#Eight Eagle Scout sons

[louistomlinsoncouk]

While many artists would jump at the chance to tell you how lockdown has been a fruitful opportunity for self-improvement, full of pseudo self-help books and pompous podcasts, former One Directioner Louis Tomlinson is adamant that he has done, well, nothing.

“I’ve just watched loads of s___ TV,” he says after a long pause. “The Undoing is decent, isn’t it?”

Twenty-eight--year-old Tomlinson from Doncaster was always the down-to-earth Directioner, frequently describing himself as fringe member who spent more time analysing the band’s contracts than singing solos, known for chain-smoking his way through several packs of cigarettes a day and swearing like a trooper. A rarity, these days, among millennials who’d rather suck on a stem of kale and tweet about their #blessings.

Far from aimless, however, today the singer is full of beans, cheerily shushing his barking dog as he potters about his North London home where he lives with his best friend from home, Oli, and his girlfriend, the model Eleanor Calder.

He's getting ready to rehearse an exciting one-off gig that will be live-streamed from a secret London location on December 12, announced today exclusively via the Telegraph. The proceeds of the night will be split across four charities: The Stagehand Covid-19 Crew Relief Fund and Crew Nation, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Marcus Rashford’s charity FareShare, to help end child poverty.

The gig means a great deal to Tomlinson, whose first ever tour as a solo artist, to promote his debut solo album WALLS, was cut short back in March after just two concerts in Spain and Mexico. It was an album he’d spent five years working on: a guitar-led project that ruptured with the preppy pop anthems of One Direction, inspired instead by Tomlinson’s love for Britpop.

No doubt he was anxious to get it right following a decade “grown in test tubes”, as Harry Styles once described the band’s formation on the X Factor, where they came third before going on to make a reported $280,000 a day as the most successful band in the world. The pressure, too, was intense: all four bandmates had already released their own solo debuts.

Was he left reeling, I ask, unable to perform at such a crucial moment?

“The thing that I always enjoyed the most about One Direction was playing the shows, so my master plan, when I realised I was going to do a solo career, was always my first tour. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for the best part of five years now. I got so close, I got a taste for it, and it’s affected me like everyone else, but I’m forever an optimist,” he says down the phone, with what I can only imagine to be a rather phlegmatic shrug.

Sure, I say, but the last year can’t have been easy. Didn’t he feel like his purpose had popped?

“You know what,” he says, reflecting, “maybe because I’ve had real dark moments in my life, they’ve given me scope for optimism. In the grand scheme of things, of what I’ve experienced, these everyday problems...they don’t seem so bad.”

Tomlinson is referring to losing his 43-year-old mother, a midwife, to leukemia in 2016, and his 18-year-old sister Felicite, a model, to an accidental drug overdose in 2018. The double tragedy is something he has been open about on his own terms, dedicating his single, Two of Us, from WALLS, to his mother Johannah, while often checking in with fans who have lost members of their own family.

It’s not unusual for Tomlinson to ask his 34.9 million followers if they’re doing alright, receiving hundreds of thousands of personal replies. It’s not something he will discuss in interviews, however, after he slammed BBC Breakfast for shamelessly probing his trauma in February this year. “Never going back there again,” he tweeted after coming off the show.

“Social media is a ruthless, toxic place, so I don’t like to spend much time there,” says Tomlinson, “but because of experiencing such light and shade all while I was famous, I have a very deep connection with my fans. They’ve always been there for me.”

In return, Tomlinson is good to them. Last month he even promised some new music, saying that he’d written four songs in four days. Does this mean that a second album is on the way?

“Yeah, definitely,” he says. “I’m very, very excited. I had basically penciled down a plan before corona took over our lives. And now it's kind of given me a little bit of time to really get into what I want to say and what I want things to sound like. Because, you know, I was really proud of my first record, but there were moments that I felt were truer to me than others. I think that there were some songs where I took slightly more risk and owned what I love, saying, ‘This is who I want to be’. So I want to take a leaf out of their book.”

Fans might think he’s referring to writing more heartfelt autobiographical content such as Two of Us, but in fact, he’s referring specifically to rock-inspired Kill My Mind, he says, the first song on WALLS. “There’s a certain energy in that song, in its delivery, in its attitude, that I want to recreate. People are struggling at the moment, so I want to create a raucous, exciting atmosphere in my live show, not a somber, thoughtful one.”

He sighs, trying to articulate something that’s clearly been playing on his mind for a while. “You know, because of my story, my album was a little heavy at times and a little somber. And as I'm sure you're aware, from talking to me, now, that isn't who I am.”

It must be draining, I say, the weight of expectation in both the media and across his fanbase, to be a spokesperson for grief and hardship. To have tragedy prelude everything he does and says.

“Honestly, it’s part of being from Doncaster as well, I don’t like people feeling sorry for me. That’s the last thing I want.”

The problem is, says Tomlinson, he doesn’t have the best imagination. “I have interesting things to say musically, but what’s challenging from a writing perspective is that I write from the heart, and I can’t really get into someone else’s story. And right now, being stuck at home, you have so little experience to draw from. It’s actually quite hard to write these positive, uplifting songs, because actually, the experiences that you're going through on a day to day basis, you know, you they don't have that same flavour.”

There is something that’s helping, though: a secret spot near Los Angeles, where he divides his time to see his four-year-old son, Freddie, whom he shares with his ex Briana Jungwirth, a stylist. “It’s remote and kind of weird, and I’m going to go there for three days and write. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to it. I found it via a YouTube video. It’s got some very interesting locals who live there, it’s sort of backwards when it comes to technology. It feels like you’re going back in time when you’re there. But I don’t want to give it away.”

Another source of inspiration for his second album is the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ back catalogue. “I grew up on their album Bytheway. And during lockdown I've been knee deep in their stuff. I’ve watched every documentary, every video. And I find their lead guitarist John Frusciante just fascinating.”

Has he spoken to Frusicante?

“I f______ wish,” snorts Tomlinson.

Surely someone as well-known as Tomlinson could easily get in touch?

“No, honestly, I think he’s too cool for that. He’s not into that kind of thing.”

Tomlinson’s passion for all things rock is also spurring on a side hustle he picked up as a judge on the X Factor in 2018: managing an all-female rock band via his own imprint on Simon Cowell’s Syco label. While the group disbanded before releasing their first single, and Tomlinson split from Syco earlier this year, the singer is keen to nurture some more talent.

“I'm not gonna lie, my process with my imprint through Syco, it became challenging and it became frustrating at times,” Tomlinson says a little wearily. “The kind of artists that I was interested in developing – because I genuinely feel through my experience in One Direction, you know, one of the biggest f______ bands, I feel like I've learned a lot about the industry – they weren’t ready-made. So I had lots of artists that I took through the door that were rough and ready, but major labels want to see something that works straight away. I found that a little bit demotivating. I love her and she's an incredible artist, but not everyone is a Taylor Swift.”

Tomlinson spends much of his free time scouting new talent either on YouTube, Reddit or BBC Introducing – he’s currently a huge fan of indie Brighton band, Fickle Friends. His dream is to manage an all-female band playing instruments. “Because there's no one in that space. And I know eventually if I don't do it, someone else will!”

Before he drives off to rehearsals, we chatter about how much he's been practising his guitar playing, and how he can't wait to take the whole team working at his favourite grassroots venue, The Dome in Doncaster, out ice-skating after he performs there on his rescheduled tour. “Because I've got skills,” he says, and I can hear his chest puff.

And then I ask the question every retired member of One Direction has been batting off ever since they broke up in 2015, after Zayn Malik quit. Rumours that his bandmates saw him as a Judas went wild after some eagle eyes fans noticed they’d unfollowed him on Instagram. Payne, Tomlinson, Horan and Styles have barely mentioned him since. Recently, however, they re-followed him, and Payne has teased that a One Direction reunion is on the cards.

So: might 2021 be the year of resurrection?

“I thought you were going to ask something juicier!” say Tomlinson witheringly. “Look, I f______ love One Direction. I'm sure we're going to come back together one day, and I'll be doing a couple of One Direction songs in my gig. I always do that, so that's not alluding to any reunion or anything. But, I mean, look, I'm sure one day we'll get back together, because, you know, we were f______ great.”

[skyfire85]

-An ASM-135 slung beneath an F-15A on a captive carry flight. | Photo USAF/Edwards Flight Test Center

FLIGHTLINE: 99 - ASM-135 Anti-satellite Missile

On 13 September 1985 F-15A 76-0084 launched an ASM-135 ASAT which destroyed a satellite in orbit.

Almost immediately after the launch of the USSR's Sputnik satellite, the US began to research anti-satellite weapons. On 13 October 1959, a USAF B-47 launched a modified Bold Orion ALBM which passed within 4 miles of the Explorer 6 satellite, orbiting at an altitude of 156 miles. Starting in 1962, modified Nike Zeus ABMs were tested as ASAT weapons under Project MUDFLAP, with mixed results. Intelligence reports of renewed Soviet interest in their own anti-satellite system pressured President Jimmy Carter into directing the USAF into developing a new ASAT missile. A 'crash' program initially designated the Prototype Miniature Air-Launched Segment (PMALS), then retitled the Air-Launched Miniature Vehicle (ALMV), resulted in a contact being awarded to LTV Aerospace for an air-launched, multi-stage missile.

-A CASM-135, used for captive carry trials, on display at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. | Photo: G. Edward Johnson

-Cross section of the ASM-135's upper stage and MHV. | Illustration Sven's Space Place

-Cutaway view of the ASM-135's MHV. | Illustration: Sven's Space Place

The ASM-135 was mainly comprised of off-the-shelf components, allowing a rapid development and production. The first stage was a modified AGM-69 SRAM, while the second stage was an Altair 3, originally developed for the Scout launch vehicle. The third stage of the ASAT was the Miniature Homing Vehicle (MHV), which incorporated a Honeywell laser ring gyro and a Hughes-developed IR sensor. The seeker was eight strips of indium bismuth arranged in a precise formation to track targets as the MHV spun. Two liquid helium dewars, one in the F-15 (replacing the ammunition drum) and a second smaller tank in the MHV, cooled the sensor head. A ring of 56 solid rocket motors set around the MHV's circumference, controlled by a "bang-bang" system, guided the vehicle at the target, while 8 lower thrust "end-game" motors provided fine control just prior to impact. A group of four RCS motors at the back of the stage maintained a stable spin. The MHV did not include a warhead, the MHV's own momentum was sufficient to destroy the target in what is known as a kinetic kill.

A typical mission would see the ASM-135 mounted underneath an F-15. The fighter's computers would be programed with the target's orbital path, and the HUD would provide steering instructions to the pilot. The Eagle, flying at Mach 1.32, would then execute a 65° climb while the IR sensor scanned for the target. Upon acquisition, the missile would automatically launch at approximately forty thousand feet. Prior to release from the second stage, the ASAT would be spun up to 30rpm, then separated. This spinning motion allowed the IR seeker to see the target as it crossed the detector strips, providing course-correction data.

Five total test launches were carried out, in addition to an unknown number of captive-carry flights beforehand. The first test, on 21 January 1984, did not include an MHV, but proved that the rest of the missile worked. A second test on 13 November of that year was aimed a star, but the MHV failed to track. On 20 August 1985 President Ronal Reagan authorized a test against a satellite ahead of a Congressional ban on ASAT testing, expected later that year. In order to complete the test in so short a time, an existing satellite, the Solwind solar observatory, was designated as the target.

-The Solwind satellite, prior to launch. | Photo: NASA

On 13 September 1985, Maj. Wilbert D. "Doug" Pearson, flying F-15A, tail no. 76-0084 and nicknamed the "Celestial Eagle", launched an ASM-135 ASAT about 200 miles west of Vandenberg AFB. The 30lb MHV collided with the Solwind, which itself weighed a ton, at closing velocity of 15,000mph, destroying the satellite.

-The ASM-135 separates from F-15A 76-0084 on its sole live mission. | Photo: Paul E. Reynolds (USAF)

-Seconds later, the 1st stage motor fired as the F-15 banked away. | Photo: Paul E. Reynolds (USAF)

In addition to proving that the ASAT worked, the test also provided NASA with data on the results of a hypervelocity impact in space, as well as changing thinking on orbital debris. It had been previously assumed that debris caused by a collision would be reflective and easily tracked, but the results of the test proved that, in fact, the pieces were so dark as to be almost undetectable visually, the result of soot from vaporized plastics and other compounds. Of 285 known pieces of Solwind, only two could be seen by optical tracking, the rest identified by USAF IR telescopes and a reentry radar deployed to Alaska. The rubble also did not persist in orbit for as long as predicted, with all but eight pieces having reentered by 1998, the result of increased heating and expansion of the atmosphere due to solar activity.

Two further tests were completed on 22 August and 29 September 1986, though both were directed against stars to comply with the prohibition against live tests. The USAF intended to procure 112 ASM-135s, with 20 F-15A fighters, from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron based at McChord Air Force Base in Washington and the 48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, modified for the anti-satellite mission. However, the program was canceled in 1988, the result of increasing costs and push-back against the wider SDI program.

Fifteen ASM-135s and CASM-135 captive carry simulators were produced, and two of the CASM-135s are on display, one at the USAF Museum in Dayton Ohio, and the other at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia.

The Celestial Eagle was restored to F-15A standards and remained in the USAF inventory, eventually assigned to the 125th Fighter Wing at Homestead AFB in Florida. Doug Pearson, now a retired Major General was reunited with -0084 on 13 September 2007 when he, along with his son (who is also an F-15 driver), visited the 125th as part of a USAF event to commemorate the mission. The aircraft was mothballed at AMARG in 2009 as the 125th transitioned to F-15Cs.

-Retired Maj. Gen. Doug Pearson (left) and Capt. Todd Pearson (right), 390th Fighter Squadron pilot from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, with the Celestial Eagle. | Photo: Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer (USAF)

Though the USAF did not take the ASAT operational, the missile did play a part in the 1986 Tom Clancy novel Red Storm Rising, where it was used to destroy several Soviet satellites during a brief hot war between the USSR and NATO.

[more-quiverfull-sims]

Local Woman Gives Birth to Baby #15...Just in Time for Son’s Wedding

Elsa Bjergsen, Reporter

Windenburg Times-Gazette

You could say local parents Stetson and Ingrid Gorman, 47 and 41 respectively, have a lot on their plates. The pair have fifteen children, the youngest of whom was born just two weeks before his oldest brother’s wedding.

Ingrid with baby #15, Peyton Prosperity. 

The Gorman family, in age order: Stetson Gorman (47), Ingrid Gorman (41), Ezekiel Luther Gorman (21), Josiah Thomas Gorman (19), Hope Geraldine Gorman (18), Isaiah Stetson Gorman (16), Katlynn Marie Gorman (15), John Brice Gorman (13), Camden Gorman (11), Evangeline Gorman (11), Helen Praise Gorman (9), Patience Grace Gorman (8), Landyn Gorman (6), Rylee Michelle Gorman (4), Tobias Bob Gorman (3), James Jeremiah Gorman (2), Peyton Prosperity Gorman (5 months). Ingrid is about eight weeks along with baby boy Gorman (#16), who they plan to name Andrew Christian. 

The Gorman family after baby #15. Eagle-eyed viewers might notice that Ingrid Gorman is expecting #16!

“My doctor is amazed that I’m expecting again,” said Ingrid during an interview in her Windenburg home. “Once I have this sweet blessing--we’re going to call him Andrew Christian--I’ll have only three days until I age up and become an elder. I may have a chance of one additional pregnancy. We’re praying on it!”

Many local residents have already heard of this fecund family. Ingrid is the daughter of Baptist preacher Luther Snyder and his wife, Katlyn. Luther passed away two years ago, and his wife died a few months later, but they have left quite a legacy in their wake.

The Snyder family 15 years ago, with children Rowan (then 14), Leah (then 11), Brenna (then 7), MacKenna (age 4), and Noah (age 3). At this point, Ingrid was 26 and pregnant with her fourth child. Thaddeus (24) and Nathaniel (22) had already married, and twins Elias and Kason (both 18), had recently moved out to start a business. Luther and Katlyn were 50 and 44, respectively. They married when Katlyn was 18. The pair experienced several miscarriages during their longer gaps between children. 

There’s his firstborn son, Thaddeus, 40, who took over his job as a pastor at Bible Baptist Church. Thaddeus’ wife Chelsie, 38, is currently pregnant with twin boys--their seventh and eighth children.

Left to right: Thaddeus Snyder, Chelsie Snyder, Rose Snyder, Lizzie Snyder, Janet Snyder. Second row: Beth Snyder, Allyson Snyder, Samson Snyder

Then there’s Nathaniel Snyder and his wife Ruthie Park-Snyder, who have three children. Nathaniel is the head of general surgery and Windenburg Hospital, and Ruthie is well-known for her career as an an astronaut. They have three children.

Nathaniel and Ruthie’s family: Nathaniel, Ruthie, Amelia, William, and Maisie.

Luther and Katlyn also share seven more children, five of whom are married, but nobody’s brood even approaches Ingrid’s.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a homemaker and homeschool my children,” Ingrid noted as she played with her children at the Gorman family home. “I feel that this is a woman’s greatest calling, and the ability to have children is a blessing from God. My husband and I would never do anything to prevent that!” 

A Gorman family photo. Daughter Helen Praise is wearing a “swim dress” to comply with the family’s modesty rules. 

Allowing their daughter, Evangeline, to join the Scouts with two of their brothers was a huge step for the couple. The couple agreed after learning that Terrence Moore, father of Emily Moore Gorman, led a local Scout troop consistent with their values--even though the girls wear shorts!

Landyn Gorman, 8, Evangeline Gorman, 11, and Camden Gorman, 11, in a recent photo. 

Ingrid’s oldest child, Ezekiel Gorman, 21, just married Emily Anne Moore, 20. All of Gorman’s siblings were in attendance, and surely appreciated the chance to socialize with other families that share their values. The wedding took place at the Bible Baptist Church in Windenburg, where Luther was originally pastor. 

From left to right: Patience Grace Gorman (8), Emily Anne More (20), Ezekiel Gorman (21), Rylee Michelle Gorman (4).

“Courting is definitely unusual nowadays,” said Hope Geraldine Gorman, Stetson and Ingrid’s oldest daughter, who just turned eighteen. “But our parents have raised us with it, because it provides protection for a young person’s heart. It guards their heart until they are ready for marriage.” 

“The whole point is physical and emotional purity,” chimed in Katlynn Gorman, age 15, named (with an extra n) for her grandmother. “We don’t want to give away pieces of ourselves before we reach the altar, because then we are not giving our spouse everything. That’s why we don’t kiss before marriage.” 

From left to right: Katlynn Gorman (15), Helen Praise Gorman (9), Hope Geraldine Gorman (18).

The Gormans discourage their children from even holding hands until engagement, and all dates up until marriage must be closely supervised by family members. There are also strict modesty rules for both boys and girls.

“Well, we always have our knees covered, and our bellies and most other parts besides hands and feet and neck and head,” explained one-half of the Gorman’s only set of twins, Evangeline Gorman, 11. “Sometimes knees and parts of arms can show for special occasions we check with Mama and Dad.”

From left to right: Rylee Michelle Gorman (4), Camden Gorman (11), and Evangeline Gorman (11).

“That includes boys,” explains Evangeline’s twin brother, Camden. “Mama prefers for us not to wear jeans and to keep our hair neat and short. It’s about respect for ourselves and others.” 

“If we cause lust in others, that is a sin on our part,” remarked Katlynn. “We don’t want to stir up desires and cause our fellow Christians to stumble. That’s why we dressed modestly and court.” 

A (supervised) courtship date between Ezekiel and his new bride, Emily. In lieu of physical contact, the lovebirds exchanged gifts.

“My oldest children have always been a fantastic example for the younger ones. It’s the way we keep this house running, especially homeschool,” Ingrid explains during our interview. “I couldn’t do anything without them, especially my oldest girls Hope and Katlynn. I was the oldest girl in my family, and I learned so many lessons about being a good wife and mother. I pray my girls are doing the same--my greatest joy is to see them living for righteousness.

While Stetson and Ingrid are confident in their choices, not all Windenburg residents are supportive. 

“I knew Luther Snyder, and he was a very prejudiced man,” remarked local resident Lucas Munch. “And his poor eldest daughter was raising those children.”

Another local, Luna Villareal, raised similar concerns. “This lifestyle seems extreme,” she noted. “And I doubt those children all get the individual attention they need.” 

Still, the Gorman family is joyful.

“We are so thrilled to see our family growing and eagerly anticipating a new season of life as grandparents,” Stetson remarked during our final interview in the kitchen of their new home, which they bought shortly after the birth of their fifteenth baby. “We are confident that our lifestyle is righteous in the eyes of the Lord, and that’s all that matters to us.”

***

Catch up with us next week for a peek into the Gorman family’s new home!

[armoredsuperheavy]

CHOSEN MAN by Sineala

https://archiveofourown.org/works/681763

Summary

The son of the man who lost the Eagle of the Ninth would never be allowed a first command of his very own fort, would he?

Marcus is posted not to Isca Dumnoniorum, but to a wretched and run-down garrison north of the Wall. There he finds that he is the new centurion of a group of scouts and spies, all of them British. He has few supplies and no experience. His men distrust him. His superiors despise him. His second-in-command is an incompetent drunkard. And the local tribes are determined to kill all of them.

But the worst thing of all is one of Marcus' soldiers. He is an enigmatic, dangerous, and insubordinate man by the name of Esca, who makes Marcus yearn for terrifying things he has never before wanted and can never, ever let himself have...

Case

This one ended up very colorful. This marbled paper reminded me of the pigments of Pompeii and Roman glass jewelry. I kept up the jewelry theme in the 24k gold endpapers. Headbands are gold and ribbon bookmark is red.

The color choice for this one was tough but I think it all came together pretty well.

Design

I used the original decorative elements and copied the layout of the title page from the first edition of the originating work, Rosemary Sutcliff’s The Eagle of the Ninth. The original illustrator is C. Walter Hodges.

I collected eight or so little spot illustrations as divider images and assorted them throughout. Many were from archaeological images. Coins, a Roman gladius (short sword), a Celtic fibula, knucklebones, a leather sandal, a belt buckle, a Roman wreath, etc.

The only typeface I used was Garamond all the way through.

[thesportssoundoff]

“The XFL is a thing. Should you care about it?”

Joey

February 2nd, 2020

Another winter, another money mark attempt to figure out winter football.

The NFL has wrapped up another successful season and now it's Vince McMahon's turn to try once more with a brand new football league. In 2019, the son of his friend Dick Ebersole tried with the AAF which fell apart before the season finale could even take place. Vince McMahon seems more prepared than Charlie Ebersole and his backers, especially when you consider that the XFL apparently has long term financial backing place to absorb what figures to be some money losing seasons. The XFL's rule set which features things like a revamped overtime, a double forward pass concept, a continuously running game clock and a variety of different special teams related rules designed to entice an improved pace of play. Is the XFL going to revolutionize the NFL? Probably not. Will it provide some concepts that inevitably get stolen? I'm going with a pretty solid "oh yeah absolutely." It's live sports and chances are if you're reading this you know that the SportsSoundoff is all about live sports and activities that are able to cosplay as sports (axe throwing and chainsaw-ing come to mind).

If you're looking for more football to take in then the XFL figures to give you that and with readily-ish available-ish games across FS1/2, Fox, ABC and ESPN/2 platforms. Long story short, games will be out there for ya if you want to spell some time between the NBA's second half kicking off and the start of baseball and college basketball's tournament run. With a neat and tidy eight teams across a variety of markets, I'd like to go team by team and detail why you should try your hardest to give each team the benefit of your time. Some teams figure to be easy and some teams figure to be impossible BUT I've got free time and I gotta do something, right?

The Dallas Desperados The most intriguing coaching staff in the entire league

Let's start from the obvious; if Bob Stoops truly wanted to, he could be coaching in the NCAA right now. This is a guy who left Oklahoma as an insanely successful well liked legacy coach who won a national title and 10 conference championships. Bob Stoops took Oklahoma football to a level not seen since the Barry Switzer run and is clearly one of the greatest coaching minds of his era. Health and perhaps a general all around malaise for football led to Stoops stepping down but when you look around the number of college teams divided by the number of quality of minds currently available for head coaching jobs, there's zero doubt Stoops could've been the guy at any school he wanted to over the past two years. Hell, I would NOT be surprised if Stoops would've been on the radar of NFL teams if he did an Urban Meyer-esque TV gig as opposed to just falling off the face of the Earth and living life in the shadows. Instead he re-emerges in the XFL as the GM and head coach of the Dallas Desperados. Stoops admittedly took this gig because of its proximity to his recruiting trails of the past and just general all around comfort with the area. Stoops was the prized announcement of the XFL, the first coach they revealed and put in the biggest football media market of the entire XFL league. Long story short? Bob Stoops was a rare coup for the XFL and he's being advertised and promoted as such. So much so in fact that when Stoops stopped appearing in XFL promotional material for a short spell, there were rumors that the XFL was going to lose the only drawing card it had with Stoops maybe making a move all the way up to the NFL for the Cowboys head coaching gig. The fact the XFL has Stoops gives it something the AAF never had; a familiar well liked face who isn't tired or old hat; the two knocks that basically hurt the AAF when Steve Spurrier was limping around on the sidelines for the Orlando Apollos.

The intrigue goes beyond JUST Bob Stoops as the Bob Stoops coaching staff is genuinely pretty ridiculous. If you love the Lincoln Riley and Mike Leach style offenses then you know of the name of Hal Mumme. Mumme is the father of most of the modern air raid offenses you see today, the likes of which that get mediocre-y college coaches like Kliff Kingsbury head coaching gigs in the NFL. Mumme is a bit of a college coaching legend with concepts that have bled into the highest levels of football. Stoops will be the offensive coordinator for Stoops' offense and with a few years away from the coaching circuit, I'm intrigued to see if Mumme has anything new left to offer. Defensively, Chris Woods and Jim Jeffcoat have long ties to Bob Stoops or Hal Mumme. The offense has a mastermind, the defense has a glut of former defensive coordinators and there's a damn good chance that Bob Stoops could turn a solid run in the XFL into a head coaching job elsewhere. Just keep an eye on the Desperados coaching staff as a potential breeding ground for coaches into the next level.

DC Defenders Name defensive talent = ???

It seems like the XFL is going to make it a lot harder for defenses to really play a meaningful part in the games with rules clearly designed to go for more of a high paced scoring first and foremost brand of play. That said, the DC Defenders do have some defensive talent to keep an eye on. They've got a name defensive line with guys like former Giants starter Jay Bromley, USC's Kenny Bigelow, Washington Huskie Elijah Qualls and a linebacking core with Arizona undersized legend Scooby Wright, former Atlanta Falcons player Jonathan Massaquoi and former Bills player and early retiree from football AJ Tarpley. In the secondary is where things really have "could play in the NFL potential" with former draft picks Jalen Myrick and Bradley Sylve and former starters Shamarko Thomas and Matt Elam at the safety spots. Most of the attention will be on former National Championship winner Cardale Jones at the QB spot with name weapons like Malachai Dupree and Rashad Ross but in truth, I'm curious to see if their defensive talents can find their way back into the NFL.

Houston Roughnecks Actual NFL name talent

Soooo yeah, let's take a second to talk about the Houston Roughnecks. There's a WEALTH of NFL level talent on here, if not in actual talent but in name value. We can start at the QB spot where the Roughnecks at the very least boast an interesting "What if?" scenario. Going into the 2016 NFL Draft, a lot of teams needed QBs and the draft boasted some really interesting ones. The top two were pretty much locked in (Carson Wentz and Jared Goff depending upon your preference) and Paxton Lynch seemed like a solid lock as the #3 QB. After that? Free for all! The likes of Cardale Jones, Dak Prescott, Jeff Driskel, Connor Cook, Nat Sudfield and Christian Hackenberg were all fighting for spots to try and eek themselves into that next tier. There was a belief of sorts that Cook was the leader in that clubhouse but concerns about his personality and how teammates viewed him at Michigan State dogged him all the way down to the 4th round. The Cowboys were going to take Cook (who they had as a late 2nd round pick on their draft board) but he got snagged up as the Raiders as a developmental QB behind Derek Carr. The Cowboys, not exactly heartbroken but not exactly thrilled, moved to taking Charles Tapper out of Oklahoma and then with their comp pick (thanks Eagles! Thanks DeMarco Murray!) picked Dak Prescott at the behest of their coaching staff, bucking scouts who had him behind Jeff Driskel. Dak Prescott will likely earn anywhere from 30 to 40 million next year and Cook is trying to carve out his path in the XFL after failed stints in Oakland, Cincinnati and Detroit. It's a fun "What If?" scenario to toss around while Cook can perhaps reset his career in the XFL.

Beyond Connor Cook? Houston boasts a kicker in Sergio Castillo who as an all star in 2019 and boasts an NFL quality leg potentially. Kickers come and go in the NFL and if Castillo is good then he probably has a chance to pop up somewhere. RB De'Angelo Henderson was a 7th round pick who has bounced around the NFL and figures to probably get similar looks as a 3rd round COP back somewhere if he's good in the league. Cam Phillips and Kahlil Lewis are former NFL camp bodies while Sammie Coates played in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers. SS Marqueston Huff played in the NFL for a variety of teams and has a pedigree as a former 4th round pick. DL Kony Ealy, Gabe Wright and Walter Palmore could probably fill out the back end of an NFL defensive line rotation right now. There's some actual NFL talent lurking in these waters, even if most of it is probably training camp filler variety. Those guys still have merit!

LA Wildcats The Josh Johnson Situation

So let's chit chat a spell about this. Josh Johnson is one of those guys that seems to pop up once a year on an NFL roster. He's been in the league since the dying days of the Gruden Era in Tampa Bay, a former fifth round pick who carved out a career as a somewhat competent-ish back up. He bounced around, played in the United Football League (consider THAT one) and seemed set to flame out. When the Redskins brought Josh Johnson in in 2018 after injuries to Alex Smith and Colt McCoy, Johnson stepped into the starting role and actually played pretty well! Not well enough to get brought back but well enough to earn another shot in the NFL as a back up for the Detroit Lions. Johnson was let go and continued his playing days by adding onto the XFL. I think Josh Johnson is the only dude to play in all three short term gimmick leagues (the UFL, AAF and XFL) but that's not where our story ends. Injuries to Jeff Driskel and Matt Stafford opened the door to play the NFL again when the Lions came calling. Surprisingly the XFL refused to follow the AAF's lead and kept Johnson to his XFL deal, forcing him to pass on a Lions opportunity. Josh Johnson basically has to be the best QB in the league to justify the XFL's decision to force him to stay in the league. Otherwise they'll probably be looked at unfavorably by future players for robbing a guy of an NFL opportunity. Also keep an eye on Nelson Spruce to be a big third down guy who racks up 1st downs.

New York Guardians ???

So I've looked over the roster a bunch, taken a gander at the coaching staff and honestly? I mean I don't have anything. This team on paper is pretty boring with no real flashy star name value and a head coach and offensive coordinator in Kevin Gilbride who had his best years some fifteen years ago if not longer. I suppose there may be some interest in seeing former AAF names like Jamar Summers and Luis Perez do stuff? This team is boring but boring teams can win games and boring games can win championships. Just don't expect the Guardians on paper to be something you'll feel compelled to go out of your way to see. In a way the Guardians match up pretty well with Vince McMahon's current WWE product; a severe lack of storylines and star power that compel and force you to go out of your way to tune in on a weekly basis.

St. Louis Battlehawks Football is BACK in St. Louis!

The Rams left St. Louis for LA in 2016 and to be entirely honest, I'm not sure if it worked out any well for the NFL. Surely the Rams bring in more money and notoriety in theory but it sure feels like the Rams have not exactly caught on with the locals in LA who are clearly baseball fans during the summer/fall and basketball fans every other time else. The Rams boast a tremendous team and watching a city like Kansas City enjoying its first Super Bowl win (in the great state of Missouri or Kansas or Kansourri) has me wondering how much more fun the NFL would be if the Greatest Show On Turf stayed in St. Louis as opposed to venturing out west and had kept up the tradition of having two teams playing in a rather "small" market. The fans of St. Louis will get to show how much they support football when the Battlehawks take flight (Ugh) in a few days. The Battlehawks have an intriguing roster with plenty of Mizzou names on it like WRs L'Damian Washington and former TE turned WR Markus Lucas. They also have swagmaster Marquette King trying to rebuild his NFL case after his falling out in Oakland. To add to the madness, the Battlehawks boast the most QBs on any of the 52 man rosters in the XFL and are led by Ole Miss QB legend Jordan Ta'amu who is coming off a failed stint in the NFL. I still really like Ta'amu and think he's got developmental upside for what it's worth but that's neither here nor there.

Seattle Dragons Holy shit Jim Zorn is still around?

The Redskins have a rather....interesting history in the modern era. Outside of a few brief periods of success from the likes of Joe Gibbs and Mike Shanahan, the Redskins head coaching history is rather no bueno. Among those bodies lost to the annals of history you have Jim Zorn. Zorn was a bit of a QB whisperer for the likes of Mike Holmgren and Dennis Erickson before surprising folks by making a massive leap from QB coach to head coach for the Washington Redskins in a stunning move. Zorn's move went...about as well as you'd expect. Jim Zorn became the latest victim of Redskins incompetence and then sort of just disappeared. He coached QBs for a bit after getting fired and then became the NFL equivalent of a ghost. Well Jim Zorn's back and back in Seattle where he led Matt Hasselbeck to some insane-o Seahawks records. The Dragons roster overall isn't exactly must see as it's mostly AAF leftovers with the occasional 2019 UDFA but at the very least seeing if Jim Zorn can wash off the Redskins stench some 10+ years later might be a bit of fun.

Tampa Bay Vipers A Florida all star team

The Vipers have the world's most name recognizable pseudo all star squad in the entire XFL. With former Bears head coach Marc Trestman at the helm, the Vipers boast a wide array of talents from various schools in the state of Florida. Miami Hurricanes WR Stacy Coley, Florida OL Martez Ivey and TE DeAndre Goolsby, South Florida QB legend Quinton Flowers will be trying his hand at RB as well as FSU RB Jacques Patrick and DB DeMarcus McFadden. That doesn't even begin to cover the number of Central Florida, South Florida and FAU players on this team as well. Also Aaron Murray is here and it seems like people are still going to try and make him into a thing after being a 4th round pick back in 2015.

[kevinthescoutblogger]

A Convocation of Eight Family Eagles takes Flight in Arizona's Famed Superstition Mountains

A Convocation of Eight Family Eagles takes Flight in Arizona’s Famed Superstition Mountains

Kevin the Scout Blogger

By Kevin V Hunt

[Eagle artwork with feature Photo courtesy of artist, Ron Bergen]

It was a great sight as a convocation of eight Eagles (all from one family) took flight in Arizona’s famed Superstition Mountains.  The occasion was an Eagle Scout court of honor held at a home at the base of the mountains made famous by the Lost Dutchman who according to a century-old…

[weapon13whitefang]

in the talking dead for the quiz they say that the box Michonne had, the things inside was inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird.If you've read the book the the Mockingbird represents someone innocent that has been injured or destroyed by evil(in the book Boo Radley,Tom Robinson,etc.) ( in the show I guess Rick can be a representation but mostly Beth in my eyes) considering the comparison of beth and birds lately, I would love to hear your opinion

Sorry it’s taken me awhile to answer you! I wasn’t ignoring you, I just had to find a way to really think about what you were asking and about the source material.

First off, I don’t watch Talking Dead anymore. I don’t have much like for Chris Hardwick after all the stuff I’ve learned about him and all the stuff that’s been proven… Yeah I just can not watch Talking Dead without wanting to throw something at Hardwick… You know I don’t much trust ya when I won’t even watch for my favorite actors on the show… I don’t know, maybe he really didn’t do the crap that was said but… I’m not seeing any evidence against it… So I don’t watch Talking Dead.

That said, I have gotten a break down of stuff that was talked about. And I gritted through a few scenes of it to listen to my favorite actors talk… And let me just say that, yes. I know the book To Kill A Mockingbird. I don’t know if it’s just a Midwestern school thing, but for most Missouri kids I know, To Kill A Mockingbird was one of those books you read every year until senior year. The first time I read the book was in fifth grade, over fifteen years ago… I can still recall how I felt after reading it to… It’s just one of those books that sticks with you like Lord of the Flies or Romeo and Juliet or The Great Gatsby – those books teachers shove down your throat because they have such important life topics.

You mentioned how the Mockingbird represents “someone innocent that has been injured or destroyed by evil (in the book Boo Radley, Tom Robinson, etc.)”. And you’re right in that, this is the main theme of the book that most people will point out… Interesting to note, though, that Harper Lee was never forthcoming with the symbolism and themes. But she was famous for saying that the story spells out the meaning of a code of honor and the conduct in the heritage of the Southerners. Which makes sense if you look at in a simplistic term, sure. Honor is the high respect you have for someone or something. Conduct is the manner in which a person behaves, especially on a particular occasion or in a particular context.

An example of this is basically the whole thing with Tom and Boo. Bob Ewell is the town drunk and known to be one mean and cruel man. But because Bob is white, because Mayella is white, and because poor Tom is a man of color, the view of what they know is right vs what they see as right is truly shown. It’s very very obvious in the book that Tom Robinson is innocent and that the stuff he’s being accused of, are things he couldn’t and wouldn’t do. People of the town know what kind of man Bob Ewell is… But because Bob and Mayella are white that’s enough for people to turn a blind eye to it and sentence poor Tom to be hanged. It doesn’t matter all the proof that Atticus had. It didn’t matter if Bob Ewell had been caught red handed, even. Because Tom was a black man, he was doomed. Ignorance, racism, and hatred play a big role in the undertone of the book and it is those key elements that lead to an innocent being killed. It’s what leads to people like Boo and Tom being hurt. Bob Ewell was a symbol of evil in that he was a cruel, racists,and unbearable man. But because he was white, Tom – a black man that was the symbol of innocence with Boo – was screwed.

There’s so much you can talk about when it comes to this book. There’s themes and undertones that you can pick at and everyone would have a different opinion. For me, this is a book of studying the moral nature of a person; are people good or evil? It’s highly noted that a single person can be good or evil, while people as a whole can be evil or do good. As individuals, the jury would probably have agreed with Atticus and Tom would’ve lived. But as a whole – to uphold an image of “pureness” – they made an evil choice because of an evil man… Yet it’s more than that. Scout and Jem in the beginning of the book believe that all people are good and innocent because the two have never been exposed to evil and they believe people have never been around evil so that makes them good and innocent. By the end of the book, they both have experienced what evil is and have to come to understanding with it and their view of the world. It’s through Atticus – who is an example of being able to see evil but not letting it change him to evil but instead also see the good and learn to see people as a whole in that they have good and bad in them,that nobody is truly evil to the core, but that things in life lead them down these paths that aren’t always just good and evil. That the world isn’t black and white, heroes and villains. It’s gray. That’s how I always saw the book,anyway.

So taking into account that this book has many themes, how do they apply to the show? First off, letting me know that was kind of interesting for me. Thanks for sharing that because it got me thinking a lot… In the box, Michonne specifically pulls out three things. A preserved four-leaf clover, what appears to be baseball cards, and the little sheriff figure with the gun. Lets focus on these things fora bit before I get to the mockingbird (And I will, just hold on for a second!)

Coming from an Irish and German background, I always loved trying to find four-leaf clovers at my grandma’s house. First off, the four-leaf clover is a very rare plant to find because they just generally do not grow with four leaves. They’re kind of a mutation of sort, basically…Anyway, each leaf on the four-leaf clover has a meaning according to my grandma. Faith, Hope, Love, and Luck. The regular three leaf I learned in bible school that it represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and if you found a four-leaf, the fourth leaf was God’s Grace. So, finding a four-leaf clover was basically really good fortune for you, as in the holy trinity is watching over you and giving you grace.

There’s a lot of symbolism around the four-leaf clover really. After doing some digging, I learned that apparently in some biblical background stories about the Garden of Eden, Eve took a four-leaf clover with her to remember the place she and Adam were cast from (that’s kinda depressing but I get it). I also learned that apparently Druid priest used the four-leaf clover to ward off evil spirits in worship rituals. Also, in some cases,children and adults would hang a four-leaf clover over their doors to ward off bad omens, witchcraft, and evil spirits. In the Middle ages, they believed that those that carried a four leaf clover could see the fae folk. It was also believed to help ward off and give protection from The Evil Eye – which is basically a legend about a malevolent spirit of evil casting misfortune to someone; cause them to harm themselves by casting eyes on them. So the clover was like a “shield” against this gaze.

If there’s one thing that has happened to TF, it’s the cast of the evil eye upon them. Rick is “dead” (so they think) and their world has been cast astray of what they all know – which is following Rick’s leadership. Even with Michonne taking over (she doesn’t let them call her the leader but she basically is) everything is still not together – they’re all scattered away from one another and all lost with Rick gone, even after all this time. Finding a four-leaf clover – one basically buried away in a tomb van – shows a prospering future for Michonne and TF. Something they could all use… The clover is linked to the box, which means it’s basically a box of memories for someone…Just as the clover was a memory for Eve, that clover was for someone else…

I find it fascinating the Morgan and Michonne both found“lucky” items in abandoned vehicles.

Next up is the baseball cards – or at least that’s what they look like – and I’m wondering if that’s supposed to represent Negan. Finding the clover then the baseball cards in order… I’m thinking Negan is going to have a big hand in the future. Now obviously I could be wrong and maybe they’re just school photos or something like that and maybe they have nothing to do with good for Negan. But you say baseball and I automatically think of baseball bat and then I think of Negan. Plus the cards were wrapped up – imprisonment symbolism? Michonne would be the only one who could truly let Negan free… I’m not to sure about these cards but I do feel Negan with them.

Finally the little sheriff figure. Obviously, it’s for Rick. But what does a Sheriff represent in general? Well first off the Sheriff is supposed to represent keeping the peace. A sheriff protects the peace, enforces law, provides traffic control, investigates accidents, transports prisoners,and leads a community. I work for a Sheriff department, as luck would have it(for me, anyway) and I can tell you something neat. The badge we all know – the star badge – was taken because it was cheaper and easier to make than the original badge – which was an eagle shaped/themed badge. Plus the star is a symbol of all fifty states and the Sheriff wears the star with his state and his county name printed on it. So it’s his American shield/symbol of bringing peace.

Rick being a Sheriff is really interesting for me since I started working with the Sheriff of my county. Throughout the last eight years of TWD, I have seen Rick do basically everything I just described above… But he’s also been very much the complete opposite of what a Sheriff is supposed to stand for. I mean Rick has murdered before. He stabs Shane after luring him into a false sense of peace, straight up put a machete through Thomas’s head at the prison, strangles a Claimer to death and rips the throat of another open…Like Rick has done a lot of shit a Sheriff shouldn’t do… But he is still a symbol of peace and future, which is what a Sheriff is.

So with those items aside, lets talk about a Mockingbird. In the book, there’s a quote about the Mockingbird, which is supposed to be part of the symbolism we talked about above. The line is said by Atticus and later affirmed by Miss Maudie, I believe. It goes as followed:

“Rememberit’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” That was the only time I ever heard Atticus say it was a sin to do something, and I asked Miss Maudie about it.

“Your father’s right,” she said. “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corn cribs,they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

This line is the main line for the title of the book and is basically the key metaphor explored by people. It’s true that Boo and Tom are indeed part of this symbolism. The mockingbird is a symbol that good, innocent people are destroyed by evil. Tom is destroyed by evil and I believe he’s even likened to a songbird that was slaughtered by children (or something like that, I’d have to dig my copy out and really read it again… Which I just might…). For Boo, he was destroyed by the evil that is his abusive father long ago, but he was still just good and gentle and didn’t cause no harm and saved Jem and Scout. Scout even makes a wise comment that hurting poor Boo would be like shooting a Mockingbird – it would be a sin to punish something/someone who has done nothing but try to be a good soul.

I believe the reason they decided to use To Kill A Mockingbird for this episode is because of Magna, Yumiko, Connie, Kelly, and Luke… And for Michonne. Think about it. There’s a trial scene. At this point,Judith would be Scout and even a bit of Boo. Michonne is being a Bob Ewell (funny how that works) and Magna and her group are Tom Robinson.

Michonne bases Magna and the whole group on one simple thing– Magna was a convict. She basically riled up a lynch mob with everyone and made the group out as these monsters that would stab them all in their sleep…Just as Bob painted Tom as some kind of big violent rapist. Judith was basically Scout and Boo. Judith saved them and brought them in, but she also killed to protect them (sure they were just walkers but yeah). Think about the character Scout and the Character Boo and then think about Judith. Judith can basically be considered “innocent” (I use that lightly because the girl isn’t completely innocent, she knows things, but she’s not grown enough to experience what true evil is). Judith is Scout in that she sees these people and assumes “good” because it’s something she just sees. Now obviously Magna and them are good, but what if they weren’t? Judith wouldn’t be able to see it. It wouldn’t take much to pull the cloak over a child’s eye, even one as quick witted and smart as Judith.

I believe that’s part of the reason we had her speaking against Negan. What Negan says is true about people. They can look real nice and seem real nice, but they can turn on you real quick and do damage. Funny enough, Negan is basically an anti-Atticus in his own right. He knows what is real good and what is real evil, but he lets himself make his own choices and runs an evil path. Atticus knew the difference between evil and good but stayed good and kind. Which, yeah, Rick fits this mold with a little push… But it’s also Daryl who fits this role the most and that’s something as well.

Anyway, Michonne was basically going to get Mockingbirds killed. Magna and them haven’t done anything evil that we know of so they’re not far from sin, but they are people that have done no wrong to the people that have helped them and have shown to be good and even democratic (the whole voting scene) and that’s our evidence that they’re good people just trying to survive. Michonne would basically be doing what Scout told Atticus about Boo –it would be like shooting a mockingbird to send them off. And I agree that Rick would have helped them too… He would’ve been wary and he would’ve been watching the new people, but Rick would’ve given them a chance to prove themselves as good. Michonne wasn’t doing that. She was stone walling them out – being a child throwing rocks at the mockingbirds.

Now… I know you asked about Beth. The more I think about it, Beth was an Atticus. She knew the world was full of evil… But she knew there were good people and knew that you had to see people for their strengths and weaknesses to see their whole and see them for who they were as a whole. Beth was like Jem and Scout too. She hadn’t experienced real evil until watching her father be beheaded… But she wavered in her belief of good people with Dawn and that put her at how Jem was towards the end of the book. But if she were around now, Beth could’ve been an Atticus…

Which leads me back to Daryl. If there’s anyone that fits the mold of Atticus, it’s Daryl… At least he did. Right now I’d say he’s more of a Jem. Lost his faith in systems and his beliefs of there being anymore good people… By the end of the book, Jem becomes distant in his belief of good people and justice. Daryl was an Atticus but now he’s a Jem… But he can become an Atticus again, which I believe will happen as the season goes on.

To be honest with you, the only thing bird related I’ve seenwith Beth was the bird cage in her cell room back in season 4. The birdcage in media – art or otherwise – is generally a symbol of lost freedom for a bird but also a frame of appreciation for their natural wonder. The birdcage is a symbol as much as the actual bird encased. For example, when I hear someone speak of a caged bird I always think of Sweeny Todd and the song “Green Finch and LinnetBird” that Johanna sings. In the song, Johanna compares herself to the caged bird and how she is trapped in the judges house, how her dream is to be free of her imprisonment and also talks of her inability to cope with the fact she will probably never escape. It’s always that song that comes to mind when I think of a bird cage and honestly it’s probably the most symbolic image and song I can think of. A bird that sings jubilantly and carefree while trapped in a cage…Yeah. That sounds like Beth. She still sings and still shows peace and acceptance even when she is basically in a giant bird cage in season 4 – the prison.Later – in season 5 at Grady – Beth still sings and is still an imprisoned bird, but she’s not as jubilant as she was. Rather she is like Johanna – she is trapped and isn’t sure how she’s to get free. But unlike Johanna, Beth isn’t disillusioned to her captivity and knows she’ll get free.

Now what about a Mockingbird? Well let’s talk about the bird itself. I know some people like @twdmusicboxmystery believe that the bird Daryl sees in 9x06 is an Osciner bird – the Songbird. But I believe it really is supposed to be a Bluebird or a Mockingbird, which IS a type of Songbird. I’m leaning more towards it being a Mockingbird since that’s part of the story in9x06. So Mystery isn’t wrong, I just believe it’s a different type of songbird than what they think it is.

And if it is the Mockingbird – which I believe it is – then that’s also a symbol for Daryl in that he doesn’t kill the bird and he doesn’t destroy it’s food source with the walker. He doesn’t commit a sin. He lets it live. And seeing a bird feeding it’s young and letting it live is definitely Daryl as a Boo Radley. Boo Radley was horribly hurt by his own father – like Daryl– and shut himself from the world because he wanted to be away from all the pain and horribleness the outside world can offer. That is what Daryl has basically done – shut himself way from people and their societies to “protect” himself from their troubles and pain. Loosing Rick put Daryl there but since Tyreese’s death – yes even with Beth’s death – Daryl has been pulling away and it’s no surprise he reached that point with Rick’s departure.

I know I’m not giving some deep meaning into the whole “Here’s all this that shows that Beth could be alive” and for that I’m sorry. I know that’s what you wanted me to answer, was probably hoping for… But I don’t see much symbolism around this bird and Beth and Daryl. I believe the bird is representing the To Kill A Mockingbird theme and that Daryl has his place as Boo at the moment, but is also an Atticus in his own right but needs to find his balance again. Which Daryl has a balance, he’s just off kilter right now.Understandably so.

This isn’t me shitting on anyone. I believe too many people are putting TOO MUCH emphases on all these things being related to Beth. I don’t have any connection for birds and Beth except for one thing and that’s Beth back at the prison and while she was in Grady because of that birdcage. People want to point out Carl seeing a bird cage back in season 4 with a dead bird on the ground and I think that was to symbolize how Carl was feeling and what he was going through – that he was a bird that escaped a cage but he has a chance of dying like the bird, who was probably caged it’s whole life and once free it didn’t know how to care for itself. But Carl wasn’t going to be the bird. He was going to survive and carry his dad along. Which he did. Sure he dies later,but for that scene and for that moment, Carl didn’t let himself become the dead bird.

So… I guess – posting all of this – I don’t really have anything to add to Beth and Birds and symbolism besides to say that sorry I don’t have anything but maybe reading what I’ve posted will give you a thought to go with your connections for Beth?

Thanks for asking me, by the way. This was pleasantly stimulating.

[alexthegamingboy]

Toonami Weekly Recap 8/25/2018

Attack On Titan Season 3 EP#02 - Pain: Kenny, now working for the Interior Squad, pursues Levi with members of his group, but Levi manages to escape. Mikasa hears the commotion and leads the other scouts in defense of Historia and Eren, which involves killing other humans, something they have never done before. In the Capital city Mitras, the government receives a message from Lord Reiss that Historia and Eren have been captured. Following their savage battle with Kenny's group, Armin and the rest are traumatized of having to fight and kill other humans which Levi consoles them. They interrogate their prisoner and community leader, Dimo Reeves, who helped the Military Police, but he fears for the future of his company and the people in Trost. Levi offers him protection for the people of Trost in exchange for his help. Elsewhere, Hange approaches Erwin to help, suggesting that Eren will be eaten if they do not rescue him. With Reeves' assistance, the scouts capture some Interior Squad soldiers and torture Sannes, the man who killed Pastor Nick, about the whereabouts of Historia and Eren. They discover Historia is the real heir to the throne and conclude she is being held by her father, Rod Reiss. Later, Reeves is killed by Kenny for betraying him, unaware that Reeves' son is witnessing it. 

Information Available for Public Disclosure: Anti-Personnel omni-directional mobility gear. 

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable EP#02 - Josuke Higashikata! Meets Angelo: Angelo sneaks Aqua Necklace into the Higashikata residence in the hope of killing Josuke's mother Tomoko, but Josuke manages to catch it before it can kill her and traps it inside a bottle. When Josuke's grandfather Ryohei comes home, however, Angelo, remembering that Ryohei was the one who put him in jail, tricks him into setting Aqua Necklace free and kills him. Despite using Crazy Diamond's ability to heal Ryohei's wounds, Josuke is saddened to discover that his power can't bring back those who have already died. As Josuke and Jotaro spend the next few days thinking of a plan to stop Angelo, they become surrounded after a rain storm floods the house, allowing Aqua Necklace to move freely through puddles and mist. Angelo attempts to kill Josuke by sending Aqua Necklace through a humidifier into his mouth, but Josuke traps it in a rubber glove he had swallowed earlier. Upon finding Angelo's physical body, Josuke takes revenge for his grandfather by trapping Angelo in a rock.

Pop Team Epic EP#09 - Dancing with a Miracle: Popuko and Pipimi encounter a young runaway boy while visiting New York City. Other skits include Popuko ordering latte art, Pipimi attempting standup comedy, and the girls trying French cuisine.

My Hero Academia EP#16 - In Their Own Quirky Ways: During the obstacle race, Todoroki effortlessly passes each obstacle with Bakugo in hot pursuit. At the last obstacle, Izuku uses his wits to pass through both and win the race. However, his victory is short-lived when he learns that by being first place, he is the top target for the next round.

Black Clover EP#36 - Three Eyes: Licht is restrained by Yami. All the children return to the village and Noelle learns the details of the fight at the caves and is upset that she was left behind and Asta might still be at risk. Asta and the others remain stuck in the caves as Finral has run out of magic and cannot teleport them. Three more Eye of the Midnight Sun members suddenly appear through a portal to free Licht. Licht reveals that the three are actually the strongest members of the Eye, even more powerful than himself, and collectively call themselves the Third Eye. Licht further explains that as the three leaves of the clover represent Integrity, Hope and Love, the Third Eye chose to become the clovers exact opposite and named themselves Rhya the Disloyal, Vetto the Despair and Fana the Hateful. Rhya can copy the magic of others and copies Yami’s darkness magic. Vetto can use Beast magic and manages to destroy Yami’s katana with a single blow. Fana can use spirit magic similar to Yuno, but while Yuno is contracted to Sylph of the Wind, Fana is contracted to Salamander of the Fire. As the Third Eye all try to kill Yami they are suddenly stopped by the arrival of three other Squad Captains, Nozel Silva of the Silver Eagles, Charlotte Rosary of the Blue Rose, and Jack the Ripper of the Green Praying Mantises.

Hunter x Hunter: The Chimera Ant Arc EP#109 - Taking Stock × And × Taking Action: The time has come for Gon and his friends to infiltrate the palace and confront the Royal Guard, who are making preparations for the upcoming selection. As his concerns about Komugi increase, the king starts questioning his own existence and purpose.

One-Punch Man EP#03 - The Obsessive Scientist: Armored Gorilla tells the story of Doctor Genus, a brilliant young scientist with plans to artificially evolve humans, but becomes disillusioned with the world. Dr. Genus eventually discovers the secret to immortality and makes himself young again, clones himself multiple times, and then works on animals and humanoids to create the monsters that make up the House of Evolution. Saitama cuts off the narration, at which Armored Gorilla summarizes that Genus just wants to capture Saitama for his experiments. Genos destroys Dr. Genus's eight-floor tower, prompting Dr. Genus to unleash his ultimate creation, Carnage Kabuto, who at first is afraid of Saitama's aura of overwhelming power. Kabuto asks Saitama his secret to his strength, at which Saitama happily tells him, Genos, and Dr. Genus. Kabuto attacks Saitama, but when Saitama realizes that today was supposed to be the big supermarket sale, he quickly punches Kabuto into pieces, and leaves with Genos to rush to the sale. Afterwards, Dr. Genus abandons his research.

There will be a My Hero Academia Marathon this Saturday and Destiny 2: Forsaken launches September 4.

[worldticketsandhospitality]

South Korea Football World Cup star Son Heung-min does Spider-Man celebration after Spurs goal

There was gladness at home for Tottenham Hotspur this Boxing Day when their very own Spider-Man South Korea Football World Cup star Son scored their third goal in a 3-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

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South Korea Football World Cup striker Son Heung-Min hit for Spurs in the 74th minute to heap on the misery for Palace, who had their star-man Wilfried Zaha sent off in the first half.

After scoring the goal, South Korea Football World Cup star Son and his teammates were renowned for aping Spider-Man’s iconic web spray and “Spider-Son” was born. Tom Holland, who is the newest actor to take on the iconic superhero, is a big Spurs fan and the latest Spider-Man movie was released earlier this month.

Holland is such a big fan that when he saw Kylian Mbappe he tried to persuade the Frenchman to sign for Spurs, causing the wonder kid to burst out laughing and firmly say no. To know more about FIFA World Cup Tickets click here.

South Korea Football World Cup striker Son has been Tottenham’s main man this season. The South Korea international is their leading Premier League scorer with eight goals and their joint-best creator with three contributions in the league.

The incursion against Crystal Palace was also his 22nd goal participation in the Premier League during this calendar year. The Tottenham Hotspur star has a prolific record against the Eagles, recording double-figure hauls in three of his last four home summits with them.

Son's home form this season proposes that the run against Palace can continue. All four of his 10+ point’s tows have come at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The South Korea Football World Cup star is enjoying his most reliable form of the campaign, scoring in each of Spurs’ last three Premier League matches.

The South Korea Football World Cup spider-son is baptized as vice-captain in a Scout Selection that lines up in a 3-5-2 creation, with Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.5m) offered the armband.

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[full-imagination]

David Edward Tate

David Edward Tate, 80, died April 8, 2021 after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was born June 23, 1940 in the Republic of Panama. Son of the late Jesse DeWitt Tate and Ethel Westman Tate, he grew up in the Panama Canal Zone with his parents, his older sister Louise, and numerous pets, including his beloved Javelina, Moochie. An avid outdoorsman from childhood onward, he spent many happy hours hunting and fishing in and around the Canal Zone. After graduation from Balboa High School, he journeyed to Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, he saw his first snowfall and completed Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Named the Pi Tau Sigma Outstanding Senior in Mechanical Engineering, another highlight was a blind date with Jane Johnston. Instantly appealing to one another, they were married in December 1963. The couple journeyed to Fort Benning Georgia to serve his Army commitment in the Army Corps of Engineers. Along the way, David earned the coveted Paratrooper Wings, completing five jumps including a night jump. Additionally, he attained the marksmanship rating of Expert with the M14 rifle and the .45 automatic pistol. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and made a safe return in 1966. After his honorable discharge from the Army, David and Jane moved to Spartanburg SC. David and Jane commenced a lifelong affiliation with First Presbyterian Church at that time. The family had expanded with three energetic sons, and by 1972, David was ready to go into business for himself, founding Tate Metalworks in April 1972. By dint of hard work and much skill, David and Jane grew the business over the years, with David stepping aside as President of the company in 2013 and handing the reins over to his son Brian. Although fully engaged at work, David made time for his church, serving First Presbyterian as Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and on a host of committees. Additionally, he and Jane were both heavily involved with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, with David serving as scoutmaster, and with all three Tate boys attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Jane died in 2013, and David stayed busy with outdoor and family pursuits. In the meantime, a family friend arranged a date with the lovely widow Betty Reagan. Eventually, they were married, and a harmonious new family unit was created, now expanded to three children, two step-children, and eight grandchildren. No summary of David’s living life to the utmost is complete without discussing his mechanical and outdoor pursuits. He assembled and disassembled entire \cars, skillfully conceived, designed and fabricated complex custom pressure vessels, caught a 70-pound tarpon on a fly rod, and took a 300-pound grouper with a spear gun while Scuba diving. A masterful hunter, he took feral hogs from a helicopter in Western Texas, used thermal imaging, on foot, to carry out successful night hunts for feral hogs, built his own muzzleloaders, successfully used to take deer. Living life to the maximum, this one-man episode of Wild Kingdom made his own free-range sausage that is the stuff of family legend. A vital element of all of Dad’s adventures was that all of them took place accompanied by his sons and grandsons so that all of these epic occasions became joyous family outings. Predeceased by his first wife Jane Johnston Tate, parents Jesse Dewitt and Ethel Westman Tate, and sister, Louise Tate Schlegel, he leaves behind an expansive and loving family unit. Surviving family includes sons, David Tate, Jr. (Danielle) of Louisville, Kentucky, Grant Tate (Becky) and Brian Tate (Jeannie), both of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Jay Reagan (MaryLadd) of Charlotte North Carolina, and Kelley Reagan of Charleston, South Carolina. Grandchildren include David Tate III, Elizabeth, and Katherine Tate of Louisville, Kentucky, Evie Tate of Missoula, Montana, Maron Tate of Los Angeles, California, Abby Moss of Beaufort SC, Joshua Moss of Inman, South Carolina, John Reagan and Anne Palmer Reagan of Charlotte, NC, Antonio Santana (Destiny), Miko Santana (Bekah) and Timothy Durham, all of Louisville, Kentucky. A recent joyful addition is great-grandson Dixon Ray Santana of Louisville, Kentucky, along with Dixon’s running mate, grand-dog Miss Marple the Great Dane. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Steven Corso and his staff, the hematology-oncology unit at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, the Hospice Service at Spartanburg Regional, and the Comfort Keepers team, all of whom provided superb, compassionate care to David. Funeral services will take place 11:00 AM Monday, April 12, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC, 29302, with graveside services to follow immediately at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Masks and social distancing are required in the sanctuary. The service will be livestreamed at https://bit.ly/2OvzWjy. In place of flowers, David requests that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel from The JF Floyd Mortuary via Spartanburg Funeral

[orbemnews]

Nebraska's longest-serving paramedic dies while fighting brush fire near Fort Calhoun “I worked fires with him and attended classes,” said Townsend, who is an owner of Medics at Home. “Denny was very intelligent, and he was constantly taking classes. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and gathering information in the paramedic field.” Bender grew up near 43rd and Miami Streets in Omaha, one of eight children. He graduated from Holy Name High School at age 16 in 1960 and went to work as an electrician, eventually starting Bender Electric. Bender’s father died when he was 21, leaving him as the family breadwinner. His sister, Mary Potmesil of Omaha, said her brother pushed all of his siblings to be successful. “My mom was still alive, and all eight of us kids were still at home when Dad died,” Potmesil said. “There was no question, Denny was the head of the family. He was one of those people that you wish that you could be like.” A sign was changed in honor of Dennis M. Bender, a paramedic with the Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department who died fighting a fire Wednesday. CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD Potmesil said her son, also named Fred, went to work for her brother at Bender Electric when he was a teen. His uncle was sometimes gruff, but also kind and patient. “He told me just this morning that Denny could be rough, but if he ever needed any help, he knew that Denny would be there in a heartbeat,” Potmesil said. “Denny didn’t care who you were, he believed people were good.” Fred Bender said his brother served in the Nebraska National Guard for several years in addition to running his company. He also was an Eagle Scout and remained active in the Boy Scouts throughout his life. Source link Orbem News #brush #brushfire #buildingindustry #Calhoun #commerce #dennism.bender #denny #Dies #fighting #Fire #firedepartment #firestation #Firefighter #Fort #fortcalhoun #fortcalhounfiredepartment #fredbender #georgebender #joesacks #joelsacks #longestserving #marypotmesil #Medicine #Nebraska #Nebraskas #paramedic #poncahillsvolunteerfiredepartment #prayer #public-safety #socialservices #tomtownsend #Tweet #volunteer #Work

[teacherintransition]

Coffee... take a break ... we have all the time in the world except we’re running out of it.

Far from being seasoned travelers, we got a late start in life and we can hear the ticking of the clock.

I was concerned, without putting too fine a point on it, that the writing I shared last week appeared to be coming from a Kerouac style road warrior who was gristled and hard and was a fountain of rebellious wisdom garnered by always taking the road less traveled. Au contraire mon ami, we entered this game later in life than some yet more so that others ever would. Of all the valuable lessons to be learned from dedicating oneself to travel is usually and hopefully the first one; and I paraphrase here, “ true wisdom is realizing not how much you know, but how much you have to learn.” Our first few adventures were consumed with lessons dealing with logistics: how to pack, what not to pack, which converters to use, when do need to use the passports ... etc., this can almost turn off the glow that one expects from seeing the world and it’s marvels. You gotta get your feet wet no matter what you embark upon... so we developed our routine and attained a limited veteran status.

I related in last week’s story how my wife Kim was the impetus for the new path that we were taking. Before August of 2013, our “vacations” were of the common variety of middle class parents of three. Since all three of our sons were accomplished Eagle Scouts, a good number of our outings dealt with camping and hiking during summer breaks. The summers were broken up with trips to various size cities to visit the sites: San Antonio, Dallas, Fredericksburg and Houston to visit family. For eight summers we rented the same house at Crystal Beach and had wonderful times until hurricane Ike blew down our gulf getaway. All in all, our trips as a family took on the tone of a John Mellencamp song. We were fully aware of the valuable nature of travel as through Boy Scouts, we arranged trips for each of our sons to attend “High Adventure “ camps in Ely, Minnesota, Philmont in New Mexico and the Florida Keys. Each of our sons participated in numerous football, baseball and soccer camps. We made certain that our sons never feared hitting the open road, all the while the clarion call of our desired travels were kept far removed from contemplation.

This is the common approach I dare say of most American families when it comes to vacations with the kids; they are entertaining, happy and kid centered. Adventures and exploration are left to those of more substantial means. Our talks included much mention of the vaunted “one day” and “bucket lists”, a term I detest. As the years progressed, our travels consisted of simply visiting our sons where they had set up house and started their own lives. It was in many ways a very stagnant outlook and adding to that the previously mentioned debilitating leg injury ... it appeared that travel for us would be of the most common nature. Dreams run deep though, very deep ...

Without retelling aspects of our epiphany and the contrasting mundanity of learning logistics, we returned from Ireland in 2014, with an afterglow that changed everything about us. We had received so much more from our adventure than we realized as we thought the overwhelming effects would center on the anxiety of getting through an international airport without incident. We had indeed been touched by magic; Kim became a cook of Irish delights, I read volumes of books, we “entertained” our friends with poorly performed accents and story after story. Paraphrasing an oft seen commercial of an elderly person being injured, “we began talking and we couldn’t shut up!” Boy, we were having fun talking about the trip of a lifetime, but we became aware of voice that silently haunted our thoughts, “what next?”

“What next indeed,” the term ... trip of a lifetime... indicated one, no more, we got what we needed, no mas, el fin ... no, no, no that simply wouldn’t do. New questions and wonders delightfully teased our waking and sleeping hours. Travel programs were a special treat as we developed new “must see’s” and added to our, ugh, bucket list. This time we realized that it could be done, by us no less. We had made friends of a unique nature... others of a like mind that knew deep in their heart that every corner of this world was meant to be seen, explored, tasted, walked upon and drank like bottles of wine.

Truly, our world expanded and questions of what we wanted to learn grew exponentially, and far from being disconcerting in any way, it was marvelous. We began learning bits and pieces of other languages and began to understand through the history and culture we experienced, why our world was the way it was ... and introspectively, why we were the way we were. As we reasoned with the knowledge we acquired, we came to understand that we needn’t be those things ... history comes with its lessons ready to learn.

There is a deep seeded need in all of us to be overwhelmed at the wonders of this world. Circumstances, trials and close minded notions bury this need so deeply in some so as not to be recovered ... resulting in an immeasurable tragedy. I’ve gone to pains to state that such explorations are not reserved for the wealthy alone ... far from it... it is our world too. Despite the current dilemmas we find in our world, travel is still very much our call, even though we all find our world limited in various respects. This transitioning teacher has more to see and share... this too is a lesson learned. The prime lesson, I know far less than I thought is enticing beyond belief.

Share your travel stories as we examine this magic further as friends and explorers of a like mind ...

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[the-seas-song]

Tolkien Gen Week Day 2

DAY TWO: platonic relationships “Platonic” is a word with a broad definition, but as long as it’s not romantic, a relationship can fit under this category. This day can be for creating content about two unlikely companions, best friends, and any other possible relationship however you interpret it.

Hello! My favorite platonic relationship is Arwen/Aragorn/Legolas. We all know that Arwen and Aragorn have a romantic and sexual relationship, however since I'm focusing on how the three of them function as a platonic triad, hopefully this is still an acceptable submission.

This is book based. Aragorn needs both Arwen and Legolas's support in order to fulfill his destiny. I have never understood why people say that the films gave Aragorn self-doubt, because he is far more confident in the films than he ever is in the books! Unfortunately my Aragorn essay isn't finished, so if you want more quotes on his self-doubt than I'm giving here, contact me and I would be happy to provide more quotes and explain my reasoning.

I'm going to go over this after the quotes, but my thesis statement (so to speak) is that Aragorn draws on Arwen and is supported by Legolas.

Thus he became at last the most hardy of living Men, skilled in their crafts and lore, and was yet more than they; for he was elven-wise, and there was a light in his eyes that when they were kindled few could endure.

[cut]

But Aragorn was grown to full stature of body and mind, and Galadriel bade him cast aside his wayworn raiment, and she clothed him in silver and white, with a cloak of elven-grey and a bright gem on his brow. Then more than any king he appeared, and seemed rather an Elf-lord form the Isles of the West. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Aragorn has become wise, with both the knowledge of Elves and Men. Greater than just a mortal king of Men, he has come into his own and reached a new level. The light in his eyes is the same “elven-light” that he saw in Arwen's, when they first met.

And Arwen said: “Dark is the Shadow, and yet my heart rejoices; for you, Estel, shall be among the great whose valour will destroy it.”

But Aragorn answered: “Alas! I cannot foresee it, and how it may come to pass is hidden from me. Yet with your hope I will hope.” - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Rejoice means “feel or show great joy or delight.” Arwen says, 'Sauron's power is strong, but at the same time I feel great joy, because you will help bring about his defeat.' She knows, without a doubt, what is meant to happen.

This is backed up by a note in the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth:

Actually the Elves believed that the 'lightening of the heart' or the 'stirring of joy' (to which they often refer), which may accompany the hearing of a proposition or an argument, is not an indication of its falsity but of the recognition by the fëa that it is on the path of truth. - Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth, Author's Note 8

It is also important to note that both Arwen and Gilraen continue to call Aragorn Estel for the rest of their lives. Aragorn is the Chieftain, Strider the Ranger, Thorongil the Captain, and Elessar the King. Estel? He is the man, inherently elvish. We know that he is above any other mortal, but I don't think we ponder the consequences of that enough. There is a large part of himself that no mortal will ever understand.

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.” Aragorn doubts himself, and doubts the light's ability to triumph. Arwen's hope gives him strength, and he holds onto it.

Elrond: “For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, and Men. Legolas shall be for the Elves; and Gimli son of Glóin for the Dwarves. They are willing to go at least to the passes of the Mountains, and maybe beyond. For men you shall have Aragorn son of Arathorn, for the Ring of Isildur concerns him closely.” - Lord of the Rings, The Ring Goes South

We are not told when or why Legolas was picked for the Fellowship. However, Elrond tells Frodo this almost two months after the Council of Elrond. The fact that Legolas has stayed in Rivendell all this time implies that he was chosen early. My belief is that Legolas insisted on joining the Fellowship because of Aragorn and their close friendship.

“There lie the woods of Lothlórien!” said Legolas. “That is the fairest of all the dwelling of my people. There are no trees like the trees of that land. For in the autumn their leaves fall not, but turn to gold. Not till the spring comes and the new green opens do they fall, and then the boughs are laden with yellow flowers; and the floor of the wood is golden, and golden is the roof, and its pillars are of silver, for the bark of the trees is smooth and grey. So still our songs in Mirkwood say. My heart would be glad if I were beneath the eaves of that wood, and it were springtime!”

“My heart will be glad, even in the winter,” said Aragorn. “But it lies many miles away. Let us hasten!” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

Aragorn confides that he too will be relieved to be in Lothlórien. He is replying to Legolas; but we don't know if the others heard him or not.

At last Legolas turned, and seeing them now far behind, he spoke to Aragorn. The others halted, and Aragorn ran back, calling Boromir to come with him.

“I am sorry, Frodo!” he cried, full of concern. - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

Aragorn, overwhelmed with the day's events, forgot about Frodo and Sam's injuries. Legolas notices their trouble and nudges Aragorn into action. This is the start of a crucial pattern – Aragorn depending on Legolas when he is overcome by a dark emotion.

“Eight,” said Legolas. “Myself, four hobbits; and two men, one of whom, Aragorn, is an Elf-friend of the folk of Westernesse.” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

It is interesting that Legolas singles out Aragorn of the entire company – Boromir too is of Númenórean descent, after all. However, Legolas emphasizes that Aragorn is an Elf-friend who can be trusted.

“I am an Elf and a kinsman here,” said Legolas, becoming angry in his turn.

“Now let us cry: 'a plague on the stiff necks of Elves!'” said Aragorn. “But the Company shall all fare alike. Come, bind our eyes, Haldir!” - Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien

I think this really shows how comfortable Aragorn is with Legolas – we never see him make this kind of comment with anyone else. Aragorn knows Legolas isn't going to take offense or hold it against him, and he slips from the role of leader for a moment of genuine exasperation.

“An evil of the Ancient World it seemed, such as I have never seen before,” said Aragorn. “It was both a shadow and a flame, strong and terrible.”

“It was a Balrog of Morgoth,” said Legolas; “of all elf-banes the most deadly, save the One who sits in the Dark Tower.” - Lord of the Rings, The Mirror of Galadriel

Legolas has lore knowledge that Aragorn doesn't. This is the beginning of a pattern, where Legolas and Aragorn share knowledge with each other.

None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance. - Lord of the Rings, The Mirror of Galadriel

Aragorn was raised by elves, he has an inherently elvish nature. That is why it is only he and Legolas can meet Galadriel's gaze.

“Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,” said Galadriel; “for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.” Then she lifted from her lap a great stone of a clear green, set in a silver brooch that was wrought in the likeness of an eagle with outspread wings; and as she held it up the gem flashed like the sun shining through the leaves of spring. “This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil!”

Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders.  - Lord of the Rings, Farewell to Lórien

Yet maybe this will lighten your heart,

Galadriel perceives Aragorn's doubt and worry.

for it was left in my care to be given to you, should you pass through this land.

Arwen left the Elessar with Galadriel. She did not send it, but left it. That is a crucial difference. Arwen has not been in Lothlórien for nine years. She foresaw that Aragorn would pass through Lothlórien, when it was time for him to claim his birthright.

This stone I gave to Celebrían my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope.

Arwen is having the Elessar come to Aragorn as a symbol of her hope and faith.

In this hour take the name that was foretold for you, Elessar, the Elfstone of the House of Elendil!

Through her grandmother, Arwen is encouraging Aragorn to embrace his destiny. She knows of the prophecies regarding him.

Then Aragorn took the stone and pinned the brooch upon his breast, and those who saw him wondered; for they had not marked before how tall and kingly he stood, and it seemed to them that many years of toil had fallen from his shoulders.

Arwen is the reason Aragorn loses the darkness, and shines brightly. She is ever there for him, and he is ever holding on to her strength.

“What is that, Legolas?” he asked, pointing to the northern sky. “Is it, as I think, an eagle?”

“Yes,” said Legolas. “It is an eagle, a hunting eagle. I wonder what that forebodes. It is far from the mountains.”

“We will not start until it is fully dark,” said Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Great River

Aragorn relies on Legolas, double checking himself. He is then able to come up with a plan.

It was decided that Aragorn and Legolas should at once go forward along the shore, while the others remained by the boats. - Lord of the Rings, The Great River

Aragorn goes scouting with Legolas, instead of anyone else. Legolas is the obvious choice for scouting, but Aragorn isn't. “It was decided” sounds like a group decision, but the way it's phrased implies it was the timing they decided.

Aragorn: “Which way would any of us choose in Frodo's place? I do not know. Now indeed we miss Gandalf most.”

“Grievous is our loss,” said Legolas. “Yet we must needs make up our minds without his aid. Why cannot we decide, and so help Frodo? Let us call him back and then vote! I should vote for Minas Tirith.” - Lord of the Rings, The Breaking of the Fellowship

Aragorn's uncertainty and hopelessness is clear. Legolas jumps in and gently prods Aragorn into calling the group back together and making the vote.

“And I too will go with him,” said Legolas. “It would be faithless now to say farewell.”

“It would indeed be a betrayal, if we all left him,” said Aragorn. “But if he goes east, then all need not go with him; nor do I think that all should. That venture is desperate: as much so for eight as for three or two, or one alone. If you would let me choose, then I should appoint three companions: Sam, who could not bear it otherwise; and Gimli; and myself. Boromir will return to his own city, where his father and his people need him; and with him the others should go, or at least Meriadoc and Peregrin, if Legolas is not willing to leave us.” - Lord of the Rings, The Breaking of the Fellowship

We don't know for sure why Aragorn doesn't want Legolas to go to Mordor, but I think it's because Legolas, as an elf, stands out more than the others (especially on the Unseen plane, see more here). Though, Aragorn also knows Legolas well enough to know it is not likely that Legolas will consent to leave them.

“Alas!” said Aragorn. “Thus passes the heir of Denethor, Lord of the Tower of Guard! This is a bitter end. Now the Company is all in ruin. It is I that have failed. Vain was Gandalf's trust in me. What shall I do now? Boromir has laid it on me to go to Minas Tirith, and my heart desires it; but where are the Ring and the Bearer? How shall I find them and save the Quest from disaster?”

He knelt for a while, bent with weeping, still clasping Boromir's hand. So it was that Legolas and Gimli found him. They came from the western slopes of the hill, silently, creeping through the trees as if they were hunting. Gimli had his axe in hand, and Legolas his long knife: all his arrows were spent. When they came into the glade they halted in amazement; and then they stood a moment with heads bowed in grief, for it seemed to them plain what had happened.

“Alas!” said Legolas, coming to Aragorn's side. “We have hunted and slain many Orcs in the woods, but we should have been of more use here. We came when we heard the horn – but too late, it seems. I fear you have taken deadly hurt.”

“Boromir is dead,” said Aragorn. “I am unscathed, for I was not here with him. He fell defending the hobbits, while I was away upon the hill.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.” Bitter means “difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear.” Ruin means “the state or condition of being destroyed or decayed.” Fail means “to prove deficient or lacking.” Vain means “archaic: senseless or foolish.”

Aragorn is bent over crying, overcome not only with grief, but with all-encompassing guilt, despair, and indecision. 'Boromir's death is the sign of our horrible end! The Fellowship is destroyed because I am a failure! Gandalf was foolish to trust me! I don't know what to do! I don't know how to fix things!'

Legolas and Gimli halt in amazement, and then grief. Legolas then rushes to Aragorn's side, because Aragorn is so emotionally distraught and overcome that Legolas fears he is fatally injured.

“I do not know,” answered Aragorn wearily. “Before he died Boromir told me that the Orcs had bound them; he did not think that they were dead. I sent him to follow Merry and Pippin; but I did not ask him if Frodo or Sam were with him: not until it was too late. All that I have done today has gone amiss. What is to be done now?”

“First we must tend the fallen,” said Legolas. “We cannot leave him lying like carrion among these foul Orcs.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Weary means “exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress.”

Aragorn is still overcome with despair, blaming himself for everything, and cannot make a decision. Legolas prompts him into action.

“But we do not know whether the Ring-bearer is with them or not,” said Aragorn. “Are we to abandon him? Must we not seek him first? An evil choice is now before us!”

“Then let us do first what we must do,” said Legolas. “We have not the time or the tools to bury our comrade fitly, or to raise a mound over him. A cairn we might build.” - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

For the fourth time, Legolas cuts through Aragorn's dark emotions and nudges him into action; supporting him.

“S is for Sauron,” said Gimli. “That is easy to read.”

“Nay!” said Legolas. “Sauron does not use the elf-runes.”

“Neither does he use his right name, nor permit it to be spelt or spoken,” said Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

While Legolas's bond with Gimli is certainly deep, he and Aragorn connect on a different level. They are equals – they can talk about lore, or the unseen influences, because Aragorn was raised to understand Elvish thought.

(We see this issue a few times just between Legolas and Gimli as well; for more on them see here)

For a while the three companions remained silent, gazing after him. Then Aragorn spoke. “They will look for him from the White Tower,” he said, “but he will not return from mountain or from sea.” Then slowly he began to sing:

“Through Rohan over fen and field where the long grass grows

The West Wind comes walking, and about the walls it goes.

What news from the West, O wandering wind, do you bring to me tonight?

Have you seen Boromir the Tall by moon or by starlight?

I saw him ride over seven streams, over waters wide and grey;

I saw him walk in empty lands, until he passed away

Into the shadows of the North. I saw him then no more.

The North Wind may have heard the horn of the son of Denethor.

O Boromir! From the high walls westward I looked afar,

But you came not from the empty lands where no men are.”

Then Legolas sang:

“From the mouths of the Sea the South Wind flies, from the sandhills and the stones;

The wailing of the gulls it bears, and at the gate it moans.

What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring to me at eve?

Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve.

Ask not of me where he doth dwell-so many bones there lie

On the white shores and the dark shores under the stormy sky;

So many have passed down Anduin to find the flowing Sea.

Ask of the North Wind news of them the North Wind sends to me!

O Boromir! Beyond the gate the seaward road runs south,

But you came not with the wailing gulls from the grey sea's mouth.”

Then Aragorn sang again:

“From the Gate of Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls;

And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls.

What news from the North, O mighty wind, do you bring to me today?

What news of Boromir the Bold? For he is long away.

Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry. There many foes he fought.

His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought.

His head so proud, his face so fair, his limbs they laid to rest;

And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast.

'O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze

To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days.”

So they ended. Then they turned their boat and drove it with all the speed they could against the stream back to Parth Galen. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Aragorn and Legolas sing together for Boromir's funeral boat.

“Maybe hunting Orcs came on him and he fled,” said Legolas.

“He fled, certainly,” said Aragorn, “but not, I think, from Orcs.” What he thought was the cause of Frodo's sudden resolve and flight Aragorn did not say. The last words of Boromir he long kept secret. - Lord of the Rings, The Departure of Boromir

Aragorn corrects Legolas on the reason why Frodo fled.

For the moment Aragorn was at a loss: the orc-trail had descended into the valley, but there it vanished.

“Which way would they turn, do you think?” said Legolas. “Northward to take a straighter road to Isengard, or Fangorn, if that is their aim as you guess? Or southward to strike the Entwash?”

“They will not make for the river, whatever mark they aim at,” said Aragorn. “And unless there is much amiss in Rohan and the power of Saruman is greatly increased, they will take the shortest way that they can find over the fields of the Rohirrim. Let us search northwards!” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Moment means “a specific point in time, especially the present time.” At a loss means “perplexed; puzzled.”

Aragorn in not merely pausing for a moment, he is truly confused. Knowing this, Legolas starts listing off ways and asking Aragorn which way he thinks the Orcs would go. His prompting clears Aragorn's mind and lets him start leading again.

Aragorn was searching, bent towards the ground, among the folds and gullies leading up into the western ridge. Legolas was some way ahead. Suddenly the Elf gave a cry and the others came running towards him.

“We have already overtaken some of those that we are hunting,” he said. “Look!” He pointed, and they saw that what they had at first taken to be boulders lying at the foot of the slope were huddled bodies. Five dead Orcs lay there. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas is the one to find the orcs' bodies.

“Yet however you read it, it seems not unhopeful,” said Legolas. “Enemies of the Orcs are likely to be our friends. Do any folk dwell in these hills?”

“No,” said Aragorn. “The Rohirrim seldom come here, and it is far from Minas Tirith. It might be that some company of Men were hunting here for reasons that we do not know. Yet I think not.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas insists on being positive, and relies on Aragorn's knowledge of other peoples.

“Look!” cried Legolas, pointing up into the pale sky above them. “There is the eagle again! He is very high. He seems to be flying now away, from this land back to the North. He is going with great speed. Look!”

“No, not even my eyes can see him, my good Legolas,” said Aragorn. “He must be far aloft indeed. I wonder what is his errand, if he is the same bird I have seen before. But look! I can see something nearer at hand and more urgent; there is something moving over the plain!”

“Many things,” said Legolas. “It is a great company on foot; but I cannot say more, nor see what kind of folk they may be. They are many leagues away: twelve, I guess; but the flatness of the plain is hard to measure.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Having noticed the eagle, Legolas cries for Aragorn to look. Aragorn replies with an endearment for Legolas, and says he can't see it. Then, Aragorn notices movement on the plain, and asks Legolas to look. Neither is afraid to give and take, supporting and prompting the other.

“You are our guide,” said Gimli, “and you are skilled in the chase. You shall choose.”

“My heart bids me to go on,” said Legolas. “But we must hold together. I will follow your counsel.”

“You give the choice to an ill chooser,” said Aragorn. “Since we passed through the Argonath my choices have gone amiss.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Aragorn is still blaming himself for everything.

There is a notable difference between what Gimli and Legolas say here. Gimli speaks very pragmatically – Aragorn is the leader, and the one with tracking skills; therefore, it is his choice. Legolas speaks from a more emotional view – he feels they should go on, but that they must not separate. Gimli states that it's Aragorn's choice; Legolas says he'll follow Aragorn's advice. A subtle difference, but an important one. Legolas's response gives Aragorn emotional support that Gimli's doesn't.

“They are far far away,” he said sadly, turning to Aragorn. “I know in my heart that they have not rested this night. Only an eagle could overtake them now.”

“Nonetheless we will still follow as we may,” said Aragorn. Stooping he roused the Dwarf. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Here Aragorn is providing the support and hope, when Legolas confides in him.

Aragorn: “There is some will that lends speed to our foes and sets an unseen barrier before us: a weariness that is in the heart more than in the limb.”

“Truly!” said Legolas. “That I have known since first we came down from the Emyn Muil. For the will is not behind us but before us.” He pointed away over the land of Rohan into the darkling West under the sickle moon.

“Saruman!” muttered Aragorn. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas and Aragorn both feel (and know) the unseen influence against them. Legolas enlightens Aragorn to the cause of it.

Aragorn halted and examined the tracks closely.

“They rested here a while,” he said, “but even the outward trail is already old. I fear that your heart spoke truly, Legolas: it is thrice twelve hours, I guess, since the Orcs stood where we now stand. If they held to their pace, then at sundown yesterday they would reach the borders of Fangorn.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Aragorn confirms what Legolas's intuition said.

Following with his keen eyes the trail to the river, and then the river back towards the forest, Aragorn saw a shadow on the distant green, a dark swift-moving blur. He cast himself upon the ground and listened again intently. But Legolas stood beside him, shading his bright elven-eyes with his long slender hand, and he saw not a shadow, nor a blur, but the small figures of horsemen, many horsemen, and the glint of morning on the tips of their spears was like the twinkle of minute stars beyond the edge of mortal sight. Far behind them a dark smoke rose in thin curling threads.

There was a silence in the empty fields, and Gimli could hear the air moving in the grass.

“Riders!” cried Aragorn, springing to his feet. “Many riders on swift steeds are coming towards us!”

“Yes,” said Legolas, “there are one hundred and five. Yellow is their hair, and bright are their spears. Their leader is very tall.”

Aragorn smiled. “Keen are the eyes of the Elves,” he said.

“Nay! The riders are little more than five leagues distant,” said Legolas. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Oh, you two. Aragorn listens to the ground, and figures out what is coming towards them. Legolas, on the other hand, can see exactly what is coming towards them, and doesn't say a word until Aragorn does.

Instead of getting upset, Legolas being his sassy self makes Aragorn happy, as he smiles and compliments Legolas again. Endearingly, Legolas doesn't understand it.

Gimli and Legolas looked at their companion in amazement, for they had not seen him in this mood before. He seemed to have grown in stature while Éomer had shrunk; and in his living face they caught a brief vision of the power and majesty of the kings of stone. For a moment it seemed to the eyes of Legolas that a white flame flickered on the brows of Aragorn like a shining crown. - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

Legolas stares at Aragorn in wonder, for this is the first time he sees Aragorn showing his 'King side'. Legolas has a moment of foresight as he sees the white flame flicker on Aragorn's brows.

After a while Legolas spoke again.

“Celeborn warned us not to go far into Fangorn,” he said. “Do you know why, Aragorn? What are the fables of the forest that Boromir had heard?”

“I have heard many tales in Gondor and elsewhere,” said Aragorn, “but if it were not for the words of Celeborn I should deem them only fables that Men have made as true knowledge fades. I had thought of asking you what was the truth of the matter. And if an Elf of the wood does not know, how shall a Man answer?”

“You have journeyed further than I,” said Legolas. “I have heard nothing of this in my own land, save only in songs that tell how the Onodrim, that Men call Ents, dwelt there long ago; for Fangorn is old, old even as the Elves would reckon it.”

“Yes, it is old,” said Aragorn, “as old as the forest by the Barrow-downs, and it is far greater. Elrond says that the two are akin, the last strongholds of the mighty woods of the Elder Days, in which the Firstborn roamed while Men still slept. Yet Fangorn holds some secret of its own. What it is I do not know.” - Lord of the Rings, The Riders of Rohan

More complementing, and giving and taking of lore, between Aragorn and Legolas.

“It is likely enough,” said Aragorn; “yet I am not sure. I am thinking of the horses. You said last night, Gimli, that they were scared away. But I did not think so. Did you hear them, Legolas? Did they sound to you like beasts in terror?”

“No,” said Legolas. “I heard them clearly. But for the darkness and our own fear I should have guessed that they were beasts wild with some sudden gladness. They spoke as horses will when they meet a friend that they have long missed.”

“So I thought,” said Aragorn; “but I cannot read the riddle, unless they return.” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas and Aragorn are once again of the same mind, and Gimli isn't. This is a pattern that will continue.

“Well, here is the strangest riddle that we have yet found!” exclaimed Legolas. “A bound prisoner escapes both from the Orcs and from the surrounding horsemen. He then stops, while still in the open, and cuts his bonds with an orc-knife. But how and why? For if his legs were tied, how did he walk? And if his arms were tied, how did he use the knife? And if neither were tied, why did he cut the cords at all? Being pleased with his skill, he then sat down and quietly ate some waybread! That at least is enough to show that he was a hobbit, without the mallorn-leaf. After that, I suppose, he turned his arms into wings and flew away singing into the trees. It should be easy to find him: we only need wings ourselves!”

“There was sorcery here right enough,” said Gimli. “What was that old man doing? What have you to say, Aragorn, to the reading of Legolas. Can you better it?”

“Maybe, I could,” said Aragorn, smiling. “There are some other signs near at hand that you have not considered. I agree that the prisoner was a hobbit and must have had either legs or hands free, before he came here.” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas gives a fanciful and slightly sassy explanation of what could have happened to Merry and Pippin, causing Aragorn to smile. Once again Legolas has improved Aragorn's mood and made him feel better, all by just being himself. Aragorn shows his skill, as he noticed some signs Legolas did not.

Legolas took his bow and bent it, slowly and as if some other will resisted him. He held an arrow loosely in his hand but did not fit it to the string. Aragorn stood silent, his face was watchful and intent.

“Why are you waiting? What is the matter with you?” said Gimli in a hissing whisper.

“Legolas is right,” said Aragorn quietly. “We may not shoot an old man so, at unawares and unchallenged, whatever fear or doubt be on us. Watch and wait!” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

Legolas and Aragorn are on the same page, thinking the same thoughts, and Gimli isn't.

“The Ents!” exclaimed Aragorn. “Then there is truth in the old legends about the dwellers in the deep forests and the giant shepherds of the trees? Are there still Ents in the world? I thought they were only a memory of ancient days, if indeed they were ever more than a legend of Rohan.”

“A legend of Rohan!” cried Legolas. “Nay, every elf in Wilderland has sung songs of the old Onodrim and their long sorrow. Yet even among us they are only a memory. If I were to meet one still walking in this world, then indeed I should feel young again! But Treebeard: that is only a rendering of Fangorn into the Common Speech; yet you seem to speak of a person. Who is this Treebeard?” - Lord of the Rings, The White Rider

This time it is Legolas who has the greater knowledge.

“Five hundred times have the red leaves fallen in Mirkwood in my home since then,” said Legolas, “and but a little while does that seem to us.”

“But to the Riders of the Mark it seems so long ago,” said Aragorn, “that the raising of this house is but a memory of song, and the years before are lost in the mist of time. Now they call this land their home, their own, and their speech is sundered from their northern kin.” Then he began to chant softly in a slow tongue unknown to the Elf and Dwarf; yet they listened, for there was a strong music in it.

“That, I guess, is the language of the Rohirrim,” said Legolas; “for it is like to this land itself; rich and rolling in part, and else hard and stern as the mountains. But I cannot guess what it means, save that it is laden with the sadness of Mortal Men.”

“It runs thus in the Common Speech,” said Aragorn, “as near as I can make it. [cut]” - Lord of the Rings, The King of the Golden Hall

More giving and taking of lore and knowledge.

He climbed up and found Legolas beside Aragorn and Éomer. - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Legolas fights beside Aragorn, not Gimli.

Behind on the upper steps knelt Legolas. His bow was bent, but one gleaned arrow was all that he had left, and he peered out now, ready to shoot the first Orc that should dare to approach the stair.

“All who can have now got safe within, Aragorn,” he called. “Come back!”

Aragorn turned and sped up the stair; but as he ran he stumbled in his weariness. At once his enemies lept forwards. Up came the Orcs, yelling, with their long arms stretched out to seize him. The foremost fell with Legolas' last arrow in his throat, but the rest sprang over him. Then a great boulder, cast from the outer wall above, crashed down upon the stair, and hurled them back into the Deep. Aragorn gained the door, and swiftly it clanged to behind him.

“Things go ill, my friends,” he said, wiping the sweat from his brow with his arm.

“Ill enough,” said Legolas, “but not yet hopeless, while we have you with us. Where is Gimli?”

“I do not know,” said Aragorn. “I last saw him fighting on the ground behind the wall, but the enemy swept us apart.”

“Alas! That is evil news,” said Legolas.

“He is stout and strong,” said Aragorn. “Let us hope that he will escape back to the caves. There he would be safe for a while. Safer than we. Such a refuge would be to the liking of a dwarf.”

“That must be my hope,” said Legolas. “But I wish that he had come this way. I desired to tell Master Gimli that my tale is now thirty-nine.”

“If he wins back to the caves, he will pass your count again,” laughed Aragorn. “Never did I see an axe so wielded.”

“I must go and seek some arrows,” said Legolas. “Would that this night would end, and I could have better light for shooting.” - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Alas means “used as an exclamation to express sorrow, pity, concern, apprehension, etc.”

Legolas is the only one to save Aragorn's life during the battle, covering him and giving him safety (Gimli saves Éomer's). Legolas gives Aragorn comfort and support when he worries about the battle going ill (and his statement shows how much he loves Aragorn – nothing is hopeless as long as Aragorn is alive), and Aragorn does the same for Legolas when he worries about Gimli. Also, for the third time, Legolas makes Aragorn feel better just by being himself.

Taking his leave, he returned to the walls, and passed round all their circuit, enheartening the men, and lending aid wherever assault was hot. Legolas went with him. - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Legolas stays close to Aragorn, helping him rally the men.

“Behold the White Rider!” cried Aragorn. “Gandalf is come again!”

“Mithrandir, Mithrandir!” said Legolas. “This is wizardry indeed! Come! I would look on this forest, ere the spell changes.” - Lord of the Rings, Helm's Deep

Gandalf arrives, and both Aragorn and Legolas cry out. Legolas then tells Aragorn to come with him, because he wants to go explore the forest before it disappears.

“You have drunk of the waters of the Ents, have you?” said Legolas. “Ah, then I think it is likely that Gimli's eyes do not deceive him. Strange songs have been sung of the draughts of Fangorn.”

“Many strange tales have been told about that land,” said Aragorn. “I have never entered it. Come, tell me more about it, and about the Ents!” - Lord of the Rings, Flotsam and Jetsam

Both Legolas and Aragorn have heard strange songs and tales about Fangorn, and they want to know more.

“So four of the Company still remain,” said Aragorn. “We will ride on together. But we shall not go alone, as I thought. The king is now determined to set out at once. Since the coming of the winged shadow, he desires to return to the hills under cover of night.”

“And then whither?” said Legolas.

“I cannot say yet,” Aragorn answered. “As for the king, he will go to the muster that he commanded at Edoras, four nights from now. And there, I think, he will hear tidings of war, and the Riders of Rohan will go down to Minas Tirith. But for myself, and any that will go with me...”

“I for one!” cried Legolas. “And Gimli with him!” said the Dwarf.

“Well, for myself,” said Aragorn, “it is dark before me. I must go down also to Minas Tirith, but I do not yet see the road. An hour long prepared approaches.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas is adamant that he will go with Aragorn, even though he has no idea where that is. Aragorn is once again uncertain.

Elrohir: “I bring word to you from my father: The days are now short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.”

“Always my days have seemed to me too short to achieve my desire,” answered Aragorn. “But great indeed will be my haste ere I take that road.”

“That will soon be seen,” said Elrohir. “But let us speak no more of these things upon the open road!”

And Aragorn said to Halbarad: “What is that that you bear, kinsman?” For he saw that instead of a spear he bore a tall staff, as it were a standard, but it was close-furled in a black cloth bound about with many thongs.

“It is a gift that I bring you from the Lady of Rivendell,” answered Halbarad. “She wrought it in secret, and long was the making. But she also sends word to you: The days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hope's end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone!”

And Aragorn said: “Now I know what you bear. Bear it still for me a while!” And he turned and looked away to the North under the great stars, and then he fell silent and spoke no more while the night's journey lasted. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn's self doubt is at the forefront again; he says that he has never truly believed that he can rise above and succeed.

Aragorn clearly has no plans for following the Paths of the Dead. He then turns to Halbarad, and finds out about the standard.

The timeline in Appendix B tells us that Arwen returned to Rivendell in 3009. Aragorn receives the standard in March 3019. That is ten years. Arwen spent ten years secretly making Aragorn's standard. It is obviously much more than a piece of cloth.

Hope. Estel. Aragorn. Arwen's message is all about hope, in it's many forms. Either our hope cometh, or all hope's end. Either their shared hope that Sauron falls and Aragorn becomes the rightful king, or Sauron wins and all the hopes of the Free People ends.

Knowing that, knowing this is a gamble and that the crux is about to happen, she then says, Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone! 'For that reason, I send you, what I have made for you. I hope you succeed, King Elessar!'

Aragorn obviously knows about the standard, and I cannot see any reason Arwen would keep it from him. From others, yes. It would be extremely dangerous if word got out that Arwen was making an enchanted standard for Isildur's heir. Aragorn, on the other hand, is perhaps the only person who needs to know (although I can't imagine Elrond not knowing as well).

Aragorn's two different reactions are significant. He dismisses the Paths of the Dead when Elrohir mentions it, but after finding out about the standard, he starts contemplating it deeply. He continues to do so for the rest of the night.

“Where is Aragorn?” he asked.

“In a high chamber of the Burg,” said Legolas. “He has neither rested nor slept, I think. He went hither some hours ago, saying that he must take thought, and only his kinsman, Halbarad, went with him; but some dark doubt or care sits on him.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn continues to contemplate the matter, even after they arrive at the Hornburg. It is a serious decision, and not one he can easily make.

This shows that Legolas knows Aragorn well, as he knows that something is bothering Aragorn greatly, and that Aragorn hasn't rested at all.

Their horses were strong and of proud bearing, but rough-haired; and one stood there without a rider, Aragorn's own horse that they had brought from the North, Roheryn was his name. - The Passing of the Grey Company

It is implied that Arwen gave Aragorn his horse, Roheryn. The elves have a connection to nature and animals (see here), and she probably trained him, as his name means “Steed of the Lady”. Having your own horse that you have a connection with is essential, both on the battlefield and off. On the battlefield you have to be able to read each other and move as one. Off the battlefield, well, you'll see.

Presently Éomer came out from the gate, and with him was Aragorn, and Halbarad bearing the great staff close-furled in black, and two tall men, neither young nor old. So much alike were they, the sons of Elrond, that few could tell them apart: dark-haired, grey-eyed, and their faces elven-fair, clad alike in bright mail beneath cloaks of silver-grey. Behind them walked Legolas and Gimli. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas got concerned enough to go track down Aragorn, after he failed to show up all morning.

But Merry had eyes only for Aragorn, so startling was the change that he saw in him, as if in one night many years had fallen on his head. Grim was his face, grey-hued and weary.

“I am troubled in mind, Lord,” he said, standing by the king's horse. “I have heard strange words, and I see new perils far off. I have laboured long in thought, and now I fear I must change my purpose. Tell me, Théoden, you ride now to Dunharrow, how long will it be ere you come there?”

“It is now a full hour past noon,” said Éomer. “Before the night of the third day from now we should come to the Hold. The Moon will then be one night past his full, and the muster that the king commanded will be held the day after. More speed we cannot make, if the strength of Rohan is to be gathered.”

Aragorn was silent for a moment. “Three days,” he murmured, “and the muster of Rohan will only be begun. But I see that it cannot now be hastened.” He looked up, and it seemed that he had made some decision; his face was less troubled. “Then, by your leave, lord, I must take new counsel for myself and my kindred. We must ride our own road, and no longer in secret. For me the time of stealth has passed. I will ride east by the swiftest way, and I will take the Paths of the Dead.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn finally makes his decision – he will take the Paths of the Dead. Now he just has to convince the dead that he really is Isildur's heir.

“Farewell, lord!” said Aragorn. “Ride unto great renown! Farewell, Merry! I leave you in good hands, better than we hoped when we hunted the orcs to Fangorn. Legolas and Gimli will still hunt with me, I hope; but we shall not forget you.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Aragorn hopes that Legolas will come with him on the Paths of the Dead.

Aragorn: “Well, I must eat a little, and then we also must hasten away. Come, Legolas and Gimli! I must speak with you as I eat.”

Together they went back into the Burg; yet for some time Aragorn sat silent at the table in the hall, and the others waited for him to speak. “Come!” said Legolas at last. “Speak and be comforted, and shake off the shadow! What has happened since we came back to this grim place in the grey morning?” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas gives Aragorn time to collect his thoughts, and then (once again) prompts him into action, asking what happened.

Aragorn: “But I do not go gladly; only need drives me. Therefore, only of your free will would I have you come, for you will find both toil and great fear, and maybe worse.”

“I will go with you even on the Paths of the Dead, and to whatever end they may lead,” said Gimli.

“I also will come,” said Legolas, “for I do not fear the Dead.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

To me, it seems as if Legolas is playing down the matter, as we know he will go wherever Aragorn goes. However, Aragorn is worried about what they will find, so playing it down is a good idea.

But as Aragorn came to the booth where he was to lodge with Legolas and Gimli, and his companions had gone in, there came the Lady Éowyn after him and called to him. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Halbarad and the rest of the Grey Company is there, but Aragorn rooms with Legolas and Gimli.

Then Aragorn led the way, and such was the strength of his will in that hour that all the Dúnedain and their horses followed him. And indeed the love that that the horses of the Rangers bore for their riders was so great that they were willing to face even the terror of the Door, if their masters' hearts were steady as they walked beside them. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

The texts states that the horses only went through the Door of the Dead because of their masters. This shows that there is a great bond of love between Aragorn and Roheryn, as he followed Aragorn without hesitation. Their bond could never have formed without Arwen.

Then Aragorn said: “The hour is come at last. Now I go to Pelargir upon Anduin, and ye shall come after me. And when all this land is clean of the servants of Sauron, I will hold the oath fulfilled, and ye shall have peace and depart for ever. For I am Elessar, Isildur's heir of Gondor.”

And with that he bade Halbarad unfurl the great standard which he had brought; and behold! it was black, and if there was any device upon it, it was hidden in the darkness. Then there was silence, and not a whisper nor a sigh was heard again all the long night. - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

No one (at least no one whose alive) can see anything on the standard. And yet, it convinces the dead that Aragorn is truly Isildur's heir, as they decide to follow him.

And all eyes followed his gaze, and behold! upon the foremost ship a great standard broke, and the wind displayed it as she turned towards the Harlond. There flowered a White Tree, and that was for Gondor; but Seven Stars were about it, and a high crown above it, the signs of Elendil that no lord had borne for years beyond count. And the stars flamed in the sunlight, for they were wrought of gems by Arwen daughter of Elrond; and the crown was bright in the morning, for it was wrought of mithril and gold.

Thus came Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elessar, Isildur's heir, out of the Paths of the Dead, borne upon a wind from the Sea to the kingdom of Gondor; and the mirth of the Rohirrim was a torrent of laughter and a flashing of swords, and the joy and wonder of the City was a music of trumpets and a ringing of bells. - Lord of the Rings, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields

Even in the middle of the night, light should have reflected the banner, with those descriptions. We know that Mordor's shadow was not over them yet, since it says “the dawn came, cold and pale.” So an enchantment must have been at work, that night with the dead. There is no need for an enchantment to convince the living, as any help will be celebrated in the midst of a battle.

Elves have the ability to put their power and intent into the things they make (see more here). Arwen spent ten years making and imbuing it with her power, using priceless materials.

And it came to pass that in the hour of defeat Aragorn came up from the sea and unfurled the standard of Arwen in the battle of the Fields of Pelennor, and in that day he was first hailed as king. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

TA March 15, 3019: Aragorn raises the standard of Arwen. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix B

The standard is twice referred to as “the standard of Arwen”. Her power and achievement is clear.

At the doors of the Houses many were already gathered to see Aragorn, and they followed after him; and when at last he had supped, men came and prayed that he would heal their kinsmen or their friends whose lives were in peril through hurt or wound, or who lay under the Black Shadow. And Aragorn arose and went out, and he sent for the sons of Elrond, and together they laboured far into the night. And word went through the City: “The King is come again indeed.” And they named him Elfstone, because of the green stone that he wore, and so the name which it was foretold at his birth that he should bear was chosen for him by his own people. - Lord of the Rings, The Houses of Healing

Rumor has already spread throughout the city, that the King has returned. Aragorn proudly displayed both his standard and Andúril on the battlefield. Ioreth tells us that, “For it is said in old lore: The hands of the king are the hands of a healer. And so the rightful king could ever be known.”

Two times we are told that there is a prophecy stating that when Aragorn becomes king, he will bear the name Elessar, meaning Elfstone. The prophecy seems to have been made at his birth, and Arwen clearly knows about it. She knows that this Quest is where Aragorn will claim his heritage, where he will finally stand forth as the rightful heir to the throne.

She also must know the lore that says, “The hands of the king are the hands of a healer”. Her gift of the Elfstone has a clear purpose – Aragorn fulfills the lore that says the true king is a great healer; which in turn causes his people to not only recognize him as the king for certain, but to ask for his help in healing their loved ones; which by healing their loved ones causes Aragorn to become beloved by his people; and that prompts them give Aragorn the name Elessar/Elfstone, thus fulfilling the prophecy.

In short, by giving Aragorn the Elessar, Arwen insures that not only the prophecy becomes fulfilled, but also that the people are on Aragorn's side, as the Elessar gives them something to latch on to and idealize Aragorn with. I'm sure we can all imagine what would have happened if Denethor had lived, and Aragorn had had no connection to the people. It would not have been pretty. This way, even if Denethor had lived (and they had no reason to think otherwise), his political power would have been much less – Aragorn already had the favor of the people.

So. Between the standard and the Elessar, Arwen gives Aragorn the tools he needs to convince men (both dead and alive) that he is the rightful king. That is on top of training his horse, so he has a trusted mount in battle. Her political acumen is great. It is clear – Aragorn could not have become King without Arwen.

“They need more gardens,” said Legolas. “The houses are dead, and there is too little here that grows and is glad. If Aragorn comes into his own, the people of the Wood shall bring him birds that sing and trees that do not die.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas says he will help Aragorn restore his city, if they win.

Gimli: “But neither did I prove; and I was held to the road only by the will of Aragorn.”

“And by the love of him also," said Legolas. "For all those who come to know him come to love him after their own fashion, even the cold maiden of the Rohirrim. It was at early morn of the day ere you came there, Merry, that we left Dunharrow, and such a fear was on all the folk that none would look on our going, save the Lady Éowyn, who lies now hurt in the House below. There was grief at that parting, and I was grieved to behold it.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Remember, “only those who knew him well and were near to him saw the pain that he bore.” - Lord of the Rings, The Passing of the Grey Company

Legolas is close to Aragorn, and knows him well, as he noticed Aragorn’s pain. Legolas tells us that seeing Aragorn in pain caused him pain, and that all who know Aragorn love him; which shows both how highly Legolas thinks of Aragorn, and that Legolas loves him.

Some think that Legolas is only talking about Éowyn's grief. However, the wording is not right – Legolas does not single out either Aragorn or Éowyn (he says the neutral “there” and “that”). If Legolas was talking about just Éowyn, he would say something like, 'she grieved at their parting'; likewise if he was only talking about Aragorn. Both Aragorn and Éowyn were grieved, albeit in different ways; and Legolas perceived both griefs (for more on Éowyn and Aragorn, see my Éowyn essay).

In the uplands of Lamedon they overtook our horses, and swept round us, and would have passed us by, if Aragorn had not forbidden them.

At his command they fell back. “Even the shades of Men are obedient to his will,” I thought. “They may serve his needs yet!” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas is not with Aragorn because he knows they will succeed. He is with him out of love and loyalty.

“Strange indeed,” said Legolas. “In that hour I looked on Aragorn and thought how great and terrible a Lord he might have become in the strength of his will, had he taken the Ring to himself. Not for naught does Mordor fear him. But nobler is his spirit than the understanding of Sauron; for is he not of the children of Lúthien? Never shall that line fail, though the years may lengthen beyond count.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

Legolas not only sees how great Aragorn is, but he also sees how terrible Aragorn could be. Only a true and close companion can see someone else that clearly. Again, he clearly thinks highly of Aragorn - Sauron cannot understand Aragorn because he is too good a soul.

Gimli: “Yet whatever is still to do, I hope to have a part in it, for the honour of the folk of the Lonely Mountain.”

“And I for the folk of the Great Wood,” said Legolas, “and for the love of the Lord of the White Tree.” - Lord of the Rings, The Last Debate

This is my absolute favorite line from Legolas about Aragorn. “For the love of the Lord of the White Tree”. Legolas does not just want to fight to bring honor to and do well by his people; he wants to fight out of love for Aragorn. Legolas’s love for Aragorn is indeed deep and eternal; for him to equal Legolas’s home, family, and people.

“And I,” said Legolas, “shall walk in the woods of this fair land, which is rest enough. In days to come, if my Elven-lord allows, some of our folk shall remove hither; and when we come it shall be blessed, for a while. For a while: a month, a life, a hundred years of Men.” - Lord of the Rings, The Field of Cormallen

Legolas seems to be measuring time by Aragorn's lifespan – Aragorn will live for another 122 years. He also refers to Thranduil as his elven-lord, not his liege-lord or father. It implies that Legolas has loyalty to and love for another lord as well, one that is not an elf. He can only be talking about Aragorn.

Legolas his friend also brought south Elves out of Greenwood, and they dwelt in Ithilien, and it became once again the fairest country in all the westlands. - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Legolas leaves his home for Aragorn, and he makes Aragorn’s land flourish. He is the only one to move close to Aragorn, and I think that’s telling.

But When King Elessar gave up his life Legolas followed at last the desire of his heart and sailed over Sea - Lord of the Rings, Appendix A

Legolas denies his heart’s longing and stays in Middle-earth because of Aragorn. He was measuring time by Aragorn's lifespan.

~*~

Arwen and Legolas support Aragorn from opposite directions – Aragorn draws on Arwen and is supported by Legolas.

Frodo calls Arwen “queenly,” and he's right. Arwen is regal, knowledgable, and wise. She has a more serious and steadfast personality, and is unpretentious. She is a natural leader who works from the background. (for more on Arwen, see my Arwen essay)

Aragorn is also naturally more serious. He has almost no self-esteem and has an anxious and fluctuating personality. He has a strong will and is a great leader, but his greatest enemy is himself.

Legolas is not naturally serious; but light-hearted, sassy, and fanciful. Yet he is serious when he needs to be, and is quick to defend and forgive. He is loyal, humble, open-hearted, selfless, and kind. He expresses sadness and fear, but never lets it control him. He is sassy, fanciful, and dramatic in his words; and yet easygoing and realistic about the situations he is in. Throughout all of his words and actions, there is an undercurrent of steadfastness. He can lead when he needs to, but prefers to follow and support from the background.

Though Legolas is not a scholar (he references songs, not books), being an elf means he knows a significant amount of lore anyway. The quotes of Aragorn and Legolas sharing knowledge are signs of their compatibility and similarity, because they give and take equally. Arwen, Aragorn, and Legolas all think the same way, they all have that elven mentality.

As such, all three of them are mentally isolated from any other mortal. There is a large part of themselves that no one else understands, because all three move to Gondor and essentially become immigrants. Tolkien only has a few sentences about this time, but I do not doubt that it was hard for all three of them.

King Elessar is Great. He cannot be just another multidimensional being with strengths and weaknesses. But Estel is just a person, and Estel needs his two pillars to help him succeed at being King Elessar. It cannot always be easy for Arwen and Legolas, but they can support each other in supporting Estel.

Arwen is perfectly matched to help Aragorn rule, and Legolas is not. But Legolas can help both Aragorn and Arwen relax and lighten up. Neither Arwen nor Legolas likes being in the spotlight, and Aragorn is a great leader. Like everyone else, he just needs support from people he can be his true self – Estel – with.

One of the many things I love about the films is that they not only highlighted the Arwen/Aragorn and Aragorn/Legolas relationships, but they also implied a close relationship between Arwen and Legolas. In the final films, Legolas protects and holds onto the Evenstar, and gestures to Arwen at the Coronation. Unfortunately, they deleted the emotionally intimate goodbye between Arwen and Legolas in FotR, but you can see part of it here (0:18 to 0:21).

[enzaime-blog]

After Surviving a Horrific Car Crash

New Story has been published on https://enzaime.com/surviving-horrific-car-crash/

After Surviving a Horrific Car Crash

After surviving a horrific car crash, Matthew Slattery defied expectations in his recovery from traumatic brain injury. Image Matt and Teressa in occupational therapy In an instant, the Slattery family was shattered.

Susan Slattery and her two sons, Matthew and Peter, were on their way home from visiting family in Ohio on a sunny August day in 2010 when tragedy struck. A truck driver fell asleep at the wheel, barreling into Susan Slattery’s car and pushing it under a tractor trailer, killing her and critically injuring 12-year-old Matthew and 16-year-old Peter. Peter fractured his pelvis and eye socket, while Matthew suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, losing 80 percent of his blood.

Matthew’s father, Ed Slattery, was at work when he received the unimaginable phone call. Ed raced to Ohio to be with his sons, while friends and family in the Baltimore community held vigil and prayed. Matthew underwent brain surgery, and spent 30 days in an Akron hospital before being stabilized and transported to Johns Hopkins, and then to Kennedy Krieger’s inpatient pediatric rehabilitation unit.

NEVER ALONE

Matthew, who was a happy, exuberant 12-year-old before the accident, lay in an unconscious state. Matthew’s eyes were opening, but held a blank stare—he was not responding to his name or to pain. Brain scans showed he had damage to his brain stem, the part of the brain responsible for vital functions, such as breathing and heart regulation. His prognosis looked grim. But Ed never stopped believing that Matthew would recover, in large part because he knew he was in one of the best rehabilitation hospitals in the world. “Kennedy Krieger is the hope center of the universe,” he says.

Ed, who was the only parent now, had to take on the role of both mother and father for his sons while grieving for his wife and trying to help Matthew recover. He worried that Matthew would wake up alone and scared at a moment when he was at home with Peter. “The thought of Matthew waking up alone was unbearable,” says Ed. So family, friends, and neighbors rallied around, taking turns sitting with Matthew when Ed couldn’t be by his side. “Matthew was never alone, ever,” recalls Ed.

Slowly, Matthew began to show some progress, but even the smallest movement came only after herculean effort. At first he could move only his left index finger, and only slightly. “I would watch him trying to move his finger for minutes, and his finger would just quiver,” recalls Ed.

One of the pivotal moments early in his recovery came when doctors capped his tracheostomy tube to see if he had the ability to breathe unassisted. The seconds ticked by and Matthew began to breathe on his own, first one minute, then two, and when the timer hit five minutes, everyone clapped. Ed put his head down and sobbed. With the help of doctors, therapists, and sheer determination, Matthew was one step further on his path to recovery.

COMING HOME

When Matthew was stable enough to return home, the moment came for Ed to tell Matthew that his mother had died. He told Matthew how much his mother loved him and how proud of him she was. He held Matthew as he said the words no parent should have to utter to a child. Matthew couldn’t articulate his feelings, but he could still cry. His therapists took turns hugging him as the tears flowed.

At that point, Ed had no idea how much or how little progress Matthew would make. The only thing Ed was sure of was that Matthew still needed intense therapy. So when Matthew was ready to be discharged, he began outpatient therapy through Kennedy Krieger’s Specialized Transition Program (STP), spending up to six hours a day engaged in occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as education. This intense therapy helps repair the brain in a process known as neuroplasticity, in which the neurons in the brain begin forming new connections to replace the damaged ones.

STP fills a unique niche in rehabilitation from severe injuries; it provides treatment for patients who no longer require round-the-clock medical observation and therapy, but who still require intensive therapy before full return to the community.

“For patients like Matthew who have sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, returning home is often a catalyst for a burst of recovery,” explains Joan Carney, EdD, director of STP. “Being able to be in their home and with family every evening, yet still have the advantages of therapy-rich activity every day at STP for the continuation of their recovery, is often the perfect prescription.”

A TWINKLE IN HIS EYE

Matthew Slattery on bikeMatthew had always had a sense of humor, and his therapists were trying to use that as a way to reach him. His therapist blew raspberries at him, and Matthew laughed out loud—a beautiful sound to his father and his therapists. Soon, Ed began finding ways to tap into a 12-year-old boy’s sense of humor—an iPad app for bodily noises garnered huge belly laughs from Matthew. And being at home with his father and his brother Peter, who was healing well from his injuries, seemed to bolster Matthew’s spirits.

Matthew was beginning to respond to his environment, although it was unclear whether or not he could understand speech. But before long, Matthew could shake his head yes or no in response to a question, and he learned how to use an augmentative communication device. Ed could tell he was improving when he asked Matthew if he was a girl and Matthew got a twinkle in his eye, hit “yes,” and then laughed hysterically. The old Matthew was beginning to shine through.

“Matthew never lost his personality, and we’re so thankful for that,” says Ed. “He has always been funny, very, very bright, and spontaneous.”

Then came the day Ed had been hoping and waiting for since the accident. One February day when Ed asked Matthew, “Do you love your dad?” he answered, clear as day and much like any typical 12-year-old, “Yeah.”

“The day Matthew started talking was huge,” says Dr. Carney. “Everybody remembers that day—we were all incredibly excited.”

Therapists used a multitude of therapies with Matthew to improve his gross and fine motor skills, balance, self-care, coordination, cognitive understanding, eating, and communication. Physical therapists put Matthew in a gait trainer, a harness that holds the patient while moving his legs in a walking motion in an attempt to “wake up” muscle memory. Soon, he was walking up to eight feet with the gait trainer, and then up to 40 feet. His occupational therapists used robotic therapies to strengthen his hands, and soon he could move his entire left arm and most of his right arm. His speech therapists worked with him to gain control over his voice.

Matthew made amazing progress at STP, surpassing everyone’s expectations. After several months, he began attending Kennedy Krieger School at Fairmount while continuing his therapy part-time.

LIFE AS THERAPY

Matt and Dad riding bikeOutside of therapy, Ed tried to keep Matthew involved in as many activities as he could—camping with the Boy Scouts, biking on a two-person tandem bike, adapted sailing, and hanging out with friends. “My attitude is that Matthew can do whatever we imagine him doing,” says Ed. “You give them as many experiences as you can, never knowing which ones will resonate with them somehow.”

While dealing with the personal aftermath of losing his wife and nearly losing his son, Ed advocates for others who may find themselves in similar circumstances. He has testified for safety measures in the trucking industry and has made donations to the hospital in Akron where his sons received treatment, to the first responders who helped save Matthew’s life, and to Kennedy Krieger to help other patients like Matthew. He knows firsthand how much therapy is needed to help patients recover from severe injuries, and he wants to ensure that others in need have the same access to therapy.

Today, two years after the accident, Matthew, now 14, can sing and talk, do multiplication, play chess, write his name, draw, walk short distances, and go anywhere he wants in his power chair. He is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout, and participated with his father in a 130-mile bike ride with the Boy Scouts last summer.

He still faces major challenges every day—he struggles with everyday functions that others take for granted, like eating and drinking, getting dressed, walking, and talking. But for Ed, and the many people whose lives Matthew has touched, every day with Matthew is a gift.

[circlebeam4-blog]

NFL notebook: Month after hiring, Schiano quits as Pats' DC

Greg Schiano, hired last month as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator, stepped down Thursday, the team announced.

"This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and family," Schiano said in a statement. "I don't want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the game to recalibrate my priorities."

Schiano, a longtime ally of Belichick, was hired Feb. 6 to replace Brian Flores, the Patriots' defensive play-caller who left to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Schiano, 52, was most recently the defensive coordinator at Ohio State. He was 11-21 in two seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coach in 2012 and 2013 before being fired. Schiano was 68-67 in 11 seasons as the head coach at Rutgers (2001-2011). Belichick's son, Steve Belichick, was a long snapper at Rutgers.

--The Philadelphia Eagles acquired running back Jordan Howard from the Chicago Bears for a sixth-round draft pick in 2020.

The pick could be upgraded to a fifth-rounder next season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who did not specify the parameters for the higher selection. The Eagles confirmed the deal on their website.

Howard, 24, rushed for 3,370 yards and 24 touchdowns in three seasons with Chicago. The former fifth-round pick out of Indiana also caught 72 passes for 568 yards and a score.

--The Oakland Raiders continued their offseason acquisitions, agreeing to deals with running back Isaiah Crowell and linebacker Brandon Marshall.

Crowell, who became the odd man out with the New York Jets when the team signed Le'Veon Bell, agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Raiders, ESPN's Adam Schefter said.

The Denver Broncos released Marshall earlier this month to cut $4.84 million from the salary cap. While the Raiders had not yet confirmed the signing, Marshall, 29, shared a photo of himself dressed in the silver and black on social media. His contract is for one year and worth as much as $4.1 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

--Houston defensive lineman Ed Oliver, considered a potential top-five selection in the draft, who skipped some on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, likely helped solidify his high draft stock at the Cougars' pro day.

His official numbers were 4.73 seconds for the 40-yard dash, 4.22 seconds for the short shuttle and 7.15 seconds for the 3-cone drill.

For context, Oliver's short shuttle was 0.02 seconds faster than the time posted at the 2018 combine by running back Saquan Barkley, who went on to become the second pick in the draft and rush for 1,307 yards as a rookie for the New York Giants.

--Andy Dalton has started all but eight games at quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals in the past eight seasons, but the team is taking a wait-and-see approach about its future at the position.

Dalton did miss the final five games of last season because of torn thumb ligaments. Owner Mike Brown told the Cincinnati Enquirer that there will be no offseason talk of a contract extension with the 31-year-old Dalton, who is signed through 2020.

"I think it's a good year for (Dalton) to show like he can, like we think he will. After he re-establishes himself, we would want to get together with him and see if we can extend it," Brown said. Dalton is set to make $16 million this season in the second-to-last year of a six-year deal.

--The Dallas Cowboys finalized a long-rumored trade for defensive end Robert Quinn, sending a 2020 sixth-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins, the Cowboys announced.

The Dolphins, seeking salary-cap relief, have been shopping Quinn for a trade, allowing him to visit other teams. He reportedly met with the Cowboys and New Orleans Saints.

--The Carolina Panthers and running back Cameron Artis-Payne agreed on a one-year deal to bring the 2015 draft pick back to Charlotte for the 2019 season.

Artis-Payne played just 48 offensive snaps last season, rushing for 69 yards and a score in nine games.

--Field Level Media

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-notebook-month-hiring-schiano-quits-pats-dc-041647511--nfl.html?src=rss

[j0sgomez-blog]

By Michael Lanza

The best-known dayhikes in America’s national parks are certainly worth adding to your outdoor-adventure CV. Summits and hiking trails like Angels Landing in Zion, Half Dome in Yosemite, the North Rim Trail overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Glacier National Park’s Highline Trail, and many others represent the highlights of the crown jewels of the National Park System. But for that very reason, unless you take those hikes outside the peak seasons or times of day, you can expect to encounter a lot of other hikers.

But there are other national park dayhikes that remain off the radar of many hikers—so they attract a small fraction of the number of people flocking to the popular trails. On these 12 hikes, you’ll find scenery just as majestic as those famous trails, while possibly having these spots to yourself (as I did on several of them).

You might want to bring along a friend or your family—just to make sure you don’t get too lonely.

Hiking the Taylor Creek Trail, Zion National Park.

Taylor Canyon, Zion

Taylor Creek Trail, Zion National Park.

Easily accessible but far from the well-beaten paths of Zion Canyon, the five-mile, nearly flat, out-and-back hike up the Taylor Creek Trail explores a canyon with walls rising nearly 2,000 feet above a cool forest watered by a vibrant creek.

You’ll pass two historic cabins dating back decades, and at the end of the maintained trail, reach Double Arch Alcove, a pair of giant arches in the Navajo sandstone beneath 1,700-foot-tall Tucupit Tower and Paria Tower.

See my “Photo Gallery: Hiking the Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park,” and all of my stories about Zion at The Big Outside.

    Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

  Todd Arndt hiking Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park.

Tenaya Lake to Clouds Rest, Yosemite

The view across Tenaya Lake of a breathtaking sweep of granite domes and cliffs sets the tone for this 14-mile, round-trip hike up 9,926-foot Clouds Rest (lead photo at top of story). In the same neighborhood as Half Dome, comparatively unknown Clouds Rest offers an even bigger panorama, taking in Yosemite Valley and Half Dome, plus an ocean of mountains spanning most of the park. But the hike’s highlight comes in the final 300 yards traversing the narrow summit ridge, above dizzying drop of 4,000 feet—that’s a thousand feet taller than the face of El Capitan.

See more photos from Clouds Rest and a video in “Best of Yosemite, Part 1: Backpacking South of Tuolumne Meadows,” as well as “The 10 Best Dayhikes in Yosemite,” and all of my stories about Yosemite National Park.

  Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

  View from the top of the Eagle Peak Trail, Mount Rainier National Park.

The Eagle Peak Trail, Mount Rainier National Park.

Eagle Peak Trail, Mount Rainier

The fact that this trail ascends relentlessly nearly 3,000 vertical feet in 3.6 miles partly explains its obscurity. But the main reason may be that it lies somewhat out of the way, starting in the little village of Longmire, in a park already possessing an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dayhiking options. But it passes through lush, quiet, old-growth Pacific Northwest forest and crosses wildflower meadows, ending at a saddle at 5,700 feet in the rugged Tatoosh Range, with a jaw-dropping, closeup view of Mount Rainier.

See my favorite dayhikes at Rainier and all of my stories about Mount Rainier National Park.

  Want more? See “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes” and “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

  A hiker on the summit of Static Peak, Grand Teton National Park.

Static Peak, Grand Teton

While no casual stroll—17.2 miles and 5,000 vertical feet round-trip—Static Peak unquestionably ranks among the finest dayhikes in Grand Teton National Park. But it’s often overlooked by visitors, who focus on the canyons farther north. From Death Canyon Trailhead, hike past views of Phelps Lake, along a roaring cascade, and eventually to a panorama from 10,790-foot Static Peak Divide that encompasses Death Canyon, Jackson Hole, Alaska Basin, and the southern Tetons. Continue up the half-mile, 500-vertical-foot user trail to Static Peak’s 11,303-foot summit for even bigger views.

See my story “Ask Me: 8 Great Big Dayhikes in the Tetons,” and all of my stories about Grand Teton National Park.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life. Find out more here.

My son, Nate, at the Big Spring-Squaw Pass, Needles District, Canyonlands National Park.

Big Spring, Squaw, and Lost Canyons and the Peekaboo Trail, Canyonlands

Peekaboo Trail, Canyonlands.

While nearby Chesler Park commands the attention of most hikers in the Needles District of Canyonlands, the less-traveled trails into Big Spring, Squaw and Lost canyons and the Peekaboo Trail deliver similarly mind-blowing views of 300-foot-tall candlesticks and cliffs.

The 7.5-mile loop from Squaw Flat campground up Big Spring Canyon and down Squaw Canyon follows a circuitous route up steep slickrock over a sandstone pass overlooking the canyons and miles of redrock towers. For a longer outing, add five to six miles to explore Lost Canyon and the Peekaboo Trail.

See my story “No Straight Lines: Backpacking and Hiking in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks,” and all of my stories about Canyonlands.

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail, Yellowstone National Park.

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail, Yellowstone

Crevice Lake, Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

The Blacktail Deer Creek Trail doesn’t climb a mountain or pass any thermal feature. But from its nondescript trailhead east of Mammoth, it meanders across gently rolling grasslands and meadows that look like an American Serengeti, where there’s a good chance of running into herds of elk and bison—or wolves or bears. Reaching the cliff-flanked Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River at 3.7 miles, you can continue in either direction along the river; a quarter-mile downstream lies Crevice Lake, whose waters reflect the forest, hills, and cerulean sky.

See my Ask Me blog posts “The 10 Best Short Hikes in Yellowstone,” and “The Ultimate Family Tour of Yellowstone,” and all of my stories about Yellowstone at The Big Outside.

My wife, Penny, and daughter, Alex, hiking Chimney Rock Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park.

Chimney Rock Canyon, Capitol Reef.

Chimney Rock Canyon, Capitol Reef

By Capitol Reef standards, the 3.5-mile Chimney Rock Loop is “popular”—meaning you may see a few other hikers. But few dayhikers and backpackers explore lower Chimney Rock Canyon’s tall, sheer, red cliffs and truck-size boulders littering the bottom of the dry canyon.

For stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold cliffs—especially near sunset—hike the Chimney Rock Loop, which begins three miles west of the park visitor center on UT 24, and then out and back down Chimney Rock Canyon to Spring Canyon, a total distance of about 6.5 miles.

See a menu of all of my stories about Capitol Reef National Park on my All National Park Trips page.

  Got an all-time favorite campsite? See “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”

  Hiking Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park.

Telescope Peak, Death Valley

Hiking Death Valley’s Telescope Peak.

From 11,049-foot Telescope Peak in Death Valley, the highest summit in the largest national park outside Alaska, more than 11,000 vertical feet of relief separate your shoes from the valleys to either side.

The panorama encompasses a vast reach of barren, sharply angled, rocky ridges. The 14-mile, round-trip hike, with nearly 3,000 vertical feet of gain and loss, wanders a circuitous route with almost non-stop views, culminating in a beautiful summit ridge walk.

Go from April to May or September into November to avoid the deadly heat of summer.

See my story “11,000 Feet Over Death Valley: Hiking Telescope Peak,” and all of my stories about Death Valley National Park at The Big Outside.

  Make your hikes better. See my reviews of “The 5 Best Rain Jackets For Hiking” and the 7 best daypacks.

  My wife, Penny, hiking the Heather Pass-Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades National Park.

Heather Pass-Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades.

Heather Pass-Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades

In the vertiginous North Cascades, usually only climbers enjoy the views of this park’s sea of jagged, snowy peaks, that you get on this 7.2-mile loop from the Rainy Pass Trailhead on WA 20. Starting in a forest of towering fir, hemlock, and spruce trees, you climb to views of cliff-ringed Lake Ann, dramatic Black Peak from Heather Pass, and at Maple Pass, much of the North Cascades.

Go in August or early September, after most of the snow has melted out, and when the huckleberries are ripe and columbine and other wildflowers bloom.

See my story “Exploring the ‘American Alps:’ The North Cascades,” and all of my stories about the North Cascades region at The Big Outside.

  Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton, or other parks using my expert e-guides.

  David Ports hiking in the Wonderland of Rocks, Joshua Tree National Park.

Wonderland of Rocks, Joshua Tree

You won’t get far into the Wonderland of Rocks before feeling like you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Frequently not much more than a sandy wash, the Boy Scout Trail winds for nearly eight miles, from the Park Boulevard to Indian Cove Road, through a mind-bogglingly beautiful and disorienting maze of massive granite formations rising from the desert floor. Even most climbers stick to the rocks closer to park roads. Hike in from the south trailhead and turn around, or shuttle a vehicle to make the full traverse. Peak season is fall through spring.

See a menu of all of my stories about Joshua Tree National Park on my All National Park Trips page.

Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park.

The Dunes, Great Sand Dunes

Walk toe-to-heel along the inch-wide crest of giant sand dunes, with crazily steep drop-offs on each side. Then pause and listen to the eerie “singing” when sand avalanches down those faces.

Hiking any distance in the 30-square-mile sea of dunes rising several hundred feet tall in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park, in the shadow of the 13,000-foot-high Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is enchanting. But there are no trails, so you must navigate by sight or map, or retrace your footprints back to the start (as long as wind hasn’t covered them over).

See my story “Exploring America’s Big Sandbox: Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes.”

My son, Nate, hiking in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

Loop Around the City of Rocks National Reserve

While not an actual national park, this National Park Service reserve has long been popular with rock climbers for the hundreds of granite monoliths liberally salting the high desert of south-central Idaho. But it remains largely unknown to hikers, so most City of Rocks trails remain quite lonely. For a diverse experience ranging from high views overlooking this “silent city” of pinnacles to aspen-lined creek bottoms, hike the loop of roughly nine miles (with shorter options) from Elephant Rock on the Tea Kettle Trail, North Fork Circle Creek Trail, Stripe Rock Loop, and Box Top Trail, including about a quarter-mile of dirt road from the Box Top Trailhead to Elephant Rock. “The City” has become one of my family’s favorite getaway spots for camping, climbing, and hiking.

For information, visit nps.gov/ciro.

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  See a menu of stories at my All National Park Trips page at The Big Outside.