#GOLDEN AGE EXPO

[bixels]

Got this at a vintage expo today. Not a real cel, but a sericel, a mechanical reproduction of the original made by Disney as a collector’s piece in 1995. Unfortunately the seller didn’t have the certification of authenticity, but I don’t blame her, she told me it had been lying around in her house for decades and she wanted to pass it on (I also don’t think she was lying because $75 is a serious steal for a sericel).

Still really beautiful from my favorite Golden Age Disney film.

[gunsandspaceships]

Tony’s behavior: Kid

I spent a few days working on some posts about Tony, Howard and Steve, but ultimately came to the conclusion that I needed to do an analysis of Tony's behavior at all stages of his life first. So here is the first post of a new short series.

To see a real person as he is, without masks, habits, traumas and other alterations (which we call “personality development”), the best we can do is to look at him in childhood.

What do we see in kid Tony?

We don't have much, but we have some.

September 1973. Tony is supposed to be 3 years old here. He doesn’t look like that, because at the time the scene was filmed, the actor was 5 years old. But okay, let's close our eyes to these discrepancies in dates (by the way, this is not the first time we see them) and imagine that he is Tony between 3 and 6 years old.

He’s playing in his father’s office while the latter is filming EXPO stuff.

From his actions here we see that:

He is playful, as he should be at this age. There are three possible explanations for what Tony is doing in this scene: 1) he wanted to prank his father by removing one of the models from the desk; 2) he was trying to get his father's attention; 3) was just playing without a specific goal. If it was a prank, it means he was already a prankster, and his sense of humor was already developed at that age. If it was a way to get his father’s attention – he got a negative sort of it, which certainly was not what he wanted. And if he was just playing – it sounds more like a child his age.

Judging by his confusion when Howard noticed him and started yelling, and the fact that he was in no hurry to hide the model after he took it, this was not a prank. And looking at the same confused Tony with the model in his hands, we can say it was not an attempt to get attention. So the most logical explanation is the third - he was just playing around. Here is additional confirmation of the conclusion: “he sneaks into his dad’s office and picks up a building from a miniature cityscape on the desk. He also stands on the desk and, in what sounds like an interesting bit of foreshadowing, plays with a golden plane, making it dip and soar in the air.” (Source). So indeed, he was just playing with interesting things that looked like toys in his father’s office while his dad was busy with other people doing some silly adult things. Which means – no, he wasn’t a prankster or an attention seeker. He was a normal kid.

He minds his own business. He is not trying to attract attention to himself or interfere with the adults' work. When he picked up the model, he didn't seem to know they were filming. The unreleased scene where he plays with a plane is also indicative of this.

He is brave. He is not afraid to play around a bunch of people, in the office of his strict father, or to touch his things. He doesn’t need his mother’s presence to feel confident to play there. Looks like he already used to it. He is not afraid of strangers and doesn’t show any distress when a guy from the filming crew picks him up and carries him away. Btw, where exactly was his mother is another question.

He is calm. When he was caught by Howard, he did not show any strong reaction to this, nor to Howard's anger, nor to his removal from Howard's office. He was CALM. How many kids this age have you seen who would not show their displeasure, throw a tantrum, cry or get scared? These reactions are natural at this stage of cognitive development: children from 2 to 6 years old are egocentric by default and react sharply to any restrictions on their will. As we can see, this was not Tony's case.

He is quiet. In this scene and throughout the filming for the EXPO (during which he was presumably in the office), he did not speak a word or make a sound.

He does what he is told. When Howard told him to put the model back in its place, he immediately obeyed.

He is neat. He carefully put the model back to its exact place. Have you ever seen kids who put toys back in their place? Huh?

From this deleted scene we can get the following:

Tony is a sleepyhead. Howard tried his best to wake him up, dragging him out of bed, carrying him around, touching, patting, talking and shouting in his ear. But despite his father's best efforts, Tony did not wake up. Superpower, no less.

Tony is trusting. Despite the fact that his father, who had recently yelled at him, took him sleeping in his arms and carried him somewhere, Tony did not wake up in a panic, but rather slept calmly on his father’s shoulder.

He is not resentful. Despite Howard's behavior towards him, spending time with his father was important to Tony. He was important to him. And nothing changed that.

Scientifically and technologically brilliant. That’s an easy one. There is no evidence so far that he had other deviations. A normal kid in everything else.

Does not spend much time with other kids. Or none at all. There are no other kids that we can see, only adults: his father, photographers, journalists, Bill Gates, Stane. There are no childhood friends we heard about. Here is an explanation that seems realistic and logical based on our observations (at this point): his parents were too busy with their own affairs, whatever they were, to take him to other children and "waste time" on this "useless activity", besides, Howard did not support Tony's normal childhood activities, and playing with his peers was one of them, plus Tony was not too eager to insist, due to his moderate introversion.

Loves riding and interacting with animals. We can see his happy expression when he is riding a horse in the first childhood picture.

It is clear from the video and photos that he is not posing or showing off. Some kids do. And according to popular perceptions of Tony, he should have behaved that way too. But he didn't. His behavior is calm, even a little shy. The smiles are soft, no grinning, no gestures or anything like that.

These are traits of pure Tony, without the added layers of “personality” and “character development.” There are no signs of personality disorders, attention-seeking behavior, aggression, laziness, sloppiness or other negative traits. If you see any – let me know in the comments. On the contrary, he is very calm, quiet, independent, brave, curious, obedient, careful, and easygoing. I am actually very impressed and would be happy to have a kid like him.

Next time we will see how he changed as a teenager and young adult.

[dcdreamblog]

Since time travel has been mentioned a time or two, a story and then a question.

I grew up in a rural area with a small government installation nearby these many years ago. There was just enough population to support one combination elementary and high school, and barely enough money for teachers, so the teachers they did have tended to have a lot of job security.

The high school history teacher was generally a good teacher and a reasonable person, but apparently had a bug up his ass about one particular topic. At the beginning of each quarter, he'd explain to the classes he was teaching that time travel was not real, we were not to mention time travel in response to any question, and referring to time travel in any way in homework or a test would be an automatic "F."

In 10th grade, a new kid, I'll call him Steve, transferred into the school because his dad was working at the government installation, in the middle of the quarter. Everything was fine for a couple of weeks, new kids were excitement in our tiny school.

Then one day our history class was learning about an event in Ancient Greek history. And Steve raises his hand. Turned out that when he was a kid, his family had lived down the road from Rip Hunter and his crew, and Steve had gotten to hang out with Mr. Hunter's teenage assistant Corky a few times with other small boys, and Corky had told them about going to that particular event, and what really happened was--

The history teacher, of course, was rapidly building up fury. I could see his cheeks turning red and almost could see steam comiing out of his ears. Just as Steve was getting to the good part of the story, something about disguised aliens, the teacher erupted. He told Steve in no uncertain terms that there was no such thing as time travel, never had been and never would be, and that Rip Hunter in particular was a fraud and con artist who bilked investors by making up wacky stories and forging artifacts.

Steve, as any sixteen year old with a bit of worldly assurance might, pushed back, trying to defend Rip Hunter's honor. This became a shouting match and Steve got sent to the principle's office.

From what I heard later, Steve's father was called, and he allowed that while, yes, his family had lived down the road from Rip Hunter's land, he himself had never met the man and certainly never saw any proof of time travel, and Corky might have been telling tall tales to impress the younger boys. Still, he disagreed with the history teacher's getting angry about it.

Steve was silent and fuming in history class from then on, and his family got reassigned during the summer.

So, question, how does your field of history handle claims of time travel?

This sort of gets onto a larger question as to how my field is seen by more "established" historical fields. In short: Not well.

To fully lay out my credentials. I have a Bachelor's in Superhero Studies with a Minor in Political Geography. My focus in both is respectively the Golden Age from 1938-1950 and Ethnic Demographics within Modern Nation States.

I am a Historian. My job is to examine historical facts through primary and secondary sources and provide the best possible window from the present to the past through the lens of truth. Whether more "academic" historians feel that my specialization is valid or not is neither my problem nor my concern.

The idea that the champions and defenders who have utterly altered our view of the world aren't "relevant" enough to be taken into the curve of history as a force in and of themselves strikes me as a DEEPLY reactionary and incurious one. So let us get one thing deeply, UNMISTAKABLY clear. Time Travel is real. Anyone who insists it isn't would have to explain a LOT of otherwise totally inexplicable things.

(Rip Hunter and his Time Masters, showing off their Time Sphere at the Cave Carson Scientific Expo. Corky is the young redhead in the middle)

Rip Hunter and his crew are time travelers. They travel through time, into the past and the future with the help of a miraculous machine. Like something out of a Jules Verne novel.

How does my field "handle" these claims? The first tool on any good scientist's rack. Occam's Razor.

Which is more likely. That these four are able to, on dozens of different occasions, all over the world, perfectly replicate lost artifacts to the point that even lifelong archeologists are unable to falsify them. Provide directions to seemingly lost ruins that no one could have possibly known about ahead of time, those ruins themselves HOLDING evidence of their presence sometimes millennia in the past, and consult on paleontological and historical discoveries that were unknown or even untheorized but just so happen to line up EXACTLY to their observations once studied? Or that they can time travel.

Once is suspicious. Perhaps they stumbled upon the ruin and are defacing it to cash in before unveiling it to the world. Maybe they DID find the artifact but not where they said they did. Maybe they happened upon a fossil that explains dinosaur anatomy to them in a totally new way. Once. Twice. Three times. Do you know how many papers have their names on them? Go ahead, if you still have access to your college library, go check. Only count the ones that are unique discoveries, I had to for a paper.

4527. As of when I graduated in 2018. Nearly 5000 historical, archeological or evolutionary discoveries that began because they showed up, submitted a report about what they saw and then led experts directly to the evidence.

There is not enough luck in the WORLD, to luck upon discipline redefining dinosaur skeletons 5000 times.

And they're the easiest example but there are more. How did the Seven Soldiers show up, out of the blue, 40+ years after their disappearance without any of these very hard living men having physically aged more than 5.

The Vigilante has no secret ID anymore. We know its the same guy, so I would like your history teacher to tell me, to my face, how world famous country western artist Greg Saunders vanished in 1947 and showed up decades later looking identical to the cover of his last album. The pictures are not hard to compare, he was selling out Madison Square Garden. Any other skeptics in the crowd are free to answer either of these questions, I am always in the running to be proven wrong.

We live in a new world, and those who cannot accept the reality of it will be doomed to ignorance. The fantastical is here. So let's start taking notes.

[fluffysucker]

Desperate People find faith.

Bucky Barnes x reader

An accident mends your broken heart.

A/N: Written in Third POV. No use of Y/N. However, the reader is referred to as a female.

I read this amazing oneshot, and I couldn't stop thinking about this idea. So I added my own twist to it. Thanks to the wonderful writer for sharing it and for inspiring me.

Likes, comments, reblogs are VERY VERY highly appreciated. Opinions really matter to me

TW: Bullets and blood. Mentions of torture but nothing explicit

Main Masterlist

You knew you shouldn't have done it. You should have stayed home. What could barely be described a home. You should have minded your business. You should have acted like the civilian you are now. You shouldn't have done it. But your loyalty to Steve wouldn't have let you

The image of the cheap copy so-called Captain America holding the shield blasting all over the news was a hit. A gut-wrenching hit. There was a guy who was taking the place of your childhood best friend, the man you called brother, the fearless leader. And he looked happy doing so. Then the blond had the audacity to say that Steve felt like a brother to him. You felt physical pain that you almost threw up.

Rationality went out the window. Before you knew any better, you were tracking down the man who was handed your friend's legacy. The man who gave it away when there was nobody more deserving than him. It wasn't hard to know exactly where Sam Wilson was. You were aware he joined the Air Force once again. So you hijacked the location of his next mission, demanding answers.

But it appeared that you weren't the only one who had the same plan. As you were talking to Sam, trying to be as nice as you could, giving him the benefit of the doubt, telling him you weren't here to judge or pick a fight. You just wanted an explanation. You heard him.

"Shouldn't have given up the shield."

His voice was filled with anger. But you could hear the sadness hidden in his tone. Sam scuffed, walking away from you as well. You turned around and you saw him. The love of your life. Quite literally.

You fail to recall a time you weren't in love with James Buchanan Barnes. Growing up together, your trio was inseparable. You would never see one without the others. From the age of three till your twenties, the three of you were more than family.

Despite loving Steve like the brother you never had, the same couldn't be said about his best friend. Your feelings for the brunette were never platonic. Neither were his. In the second grade, he promised to marry you once he got older. And he did. He kneeled to the ground with a beautiful golden ring for you once he secured a job. It was the easiest yes in your life.

Loving him came to you naturally. Stolen glances. Sweet words. Fast heartbeats. Shy smiles. Gentle touches. You were each other first everything. It was like you were made for each other. Like you were born to love him.

And he was your perfect man. Every woman envied you. Every woman hoped to have someone look at her like he looked at you. Every woman wished for a man who treated her the way he treated you. Every woman prayed for a man to love her that much.

Bucky Barnes was head over heels in love with you. And he made sure he showed it.

You were the luckiest girl.

Up until your luck ran out. War knocked on your door like a hurricane, destroying your life.

You remember the night before Bucky was shipped. When you went home after what couldn't be called a double date at Stark expo. The promises the both of you made. Your dream wedding. Your house. Your family. Your kids. All of it. Your future. And you believed him. You couldn't fathom any alternatives.

So when Steve walked in your tent where you did your job as a journalist, who was asked to cover The Howling Commandos missions and subject their heroism to the public, you knew. The look of utter defeat in his face, his glassy eyes, his red nose, the way he was trying to shrink away in his new huge body, you knew.

Your heart was ripped and broken to pieces. The pain was suffocating. You were drowning. You felt like the world ended. Life stopped.

You don't remember how things went after that. You don't remember if Steve ever said the words to you, but you remember his promise of revenge as he held your sobbing body against his chest.

And he did. He ended Hydra. But it came with a price. Very high. After Steve's sacrifice, life became meaningless. You weren't living. You were barely breathing. You were alone.

So when the government asked you to write the final article about the war, the winning announcement, you were about to turn it down. You found difficulties in everything. Leaving your bed sounded like a tiring task. Eating felt like a punishment. Functioning like a human became a burden.

But you remembered how supportive Bucky was of your career. When every man let women their abandon their dreams, Bucky helped you fight for yours. And he gave his life for this victory. Your fiancée and bestfriend. You owed it to them. To be the one to report the triumph tinted with their effort and blood.

So you put in all your strength and travelled with the small team to write the most important piece of work in your life.

However, only a number of people of the team and the article made it back. You didn't.

On your way back, you were ambushed by unknown soldiers. They took you to unknown quarters. You were so confused until you saw that cursed symbol. They weren't gone. Neither was your fiancée.

And that began a lifetime of torture and pain. They brainwashed Bucky but left you with your memories. So when they threatened to hurt him, you caved and let them do whatever they wanted to you. It was a trap they built for you, and you fell in it every time. They would hurt both of you at the end.

You endured it all. You survived it all. Except the moment they made Bucky look you in the eyes and fight you. They erased you from his mind. You saw the love of your life, and he saw nothing. He looked at you and saw either an enemy or a mission partner. And that was the most painful torture Hydra put you through.

As if this wasn't enough. You had to face a hindrance you never thought of.

After Steve rescued the both of you, after him running away from you, after spending two years making amendments with the government and helping Steve search for him, after the accords and Zemo's predicament, after he remembered you, after Princess Shuri was able to give him back his freedom, after you hugged him as he cried, after you decided to finally have that wedding, Thanos happened.

You believe you did something so terrible in another life, and you were getting punished for it in this life. There was no logical explanation as to why this kept happening to you. Why were you robbed of any chances of happiness. Why did you have to watch your man disappear right after having him back. Why you could only feel ache and misery. Why was the world so cruel.

So you kept your hopes to minimum when Steve came to your shared apartment one night, telling you that they had a plan. You agreed to join them in the time heist, ready to be disappointed.

But the second you saw Bucky standing on the sides with his machine gun, you wanted to cry. You thought it was an illusion, but these blue eyes said something else. Now, you were fighting with a strong drive and purpose.

You thought that was it. Your happy ending. You finally had him. But Steve leaving tore you apart. You were happy for your bestfriend who finally did something for himself. However, you couldn't help but feel sad. At least you and Bucky had each other.

Bucky had another thing in mind. Because, a couple of weeks after Steve leaving, Bucky broke up with. He said he needed to figure himself out and work on his pardon. You understood. But it didn't make it any easier.

So you left, giving him all the space he needed. You hadn't seen or spoken to each other since. At least he is alive. That's what you kept telling yourself to find any sort of comfort or condolence.

So this was the first time you had met. He looked different. He cut his hair. He had a scruff. He was wearing an all black outfit. He had gloves on. He had little bags under his eyes. He looked good overall. That's what mattered to you.

"Good to see you too, Buck." Sam said as he walked with intentions to move away from Bucky.

"This is wrong." Bucky didn't give him the chance as be walked beside Sam, without batting you an eye. You couldn't say that didn't hurt but you followed them anyway.

"Look, I'm working, alright. So all this outrage is going to have to wait." It was clear that Bucky wasn't here to have a civil conversation like you.

"You didn't know this was going to happen?" Bucky accused Sam.

"No, of course I didn't know that was going to happen." Sam was quick to deny Bucky's accusations.

"You think it didn't break my heart to see them march him out and call him the new Captain America." This was more directed towards you, following up to your conversation before Bucky cut in.

"This isn't what Steve wanted." Bucky wasn't going to back down.

"Oh my god. So what do you want me to do? Call America and tell them I changed my mind. " Sam's sarcastic reply did nothing but annoy Bucky's more.

"Like I told your wife. There is nothing we can do. You just couldn't wait for her to get home." You looked at Sam. It didn't appear to you that he wouldn't know.

"We broke up."

Another wave of pain hit you as you turned to look at Bucky, who was still not looking at you. How easy could he just say it with no emotions at all. You were fighting to get by every day, and he looked like he didn't care.

"What?!" Sam stopped suddenly once he heard Bucky's words, turning to the both of you.

"You,two lovebirds who literally broke laws to be together, broke up?" Sam couldn't believe his ears. He thought you would have gotten married by now. Your love for each other more epic than all the novels he read.

"Were you asked to give it up?" You changed the topic quickly, refusing to answer Sam's question or talk about your tragic love story. It hurt bad enough, and you didn't want to show it.

"Of course not." Sam heard you loud and clear. He also knew your question had pure intentions. You weren't here to offend him.

"Right, great reunion, guys. Be well." Sam turned to walk out, ending this conversation.

"You had no right to give up the shield, Sam." Bucky was angry, and he was showing it. In the wrong way.

"This is what you aren't going to do. You aren't going to come here in your over extended life and tell me about my rights." Three of you came to a stop.

"It's over." Sam added, looking at you as you came to stand next to Bucky.

"Besides, I have bigger things to deal with."

And you hadn't rest since.

It was, indeed, big thing to deal with.

You had no idea what you were getting yourself into when you impulsively followed Sam and Bucky into the plane.

It was a constant mess. The flag smashers. New super soldiers. Karli Morgenthau. Isaiah Bradley. Zemo. Madripoor. Power Broker. And the worst of them all. John Walker and Lemar Hoskins. It never ended.

All that chaos was a good distraction. You didn't have time to think about your broken heart nor to think about the current nature of your and Bucky's relationship.

It was complicated and confusing.

You fought very well together. Your combined sets of skills were lethal. Your collective training and ability to work together kicked in when needed. Away from that, the both of you barely talked. You acknowledged each other existence. That's how you would describe it.

However, you couldn't explain why Bucky refused when Raynor asked you and Sam to join them in the session in the police station. Or why he always made sure you stayed at least an arm distance away from Zemo. Or why did he choose to be the Winter Soldier for the night instead of you compromising your identity that you kept a secret all these years. Or why, that day at Madripoor, he almost took multiple bullets for you. Or why whenever John showed up, his hand would always find yours.

You were thankful you didn't have the time to think about all of this because you were sure you would have lost your mind. You barely had your emotions in checks. And there was a lot going on.

Then it all went crushing. You would never forget this day.

You followed Sam and Bucky, running out of the building into the street, only to see the calamity that just occurred.

John Walker stood proud with the blood-tinted shield above the man he just slaughtered.

Instinctively, your hand came up to wrap around Bucky's bicep, looking for any comfort for the both of you. This scene would forever be engraved in your memories.

Three of you gave John some time. You stood outside of the warehouse he was in right now. You knew if you all went angry, the results would be catastrophic.

But it was anyway.

You let Sam do most of the talking. He was the best in this. If anyone could convince John to hand over the shield, it would be him. So you stood and watched. But it appeared that the time you gave John Walker to cool down only drove him more over the edge. So, with the three of telling him to give up the shield, John Walker lost his mind.

It should have been an easy fight. A veteran and an avenger and two super soldiers. It shouldn't be hard. But neither one of the three of you was fighting was the intention to hurt John. Unlike him, John was fighting to kill. With his new powers, he was uncontrollable.

You let out a high-pitched scream once you saw John throw Bucky away, electrocuting his arm, making him lose consciousness. Then you watched as he straddled Sam on the ground. You needed to act quickly.

You groaned as you got up from the floor, looking at the cut in your arm. Nothing too bad. You told yourself as you ran toward John tickling him away from Sam.

It was just you and him, now.

And it was brutal.

You were still trying not to hurt him too much. However, he was unstoppable. So when he figured that he would lose combat with you eventually, he retrieved to other options.

Picking the shield and throwing it at you for it cause a cut in your chest was enough distraction for him to take out the gun he kept in his suit and shot you.

The bullets found their places in your stomach and legs. He aimed for places that you wouldn't recover from. You fell to the ground, coughing blood, feeling the bullets rest so deep in your body.

John walked towards you with the shield. He looked at you. His eyes were showing insanity and rage. He lifted the shield up and hit you in the chest. The pain was like no other. And you knew that was it.

It felt ironic in so many ways. Your bestfriend's shield. The shield that presented all of Steve's values and beliefs. The shield that helped once save your life. Now, it was going to be the weapon to kill you.

Of all the ways you thought you would die in, this wasn't even close. But when was life ever fair to you? At least you would have peace now. Your dying wish was for Bucky to know how much you loved him and how you wanted him to be fine and happy. Because you loved Bucky more than life itself.

You tried to distract yourself from the excruciating pain by counting how many hits of the shield would it take to end you.

You counted two.

You started coughing violently as you felt a weight got lifted off your chest. All your body going numb for seconds.

You saw Bucky was up once again, and he managed to corner John with Sam, trying to break his arm to take away the shield.

You desperately tried to get up and help them, but your whole body was on fire. Why was the serum not working?

A breath escaped you once you heard the sound of bone breaking. Only to realize breathing hurt. Everything hurt so bad.

With cuts on your arms and face, bruises on your ribs, wounds in your chest, bullets in your stomach and legs, you gave up, closing your eyes.

Because of your agonizing pain. You didn't hear Bucky beating the life out of John after taking the shield. He didn't stop until John passed out.

Bucky turned around and saw a sight that came straight out of his worst nightmares. He had seen it too many times. Woke up scared and sweating because of it. A sight that he knew would haunt him more than it already did.

Your lifeless body in a pool of blood.

He took careful steps towards you, praying it would disappear, and this would just be a nightmare of his. But the sound of your faint heartbeats made it real.

"Doll." Bucky got on his knees next to you, holding your motionless body in his arm.

You hissed in pain as you felt a movement that caused all the pain in your body to stir awake again.

"Bucky." Your voice was a whisper. You were too tired to open your eyes, but the feeling of the metal around you was familiar.

"I'm right here, doll." Bucky may not let it show in his voice, but if you opened your eyes, you would see the fear and tears.

"I need you to stay awake, okay. Can you do this for me? Please, stay awake." Bucky never felt this desperate before.

"Help is on the way." The three of you had already arranged with Torres to have an ambulance on stand-by. You had a feeling things would go bad. But not that bad.

"I'm tired." The amount of blood you were losing was making you too dizzy.

"I know, doll. But you will be okay." Bucky didn't care about the blood getting all over him as he pulled you closer to him.

"You will get better. Because you have to." He was saying it more to himself than you.

"I prayed for this." Talking was getting too hard, but you had to tell.

"What did you pray for?" Bucky was doing anything to keep you awake. He needed to listen to your voice.

"To die in your arms."

Bucky felt the tears escape his eyes, falling down freely on his face.

"You aren't dying. You will be okay." You heard it. The shakiness of his voice.

Fighting the great pain you were in, you opened your eyes to look at him. You wanted to see him one last time. This is why you prayed to die in his arms. So his face would be the last thing to see. This voice would be the last thing you heard. His arms the last thing you felt. Your farewell to the cruel world would be with the man who had been your heaven on Earth.

You lifted your arm with a moan of pain before you placed it on his cheek. You needed to say it. You needed it to be your last words.

"I love you, Bucky. I loved you my whole life."

With that, the world went dark.

You didn't get to see the mess that Bucky became as he heard your heartbeats slow down. His screams and desperate calls of your name to wake up.

He was so blinded by pain that he didn't let the paramedics near, protecting your body until he realized who they were. They didn't try to fight him when he insisted on getting in the ambulance with you.

All the time you were in the surgery, Bucky was inconsolable. He didn't care that Sam and Torres saw him as he sobbed, sitting on the floor waiting for anybody to tell you were fine. All he cared about was that he didn't say it back. You could die not knowing how much he loved you. The thought brought new tears to his already puffy red eyes

He prayed to God and anyone that would hear. If you were standing close enough, you would hear him. "Please, don't take her from me." "Please, let her be okay." "Take me instead of her." "She deserves so much better, please."

In his long life that was filled with hardships, torture, and wars, this was the worst pain he ever went through. He could feel his heart twisting and breaking. Every cell in his body was hurting. The emotional pain turning physical.

His eyes were dried up. Cheeks stained with tears. His mind going through all the worst scenarios. None of them he would be able to survive.

He jumped up from the floor when the door opened, and a doctor walked out. His heart was beating a thousand miles a second. All these prayers never leaving his mouth. His last hope.

"She is okay."

Tears of relief fell from his eyes. You survived it. You made it. The doctor talked about your injuries. With medications and the seurm, you would heal properly. Bucky didn't pay attention. His mind focused on one thing. He needed to see you.

After knowing your room's number, Bucky didn't leave your side. The doctor told him it might take a bit for you to wake up, but he didn't mind. He would stay forever.

It wasn't long before you woke up.

You opened your eyes slowly, adjusting to the bright lights. The last thing you remember was the intense pain. It didn't hurt as much now. You just felt so exhausted. You tried to move your hands, only to be blocked.

You looked down to see Bucky holding your hand so tightly and his head resting next to it. You could tell his eyes were swollen and his nose was red. But he looked peaceful sleeping. You missed him so much.

Without much thought, you moved your other free hand to his head, playing with his hair. It felt soft under your fingers. You blamed the serum that made him wake up from such a simple touch.

You smiled softly as you watched him, trying to remember where he was and what he was doing. He looked confused until he saw you.

"You are awake." Bucky got up from the seat next to the bed.

"Are you okay? Are you pain? What hurts? I'm going to call the doctor." He was frantic. He only stopped when you held his metal hand.

"I'm okay, Bucky." You reassured him with a smile.

You repeated it a couple of times before he finally sat back down on the chair. That's when you noticed he was still in his suit that was covered in blood. Your blood.

After he sat down, he looked at your intertwined fingers together and couldn't help the tears.

"What's wrong?" You asked as you moved your thumb gently on his knuckles.

"You scared the life out of me." He answered as he wiped his tears away.

"Though we were used to this, Barnes." You replied playfully, hands still together.

"Not when it comes to you. Never you." Bucky was fast to respond.

"Nothing I haven't been through before." You said it casually. You didn't miss the look in Bucky's eyes. It held too much depth to it. You couldn't put your hand on it

"Is your arm okay? Do you need to get it checked?" Flashbacks were coming back to you bit by a bit. As you touched his metal arm, you remembered what happened to him.

"You are in the hospital bed, and you are asking about my arm." Bucky's laugh was dry. He would always be in awe of how caring you were.

"I will never stop caring about, Bucky. Even if you don't want me." It was true. Nothing could make you stop caring about Bucky.

"Don't want you?" Bucky couldn't let your comment go by.

"Yeah. You don't want me anymore. It's okay. I understand."

"You understand?"

"I remind you of a bad time. The worst. And you had to move on. You had to cut ties with all parts of this time."

"Is this why you think we broke up?"

"Isn't it?"

You started telling yourself this after the breakup as a way to pick the shattered pieces of your heart. Of course, he didn't want to be with someone who held their bad time as a constant reminder on her body as scars. Or with someone who went through the same hell as him. He deserved someone better. Someone who wasn't so damaged.

And you understood.

"No, it isn't."

He was planning to tell you everything but not right now. But words just fell out from the tip of his tongue.

"I don't look at you and see bad time. I look at you, and I see all my failures."

You looked at him, baffled, not getting what he meant.

"I remember everything."

You still didn't know what he wanted to say.

"I remember what Hydra did to you. What they made you do for me. What I did to you."

"Bucky.."

"How they pushed you too far in the lies of not hurting me. How they made you watch as they erased you from my mind. How they made me fight you. Hurt you."

You were about to tell him how you didn't hold him accountable to any of this because it was never his fault. It was never his intention. You were sure Bucky would never hurt you. The Winter Soldier not too. But he cut you off.

"They took you because they knew how much you meant to me. How important you are to me. I was the reason you had to go through all of this."

"I look at you and remember how I failed to protect you. When that's all I ever wanted in life. To protect you. But I failed."

"Just like I failed today."

Before you could say anything, he kept going.

"I couldn't understand how you could still love me."

"I looked at the list of people I hurt, and your name was first. And you wanted to help me. You wanted to stay by my side. I couldn't live with the guilt. I still can't. I had to let you go despite how bad it hurts."

"But, doll, I want you to be sure nobody will ever love you half as much as I do."

It took years for Hydra to remove you from his mind. But what they didn't know was that they never fully succeeded.

At first, he would forget his name but remember his girl and everything about you. Then they become harsher, so he would only remember your face and name. Then, it became only your face. Then nothing. The blank paper for them to write what they wanted.

However, whenever Hydra made the both of you train together or go on missions, he would get this rush of flashbacks like a movie playing in his head once he was alone in his cell. It would be you. In different places and different ages. The Winter Soldier would convince himself that it must be his memories from past missions. Effects of being wiped too many times.

The soldier was never able to shake the feeling of guilt after a training session where he would be instructed to be tough with you. A feeling so foreign to him.

He remembers the first time he refused to hurt you. They made him watch from far as they tortured you. Then they wiped him again. Every time he showed any sympathy for you, he was wiped and handled roughly.

But all the efforts weren't enough. You were the first thing he remembered once he settled in Bucharest. That's when the guilt came in. It was you. The love of his love. His fiancée. And they got to you. And he couldn't save you.

Even after the blip, His thoughts kept going back to how he betrayed you and hurt you instead of protecting you like he was meant it.

But the worst part was how he thought he didn't deserve your love anymore. He thought you would resent him. So he decided to break his heart into two. He left.

You were the forbidden topic that Raynor wasn't allowed to go near despite how much she wanted. You were the centre of his nightmares. All of them. Past memories of both of you at Hydra. Missions and trainings. And the worst, losing you. Watching you getting killed. Nightmares that invaded him, and he was defenceless.

"I love you, and I'm so sorry." Bucky laid soft kiss on your hand.

"Let me ask a question, Bucky." He looked at you, tears still filling his eyes.

You didn't expect this to be the real reason why you and Bucky broke up. But you should have known. He was too good of a man.

"If it had been the other way you around, wouldn't you have done the same? Would you have hated me then?"

"I would give my life for you without hesitation. And nothing could ever make me hate you."

His answer was fast. That was the only thing he knew about himself. You come first, always.

"Then why are you surprised with what I did? You don't love me more, Bucky." You laughed softly, already feeling your ribs ache a bit.

You always had this running joke that Bucky loved you more than you did. And to a lot of the extent, it was true.

"You didn't deserve it."

"Neither did you."

You patted the spot on bed next to you, wanting him to be close to you. And he listened. He sat on the bed, hands never leaving each other.

"Haven't we been through enough? Haven't the world tore us apart too many times? Let us have this."

If he still loved you, then you should be together. You should be broken together. You should heal together. It was poetic how even in pain, you were still together.

Both of you understood each other better than anyone. You shouldn't be separated.

"You don't hate me?" It was Bucky's worst fear and biggest doubt. If the damage Hydra did was unrepairable.

"I can live hundreds of years and still be in love with you."

You squeezed his hand to make sure he knew how serious you were. "You are all I have ever known, Bucky."

With that, Bucky got up and moved so close to you. Your faces millimetres away from each other. His breath fanning over your face. His personal scent with dust and blood engulfing you. His blue eyes warming the inside of you.

"I got the best girl of them all." Bucky kissed you.

It was a soft, slow kiss. A sign of starting over. Of getting back.

You smiled in the kiss. Bucky used to say this all the time back then. You were known as Bucky's best girl. He used to call you that.

You broke away, feeling so much better now. Bucky rested his flesh hand on your cheek.

"I thought I lost you. I was so scared."

"You didn't. I'm right here."

"Though you will leave me before I say it back." You looked at him, puzzled.

"I love you, doll. You are the thing I live for. You are the purpose of my existence. I love you so much."

You didn't care about the pain as you moved up to meet his lips one more time. And he kissed you back right away.

"You owe me a ring and wedding, Barnes." You joked while you brought your other hand to hold into his suit to ground yourself.

He laughed before he moved away for a bit, and you already missed the closeness, and he wasn't far. You watched as he brought his dog tags out. You saw something bright with them but couldn't tell it was.

"Oh my god." You felt tears gather in your eyes as Bucky brought out the shiny thing closer.

It was your ring. Your engagement ring. The ring Bucky put in your finger many years ago. It was it. You thought it must have been lost that you didn't try to look for it, avoiding the disappointment.

But here it was. Bucky was able to find it. And he kept it with his dog tags. So close to his heart. Where you belonged.

Bucky got in one knee in his technical gear in a hospital room with you connected to IV.

"Doll, will you marry me?"

You laughed loudly that you felt pain shot again in your body. Bucky was next to you in an instant when your laugh turned to a cough.

"Third time is a charm." You said as you gave him your hand.

With another proposal in Wakanda before the snap, you managed to get Bucky Barnes on his knees three times for you.

He put the ring on your finger and pressed a kiss on your hand. "It will be. Mrs. Barnes." The name always had its sweet effect on you.

Bucky leaned in again to kiss you. And this kiss felt out of the world. Like a lifeboat before drowning. Water after the drought. Your rescue.

It was Bucky's promise of safety and security. Nothing and nobody was ever going to hurt you again. A promise of a safe home. Together.

You kept your forehead resting on his as your hand found its place once again on his suit.

"No to be rude, but you need a shower, babe." You could feel the dust on his face and the blood dried on his suit and skin.

"I will be okay. Probably going to fall asleep." You didn't give him a chance to protest.

"Plus, you know. I like my man nice and clean." You pecked his lips playfully.

The sound of the word "your man" falling from your lips referring to Bucky made his heart do little dances. Damn right he was your man.

"I won't take long." He kissed your hair before he got up and left to get himself presentable for his lady.

The world felt lighter, brighter, better. You felt happy. You were happy. You looked at the ring that held huge meaning for you. You weren't hurting. You were finally okay. You had your man back.

Who would have thought a near death incident would be the thing to give you back the man who always brought life to you.

[vievecorcityevents]

FEBRUARY 2025 - FULL MOON NIGHTS

The next full moon called the Snow Moon and it reaches its peak on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The Moon will appear full for about three days, from Tuesday morning (Feb 11) through Thursday morning (Feb 13).

Over these three days, all WEREWOLVES in Vievecor City will experience the following:

Forced transformations into their wolf forms at night when the moon in visible in the night sky.

Heightened emotions, be they anger, sadness or happiness. Younger (below 35 years of age) and newly bitten wolves might not be able to control their aggression easily.

Heightened physical abilities. They will be able to lift and throw small trucks, run up to 70 miles per hour, keep that running speed for up to 5 minutes, have keen night vision, hearing and smell, take the force of a grenade without sustaining injuries and regenerate bullet wounds in a minute. This will make them slightly stronger than vampires.

Some other things of note during full moon nights for other species are:

Supernaturals who can tap into astral magic, divination, dream magic, lunar magic and water magic will feel these magics becoming stronger over the nights of the full moon.

All elves will be overcome with a deep sense of calm whenever the full moon is at its peak, feeling their heart rates and blood pressures decreasing slightly over these nights. Their desire to be in nature to moon bathe will be particularly strong.

The Lycocorpus plant will only be in bloom for 5 minutes at midnight on the one night when the moon is the fullest each month. Witches who grow this plant need to harvest it at this particular time for use in potions.

The Golden Rule is still in place over full moon nights for all supernaturals and any rule breaking will result in punishment by the various species elders and/or the Council.

. ~ . ~ HEAT WEEK 2025 ~ . ~ .

This year’s heat week is happening in February and will take place in-game from Feb 6 to 13 with the last three nights being full moon nights. Heat for werewolves happen only once a year around spring and only female werewolves go into heat. When they do, male wolves cannot help but be affected by their pheromones and will go into rut. (Please see the WEREWOLF write up for more in-depth information on werewolf heats/ruts.)

During this time, all wolves will feel the increased need for touch, body contact and sex. Alphas will be generally more attracted to omegas of their preferred gender followed by betas of their preferred gender. Omegas will generally be more attracted to alphas of their preferred gender followed by betas of their preferred gender. Betas can swing either way depending on their own preferences and their partner’s needs. It is rare that werewolves will spend their heats with wolves that they are not of their sexual preference (i.e. a gay wolf will not sleep with someone of the opposite sex.) All wolves can also be attracted to other species.

Suppressants are commonly used in the werewolf community and it is common for werewolves who are not on suppressants to take this week off from work to deal with their heats/ruts. For those who would like to use suppressants, they are readily available in the form of pills or potions are readily available for wolves who do not wish to experience the effects of heats/ruts. Wolves, elves and witches have the knowledge and ability to brew this complicated potion and it is also readily available for purchase in a more expensive pill form from magic shops in the city. 

While suppressants are commonly used in the werewolf community, it is highly discouraged for them to do so over many consecutive years as it messes with a werewolf’s natural body’s processes. If a werewolf has taken suppressants for more than five consecutive years, their heats/ruts will come back much stronger than before once they stop and heats/ruts can last for up to 3 weeks if they are not careful. If a werewolf takes suppressants consistently for more than 5 years, there is an exponentially increasing chance of rendering themselves infertile.

Some other species that can be affected by pheromones in the air during heat week are animal spirits and elves. Animal spirits are more directly affected and will feel an increased need for touch and body contact with others. Elves will be able to sense the gradual increase in pheromones in the air allowing them to know that heat week is approaching, but they will not be physically affected by it.

OOC:

Players are welcome to use the information in this post to dictate threads going forward. Werewolf characters are encouraged to play out how they deal with heat week. Other characters are welcome to take part in this week if it suits their characters. Have fun!

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 2.4

Holidays

Across the Universe Day

Armed Struggle Day (Angola)

Box Tree Day (French Republic)

Carl Rogers Day

Colour Supplement Day (UK)

Create-A-Vacuum Day

Day for Change (UN)

Facebook Friends Day

Farmer’s Day (Taiwan)

First Sitting of the People’s Majils (Maldives)

General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Day (Poland)

Hank Aaron Day

I Heart Horror Day

International Day of Human Fraternity (UN)

King Frost Day (London, before WWI)

Kosciusko Day (Poland)

Liberace Day

Lifeguard Day (Argentina)

Montgomery Convention Day

National Day of Courage

National Hemp Day

National Quacker Day

National Wicker Day

Obscurity Day

Philippine-AmericanWar Memorial Day (Philippines)

Port Arthur Day

Rissun (Japan)

Rosa Parks Day (California, Missouri) [also 12.1]

Semen Den (Seeds Day; Bulgaria)

Special Working Day (China)

Spoiled Cats’ Day

Thank A Mail Carrier Day

Torture Abolition Day

Transit Equity Day

USO Day

Willie Mays Day

World Cancer Day

Zombie Pride Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Homemade Soup Day

Medjool Date Day

National Stuffed Mushroom Day

Pork Rind Appreciation Day

Nature Celebrations

International Unicorn Day

Red Primrose (Natural Beauty; Korean Birth Flowers)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Celebration of the Beginning of the Struggle for Liberation (Angola)

Liberation Day (Angola)

Sri Lanka (from UK, 1948)

1st Tuesday in February

African-American Coaches Day [1st Tuesday]

International Eggplant Day [1st Tuesday]

Safer Internet Day [1st Tuesday]

Taco Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Takeout Tuesday [1st Tuesday of Each Month]

Target Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Tater Tot Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

To-Do List Tuesday [1st Tuesday of Each Month]

Tranquil Tuesday [1st Tuesday of Each Month]

Trivia Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Two For Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning February 4 (1st Week of February)

National Green Week (thru 4.30) [From 1st Full Week]

Festivals Beginning February 4, 2025

Cattlecon (San Antonio, Texas) [thru 2.6]

Colusa Farm Show (Colusa, California) [thru 2.6]

Empire State Producers Expo (Geneva, New York) [thru 2.5]

Iowa AG Expo (Des Moines, Iowa) [thru 2.6]

Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo, Japan) [thru 2.11]

Spokane Ag Expo (Spokane, Washington) [thru 2.6]

Taipei International Book Exhibition (Taipei, Taiwan) [thru 2.9]

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 7 (Jia-Chen)

Day Pillar: Wood Dragon

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Full Day (满 Man) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: Spring Festival Golden Week

Secular Saints Days

Hank Aaron (Sports)

Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Photography)

Alice Cooper (Music)

Robert Coover (Literature)

Lisa Eichhorn (Entertainment)

Louis Eilshemius (Art)

Betty Friedan (Philosophy)

Fernand Léger (Art)

Ida Lupino (Entertainment)

Emperor Joshua Norton (Politics)

E.J. Pratt (Poetry)

Jacques Prévert (Poetry)

George Romero (Entertainment)

Norman Wisdom (Entertainment)

Feast Days

Aeschylus (Positivist; Saint)

Amaterasu’s Day (Pagan)

Andrew Corsini (Christian; Saint)

Annoy the Neighbors Day (Pastafarian)

Beith Day (a..k.a. Birch Day; Celtic Book of Days)

Biezputras Diena (Porridge Day; Ancient Latvia) [or Sun before Feb 23]

Cornelius the Centurion (Anglican Church; Saint)

Day of the Fart of Abu Hassan (Church of the SubGenius) 

Emperor Norton (Humanism)

Gilbert (Christian; Saint)

Gilbert of Sempringham (Christian; Saint)

Goldrofe of Arganil (Christian; Saint)

Gumby (Animism; Saint)

Home Cleansing Ritual Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Isidore of Pelusium (Christian; Saint)

Jane (or Joan, Queen of France; Christian; Saint)

John de Britto (Christian; Saint)

Joseph of Leonissa (Christian; Saint)

Modan (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Studites (Christian; Saint)

Phileas and Philoromus (Christian; Martyrs)

Rabanus Maurus (Christian; Saint)

Rembertof Torhout (Christian; Saint)

Rimbert (Archbishop of Bremen;  Christian; Saint)

The State of Indiana (Muppetism)

Theophilus the Penitent (Christian; Saint)

Veronica (Christian; Saint)

Zeus Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint) 

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Dismal Day (Unlucky or Evil Day; Medieval Europe; 3 of 24)

Egyptian Day (Dies Mala Unlucky Day; Middle Ages Europe) [3 of 24]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [4 of 24]

Lucky Day (Philippines) [8 of 71]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Film; 1994)

Across the Universe, recorded by The Beatles (Song; 1968)

The Atrocity Exhibition, by J.G. Ballard (Novel; 1970)

Bennie and the Jets, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

Candle in the Wind, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

The Case of the Maltese Chicken (Inspector Willoughby Cartoon; 1964)

The Cloverfield Paradox (Film; 2018)

Col. Heeza Liar on the Jump (Paramount-Bray Pictograph Cartoon; 1917)

Colour Supplement in the Sunday Times (UK Newspaper; 1962)

The Devil’s Tower (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #21; 1965)

Dick Tracy (Radio Series; 1934)

Dizzy Dishes (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1955)

Down in Dixie (Mutt & Jeff Cartoon; 1923)

End of the Century, by The Ramones (Album; 1980)

Evita, by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Album; 1977)

Facebook (Social Media App; 2004)

Fresh Off the Boat (TV Series; 2015)

Gambling with the Gulf Stream (Technical Romances Bray Cartoon; 1923)

Hen Fruit (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1929)

Hep Cat Symphony (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1949)

His Day Off (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1938)

The Human Comedy, buy William Saroyan (Novel; 1943)

Justice League: War (WB Animated Film; 2014)

Ko-Ko’s Germ Jam (Fleischer Inkwell Imps Cartoon; 1928)

The Last Juror, by John Grisham (Novel; 2004)

The Last of the Mohicans (Novel; 1826)

The Lion’s Busy (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Magic Strength (Phantasies Cartoon; 1944)

Moonfall (Film; 2022)

Mr. Fuller Pep: His Wife Goes for a Rest (Powers Cartoon; 1917)

Naked (Film; 1994)

19th Nervous Breakdown, by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1966)

One Step Ahead of My Shadow (WB MM Cartoon; 1933)

On the Avenue (Film; 1937)

Our Town, by Thornton Wilder (Play; 1938)

Patton (Film; 1970)

Piano Concerto in E Major, by Reynaldo Hahn (Piano Concerto; 1931)

Poor Is Keeler (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

The Puppy Express (Hot Dog Bray Cartoon; 1926)

Purl (SparkShorts Pixar Cartoon; 2019)

Putting Fritz on the Water Wagon (Paramount-Bray Pictographs Cartoon; 1918)

Reacher (TV Series; 2022)

The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth, by M. Scott Peck (Self-Help Book; 1978)

Rumours, by Fleetwood Mac (Album; 1977)

Scrappy’s Trip to Mars (Scrappy Cartoon; 1938)

Señor Saint, by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories 1958) [Saint #34]

Sock It To Me Baby, by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels (Song; 1967)

The Story of a Speeder Cop (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

A Study in Brown, by Glen Gray and His Casa Loma Orchestra (Song; 1937)

Throwing the Bull (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1917)

Two Days to Doom or The Last Weekend (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 253; 1964)

Two Moose is Loose or Which One Has the Phoney? (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 254; 1964)

The Ugly Dachshund (Film; 1966)

Videodrome (Film; 1983)

The Wedding Date (Film; 2005)

White Christmas, recorded by The Drifters (Song; 1954)

Why Play Leapfrog (Fun Facts About America MGM Cartoon; 1950)

Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (Disney Cartoon; 1966)

Zeno's Conscience, by Italo Svevo (Novel; 1923)

Today’s Name Days

Andreas, Rabanus, Veronika (Austria)

Andrija, Ivan, Izidor, Veronika (Croatia)

Jarmila (Czech Republic)

Veronica (Denmark)

Arma, Armi, Armiida, Meida, Miida (Estonia)

Armi, Ronja (Finland)

Véronique (France)

Andreas, Jenny, Veronika (Germany)

Asimakis, Asimina, Malamati, Simeon, Stamatia, Stamatis (Greece)

Csenge, Ráhel (Hungary)

Biago, Gilberto (Italy)

Daila, Veronika (Latvia)

Andrius, Arvilė, Gustas, Joana, Vydmantas (Lithuania)

Vera, Veronika (Norway)

Andrzej, Gilbert, Jan, Joanna, Józef, Mariusz, Weronika, Witosława (Poland)

Isidor (Romania)

Anastasia (Russia)

Veronika (Slovakia)

Gilberto, Juan, Juana (Spain)

Anselm, Ansgar (Sweden)

Byron, Gilbert, Gilberta, Gilberto, Gilmer (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Israel Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 35 of 2025; 330 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 2 of Week 6 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 15 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 7 (Jia-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 27 Tubah 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Poplar (Feb 4-8) [Day 1 of 5]

Hebrew: 6 Shevat 5785

Islamic: 5 Sha’ban 1446

Julian: 22 January 2025

Moon: 43%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 7 Homer (2nd Month) [Aeschylus)

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 46 of 90)

SUn Calendar: 5 Gray; Fryday [5 of 30]

Week: 1st Week of February

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 16 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 21 of 29)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 10 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 16 of 28)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Capricornus (Day 17 of 28)

Calendar Changes

Poplar [Druid Tree Calendar] (thru 2.8)

[theragsagainstthemachine]

2025 COMICCON SCHEDULE

March:

1-2nd HAPPYVALLEY COMICCON

177 Champion Rd, State College, PA 16803

21-23rd

CLEVELAND HUNTINGTON CONVENTION CENTER OF CLEVELAND

April:

12th LEHIGH VALLEY COMICCON

302 N. 17TH STREET

ALLENTOWN, PA 18104

26-27th

SUPER JERSEY COMICCON

515 Monmouth Rd. Jackson Twp, NJ.​

May:

16-18th

FanExpo PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia convention center

[ironborealis]

Lineage Cousin AU pt 4

AKA Missed Connections on AO3

Part 1 Part 2 and Part 3 on tumblr.

Bandomeer is a dreary planet with land pockmarked by the remnants of the large ionite mines that had made the planet rich, and an ocean studded with deep-sea mining rigs in an attempt to keep a grasp on the wealth -- poisoning the water now that they've rendered most of the land inhospitable.

AgriCorps' mission here is to help restore the ecosystem on land back to the grassy golden plains of the past. Before greed had them digging massive pits in search of ionite. He doubts that they'll manage it before the water is just as toxic as the soil.

The boy, he is informed, is currently harvesting a crop of Helianthus Mammothans -- enormous plants with bright yellow blossoms and edible seeds usually found on Florrum he can practically hear Qui-Gon lecturing in his ear -- in Pit Cherek Five.

All of the outpost's speeders are in use, unfortunately, so he takes the offered flimsi-map and sets out on foot.

Jocasta had given him a copy of Initiate Kenobi's file. 'Give' might be a generous word to use there. His brief glimpse at the file had only come after he'd sworn to accompany her to the Coruscant Publishers' Expo next month. Books he enjoyed. A stadium packed with hawkers of predominantly low-brow literature for three days was just about as enjoyable as a vacation on... Bandomeer.

He hadn't been impressed with what he'd seen in the file. Initiate Kenobi was a middling student both in academics and applied force theory. He had nearly two pages dedicated to listing his disciplinary citations. The only thing to recommend him as a potential padawan was a modest natural talent for swordsmanship.

Not a single knight expressed an interest in him. Hardly a surprise when the boy was exceedingly average in all the ways that counted.

That his Master had roused himself to make a last ditch effort to pair the boy with Qui-Gon was a surprise. He recognized his Master's claws in the decision to send the boy out to AgriCorps early, coincidentally on the same ship as Qui-Gon. Yoda enjoyed those little "twists" of fate, even if had to engineer them himself.

If you lived as long as Yoda had, he suspected, you started to lose sight that you were meddling with the lives of beings instead of playthings.

Only Qui-Gon had quite spoiled the plot by resisting, for once, the urge to adopt the pathetic lifeform so generously presented to him on a platter.

His Master was quite willing to create a dramatic farce to see the boy apprenticed, but not go so far as taking the boy on himself. Typical -- and likely for the best.

A boy as unremarkable as Kenobi would crumble under the scrutiny of being Yoda's padawan. Yan would know, he was intimately familiar with it.

The barren ground makes the air abominably hot, even with the wind that gusts through the plains. He can feel the collar of his tunic becoming damp with sweat. This whole detour is a complete waste of his time, he knew it before he even left Coruscant.

Qui-Gon felt the boy ought to be trained. He will see this unremarkable boy, confirm that the boy is exactly where he is supposed to be, and then finally leave the Order and it's dewy-eyed hypocrites to rot.

If Qui-Gon felt the boy ought to be trained, he should have taken the boy as his padawan. It's too late now. It's already months past the boy's thirteenth birthday. There's no point to any of this, and yet here is. He has become embarrassingly sentimental in old age.

He arrives to find a pit mine that's filled with plants that are truly gigantic, taller than him, with massive dish-like heads surrounded by a mane of brittle brown petals.

Amongst them dances Novitiate Kenobi with a machete blade. Slaughtered flowers falling around him.

[haveyoulistenedtothisalbum-poll]

Tracklist:

Cloud Shadow on the Mountain • Palm Road • What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had to Go This Way) • Little Golden Age • In the Direction of the Moon • Ghost Pressure • Pobody's Nerfect • Two Men in New Tuxedos • Oh You, Old Thing • Yulia • Cave-o-sapien

Spotify ♪ Bandcamp ♪ YouTube

[lesliecaviezel]

Good Omens-How many demons can dance on the head of a pin-Fan video Perf...

·A stage performance from the Beijing Golden Age Expo(Aug 13, 2023), which is held in Beijing, China. 

·Photography by the Beijing Golden Age Expo, performance by us. Thank them for authorizing us to post it! 

·No money is made from our performance and is not made for any marketing reasons. Just for fun, for fan-fics, and for the ineffable Good Omens! 

 Cast: 

Lesliecaviezel as Hastur 

Duckie as Crowley 

 WashingMachine as Beelzebub 

——————————— 

Directed by Lesliecaviezel 

 Background Video Edited by WashingMachine 

Photography by the Beijing Golden Age Expo 

 The preparation was exhausting but exciting(which discorporated us all).  There wasn't much time for us to be fully prepared, but at least I'm satisfied with the performance! 

 Thanks to the Beijing Golden Age Expo again for holding this comic con! 

Besides,  Somebody says I should @neil-gaiman to let him hear me scream.

[brookston]

Holidays 2.4

Holidays

Across the Universe Day

Armed Struggle Day (Angola)

Box Tree Day (French Republic)

Carl Rogers Day

Colour Supplement Day (UK)

Create-A-Vacuum Day

Day for Change (UN)

Facebook Friends Day

Farmer’s Day (Taiwan)

First Sitting of the People’s Majils (Maldives)

General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Day (Poland)

Hank Aaron Day

I Heart Horror Day

International Day of Human Fraternity (UN)

King Frost Day (London, before WWI)

Kosciusko Day (Poland)

Liberace Day

Lifeguard Day (Argentina)

Montgomery Convention Day

National Day of Courage

National Hemp Day

National Quacker Day

National Wicker Day

Obscurity Day

Philippine-AmericanWar Memorial Day (Philippines)

Port Arthur Day

Rissun (Japan)

Rosa Parks Day (California, Missouri) [also 12.1]

Semen Den (Seeds Day; Bulgaria)

Special Working Day (China)

Spoiled Cats’ Day

Thank A Mail Carrier Day

Torture Abolition Day

Transit Equity Day

USO Day

Willie Mays Day

World Cancer Day

Zombie Pride Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Homemade Soup Day

Medjool Date Day

National Stuffed Mushroom Day

Pork Rind Appreciation Day

Nature Celebrations

International Unicorn Day

Red Primrose (Natural Beauty; Korean Birth Flowers)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Celebration of the Beginning of the Struggle for Liberation (Angola)

Liberation Day (Angola)

Sri Lanka (from UK, 1948)

1st Tuesday in February

African-American Coaches Day [1st Tuesday]

International Eggplant Day [1st Tuesday]

Safer Internet Day [1st Tuesday]

Taco Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Takeout Tuesday [1st Tuesday of Each Month]

Target Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Tater Tot Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

To-Do List Tuesday [1st Tuesday of Each Month]

Tranquil Tuesday [1st Tuesday of Each Month]

Trivia Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Two For Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning February 4 (1st Week of February)

National Green Week (thru 4.30) [From 1st Full Week]

Festivals Beginning February 4, 2025

Cattlecon (San Antonio, Texas) [thru 2.6]

Colusa Farm Show (Colusa, California) [thru 2.6]

Empire State Producers Expo (Geneva, New York) [thru 2.5]

Iowa AG Expo (Des Moines, Iowa) [thru 2.6]

Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo, Japan) [thru 2.11]

Spokane Ag Expo (Spokane, Washington) [thru 2.6]

Taipei International Book Exhibition (Taipei, Taiwan) [thru 2.9]

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 7 (Jia-Chen)

Day Pillar: Wood Dragon

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Full Day (满 Man) [Inauspicious]

Holidays: Spring Festival Golden Week

Secular Saints Days

Hank Aaron (Sports)

Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Photography)

Alice Cooper (Music)

Robert Coover (Literature)

Lisa Eichhorn (Entertainment)

Louis Eilshemius (Art)

Betty Friedan (Philosophy)

Fernand Léger (Art)

Ida Lupino (Entertainment)

Emperor Joshua Norton (Politics)

E.J. Pratt (Poetry)

Jacques Prévert (Poetry)

George Romero (Entertainment)

Norman Wisdom (Entertainment)

Feast Days

Aeschylus (Positivist; Saint)

Amaterasu’s Day (Pagan)

Andrew Corsini (Christian; Saint)

Annoy the Neighbors Day (Pastafarian)

Beith Day (a..k.a. Birch Day; Celtic Book of Days)

Biezputras Diena (Porridge Day; Ancient Latvia) [or Sun before Feb 23]

Cornelius the Centurion (Anglican Church; Saint)

Day of the Fart of Abu Hassan (Church of the SubGenius) 

Emperor Norton (Humanism)

Gilbert (Christian; Saint)

Gilbert of Sempringham (Christian; Saint)

Goldrofe of Arganil (Christian; Saint)

Gumby (Animism; Saint)

Home Cleansing Ritual Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Isidore of Pelusium (Christian; Saint)

Jane (or Joan, Queen of France; Christian; Saint)

John de Britto (Christian; Saint)

Joseph of Leonissa (Christian; Saint)

Modan (Christian; Saint)

Nicholas Studites (Christian; Saint)

Phileas and Philoromus (Christian; Martyrs)

Rabanus Maurus (Christian; Saint)

Rembertof Torhout (Christian; Saint)

Rimbert (Archbishop of Bremen;  Christian; Saint)

The State of Indiana (Muppetism)

Theophilus the Penitent (Christian; Saint)

Veronica (Christian; Saint)

Zeus Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint) 

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Dismal Day (Unlucky or Evil Day; Medieval Europe; 3 of 24)

Egyptian Day (Dies Mala Unlucky Day; Middle Ages Europe) [3 of 24]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [4 of 24]

Lucky Day (Philippines) [8 of 71]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (Film; 1994)

Across the Universe, recorded by The Beatles (Song; 1968)

The Atrocity Exhibition, by J.G. Ballard (Novel; 1970)

Bennie and the Jets, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

Candle in the Wind, by Elton John (Song; 1974)

The Case of the Maltese Chicken (Inspector Willoughby Cartoon; 1964)

The Cloverfield Paradox (Film; 2018)

Col. Heeza Liar on the Jump (Paramount-Bray Pictograph Cartoon; 1917)

Colour Supplement in the Sunday Times (UK Newspaper; 1962)

The Devil’s Tower (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #21; 1965)

Dick Tracy (Radio Series; 1934)

Dizzy Dishes (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1955)

Down in Dixie (Mutt & Jeff Cartoon; 1923)

End of the Century, by The Ramones (Album; 1980)

Evita, by Andrew Lloyd Webber (Album; 1977)

Facebook (Social Media App; 2004)

Fresh Off the Boat (TV Series; 2015)

Gambling with the Gulf Stream (Technical Romances Bray Cartoon; 1923)

Hen Fruit (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1929)

Hep Cat Symphony (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1949)

His Day Off (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1938)

The Human Comedy, buy William Saroyan (Novel; 1943)

Justice League: War (WB Animated Film; 2014)

Ko-Ko’s Germ Jam (Fleischer Inkwell Imps Cartoon; 1928)

The Last Juror, by John Grisham (Novel; 2004)

The Last of the Mohicans (Novel; 1826)

The Lion’s Busy (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1961)

Magic Strength (Phantasies Cartoon; 1944)

Moonfall (Film; 2022)

Mr. Fuller Pep: His Wife Goes for a Rest (Powers Cartoon; 1917)

Naked (Film; 1994)

19th Nervous Breakdown, by The Rolling Stones (Song; 1966)

One Step Ahead of My Shadow (WB MM Cartoon; 1933)

On the Avenue (Film; 1937)

Our Town, by Thornton Wilder (Play; 1938)

Patton (Film; 1970)

Piano Concerto in E Major, by Reynaldo Hahn (Piano Concerto; 1931)

Poor Is Keeler (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

The Puppy Express (Hot Dog Bray Cartoon; 1926)

Purl (SparkShorts Pixar Cartoon; 2019)

Putting Fritz on the Water Wagon (Paramount-Bray Pictographs Cartoon; 1918)

Reacher (TV Series; 2022)

The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth, by M. Scott Peck (Self-Help Book; 1978)

Rumours, by Fleetwood Mac (Album; 1977)

Scrappy’s Trip to Mars (Scrappy Cartoon; 1938)

Señor Saint, by Leslie Charteris (Short Stories 1958) [Saint #34]

Sock It To Me Baby, by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels (Song; 1967)

The Story of a Speeder Cop (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

A Study in Brown, by Glen Gray and His Casa Loma Orchestra (Song; 1937)

Throwing the Bull (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1917)

Two Days to Doom or The Last Weekend (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 253; 1964)

Two Moose is Loose or Which One Has the Phoney? (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 254; 1964)

The Ugly Dachshund (Film; 1966)

Videodrome (Film; 1983)

The Wedding Date (Film; 2005)

White Christmas, recorded by The Drifters (Song; 1954)

Why Play Leapfrog (Fun Facts About America MGM Cartoon; 1950)

Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (Disney Cartoon; 1966)

Zeno's Conscience, by Italo Svevo (Novel; 1923)

Today’s Name Days

Andreas, Rabanus, Veronika (Austria)

Andrija, Ivan, Izidor, Veronika (Croatia)

Jarmila (Czech Republic)

Veronica (Denmark)

Arma, Armi, Armiida, Meida, Miida (Estonia)

Armi, Ronja (Finland)

Véronique (France)

Andreas, Jenny, Veronika (Germany)

Asimakis, Asimina, Malamati, Simeon, Stamatia, Stamatis (Greece)

Csenge, Ráhel (Hungary)

Biago, Gilberto (Italy)

Daila, Veronika (Latvia)

Andrius, Arvilė, Gustas, Joana, Vydmantas (Lithuania)

Vera, Veronika (Norway)

Andrzej, Gilbert, Jan, Joanna, Józef, Mariusz, Weronika, Witosława (Poland)

Isidor (Romania)

Anastasia (Russia)

Veronika (Slovakia)

Gilberto, Juan, Juana (Spain)

Anselm, Ansgar (Sweden)

Byron, Gilbert, Gilberta, Gilberto, Gilmer (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Israel Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 35 of 2025; 330 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 2 of Week 6 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 15 of 28]

Chinese: Month 1 (Wu-Yin), Day 7 (Jia-Chen)

Chinese Year of the: Snake 4723 (until February 17, 2026) [Ding-Chou]

Coptic: 27 Tubah 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Poplar (Feb 4-8) [Day 1 of 5]

Hebrew: 6 Shevat 5785

Islamic: 5 Sha’ban 1446

Julian: 22 January 2025

Moon: 43%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 7 Homer (2nd Month) [Aeschylus)

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 46 of 90)

SUn Calendar: 5 Gray; Fryday [5 of 30]

Week: 1st Week of February

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 16 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 21 of 29)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 10 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 16 of 28)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Capricornus (Day 17 of 28)

Calendar Changes

Poplar [Druid Tree Calendar] (thru 2.8)

[theultimatefan]

Gerads, Morrison, Guggenheim, Golden, Williams Headline Fan Expo New Orleans Comics Creators

Comic creators like Mitch Gerads (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold”, “Mister Miracle”) Bill Morrison (“The Simpsons,” “Roswell”), Marc Guggenheim (“Arrowverse”, “Planet of the Apes”), Michael Golden (“Avengers,” “The Micronauts”), Freddie Williams II (“Batman,” “TMNT”), Larry Houston (“The Fantastic Four,” “The X-Men") and dozens of others who have delighted millions with their work will be on hand in a standout Artist Alley at FAN EXPO New Orleans, January 10-12 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Among the other standout superstar artists and writers fans can meet are Kami Garcia (“Teen Titans”), Jeremy Adams (“Green Lantern”, “Flash Gordon”), Chris Campana (“Spirits of Vengeance,” “Daredevil”), Mike DeCarlo (“The Simpsons,” “Archie”), Mark Russell (“Batman: The Dark Age”) Ariel Diaz (“Witchblade,” “G.I.Joe”), Stephanie Williams (“Nubia and the Amazons”), Brandon Easton (“Robotech”), Brianna Garcia (“My Little Pony”), Guy Gilchrist (“The Muppets,” “Nancy”), Gavin Guidry (“Superman 78: The Metal Curtain”), Scott Hanna (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Superman: Lois and Clark”), Travis Hymel (“TMNT Adventures,” “Trailer Park Boys”), Terry Kavanagh (Marvel Comics editor, writer), Erin Lefler (“Star Wars,” Lucasfilm), Anthony Marques (The Kubert School, “Batman: The Audio Adventures”), Aaron Reynolds (“Effin’ Birds”), Sajad Shah ("Zindan,” “AngryHero”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “The Walking Dead”) and Ron Wilson (“The Thing,” “Marvel Two-in-One").

Virtually every franchise will be well represented by numerous creators. Q&A’s, interactive demonstration sessions, autographs, commission opportunities, and more help turn FAN EXPO New Orleans Artist Alley into a paradise for comics lovers of all genres.

Fans can view the entire FAN EXPO New Orleans field of creators at https://fanexpohq.com/fanexponeworleans/comic-creators/.

Today’s announcement of the comics creator field enhances a celebrity lineup that includes a Back to the Future reunion of Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first installment in the franchise; the “Smallville” trio of Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum and Kristin Kreuk; "Firefly” standout Alan Tudyk; original Star Wars standout Anthony Daniels, “Superman & Lois” headliners Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch, “Doctor Who” Thirteenth Doctor Jodie Whittaker; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star James Marsters; Alice Wetterlund and Sara Tomko (“Resident Alien”) and Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel) (“High School Musical”), with more soon to be announced.

FAN EXPO New Orleans features the biggest and best in pop culture: movies, TV, music, artists, writers, exhibitors, cosplay, with three full days of themed programming to satisfy every fandom.

New Orleans is the first event on the 2025 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events/.

[lboogie1906]

Maurice Morning Wills (October 2, 1932 – September 19, 2022) was a baseball player and manager. He played in MLB primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1959-66) and (1969-72) as a shortstop and switch-hitter; he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1967-78) and the Montreal Expos in the first part of 1969. He was an essential component of the Dodgers’ championship teams in the mid-1960s and is credited with reviving the stolen base as part of baseball strategy.

He was born in DC, the seventh of 13 children. He began playing semi-professional baseball at age 14 and played baseball, basketball, and football at Cardozo Senior High School. He was named an All-City player in all three sports in his sophomore, junior, and senior years.

He was the NL MVP in 1962, stealing a record 104 bases to break the old modern era mark of 96, set by Ty Cobb in 1915. He was an All-Star for five seasons and seven All-Star Games and was the first MLB All-Star Game MVP in 1962. He won Gold Gloves in 1961 and 1962. In a fourteen-year career, he batted .281 with 20 home runs, 458 runs batted in, 2,134 hits, 1,067 runs, 177 doubles, 71 triples, 586 stolen bases, and 552 bases on balls in 1,942 games. Since 2009, he has been a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization serving as a representative of the Dodgers Legend Bureau.

In 2014, he appeared for the first time as a candidate on the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Golden Era Committee election ballot for possible Hall of Fame consideration in 2015 which required 12 votes. He missed getting elected by 3 votes. All the other candidates on the ballot missed being elected. The Committee meets and votes on ten selected candidates from the 1947 to 1972 era every three years.

He was married to Angela George. He is the father of former major leaguer Bump Wills, who played for the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs for six seasons. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[globalanimenews]

Anime Renaissance: Exploring the Golden Age from the 2000s Onwards

The turn of the millennium ushered in a new era for anime, marking a period of innovation, diversity, and global recognition. From groundbreaking series to transformative technological advancements, anime from the 2000s onwards has left an indelible mark on pop culture worldwide.

Technological Revolution: Digital Animation and Beyond One of the defining characteristics of anime in the 2000s was the shift towards digital animation. This technological leap allowed for greater artistic freedom, enhanced visual effects, and more efficient production processes. Titles like "Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood" (2009) exemplified this shift with its fluid animation and vibrant color palette, setting new standards for visual storytelling.

Genre Diversity and Artistic Experimentation The 2000s also witnessed an explosion of genre diversity and artistic experimentation in anime. While classics like "Naruto" (2002) and "Bleach" (2004) captivated audiences with their epic battles and intricate world-building, other series pushed boundaries with unconventional narratives and thematic depth. "Death Note" (2006) stands out for its psychological tension and moral ambiguity, challenging viewers to ponder the consequences of absolute power.

Global Impact and Cultural Exchange With the advent of streaming platforms and online communities, anime from the 2000s gained unprecedented global reach and influence. Shows like "Attack on Titan" (2013) and "One Punch Man" (2015) garnered massive international fandoms, contributing to a thriving global anime community. Conventions such as Anime Expo in Los Angeles and Japan Expo in Paris became hubs for fans to celebrate their passion for anime and cosplay.

Social Relevance and Contemporary Themes Anime from the 2000s onwards also reflected contemporary social issues and cultural trends. "Your Lie in April" (2014) explored themes of grief and redemption through the lens of music, while "Psycho-Pass" (2012) offered a dystopian critique of surveillance and justice. These series resonated with audiences by addressing complex themes with emotional resonance and intellectual depth.

Legacy and Future Prospects As we reflect on the impact of anime from the 2000s onwards, it becomes clear that this period marked a golden age of creativity and innovation. From the rise of studio giants like Madhouse and Bones to the proliferation of streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation, anime continues to evolve and thrive in the digital age.

Looking ahead, the future of anime appears bright, with promising new talents emerging and established creators continuing to push boundaries. As fans eagerly anticipate the next wave of groundbreaking series and films, one thing remains certain: anime's ability to captivate, inspire, and transcend cultural boundaries will continue to shape the entertainment of the global landscape for years to come.

In conclusion, anime from the 2000s onwards represents a golden age characterized by technological advancement, genre diversity, and global impact. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering anime for the first time, this era offers a wealth of unforgettable stories and artistic achievements that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

[yourhousescene]

Golden Years, Garden State: Unveiling Senior Housing Options in New Jersey

New Jersey, the "Garden State," offers more than just beautiful scenery. It boasts a vibrant and diverse senior population with a wide range of housing needs. Whether you're seeking independent living with a touch of luxury, exploring active adult communities, or considering assisted living options, New Jersey has something for you.

Independent Living with a Jersey Twist:

Forget cookie-cutter retirement homes! New Jersey offers a kaleidoscope of independent living options. Imagine settling in a charming condo overlooking the rolling hills of Sussex County, or indulging in coastal breezes at an oceanfront apartment complex in Atlantic City. Many communities cater to active seniors, featuring amenities like swimming pools, tennis courts, and on-site fitness centers.

Active Adult Communities: Where Fun Meets Functionality:

Looking for a vibrant social scene? New Jersey's active adult communities are your answer. These communities often feature age-restricted housing with a focus on social activities, clubs, and events. Picture yourself attending wine tastings, participating in dance classes, or simply enjoying lively conversation with fellow residents. Many communities also boast proximity to healthcare facilities and shopping centers, ensuring convenience and peace of mind.

Assisted Living: A Helping Hand for a Fulfilling Life:

As we age, our needs may evolve.  New Jersey's assisted living facilities provide a supportive environment for seniors who require some assistance with daily activities. Imagine a setting where you can maintain your independence while receiving help with tasks like medication management, housekeeping, and personal care. Many facilities also offer on-site healthcare professionals and organize social events, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Unveiling the Hidden Gems:

New Jersey is brimming with hidden gems when it comes to senior housing. Consider exploring charming converted historic buildings in walkable downtown areas, or independent living communities nestled amidst nature trails and parks. Researching online resources and attending senior living expos can help you discover unique options that suit your preferences.

Remember:

Location, location, location! Consider your proximity to family, friends, and desired amenities when making your choice .

Financial considerations: Research costs associated with different housing options and explore potential financial assistance programs for seniors.

Embrace the journey! Finding the perfect senior housing option is a personal journey. Take your time, visit different communities, and ask questions.

New Jersey's senior housing landscape offers something for every taste and budget. With a little exploration and planning, you can find the perfect haven to embrace your golden years in the beautiful Garden State.

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 1.28

Holidays

American Immigration Lawyers Association Day of Action

Christa McAuliffe Day

Clash Day

Data Privacy Day

Data Protection Day (EU)

The Diet of Worms Anniversary Day (1521)

Global Community Engagement Day

Gone-ta-Pott Day [every 28th]

Great Mental Health Day (UK)

International Data Privacy & Protection Day

International Lego Day

International Make Your Point Day

International Mobilization Day Against Nuclear War

International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day

Jackhammer Day

José Marti Memorial Day (Cuba)

Julian Felipe Day (Philippines)

King’s Name Day (Sweden)

Live Your Fantasies Day

Love Among the Nations Day

Make Your Point Day

National Army Day (Armenia)

National Day to Combat Modern Slave Labor (Brazil)

National Film Day (Argentina)

National Gift of the Ladybug Day

National Kazoo Day

National Pediatrician Day

National Spieling Day

Number Please Day

Paul Jackson Pollock Day

Polana Asteroid Day

Pop Art Day

Poplar Day (French Republic)

Rattlesnake Roundup Day

Science Day (Belarus)

Serendipity Day [also 1.18]

Ski Tow Day

Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster Anniversary Day

Streetlights Day

Telephone Exchange Day

Thank a Plugin Developer Day

Welcome Home the Heroes from Iraq Day (St. Louis, Missouri)

World Day for the Abolition of Meat Day

World Geoffroy’s Cat Day

World Lewy Body Dementia Day

Youth Climate Action Day (Indiana)

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Blueberry Pancake Day

Nature Celebrations

Black Polar Day (Courage; Korean Birth Flowers)

Daisy Day

Double Daisy Day (Bellis perennus plenis)

Independence, Flag & Related Days

Botany Bay (Founded; Australia; 1788)

Democracy Day (Rwanda)

Roschfallen (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]

New Year’s Days

New Year’s Eve (Chu Xi; China)

Tet Eve (Vietnam)

4th & Last Tuesday in January

A.F.R.M.A. Fancy Rat & Mouse Day [Last Tuesday]

National Plan for Vacation Day [Last Tuesday]

National Speak Up and Succeed Day [4th Tuesday]

Taco Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Target Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Tater Tot Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Tell the Truth Tuesday [4th Tuesday of Each Month]

Thai Tuesday [4th Tuesday of Each Month]

Teriyaki Tuesday [Last Tuesday of Each Month]

Transformation Tuesday [Last Tuesday of Each Month]

Trivia Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Two For Tuesday [Every Tuesday]

Up Helly Aa Day (Scotland) [Last Tuesday]

Weekly Holidays beginning January 28 (Last Week of January)

Spring Festival Golden Week (China) [thru 2.3]

Festivals Beginning January 28, 2025

Holtville Carrot Festival (Holtville, California) [thru 2.9]

Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) [thru 1.30]

International Kolkata Book Fair (Kolkata, India) [thru 2.9]

International Production & Processing Expo (Atlanta, Georgia) [thru 1.30]

Lerwick Up Helly Aa (Lerwick, Scotland)

Unified Wine & Grape Symposium (Sacramento, California) [thru 1.30]

Washington Oregon Potato Conference (Kennewick, Washington) [thru 1.30]

Western Idaho Ag Expo (Caldwell, Idaho) [thru 1.29]

Feast Days

Agnes (Christian; Saint)

Alan Funt Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Amadeus of Lausanne (Christian; Saint)

The Apocalypse (Pastafarian)

Black Pepper with Everything Day (Pastafarian)

Charlemagne (Christian; Saint)

Colette (Writerism)

Cyril of Alexandria (Christian; Saint)

Day of Rules: Eunomia’s Day (Pagan)

Ernie (Muppetism)

Every Man’s Day (a.k.a. Rénrì 人日; China) [7th Day of 1st Lunar Month]

Fearn (Alder; Tree of Pre-Eminent Lineage; Celtic Book of Days)

Glastian of Scotland (Christian; Saint)

John of Reomay (Christian; Saint)

Joseph Freinademetz (Christian; Saint)

Julian of Cuenca (Christian; Saint)

Margaret, Princess of Hungary (Christian; Saint)

Muhammad (Positivist; Saint)

Nodens (God of Dreams & Visions; Celtic Book of Days)

Paulinus of Aquileia (Christian; Saint)

Peter Nolasco (Christian; Saint)

Peter Thomas (Christian; Saint)

Thomas Aquinas (Christian; Saint)

Thyrsus, Leucius, and Callinions (Christian; Martyrs)

Valerius (Christian; Saint)

Witch’s Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Chinese: Month 12 (Ding-Chou), Day 29 (Ding-You)

Day Pillar: Fire Rooster

12-Day Officers/12 Gods: Success Day (成 Cheng) [Auspicious]

Holidays: Spring Festival Eve (China)

Secular Saints Days

Alan Alda (Entertainment)

John Barclay (Literature)

Acker Bilk (Music)

Marcel Broodthaers (Art)

William Seward Burroughs (Inventor)

Ernest William Christmas (Art)

Ernie (Muppet)

Colette (Literature)

Ismail Kadare (Literature)

David Lodge (Literature)

Sarah McLachlan (Music)

Alice Neel (Art)

Claes Oldenburg (Art)

Sam Phillips (Music)

Jackson Pollock (Art)

Arthur Rubenstein (Music)

Robert Stroud (Science)

Elijah Wood (Entertainment)

Robert Wyatt (Music)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Butsumetsu (仏滅 Japan) [Unlucky all day.]

Fortunate Day (Pagan) [6 of 53]

Lucky Day (Philippines) [5 of 71]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 5 of 60)

Premieres

Amphigorey, by Edward Gorey (Illustrated Book; 1972)

A Blaze of Glory (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1928)

Blue Valentine (Film; 2011)

Boobs in the Woods (WB LT Cartoon; 1950)

Carnegie Institution (Scientific Research Organization; 1902)

Coast Guard (U.S. Military Branch; 1915)

College (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1931)

The County Fair (Aesop’s Film Fable Cartoon; 1928)

Cryptozoo (Animated Film; 2021)

Dope (Film; 2015)

The Duck Hunt (Disney Cartoon; 1932)

Fantasy Island (TV Series; 1978)

The Flat of the Land or A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moose (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 251; 1964)

Flee (Animated Film; 2021)

For What It’s Worth, by Buffalo Springfield (Song; 1967)

Ham-Ateur Night (WB MM Cartoon; 1939)

Hide and Shriek (Casper Cartoon; 1955)

How to Be a Sailor (Goofy Disney Cartoon; 1944)

The Ice Age: Adventures of Buck Wild (Animated Film; 2020)

I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover, by Jean Goldkette (Song; 1927)

The Invisible Monster (Animated TV Show;Jonny Quest #20; 1965)

It’s an Ill Wind (WB LT Cartoon; 1939)

I’ve Been Lonely Too Long, by The Rascals (Song; 1967)

The Last of Chéri, by Colette (Novel; 1926)

La Vie Commence Demain (Film; 1951) [1st X-Rated Film]

Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone, by The Supremes (Song; 1967)

Mack the Knife or Operation: Moose (Rocky & Bullwinkle Cartoon, S5, Ep. 252; 1964)

The Mechanic (Film; 2011)

The Moonflower Vine, by Jetta Carleton (Novel; 1962)

Mr. Spaceship, by Philip K. Dick (Short Story; 1953)

My Cherie Amour, by Stevie Wonder (Song; 1969)

My Favorite Duck (Blue Ribbon Hit Parade Cartoon; 1950)

Northwestern University (School; 1851)

The Peril of the Prussianism (Paramount-Bray Pictograph Cartoon; 1918)

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen (Novel; 1813) [#2]

Red Rock West (Film; 1994)

Riding the Rails (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1938)

Scrambled Eagles (Goldwyn-Bray Pictograph Cartoon; 1921)

Scratch a Tiger (Ant and the Aardvark Cartoon; 1970)

Seal Skinners, featuring The Captain and the Kids (MGM Cartoon; 1939)

Shadow Theory (Krazy Kat Cartoon; 1928)

The Shining, by Stephen King (Novel; 1977)

A Silent Voice (Anime Film; 2019)

Sissy Sheriff (Woody Woodpecker Cartoon; 1967)

Speeding Ticket (London, UK: 1896)

Sullivan’s Travels (Film; 1942)

Tales of the South Pacific, by James A. Michener (Short Stories; 1947)

Too Hop To Handle (WB LT Cartoon; 1956)

The Travels and Adventures of Three Princes of Sarendip (Fairy Tale; 1722)

Twas But a Dream (Hearst-Vitagraph News Pictorial Cartoon; 1916)

University of Washington (School; 1861)

The Vacuum Gun, Parts 3 & 4 (Underdog Cartoon, S3, Eps. 35 & 36; 1967)

Way Down Yonder in the Corn (Columbia Favorites Cartoon; 1954)

We Are the World, recorded by Supergroup USA for Africa (Song; 1985)

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Fleischer Screen Songs Cartoon; 1938)

Today’s Name Days

Caroline, Karoline, Manfred, Thomas (Austria)

Toma, Tomislav (Croatia)

Otýlie (Czech Republic)

Carolus, Karl, Magnus (Denmark)

Kaarel, Kaarli, Kaaro, Kalle, Karel, Karl, Karli, Karro (Estonia)

Kaarle, Kaarlo, Kalle, Mies (Finland)

Manfred, Thomas (France)

Karl, Karolina, Manfred, Thomas (Germany)

Haris, Palladios (Greece)

Karola, Károly (Hungary)

Tommaso, Valerio (Italy)

Kārlis, Spodris (Latvia)

Gedautas, Leonidas, Nijolė (Lithuania)

Karl, Karoline (Norway)

Agnieszka, Augustyn, Flawian, Ildefons, Julian, Karol, Leonidas, Piotr, Radomir, Roger, Waleriusz (Poland)

Efrem, Iacob, Paladie (Romania)

Alfonz (Slovakia)

Tomás (Spain)

Karl, Karla (Sweden)

Edward (Ukraine)

Carlotta, Charleen, Charlene, Charlotta, Charlotte, Charmaine, Manfred (USA)

Today’s National Name Days

National Amy Day

National Tina Day

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 28 of 2025; 337 days remaining in the year

ISO Week: Day 2 of Week 5 of 2025

Celtic Tree Calendar: Luis (Rowan) [Day 8 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Ding-Chou), Day 29 (Ding-You)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Jia-Wu]

Coptic: 20 Tubah 1741

Druid Tree Calendar: Cypress (Jan 25-Feb 3) [Day 4 of 15]

Hebrew: 28 Teveth 5785

Islamic: 28 Rajab 1446

J Cal: 28 White; Seventhday [28 of 30]

Julian: 15 January 2025

Moon: 1%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 28 Moses (1st Month) [Muhammad]

Runic Half Month: Elhaz (Elk) [Day 7 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 39 of 90)

Week: 4th & Last Week of January

Zodiac:

Tropical (Typical) Zodiac: Aquarius (Day 9 of 30)

Sidereal Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 14 of 29)

Schmidt Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 3 of 27)

IAU Boundaries (Current) Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 9 of 28)

IAU Boundaries (1977) Zodiac: Capricornus (Day 10 of 28)