#Tribute to Volcano Mix

[joeygallagher]

Mighty Crown - Tribute to Volcano Mix

VP Records (2007)

[strangelovekraft]

Sulani Ocean Museum

Have you put your heart and soul into restoring the nature of Sulani? Have you always wanted something more to do for your avid fisher?

For these needs and plenty more, the tropical paradise of Sulani gets it's own museum centered around ocean life.

No packs or CC needed beyond Sims 4 basegame and Island Living.

To contrast the brilliant shades of turquoise and emerald that are present everywhere in the archipelago, Sulani Ocean Museum is constructed of white marble.

While the material choice is rather traditional, the wide windows, cubic glass ceiling parts and playful irregular shapes make sure the atmosphere feels modern and fresh. The walkways and balconies are an invitation to explore.

The floating ocean walkway offers breathtaking views of the beach vegetation and coral reefs.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy a snack on the pier, take photographs and even immortalize the landscape in a painting.

Inside, the museum-goers are greeted with an acute message of ocean protection.

Plastics, chemical emissions, trash and over-fishing are a risk for the biodiversity of Sulani. To preserve this island paradise, and others like it around the world, everyone has to do their part to protect our precious oceans.

Upon entry, visitors come face to face with this massive 15 ton volcanic rock stairway.

Built from lava rocks from Mua Pel'am and designed to resemble the climb up the side of a volcano, the grand stairway is a tribute to the unpredictable, dangerous, life-giving wonders of volcanic activity, and the native people who have built their lives around this unique archipelago.

Visitors are invited to see the thrilling craftsmanship of Sulani natives in this exhibit of art put together by the Ohan'ali Art Heritage Society.

Some of the displays have been constructed from the same volcanic rock as the main staircase.

Enthusiastic underwater photographers have put their talents together to bring brand new perspectives to the coral reefs that the museum visitors can see gleaming under the water not too far away.

A little bit of coral reef (carefully grown in this reef aquarium, following a special, experimental coral regrowth program) has been brought for visitors to admire, to reduce the traffic around Sulani's vulnerable natural coral reefs.

Aspiring fishers can join a good cause and help map as much of the biodiversity of Sulani and the world as possible.

Bring in your catch of a fish and deposit into a free fish tank, labeled with an excellent paper mache replica of the fish, and watch the collection grow.

Finally a fully cruelty-free way to flex your amazing fishing skills.

The Sulani shellfish population, known for a breathtaking variety of species, also deserves a spotlight.

Local beachcombers have, during a massive trash removal effort, collected these finest samples.

While this collection is complete, maybe you can take a walk along the beach, pick up any trash you find and get your own unique Sulani seashell too.

Once you get tired of seeing the exhibits and need a snack, or perhaps need to set up a studying circle with your fellow ocean enthusiasts, the upstairs free library and cafe is for you.

While the parents recover with a cup of coffee, the children can head to the museum's play area.

Read a book, draw, experience the indoor sand pit...

... or have fun in the Little Oceanologists' lab and mix your own wacky and biodegradable experiments to take home!

The museum has also taken toddlers into account in bathroom designs and toys, so don't hesitate to bring the whole family to experience this island paradise in an educational way!

You can find the Sulani Ocean museum by:

Creator ID: Strangelovekraft

or Item name: Sulani Ocean Museum

[gingit-cake]

The Gallavich Fluff Playlist!

For the @odietamo-gallavichzine and our beautiful fandom :)

I made this one first, as a true romantic, but I prefer the Angst playlist!

The Top 10

(many more songs on the full list on Spotify)

Control, Janet Jackson - I first thought of Mickey as I listened to this throwback, but now I see it fits both of them gaining control over their lives as they make their way towards their happily ever after.

Two of Us on the Run, Lucius - headed to Mexico, obviously (so many good choices for their S7 reunion, but this is my favorite) (Beyond Gallavich, I love Lucius, pair this with Right Down the Line for some beauty)

Pretty Great, Fickle Friends - as I wrote on my running playlist post, I find this perfect for the AU premise of Ian and Mickey meeting at a club, hazy, hot and f*cked up, and then that unforgettable chemistry carrying them through until they find each other for real. 

Like Real People Do, Hozier - need I explain? :) Really appreciate the intro to Hozier, personally.

Everywhere, Fleetwood Mac - the K E M A L cover is on the Spotify list, but I can’t resist the upbeat tempo of the original, and the ethereal voices of Christine McVie and the chorus. You can also hear why its bass line has been sampled a lot. This one has a lot more effervescent, whirling joy to it. 

Burning, Gorgon City - “For every pain there is pleasure.” With a club beat as tribute to the best Gallavich kiss, the club kiss 😘🔥😋🥰

Love Song, Yungblud - This song is new to me from one of the submitted playlists on Tumblr to help with these zine lists (Thank you!). The lyrics fit beautifully. “You patch up the blood and the cuts, but our blood got mixed up, so I guess we belong to each other”  

Supernova, Liz Phair - Since everything 90s is cool again. When I listen to this, I hear Mickey’s tribute to Ian, “...and you fuck like a volcano and you’re everything to me.” 

Open, Rhye - And in response, this is Ian’s devotion to Mickey, loving on his thighs, soft belly over firm muscles, and of course, those tats.

Chasing Cars, Snow Patrol - The lyrics + the acoustic version, with bonus shoutout to Ian’s future tomatoes. Let’s all just lay here with them, shall we?

[rosethornewrites]

Thursday & Friday NR, E, & M reading

The usual

Finished

Not Rated:

three teacups, empty, by twigofwillow

Jiang Yanli, Mianmian, and Wen Qing drink tea together in the Cloud Recesses.

"It smells and smoulders like a volcano buried so long and deadly it is just beginning to wonder if it can explode. " - James Tiptree Jr, to Joanna Russ

Explicit:

Crush and Conquer, by Papriqua

“As payment for my aid in toppling the Wen sect, I expect each sect to bring me a tribute.”

—

They say the Yiling Laozu is looking for a bride.

full disclosure, by wolframvonbielefeld (maknaeline)

Chasing down potential necrophiliacs and field trips don't often mix well. Of course, that's only when you're not Wei Wuxian.

wouldn't trade you for anything, by merelydovely (2 chapters)

There can't really be any reason Wei Ying would have to consummate his arranged marriage on the first night, right?

Right?!

Unfinished

Not Rated:

A Nest Full of Broken Things, by geethr75

When a conspiracy against Wei Wuxian by everyone who lost loved ones during the massacre at Nightless City is revealed, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian both realise that leaving the past behind is not as easy as they think. As Jiang Cheng fights to keep his brother alive, and Lan Wangji has to struggle with the attitude of his Sect regarding his husband, and his newfound responsibilities in the face of his brother's seclusion, the dangers to Wei Wuxian only grows exponentially. Lan Xichen wants to be able to heal, and to see those he loves happy, but when the threat to Wei Wuxian affects his brother, he decides enough is enough.

Freedom, by Jeeny271196

After the siege of burial mounds, Wei Wuxian found himself in past.

If you think he is going to dwell on self-blame and waste his second chance for loathing and fixing everything, then you are highly mistaken.

He is not going to be a shield of Jiangs, a war weapon of the cultivation world or a scapegoat in dirty politics.

Mature:

Jilted By A Jade, by Liebing

The woman behind the bar squinted at him as she dried the inside of a cup, then her eyes widened in realisation. “Are you…you can’t be how I think you are!”

Wei Ying winced and waited for the accusations to roll off her tongue…‘You’re the Yiling Patriarch who eats babies’ or ‘You’re the Yiling Patriarch who makes crops wither and die just by looking at them’ or…

“You’re that Yiling Patriarch that was jilted by the high and mighty Hanguang Jun!”

Closer, by adrian_kres

Lan Zhan moonlights as a professional dominant under the name Hanguang Jun and is absolutely content with all that he has...until a man named Wei Ying becomes his client.

*additional tags to be added as the fic continues, check author's note

[saemi-the-writer]

What are your top 10 akumas? 🦋👿

Thanks for your ask! This is quite the challenge to pick, so I will establish some "rules" first:

Only akumas, no amoks or combination Akuma/Amok.

I am rating the akuma, not the whole episode! Which means: the akumas' designs, their power(s) and the fight they have mostly, not the reason the person was akumatized (that could be another top 10).

Very subjective opinion: do I like the design? Is it fun/entertaining to watch? Is this akuma a real threat or a joke?

Now here goes, fly, my pretty akumas, fly!

10. Dark Blade

As I mentioned it already, Dark Blade is an akuma I still enjoy a lot. Probably because I've always loved knights and a good swordfight. Otherwise, Dark Blade is quite a good menace, he knows how to lead his troops and has solid fencing skills. I really like how even his manner of speech gets even more mediaeval and that he has his own motto. The fight is fun to watch

9. Riposte

Swords again Her determination is chilling and her design is neat, I like how her sword has become an extension of her arm. I don't know what to add more, try having a furious ladygirl like that chasing after you and I guess you might have an idea that she's not to be messed with? Also, how she just cuts the sarcophage just proves she's not kidding.

8. Party crasher

I admit that I'm not a big fan of the look, but it fits his theme quite well and he does an excellent job! I mean, if it wasn't for Kim and the Monkey Miraculous, all the other heroes would have been doomed! For an akuma that was created on the spot for an emergency, it was far better than a lot of others. Tip of the hat for this guy.

7. Robostus

While I'm not a big fan of the trope "Machines/Computers/Robots turn against humanity", it can still be interesting and awesome if done well. And here it does quite a nice job, it is quite a good mix of funny and menacing. The fact that Robostus turned against Hawkmoth earns it bonus point, I like when minions turn against the big bad.

6. The Mime

"Be careful of the quiet one" don't you think? His power is really awesome, I mean, he can even create a car! And fighting against invisible weapons is really hard, I love how imprevisible he can be and his expressions in general. If he could mime more thing at once, he might have got closer to get the Miraculouses.

5. Dark Owl

It's a nice tribute to comics heroes like Batman, the design and gimmicks are spot on (pun intended) and he does a great job! The fight is really one of the best to watch and captivating.

4. Zombizou

Not a fan of zombies and yet!! I love the mix of cute, sweet and creepy plus threatening she looks! The way she moves and talks (at least in French, haven't watched other dubs for this episode) gives some shiver at how joyful she sounds! And while I always find it funny how the victims are all "Bisou! Bisou!", it gets spooky when imagining them as classical zombies. I think it hits it well how creepy forcing people to be affectionate and love-starved would turn out.

3. Volpina

Thought I would leave her out? Nope! Now this is a good foe! Volpina is ruthless, clever, vicious and vindicative, very good ingredients for a villain. And the way she uses her power are just... *claps*. This is the episode which got me thinking "Good thing she's an akuma and not a real miraculous wielder! If she can do that as an akuma, I'm afraid of what she would be/do with the real fox miraculous!" she's kinda OP in the end but anyway. Once you see past her illusions, she's less dangerous especially on her own, but as an ally or part of a villain team? On top!

2. Chat Blanc

Okay, as said above, I am not here to critisize the whole episode, etc. And as an akuma, honestly, I cannot put him lower! I was never hyped for the fan theories of Chat Blanc, I found them kind of meh at the time (not all of them though), however, I really like what they did for the official: blue eyes, chilly presence, the bordering insanity in his voice and movements, especially when he sees Ladybug after so many years all alone... MAN, I was all on board for some tragic, heart-wrenching battle and confrontation! Chat Blanc has a lot of tragic villain in him, I really wish it hadn't been wrapped up in only one episode. I grew up watching DBZ so don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of battles/fights that keep going on and on for 10-15 episodes, but there are fights that are worth to be lingered on. Chat Blanc is basically a Chat Noir without restrain and who loose his sanity, so it makes him incredibly dangerous just with that, but his power is also enhanced, no wonder it went to apocalypse! I wish the battle had been longer though, as said before, since not only could have it been even more emotional and amazing to watch, but it would also have add more (obvious) weight to Marinette's trauma and fear that is still present in season 4. That is the reason I can't put him 1st place, that and because he lacks a little spark that brings some excitment.

Honorable mentions: M. Pigeon, Evillustrator, Dark Cupid, Kwami Buster and Princess Fragrance. Some just missed the top 10!

1. Stormy Weather

I never got tired of her! I wish we had more akumas and fights like hers, she had it all! She is the reason why I got into ML in the first place, I still get excited and am impressed at the battle scene. She has presence, uses her power flawlessly and has a lot of rage in her, she is wonderful!! screw Stormy Weather 2.0 why wouldn't you show us that freaking volcano battle?!

[sinceileftyoublog]

Mina Tindle Interview: A Natural Frame

Photo credit: ©rgm

BY JORDAN MAINZER

The release of Mina Tindle’s SISTER last October was supposed to be accompanied by an ambitious live show and an hour-long film made up of visuals for its nine captivating songs. After all, these sorts of artistic deep dives are what the project of Pauline de Lassus is all about. But when it became clear last summer--the summer of COVID-19--that neither could be easily achieved or achieved any time soon, de Lassus let go of her inhibitions. Recorded and filmed during a specific time last summer in France when the virus was more under control and travel/lockdown restrictions were somewhat lifted, The LFO/Blogothèque Sessions present stripped-back versions of some songs from SISTER as well as a track that didn’t make the cut. With help from Kate Stables (This Is The Kit), de Lassus’ husband Bryce Dessner (The National), and David Chalmin, and in collaboration with French production company La Blogothèque, de Lassus presents the songs in new ways. The percussive gallop of “Fire and Sun” presents itself more in Dessner’s guitar in the live version. Vocal harmonies and guitar take the place of beats and strings on “Belle Pénitence”. A cover of Sufjan Stevens’ “Give A Little Love”, whose album version features Stevens and his quintessentially Reichian arpeggios, is all about the harmonies between de Lassus and Stables. And “Indigo”, never recorded, is buoyed by Dessner’s spritely, finger-picked guitar.

As much as these sessions have the feel of a fleeting moment--that should the group have decided to play them on, say, a different day, that they would take another shape--they’re also very much a product of place. For one, it wouldn’t have happened had de Lassus been somewhere without access to a studio, let alone with lesser restrictions. The accompanying videos--just as much a part of the release as the audio--were shot from de Lassus and Dessner’s new home in the South of France, where they moved from Paris with their child. The almost mystical, beautiful quality of the surroundings makes me think of what de Lassus told me over the phone last month about “the fantasy of having a live show.” With a camera capturing moments where the group decided to just go for it, it’s got that live quality, but like the best “live albums,” make you hungry to experience the music in person for yourself.

The LFO/Blogothèque Sessions was released on Friday via 37d03d, the “people” label. (“They give their artists a lot of freedom and love,” de Lassus said. “They’re amazing...I don’t think I would have put the record out if it wasn’t with them.”) Read our conversation about adapting the songs to a new setting, edited for length and clarity.

Since I Left You: Did you always want to do stripped-down versions of these songs, or was the occasion of lockdown restrictions being lifted the inspiration?

Pauline de Lassus: Something I love doing is having nice visuals or working on videos. I had a big project for this record, a film the length of the 9 songs--I wanted to make a movie. But it was a totally different object, an homage to [Norman] McLaren. I wanted to do a one-hour long video. Everything was cancelled because of COVID, and I ended up doing all the videos myself. Do it yourself, like back in the days. I chose women I love dancing, and it was nice to work on. But it’s really nice when it’s professional. I knew there would not be any shows for this record--maybe in a few years. So I had the idea of trying to capture that. I did it with basically family--Kate Stables, Bryce is my husband, and David is a really close friend. Doing it in the safest environment possible. It was really nice.

SILY: Was it natural to strip down these songs? How did you adapt them to the setting?

Pauline: We just played them. We kind of worked on it with Bryce a bit. He’s really good at that. When I got the chance to tour with The National, I saw they record an album and know all the songs, because they work on it for months. We did maybe four days of rehearsal in Paris to start the tour, and that was it, and after four days, they played the songs over and over. There were like 50 of them. By the end they went on stage and just played the music. I remember thinking, “Woah.” My way of doing it would be to overplay or overwork them to try to get the right version instead of just playing the music. It’s more the fact that they play it a lot that it turned into something they like. Because these songs were so minimal, we didn’t have to sing too much. 

SILY: It seems like certain qualities of the songs you kept but achieved them in a different way, like the forward gallop in the drum beat on the SISTER version of “Fire and Sun”, you get more in the guitar here, whereas for “Belle Pénitence”, the emphasis is more on the vocal harmonies and the guitar than on the strings and the beats like on SISTER. Did that, too, kind of come naturally from just playing them?

Pauline: I think we just played them. I love making records. It’s one of the things I love doing the most. I don’t mind if it takes 5 years, and I don’t mind a quick record, but working in the studio is a really different process. You can add all the things you want. It’s kind of magic. These days, it’s not on tape, so you can erase the minute after. It’s really an experimental place.

Playing them [live], I have one of the greatest musicians and guitar players in Bryce. He can get the essence of the song really easily. And the soul of Kate, we love singing together; every time, something happens. I think it was a way to sing with more space. We weren’t trying to mimic any existing version, which is great, because I’ve been touring with Mina Tindle for years where the expectation was I am trying to mimic the record. The up-tempo song had to be up-tempo. This time, it was extremely free. It was really nice, because what I needed was really little. Two instruments, two singers, that’s it. We wanted to play them acoustic, which is sometimes a challenge.

SILY: What you said about playing them with more space really stood out to me on the EP version of “Indian Summer”. You have this piano ballad as opposed to something that’s more all over the place.

Pauline: I love both! In the past, I’ve been slow at making records. Sometimes, I just have the demo, and it’s the first draft, and it’s good. That’s why I like the idea of having a live recording, because it has to be straight and honest right away. In a way, I feel like you interpret it differently, also, because it’s one shot. Maybe we had two shots, but there was no editing.

SILY: How did you get around not having Sufjan’s presence on “Give A Little Love”?

Pauline: When I sing that song, I always try to be at the level of his song. He’s the sweetest person, so he couldn’t care less--he’d give me freedom to adapt the song [even] metal or AC/DC style. He’s a free mind. It’s sweet because I’m more shy when it’s my songs, but I love covering songs that I love. [Feist and I] did this tribute to Lhasa de Sela, who is one of my favorite singers ever. She passed away when she was really young. We had a love for her music and ended up making a show that we played in London and France and Ireland and Berlin, where we were covering her songs. It was one of my favorite things to do. It’s an ode to my love to music, whereas when I sing my songs, I feel more shy or intimidated to open up. Sometimes, I really wonder why I open my heart. When it’s someone else, I feel happy they’re connecting.

SILY: What’s the story behind the new song on this release, “Indigo”?

Pauline: “Indigo” is the black sheep of the record. It was many people’s favorite song, but I had 5 versions of it I couldn’t choose from. When I ended up not putting it on SISTER, I was really happy. I felt relieved. I didn’t know where to put it. I tried to mix it with different people, but it was never right. Kate had sung that song with me many times, so she knew it, and this was the right way to do it. I felt totally fine presenting that version. This EP is a way to free up any vision. It is what it is. That’s why it was on that record, because we really wanted to sing that song together. It’s a story of a separation, if I remember correctly. Losing each other. I remember being obsessed with the idea of losing someone you really love. It was not my personal life; fortunately, I was doing pretty okay. But having a kid is a total volcano in your life, and I was looking at many people around me who seemed to not be okay, living through that experience, so it was a song about how you can tear apart when something’s supposed to make you closer.

SILY: You could have a whole rarities release of different versions of “Indigo” as your next release.

Pauline: Yeah. I don’t think anybody would like to listen to it. [laughs] The same song four times.

SILY: What’s the story behind the cover art of this release?

Pauline: It’s Kate and I dancing. We were really happy because we did [the recording] in two days. We had an extra day with her, so we did some stuff for her, and we were just dancing. There was a huge storm--the weather where we are is crazy. It can rain and be super shiny in twenty minutes. So we had this crazy summer storm and started dancing as if it was a mirror and improvising the dancing. We are not dancers. [laughs] But we had a lot of fun. This red window is the typical colors of the architecture in the region. It’s actually in my house. I’ve already taken so many pictures of people inside and outside that window, because the window reflects the landscape behind. It’s so beautiful. It’s like a natural frame, and whatever you put inside, it’s kind of logical.

SILY: Are you planning or able to do live shows or live streams?

Pauline: As I told you, I intended to do way bigger or ambitious thing at first, because I kind of hate videos for music--or I never watch them. For me, the music is not more important, but enough. So when you do videos, it’s nice when you have something unique. We couldn’t do that movie I was thinking about, so putting money into trying to make a beautiful live performance was it. I was happy with it.

A livestream, maybe under certain conditions, but it’s a really strange period where even more than before, while I’m happy to give and share what I’m creating, but privacy is more something I’m into these days.

SILY: Livestreams do have that bedroom aspect.

Pauline: It’s kind of an exhibitionist thing I’ve never had. I’ve always felt conflicted about it with social media. It’s like opening your house to people. I’m not judging people who do it--you can do it really healthily--but I don’t feel comfortable. So far, I’ve said no to a lot of stuff.

SILY: Some of the best ones I’ve seen have skirted the home recording feel because they’re recorded at an actual venue and professionally edited. It’s not really live, but it’s at least for the time being something a little bit in between.

Pauline: We should look forward to live shows coming back, not necessarily doing bad performances. Like with social media, we now see 30-second music extracts, like on TikTok. The quality is not getting better. We don’t have to share everything the universe is offering to us. Sometimes it’s better to hold back and wait. That’s totally my point, though. Of course, when you’re in your 20s, you should do whatever you want to do, but at this point in my life, I don’t feel the urge to constantly express myself. I’m just old, you know? [laughs]

SILY: What else have you been up to lately?

Pauline: I’m doing a lot of things not related to music. I’m illustrating a book that’s more for children. It’s around music. I’m busy spending my days painting and drawing, and I love it. It’s creative, but it’s nice to take a break from music. The final collection is gonna be really cool.

SILY: Anything you’ve been listening to, watching, or reading lately that’s caught your attention?

Pauline: Besides two children’s books a week. You can see there’s a big switch in illustrations for kids books. You can spend a whole day at the library in the kid’s section. It’s so impressive and beautiful.

My knowledge in feminism was really bad, so the last 6 months, I’ve been reading everything I can on the subject and listening to podcasts. It’s basically my routine. I thought I wasn’t feminist, but I am.

[myncisworld-2point0]

[NOTE: This article is from 2014.]

According to some people, Mark Harmon is best known to his fans as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on CBS’s hit drama series NCIS. Those people are wrong, of course, because he’s always going to be Freddy Shoop, a summer school teacher in over his head in 1987’s appropriately-titled Summer School. Harmon turns the ripe, young age of 63 today, and it’s clearer than ever that this man is in possession of a map that leads to the Fountain of Youth, because Harmon ages with grace, am I right, ladies? In fact, while it’s no wonder why this actor was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986, it is rather shocking that he never received that accolade again, specifically in 1987, when the most important work of his career was released.

The coke-fueled era of the 1980s in Hollywood was filled with more high school movies about slackers and smartasses than anyone actually needed, especially when it came to featuring students who looked like they were older than the teachers. Summer School was always perhaps the most underrated of the decade’s tributes to slackademics (trademark pending) because what it lacked in the typical star power of, say, a John Hughes film, it more than made up for in creating arguably the most creative collection of “teenage” dipshits than any film of the genre. At the same time, it showed that Harmon, who was probably best known at the time for his role as the HIV-positive Dr. Robert Caldwell on St. Elsewhere, had a strong sense of comedy, while also confirming (along with her debut on Cheers that same year) that Kirstie Alley was much, much more than just a really attractive Vulcan.

Summer School isn’t just some cult classic that people love to mention whenever someone randomly asks, “Hey, whatever happened to Dean Cameron?” It was actually well-received at the box office, earning $36 million in theaters on what I assume was a budget of a few rolls of nickels and someone’s baseball card collection. Critics, however, were a little more mixed on this mindless comedy, as Roger Ebert gave it one-half star out of four, which sounds a lot better than one star out of eight, so you know what? I’ll take it.

Maybe in the movie business we could coin the term vaporfilm, for movies that zip right through our brains without hitting any memory molecules.

“Summer School” is a movie like that, a comedy so listless, leisurely and unspirited that it was an act of the will for me to care about it, even while I was watching it. This movie has no particular reason for being, other than to supply employment for people whose job possibilities will not be enhanced by it. (Via RogerEbert.com)

Here’s a tip for all of you aspiring film critics out there, courtesy of King Ebert – if you’re watching a movie with a title as lazy as Summer School, and the opening of the film features a school’s teachers trying to haul ass after the bell on the last day of the semester so they don’t get suckered into teaching the titular course, get up and walk out. Leave the movie for those of us who love to watch stupid movies and go to the next theater to watch and analyze La Bamba. Perhaps that’s why the fan reviews of Summer School on Netflix seem to be so glowing, as I only found three that were two stars or less. In fact, here’s the worst of them all:

Nothing but trash. Nothing worth seeing. Degenerate teens in bad need of harsh discipline. It’s depressing to think that so many young people actually enjoy this trash. This movie is immediately available from NF while so many more interesting ones languish in the ‘saved’ section, or in ‘short wait’, ‘long wait’, or ‘very long wait’ status. Just one more nail in the coffin of American culture, or lack thereof.

Thank God Armond White weighed in. The majority of people, myself included, fondly remember Summer School for what it is – a fun, stupid movie that was meant to make us laugh, while perhaps also rubbing our noses in the awesomeness of 80s California if we didn’t live there. But I’ll take this analysis one step further by laying out these 10 very important lessons that I took away from Summer School after watching it this morning, in paying tribute to Harmon, a man who was Kevin Costner before Kevin Costner was Kevin Costner.

Always put sunglasses on your dog.

Fact: 100% of movie posters that have dogs wearing sunglasses on them are movies that I’m willing to at least watch. The movie could be called This Dog Dies from Space AIDS, and I’d still be curious to see why that dog is wearing sunglasses.

Always have an escape plan.

When everybody else is hauling ass from the faculty parking lot at the last second, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t already be packed for your trip to Hawaii. I don’t like to point fingers, but Mr. Shoop’s girlfriend is clearly at fault here. All she had to do was pack the car for him, and he could have jumped in and taken off for the airport. Instead, Kim kicked her man while he was down and not only snatched her ticket to Hawaii from the pocket of his rad flowered shirt, but she also told him to drive her to the airport. I don’t mean to offend anyone who is overprotective of fictional characters, but I hope that Kim was eventually fed to the volcano gods.

Also, let’s consider this a lesson within a lesson – would you walk away from your teaching job right now if someone handed you a winning lottery ticket for $50,000? I say no. Just pass all of the morons while you spend the class time reading up on investment opportunities.

Never be afraid to encourage the creativity of your students.

https://youtu.be/-5Pku48YPFo

The true sign of a teacher’s efforts in a classroom is how far the students are willing to go to show others their appreciation of his work. In Shoop’s case, once he resigned because his students were greedy little pricks, those same students objected to a new teacher taking over the class by staging a gruesome and horrifying murder scene, complete with two of the students wielding chainsaws, declaring themselves psychopaths and thus taking credit for the violence. Of course, I can’t stress this enough, no high school students should ever think about trying to recreate this scene today.

On a side note, and I hate to nitpick true artistic masterpieces, if you’re going to have a severed hand pull a dude’s tongue out of his mouth and slap him with it, it’s really important that he not blink. Damn it, people, we need accuracy.

Being a male teacher in California in 1987 was probably terrifying.

https://youtu.be/farC0cWkpvc

Between Summer School and Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise, 1987 was a huge year for Courtney Thorne-Smith. Hell, both movies came out in the same week in July, when she was just 19 years old and poised to become the next big things in terms of girls that all teen boys wanted to marry. Unfortunately, her movie career never really panned out, as the last live action role she had on the big screen was as Natalie in the Carrot Top hot fart Chairman of the Board. Her TV career was obviously a lot better, but that’s neither here nor there. Having her play a lovelorn surf goddess crushing on Shoop probably lured a lot of guys to the teaching profession, only to have them learn the hard way that prison sucks.

Additionally, there was the foreign exchange student Anna-Maria Mazarelli, who would grow up to win our hearts as Alotta Fagina. Was it standard procedure for foreign exchange students to be shoved into remedial English classes upon arrival? Sure.

It’s important to support fine arts programs.

https://youtu.be/u0kF24ceZMI

When I write about how hilarious it was how Hollywood tried to make us buy that some actors were teenagers when they were clearly at least a decade older, Ken Olandt is really Exhibit A. The guy who played Larry, the sleeping student by day and male stripper by night, was actually 29 when he was portraying a 17-year old, which is pretty hard to pass when very few teenage boys A) look like that and B) are hired to shake their dongs in strip clubs. Still, glaring age gaps and statutory and employment laws aside, it was nice to see that Shoop was so cool about Larry’s awesome after-school job. That is until he was busted by his mom and presumably spent the next decade in therapy.

It’s not lying if the company ripped you off in the first place.

The first time that I ever saw Summer School, I was convinced that the part about writing letters to companies to get free stuff would work every time. I spent a lot of time trying to write letters to the companies that made my favorite toys, so I could convince them that the action figures and especially the vehicles that I couldn’t afford had been broken. But then I realized that I might be called on my BS, and guys in suits might show up to my home demanding to see the broken toys, and then I’d be screwed and sent off to prison for lying. Ultimately, owning Krang’s fortress wasn’t worth a life spent in prison making license plates, which is how TV and movies taught me that license plates were made.

Jail in California looks very scary.

I still don’t know what the guy with the mustache is doing with his hand, but it’s really scary and I don’t want to ever have someone do that to me, so I’ve chosen to lead a life on the straight and narrow. Thank you, Summer School, for teaching us that jail is filled with scary perverts who want to do bad things to shirtless men on roller skates.

No matter the risk, steal your boss’s girlfriend.

https://youtu.be/B7ZTNm5o780

Vice Principal Gills was a pretty big bite in the ass, so we had to cheer for Shoop in pursuit of Robin Bishop, because Shoop was the coolest and his girlfriend had only recently taken off for Hawaii without him. Sure, Robin was kind of stuck up because she questioned the legitimacy of taking students to something as awesome as a petting zoo, which produced adorable moments like this:

And she also wore a denim shirt tucked into a different shade of denim skirt, because it was the 80s, but she had a good heart and she just wanted what was best for all students, even if it meant agreeing to a date with Shoop to get there. Also, Gills looked like a total goober-douche, and there’s no reason he should have been with Robin.

Education can be a compromise.

https://youtu.be/LzdoMQL_jR8

Is Alan Eakien one of the most underrated teen nerds of cinema? I say yes. That kid may have been dumber than rocks compared to his genius brothers, but he negotiated circles around Shoop. In exchange for a slightly-above-half-assed effort from less than half of the original class roster*, Shoop’s couch was set on fire, his goldfish murdered and car wrecked, bookending that whole going to jail for the two D-bags thing. Things could have been considerably worse, too, because Robin could have tried to get him banned from teaching for the rest of his life for allowing a female student to live with him.

But ultimately Shoop sacrificed so much for the sake of helping a few of his students learn some lessons about life, since they didn’t all pass their exams. Is he a good teacher for that or was he just an idiot being taken advantage of by other idiots? Especially idiots who looked like this:

Being an idiot isn’t all that bad, so long as you’re not a total idiot.

https://youtu.be/8fvhchY0UmY

Hey, in the end, some of those kids passed their exams, and the most important of them all was Pam, because that meant she could move on and not try to make it so Shoop returned to jail. This guy went from being just a run-of-the-mill bro’s bro gym teacher to making an impact in the lives of some kids who looked like they were grown adults. Sure, he couldn’t even talk a 17-year old out of stripping, and he allowed some of his students to treat the foreign exchange student like a sex model, but Freddy Shoop probably learned more than anyone.

Also, he totally stole the douchebag Vice Principal’s girlfriend, and Wonder Mutt found Bobby again in the end, so this really was a movie with a beautiful and happy ending.

[wildtige429]

Height: 8 feet tall

Weight: 90 kg

About Him: Born with a dark flame and floating blue will-o-wisps, Ryoutarou is a person no Hottail would go near or approach, calling him a demon because of these mysterious traits he developed. Things get awry when he accidentally attacked some bullies with his fire, nearly killing them despite them being fire users and he nearly lost control of his dark fire if it weren’t for someone pouring water on his tail, which is the source of the Hottails’ powers.

To prevent any harm, Ryoutarou was imprisoned in a man-made labyrinth underground within a volcano. Despite being imprisoned, he finds company with the will-o-wisps that surround him, saying that they can speak with him even though everyone near can’t.

Reaching adulthood, he had a dream about a salamander (not the amphibian) telling him to make a sword that will help him control his flames by gathering the most needed ingredient; his own will-o-wisps. At first, he refused until his wisp friends tell him that they will help him and even as a sword, they will always be there to help him. The moment he wakes up, he immediately gathers a couple metals and began to craft his own sword, adding his will-o-wisps into the mix as new ones popped out around him. And by success, he finally crafted a sword that can control his dark powers. And so forth, he names it Duskwraith. 

Amaterasu visited his labyrinth and was welcomed very warmly by what the Hottails call, the black demon. Sensing a good heart and spirit within him, she brought him out and even with his own tribe fearing him, she announces that he will bring him to Seth and he will return home as a Raider, much to their shock. Ryoutarou was moved to tears by her compassion.

He was trained by Seth and the rests of the Raiders until he became capable of fighting, defending and even knowing how to use his dark flames through his sword. Despite his title being Labyrinth Keeper, he doesn’t mind cause he felt like the labyrinth he was locked up in was a home he truly belonged. Soon, he developed feelings for Amaterasu and the two became close.

Ryoutarou sacrificed himself with her to awaken the core of the planet through the passageway in a volcano. Duskwraith and Twin Tails were left behind but as tribute for their love and devotion, the volcano was called Mount Karyuuyasha and their statues carved on the face of the volcano by the Dragontail and Hottail tribes.

The Hottails were grateful that the demon they feared had became a hero for them.

Personality: Brave, well-mannered, kind, selfless, chivalrous

Description: A tall strong-looking man, a black horn on the tip of his snout, two spikes on either side of his chin, blue eyes, Mohawk-like frill with the flaps black, dark purple scales, a black flame on the tip of his tail, blue will-o-wisps floating around him, wears grey-accented white shoulder plates with black flame symbols on it, red ribbons wrapped around his elbows, a brown chest harness secured by a gold ring, light brown ripped pants, grey-accented white knee pads, black shoes, red bandage wraps around his ankles and toes and wields, Duskwraith, a long katana with a serrated blade. 

*Amaterasu believed that the reason his flames are black and has will-o-wisps is because he inherited them from Nidhogg, a devil dragon of the underworld. A cursed Hottail with a good heart and soul, he uses it for good thanks to Duskwraith. And he wishes that his sword can be wielded by someone who, like him, wanted to control their dark powers.

Duskwraith is given to Toshi when he first awakened his poison powers he had inherited from his mom when he went berserk, nearly killing Wyscan the Granter in the Neverzone when he, Marco and Star searched for Mariposa and Meteora after the mage nearly harmed Ruby, knocking her out.*

[seigar]

🌋 Tales of The Volcano of La Palma🌋 This series was taken in 2021 during two short trips to La Palma, the Canary Islands, also known as La Isla Bonita like the song by Madonna. I feel this island is my hometown, the place I belong to. With mixed feelings, these images became my testimony of the volcano, its immensity, and its effects. I added a grainy texture to symbolize the ashes. I love La Palma, I remember my summers on the beach and camping at the national park, so many memories with my family and friends. I think it's the place I have felt calmer in my life. Thanks my island, this is my little tribute to your last big episode. * * 🌟 Remember to follow my blog @popsonality! I’m sharing art and culture with Pop Sonality! Check it out! And support all the artists featured! ❤️ * #volcan #volcano #volcanlapalma #volcán #volcanic #volcaniceruption #lapalma #igerslapalma #streetphotography #streetphotographer #isla #island #travel #trip #travelphotography #travellover #travelblogger #blog #blogger #igerstenerife #street #tribute #tributo #islabonita #laislabonita #streetphotographers #canarias #canaryislands #islascanarias #españa (en Isla de la Palma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcH4jU9I1PS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bigyack-com]

Navarasa Review: Netflix Anthology Makes A Fair Fist Of Delivering A Range Of Cinematic Moods

Navarasa Review: Vijay Sethupathi in a still from the anthologyCast: Suriya, Arvind Swami, Vijay Sethupathi, Siddharth, Atharvaa, Gautham, Vasudev Menon, Prasanna, Revathi, Prayaga MartinDirectors: Arvind Swami, Bejoy Nambiar, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Karthick Naren, Karthik Subbaraj, Priyadarshan, Rathindran Prasad, Sarjun, Vasanth SaiRating: 3 starsThe toughest aspect of Navarasa, a nine-film, five-hour anthology that brings together some of the brightest names of Tamil cinema, isn't its length. It is the erratic and arbitrary manner in which the nine emotions of Indian dramaturgy have been translated to the screen. But to be fair, barring an exception or two, Navarasa, streaming on Netflix, makes a fair fist of delivering a range of cinematic moods and colour palettes, if not the intended spectrum of emotions.Produced and presented by Mani Ratnam (who also contributes a story to one short and a screenplay to another) and Jayendra Panchapakesan, Navarasa was conceptualized as a means to support film industry workers impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown. None of the short films, however, factors the pandemic into its storyline. In fact, three of the films are set in the past.Two of the entries, Project Agni and Roudhram, strike a chord, one for its audacious flights of fancy, the other for its sharp delineation of place, time and people. Two others, Edhiri and Inmay, grab attention thanks both to the performances of the lead actors (Revathy and Vijay Sethupathi in the former, Parvathy Thiruvoth and Siddharth in the latter) and the emotional layering they impart to the stories.The opening film, Edhiri (Enemy), directed by Bejoy Nambiar, is about karuna (compassion). It raises hopes with a horizontally split screen opening, revealing the two principal characters, played superbly by Revathy and Vijay Sethupathi. But eventually, it isn't so much about compassion as about anger, violence, and penitence.The story of Edhiri, credited to Mani Ratnam, portrays pent-up rage and its repercussions on two people - a murderer (Sethupathi) and the wife (Revathy) of the victim (Prakash Raj in an impactful cameo). The twist is provided by the transference of the feeling of remorse from one to the other, but the shift is too sudden and too facile to pass muster.The biggest letdown in Navarasa is Priyadarshan's Summer Of `92: Hasya/Laughter. A successful Tamil cinema comedian visits his school to inaugurate its centenary celebrations and proceeds to reveal how much trouble he got into with his teachers.Navarasa Review: Suriya in still from Netflix anthologyApart from being unfunny, the film wastes two good actors - Yogi Babu, playing a version of himself, and Nedumudi Venu, in the role of a school principal looking for a match for his daughter (Ramya Nambeesan). About the only takeaway from Summer Of `92 is a dog left behind by a late Christian priest and weaned on tamarind rice from a Hindu temple. The four-legged creature leaves a quirky mark on a film that is otherwise devoid of genuine humour.Project Agni: Adbhuta/Wonder, directed by Karthick Naren, comes the closest to the emotion that it is out to evoke. The short film is at least partly a tribute to Christopher Nolan. An outlier (Arvind Swamy, who directs one of the better films of the anthology) invites a friend (Prasanna) who works at ISRO to share with him the findings of his research on the human subconscious and the origins of mankind.The researcher admits that "an obsession to see beyond our intelligence is never a good idea". But the director does not pay heed to that warning and plunges headlong into a twisted, mind-bending plot that, besides Nolan, touches upon the Mayan and Sumerian civilizations, an advanced alien race, alternate realities, past and future, Doomsday, the world of the subconscious and the notion that all human life is pre-programmed. Doesn't that sound like mumbo-jumbo? Well, it does but is delivered with delightful playfulness.The fourth film in Navarasa, Vasant S. Sai's Payasam: Bheebatsa/Disgust, invokes American poet and naturalist Diane Ackerman to assert that "disgust is danger to our soul" and then tells a story that does not quite get to the point.Set in 1965, Payasam unfolds during the wedding of a Brahmin's daughter, which is sought to be disrupted by the envious uncle (Delhi Ganesh) of the bride's father. The uncle has a widowed daughter (Aditi Balan) whose presence at her cousin's wedding is a talking point for the guests, but it is her father whose behaviour pushes things over the edge. If you are looking for the truly disgusting, Payasam isn't your bowl of dessert.Karthik Subbaraj delivers Peace: Shantih, at 28 minutes the shortest and the paciest of the nine films. The action takes place around an LTTE bunker in no man's land during the Sri Lankan civil war. A boy on the run from a village under army attack seeks help from the Tamil Tigers to rescue his brother.One of the rebels (Bobby Simha), stirred by memories of the personal losses he himself has suffered, agrees to risk his life to save another despite advice to the contrary from Master (Gautham Vasudev Menon, who has a directorial work in the mix). The film emphasizes peace even as it points to the dangers inherent in letting one's guard down.Like all the other shorts in Navarasa, debutant director Arvind Swami's Roudhram: Raudra/Anger opens with a quote. It likens "the venom of anger" to "a forest blaze that destroys everything". The film tells the story of a poor family of three - a woman (Geetha Kailasam) and her two children, a boy and a girl (Rhythvika) - whose lives spin out of control when the hot-headed son (Sreeram) strikes a man with a hammer.As the attacker is interrogated in police custody, the reason for his rage is revealed. But the film does not stop there. The social drama delivers a swift, surprise ending that alters all that has gone before. Director of photography Santosh Sivan gives the film bright splashes of colour, which provide a contrast to the bleakness of the lives portrayed. A.R. Rahman's music is an apt embellishment for the soundtrack of Roudhram.Rathindran R. Prasad falls back on Rumi - "What is fear? Non-acceptance of uncertainty" - and a musical score by Vishal Bhardwaj as he puts together Inmay (Devoid of): Bhaya/Fear, an intriguing vengeance saga that straddles fear, misgivings and horror in the same sweep.The two actors who flesh out the key characters - Siddharth and Parvathy Thiruvoth - throw all their skills into this story set in a swish, aesthetically designed Puducherry bungalow in which a male visitor and the mistress of the house discuss calligraphy and Islamic art. But under the calm surface of their conversation is a volcano waiting to erupt.Navarasa Review: Siddharth in still from Netflix anthologyThe director skillfully couches this story of great violence and surprise revelations in a beautiful bubble that bursts in face of pinpricks of a troubled past that ties the man's fate to that of the woman.The penultimate film, Sarjun KM's Thunintha Pin (Beyond Courage): Veera, is scripted by Mani Ratnam. It examines the definition of valour from the standpoint of a new police recruit (Atharva) who, within a week of finishing his combat training, is caught in a jungle ambush by Naxalites that leaves many men in his division dead.The young man is charged with the task of driving a wounded Naxalite leader (Kishore) back to the police station on the edge of the forest. It is a make-or-break chance for him to prove his mettle. Does he have it in? The rookie will discover soon enough, but the film leaves his pregnant wife (Anjali) in the lurch after allowing her a couple of scenes to assert her own brand of courage rooted in unwavering stoicism.The last film in the anthology, Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru (Tugging at My Guitar Strings): Sringara/Love, is Gautham Vasudev Menon's ode to amour. A 32-year-old Chennai singer (Suriya) lives with his mother (Tulasi) and dreams of leaving for London to become a world music composer and performer.He is about to jet off when he meets Nethra (Prayaga Rose Martin), a younger crooner who steps into his studio to record a song. The laws of attraction kick in and the man's plans go out the window in a flash. Having found his Muse and with love taking roots in his heart, the musician goes all out rediscover his voice.The actors look good and the director, as is his wont, crafts pretty frames, but the writing falls a bit by the wayside. The manner in which the film delves into the blossoming of love is undermined by the cliches of the genre.Navarasa is an uneven, bewildering welter: two are pretty good, two others are passable, and the rest are patchy. Avoid binge watching. Too exhausting. Space it out: watch two or three at a time. Read the full article

[harry3891jac]

SCENTED CANDLES

You unquestionably needn't bother with an uncommon motivation to light a scented flame, yet they some way or another have a method of causing any commonplace movement at home to feel like a self-care second. Indeed, even without being lit, their aromas plague through a space, giving your home its own unique fragrance. The best scented candles are to a great extent a matter of individual inclination, and olfactory tastes range all over. Some adoration the liberal toss of an emphatically perfumed flame, while others may lean toward one with a scarcely discernible fragrance. We've picked candles here to speak to all fragrance profiles and strength inclinations, and some come strongly suggested from our own group.

1.Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lavender Scented Soy Candle (4.9 oz.)

Mrs. Meyer's home aromas demonstrate that costly doesn't generally mean better. These soy-wax, jam-container candles ring up for well under $10, however you'd never know it by their quieting and clean smell.

2.Capri Blue Volcano Iridescent Jar Candle (19 oz.)

It's just not a total best-light rundown without referencing Capri Blue's Volcano aroma — otherwise called the Anthropologie Candle. This soy-paraffin wax mix has a bright, somewhat citrusy fragrance that appears to be a characteristic mind-set sponsor.

3.P.F. Flame Co. Enormous Sandalwood Rose Soy Candle (12.5 oz.)

This soy-wax flame smells like the mark aroma of an individual you may really like. Its appealing sandalwood and rose fragrance is a tribute to gothic sentiment, and its lidded golden glass container has a tough, yet refined tasteful that takes a gander at home anyplace.

4.Paddywax Salt + Sage Soy Wax Candle (7 oz.)

This soy-wax flame from Paddywax makes them long for the smell of ocean shower. Moored with a woody base, its sea-going florals and crush of citrus make it a smell that is best appreciated very close.

5.Diptyque Baies Candle (2.4 oz)

Life is short — light your extravagant candles. At any rate that is the adage of our previous partner manager Zarah Kavarana, who makes the most of her Diptyque Baies light without limit, by keeping it lit through her at-home off hours. It's made of paraffin wax, yet the jammy aroma is normally inferred.

[noromannet-blog]

What to see and do in Lanzarote in 5 days trip

When you visit the fourth Canary Island in extension to not miss a single detail. If you do not know what to see and do in Lanzarote, take advantage of this complete guide that we offer you with the most emblematic places where it is worth making a stop. So that you do not "leave the bai fo" and leave nothing in the inkwell, we have prepared a list with the essentials. Lanzarote is an island in the province of Las Palmas where you will find some of the most unique places in the Canary Islands and landscapes that seem to have been extracted from other worlds.

What to see and do in Lanzarote in 5 days

One of the priorities that every visitor meets with satisfaction is to taste the exquisite and famous cuisine of the Canary Islands. It is also proper to enjoy outdoor activities, something to do in Lanzarote in many of its corners. Hiking, surfing, beach sports... You will have endless possibilities at your fingertips. Really, what you want you can find on this island. That is why we will now focus on the most prominent places.

Timanfaya Park

Fire, ash, and rock merge in this eminently geological National Park, which preserves numerous vestiges of volcanic eruptions that occurred on the island in the early eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. You will be overwhelmed to glimpse the wide spectrum of colors that give the area uniqueness, from blacks, oranges, ocher, reds and brown tones. Timanfaya is a volcanic zone that lacks a blanket of vegetation and occupies a quarter of the island's territory. Come to the Cultural and Tourist Center of the Mountains of Fire to learn a little about the history of volcanism in Lanzarote and complete the 14-kilometer Route of the Volcanoes, which starts at this point. The visit to Timanfaya Park is essential among the things to do in Lanzarote with children. In addition, very close to here you can take a camel ride that you will love. You will repeat in amazement when you enter this volcanic structure that is located in the municipality of Haría, north of the island. In this cave, a mythological aura is perceived and is loaded with multiple legends. It is undoubtedly one of the richest cultural and natural heritage of Lanzarote. The Cueva de Los Verdes is part of the volcanic tube caused by the eruption of the volcano of La Corona, in the heart of the island. This natural sanctuary of rich landscape beauty has become a place of pilgrimage for the thousands of tourists who visit this corner of the Canary Islands. You will have the opportunity to take a guided tour in which you will know all the secrets of this cave.

Jameos del Agua, the best to see in Lanzarote

Since you are in Haría, take advantage to approach this center of art, culture, and tourism located in a beautiful natural space. A unique corner in the world designed by César Manrique where peace, tranquility, and harmony are at ease. In Jameos del Agua you will live an extrasensory experience without comparisons. Enter the tunnel of Atlantis, take a dip in the turquoise pools, mix with its plant and animal wealth, go through its original auditorium and at the same time unique for its characteristics, and travel all the paths of a paradise that invites to introspection.

Geria vineyards

In this volcanic area, you will also be surprised when you observe the vines that are planted there, and that is unique in the world. Some fruit trees such as the fig tree are also grown. These vineyards of the Malvasia variety produce an exquisite and genuine wine very characteristic of Lanzarote and worth trying.

La Graciosa Island, essential to visit in Lanzarote

Another thing to do in Lanzarote in 5 days in an almost obligatory way is to visit «the eighth island», located in the Chinijo archipelago along with other islets such as Roque del Oeste, Roque del Este, Alegranza, and Montaña Clara. All are part of the "conejero" municipality of Teguise. Paradise beaches, small volcanoes, and white villages await you in what, for many, is " the best-kept secret" of the Canary Islands.

River viewpoint

This is another work by César Manrique located in the Risco de Famara at 400 meters altitude. It is one of his most representative architectural creations along with the adaptation of the Cueva de Los Verdes and Jameos del Agua. It is worth climbing up to this viewpoint to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the island. A place that perfectly integrates art and nature, where the original sculptures that hang from the ceiling will catch your attention.

Papagayo beaches, a place to visit in Lanzarote

You will not want to "send to move" of the island of Lanzarote when you first step on this desert area located in Punta de Papagayo, in the south of the island, where you will find beautiful beaches and coves, in the Natural Park of Los Apaches. You can access by car or by boat to relax in places like Playa Mujeres, Caletón de San Marcial, Playa de la Cera, Caleta de Congrio, Puerto Muelas or Bajo el Risco.

Haría and the house-museum of César Manrique

To the north of Lanzarote is Haría, a municipality that we have already referred to in this article. When you pass by, take the opportunity to take a walk through the town, and make a stop at the museum house of César Manrique, located in the middle of an extraordinary palm grove and that was his place of residence until his death in 1992. Manrique is considered the most recognized Canarian painter, sculptor, and artist.

The hotbeds

A place to see in Lanzarote is the Hervideros. In these cliffs, which are located west of Timanfaya, you will be surprised by the natural spectacle that occurs when the sea is rough and hits the caves that you will observe at your feet. Los Hervideros is a work of art of nature that occurred hundreds of years ago when the waves sculpted the volcanic lava that reached the water, today turned into hard rock, praying it to open these caves.

The Green Puddle

The beauty of this small lagoon formed by filtered seawater that acquires very characteristic green tones, in the Natural Park of the Volcanoes. The Charco de Los Caicos, as it is also known, is located in El Golfo, a small fishing town in the municipality of Yaiza. Its landscape beauty is unique.

Cactus Garden

Among the things to see in Lanzarote, is the Cactus Garden. The last intervention of Manrique in Lanzarote was this cactarium that was an old “refer” located in the area of ​​the tunnels of Guatiza, in the municipality of Teguise. Currently, it serves as home to around 4500 different species of cacti grouped into 13 families, belonging to the 5 continents.

Santa Barbara Castle or Piracy Museum

Piracy has had an enormous influence on the history of Lanzarote, so, "chacho," you can't miss visiting Santa Barbara Castle, where the Piracy Museum is located. This fortress rises in the Guanapay Volcano, in the Villa de Teguise, and began in the fourteenth century by Lancelotto Malocello, a Genoese navigator from whom Lanzarote took its name.

Teguise town

Take advantage of your visit to this small town of Lanzarote to enjoy other places such as the beaches of Las Cucarachas or El Jablillo. Declared a Historic-Artistic Architectural Complex, Teguise is a place where much of the tourism that visits the island is concentrated. The Royal Residence of La Mareta, the San Rafael Hermitage or the Mother Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe are other attractions.

Peasant Museum House

The legacy of Manrique in Lanzarote is impressive. "Get mojo!" You can not imagine the special atmosphere that is breathed in this place located in San Bartolomé, a municipality in the center of the island. It is a tribute to the Lanzarote farmer and his struggle to give life to a territory with such difficult conditions, which is completed with the Fertility Monument. Visiting this museum house is taking a tour of the most ancestral "rabbit" traditions.

José Saramago House Museum

Do not leave without visiting the house of the Portuguese Nobel Prize in Lanzarote, which is located in the town of Tías and remains open to the public. It houses a library, a large garden with olive trees, and was opened by his wife, Pilar del Río, nine months after the writer's death. It is "a house made of books" where you will take a tour of the life and trajectory of Saramago.

San José Castle

In this historic fortress located in Arrecife,  you can visit the International Museum of Contemporary Art, located inside Lanzarote. The Castillo de San José was built between 1776 and 1779 on a cliff above the port of Naos. It is also known as the Hunger Fortress because it served as a refuge for locals in times of famine, drought and pirate attacks that hit the island. Visiting each of the destinations that we have suggested to answer the question: what to see and do in Lanzarote in 5 days? You will have known the most significant of this island. With our guide in hand, you will get the most out of your stay. Enjoy the experience and "change the wig"! Read the full article

[whileiamdying]

My girlfriend and I embarked on April 2017 on this epic life-changing experience around the world. We came back one year later with our minds blown away. As a dying android once said: “I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.” As months went by, I never ceased to be amazed by the diversity and the boiling life of our planet, I wanted to share this feeling with others and make a tribute to the Earth and its inhabitants, at a special time in our history when carefulness and respect are most needed. This video showcases one year around the world, from underwater to 6000m peaks, from active volcanoes to Asian temples, a journey of a lifetime. I also made a short video with only drone shots from this journey: https://vimeo.com/296876803. I came back in spring 2018 with around 7 TB of data (about 120 hours of videos and 40 000 pictures). The editing was done on and off with other regular jobs at the same time, it was spread over several months. French and English subtitles available. For the people interested in the technical side, it was shot with a GH5, Mavic Pro and GoPro Hero5, across 14 countries and 3 continents over a year of travel in 2017-2018. Some shots from the GH5 are 10 bits, mostly sunrises, sunsets and portraits of people. I mostly used 2 lenses: Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO and Panasonic Lumix G 42,5 mm f/1.7. I used extensively a Pilotfly H2 gimbal. Edited and color graded with Premiere Pro and After Effects CC 2019, shots cleaned with Neat Video. I used FilmConvert. Music: 
OAKE - Siebtes Buch: Drestan Sened https://oake.bandcamp.com/album/auferstehung Quote from Paul Bowles’s The Sheltering Sky. Sound mixing by Alexis Marzin.

[artwalktv]

My girlfriend and I embarked on April 2017 on this epic life-changing experience around the world. We came back one year later with our minds blown away. As a dying android once said: “I've seen things you people wouldn't believe.” As months went by, I never ceased to be amazed by the diversity and the boiling life of our planet, I wanted to share this feeling with others and make a tribute to the Earth and its inhabitants, at a special time in our history when carefulness and respect are most needed. This video showcases one year around the world, from underwater to 6000m peaks, from active volcanoes to Asian temples, a journey of a lifetime. I also made a short video with only drone shots from this journey: http://bit.ly/2LNq9kQ. I came back in spring 2018 with around 7 TB of data (about 120 hours of videos and 40 000 pictures). The editing was done on and off with other regular jobs at the same time, it was spread over several months. French and English subtitles available. For the people interested in the technical side, it was shot with a GH5, Mavic Pro and GoPro Hero5, across 14 countries and 3 continents over a year of travel in 2017-2018. Some shots from the GH5 are 10 bits, mostly sunrises, sunsets and portraits of people. I mostly used 2 lenses: Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO and Panasonic Lumix G 42,5 mm f/1.7. I used extensively a Pilotfly H2 gimbal. Edited and color graded with Premiere Pro and After Effects CC 2019, shots cleaned with Neat Video. I used FilmConvert. Music: 
OAKE - Siebtes Buch: Drestan Sened http://bit.ly/2oXta9m Quote from Paul Bowles’s The Sheltering Sky. Sound mixing by Alexis Marzin.

[goodluckgamers]

Mass Effect Andromeda Review

The Mass Effect trilogy defined a generation of western RPGs. Truly it gave us a new form of character-driven to explore not only our Milky Way Galaxy, but also  face a world-ending threat across three games, with consequences that carried over. The games changed with the times and with DLC expansions fleshed themselves out into truly memorable experiences each worth playing.

Mass Effect Andromeda is a shell of that experience that hinges on old nostalgia to really sell itself, but having that nostalgia also makes the lack of a truly unique experience that much more noticeable. And yet I found myself enjoying this product. So, what went wrong? Why did I enjoy myself? Let’s unpack this.

Mass Effect Andromeda is a game that spins off from the main trilogy. You play as the pathfinder who explores the Andromeda galaxy as a new home for all the alien species of the Milky Way Galaxy. You take the role of Ryder the soon to be human pathfinder and you’re given a brand-new galaxy to explore and make into a home.

The place to start is one of the most pressing things about the game and that’s the visuals. The visuals of Andromeda are pretty if not uninspired. The ‘golden worlds’ homes that were planned out at the beginning of the journey but found to be wastelands upon arrival are typical sci-fi stock fair. There’s the desert planet, the ice planet, the asteroid, the really hot desert, the jungle planet, and the toxic settled planet.

Exploring these very open locations in the Nomad, your six-wheeled vehicle, is fun. Going up snow or desert dunes, traveling mountains, and exploring the foliage is genuinely enjoyable. Alien structures exist--dotted into the distance--that you can normally travel to. The alien fauna reacts to you, sometimes attacking, ignoring you, or even fighting your enemies for you.

Yet the biggest downfall is that the environments don’t stay interesting long enough. As you do your smorgasbord of missions from fetch quest, actual story beats or person journeys, to even just exploring on your own, the environment begins to dull and everything just feels uniform. I’ve passed this same rock at least five times now and I’ve only been on the planet for a few hours.

The game remedies this by giving some unique environments on the planet from story missions or personal loyalty missions. It's these moments that the mission structure shines despite them being very similar types. Go here, shoot that, scan this, dialogue, rinse and repeat. These don’t take away from the enjoyable nature of the set design and how the structures fit into their environments.

A personal favorite of mine comes from Peebee’s loyalty mission, your token Asarai, that takes place on a volcano. There’s the color of the lava, the cold of the stone, and the awkwardly well placed alien structures within all of that. It’s well done and compellingly, which are moments that are sprinkled throughout the entire game.

Where the visual styles of the game really come to a fault are the characters. The facial animations of the game are just mediocre. No working around that. The expressions, lip synch, and delivery are just not on point and is just exceedingly distracting. The fact that the alien species aren’t the most proper looking talkers, is a problem.

To really talk about this we have to look at the two new alien species. The Angaran who are a cat/fish two-legged humanoid peoples, and the Kett who are the reptilian cult-like humanoid people. The Angaran are the good guys and somewhat interesting. The Kett aren’t developed enough to be interesting and being the cannon fodder bad guys make them even worse. The biggest reason this is problematic is because neither is truly new. We’re dropped into a brand-new galaxy and the two-new species are things I could have easily expected from the previous franchise. The Kett actually look pretty close to the Protheans. Previous with had the Elcor and the Hanar to enjoy as unique examples of alien species. There’s none of that noticeably involved in this game.

Now we move on to the next best part of the Mass Effect franchise that this game stumbles on. The characters carry this franchise in every game: from your crew to the side characters and even a few times the villains. This game pays tribute to this with characters such as a war vet Krogan, a Turian soldier, an Asari scientist, etc. These are all homages to classic characters in the original trilogy.

On introduction, it’s fair to assume that these are placeholders for nostalgia only. Luckily this game gets something very right in their character development from the big loyalty missions to simple no combat missions. You can get into a bar fight with Drax in an outlaw port while also helping Cora plant her garden in this alien universe. Small peaceful moments that have nothing to do with fighting and everything to do with showing that these are real characters.

It’s these character moments sprinkled with various dialogue when wandering the world that bring life to this. It’s great hearing the banter between Vetra and Drax or the arguments between Peebee and Core on occasion. Hell, you get nice backstory by doing this and also insight into the Angaran culture by exploring with Jaal.

Sadly, the story isn’t nearly as enthralling. Sure, exploring and making these various worlds habitable is great and all but is ruined by a very paper thin villain in the form of the Kett. They want to take over this side of the universe, studying and experimenting on the species that exist. The appearance of our milky way denizens just gives them more to do.

Yet we learn little to nothing about them directly. What little there is to be known is in the codex, but this is the main antagonistic species. With the pedigree that Bioware has built up for character development over all this time, this shouldn’t be the case. The Archon, the Kett leader, is the most black and white bad guy that it’s almost insulting to the player.

So, with all these negatives, what are the positives? Honestly, what got me to stay with the game and keep coming back was the gameplay itself, specifically the combat. In a game that focuses on exploration, it doesn’t skip on the combat. Gone from before are the classes, rather everything is open to the player to choose and customize as they see fit.

Building on what made the combat so truly enjoyable in Mass Effect 3 they’ve given the player a bigger area to work within. Bigger is not always better and what Andromeda managed to get right was the sense of verticality. With the jetpack alone, darting across the battlefield, climbing to get the high ground for the perfect shot or better cover. Mixed in with some new abilities like landmines, a true assault turret, portable cover and revamped biotic powers combat is a truly enjoyable experience.

This was mixed in with the profile system. A player can choose a style that they themselves prefer whether that’s using technology based powers, biotic powers, just straight up gun combat or any combination of the three. Each profile gives tiny benefits like more biotic damage, reload speed, or shield regeneration. It was this gameplay loop that kept me interested to the very end.

So, at the end of the day, we’re left with a shame of a game. A game whose very merits rely on the nostalgia of those who have played the previous trilogy. By every merit this game shouldn’t stand up on its own, yet, its novel in some ways. It’s not the worst game in the world. In fact, it’s enjoyable but with its pedigree, Mass Effect Andromeda should have been more. And with recent news of Bioware not continuing to support it, this is the state that it will always remain in.

[lonelycompcny]

THE DEVOURED WORLD:  KOSMOS 

this will be a lot of information on the world of KOSMOS. the only person allowed to reblog this is @mechanicallyunrealistic​ && @hoodedspark​  && @didsomeonesayentertainment​  && @dungeonsandmemes​  as our characters all derived from this world && it’s about time I finally write out the key factors about KOSMOS as a whole. Due to how much information though, it will all be under a read - more. 

       [ kos - mos ] a universe seen as a whole                                    a system of thought                                    a dying world    

THE BASICS;; Kosmos is a world akin to Earth in a sort of way, only thing is, the technology had become very advanced upon its history all due to the KING ( DAI ITOU ) also being the TRUE GOD of the world. That being said, it is a very cyberpunk like feel, most countries have enough technology that is passed even ours.  Within this world, there are FOUR main countries, split up into almost like a class structure. AKAD, OLK, NOA, && FAI -- these countries are very different from one another, each having their own biomes and creatures, but also people whom live among the madness of a world dying, all due to the de-humanization of many of the subjects of the KING. This world has both MAGIC and TECHNOLOGY -- and has been combined for centuries to make tools that could destroy mankind. The world FELL even when there were rebels against the KING -- most of them died along the way, and the only who made it watched as the world was DEVOURED by shadows. 

THE COUNTRIES 

They may be separated but they are ruled by one dominate being who runs off of the monarchal government. The list bellow details each country and their role within the society, as well as their people and possible magical beasts that may live within the area.

                 Fai [ an island of fire ] – This is home to warm weather and farm land ( for livestock ) well away from the reason the very island was created, a volcano at it’s very base that shares the countries name. This is also the place where mining is heavily endorsed, as well as blacksmithing for Akad. The people there are fighters at heart and are danger seekers it seems.

                    Within this country are priests and priestess to the gods of reincarnation and destiny. They give tribute to these gods that are PHOENIXES and prey for the souls whom have passed on. For centuries, the priest in charge has seen other mythical beings show and give their thanks to these gods, such as dragons and shadows.

                     Many believe that within the rain forests bellow the volcano that there may be an entry way to the underworld, or Hell, yet, there have been many sitings of Griffins, Satyrs, Unicorns and perhaps even witches.

                Olk [ a land of earth ] – The scent in the air is of the gentle breeze and the hearts of farmers tending to their crops. This is a large country, fitting well over a million humans ( unknown number of mythical beings within the mix ) as it has a capital in the very center of it all where cases are judged.

                     While most farmers do only have crops, they tend to also have a few horses ( as it gives them the ability to travel a bit faster with their goods ). Yet, this land is not all farmers and country men. There are tribes of both demon hunters, and demons alike. These tribes, while near and far, were there to either help the people, or destroy them.

                      The demon hunters are proud men and women who have traits from the blessed to hunt down monsters that destroy mankind. They were the hope of getting a good hunt in without being hurt and are usually considered the mercenaries of the wild, as they work on their own accord.

                        As for the demons that lived within the tribes, such as Han Junketsu and Vampires ( since they are human like in appearance ) would tend to have special rituals and ways to get into and out of trouble. They would teach their young the same way hunters would but what some may not believe is that they are not all bad.

                         Within the deep forests of this country one would also see another rumor come true. Shadows of living creatures like wolves and elk spring to life as beings of the night who grow bigger as the moon rises and smaller as it falls. They are not to be taken lightly as even the small shards of them that are just existence can turn a human mad.

                Akad [ a country of sky && monsters  royalty ] – Those who are of high class or have enough money are the ones allowed to live in the sky. It floats above the treacherous seas like a cloud except for the rock that chips from it’s bottom. This is a country that prospers from all the others and where the taxes are used to make the royalty’s life better. This is where the army is trained and changed into kids to men who have guns and blades, ready to kill without secondary thought.

                  Akad is a place where hospitals are the best, medical care being able to give one who lost a limb or organ a new one without much problem except for the cost that is… Unless one wants to become an experiment instead.  Dark rumors fill the streets of just normal men in the cities feeling, hearing the strange cries from underneath of humans and monsters alike. It is said that the men in uniform will cringe if you ask why there are screams down bellow.

                Noa [ an ocean of life ] – A country better forgotten, no one talks about it as no one remembers when it last stood above the seas’ water. Yet, there are many legends and secrets that continue to flow from the place sunken into the depths.

                    One states that those whom have died in the city forgotten have turned into Merpeople or shadows Umbra of the deep who help good souls along if they get stuck within the water or guide them to their resting place if they drown.

                      Another says that if one drives a boat over the water that a monster from the deep will swallow it up whole, leaving those who are on it to never be reincarnated again.

                      This country use to be home of fisherman and cultural phenomenons like dancing and fabulous music. A rumor has been passed down that the people of the country all planned to rebel at once and so, the island was sunk into the depths – this may be true as when a royal was asked about it –

                                                      “ They belonged to the fishes they loved so much. “

THE SOCIETY 

         ( Technology ) Beyond popular belief, it is not a world that lacks technological advancements. Air ships (including jet planes and blips ), building structure, electronics ( such as robots and androids ) and medical advancements ( creating clones, chimeras and curing diseases that we know would kill a person slowly ) are all a part of society, but not in the lower countries. Akad controls the flow of technology in the lower countries – causing some of the people to only have the bare minimum in tech.

            While the main focus of Akad and the ruler, Dai, is to achieve absolute understanding in the medical field, it is not for a good reason. Immortality has always been on the mind of the high class and the King is closer to it than one would think.

         ( Religion ) While there is several religions, and there are some people who would die to say that there is the right one, they are all mostly the same story more or less with a different urban legend to go by.

            Akad, for example, believes that there is only one higher power, naming it god and saying that he makes the rules – that he blesses the next in line for the thrown and that is why, who ever is King or Queen never get judgement passed on to them for doing things to the people, as they are as strong as the god they praise. This also includes the mentioning of an angel, those with feathers against their back who protect ( and slaughter ) souls to bring them back to the gates above to be judged.

            Fai on the other hand believe in phoenixes to be the gods that all have their own certain meaning, but above all else, reincarnation through the good that one does for others and their own soul. Not only that but they also have the concept that if one is bad they will be sent to the deepest depths of Kosmos’s core. This is where demons run and flock in numbers, they are the ones that eat the souls of the lost and destroy the souls that have sinned.

            Olk, is completely different than those three though, believing in the concept of ‘ essences ‘ and treating everything as you would want to be treated. the essence of life is honored by planting new trees, taking care of fallen animals and the essence of death is showed honor by never wasting a game they kill, and showing respects to their, and other’s dead ancestors. Not only is it with those two essences though, as shadows and light are also worshiped in their own little way.

         ( Magic && Alchemy ) While magic is banned if it is elemental, there are still many people and creatures that use it. The same can not be said for alchemy as it is free practice to anyone who can master such an art.

While there are many different types of magic – for it is an umbrella term for the ability to manipulate the world by a non - physical mean, there are mainly three types: elemental, light and shadow, or neutral. All of these magic require the person to have energy though for what they are using the magic for and if they cast without having the energy needed, bad things will happen.

              Neutral magic is mostly moving, changing or healing things and is very weak, considering how the other two connect right to the soul of the very person using them. On the other hand, while elemental and light / shadow magic may be considered the same thing, they are not. Elemental takes on one of the six elements ( earth, fire, water, wind, ice, electricity ) while light / shadow magic take on one or the other, and can cause some varied effects.

             Due to how typical elemental magic is, light / shadow magic will be explained instead. Just like how elemental magic users can make familiars out of the element that they can use, so can one who is either light or shadow. The catch is, light magic users are not very good at that sort of thing while shadow users excel.

             Light magic is what one would consider a passive magic, it can boost a persons abilities as well heal quite well. One with light magic could also use such to burn their enemies quite easily if their light is stronger than the other’s. Shadow rather, is for the offensive, binding, concealing and being able to be used as a weapon. They have they ability to freeze their enemy, just alike the light being able to burn – they just have to be stronger.

              Finally, to talk about Alchemy. It is a variation of neutral magic, as a being’s energy is still put forth to create the ending transaction yet, it is mostly used in fixing things and even within the medical field. It is used to perfect, purify and perhaps even mature an object – but don’t believe that it is all used for good. While it has been used in the lower countries to make life easier, it has also been used to make weapons, to destroy the lives of thousands of those captured and imprisoned within Akad’s dungeons. It itself, is maybe too dangerous for many to even attempt to try.