#Durie Hill

[jontycrane]

Whanganui

At the start of WW1 Whanganui was the fifth largest city in New Zealand. It is now the 19th largest, with a population of ~50,000 people, but is one of the more interesting to visit, with plenty to fill a varied couple of days. To begin with one of my favourite places, the fabulous Paloma Gardens, wonderfully exotic gardens 15 mins outside town. They’re a bit overgrown, but that is part of the…

[yuuminni]

love ppl who do edelgard fire emblem apologism not bc i agree with them but bc the world needs more toxic fanbases for female characters #feminism

[whirligig-girl]

Double header triple-attack of dokupine's/@theflyingkipper's Samcheok Prairie Duri, Beetlebugg/SeaSwine's Hunslet Austerity Ruffian, and @donkatthree's Willber the Worrying Wagon.

During a trial for this region, Duri and Ruffian double-head a train of empties over the big hill, with a local 4-4-0 providing banker service.

smokebox door version and WIP sketches below the cut:

I used this shot from Thomas the Tank Engine as a reference for the hill.

[wings-of-ink]

it’s like i just drank an entire oceans worth of water, buckle up because i’m about to ramble

chapter 4….hooh boy where do i even begin. i never know how to begin. to summarize, it had me on the edge of my seat. when the horses ran off and oswin curses?? that’s when the thought of “we’re so fucked” finally settled. and after that, it was just one thing after another like a literal landslide (talk about foreshadowing yikes). i seriously thought we were about to have to put down a horse and while i was still in shock, i get hit with “we’re splitting up.” like HELL NO? NO THANK YOU? and to make things better, a landslide. like wow, MC hasn’t been through enough already let’s fuck up their shoulder too. i also really thought we were about to get our arm amputated because of infection, how do you explain that to papa and da when you get home.

duri’s first appearance and introduction? flabbergasted. first it was “WHAT IS THAT 😭😭” to “gee this is one smart wolf” to “what the hell. what the hell??” ALL POSITIVE REACTIONS!! i couldn’t believe it. maybe the onions we found on the side of the road contained some hallucinogens and we were all conveniently imagining the same thing. when oswin said my healer MC was obviously delirious, i was half expecting her to ask him just who was the healer here HAHA!

you deliver once again, lunan. without fail, every time. i appreciate the maps you provide for rest stops everytime they’re always so pleasing to see <3

and how do you feel about these long rambles or bug reports…..i don’t wish to flood your inboxes with my words >_<

Oh honey, don't drink ocean water...lol

I am tickled pink that you were thrilled, my dear. Though it is chapter 4, those scenes were some of the very first I thought of when plotting this story. I have been so excited to write them and I'm glad that seems to have come across in the passages to you. This is really where some of the "oh shit" comes into play for the story. We'll have more hills and valleys as we continue as well (hopefully no more fall out from under us though). And Oswin usually only drops the F-bomb when he's really stressed, lol.

I want to make sure your MCs have lots to tell their fathers about when they get home. I have a feeling they are going to have this moment when MC gets home and be like "we let them out of the house ONE time!" and then you get grounded. I anticipate getting the MC back home for a little break around chapter 6. It's going to be interesting, lol. MC leaves with 1 companion and comes back with more people, injuries, and maybe a little something else...

As long as the journey to the city goes okay, I'm sure MC will be totally safe from additional complications...mmhmm...

LOL you know I didn't think about your onions being the cause of a mass hallucination. Sounds kinda fun really. I am glad you enjoyed Duri's grand entrance. They love that shock and awe, and they don't show those parts of themselves to just anyone either.

And not to worry about filling my inbox. I appreciate every message including the long ones. I enjoy reading your thoughts, opinions, and ideas so much. It brings me great joy to see how enthusiastic you are about the experience. And now that the chapter is cleared, I have more time to dive into here and read and respond!

Thank you so much for sharing with me. ^_^

[supereuroflash]

Eurobeat mixtapes: Personal favorites - That's Eurobeat 2

Michael Fortunati - Giochi di Fortuna (Remix Version)

Aleph - Big Brother (Extended Version)

King Kong & D. Jungle Girls - Lies (Full Power D.J. Mix)

Green Ice - Gigolo (Extended Version)

Malcolm J. Hill - Take a Chance (Full Power D.J. Mix)

Angie Gold - Haunted House (Extended Dance Mix)

Aleph - Black Out (Extended)

Albert One - Hopes and Dreams (Remix the Rimini Beach Version)

Giorgia Morandi - Children of the Sky (Vocal Version)

Eddy Huntington - May Day (Extended)

Thomas and Schubelt - Crank It Up (Full Cry Mix)

Lilac - Jump to the Music (Beat Box Version)

Dandy - I'll Be There (Full Power D.J. Mix)

Jenny Kee - Hot Love (Lovely Heart Mix)

Mike Hazzard - Stop Me Baby (Extended)

Molto Carina - Voice of the Night (Hot Mix)

Coo Coo - You Can Set Me Free (Dance Version)

Click - Duri Duri (Baila Baila) (Remix European Edit)

Alphatown - Hey Robin (Extended)

Mela - Looking Out (Bang Up Version)

Malcolm J. Hill - Come Back and Do It (High Voltage Version)

Ross - Go Go Boy (Super Mix)

Laurie - Out of Your Heart (Club Mix)

King Kong & D. Jungle Girls - It's So Funny (Extended Banana Version)

Lilac - Come Come Come (Orient Express Version)

Tatjana - Awaka Boy (Extended Version)

[positivelybeastly]

Hi!! Is me, Stray! After many a trial and error, I now have an RP blog! Just letting you know I'm here and, uh, favorite music genres & favorite song headcanons for Hank?

Welcome to the roleplaying community! There's always a few ups and downs when you're first getting set up, especially if you've only ever set up the one Tumblr for personal use, but there's always room to learn, and I find that people tend to be generally pretty accommodating if you're as polite as you've been on Anon! If you have any questions about roleplay etiquette or the like, feel free to send another ask or just IM me.

As for favourite music genres and song headcanons for Hank, I generally think he's a pretty open minded fellow? There are a good few bands and types of music we know for certain that he enjoys.

Jocko Homo, by Devo.

Dead Man's Party, by Oingo Boingo.

Chopin's Nocturne.

60s rock! I can see him being a Creedence Clearwater Revival kinda guy.

Acis and Galatea!

The Rolling Stones!

Something you'll often see assumed of Hank is that just because he's a man of the arts, well read, and eloquent, is that he's some kind of music snob, that he only listens to opera, that he only enjoys classical, that he looks down on 'lesser' forms of music. And I honestly just don't believe that would be the case?

Like . . . here's the thing. Hank may talk fancy, but he is still, at best, a middle class farm boy from Illinois. If he has an accent, it's probably closest to a Chicago accent, if he hasn't trained his voice to do something entirely different - he does mention his voice has changed during his feline mutation to a baritone, so it's not out of the question. But he is not (or at least, he should not be) a hoity toity snooty asshole.

This is something even writers often get wrong about him - they assume that he's the smart character, ergo he must be the snooty, elitist character, which is something Ben Percy leans into, but it's not even just him, it's Paul Di Filippo in X-Men Unlimited vol. 2 #8, too. It becomes an asshole trait, and it's just. Not. Accurate.

Hank likes all kinds of music. In fact, I struggle to think of a kind he's outright stated he hates, though he's been around for 60 years, I'm sure someone can correct me. He's a curious fellow! He likes to explore! He'll consume any media, he quotes 1940s Superman comics, he watches Robin Hood movies with Wonder Man, why in god's name would he be a snob?

As for headcanon? I have tons! I often think, hmm, this feels like a song Hank would like, or a song that feels like a Hank song, when I listen to music, because. You know. Big blue guy's p much always on the brain.

I have a Spotify playlist that I occasionally add to, but currently on there is:

Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Joe Jackson - self deprecating, but also kind of a banger.

Carry on by fun - fun is an amazing band, and I definitely feel the lyricism and scale of their music would appeal to Hank.

Rain on Me by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande - I don't know if Hank would listen to this, but it has his vibe.

Cells by They Might Be Giants - I'm sorry, but have you fucking heard a band that more encapsulates Hank's personality?

Dr. Wanna Do by Caro Emerald - my old Abigail RP partner used to use this as her ringtone for Hank. I think Hank likes some jazz.

Cure for Me by Aurora - again, not one I think Hank would listen to, but again, it feels like Hank to me.

Very Good Advice by Robert Smith - Hank totally digs new wave and the Cure, and literary references mixed in with that vibe? Totally.

Moonshine by Caravan Palace - this song leads into Lone Digger by the same band, which I put on Dark Beast's playlist, representing the continuity between them. It has the right energy.

There Ain't Half Been Some Clever Bastards by Ian Dury and the Blockheads - songs Hank would sing in the middle of the fight if it weren't full of swearing and comics were allowed to do that.

I Want You to Want Me by Cheap Trick - he does.

On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz - this just has exactly the right energy.

I Will Dare by The Replacements - "How smart are you? / How dumb am I? / Don't count any of my advice. / Oh, meet me any place or anywhere or anytime / Now I don't care, meet me tonight / If you will dare, I might dare."

Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift - another one that doesn't feel quite like something Hank would listen to, but I think we can all relate to this song a little bit (does that make me a basic bitch? Maybe), and some of the lyrics are so awfully Hank. "I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror," like, fuck.

Turning Japanese by The Vapors - Iunno, I just think he'd like it. I often think that if I were gonna make an OG X-Factor movie, this is what would start the movie during a fight scene.

I would also like to give @brw a shoutout for their excellent Hank playlist, which introduced me to, among other things, Touch-Tone Telephone, which feels like Hank's theme song.

Oh, also, The Plastic Age by The Buggles. Hank absolutely loves prog-rock, you know he does. Oh, and showtunes! The man just will not stop singing, in the middle of fights or while being filmed for the nightly news, so he totally vibes with some Broadway. I'd also be lying if I said that Dust and Ashes doesn't feel like a New X-Men Grant Morrison Beast vibe all over. And Hank would love it! A musical based on War and Peace? Sign him the fuck up!

[shy-girl04]

I don't think you realise how successful I am

I'm like a shipping tycoon

Full of promise and cum

I'm a salamander

Short riff lover boy

Causing grief to the bleeding eyes

I'm the turgid fucked-up little goat

Pissing on your fucking hill

And you can't shit me out

'Cause you can't catch me

'Cause you're so fat

So fuck ya

I'm Miami

Baxter Dury

[hoopdancerjoy]

TUNNEL DANCER 🌈

Dancing in the Durie Hill Elevator Tunnel, Whanganui, New Zealand 🇳🇿

[project-v175]

Out on a Limb

Brutal fighting. That's what the wizarding world had succumbed to. Violence. All her life, she had only known the peace of magic. That changed when she became an apprentice at the ministry. She wanted to be an auror. She wanted to restore peace. He who shall not be named had ruined everything for her, and it needed to be set right. Nothing felt normal for her.. not until him.

__

Chapter 6: Spells and Charms Aplenty

Alastor led Venus away from the lobby. In fact, the pair left the ministry entirely. Alastor took her on a broom ride that ended deep into the European countryside. Tall buildings dwindled into town houses and suburbs. There was a fine line between the city and country. From above, the neighborhood homes spaced further out until the concrete turned to dirt roads.

It was beautiful. The air felt thick with the scent of cars and pollution in the city. It became clearer the further out Venus flew. She looked out over the edge of her broom, lifting her arms out to feel the misty air beneath the clouds. A laugh filled the air around her, catching Alastor's attention. He eyed the girl. Her each movement waa full of life an enjoyment. Alastor hadn't seen such a genuine smile since he was young. A smile of his own began to form.

Venus caught Alastor's gaze. She blinked a few times before shrinking in in herself. She tucked in on her broom to hide her face. Her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment at the fact. Alastor chuckled to himself. His broom tilted away and Venus followed him to the ground. They landed in the middle of a feild, surrounded by rolling, rocky hills and a light overcast.

"Here. We'll start with somethin simple." Alastor put some distance between himself and Venus.

"Simple? What? Like protego?" Venus dismounted her broom. She set the broom down, letting it rest against a damp rock.

"A form of it. Yes. The Protection Charms. A set of spells used to protect set spaces for long periods of time. Use them myself." Alastor pulled his wand from its leather holster. He held his wand out, speaking the spells. "Protego Maxima. Fianto Duri. Repello Inimicum. Salvio Hexia. Protego Totalum." A small stream of blue magic poured from Alastor's wand. The magic formed a dome around his body. "Now you try."

"Oh, that one? Alright. Simple enough." A look of disappointment crossed over Venus' face at the simplicity of the spell, or spells. It wasn't that hard.

She lifted her wand and muttered the words. As Alastor's dome fell, Venus watched her own rise. It surrounded her in a thin, light blue film. She watched Alastor through her own magic. His flickering figure approached and his hand placed on the edge of the dome. Venus placed her hand over his. A wide smile stretched over her cheeks; one that Alastor briefly copied on a smaller scale. Venus let her wand fall into place at her side. The two concentrated on each other until Venus let the spell slip loose. Her hand pressed firmly against Alastor's.

She lost her balance with the fall of the dome, catching herself before she fell into Alastor. The two of them looked away from one another and cleared their throats simultaneously. Venus let out a soft giggle while Alastor's face hardened. The pair seperated again, with Alastor preparing a new spell.

"Well. Youre a fast learner." Alastor turned sideways. He pulls rocks from the earth. Each rock soon became a floating obstacle. "Normally, you'd use this on a training dummy. However, we clearly don't have one. What's the worst spell you've ever used?"

"Sectumsempra.. Sir.." Venus gave Alastor a concerned side eye. Her words were soft, almost hesitant.

"Which curse is that?" Alastor rest against his staff. The hoof on the bottom settled into the dirt, leaving an imprint in the muddy earth.

"A.. personal spell. I saw a student write it down in school.. its- its deadly.."

"Ah.. Go on then. Lets see it." Alastor motioned to the rock formations. He took a few more steps back, supporting himself on his staff once more.

Venus stared down the field. The floating obstacles began moving in different directions. She held her wand up and began striking. The obsticales reminded her of the death eaters in battle. They moved swiftly, avoiding some of her attacks. Smaller bits of the rocks flew at her, simulating counter spells. She sent a blast towards several rocks, sending them flying across the field and taking down another formation with it. Only a few obstacles stood. They surrounded Venus, cornering her.

Venus crouched down. The grip on her wand tightened. She grabbed a formation with her magic, throwing it into several others. The space was open just long enough for her to slip through and send another spell toward her foes. The unknown curse slipped from her lips. In an instant, the rocks broke apart and fell to the ground in a heap.

She turned to Alastor, panting and muddy. "Well?"

"Well.."

__

Author Note

OKAY SO LIKE I PROMISE I DIDNT FORGET I JUST DID A LIL TOO MUCH RESEARCH I MAY DOUBLE POST TODAY SO IDK KEEP AN EYE OUTT

[syn4k]

The CC's Responses to the MCYTBlr Sexyman Polls, Thread 4: This Is Getting Seriously Out Of Hand

welcome welcome welcome all and sundry to the fourth thread we've had to make on this topic, because folks, there is a LOT of material!

our name is Keys and we'll be your host for... the rest of this event, since nobody else is really doing anything else like this. since we're on thread four, i figured i might as well let y'all know what's going on here and a quick recap of what we've been covering, as well as some facts and questions that literally nobody has asked.

if you are anywhere in MCYTBlr and indeed in other fandoms here on Tumblr, there's a good chance you've heard about the MCYTBlr Sexyman Polls, which I've helpfully put in the title of this post so that people don't get confused! if you haven't, though, the polls themselves are hosted by the @mcytblrsexymen blog and are heavily inspired by Tumblr's own Sexyman Polls of 2022, but specifically for the MCYT fandom. they've been going on since Feb. 5th, 2023, or 6 days ago as of today, with the later polls often gaining upwards of 20,000 votes!

if you want to see all of the shenanigans and hijinks going on within the fandom (and subfandoms) itself here on tumblr, the best place to get a good luck at all of that is at the blog itself, which I linked above. fellow journalist @salemoleander has also whipped together some INCREDIBLE short videos going over the events and tragedies of this event since day 1, one of which I've been featured on myself!

this thread, and all threads before it, which if you're interested are linked to in my pinned post on my blog, are focused rather on the nominees' reactions and responses to this poll. i take screenshots on Twitter to post here, and also try and get stream clips to quote, although since I never watch streams this is a bit difficult for me. i also have done an interview with a nominee himself, and with one of the mods on the official blog itself!

FAQ

Q: Lots of nominees are campaigning really hard for themselves. Are you going to cover that? A: I have before, yes, but to keep things as unbiased as possible in the spirit of journalism I'm probably just going to drop that. Sorry Joe Hills.

Q: There's a lot of people submitting things as soon as they happen to the blog itself. If that's going on faster than you can cover it yourself, then what's the point of this? A: Well, this has always been something we've been doing for fun. I assume people follow the main account as well if they follow me for this, but they can get their news fresh from the spigot there. I'm just here to make funny jokes about it and vibe.

Q: I've seen you refer to yourself as "we" and "us" sometimes despite maintaining that you're just one person running the blog- what's up with that? A: That is not a typo! The person behind this blog (hello, that's me, I'm typing this) is plural, and in fact we are very casually open about it. We regularly switch between referring to ourself as "us" and "we." This is an advantage in several ways because not only can we accurately pull off the "over to you, Keys! over to you, Keys!" joke like, forever, it also provides some Headmate Enrichment™️ whenever someone wants to join in on the fun. Also plural people are just inherently cool and wouldn't you want to have a cool person bringing you news?

Q: Where's the Dominion coverage of this? A: We have made the executive decision to not include the Dominioners since they have single-handedly made our life hell and made up half of our second thread. No hard feelings.

And now to the actual reporting.

JoeHills and ZombieCleo have been spotted campaigning quite heavily for themselves over on Twitter, as per the norm the past few days!

Martyn has been spotted on his stream voting!

Quackity made a tweet yesterday evening saying he didn't know what he won but thanks anyways!

Also, this isn't exactly a nominee update nor an external one but shhh, the polls have gone live during the U.S.A Superbowl. This is hilarious to me because our father is a huge sportsball fan and this is like, gay person sportsball for the rest of Tumblr. Godspeed to the mods.

[invincible-selfxmade-punk]

Books Read This Year

Duma Key (King]

The TommyKnockers (King]

Jaws (Benchly]

The Lair of The White Worm (Stoker)

The Color Out Of Space (Lovecraft)

Insomnia (King]

The Exorcist (Blatty)

Daisy Jones and the Six

Full Throttle (Hill)

Heart-Shaped Box (Hill)

Swim (Wat)

My Best Friend's Exorcism (Hendrix)

We Sold Our Souls (Hendrix)

The Hour I First Believed (Lamb)

The Tortilla Curtain (Boyle)

Fencing With The King (Abu-Jaber)

On The Plain of Snakes (Theroux)

The Goldfinch (Tartt)

Play It As It Lays (Dideon)

The Last Gangster in Austin (Sublett)

In The Dark of The Night (Saul)

The Trip To Echo Spring (Lang)

The Girl on the Train (Hawkins)

Ravelstein (Bellow)

The End of Vandalism (Dury)

Play It As It Lay's (Dideon)

[thepaladincosplays]

Any more interesting tidbits about your world?

The Ten Territories are as follows,

Kingdoms:

Lunaria, the Heartlands, ruled by Sandor Heart.

Plianna, the Croplands, ruled by Erik II Emerson.

Duri, the Iron Hills, ruled by Argo Terren.

Kellavah, the Vale, ruled by Gregor Berg.

Dralux, the Desert, ruled by Cadmus Astera.

Queendoms:

Wraiven, the Grimlands, ruled by Nixitia Naga

Oasis, the Coast, ruled by Oshya Seatha

Anderu, the Jaw, ruled by Teleya Galestrom

Cirenth, the Great North, ruled by Anja Rodolf

The Great Plains, ruled by Sarah Whispire

While they all share one united currency and exist peacefully, no kingdom or queendom rules over another or all others. They exist peacefully together through various trade deals various alliances made in their past. Their peace is often tested, however, though war hasn't broken out between any two kingdom or queendom for centuries.

[blue-skelly]

Last Burn

Original theatre scene | 6 mins reading Summary: Two old enemies-- a prisoner and a general-- meet in a prison for the last time.

Fun things: Homoerotic cigarette lighting, nostalgia for the past, arson, sapphic yearning Not so fun things (content warnings): family death, war

The basement of a stronghold. The light is dimly lit by candles. Nothing but the sound of dripping and chains clanking. In the corner of a cell, a prisoner sits on a pile of hay wearing a tattered dull suit, her hands bound in front of her by heavy iron chains. General stalks in, boots slapping wet stairs. She unlocks the door with a loud clang, pulls up a chair and sits, looking over the prisoner on the floor. The prisoner does not look up.

PRISONER: How do you feel? Now that we’re even?

General gives the prisoner a nasty stare. She takes out a cigarette and puts it in her mouth. She hands the prisoner a cigarette. Prisoner spits on the floor.

GENERAL: It’s your last one.

(Beat.)

PRISONER: (tsks) Fine. Just this one, and this one only.

The prisoner bites the cigarette. The general leans in towards the prisoner’s face, close enough that the ends of their cigarettes are touching, and lights both of them. Their stares are caustic.

The general leans back in their seat with their legs crossed, enjoying the sight of the prisoner chained on the floor. She takes a long draw of her cigarette. 

GENERAL: Any last requests?

Prisoner contemplates. Slowly, with the heavy weight on her hands, she takes the cigarette out of her mouth.

PRISONER: Do me a favor, and hand me the garments I wore when I got here?

GENERAL: Trying to fool me again, aren’t you? I don’t want to stir up the spirits of your men along with the ashes. I’d have to end you privately. 

Prisoner slowly looks up.

PRISONER: They were a hand-me-down from my mother.

GENERAL: Don’t you dare take advantage of my current mercy. I will not let you wear that. I will not let your last words turn the people’s minds.

PRISONER: They’re just simple clothes. The holiday dresses we wore when you and I were small.

GENERAL: My childhood is gone. I’m a commanding officer now, duty-bound, with a family. And you? Why talk of your childhood, when you’ve burned all of it, and more?

PRISONER: I think we both know who burned it all first. 

GENERAL: I– (trails off)

PRISONER: Did someone ask you to do it, or did you do it on your own accord?

GENERAL: I was doing the inevitable. If it wasn’t the army, it would be the bandits. One has to follow the way of the world.

PRISONER: No. It was because you hated the place. Didn’t it? Wasn’t it just a stupid little village?

GENERAL: I was doing it to give my family a way out.

PRISONER: So you won’t admit that’s bullshit. 

Beat.

GENERAL: When you left, I had nothing more.

PRISONER: Nothing more? What about the one-toothed man who made pine trees out of sugar? The wild roses along the back of the temple? The sticky dumplings your mother made every winter solstice? Those women on the hills who sing their joys and laments at night? The little garden we planted in the back of my house? Did they mean nothing to you?

GENERAL: I didn’t live in the same village you did. You forgot, didn’t you, why the rest of my family could not visit the center of town even once for six years? How long it took to walk to my house? Why we had to reenact the traveling operas for my family? (points to cheek) The scars and bruises?

Why did you leave?

The old town had to be expunged. And so did all memories of you.

PRISONER: You didn’t know I was going to come back? While you were off being some officer’s dutiful little wife, I lost so much.

GENERAL: Let us not talk of the past. What meaning do our words have, now that everything is lost? What are you trying to gain back?

PRISONER: I miss everything. You’re right, it’s all gone. Scorched. Dead. But I’ve– we’ve– fought so hard to get back at least a bit of land and start anew.

My grandfather told me of a forest that his ancestors had fought tooth and nail to keep during a drought. It burned down, but my grandpa’s forefathers stole some seeds, and when the soil was moist enough, they planted them. Long after they were gone, Grandpa would take morning walks in the woods.

GENERAL: But would a new forest be the same as the one before?

PRISONER: No. It wouldn’t be my forest. I’d lost it too long ago.

From underneath her hay bed, the prisoner takes out an intricately folded horse made of bleached paper.

PRISONER: Remember the wooden horse we built for your little brother?

GENERAL: He’d pretend to be the General of Chu, petting his horse and defending against invisible soldiers.

The prisoner takes out several more folded paper crafts.

PRISONER: I think I’ve gotten pretty damn good at it. Hurts my hands making so many of them, though. (chuckles a little) Here’s the jasmine flowers that my mother used to make tea. A zither for my wife. A little shuttlecock for my daughter to kick. Anything to make up for what I couldn’t give them when they were still here. (Beat.) I’m starting to forget what the old town looked like, to be honest. It’s been a long time since I was Little Scarlet. 

GENERAL: I’m starting to forget, too. (Beat.) But you’ll never again be Little Scarlet. I’ll never again be Little Feather. (increasingly accusatory) The old town is dead, and so is your family, and so is mine. Destroyed by your vengeance?

PRISONER: Your family isn’t dead.

GENERAL: You killed them while I was away, didn’t you?

PRISONER: Exiled. But not dead.

GENERAL: Exiled? That’s the same as death, isn’t it?

PRISONER: Isn’t staying in this country the same as death? (Beat.) We sent them off to an island down south, with enough money to start a laundromat, or a restaurant, or their very own opera house if they wanted them to. They’re starting anew. No one will know them as the untouchables anymore.

General drops the cigarette and slams the prisoner against the wall.

GENERAL: You dare spin lies again, fox?

PRISONER: You haven’t touched the package?

GENERAL: You’re enough of a fool to think I would.

PRISONER: I promise to you that it’s harmless.

Beat.

General waves a guard over, who approaches with a package. General puts a sword to the prisoner’s throat and hands her the package.

GENERAL: Open it yourself.

The prisoner shrugs, loosens the strings, and unfolds the paper. She reaches into the box and pulls out a handcrafted tin kettle, a crumbling rice cake, a shriveled rainforest flower, and a letter.

The captain drops the sword. She stares at her family’s gifts for a moment. Then she takes the letter. Reads it in the dim prison light. Folding it messily, she tucks it into a pocket.

GENERAL: (strained) Put this– all of this– in the storage.

Guard exits. The general wipes her eyes. She straightens up.

GENERAL: Why would you care if the army turned on me and my family? (Beat.) It’s all a deal, isn’t it? Your last bargain. What else do you need it for?

A guard walks in with the dress. Prisoner stands up.

PRISONER: It’s the only possession from my mother that I have left. I just wish to be buried with it.

They stand in silence for a moment. 

GENERAL: I’m sorry. We were born at the wrong time, the wrong place. Perhaps in our next life, we’ll walk together in the woods that you fought so hard for. (beat) Give me your last words, before we part.

PRISONER: (takes the dress, cigarette still in hand) Oh, many thanks, dear, but we won’t part here. (drops the dress on the hay pile) I added a bit of embellishment to my mother’s dress. A special kind of metal, actually. When lit, it’s beautiful.

GENERAL: You!

More guards rush in.

GUARD: Ma’am! The documents we took last siege– they’re gone–

GENERAL: (seething) I know where they went.

She points at the hay pile, where the papercrafts rest. The guards cram into the cell, just as the prisoner drops the cigarette on the dress. The room roars with eerie-colored flames and raw-throated screams. The guards and the general fall back, stumbling down the hallway with searing skin.

PRISONER: We share the same fate, you and I! Though we were born in the wrong time and wrong place, we loved each other, we left each other, we clawed at each other’s throats– and now, we die in the same year, the same month, and same day. Our last burn, if you will.

The prison roars in flames.

Lights out.

[everythingkashmir]

Misaligned coordinates

Long distance relationship

By Faisul Yaseen

The distance from Delhi to Srinagar is not just 818 km by road or 643 km by air. The travel time is not 24-hours by road or an hour-and-a-half by air. The real distance cannot be known using a distance calculator or Google Maps. The GPS technology is of no use either. The distance is long.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on Thursday during a rally at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar is the acceptance of that fact.

On June 24, 2021, PM Modi said he wanted to end ‘Dil Ki Duri’ (distance of heart) as well as ‘Dilli Ki Duri’ (distance from New Delhi) with Jammu and Kashmir.

Fast forward to September 19, 2024, PM Modi reiterated that he would remove ‘Dil Ke Duri’ and ‘Dilli Ki Duri’.

A question that needs to be asked is what the government did in the past 3 years to bridge this distance or to be precise 1184 days since the statement was first made.

On June 24, 2021, PM Modi made one of those statements that make political speeches fascinating, if only for sheer flagrancy. Declaring a desire to “end the distance between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir”, he reflected an ambition to bridge not just geographical gaps but also the proverbial “distance between hearts”.

After the PM's statement on September 19, 2024, one could be forgiven for wondering if anybody in the government has examined a map or even a thesaurus for ‘distance’  since those declarations.

Taking the PM’s word one assumes that J&K is just some quaint little hill station waiting for a bit of government transport. Yet for the people of the region, the reality is anything but snug.

Three years since this pronouncement, one can see a paradox as the distance between New Delhi and the people of J&K has only grown with policies that have turned bridges into barricades.

Let’s walk down memory lane to revisit those words. On that fateful June day in 2021, the PM seemed to be actually acting under an illusion to dissolve decades of mistrust and disenfranchisement through words.

However, his government decided to double down on constitutional changes that effectively deprived J&K of its special status.

A master move in Indian politics, no doubt, but not exactly the bridge-building exercise that he would have even before imagined.

September 2024 rolls on, and the slogan is back from the dead.

People of J&K have been faced with the heavy cost of New Delhi’s policies since then. And what happens when constitutional overreach becomes the norm and laws are imposed? Local governance is significantly eroded. Any person won’t fail to notice the irony the government promises to bridge distances by uprooting the very framework of regional federalism.

What’s next? A ballad on democracy by the very people curtailing it!

And then, of course, there’s the Big Boss that seems to have been deployed for the management of dissent. The irony, once again, is delicious. The Big Boss speaks of connection even as it ensures that the people live under the omnipresent cloud of surveillance. The sort of love that might have made Orwell raise an eyebrow.

Such brazen contradictions do leave one wondering whether the government has been through a crash course in irony or they just continue playing a well-rehearsed tune irrespective of the discordant notes coming from the ground. It must be heartening for the people of J&K to see such delicately ignored aspirations in their favour, weighed down under political posturing. Such is the gift beautifully wrapped, which turns out to have no substance.

Even as another round of PR exercises is undertaken, perhaps it is time for New Delhi to introspect on what “bridging distances” really means. And until and unless the equation includes genuine dialogue, respect towards the local governance, and an end to surveillance on citizens, people of J&K are going to keep on feeling this deepened alienation.

Perhaps then there is still a vision of connectivity, but the reality is hard: between words and actions, distance unbridgeable through rhetoric. If only promises made by politicians came accompanied with maps and plans in hand, then perhaps we did hear some real progress instead of declarations that echo through the valleys of Kashmir, unfulfilled and forever to the fore.

Till then the distance of the hearts and the distance with Dilli will continue to remain hard to bridge and the relationship will remain a long distance one.

Greater Kashmir

[tourmyholidayholiday]

Nepal Tour Package: Must-Visit Places, Activities, and Attractions

Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Nepal offers an array of experiences that cater to all kinds of travelers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top places to visit, activities to enjoy, and famous attractions to include in your Nepal tour package.

Must-Visit Places in Nepal

Kathmandu

Overview: The capital city of Nepal, a melting pot of culture, history, and spirituality.

Highlights: Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Durbar Square, and Thamel.

Pokhara

Overview: A picturesque city known for its serene lakes and stunning mountain views.

Highlights: Phewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, and Sarangkot for sunrise views.

Chitwan National Park

Overview: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia.

Highlights: Jungle safaris, elephant rides, canoeing, bird watching, and spotting wildlife like rhinos, tigers, and elephants.

Lumbini

Overview: The birthplace of Lord Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights: Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and the various monasteries built by different countries.

Bhaktapur

Overview: An ancient city known for its well-preserved temples, palaces, and courtyards.

Highlights: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya Temple, and Pottery Square.

Nagarkot

Overview: A hill station offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest on a clear day.

Highlights: Sunrise and sunset views, hiking trails, and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Top Activities in Nepal

Trekking and Hiking

Description: Nepal is renowned for its trekking routes that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Highlights: Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and the Poon Hill Trek.

Adventure Sports

Description: Nepal is a hub for adventure activities that cater to thrill-seekers.

Highlights: Paragliding in Pokhara, white-water rafting on the Trishuli River, bungee jumping in Bhote Koshi, and zip-lining.

Cultural Tours

Description: Explore the rich cultural heritage and historical sites of Nepal.

Highlights: Guided tours of Kathmandu’s temples, visits to traditional villages, and participating in local festivals.

Wildlife Safari

Description: Experience the diverse wildlife of Nepal through jungle safaris.

Highlights: Jeep safaris, elephant rides, and bird watching in Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park.

Meditation and Yoga Retreats

Description: Nepal offers numerous meditation and yoga retreats for spiritual rejuvenation.

Highlights: Retreats in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the Himalayas, offering serene environments and professional guidance.

Famous Attractions in Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple

Overview: One of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Highlights: The main temple, cremation ghats, and observing the evening aarti ceremony.

Boudhanath Stupa

Overview: One of the largest stupas in Nepal and a significant site for Tibetan Buddhism.

Highlights: The massive mandala, prayer wheels, and numerous surrounding monasteries.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Overview: An ancient religious complex perched atop a hill in Kathmandu.

Highlights: The panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley, the stupa, and the resident monkeys.

Phewa Lake

Overview: A serene lake in Pokhara surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.

Highlights: Boating, the Tal Barahi Temple on an island in the lake, and the reflection of the Annapurna range on the water.

Durbar Squares

Overview: Historical plazas that are home to palaces, courtyards, and temples.

Highlights: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Tips for Planning Your Nepal Tour

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Accommodation: Choose from a range of accommodations, including luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, and traditional homestays.

Local Cuisine: Savor Nepali dishes like momos (dumplings), dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), and Newari cuisine in Kathmandu Valley.

Transportation: Use domestic flights, tourist buses, and taxis to get around the country. Trekking routes often require local guides and porters.

Packing Essentials: Pack appropriate clothing for varying climates, trekking gear if you plan to hike, and essential items like sunscreen, a hat, and a good pair of walking shoes.

Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.

Conclusion

Nepal offers an unparalleled travel experience with its majestic mountains, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. With this guide, you can create a comprehensive tour package that includes must-visit places, engaging activities, and famous attractions. Whether you’re trekking through the Himalayas, exploring ancient temples, or experiencing the vibrant local culture, Nepal promises an unforgettable journey. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an incredible adventure in the enchanting land of Nepal.

[newsnoshonline]

La splendida immagine della "parata dei pianeti" mostra 6 mondi allineati sulla Terra Una vista mozzafiato: sei pianeti allineati nel cielo terrestre Una foto straordinaria e rara ha immortalato la “parata dei pianeti”, con sei pianeti del nostro sistema solare allineati nel cielo prima dell’alba. Un’immagine eccezionale I pianeti Mercurio, Marte, Giove, Saturno, Urano e Nettuno appaiono in perfetto allineamento. Marte e Saturno sono ben visibili accanto alla falce di luna, mentre gli altri pianeti sono stati rivelati attraverso esposizioni composite. Lo sguardo dell’astrofotografo Josh Dury ha catturato questo spettacolo celeste dalle Mendip Hills, nel Regno Unito. L’emozione di vedere i pianeti sorgere uno dopo l’altro ha regalato una prospettiva unica sulla vastità