/05/29/18/14111108-0-image-a-45_1559151465930.jpg" height = "423" width = "634" alt = "John Afoa is one of the four Bristol Bears players selected to play for the Barbarians" Bristol Bears players selected to play for the Barbarians "

John Afoa is one of the four Bristol Bears players selected to play for the Barbarians

Former All Blacks back Colin Slade shows off his skills as a ball assistant during the training session All blacks back Colin Slade shows his skills during training during training

Former All Blacks back Colin Slade shows his skills while biking during training the training session

More than 5,000 players from more than 30 different old nations have played for the Barbarians "

<img id = "i-55fdf80382b6851" src = "https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/05/29/18/14111094-0-image-a-49_1559151495272.jpg" height = "423 "width =" 634 "alt =" More than 5,000 players from more than 30 different countries have played for the Barbarians "class =" blkBorder img-share More than 5,000 players from more than 30 different countries have played for the Barbarians

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[ultrasfcb-blog]

Guinness Pro14: Dragons 10-59 Leinster

Guinness Pro14: Dragons 10-59 Leinster

Guinness Pro14: Dragons 10-59 Leinster

Harrison Keddie takes on the Leinster defence

Guinness Pro14: Dragons v Leinster Dragons (3) 10 Tries: R Williams Cons: Tovey Pens: Tovey Leinster (19) 59 Tries: D Kearney 2, Penny, Fardy, Doris, Keenan, B Byrne, J O’Brien 2 Cons: R Byrne 5, Frawley 2

Champions Leinster again proved their vast strength in depth as their second string eased to a one-sided 59-10 Pro14 win over a Dragons squad including 14 Wales internationals.

Tries from Dave Kearney, Scott Penny and Scott Vardy put Leinster 19-3 up at half-time.

Kearney again, Caelan Doris, Hugo Keenan, Bryan Byrne and Jimmy O’Brien (2) added further scores in a rout.

Rhodri Williams got a Dragons try of little consolation value.

Dragons fielded 14 Wales internationals in an all Welsh-qualified squad, including four of last week’s Wales squad, but they saw their defence crumble in embarrassing fashion even though Leinster left most of their Ireland stars at home.

Home coach Bernard Jackman, serving a stadium ban, was watching from his nearby home and the Dragons defence were left watching as Leinster racked up a 19-3 lead in 22 minutes, helped by an early yellow card for lock Lewis Evans.

An astute cross-kick saw international wing Dave Kearney score unopposed after six minutes, rookie flanker Penny drove over from close range after 12, and former Australia lock Fardy went clear to score at the corner flag from a booming Jamison Gibson-Park pass.

Ross Byrne converted two while a Jason Tovey penalty provided the only home score of a dire first half for the Dragons.

Leinster then sealed their bonus point with Kearney’s second, a carbon copy of his first, before the Dragons finally hit back with Rhodri Williams finishing well from a Harri Keddie break on 46 minutes.

The early arrival of Dragons’ Wales players off the bench did nothing to prevent the one-way traffic re-starting, with Doris, Keenan, Bryan Byrne and Jimmy O’Brien (twice) crossing in the final half-hour, Ross Byrne taking his conversions tally to five and Ciaran Frawley adding the last two kicks.

The battered Dragons now face European Challenge Cup trips to Northampton and Clermont, while Leinster face Bath twice in the Champions Cup.

Dragons assistant coach Ceri Jones told BBC Sport Wales:

“We’re all very disappointed with that performance. We gave them some easy ins to the game, it wasn’t the ideal start and you give a team like Leinster a sniff – they came here to put four tries on us and succeeded.

“We need to go back to the drawing board because it wasn’t good enough. We gave them too much time, made too many basic errors and you can’t do that against a quality team.”

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen:

“It was a good day’s work for the guys, I thought we controlled the game well from the start in terms of the scrum and how we managed to drive the line-out. Then Conor O’Brien gave us really good go-forward in the middle of the field and Ross Byrne controlled the game well with a couple of good kicks for Dave Kearney’s tries.

“This group has worked incredibly hard in this block. To get four wins sets us up well in the league and there’ll be some interesting selection discussions with a different focus next week against Bath.”

Dragons: Jordan Williams; Jared Rosser, Tyler Morgan, Jarryd Sage, Hallam Amos; Jason Tovey, Rhodri Williams; Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard (capt), Lloyd Fairbrother, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans, Harrison Keddie, Aaron Wainwright, Ollie Griffiths.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Aaron Jarvis, Leon Brown, Cory Hill, Ross Moriarty, Tavis Knoyle, Arwel Robson, Adam Warren.

Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Adam Byrne, Jimmy O’Brien, Conor O’Brien, Dave Kearney; Ross Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Ed Byrne, James Tracy, Michael Bent, Ross Molony, Scott Fardy (capt), Josh Murphy, Scott Penny, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Bryan Byrne, Peter Dooley, Andrew Porter, Mick Kearney, Max Deegan, Paddy Patterson, Ciaran Frawley, Tom Daly.

Referee: Lloyd Linton (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Dewi Phillips (Wales)

TMO: Tim Hayes (WRU)

For the latest Welsh rugby news follow @BBCScrumV on Twitter.

BBC Sport – Rugby Union ultras_FC_Barcelona

ultras FC Barcelona - https://ultrasfcb.com/rugby-union/14111/

#Barcelona

[churchventurenorthwest]

Welcome the newest pastors to the CB Northwest covenant community.

Union Chapel, Vancouver, Washington - Adam Hendrix 

Radiant Church, Fairbanks, Alaska - Loren Morrall

Wellspring Bible Fellowship, Roseberg, Oregon - Bryan Carver

First Baptist Church, Shelton, Washington - Jake Magee

Grace Pointe, Milwaukee, Oregon - Jason Motte

Caldwell First Baptist, Caldwell, Idaho - Brett Siegalkoff

Trademark Church, Boise, Idaho - Josh Hibbard

Faith Baptist Church, Alturas, California - Joshua Salazar

Village Church, Beaverton, Oregon - Ken Wytsma

Boones Ferry Community Church, Tualatin, Oregon - Mattis Gehring

Sandy Baptist Church, Sandy, Oregon - Mike Teague

Antioch Church, Bend, Oregon - Pete Kelley

Hub City Church, Albany Oregon - Randal Goodman

Pleasant Home Community Church, Gresham, Oregon - Mike Johnson

[clevervonskelli]

Prepare, as I become a The Liberator blog