#act i. scene ii. ( war and peace )

[ccnstanta]

verses tag dump

act i. scene i. ( the rise before the fall ), act i. scene ii. ( war and peace ), act ii. scene i. ( second life ), act ii. scene ii. ( bride of war ), act iii. scene i. ( the radiant magdalena ), act iii. scene ii. ( a blue era ), act iv. scene i. ( the beautiful alexi ), act iv. scene ii. ( the turning point ), act v. scene i. ( sins and tragedies ), act vi. scene i. ( third life ), act vi. scene ii. ( 20th century ), act vi. scene iii. ( 21st century ),

[satoshi-mochida]

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars adds PS5 and Xbox Series versions, launches March 6, 2025 - Gematsu

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam on March 6, 2025, Konami announced. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions are newly announced.

Digital pre-orders are available now for all platforms except Switch, which will begin pre-orders on September 6. Physical edition pre-orders will begin on August 28.

The following downloadable content is included with pre-orders for the digital edition:

57,300 potch – In-game currency

Fortune Orb – Doubles the experience gained by the character that bears it.

Prosperity Orb – Doubles the “potch” gained when winning a battle with the character that bears it.

Here is an overview of the collection, via Konami:

About

A hero’s destiny is written in the Stars. The legendary Konami JRPGs Suikoden I and Suikoden II have now been remastered in high-definition!

The Story of Suikoden I

A once renowned hero turns into a violent tyrant, and an empire falls into decline. A Liberation Army is rising up in an act of rebellion against an oppressive rule. One by one the 108 stars of Destiny gather to shape the course of history.

The Story of Suikoden II

Our story’s hero and his friend Jowy are members of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, which participated in a drawn-out border dispute between the Highland Kingdom and the City-States of Jowstown. A few months earlier, a truth agreement was signed between the two forces, both of which were happy to see an end to the fighting. However, hidden under the momentary peace the fires of a new war continued to smolder…

Key Features

-Graphical Improvements

Pixel sprites and environment art enhanced with new screen effects including lighting, clouds, and shadow animations Flickering flames, smoldering smoke, the movement of leaves and insects, all add up to a lively in-game atmosphere!

The effects and direction have been redesigned, bringing memorable scenes back to life in more beautiful ways!

-New Character Drawings

All character portraits have been updated in HD. Junko Kawano, who designed the characters for the original version of Suikoden released in 1995, has newly re-drawn all the character portraits for Suikoden I HD Remaster: Gate Rune War.

-Sound Improvements

Field Sound – A large number of environmental sounds not found in the original version, such as the sound of running water in the river, wind, insects, and running footsteps, have been added. You can enjoy an immersive experience like never before!

Battle Sound – All sound effects are now in HD. In addition to the impact of the 3D effects, the realistic sound greatly enhances the dynamism of the battles!

-Game System Improvements

Many new features have been added, such as dialogue log, auto-battle, double-speed battles, etc.

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer

English

Japanese

[silvasteel]

cain slays abel ; gustave doré / hamlet act v scene ii, 1984 / the death of judas iscariot ; julius schnorr von carolsfeld / matthew 27:45-46 / i shot a man ; dirt poor robins / hangman ; traditional folk song / behind the scenes of glee 3x20 / tweet ; caitlinanne45 / a separate peace ; john knowles, 1958 ; 2010 / pierre & andrey ; the great comet of 1812 / diary of a wimpy kid movie / i don’t smoke ; mitski / i know ; fiona apple / war and peace ; leo tolstoy / the magnus archives episode 92 / war and peace again / a night on the town ; the dear hunter / dear evan hansen / the magnus archives episode 120

[demifiendrsa]

Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars | Release Date Trailer

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on March 6, 2025.

Digital pre-orders are available now for all platforms except Switch, which will begin pre-orders on September 6. Physical edition pre-orders will begin on August 28.

The following downloadable content is included with pre-orders for the digital edition:

57,300 potch – In-game currency

Fortune Orb – Doubles the experience gained by the character that bears it.

Prosperity Orb – Doubles the “potch” gained when winning a battle with the character that bears it.

Overview

About

A hero’s destiny is written in the Stars.

The legendary Konami JRPGs Suikoden I and Suikoden II have now been remastered in high-definition!

The Story of Suikoden I

A once renowned hero turns into a violent tyrant, and an empire falls into decline.

A Liberation Army is rising up in an act of rebellion against an oppressive rule.

One by one the 108 stars of Destiny gather to shape the course of history.

The Story of Suikoden II

Our story’s hero and his friend Jowy are members of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, which participated in a drawn-out border dispute between the Highland Kingdom and the City-States of Jowstown.

A few months earlier, a truth agreement was signed between the two forces, both of which were happy to see an end to the fighting.

However, hidden under the momentary peace the fires of a new war continued to smolder…

Key Features

Graphical Improvements

Pixel sprites and environment art enhanced with new screen effects including lighting, clouds, and shadow animations Flickering flames, smoldering smoke, the movement of leaves and insects, all add up to a lively in-game atmosphere!

The effects and direction have been redesigned, bringing memorable scenes back to life in more beautiful ways!

New Character Drawings

All character portraits have been updated in HD. Junko Kawano, who designed the characters for the original version of Suikoden released in 1995, has newly re-drawn all the character portraits for Suikoden I HD Remaster: Gate Rune War.

Sound Improvements

Field Sound – A large number of environmental sounds not found in the original version, such as the sound of running water in the river, wind, insects, and running footsteps, have been added. You can enjoy an immersive experience like never before!

Battle Sound – All sound effects are now in HD. In addition to the impact of the 3D effects, the realistic sound greatly enhances the dynamism of the battles!

Game System Improvements

Many new features have been added, such as dialogue log, auto-battle, double-speed battles, etc.

[acerathia]

two birds || Act IV

Summary:

Hanahaki: A disease stemming from bottling up romantic feelings, as these decide to grow inside the lungs and the blood system of the sick person, resulting in flowers. Thus the first symptoms are the coughing up of flower petals accompanied by pain and breathlessness, as the flower continues to grow as long as the affected does not confess their feelings. Alternatively, the growing flower can be removed via surgery, but it may affect the ill person’s ability to feel love in various forms. Or How do you react with falling in love with no real chance? Simple, a tragedy in five acts.

Wordcount: 2.0k

Read on AO3 || Masterlist

Pairing:

Obito Uchiha / Reader

Tags/CW:

features of a tragedy, hanahaki disease, childhood friends, some degree of isolation, No War AU,

Note:

Please note that I choose to not tag some stuff, as it contains heavy spoilers, proceed with caution and with the knowledge that everything is either connected to the tragedy aspect, or the hanahaki disease itself. i almost forgot lmao

Scene I. – YOU and OBITO UCHIHA, dancing under the stars, floating in the background

The scene: A lake under the clear sky, a place of the desired dreams.

Soft lips on yours, breath intermingling, connecting. You take a step back, letting your eyes glide over his face, a bright smile crinkling, stars filling the vastness of his eyes, locked onto yours, only on you. And you open your mouth, head empty to actual words, but your heart bursting with them. But before you could even utter a single word, he starts grimacing, a cough rattling the picture in front of you. Petals dripping down his lips, staining them like blood.

His eyes still fixed on your figure. "This is your fault…" he rasps, flowers blooming on his tongue, the stems breaking through his throat, his body evaporating in red petals, sticking to your skin, entering your pores, integrating themselves into your bloodstream, red on red.

And then you're all alone, red staining your insides and the beds of your nails. Nothing but flowers and pain and hurt. And you, useless, lonely, sad. This is what your fate is, what it's always supposed to be. Filled with the void and death.

Peaceful in its own way, yet crawling over your skin like long lost touches. You can't help but scratch over your veins, trying to get rid of that growing itch, only to see flowers blooming in the open scratches, bursting your skin open.

You feel your ribs cracking and creaking, pressure against the suddenly brittle bones, taking your breath away. It feels like you're about to burst open, to bloom within splatters of red petals.

Scene II. – YOU, all alone, with the open window dragging a breeze into your heavy room

The scene: Your home, stagnant breath of the lost.

With a gasp, you open your eyes, the rays of the sunrise barely hitting your lashes. Your fingers curl on your chest, feeling the bones resting in their place. And you want to take a breath, but something has lodged itself in your throat once again, and you have no other choice but to hack and cough, iron coating your tongue until something fills your mouth, the taste of pollen against your teeth. As usual you simply pluck it out of your insides, keen on getting rid of it, only to halt your movements. The petals fill your palm, colors blooming between your fingers. Only it isn't only a petal but a whole flower, your blood invisible against its softness.

A carnation, layers upon layers draped over your skin. And you do nothing for a moment, nothing but simply stare at the flower which has bloomed inside of you. You take a grating breath before crushing the fragile plant between your fingers. The movement sending jolts of pain through your joints, creaking and cracking, feeling swollen.

With this, the pain starts, as every bone feels under pressure, barely able to move, static and yet ever-growing. A curse tumblew weakily over your lips, hot, feverish pain too overbearing to properly think, much less move. You don't know if this is a side effect from the flowers, or if you suddenly got sick with whatever sickness causes that sort of pain.

In the end it doesn't matter, as you have to report it to the Hokage nonetheless, your incapacity a variable they now have to consider. So you put some comfortable clothes on, ignoring the growing bruises along your veins, and make your way to the Hokage, to your Sensei.

Scene III. – YOU, and afterwards MINATO NAMIKAZE, the smell of paper and ink, the smell of responsibility and the oncoming talk

The scene: The tower, where all the powerful men had resided for hours to come

With a rasp you make sure nothing is clogged in your throat, preferring to not choke in the middle of speaking, before you finally knocked at the door. A hushed murmur can be heard until said door opens, an Anbu leaving the office with hanging, tired shoulders but content nonetheless.

You can't help but knock on the frame once again, to make sure he is ready to allow you to enter. He looks up and waves you in with a smile.

"Good morning! A pleasant surprise to see you so early," he welcomes you warmly, eyes flitting over your face and features slowly morphing into worry. "Still sick?"

You nod slowly, careful to not set off another bout of prickly pain. "I'm sorry, Minato-sensei, I think I need a prolonged leave. I– I won't get better any time soon…" Your voice is hoarse, the last few days have turned your throat raw.

You know, you should've told him the truth, but can you really? Can you really tell him and risk him thinking of you as someone lovesick? As someone controlled by their feelings until they kill you? As someone weak willed, not simply confessing or undergoing surgery? You cherish the man in front of you, and the mere thought of him filled with pity, borderline disgust cracks your ribs, your soul.

So you keep your condition a secret, until it's too late, until nothing else matters. Until your love consumes you, turning you into its habitat.

He frowns but doesn't say anything before signing the necessary paperwork for your extended leave. But before he hand you the piece of paper he says: "If you don't mind, visit the hospital on the way. Maybe they can help you."

You snort. "Thanks sensei, but it's probably some heat exhaustion or something, no worries." And you grab the paper with a goodbye and a wave, only waiting to be out of sight to slump your body against the next wall.

Your skin itches and hurts, as if something is crawling over it, and every touch only worsens these symptoms, bruises spreading like weed. Nausea violates you and had you eaten something earlier you would have gotten rod of your insides. You're silently thanking your foresight, as it's enough to rip your lungs out of their place with each breath you take.

All you want to do is go home, lay down and stare at the ceiling, maybe drown in some painkillers, like plants in fertilizer. But it seems like fate doesn't like you in particular, as you happen to stumble over the usual bickering duo of your group, plastic bags slung around their wrists. They seem like they have been grocery shopping, at the worst timing. You hurry to pull the hood of your hoodie over your head in a way that puts a shadow over your features. Even if the way you're leaning against the wall is already suspicious enough.

You hear them getting closer and you glance their way, only to see Obito pouting at something Kakashi seems to have said in retort, and he doesn’t know how to respond to it. Your eyes wander over his puckered lips to his eyes still full with joy, crinkling at the corners. And a thought comes to your mind: if he already looks so happy to see and talk with Kakashi, with whom he has an eternal feud, how is his face when enjoying some time with Rin, his beloved? You wish you could see it, but the only thing happening in your mind are flashes of the night. His accusations chanting through your head.

The multiple facets of Obito mix and mingle, and despite the pain, despite the horrors of your mind, you still love him, your heart only beating for him, confessing your feelings with each beat. Each beat choking you more and more. And at this point it doesn't matter to you anymore, you cough into the crook of your arm, avoiding looking at the pair as they walk past you.

Once you're sure they're far enough, you try your best to straighten up, spitting some leaves and stems into the ground. You continue on your way home only to stop when someone tugs at your clothes. You turn around to come face to face with Naruto. The little kid looks like he has been playing around with his friends when he noticed you, a bright grin adorning his chubby face.

"What's up! You wanna play with us?" he asks, pointing a thumb towards a group of other children.

You chuckle, the sound grating harshly, before patting his head. "What's up little guy? Hm, I don't feel well, le–"

"Is it because of the flowers? The one you're like vomiting and stuff? Did you eat them?" he interrupts you and you have to pull yourself together to not flinch at his astute observation.

"Uhm, yeah, I ate some bad stuff while on a mission, now I'm all sick! Horrible stuff! Now, that's why you gotta tell the truth, yknow? Don't hide stuff, because it can hurt you, or anyone else. So, I told you the truth, and now you gotta go back to your friends, imma play a game with you another time, deal?" You hold a hand for him to shake before once again joining his group in laughter.

You doubt there is going to be another time, but you don’t really have a choice in that matter. At least you hope you could give Naruto some tips for the future, even if you're not really worried about him in that aspect.

This meeting managed to distract you long enough for the pain to ebb away, leaving nothing but a dull ache, the veins waiting for the sun, your sun, to appear again, whether in your thoughts or elsewhere is irrelevant. Luckily, the distraction lasted until you collapse onto your bed, barely enough time to wrap yourself in a blanket before another coughing fit escapes your lungs, unprompted. They have been getting worse as of late, everything triggering their chokehold on you, pain flaring with every inhale, with every creak of your joints. You don’t even have to actively think or see him for such an intense reaction.

Those reactions, almost like an allergy, occured when in his company, or when your brain was admiring him in silence, in the peace of your room. That's why you have been avoiding him as of late, as you could no longer hide the way your body reacts so viscerally to his proximity alone.

That's why you have begun to avoid him altogether, him and everything reminding you of him, which proved to be more difficult than you thought, as he is so deeply ingrained in your life, every step and every stroke of paint on your wall carries a certain memory with him. So you got worse, you isolated yourself and still didn't get better. And the gap between you and your friends made your heart ache, the pressure inside of the valves intensifying.

But you'd rather wither away in your room than allowing your friends to see you in this state in the first place. How could you dare to even allow them to feel guilt in the first place? Every single seed of your misery you had sown yourself.

A pained sigh escapes you once the coughing fit is over, color splattered all over your blanket. This drained you of all your leftover energy, but you still have some stuff to finish, which you gladly took to your bed rather than move to the table.

You get rid of the colorful blanket, making place to strew papers all around you. And then you began to work, hands trembling, vision fading, but you manage to finish up and to neatly pack everything together and to place it on the commode next to you.

With that put out of the way you lean back into your cushions, the soft material warming your skin and you push yourself closer, eyes directed towards the window. Trees and plants are all this little hole can offer you, so you close your eyes, imagining the blue salty sea. And you wish you had visited it once before, leaving the woods for more than work. But this daydream has to be enough, the water laping against your ankles, welcoming and yet deceiving. The water nourishes your soul and you step closer, still aware of this fantasy, as there is no danger in that. So you allow yourself to be embraced by the sea, taking a deep, free breath, no constraints, no pain, and no lost friendships. Only fading laughter.

[horizon-verizon]

I am aware that a televised adaptation of a book or book series doesn't and can't be 100% faithful to the original source(s). 

However, it's still frustrating to see show writers and producers make huge changes in themes and characterizations and then do not make it clear to audiences that what they created is majorly different from the canon. Or that they are making a series that is not trying to be the objective truth of the events, revealing the mysteries the original canon document set up for us to ponder.

As just pure soap opera-leaning entertainment, the show does more than others, but it still lacks a lot of even soap opera potential because of those time jumps disallowing us from seeing the development of the contention between Alicent and Rhaenyra, Rhaneyra and Viserys, Viserys and Daemon, Daemon and Laena and his daughters, Rhaneyra and Otto, Criston and Otto, Criston and Harwin, Harwin and Larys, Larys's and Lyonel, Alicent and Otto, and so much more. 

Where are the scenes showing specific quarrels that build into the hate and strife in inter/intra-familal/political factions? 

If Aegon (II) is such a pitiable person, why don't we get more tension and confrontations or suppressions between him and Alicent apart from that one scene to show such? Things like this are missing. And we know that Aegon and Rhaenyra will come to blows at one point, yet we have never seen an interaction between them besides that one smirk he threw and her repressed acknowledgment in episode 8. Huh? Am i supposed to care or feel any hate here?

So far, every character has the promise of complexity and the assumption, but very little of the showing vs telling.

And with all the critical changes of undeniable facts of the canon Dance of the Dragons from Fire and Blood, I still think it's odd that House of the Dragon is treated as if its portrayal is revealing any definitive "truths" hidden in Fire and Blood about the relationships we saw on screen. 

For me, House of the Dragon is more a fanfiction of the reimagining type (as opposed to an AU, where the other choice(s) made toward an original situation go toward another option) that George R.R. Martin thought should be televised while he works on The Winds of Winter, despite going on record not liking fanfiction. A total "reimagining" as opposed to an AU because the two female leads do not act like humans, just representations of "women who have no agency because all they want is peace and it's the men's fault that they will go to war". Meanwhile, if we go back in real humans history women constantly wages wars (even when they were doing it in the stead of their sons, they still were the ones who decided war was necessary) for power, money, etc.

While Mushroom, Orwyle, Runiciter, and Septon Eustace all are the main major and named sources for the more intimate events of the Dance of the Dragons there are still many core, undeniable truths recorded about the Dance:

Rhaenyra--by court account, in the eyes of the nobles at court, and by peasant public knowledge--was known as the "Realm's Delight" for her beauty, charm, and precociousness from the age of 7. While Viserys could have emphasized this, it had to have come from Rhaenyra's disposition itself for other nobles in court to believe in her "delightfulness" so strongly. It’s also possible Viserys saw how people already felt and treated Rhaenyra, felt that himself or used it to create more attention and regard for her. But that’s the rub. We don’t get any answer towards that because it’s ignored. And where is the “show” of that adoration from courtiers/peasants or whomever for this moniker? We only get the mention of that moniker (a “telling”, not a “showing”) in episode 4 in that play she sees with Daemon at night.

Alicent was 18 years old when she married Viserys while Rhaenyra was 9. From the get go, they were never peers of age. Rhaenyra was technically Alicent's superior as both a royal and later as the heir. Going by canon custom, Alicent (the Queen Consort, not the ruling Queen/Queen regnant or Queen Regent) still isn't supposed to be as powerful as to adjourn council meetings, or start them. Alicent was even the one to read to Jaehaerys and make sure he was as comfortable as he could be before he died, and she die this at 15. She only got to call the council after Viserys' death because Viserys, the king, was dead.

Daemon was in the Stepstones fighting to maintain the control he gained after the first incident at King's Landing with Rhaenyra, during the banishment Viserys commanded. His first wife, Rhea Royce, died during a hunt near the Vale after knocking her head, trying to get up a few days later, and then passing out. So concerning whether or not he is responsible for her death is more up in the air than the shows makes it. If they wanted to keep the Daemon-kills-Rhea bit, then they should have gone with the assassin sent to kill her method (like Larys). Have it be a servant poisoning her horse's feed and making it go mad or something.

Daemon never gets Rhea Royce's properties after she dies. Despite that comment in HotD's 5th episode being the only thing shown, and not Daemon actually trying to do as he said and the consequences of that.

Mysaria does get pregnant with Daemon's child but loses it after Viserys banishes Daemon. She actually goes back to Lys for a time by Viserys' order. There would have been too much importance placed on the miscarriage for it to have been mistold or fake and sex workers still could and did often get pregnant. Also, there is generally not much a women could do to utterly prevent pregnancy forever if she is already fertile, and even if there was, Mysaria was not likely rich enough to get such a service. Daemon, as a man of such a society and going by his actions on F&B, is more likely to want to keep the child. In the book, he got the egg knowing she was pregnant. No lemme don't play with their children because tie children are their main chance at getting their feudal legacy.

Daemon and Laena do go back to Driftmark for Laena to give birth to her their newest child for her and the child's own safety.

Viserys doesn't die from literal flesh rot. He has a gradual "decay" in the metaphorical sense, since he dies of complications gradual and much weight again until he dies in his sleep. He doesn't get hurt by the swords in the Iron Throne until much later and Rhaenyra’s own maester, Gerardys, is credited for saving his entire arm/life by cutting off two of his fingers. Viserys had already been having trouble with gout, shortnes of breath, and chest tightness. Not as cool, flashy, or poetic but both common for rich and powerful people who didn't exercise often and indicative of his lifetime of feasting. (I think that this condition was exacerbated by the stress of his daughter, second wife and other kids constantly fighting, Daemon’s refusals to obey properly, as well as the continuous questioning Rhaenyra’s fidelity/heir status.) The show gives literal rot for more apparent drama and to generate more empathy towards this character. The shots and angles of his entrances in episode 8 also do this. (Meanwhile, not enough is given to Joffrey Monmouth, Laenor, Laena, and the shots for Laenor/Joffrey in episode 5 especially lacked in comparison to Viserys. But I digress.)

Viserys never made a deal with Corlys over who of Rhaenyra's kids by Laenor will inherit what, nor what their last names will be. Rhaenyra is the one who demands Corlys name Lucerys as his heir when he lay in bed sick (so that it can be settled in case he dies), and she was the one who told Daemon to kill Vaemond for naming her three sons bastards/her unfaithful and being thus treasonous herself. Viserys, after hearing Vaemond's other relatives protest against this action, ruled to cut out their tongues for mentioning the "lie" again after he already ruled for it to never be brought up again, on pain of the same penalty.

Joffrey Lonmouth dies when Criston kills him at Rhaenyra and Laenor's wedding tourney. Criston does this after Rhaenyra refuses to give Criston her favor, going into a rage.

Criston also beats up Harwin in the same tourney, winning the match between them.

Alicent enlists Criston after he kills Joffrey.

Laenor dies by Qarl Correy in a town near Driftmark. In public. Many different witnesses to that murder are assured.

Harwin and Lyonel were still alive when Aemond claimed Vhagar. 

Joffrey Velaryon (3), Rhaenyra's kid, was the one Aemond (10) saw before he even touched Vhagar. Aemond pushed Joffrey aside and then climbed Vhagar. It was Joffrey's cry that alerted his brothers: Jace (6) and Luke (5). (This was also told by Aemond himself.) Baela and Rhaena were never there.

Viserys "punishes" Rhaenyra and her family by ordering her to stay in Dragonstone as he and his other kids by Alicent, with Alicent, leave. The purpose was to separate and distill tension rather than punish.

Alicent never loses control and attacks neither Rhaenyra nor Lucerys.

Rhaenys and Meleys weren't in King's Landing when Aegon (II) was crowned, since the matter of the Driftmark claim was never brought before the Greens in King's Landing in the first place. Rhaenyra and Daemon did what they did.

Rhaenys and another two Lords wanted to use the dragons and go after Aegon, while Corlys protested what he said was destructive futility (ruining the place you want to rule). Rhaenyra doesn't want to use the dragons so that her sons do not risk themselves; Daemon actually agrees with Rhaenyra to not to use the dragons in the first black council after Aegon II is crowned.  Daemon wanted to send out messages to all the lords to gather under Rhaenyra and use the dragons as a last resort.

Jaehaerys was never actually at the Great Council that decides in favor of Viserys.

And so much more...

The show looks more like a shallower puppet shadow of the canon tale more than a televised portrayal of the canon. All the characters feels like one dimensional representations of a conflict between just Alicent and Rhaenyra, who themselves have the same pressures of their positions from Fire and Blood, yet are not acting as if they have desires for power of their own--apart from obeying Viserys and Otto for validation. (This could have been one layer instead of the only or one of just two). Their personalities are too wrapped in that desire. And in Rhaenyra's case, the prophecy her father places the burden of.

That's the other thing. It is clear in Fire and Blood that Viserys has much culpability and the book doesn't try to redeem his poor choices or explain them as him trying to do his duty and leave him as the suffering "savior' like how the 8th paide over emphasizes.

There is not "yeah, BUT" sentiment even suggestive for his character's inability to create real harmony and understanding amongst his kids. He wanted peace but didn't do the real work for it or couldn't. He also left much of the real governing to his council members, letting them reason out what decisions he would make. And since, again, he was not rotting away like in the show, he was almost always healthy enough (in comparison)-- despite his chest tightness and gout--to actually be the former or think more independently.

He was a king that preferred throwing many parties, feasts, and tourneys both when he had Aemma and after when married to Alicent. He enjoyed his luxuries when he could and often did, especially to offset the already listed challenges to his authority and his responsibility towards maintaining the Targ dynasty.

PARTS TWO and THREE

[jpt1311blog]

Barefoot Gen

This anime was very heartbreaking and difficult to watch, but I think that it is extremely important to be reminded of what has happened in history. As George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Barefoot Gen is an anime based on Keiji Nakazawa's manga series, which is set in Hiroshima during World War II. The story follows a boy named Gen Nakaoka and his family's struggle for survival amidst wartime hardships. The film takes a harrowing turn when Hiroshima becomes the target of an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, a cataclysmic event that irreversibly alters Gen's life.

The film's portrayal of the Hiroshima bombing serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war. It is a graphic depiction of the immediate and long-term effects of the atomic bomb, the disastrous effects of warfare, and the ethical implications of weapons of mass destruction.

For me, as someone fortunate not to have experienced war directly, Barefoot Gen provides an insight into the horrors endured by innocent civilians caught in conflict. The film's ability to convey the sheer brutality of the atomic bombing through vivid animation and somber storytelling is both compelling and distressing. This film portrays a vivid picture of the atomic bombings where the scenes are very surreal. People’s and animals' flesh melted off their bones, which was very heartbreaking to watch. The frames where the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima happen to be very vibrantly colored to bring more attention to it. It underscores the fragility of peace and the enduring scars left by war, which makes us reflect on humanity's capacity for both destruction and resilience.

The film's pacing and contrasting tones from despair to a sense of hope in its closing scenes showcase its depth. Towards the end of the movie, Gen's hair starts to grow back from radiation poisoning (pictured below) and acts as a sense of hope for regrowth and healing. It’s a reminder of the enduring legacy of war, urging us to consider the ethical and moral complications of armed conflict and the importance of preserving peace. The portrayal of Hiroshima's tragedy also summons us to engage with profound questions about human suffering, resilience, and the pursuit of peace, resonating deeply with many people around the world.

[popcornpicks]

BLOG ENTRY N0.2

The Magic of Narnia: A Deep Dive into "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," directed by Andrew Adamson and released in 2005, is a breathtaking adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s beloved novel. This film transports audiences to the magical land of Narnia, where they are immersed in a world of wonder, adventure, and profound themes. With its stunning visuals, compelling characters, and faithful storytelling, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a cinematic journey that enchants viewers of all ages.

Image Credit: Everett Collection

Plot Overview

The story begins during World War II, with the Pevensie siblings—Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley)—being evacuated to the English countryside. There, in the mysterious mansion of Professor Kirke (Jim Broadbent), the youngest sibling, Lucy, discovers a wardrobe that leads to the magical world of Narnia.

Narnia is under the icy grip of the White Witch, Jadis (Tilda Swinton), who has plunged the land into eternal winter. As the Pevensie children explore this new world, they meet a host of fantastical creatures and learn of a prophecy that foretells their role in Narnia's liberation. Guided by the noble lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), they embark on an epic quest to defeat the White Witch and restore peace to the realm.

Characters and Performances

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" features a talented cast who bring their characters to life with depth and authenticity. Georgie Henley's portrayal of Lucy is particularly noteworthy; her innocence and wonder perfectly capture the essence of her character and serve as the emotional heart of the film. William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, and Skandar Keynes also deliver strong performances, each embodying their respective characters' growth and development throughout the story.

Tilda Swinton's performance as the White Witch is chillingly effective. She exudes a menacing presence that dominates every scene she is in, making her a formidable antagonist. Liam Neeson's voice work as Aslan adds a layer of gravitas and warmth, making the character both majestic and approachable.

Visuals and Special Effects

One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is its stunning visual effects. The film brings the magical world of Narnia to life with breathtaking landscapes, detailed creature designs, and seamless CGI. The winter scenes, in particular, create a captivating contrast between the cold, oppressive rule of the White Witch and the vibrant, life-affirming presence of Aslan.

The battle sequences are spectacularly choreographed, combining practical effects with CGI to create epic clashes that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The film's visual storytelling is enhanced by its use of rich, immersive cinematography that captures the wonder and peril of Narnia.

Themes and Impact

At its core, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a tale of courage, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil. It explores themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the power of faith, resonating with audiences on a profound level. Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection parallel Christian themes, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.

The film has had a significant impact on both popular culture and the fantasy genre. It introduced a new generation to the world of Narnia and reaffirmed the timeless appeal of C.S. Lewis’s work. Its success led to further adaptations in the series, ensuring that the magic of Narnia continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Overall Ratings

Plot/Storyline: 9/10

Script/Writing: 8/10

Cinematography: 9/10

Acting: 8/10

Attraction value/Rewatchability: 10/10

why do i recommend this movie?

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" is a masterpiece of fantasy cinema. It combines a faithful adaptation of a classic story with stunning visuals, compelling performances, and rich thematic depth. This movie reminds me of my childhood—how I dreamed of having the same magical closet, being amazed by the wonders of Narnia, and wishing I could be like my favorite character.

Whether you are revisiting the land of Narnia or discovering it for the first time, this film promises a magical experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. So, grab a cozy blanket, gather your loved ones, and step through the wardrobe into the enchanting world of Narnia. The adventure awaits!

[low-budget-korra]

Comments on House of The Dragon s01e08

The acting

Everybody gave us a show. Olivia when Alicent learned what Aegon II did to Dyana, holding back her tears for what her son did. Emma when Rhaenyra talked alone with Viserys. Paddy in every scene he was in. Gosh the acting in the series is being amazing so far but this episode was phenomenal. So much was said, and so much was said just by the actors gaze. Amazing

The Sea Snake

Okay, I genuinely understand Vaemond claim it's a fair one and it fits one of the shows subjects about the second son always have to fight for something, we saw that with Daemon, with Otto and now with Vaemond.

But c'mom man. Rhaenyra wasn't wrong, you may be concerned about your family blood but you also want the power of being the lord of Drifftmak. Corlys isn't even dead and Vaemond is already plotting against his lord, Corlys, wish's and his wife. Corlys was the Sea Snake but the one who acted like a Snake was Vaemond

And finally someone was punish after saying that Rhaenyra kids are bastards.

The Kids that are no longer kids

To people in the fandom really believe that a rapist would be a good king? Aegon II is disgusting and just mean. I get you are traumatized or wherever by the toxic environment you grow up but doesn't make it okay all the shit you do.

Aemond saw Daemon being all cool murdering Vaemond and thought to himself "I wanna be as cool as my Uncle". And with that in mind he almost ruined one actually sweet and happy moments between Greens and Blacks, what a dick.

Jace and Luke are such sweethearts. Always by each other, by their family. Jace always protecting Baela, such a gentleman. Rhaenyra raised those boys pretty well.

The Dinner

That dinner really was the calm before the storm type of scene. Say wherever you want about Viserys be a weak king but overall he was a good man who only wanted to see his family together and happy and in his final moments he saw exactly that.

Rhaenyra once again trying to make peace with Alicent and this time, Alicent being reciprocate. How Alicent runs to apologize and reach for Rhaenyra arm, I felt that she really does feel sorry for what happened last episode and wanted peace at last. And after what Aegon II did, he may have thought to herself that her son didn't deserve to sit on the throne.

The prophecy

I like how they remember the Song of Ice and Fire dream, making Rhaenyra claim don't look greedy or anything. She was happy in DragonStone, she may have thought that may not be worthy be possible war for her to sit in the throne. Reinforce that promise to her is reinforce her claim and motivation. Which I think it will be important when her son's start to die.

I just don't get it way they made Alicent heard the prophecy. She is already a deep character with deep and conflicted motivation's. For the Dance to happen she didn't need to thought that Aegon II was the chosen. Which also supports her claim. I get that they may not wanted to make the good and evil sides so visible to us, that they wanted to make the "evil" ones be more pleasant towards the audience but still

[christinaklassenjpt3391]

2/21 Blog

Even though “The Burmese Harp” by Kon Ichikawa is sort of a depressing war story, I still enjoyed the film and the themes it demonstrated. It was also interesting to watch the movie during the viewing session because I got to see everyone’s reaction during the movie. Set against the backdrop of World War II's end, the film delves deep into the human psyche, offering profound insights into the nature of conflict and the enduring capacity for redemption within the human spirit. At its core, "The Burmese Harp" is a meditation on the futility of war and the search for meaning during chaos. Through the character of Private Mizushima, the film confronts the moral complexities of violence and the existential crisis it imposes upon individuals caught in its grip. Mizushima's journey from a dutiful soldier to a compassionate monk reflects a universal desire for redemption and inner peace, even in the face of overwhelming despair. Even though Mizushima initially poses as a monk so that he will not be spotted as a solider, as he journeys to Mudon, he eventually blends into his role as a monk. I believe Mizushima’s initial act of playing the harp at the beginning of the film serves as a subtle foreshadowing of his eventual transition into a role dedicated to promoting peace. The music from the harp captivates the senses but also exudes a sense of calm and harmony. In this moment, the harmonious melodies seem to echo a deeper truth about Mizushima's character—a truth that unfolds gradually as the story progresses. Furthermore, the serene music is juxtaposition against the backdrop of conflict serves to highlight the contrast between the chaos of war and beauty of the human nature. While we have seen a lot of selfishness in other films, it was nice to see the other soldiers care about Mizushima and how they want to make sure he comes back to Japan. They even went as far as to teach the parrot to say: “Mizushima, let’s go back to Japan together” so if the monk really was Mizushima as they expected, he would get the message. Another touching scene was at the end when a soldier was contemplating after Mizushima’s letter was read out loud. He reflected on how he didn’t really know Mizushima but after hearing the letter all he could think about was how Mizushima’s family would feel that he won’t return to Japan. This showed the connection and empathy of individuals during war time that we haven’t really seen before. Despite the sadness, the end carries a hopeful tone as the war concludes and Mizushima sets out on a personal journey. His quest suggests the promise of renewal and redemption amidst the aftermath of tragedy.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 1.17

38 BC – Octavian divorces his wife Scribonia and marries Livia Drusilla, ending the fragile peace between the Second Triumvirate and Sextus Pompey. 1362 – Saint Marcellus' flood kills at least 25,000 people on the shores of the North Sea. 1377 – Pope Gregory XI reaches Rome, after deciding to move the Papacy back to Rome from Avignon. 1524 – Giovanni da Verrazzano sets sail westward from Madeira to find a sea route to the Pacific Ocean. 1562 – France grants religious toleration to the Huguenots in the Edict of Saint-Germain. 1595 – During the French Wars of Religion, Henry IV of France declares war on Spain. 1608 – Emperor Susenyos I of Ethiopia surprises an Oromo army at Ebenat; his army reportedly kills 12,000 Oromo at the cost of 400 of his men. 1648 – England's Long Parliament passes the "Vote of No Addresses", breaking off negotiations with King Charles I and thereby setting the scene for the second phase of the English Civil War. 1649 – The Second Ormonde Peace creates an alliance between the Irish Royalists and Confederates during the War of the Three Kingdoms. The coalition was then decisively defeated during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. 1773 – Captain James Cook leads the first expedition to sail south of the Antarctic Circle. 1781 – American Revolutionary War: Battle of Cowpens: Continental troops under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan defeat British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton at the battle in South Carolina. 1799 – Maltese patriot Dun Mikiel Xerri, along with a number of other patriots, is executed. 1811 – Mexican War of Independence: In the Battle of Calderón Bridge, a heavily outnumbered Spanish force of 6,000 troops defeats nearly 100,000 Mexican revolutionaries. 1852 – The United Kingdom signs the Sand River Convention with the South African Republic. 1873 – A group of Modoc warriors defeats the United States Army in the First Battle of the Stronghold, part of the Modoc War. 1885 – A British force defeats a large Dervish army at the Battle of Abu Klea in the Sudan. 1893 – Lorrin A. Thurston, along with the Citizens' Committee of Public Safety, led the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the government of Queen Liliʻuokalani. 1899 – The United States takes possession of Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean. 1903 – El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico becomes part of the United States National Forest System as the Luquillo Forest Reserve. 1904 – Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard receives its premiere performance at the Moscow Art Theatre. 1912 – British polar explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott reaches the South Pole, one month after Roald Amundsen. 1915 – Russia defeats Ottoman Turkey in the Battle of Sarikamish during the Caucasus Campaign of World War I. 1917 – The United States pays Denmark $25 million for the Virgin Islands. 1918 – Finnish Civil War: The first serious battles take place between the Red Guards and the White Guard. 1920 – Alcohol Prohibition begins in the United States as the Volstead Act goes into effect. 1941 – Franco-Thai War: Vichy French forces inflict a decisive defeat over the Royal Thai Navy. 1943 – World War II: Greek submarine Papanikolis captures the 200-ton sailing vessel Agios Stefanos and mans her with part of her crew. 1944 – World War II: Allied forces launch the first of four assaults on Monte Cassino with the intention of breaking through the Winter Line and seizing Rome, an effort that would ultimately take four months and cost 105,000 Allied casualties. 1945 – World War II: The Vistula–Oder Offensive forces German troops out of Warsaw. 1945 – The SS-Totenkopfverbände begin the evacuation of the Auschwitz concentration camp as the Red Army closes in. 1945 – Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg is taken into Soviet custody while in Hungary; he is never publicly seen again. 1946 – The UN Security Council holds its first session. 1948 – The Renville Agreement between the Netherlands and Indonesia is ratified. 1950 – The Great Brink's Robbery: Eleven thieves steal more than $2 million from an armored car company's offices in Boston. 1950 – United Nations Security Council Resolution 79 relating to arms control is adopted. 1961 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivers a televised farewell address to the nation three days before leaving office, in which he warns against the accumulation of power by the "military–industrial complex" as well as the dangers of massive spending, especially deficit spending. 1961 – Former Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba is murdered in circumstances suggesting the support and complicity of the governments of Belgium and the United States. 1966 – Palomares incident: A B-52 bomber collides with a KC-135 Stratotanker over Spain, killing seven airmen, and dropping three 70-kiloton nuclear bombs near the town of Palomares and another one into the sea. 1969 – Black Panther Party members Bunchy Carter and John Huggins are killed during a meeting in Campbell Hall on the campus of UCLA. 1977 – Capital punishment in the United States resumes after a ten-year hiatus, as convicted murderer Gary Gilmore is executed by firing squad in Utah. 1981 – President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos lifts martial law eight years and five months after declaring it. 1991 – Gulf War: Operation Desert Storm begins early in the morning as aircraft strike positions across Iraq, it is also the first major combat sortie for the F-117. LCDR Scott Speicher's F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-81 is shot down by a Mig-25 and is the first American casualty of the War. Iraq fires eight Scud missiles into Israel in an unsuccessful bid to provoke Israeli retaliation. 1991 – Crown prince Harald V of Norway becomes King Harald V, following the death of his father, King Olav V. 1992 – During a visit to South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa apologizes for forcing Korean women into sexual slavery during World War II. 1994 – The 6.7 Mw  Northridge earthquake shakes the Greater Los Angeles Area with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), leaving 57 people dead and more than 8,700 injured. 1995 – The 6.9 Mw  Great Hanshin earthquake shakes the southern Hyōgo Prefecture with a maximum Shindo of VII, leaving 5,502–6,434 people dead, and 251,301–310,000 displaced. 1996 – The Czech Republic applies for membership in the European Union. 1997 – Cape Canaveral Air Force Station: A Delta II carrying the GPS IIR-1 satellite explodes 13 seconds after launch, dropping 250 tons of burning rocket remains around the launch pad. 1998 – Clinton–Lewinsky scandal: Matt Drudge breaks the story of the Bill Clinton–Monica Lewinsky affair on his Drudge Report website. 2002 – Mount Nyiragongo erupts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, displacing an estimated 400,000 people. 2007 – The Doomsday Clock is set to five minutes to midnight in response to North Korea's nuclear testing. 2010 – Rioting begins between Muslim and Christian groups in Jos, Nigeria, results in at least 200 deaths. 2013 – Former cyclist Lance Armstrong confesses to his doping in an airing of Oprah's Next Chapter. 2016 – President Barack Obama announces the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. 2017 – The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 is announced to be suspended.

[dan6085]

### The Life of Pope Pius XII and His Relationship with Nazi Germany

Pope Pius XII, born Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli on March 2, 1876, in Rome, served as the head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1939 to 1958. His papacy spanned some of the most tumultuous years in modern history, including World War II and the Holocaust. Pius XII's relationship with Nazi Germany, particularly his actions and inactions during the Holocaust, has been the subject of intense scrutiny, debate, and controversy. This essay explores the life of Pope Pius XII, his relationship with Nazi Germany, and the complexities surrounding his legacy.

#### **Early Life and Rise in the Church**

Eugenio Pacelli was born into a devoutly Catholic and aristocratic family with a long history of service to the Vatican. He was ordained as a priest in 1899 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Church, demonstrating a keen intellect and diplomatic skill. Pacelli earned doctorates in theology and canon law, which prepared him for a career in the Vatican’s diplomatic service.

In 1917, during World War I, Pacelli was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Germany, a position that provided him with firsthand experience of the political and social upheaval in Europe. His time in Germany deeply influenced his views on the threats posed by communism, secularism, and nationalism. He developed a deep understanding of German culture and politics, which later informed his actions as Pope.

#### **Papacy During World War II**

Eugenio Pacelli was elected Pope on March 2, 1939, just months before the outbreak of World War II. Taking the name Pius XII, he assumed the papacy at a critical moment in history, as Europe was on the brink of a catastrophic conflict. His pontificate was immediately marked by the challenge of navigating the Church through the horrors of war, the Holocaust, and the complex moral and political dilemmas that arose.

**Neutrality and Diplomacy:** One of the most defining aspects of Pius XII's papacy was his commitment to maintaining the Vatican's neutrality during the war. The Pope believed that by remaining neutral, he could act as a mediator and protect the interests of Catholics on all sides of the conflict. He used Vatican diplomacy to appeal for peace, condemn the violence, and provide humanitarian aid to war victims, regardless of their nationality or religion.

However, this stance of neutrality has been criticized by some historians and scholars, who argue that it led to moral ambiguity and a failure to speak out forcefully against the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany, particularly the Holocaust.

**The Holocaust and the "Silence" of Pius XII:** The most contentious aspect of Pius XII's relationship with Nazi Germany is his response to the Holocaust. During the war, millions of Jews were systematically exterminated by the Nazis in concentration camps across Europe. While it is clear that Pius XII was aware of the genocide, his public statements on the matter were often vague and indirect.

Pius XII's critics argue that his reluctance to explicitly condemn the Nazis’ actions allowed the Holocaust to continue unabated. They point to his Christmas messages, which spoke of the suffering of innocents but did not specifically mention the Jews or directly denounce Hitler and the Nazis. Some believe that Pius XII's silence was motivated by a desire to avoid provoking Nazi reprisals against Catholics in occupied territories or even against the Vatican itself.

However, defenders of Pius XII argue that his actions behind the scenes tell a different story. They point out that the Pope authorized the Vatican and Catholic institutions to shelter Jews from Nazi persecution. In Rome, Catholic convents, monasteries, and even the Vatican itself provided refuge to thousands of Jews. Pius XII also instructed the Church's diplomatic corps to intervene on behalf of Jews in occupied countries, saving thousands of lives through diplomatic channels.

**The Ratlines and Post-War Controversy:** After the war, Pius XII's papacy was further complicated by the controversy surrounding the so-called "ratlines," a network of escape routes that helped former Nazis and fascists flee Europe. While the extent of the Vatican's involvement in these operations is still debated, some evidence suggests that certain Church officials, motivated by anti-communism and a desire to protect Catholics, facilitated the escape of war criminals. This has led to accusations that Pius XII and the Vatican were complicit in allowing Nazi war criminals to evade justice.

#### **Legacy and Ongoing Debate**

The legacy of Pope Pius XII remains a deeply divisive issue within both the Catholic Church and the broader historical community. His supporters emphasize his humanitarian efforts during the war, his commitment to peace, and the lives saved through Vatican intervention. They argue that his cautious diplomacy was necessary to protect the Church and its followers in an extremely volatile and dangerous time.

On the other hand, his critics contend that Pius XII's failure to publicly and unequivocally condemn the Holocaust represents a moral failing. They believe that as the spiritual leader of millions, Pius XII had a duty to speak out against the atrocities of the Nazi regime, even if it meant risking the Church’s position.

In recent years, the Vatican has taken steps to address the controversy surrounding Pius XII. In 2020, Pope Francis ordered the opening of the Vatican archives from Pius XII's papacy to scholars, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of his actions during the war. Early research from these archives suggests a more nuanced picture of Pius XII's papacy, revealing the difficult choices he faced and the complex considerations that guided his decisions.

#### **Conclusion**

Pope Pius XII's life and his relationship with Nazi Germany reflect the profound moral and political challenges of his time. His papacy was marked by a delicate balancing act between diplomacy, humanitarianism, and the need to protect the Church in an era of unprecedented violence and evil. While his legacy is still the subject of debate, it is clear that Pius XII played a significant, if controversial, role in the history of the 20th century. The ongoing study of his life and actions continues to shape our understanding of the Church’s role during one of humanity’s darkest periods.

[little-superstar-penny]

published in an August issue of Vanity Fair, full text below the cut.

STORMY NO MORE: PENNY FORRESTER ON HER CLEAR SKIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AWAY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT

Nestled in an enchanted forest, Swynlake is worlds away from busy Sidney Studios in Glendale, California or the old streets of Los Feliz, where Penny Forrester used to call home. The town has it's own movie magic though, found in the nooks and crannies of its idiosyncratic businesses: one beloved tea shop with cups that keep themselves warm; one cozy and cramped bookstore, said to be haunted by ghosts; and a classic English-style pub near a peaceful lake where the town's very own sea monster lives. Most of Swynlake's original buildings have stood the test of time, its crooked skyline whispering of greater mythologies than the chatter that lines the streets. Is it any wonder that Hollywood fell in love with the town for the set of an upcoming World War II movie? Is it any wonder that Penny Forrester wants to stay?

"It sounds like I'm making it up, but I really did feel at home in Swynlake immediately," says Forrester at her new (to her) cherry wood table, a piece she picked up from Swynlake's own antiques store, Whosits and Whatsits. The former Stormy and Bolt star initially refused to do any press following the announcement of her retirement. Now, we conduct the interview on her terms - no set dressing, minimal make-up, and a strict time limit with pre-approved questions. With these rules in mind, I went into the interview expecting Forrester to be tight-lipped, but she's anything but.

"What people don't realize is being a Magick in Hollywood is more isolating than anyone is allowed to say. We have to exist based on specific rules. We only have our union looking out for us. We're a small community. But in Swynlake, all of that fell away."

It was precisely Swynlake's unconventional embrace of magic that provided Forrester with her first glimpse of a life outside of Hollywood. Starring in Bolt at only 8 years old, most of her life can be traced scene-by-scene on the silver screen. Forrester later worked in two Sidney Channel series, several TV movies, and launched her own musical alter ego, Penny&thevibe, all before turning 18.

But great success often comes with great cost. Many child actors before Forrester have had similar trajectories, only to crash and burn very publicly. For many, it's drugs and alcohol. For Forrester, trouble began as soon as filming started. An early incident involving one of Swynlake's business managers, an out half-succubus woman, led to Forrester shutting production down. She made a public statement on her Twitter, the reception of which was mixed.

"I mean, for a long time, I was scared of what everyone would think of me. But I thought about my fans who write me these letters about how Stormy's bravery makes them brave. I thought, 'What am I doing? I'm being a hypocrite, living a life I don't believe in. I don't want to do this anymore.'"

Things came to a head during the final days of shooting Olive Bright. Allegedly, an animal was endangered on

the set of the Daffodil Dance, which led to Forrester quitting on the spot. Reports also say that Forrester bit the executive producer on set. If true, Forrester's Icarian fall had come.

At the mention of the incident, Forrester looks directly at me. She had been fiddling before this; many reporters before me have written about her preference for interviews on-the-go. But now, she stills, as if she is on the red carpet, preparing to give her audience the perfect shot - or to give me, in this case, the answer she has rehearsed.

"That day, I acted in the way I felt truest to myself and how I grew up," she said. "I was raised to stand up to bullies. I have always tried to be an advocate for those without a voice, especially animals. But I also failed, in a lot of ways. I learned that I don't have the tools I need to be that advocate. And that's the moment I knew I had to change that."

What could have turned into scandal was instead a personal reckoning. It didn't take long for Forrester to decide to study law, and even less time to choose Pride University. Come fall, she'll have shed the punny gadgets of Stormy and Bolt for textbooks and laptops. But she's not completely out of the spotlight.

"I need time away," said Forrester. "But I still want to express myself. It's not going to be radio silence because I suck at that. I just hope that my fans are okay with me telling my story in my way, whether that's on Instagram or in my music. I'm still figuring it out."

Before I go, Forrester insists that we go to a Swynlake staple: Hatter's Tea Shoppe. There, I order a coffee in one of their magical mugs that keep my drink at the perfect temperature. We sit and feed the birds, and someone waves hello to Penny, as if she's one of the locals. She smiles and waves back, looking perfectly at home -finally in the role she was born to play.

[just-some-random-blogger]

omg oh you got my first part?? im shocked, never seen it. so its ANOTHER part 2!! what about it? yeye this gif is so perfectly looped TT i hope the kitten is more taken aback by the unknown smell rather than the awful, absolutely terrible pain this ball gives him. but hes so cute TT 'its weird someone else has my name' ekaterina I, ekaterina II and me: *_*, *_*, *_* well.. hm.. sorry for stealing your names babygirls... yk, im proud. like hannah montana is hannah, you should be proud too! omg there IS a cat called PRINCE and you can TALK to him!!!!! omg im crying TT HES SO PRETTY TT omg you can CHALLENGE him TT he may scratch me to death 'shes not a minimum viable product' lol it was the first thing ive seen when i searched for the meaning of mvp. i dont understand your gamer slang >:( ok yes i learnt what mvp really meant but i needed to mention this mvp too. 'i aint ever reading that its too long' LOL i've read 'war and peace' and 'And Quiet Flows the Don' (tha fact they translated it like this... smart but so unfamiliar...) which is probably 3000 of pages in total... and oh.. 'The Master and Margarita' also represents hell in a way and ive read it so.. you cant mock me like this catmom TT im sorry i talk about russian literature so much but i dont really read smth else... well beside the all tumblr shit... 'i hope you only mean in the show' you never know..... 'less anxious about sending asks!!😤' YES GIRL!! i love this mood!! youre gonna do it and do it in the best way bc youre the best!! i believe in you!! no one can stand against your hot person presence!! go and talk to them! 'my body is like is this a threat CLOG THE NOSTRILS' ghdjs its kinda funny how you talk about your body as a castle which was attacked TT its kina true but still hilarious. hope you breath well lol. 'to be fair i have an electric fan open and when its night it gets colder' and i've got an opened window... youre really lucky i cant slap people. how was the movie? and what movie TT 'YOUVE ALWAYS BEEN SWEET IM LUV U SO MUCH' yk what? i take after my catmom. meomeow!! love you too<з SO listen the daemon idea..... 'BUT THIS SCENE WAS SO INTENSE' YES its also so true!! i love how alicent is the loving (lol to aemond) mother and a fair (LOL in her own way) woman, a majestic queen (lol sorry i want to say shes great but...). she said there was not enough information about alicent in the books so they kinda created some of her character and background? i think thats why alicent is so great in hotd. actresses really feel her. and emily!! i was amazed by her acting in the scene where she was like 'supporting' king in his chambers? her voice was really trembling and she looked so lost. wow. omg i havent seen tom and ewan in youtube so i absolutely forgot about them TT rip TT i like tom too. from what ive seen in tumblr and his insta i (as a judgemental person lol) think hes sweet. and im sorry but TT i used to (actually i still do) find it funny how ewan purses his lips TT IDK WHY but it makes me laugh so bad TT he seems quiet to me. 'WHICH WAS SHOCKING' lol hes got a puppy face... no his acting is good but... my judgements... theyre rarely mistaken yk.... you can love emma and can love olivia separately but their duet?? divine! theyre so ?? a match?? i even thought they may be a couple for a moment. so hope you've got a good day! and a good week!! love you! take care<З

ok i gave up on my homework and passed it /alsfhlasfhasf HAHAHAHHA

i hope i didnt do so badly HAHAHHA

anyway let me start by talking about that movie i had to watch for one of my classes. it was boring but then i made it halfway through the film and i was like wait its not that boring and part of me wanted to watch it but i decided not to continue cos i got all my answers HHAHHAHAHH

it was this movie, october sky, its about a kid who wants to make rocket ships and its based on a true story so HAHAHAHA i kinda might go back to it but i prolly wont AHAHHAHAHAHAHAH

omg oh you got my first part?? im shocked, never seen it. so its ANOTHER part 2!! what about it?

T_T this was so dry i was like ??? wait did MY reply not send ? HAHHAHH /:

yeye this gif is so perfectly looped TT i hope the kitten is more taken aback by the unknown smell rather than the awful, absolutely terrible pain this ball gives him. but hes so cute TT

HAHHAHAAH its probably more of the contact the kitty had with the ball spring thing thing

'its weird someone else has my name' ekaterina I, ekaterina II and me: *_*, *_*, *_* well.. hm.. sorry for stealing your names babygirls... yk, im proud.

HAHHAHAHAH im more like PLS its YOU who stole MY name even though *I* stole Hannah's name in the bible because she's who i was named after lol HAHAHAHAH

like hannah montana is hannah, you should be proud too!

i was!!! i was like OMG IM FAMOUS HAHAHHHAHAHAHH i love hannah montana

i have no idea what his episode it but AWW THATS OS CUTE I LOVE IT WHEN GIRLS GIVE BOYS FLOWERS T_T

omg there IS a cat called PRINCE and you can TALK to him!!!!! omg im crying TT HES SO PRETTY TT omg you can CHALLENGE him TT he may scratch me to death

YES YOU CAN CHALLENGE HIM but its like??? this card game HAHHAHAAH its like a game within the game and the cat is a player in the card game

'shes not a minimum viable product' lol it was the first thing ive seen when i searched for the meaning of mvp. i dont understand your gamer slang >:( ok yes i learnt what mvp really meant but i needed to mention this mvp too.

IM SO SORRY I DIDNT MEANT TO CONFUSE YOU mvp isnt gamer slang actually it originated from sports specifically basketball i think and it trickled to mainstream media. MVP means most valuable player! T_T i thought you gathered i meant she was a minimum viable product from what i was telling you. i forgot i even said mvp T_T im so sorry my love

'i aint ever reading that its too long' LOL i've read 'war and peace' and 'And Quiet Flows the Don' (tha fact they translated it like this... smart but so unfamiliar...) which is probably 3000 of pages in total... and oh.. 'The Master and Margarita' also represents hell in a way and ive read it so.. you cant mock me like this catmom TT im sorry i talk about russian literature so much but i dont really read smth else... well beside the all tumblr shit...

its fine you can talk about russian literature all you want! idk i find it scary to read like 'classical' books, especially the ones you learn about in class, cos idk it feels like ???? a chore????? idk idk

'i hope you only mean in the show' you never know.....

T_T T_T PLEASE

'less anxious about sending asks!!😤' YES GIRL!! i love this mood!! youre gonna do it and do it in the best way bc youre the best!! i believe in you!! no one can stand against your hot person presence!! go and talk to them!

me @ my brain demons

'my body is like is this a threat CLOG THE NOSTRILS' ghdjs its kinda funny how you talk about your body as a castle which was attacked TT its kina true but still hilarious. hope you breath well lol.

HAHAHAAHAH I FIND IT EASIER TO EXPLAIN THINGS LIKE THIS NOT SO FORMAL BECAUSE IT MAKES MORE SENSE

'to be fair i have an electric fan open and when its night it gets colder' and i've got an opened window... youre really lucky i cant slap people.

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHA IM RONNIN 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

how was the movie? and what movie TT

HA i already answered that HAHHAHAHA

'YOUVE ALWAYS BEEN SWEET IM LUV U SO MUCH' yk what? i take after my catmom. meomeow!! love you too<з SO

<3 <3

listen the daemon idea..... 'BUT THIS SCENE WAS SO INTENSE' YES its also so true!! i love how alicent is the loving (lol to aemond) mother and a fair (LOL in her own way) woman, a majestic queen (lol sorry i want to say shes great but...). she said there was not enough information about alicent in the books so they kinda created some of her character and background? i think thats why alicent is so great in hotd. actresses really feel her.

HAHAHHHAHAH the parts in the parenthesis HAHAHHAAH. also ive seen people say that the show is basically and interpretation of the book because its so... ??? incomplete cos its a bunch of outside accounts ??? so as interesting as that is, imma just enjoy the story as a tv show so yeah AHHAHAAH. alicent crazy (theyre all crazy) but she can choke me

and emily!! i was amazed by her acting in the scene where she was like 'supporting' king in his chambers? her voice was really trembling and she looked so lost. wow.

i felt so bad for young alicent. her dad an ugly rat L. OMG by the way when i say L that means loser AHAHAHAHH and W but i dont think ive used it is winner HAHAAHH T_T stuff i learn from my younger sister HAHHAHAH

omg i havent seen tom and ewan in youtube so i absolutely forgot about them TT rip TT i like tom too. from what ive seen in tumblr and his insta i (as a judgemental person lol) think hes sweet.

HE DOES LOOK SO SWEET MY WIDDLE TOM HES SO BABY I SQUISH I KISS IM LUV LUV LUV

and im sorry but TT i used to (actually i still do) find it funny how ewan purses his lips TT IDK WHY but it makes me laugh so bad TT he seems quiet to me.

he seems quiet to me too! I ALSO THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY HOW HE PURSES HIS LIPS BUT ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE TIKTOK MEMES AND MEMES IN GENERAL I SAW OF HIM HOLLUP LEMME LOOK FOR SOME

THIS HAHAAAA

and then this tiktok

i bawled laughing when i saw this (though tbh im not sure if this is the original one [i feel like the door was brown in the one i watched and the dude's lips were SUPER curved. that or i have bad memory])

'WHICH WAS SHOCKING' lol hes got a puppy face... no his acting is good but... my judgements... theyre rarely mistaken yk....

HAHAHHAHAHAHH UR SO RIGHT SO PUPPY IM LUV HIM MY PUP PUP

you can love emma and can love olivia separately but their duet?? divine! theyre so ?? a match?? i even thought they may be a couple for a moment.

T_T ur so right they compliment each other so well [BREATHES FIRE]

so hope you've got a good day! and a good week!! love you! take care<З

i hope you have a good day too! i have class tomorrow and im going to go to school so i might reply late.

i love you <3 <3 <3 do well <3 <3 im proud of you always

xxx

[milesonthenet]

The Green Lanterns of Earth: Who are they?

Ah, green is my favorite color. Not to wear, actually, that would be black. However, I love green because it has so many vibrant shades. To me, it has always been a pretty color, even after it when away from being my favorite.

Today we celebrate one of the greenest heroes of the DCU. On House of MilesVerse, we will talk about the iconic Green Lantern. More than that, we will talk about his symbol and what it means for the DC Universe.

DC’s universe is vast in size, and with that comes a variety of characters. Because of this, many people have donned the title Green Lantern one way or another. Today, we will focus on the most prominent ones.

NUMBER ONE: ALAN SCOTT

We start our list off with Alan Scott, one of DC’s earliest heroes. Chronologically, Alan Scott is one of the first to wield the symbol. In particular, Alan was one of the chief members of the Justice Society of America, a predecessor to the Justice League who fought in World War II.

One of the most notable changes to Alan Scott was his sexuality. At first, Alan Scott was conceived as a straight character. However, when DC rebooted their universe, they instead made Alan gay. This change was then added to the primary Earth version of him.

One change that sets Alan apart from the other heroes is his costume. By now you are probably used to the lanterns wearing shades of green, white, and black. Alan’s suit included bright reds and greens, and a cloak not unlike Doctor Strange’s in design.

Another change is that Alan Scott’s powers do not come from the same source. Alan uses the Starheart, an experiment by the Guardians of Oa that pools all the random magic energy of the universe into a weapon. This weapon was found by Alan and then shaped into the trademark lantern design.

Despite being detached from the normal cosmic background of the mythos, Alan still remains relevant. He has on more than one occasion, assisted the original lantern. In addition, he also mentored Kyle Rayner, a later addition to our list below.

NUMBER TWO: HAL JORDAN

Our next entry goes to Hal Jordan, an iconic character in the Lantern mythos. As with other DC products at the time, the silver age was an attempt to reboot some of their old products. Green Lantern and The Flash were both rebooted, and these versions of the characters have remained prominent in people’s minds since.

Hal also helps to introduce almost every element of the Green Lantern’s mythos. He is at the center, the heart of the Green Lantern’s universe. He has fought in many conflicts for the Guardians of Oa in the name of justice. Hal’s trademark moniker also fits his daredevil personality, he truly is a man without fear.

Hal was not always a Green Lantern. After losing Coast City to Mongul, Hal was traumatized. Disillusioned with the Guardians, Hal became Parallax and destroyed the Green Lantern Corps. He would then attempt to remake the universe to create a peaceful place.

However, Hal would redeem himself in the end by sacrificing his life to reignite the sun in Final Night. He later became the host of Spectre, an avatar who represents God’s vengeance. Then, Hal returns to the green light as a hero once more.

I think Hal’s tenure as the Lantern is interesting. He learned from his mistakes as Parallax and redeemed himself. Hal is not defined by being just a green lantern. He is defined by his fearless personality and wanting to use that power to do good.

NUMBER THREE: Guy Gardner

A Baltimore police officer, Guy Gardner was the second choice to be the Green Lantern. Because of Hal Jordan’s proximity to the ring when it sought out a host; Guy Gardner is seen as Hal Jordan’s backup Lantern, in case he is off duty as the green lantern.

Guy Gardner’s most distinct element is his personality. He acts like a rude, hot-tempered jerk to almost everyone he sees. Because of his foul-mouthed behavior, Guy Gardner is disliked by everyone.

In fact, one of Guy’s most infamous moments is a scene from Justice League International. In that story, Guy Gardner tried to challenge Batman in a fistfight for leadership of the league. Just after he takes off his ring, Batman knocked him out with one punch.

I love Guy Gardner’s antics, and they never seem to get old. I think Guy Gardner’s attitude definitely fits his Green Lantern attire. Unlike Hal or John, Guy proudly wears his iconic vest.

Despite being a jerk to almost everyone he meets; Guy Gardner is not just a lantern for show. He proves that he is competent and ready to fight for his friends. This quality, alongside his explosive willpower, makes him a lantern fan favorite.

NUMBER FOUR: JOHN STEWART

John Stewart is probably the lantern that you are most familiar with. Outside of Hal Jordan, John has gotten the most exposure. People nowadays recognize him from his role in the Justice League series, and its follow-up, Justice League Unlimited.

Unlike the others here, John Stewart is a more by-the-books lantern. He comes off as cautious, dutiful, and strategic. John prefers to win battles with his mind than just with his ring.

I think it shows the skill that one has to be a part of the Corps. Stewart’s been following orders since he was trained in the Marines. In addition, Stewart is an experienced architect. Both of these tools further illustrate just how skillful John Stewart is.

Despite his discipline, John Stewart’s overconfidence in his abilities has caused him problems. He was the cause of the destruction of Xanshi, a planet that was attacked by the Anti-Life Equation. That action scarred John Stewart and still haunts him to this day.

Rather than remain in the past, John has chosen to move forward like all other Lanterns. He still remains a member of the Justice League. In addition, John is also slated to get his own TV show.

NUMBER FIVE: KYLE RAYNER

Now, we reach the torchbearer of the lanterns. Kyle Rayner’s destiny started when he was approached by the dying guardian, Ganthet. Ganthet passed on the Green Lantern’s ring to him.

After Hal had gone crazy, DC decided that they wanted to reboot the Green Lantern brand. Instead of having three lanterns, they decided to focus on just one. Parallax’s actions directly lead to Kyle Rayner inheriting the green light.

Kyle Rayner has a few distinctions over other lanterns. For one, Kyle’s constructs are formed from his creative imagination. As an artist, he can naturally come up with a variety of interesting ideas. This lantern can summon giant robots to beat enemies up.

In addition, Kyle also was host to otherworldly powers. Every lantern corps has an emotional entity that is derived from their specific emotion. For this example, the green light of will is powered by Ion. Kyle became Ion’s host, and he used his abilities to cure the world’s problems.

Kyle’s suit also has a different style from the other lanterns. He has a mask with a different shape. He also has less green than every other lantern on this list.

Kyle Rayner played a pivotal role in recovering Hal Jordan’s body. With the Green Arrow’s help, he managed to revive his predecessor. Even after Hal Jordan’s return, Kyle Rayner still maintains a steady flow of appearances. It goes to show that despite being his successor, Kyle is worthy enough to be his equal.

NUMBER SIX: SIMON BAZ

The New 52 was a line-wide relaunch that would reset the DC Universe. At that point, more than 25 years of continuity were erased. This was an attempt to be like Ultimate Marvel and the MCU, by streamlining their comics to set up a film universe. As you can probably guess that attempt did not work.

Simon Baz is one of the mainstays from the New 52 series. He is a Lebanese American child from Detroit who was persecuted for his ethnicity. However, Simon still made good grades in high school and graduated.

As an adult, Simon was on the wrong side of the law. In an attempt to make money, he started stealing cars and selling them. However, the car he stole was full of explosives, and after a high-speed chase he was arrested. While being interrogated, a defective green lantern ring flew into his room and found him a suitable candidate.

The one thing I like most about Simon Baz is how different his lantern suit looks from the others. I like the sleeveless look combined with his green and black mask. I think it helps to make him look distinct.

In addition, I also like the arc Simon Baz went through in Green Lanterns. At first, Simon used a gun because his lantern ring would sometimes not work. After a talk with Batman, however, Simon found the faith in himself to use his gift. That faith enabled him to ditch the gun and put more reliance on his ring.

NUMBER SEVEN: JESSICA CRUZ

Now, we move on to Jessica Cruz, the New 52′s second green lantern. Jessica’s journey started on a hunting trip with her friends. They find two men burying a body, who then attack Jessica and her friends. Although both of Jessica’s friends die, she escapes and develops severe anxiety.

That is when the ring of Volthoom, the mystical ring worn by Power Ring of the Crime Syndicate, corrupts Jessica. Using her fear, the ring transforms Jessica into the new Power Ring.

However, being Power Ring is not the only thing that happens. Over time, Jessica joins the Justice League in their battle against Darkseid’s forces. Jessica is able to don the green lantern’s ring after Volthoom is finally destroyed.

Jessica Cruz is an awesome character, and she is my third favorite lantern. Because she is able to push past her fears to help her friends. Jessica always chooses to aid those who need it most.

Her outfit is very derivative of the common Green Lantern suit. However, Jessica has one minor add-on that I think gives her suit more personality. A smaller version of the Green Lantern’s symbol is placed over her eye as a tattoo. 

NUMBER EIGHT: SOJOURNER MULLEIN

Sojourner, ‘Jo’ Mullein is the most recent addition to the Lantern’s mythos. Unlike the others, Sojourner’s not always a fighter. Rather, Jo is more akin to a detective who prefers to investigate crimes than just outright bust them.

Another difference that sets her apart is her debut comic. Rather than be a main-line DC book, Jo debuted in Green Lantern: Far Sector under the Young Animal imprint. Following Infinite Frontier, Jo would join the mainstream DC books.

In addition, Jo’s outfit is very different from the other lanterns. I think it helps make her stand out from the rest of the crowd. In particular, I like that her outfit uses a decorated vest. I like the way her glasses are shaped, and I think it adds personality to her design. What I love the most about Jo is that she is modeled after a real person. The real creator behind Jo’s image and design is Jonelle Monet.

CONSENSUS:

There are still a dozen Lanterns that I left out. Either because I do not count them, or they are not a part of the main universe. Characters like Teen Lantern, Jade, and Tai Pham fit into these categories.

Overall, I think all of these Lanterns bring something unique to the table. Whether it be their years of experience, their differing powers, or their various personalities. In a way, everyone has a favorite Lantern, even if they are not one of these guys.

I feel like DC neglects its cosmic corner, whereas Marvel has so many cool cosmic things going on. Even outside of the Guardians of The Galaxy you have the Silver Surfer, the Eternals, Nova, Darkhawk, Moon Dragon, and Quasar.

Meanwhile, DC has many interesting ideas for cosmic characters. Yet it seems like only a few of them get books at a time. I hope that DC decides to expand the Green Lanterns to more than one comic.

That is it for the House of Milesverse...for now!

[chattering-magpie-uk]

Monarchy Collection - Part 1

Monarchy Collection – Part 1

JOHN O’ GAUNT’S SPEECH – THIS ENGLAND Excerpt from Shakespeare’s King Richard II #1 Excerpt from Shakespeare’s King Richard II #2. The Harfleur Speech from Henry V Act III Scene I Henry VI Part 3 Act 3 Scene 1 The Catte, the Ratte and Lovell our dogge. The Wars of the Roses (BBC-RSC 1965). The Peace of the Roses (Anon. 1486) Speech to the Troops at Tilbury delivered by Her Majesty Queen…