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magicalforcesau · 3 years ago

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Letters (part 2)

As Obi-Wan and Satine continue their written correspondence in the back half of their Hogwarts career, their bond strengthens to the point where it might not strictly be platonic.

ao3 link

Fifth Year Summer

Dear Ben,

I GOT MY MENTORSHIP REQUEST APPROVED! I’m going to be a peer mentor this upcoming year! Oh, I know this is going to be another responsibility when we’re already saddling quite a bit with OWLS and our duties as prefects. While it was your initial idea to join, I have no regrets. If I’m to influence the minds of thousands from the Ministry, it will do me good to have practice on a smaller and more impressionable scale. Besides, far too many first years are led astray in my opinion. Having firm and caring guidance will be most beneficial.

I hope you can write to me with the same news, even if I still believe you are pushing yourself far too hard. Just please consider your own mental health for this upcoming term. You’re already wound tighter than anyone I know. I would truly not like to partake in the bets that Fives and Echo make behind your back about when your head will explode. I believe either myself or Cody would win. We know you best.

Speaking of being wound tight, I have been dedicating my summer to the practice of enchanting muggle objects as per our homework assignments. Turns out, it truly is not that difficult. I’ve been careful not to alter anything that would come into contact with other muggles, but I look forward to showing you the results of some of my recreations. Between you and me, I’ve been constructing some that were not on the instructed list.

You’re not technically a prefect yet, Obi-Wan Kenobi, so don’t even think about making a wise remark about how you could see me in trouble.

Yours Truly,

Satine

Dear Satine,

I, too, just received confirmation that I’m to mentor a first year this upcoming school year! Regardless of your speculation and wariness, I stand by my decision. We will be kept busy, but idle minds mean time wasted. If you hadn’t agreed on principle, I don’t believe you would have signed up right behind me. As for my extracurricular activities, pretending as though I am not stressed in the slightest about the prospect of the coming year is futile, but I hope to work through it and to become a better student as a result of it. My father has relented on training by Quidditch form. There are bigger things to worry about such as OWLS, which is why I’m to be locked in all summer. No complaints there- I’d much rather read.

Speaking of reading, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the books you snuck into my trunk. Yes, I found them and they were quite a welcome surprise. A bit of relaxing education is just what the doctor ordered. Not literally, because I loathe visiting my family’s practitioner. He takes the term “witch doctor” to new levels and I will leave it at that.

You’ve always been far better at charming objects than I ever have. To be fair, I still don’t have a full understanding of what certain muggle objects actually do, but I’ve got most of the list marked off by this point. While I promise not to report you for deliberate rule breaking, I do admire your gumption. I hope you’ll one day let me see what you’ve crafted. You know I adore learning the novelties of the muggle world. I believe last we spoke, you were telling me about ‘computers’.

As always, I’d love to know more. You have a manner of speaking that simply can’t go unnoticed, at least not to me.

Best,

Obi-Wan

Fifth Year- Winter

Dear Satine,

I apologize if this owl reaches you at an indecent hour. I know how you are about your beauty sleep. It’s been strange being back home, even if for a couple of weeks. It’s only made me realize just how unreal this year has been in terms of excitement and mystery. Though I do not blame the boy for any of it, I won’t lie that it was a much quieter school without Anakin Skywalker present. I wouldn’t change any of it, of course. I believe I am making a difference in working with him. He has a bright mind, if he chooses to use it.

I still can’t get the vision of him foaming at the mouth on the floor out of my head. There’s no doubt that someone has it in for him. I can only imagine who. While eccentric, Anakin is still just a child. He’s harmless.

At risk of drastically changing the subject- my true reason for writing was to thank you again for the watch. My parents have ingrained in me the importance of writing thank you notes regardless of the nature of the gift. However, this might be the first time the sentiment has felt important in action. It may sound ungrateful, but a boy can only receive so many tie clips before he starts to sound a bit robotic in his delivery.

However, please note that every word I say, I mean through my very bones. I hope you didn’t take my silence at receiving it to be anything less than breathlessness. You always keep me guessing, Satine Kryze, and I would have you no different. I am still in awe every time I catch a gander at my wrist.

You did a marvelous job in transfixing and refurbishing it. Seriously, it is of no wonder that Charms comes easier to you than it does to me. Had I not known otherwise; I would have assumed this watch was always crafted with the intention of being magical. Even if it were just a standard watch, it would still have meant more to me than anything I’ve received simply because it came from you. My friend. I’m not sure I deserve it.

I suppose I’ve no excuse for fear of being late any longer, now do I?

It’s never coming off!

Obi-Wan

Dear Ben,

I’m no longer, by any means, insinuating that the boy is trouble. Or more accurately, I don’t believe he’s cognizant of these omens. What concerns me, is Qui-Gon seems to believe that a dark time is upon us. He won’t share his suspicions outright, but I can tell just by how he talks to Anakin with a certain level of wonder and curiosity. Surely, you see it too.

Even still, I say, when school starts up, we try and start our own investigation- off the books and away from Anakin, of course. We needn’t worry him more than he already is. Perhaps while Gryffindor has the field for Quidditch practice we can better research. There’s been too many strange occurrences this year for it to all be coincidental. I’d argue this is the tipping point.

We can further discuss a game plan back at school, but at risk of hurting feelings and potentially endangering lives, we should keep this between us.

I am, however, glad to hear you enjoyed the watch ♥

Yours,

Satine

Sixth Year- Summer

Dear Satine,

I received my OWLS results today as I’m sure you did the same. I wanted you to hear from me, personally, that I am, in fact, alive and well despite what I received as scores. I’m surprised at how alive and how well, quite actually.

For some context- I received all O’s in everything… With the exception of Arithmancy- of which I got an E. I’m not positive where exactly I went wrong in studying for it. I don’t recall the exam being particularly difficult. It’s never been a prized subject of mine as you well know, but I’ve always delivered nothing less than near-perfect marks.

My parents took the news surprisingly well. As opposed to blaming me for slacking off or being distracted by frivolous things such as friends… They were in support of me. In fact, they’re positive that the school is deliberately discriminating against me. I think it might have to do with the recent revelation regarding Anakin being the chosen one. They’ve been much kinder to me and the choices I’ve made as a result of my association with him. Where they believed I was wasting my time, I apparently “saw” what they couldn’t- even if my decision to mentor Anakin had absolutely nothing to do with the matter.

I still have not yet mentioned my pursuit of becoming an Auror. You have to space this kind of news out when you can. They’ve supported me on this, but I’m not sure they’d take that in stride. My parents have been itching to have me become a lawyer or a politician for as long as I can remember.

How were your scores? I’m sure you did brilliantly. I should know, I studied alongside you during all of this madness. I’m eager to properly celebrate with you when we next meet. My mother asked me where I’d gotten the watch the other day and I exclaimed that the brightest witch of my age crafted it for me personally… She assumed it was Ventress, but you’ve always thrived in the chaos of being underestimated, now haven’t you? I will never make that mistake.

Truly,

Ben

Dear Ben,

Don’t you ever scare me with such a dramatic introduction ever again! I nearly had a heart attack, assuming you’d gone and failed your OWLS in a fit of insanity. Given how unusual our fifth year was, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if it had another anomaly to toss our way. I thought I was going to have to portkey to you and shake the living daylights out of you for being so foolish.

You landed on your feet, as you always do and seem to make it look incredibly easy to those that do not know any better. We’re matching, actually, except my E was in DADA- likely during the practical session when I wouldn’t cast that Sectumsempra spell. To have us perform such an act on a defenseless animal is cruel (even if it was a spider), particularly in the name of ‘testing’. If they must endorse the epidemic of violence, can they not simply provide test dummies?

I’m actually surprised I scored that high, since the instructor looked at me like I had ten heads. I spoke to Cody today. He passed, despite how hard he doubted himself. We both knew that he would do fine, of course.

Ventress has been around a lot more frequently, hasn’t she? I know that she’s been quite displaced ever since Dooku’s outing. She’s quite smug and entitled for someone who hardly does anything aside from being an errand girl to a Sith terror. I’m sure she’ll be continuing her tricks this year. To think your family thinks you could be as shrewd and awful as her.

How is Anakin this summer? I contemplated sending him an owl just to see how he was processing the more recent revelations, but it would most likely sound more from the heart if it came from you. You were truly excellent with him this year, if I hadn’t already mentioned it. I know I convinced you to break away from the status quo and lean into your desires to become an auror, but you’ve got a real knack for teaching and seeing the best in people. It’s truly one of your best traits. That, and the fact that regardless how much of a mess you are, you always manage to look pristine from head to toe.

Actually, that last bit is borderline infuriating. I hope to see you before the summer lets out. I understand why that might be difficult, but it seems with your parents’ investment in Anakin, you might have a valid reason to be away from the homestead more often. If you understand what I’m saying.

Best,

Satine

Sixth Year- Winter

{A draft from the desk of Obi-Wan Kenobi}

[Boldened text in parenthesis] = out loud thoughts

Dear Satine,

How do I say this without sounding like a damn fool? You kissed me!

It’s been brought to my attention by literally everyone that we have a certain noticeable chemistry. [Why am I saying what everyone else thinks when I should be saying what I think?] Usually, when we are together, we argue. A lot. Sometimes, I’m surprised we haven’t strangled each other yet by how heated some of our debates become. You have this ability to get under my skin in a way that no one else possesses. Truthfully, I love [Too strong! Don’t go scaring her off now] truly appreciate that about you.

But there are times when I get this feeling… And it’s come on more and more the longer I know you… Like we could get beyond the possible strangulation phase and onto something… Better. [What is wrong with me?] You challenge me and I think sometimes I’m able to challenge you as well. I think having people in your life that push you to be the best you can be is a sign of true companionship friendship. You’ve become a constant in my life that I wouldn’t shake even if I could. Looking back, it’s only natural for me to grow feelings for you.

Where I tried to convince myself those feelings were simply an intense comradery, I cannot deny that I do not notice how the light casts on Cody’s hair or linger on him as he walks away [Blast that makes me sound like a pervert] wonder what his hand would feel like in mine. My heart doesn’t quicken if Cody touches my shoulder or laughs at one of my jokes. Cody doesn’t sit incredibly close to me at the dining hall, but if he did, I would be more confused than completely entranced. Cody is my other best friend, but my entire day is not made or broken by seeing him smile.

I wouldn’t be jealous if the seventh year boys decided to notice that Cody was beautiful.

And you are disarmingly beautiful, but I’ve always known that, even if I try to ignore it.

You can imagine how terrifying all of this is to realize at the remarkable hour of 3 in the morning- a mere 3 hours after you decided to kiss me under the mistletoe. How am I supposed to think of anything else now or ever again? Which leads me to think [Don’t be presumptuous] wonder… If you share these feelings. And if you do, we’ve got quite a predicament there. Because if I could blissfully convinced myself that we could never be, I’d be able to bury that deep within me, but even the idea of hope that you could see me in that light… I fear that would be all too tempting. The evidence says that you might. You’ve always been a better investigator than myself, but I can’t shake this feeling that we have these spellbound moments where everything slows down. And it’s just you and me. During those moments, everything is alright.

Usually, when I’m troubled as I am now, I do not hesitate to reach out to you. You’re my co-conspirator, my fellow prefect, my best friend. However, given the situation, that’s not very easy to do. Even if Qui-Gon speaks of it like it is . I wish it were, because now all I can imagine is the mark you’ve left with your kiss. It’s the same sort of feeling I get every time I touch the face of the watch you gifted me last year.

Should I ever muster up the courage to send this letter to you, which I definitely shouldn’t, because you deserve the sort of man that would bare his heart in person, please understand that while I’ve dedicated my life to studying magical text, I’m not nearly as well-versed in the subject of love. Since I’m so certain you’ll never read this, there’s no point in denying that it’s anything less than love.

Love,

Ben

Seventh Year- Summer

Dear Ben,

I wanted to ensure that you were on the road of being okay, all things considering. I tried to wait to give you space, but I couldn’t make it more than a week without knowing you weren’t going mad locked up in that house of yours. I’m not even positive you’ll write me back, which is infuriating, but understanding since Qui-Gon’s passing is not one to be taken lightly by anyone, but especially you. I wish I could alleviate the pain you must be feeling in any way.

I’m relieved just a little bit, knowing that Anakin is in your care. It was very surprising of your parents to offer him refuge, as he’s currently got no one else to possibly lean on. Hopefully the two of you can find some solace in each other during these difficult times. I care for both of you very much and my heart aches knowing I am virtually helpless in making this any better. I know you are likely placing an immense amount of pressure on yourself to distract you from addressing your own mentor’s death, but while your parents might encourage this behavior, it’s not a true way of coping. You need to let someone in.

Stay safe. Do not hesitate to reach out (no matter how cliché that sounds). Even if you talk to Cody instead, that’s fine. Just… Don’t lock yourself in that head of yours and go rogue. I’d miss you far too much.

With Love,

Satine

Dear Satine,

I’m not okay, but I’ll have to be soon. Anakin is safe and on the same boat. I’ll write later with a real reply. I’m not quite in the spirit right now. I just wanted you to know that I haven’t gone completely mad in absence.

~Obi-Wan

Dear Satine,

I’m sorry to be writing to you so late in “true” reply. I’ve been quite busy with Anakin this summer. It has been helpful having someone else around. While a gray cloud still seems to follow him around, I’d say he’s faring better than expected. It’s alarming how resilient the boy is, but also incredibly depressing that it needs to be that way. We’ve discussed the matter of Qui-Gon’s death a couple of times. While you won’t like this, I think there is some closure to knowing that Anakin’s attacker, who became Qui-Gon’s murderer, is dead.

Meanwhile, I must confess that it still haunts me every night. I haven’t said anything to Anakin, because like you rightfully assumed, I’m not about to unload that burden onto him. He feels it’s his fault just as much as I do. We’ve taken to playing Quidditch outside. My family owns several acres of land, so we are able to get out of earshot every now and then. Anakin actually gets on quite nicely with my parents, which is a massive relief. Getting back to school for our final year will be a good way to get back into routine. On the other hand, I’m dreading trying to attempt adjusting to a school without Qui-Gon.

I suppose studying my brains out for the NEWTS alongside you will provide for ample distraction. You, alone, are admittedly very distracting. I am referring to your character of course. A general statement.

There’s always Quidditch, unfortunately, which isn’t nearly as fun and carefree as playing with Anakin in the yard. Despite how massively competitive he is? He’s just turned 13 and he’s loads better than me already. I still hate the flying aspect.

I’m writing you, of course, because we just got notified that I’m to be the Head Boy to your Head Girl. This incredibly tragic time has truly made me appreciate the people I have in my life. You are, without a doubt, shining at the top of that metaphorical list in bold and underlined print. I wouldn’t be Head Boy had it not been for you.

A lot has changed thus far, Satine, and I’m growing tired of being afraid. Life is too short and it’s always going to throw negatives at us- some that are absolutely debilitating. However, there is always the light, which has made me think that perhaps this year, some changes don’t have to be bad. There are many things I’d like to discuss with you, in person. Because this sort of conversation should be the kind that happens face-to-face.

Would you like to meet before school?

Truly Yours,

Ben

#obitine #Obi-Wan Kenobi #satine kryze #the clone wars #star wars #hpau #magical forces au #fragments of the garden

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arcticdementor · 3 years ago

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I concede that this first bit is insufferable.

I have been an activist since I was old enough to be politically conscious. I helped organize gay rights rallies when I was 16, participated in the admittedly vague anti-corporatism of the late 90s, then dove headfirst into antiwar activism when the bombs started to fall on Kabul and Jalalabad. I spent five dispiriting years devoting myself to anti-Iraq activism more or less as a vocation. Now I do housing work here in the city. I’ve been in more groups and committees and “circles” than I care to remember. I’ve had the glamorous banner-unfurling moments and many more of the tedious “who’s going to rent the porta potties” moments. I’ve done the tabling and waded through the interminable listserv posts. I’ve been in group after group that was wracked with toxic left shit but still got it together to put on great events. I’ve waved signs, chanted the chants, occupied buildings, lied down in the street, made speeches, handed out leaflets, and sang the songs. Did any of it matter? No idea. But I did it all the same and I wouldn’t change a thing.

The preceding paragraph will, I’m sure, invite accusations of insiderism or big-timing, which I understand. I would prefer to leave it out. But it’s necessary to establish experience, and experience is useful because I have been forced to consider “the antifa question” since before many people who call themselves such were born. And so I enjoy the perspective of understanding that radical left opinion on the whole scene has traditionally been vastly more complicated and critical than it is today, where people on social media who have no protest experience that doesn’t involve pink pussy hats doggedly defend antifa for naked culture war reasons. Antifa has always been complicated, but its new admirers insist it can never be complicated.

…

The wagons are being circled as we speak. Antifa are in the news, as they have once again attacked a journalist for reporting on them while in the process of, well, I don’t really know. I would be opposed to attacking journalists regardless of the purpose of any group of protestors - I believe in the press and rights and see, the whole idea is that we show people our values and invite them into our movement, publicity is the point - but it’s particularly hard to have sympathy for the cosplay crew here, given that they’re not acting as part of any organized movement for any coherent purpose. It’s never been particularly easy to grok what any little group of antifa think their goals are, or how exactly their tactics will help them achieve those goals. But now they’ve got a media relations team, which conveniently for them is literally the media, and so no critical considerations of their goals will be forthcoming. Efficacy? Darling, efficacy doesn’t even come up.

…

Which is all righteous and makes sense. The trouble is that these historical conditions are totally different from those of the 21st century United States, and it’s never been clear how these principles connect with contemporary antifa’s tendency to only appear at protests. Though many people would love to pretend that this isn’t the case, we are not in fact living in an America where Proud Boys wander through Chelsea randomly beating up gay people without resistance from the police. This is the part that they will snip and post to Twitter to mock, but that’s cope. They don’t genuinely believe that we have the same level, rate, or lack of consequences for extreme right-wing violence that once justified historical antifa tactics. (A country that has seen a near-total takeover of its institutions by fringe left social justice politics is not a country that is slipping into fascism.) Every time the Proud Boys do some of their pathetic antics it makes the news, which is to say that it’s rare enough to be worthy of making the news. You don’t actually think that torching a Walgreens in Chicago in 2020 is the same as getting into a street fight with the PNF in 1926 and this conversation would be less tedious if you stopped pretending you did.

Meanwhile porting these tactics to protests has never made perfect sense to me. The vast majority of protests feature no violence, which is good, and the biggest violent threat is from the cops, who antifa fight far less often than some people think. (Which, by the way, is also good.) Typically antifa raise the underlying level of tension in a protest, particularly with the cops but also with the local community, for no benefit to anyone’s security. When violence does erupt I have never in my life seen antifa actually deescalate to reduce the risks to protesters. I’m just being real with you. At most protests I’ve been to where shit got hairy, most antifa seemed to just want to hurt people. And suddenly we’re a long way from looking out for the Hasidim when the brownshirts are making trouble in Stamford Hill, aren’t we?

This is why there has been distrust and profound misgivings towards antifa from within the radical left protest movements since before I was born.

Yes, my friends. Dedicated radicals, old school commies, Quakers and trade unionists and environmentalists, people who need four digits to number the protests they’ve attended - all kinds of no-bullshit far-left activists have had ambivalent or worse feelings for antifa for a very long time. That shouldn’t be surprising; some people, a minority but some, declare themselves antifa because they lack satisfying opportunities for violence in their lives, and protests create conditions where it’s easier to find targets and easier to evade arrest. Of course the stock move when something done by a protester crosses the line of basic decency is to claim that they weren’t “really antifa.” (There’s no Scotsman less true than antifa.) People insist that antifa is not a group and has no membership or organization, which is true but also makes it nonsensical to say that there is such a thing as “really antifa.” Either way, the problem is that this refusal to subject antifa to basic moral evaluation is quite new and very bad. Let me be clear: the bullshit universal exonerations that people on the “left” perform about antifa today, their absolute refusal to judge any antifa actions for any reason in any context, is not an expression of solidarity but its betrayal. Lefties of all stripes have often had conflicted feelings about antifa, going way back, including some dedicated people who self-describe as antifa themselves.

…

Well, hey, I agree: antifa is harmless. Certainly they’re not generally destructive. Most of them are well-meaning, if a little cringey. In the vast majority of the circumstances in which they gather antifa are simply irrelevant, making no material difference to events (marches and rallies and protests) that are fundamentally communicative in nature. Conservatively speaking I’ve been to 400 street protests in my life and antifa have been at most of them. They almost never do anything but stand around in their ridiculous Matrix cosplay and try to look tough, which is hard to accomplish for a movement made up of slam poets and people who have nowhere to put the energy they used to put into Division II field hockey. I’ve been to fucking Earth Day celebrations where the kids were hanging out in their black hoodies going “uh, is anyone doing a fascism here,” and nobody could tell you why, certainly not them. But who cares, right? At a protest you want numbers and you accept that some percentage of them are there for clout and some are protesting chemtrails and some are feds. You let them get folded into the broader meaning of the event and if someone really acts out of pocket you throw them out. Now, though, the internet has decided that antifa are blameless in all things, so when we see genuinely bad behavior like neckbeards beating up girls for filming them in public places (great optics guys!) the avatars of the contemporary left celebrate rather than insist they knock it off.

…

Once upon a time people said “I support this movement and these ideals, but this behavior, this event, this person, no.” That would seem to be a basic aspect of adult maturity, to recognize that no political tendency, no matter how idealistically envisioned, can be healthy without good-faith criticism and social pressure from allies. But where once movement leaders with intrinsic credibility would lead the conversation about whether antifa were crossing the line at an event and needed to be confronted, now antifa gets discussed by a PR team of Twitter bluechecks who have never protested anything, know nothing about the myriad weird social realities that afflict all protests, don’t live in the neighborhoods where protest violence is happening, and have mostly already forgotten about the spasm of meandering, much-hashtagged protests from last year.

Someone who does Ted Lasso recaps for Buzzfuck.com thinks that antifa has to be good because the name says they’re against fascism. The poetry editor at the Times, who wouldn’t deign to sit through a boring organizing meeting in a million years, wants you to know that anyone who criticizes antifa is part of “the fash” by definition. Some shithead PhD at a nonprofit that gives report cards about how dedicated defense contractors are to recycling likes to throw on the black bandana he got at Hot Topic and march around at protests like a fucking circus clown and wants you to know that everyone must support our antifascist warriors. No skin in the game, no philosophical backing, no wisdom, no leadership. I am baffled by why people who work in media think I should give a single fuck what they think about antifa, given that the first time they saw the letters A-N-T-I-F-A strung together was about 15 months ago. These people pretended to care about protests for exactly the socially prescribed length of time, have moved on to pretending to care about Afghanistan, and in five years will look back on it all with mild distaste, when they aren’t preoccupied by their kid’s orthodontist appointments.

Meanwhile, the movement will shamble on, strange unkillable creature that it is, and the people who turn up will march and chant and yell and demand, and I will be among them, and I will accept the protests for all their faults. And we’ll all have to live with antifa. How they act will be, in large measure, an expression of what the rest of us tolerate, what our protest culture accepts. Will this new left, impassioned but immature, develop a set of communal values that define rights as well as demands, an ethos that recognizes that all true radicalism comes packaged with its own constraints, and rein in the kind of masked children who are raging against nothing in Portland?

It would be hard for me to give you any answer other than no.

#freddie deboer #substack #antifa #read the whole thing

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makeste · 6 years ago

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BnHA Chapter 216: You’re a Good Man, Shinsou Hitoshi

Previously on BnHA: Deku calmed his emotions and activated Blackwhip a second time, this time On Purpose, and for a moment it looked like he was going to completely curb stomp poor Shinsou. But then he crumpled in pain and the quirk vanished, and he realized he wasn’t physically strong enough to use that quirk just yet. So instead he chased after Shinsou using good ol’ full cowl. Meanwhile Ochako captured Monoma, who taunted her about having one last ace up his sleeve. This turned out to be a Twin Impact shot he’d been saving to hit Deku with, and it worked pretty nicely, but unfortunately our boy Shinsou didn’t have enough experience yet to take full advantage of the resulting opening. Meanwhile Ochako went to bail out Mina and Mineta and took out not one but two more opponents singlehandedly like the fucking ninja she is. Mina took out the third with a raging uppercut, leaving Deku to wrangle Shinsou, thus securing 1-A’s total victory. Now all that remains to be seen is what kind of excuse Deku will come up with for his sudden new quirk, and whether or not Shinsou will be accepted into the hero course. We’re all rooting for you, kid.

Today on BnHA: The 5th set wraps up with a 4-0 victory for Team A, which also gives class A the overall victory over class B, having won 3 of the 5 matches. As 1-A celebrates, Shinsou broods. He was able to piece together that the exercise was a test for his potential transfer, but he feels like he didn’t accomplish enough. The teachers gather the two teams for the post-game analysis and are all “what the fuck, Midoriya.” Deku is all “I don’t know either,” and for some reason everyone just buys that and moves on with their lives. Deku credits Ochako and Shinsou with helping to save him, but Shinsou says he just did it to stop his team from losing. Aizawa chokes some sense into him and says that just because he’s not a perfect 100% self-sacrificing martyr all the time doesn’t mean he’s not worthy of being a hero. Everyone else chimes in and says that Shinsou did really good, and Vlad says that although they still need to make it official, it’s more than likely that Shinsou will be joining the hero course next year. Having settled all that, Aizawa asks Monoma if he can do him a favor and come with him to see Eri the next day.

(As always, all comments not marked with an ETA are my mostly-unspoiled reactions from my first readthrough of this chapter. I’m caught up with the manga now at chapter 225, so any ETAs will reflect that.)

so we’re opening with Shinsou’s perspective on those last few moments against Deku

wow

you’re telling me Izuku was spinning around over and over again in mid-air? he wasn’t just twisting the binding cloth around?? he himself was literally twirling at high speed? that’s what this panel was depicting?? the author of this series is drunk

ahhhhhh my poor exhausted lavender son

welcome to shounen manga, friend. we only go forwards not back

ahhhhh fff dammit Shinsou

YOU BETTER NOT START CRYING OR I’M GONNA LOSE IT

and now we’re belatedly getting the hero names of the four class B kids waaaaaay after the fact

Emily??

(ETA: Exorcism of Emily Rose?? that’s what Viz’s translator speculated, anyway. idk I don’t watch horror movies so I don’t know what else it could be.)

I like the name “Mines” for Shouda though! his quirk kinda is like a landmine I guess. also this poor kid has seen better days Mina what did you do to him

anyways so poor Vlad is being forced to announce class 1-A’s perfect 4-0 victory for the second time in a row

haha check out Mina’s kung fu pose

and Ochako’s peace sign. MVPs. I stan some motherfucking legends here I tell you what

oh lol it was Midnight that was doing the commentary since Vlad went with Aizawa and All Might

I’m glad the kids’ petitioning paid off

so in the end class 1-A once again proved themselves against the unfortunate class 1-B who had all of the cool quirks but none of the luck

Midnight’s making the official announcement and everyone is cheering!

poor class B

it’s not your fault, Manga. at least your team actually won, mainly thanks to you

ahhhh we’re cutting back to Shinsou and his face is hidden and he’s tugging at his scarf and hesitantly addressing Vlad and Aizawa

SHINSOU STOP IT

SOMEONE GIVE HIM A HUG!! AND STOP LEAVING HIM IN SUSPENSE!!!

he says this was also supposed to be his transfer exam. so he knew??

lol Vlad is asking Aizawa if he told him, but Shinsou says he basically just put two and two together even though he wasn’t 100% sure

“not to mention, I was the only one who participated in two matches” yeah that was certainly a big clue

lmao Vlad looks so impressed

just how low are your standards dude

and now Aizawa is changing the topic and says it’s time for the teachers’ critiques! OH BOY THIS OUGHTA BE GOOD

Deku’s critique basically should just consist of “what the actual fuck Midoriya”

and like I said in the previous recap, Shinsou should get credit for his performance in the first battle as well as his save in this battle which showed he has the true spirit of a hero!

LOOOOOOOOOOOL

I WANT TO SHAKE HORIKOSHI’S GODDAMN HAND

so Aizawa’s asking what the principle is behind Deku’s new move since it’s so radically different from his established “super strength” quirk

and Deku’s just standing there nervously

Tokoyami and Kuroiro are bonding over their mutual admiration of how goth the new quirk is

hmmmm how you wanna play this Deku

so basically just be all “fuck if I know, this quirk only manifested for the first time eight months ago and it keeps surprising me with weird new shit. petition to rename it ‘mystery quirk’”

sidestepping the question like a pro there Deku

so he says his power suddenly started overflowing and he couldn’t suppress it and it scared him, but that thanks to Shinsou and Ochako’s help it turned out all right

he says that if Shinsou hadn’t knocked him out he’s not sure what would have happened

and he’s turning to Shinsou now and explaining that he wasn’t bluffing earlier, and he’s thanking him

what the fuck Shinsou

were you?? fooled me then

YESSSSSSSS GIVE OCHAKO HER PROPS

SHE WAS A FUCKING BADASS. NOW TALK ABOUT THE PART WHERE SHE’S RESPONSIBLE FOR CAPTURING 3 OF THE 5 ENEMY TEAM MEMBERS

noooo goddammit Mina not now!!

MINA ARE YOU JEALOUS NO ONE HAS GIVEN YOU CREDIT YET. WE WERE GETTING TO THAT, BE PATIENT

oh sheesh lmao

and now she’s nervously twiddling her fingers and smiling hesitantly and saying she’d rather do that than not do anything and regret it later

oh my gosh

SO PROUD OF MY LITTLE BABY GIRL. YES!!

and holy shit but I want to take that picture of him smiling almost imperceptibly and fucking frame it

look at Ochako managing to completely deflect the attention away from Deku somehow. not only was she the MVP of the battle, but she just keeps saving his ass even afterward

holy shit

DEKU’S FACE ALSO BEING BEET RED THOUGH. HE MUST LOOK LIKE A GODDAMN RADISH

anyway, so Shinsou says he just did what Ochako asked him to do

yeah, but you did it despite them being on the opposing team though!

exactly. you knew it was the right course of action and you didn’t hesitate

SHINSOU STOP MAKING THESE SAD FACES!!!

FOR FUCK’S SAKE I CAN’T TAKE THIS??

AIZAWA OH MY GOD YES

PLEASE REASSURE YOUR DEPRESSED PURPLE SON AND TELL HIM THAT HE DIDN’T DO ANYTHING WRONG AND HE’S A GOOD HERO

sdlfhaslkdfj

holy --

lmao at Kaminari immediately breaking into a chant. methinks the mangaka is too self-aware

and well then, since Best Dad Aizawa Shouta has officially entered the ranks of parents who occasionally discipline their children via shocking comedic violence (consider also: All Might decking Deku at the beach a mere chapter before Mitsuki’s infamous introduction), maybe we can finally put that debate to rest. I think it’s pretty clear when Horikoshi is intentionally portraying abuse and when he’s just being over the top because this is a fictional story in a fictional world where not three pages ago there was a character with a literal comic book for a head

oh snap Aizawa

in other words, it’s okay to be a little selfish. sometimes selfish is even needed. because he’s absolutely right, if you don’t take care of yourself as well you’ll fuck yourself over before long and then you won’t be able to save anyone

and also, at the end of the day, if you save everyone successfully and complete the mission, does it really make sense to stand around and argue whether or not your intentions were pure enough?

anyways needless to say I’m really digging this “nobody’s perfect” speech right here you guys

(ETA: oh hey it’s Aizawa’s Mysterious Cloudy Friend, Shirakumo! probably. hey Shirakumo. what’s your fucking deal goddammit)

this is basically Aizawa’s version of All Might’s speech from chapter 120. I always love when the series metas about what it means to be a hero and what separates the great ones from everyone else. and we saw firsthand in Bakugou’s match just a few chapters ago the difference it makes when a hero is focused on both winning and rescuing

now Deku is complimenting Shinsou on all of his strategic moves like dropping those pipes down on him and trying to lead him back to where everyone else was to regain his advantage

oh my god you guys Deku is so passionate and generous with his praise, this is exactly the kind of thing Shinsou needed to hear though

kinda getting that “a true hero doesn’t just save people, they save people’s hearts” vibe thing here on top of everything else

oh my god Deku

what the fuck are you talking about, if anything you lean into this too much and you need to relax a little and take some of Aizawa’s advice to heart

ahhhhhhhhHHHHHH

YESSSSSSSSSSS THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR. YOU DID IT SHINSOU I’M SO PROUD OF YOU

oh my god. the one hand clutching his scarf and the other one in a clenched fist. and that face. oh shit here come the feels

and I desperately need to know if this means next year as in January/next term, or next year as in when they move on to year 2

(ETA: Viz’s translation indicates it’ll happen in their second year of school.)

OH FOR FUCK’S SAKE

GODDAMMIT HORIKOSHI I WAS SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS CHAPTER TO FIND OUT, AND THEN YOU GO AND PULL THIS SHIT. UNBELIEVABLE

(ETA: I love that both classes so clearly want him though. again, they’ve all collectively adopted him and I love it

also, class 1-A still has a traitor in their midst, so depending on when and how that all goes down, they may just end up having a vacancy, just saying...)

oh my god

Mina this is why I want you to run for President. and Aizawa, she absolutely is right and he should be punished

loooool Monoma is trying!

hang in there buddy

so getting back to that, I’m guessing what happened there was that he did take One for All the quirk, but not any of the stockpiled power within Izuku? because to get that it has to be willed to you by the previous owner. so basically he was trying to activate it, and it probably was working, but his version of the quirk was at OFA Prime levels. basically starting from scratch with no additional power stored up other than his own. and we all agree this is actually very fortunate for him and he’d be getting carted off to Recovery Girl right now if things had gone differently

does that not bother him, by the way? like, Ochako just figured he was “bluffing”, but Monoma knows he was actually trying to activate the quirk and nothing was happening. I wonder what he made of that. it seems like maybe he’s too caught up in the loss to class A to really think much on it just yet

(ETA: so apparently he knows enough about how his quirk works to have already figured this out, lol.)

whoa oh shit and I just read the last three panels and a ton of interesting stuff happened so quickly lol

okay let’s break this down and then we’ll end the recap

(1) Deku is so fucking pure. middle of a battle and being attacked, and his only concern is that the quirk is gonna be too much for Monoma and badly injure him

(ETA: and can I just say, the other students could have used a little more of that concern though. the teachers too for that matter.)

(2) so I take this to mean Horikoshi is going to explain what happened, but for now I’m assuming my speculation is more or less near the mark. he definitely did take OFA because you could see the telltale red flashing pulsing shit happening with his skin. so it has nothing to do with Deku originally being quirkless; it’s the way that OFA as a quirk works

(3) Deku is super fucking lucky that no one started questioning what happened with his quirk again, what with Monoma bringing the subject back up

and lastly, (4) OH SHIT. is he gonna have Monoma copy Eri’s quirk to see if he can control it? lol we only just established how lucky he is to be alive after taking Deku’s quirk. what are you trying to do to this poor kid

though I am glad to see Aizawa being a logical dad who cares about his baby girl and is constantly thinking of ways in which to possibly help her out. ah well, hope nothing goes wrong there

and that’s it! on to the next chapter to hopefully see Bakugou and All Might grill Deku about WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED lol

#bnha #boku no hero academia #shinsou hitoshi #aizawa shouta #midoriya izuku #uraraka ochako #monoma neito #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #makeste reads bnha #rereading this chapter I want the deleted scene where aizawa gives mina her props also #and tears mineta a new one as requested #we're also missing a scene here where aizawa tries to question deku again in private #only for all might to swoop in and say he'll handle it #so at what point can we safely assume that aizawa officially knows something is up #he's gotten enough clues by now wouldn't you say #at the very least he knows weird stuff is going on with deku's quirk #and all might has taken a special interest in him #now that deku's manifested a second quirk though it ironically makes people less likely to make the connection between him and all might #but it *does* make them more likely to connect the dots between him and all for one though #anyways I hope we're not just dropping this because I would like to see aizawa get filled in eventually #weird stuff is happening with his problem child and he deserves to know goddammit

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momentsbeforemass · 5 years ago

Text

What do you really want?

(by request, my homily from Sunday)

It’s not enough to know what you want. You’ve got to know how to get it.

I want to tell about a guy I knew in school, who knew how to get what he wanted. Even back then, he was a born campaigner. Whatever he wanted, he would position himself to get it.

Whether it was making the team or becoming president of something, he would do what he needed to do, to make sure that he was the best possible fit. So that he would be the obvious choice.

When he got his first job after college, it was no surprise that within a few months he was angling for a promotion. When the assistant manager announced that she wouldn’t return to work after her upcoming maternity leave, he saw the opportunity. So he started running his usual playbook.

He made himself indispensable to his manager. From helping his manager plan his day, to scheduling, to making sure that everything ran smoothly, he did it all.

In no time, he was the manager’s go-to guy for everything. In his eyes, the obvious choice for assistant manager.

Which is why he was completely surprised when they passed him over for assistant manager. And instead created a special position just for him. Something right out of the old TV show “The Office.” As the assistant to the manager.

He’d spent all his time making his manager’s job easier – just what you want in an executive assistant. Instead of showing them that he could actually help manage the department – just what you want in an assistant manager.

He put all the effort in. But on the wrong thing.

And ended up with something he never wanted.

What do you want? What do you really want?

How we answer that question is kind of a mess. Because most of us have at least two sets of answers.

There’s the answer that we give if someone asks us the question.

What we would put in a click-bait quiz online. The kind that asks questions like “what’s your dream vacation?” And “if you knew you couldn’t fail, what kind of business would you start?”

What I think of as the spoken answer.

Then there’s the answer that we give by how we live our lives. By what we do.

The decisions we make, the actions we take, in response to all of the big and little things of everyday life. And the cumulative effect that all of those seemingly unimportant decisions have.

What I think of as the lived answer.

The reason that our answers to the “what do you really want” question are kind of a mess, is because our spoken answers and our lived answers are often at odds with each other.

For some of us, there’s so much of a gap between our spoken answers and our lived answers that it’s almost like we’re two different people.

Which bring us to Jesus.

Without really thinking about it, whenever Jesus says something or does something, we put it into one of two groups, almost like there are two different people: nice Jesus, and scary Jesus.

“Suffer the children to come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of God.”

Definitely nice Jesus.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites to a man!”

Clearly, scary Jesus.

“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.”

Nice Jesus.

Flipping tables, making a whip of cords, driving the moneychangers out of the Temple.

Scary Jesus.

Then there’s today’s Gospel.

“To another, Jesus said, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But Jesus answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."”

And that one…? It’s reality check Jesus.

Wait. What?

It’s reality check Jesus.

Granted, at first glance, Jesus sounds like a real jerk.

But what Jesus is actually doing is reminding us of something critical. The absolute importance of putting first things first.

Starting with the ultimate first thing, God.

Hold on, what about the 10 Commandments? All of that “honor thy father and mother” stuff?

“Let the dead bury their dead” doesn’t sound much like honoring anybody.

Actually, this is a call back by Jesus. Calling us back to something we often miss. Something that’s baked into the 10 Commandments. The order of the 10 Commandments.

Remember the first commandment? “I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me.”

It’s no accident that the first commandment is first. It’s the foundation of the 10 Commandments. And, literally, everything else.

��You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

This is the essential life principle. Without it, nothing else possible.

“Honor thy father and mother?” That’s number four.

That’s the order of the 10 Commandments. And it’s no accident.

So that means that I can put God first, and ignore all of the other stuff? Not exactly.

The secret of the Christian life is having the right focus. Don’t ignore the other stuff. But don’t let it be more important than it really is. Make sure that it stays in its lane.

Do that by putting first things first. Starting with the ultimate first thing, God.

The more you do, the more you focus on God, the more that everything else will fall into place.

Focus on God.

You’ll find that life’s problems don’t loom so large. Because you won’t be facing them alone.

Focus on God.

You’ll find the strength to handle the hard stuff. Because you won’t be handling it by yourself.

Focus on God.

You’ll find a love that’s been waiting for you from all eternity. A love overflowing with everything you need. And more than you could ever imagine.

Or you can be like my friend. Focus on…whatever you think is best. You’ll put in the same amount of effort. Just be ready to end up with something you never wanted.

Sunday’s Readings

#Focus #Focus on God #Put God First #What do you really want?#The Office #God #God's Love #Jesus #Jesus Loves You #Catholic #Christian #Church #Inspiration

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cherryninie · 7 years ago

Text

false pretenses (ii)

genre | rating: angst & fluff | light M

length: 1737 words

pairing: chanyeol x reader

summary: “they said the price of love is loss, but still we pay. we love anyway”

| part i: he called you thunder | part ii: wrong assumptions

snippet:

See, it wasn’t that you weren’t attracted to him at all. You, after all, were a normal girl with lust and needs, and he happened to look like a Greek God, with that halo of silky hair, perfectly chiselled jawline, and eyes so round that you could get lost in them forever if you weren’t careful.

But that wasn’t the point.

The point was, you thought he was toxic, and you were better off staying away from him.

Despite your quirky first encounter, you didn’t like Chanyeol as much as you expected you would.

Just like your brother, he was a boy with too big of a dream, and all talk but no action. His group of friends were a bunch of rich kids who screamed about oppression and injustice in the legal system but didn’t realise that they benefit from that. Sitting in Starbucks with their expensive iced latte in hand, you bet that none of them had gone out in the streets to see what struggle truly looked or felt like. How it felt to work 24/7 to make it through the rent. How it felt to constantly worry about not having enough food to eat, or enough money to pay for the bills so that you would have heat during the winter times. Or, you know, how it felt like to live a life that didn’t only consist of overwhelming stress and constant fear of drowning in financial debt.

Alright, perhaps you were being unfair. Growing up in a wealthy family, you were the last person who should be talking about hard life. Your parents worked hard to get your family to where you were today. They made sure that your brother and you never had to feel hardship even for single day of your life. They didn’t want you to experience what they used to experience, and you were thankful for that. Really, you were.

You knew nothing about hard life because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, which was why you’re so annoyed with your brother who talked like he knew everything. He had never even been on the streets to see people who were actually in need of help. He saw them on television and felt bad; then suddenly decided that he wanted to become an activist. When he got older, he wanted to become a politician and claimed that he’s for the people, but he never experienced or went to the streets to see how bad the situation was.

See, you didn’t think the country needed another rich politician, but your brother never deterred from his ambition.

He avoided you when you asked him about the social issues that were happening in the country. He ignored you when you told him about charity events that required him to actually go out and meet the people he was fighting for. Nope, charity for him was those fancy schmancy events where he could just give out money and be done with it – like that alone could make all the changes in the world.

That’s why you hated your brother and his group of friends.

Park Chanyeol, you found, was the son of the multimillionaire who practically owned the economy of the small town you two lived in. Last time you heard, his father was going to run in the elections. Branching from business to politics, you were sure that he wasn’t any different from any corrupt politician out there, but who were you to say?

And for all you knew, Chanyeol was exactly like him.

You knew better than to get involved with someone who ran in the same circle as your brother, so you tried to stay away from Chanyeol.

Tried.

It was easier said than done because according to your brother, Chanyeol had a bit of a crush on you, and he was too goddamn stubborn to take no for an answer.

“C’mon, why won’t you go out with me?” he asked for the umpteenth time, shooting the ball into the hoop as you watched him, crossed arms with a frown on your face, “At least give me a reason why.”

“Because I’m not attracted to you,” you said straightforwardly, clear and sharp without missing a beat.

Alright, that was clearly a lie. Even Chanyeol knew it, as he chuckled at your words, shaking his head because he knew that wasn’t the reason why you wouldn’t go out with him.

But that wasn’t the point.

The point was, you thought he was toxic, and you were better off staying away from him.

“Really?” his eyes glinted in amusement, dropping the ball as he made his way towards you. He stopped when he was right in front of you, smirking when he saw your struggle to not be intimidated by his height. You fought the urge to step back because you refused to give him the satisfaction. Instead, you looked up at him, meeting his eyes.

And he smiled a genuine smile that was reminiscent of the sunlight – it never failed to bring warmth to your heart.

“You like me,” he said with an air of confidence.

“I don’t.”

“C’mon,” he said, his voice deep, yet sweet like honey, “I could be good for you.”

You laughed, “How so?”

“I mean,” he grinned, “I will treat you right. You deserve nothing but the best.”

“And you’re supposedly the best?”

“Well…” he trailed off, a smug smile appeared on his lips, “I could try.”

You rolled your eyes before shaking your head and said, “No thanks.”

You knew that your answer wouldn’t deter Chanyeol even for a bit. He was, you had come to learn, one of the most ambitious person you had ever met. He knew what he wanted, knew his chances, his potential. He knew when to wait until it’s time to strike – a strategic player. You hated that he was all this because while they’re all good qualities that attracted you in a man, it made it far too difficult to reject his advances.

It’s getting harder and harder for you to stick to your principles, and you couldn’t stand it.

“You’re not used to this, aren’t you?” you asked out of the blue when Chanyeol was already a few feet away from you to get the ball he had thrown earlier.

“Not used to what?”

“Girls rejecting you,” you gained courage and made your way towards him. You were annoyed with everything, from your attraction to him to his stubbornness to your own principle of staying away from someone like him. There was fire in your eyes, ignited by your own internal struggle. This was something that Chanyeol had never seen before, so he stepped back when you got nearer, feeling a little intimidated.

“You’re so used to getting what you want that when you don’t get it, you’re a child about it. You think you can keep pushing me until I give you what you want.”

“I’m not a child,” he scoffed, “and I’m not used to getting what I want.”

“Yeah, you do.” you said, a brow arched as you looked at him disbelievingly. You couldn’t believe that he was trying to lie to you, “You and my brother are the same. You two are rich brats who were born with silver spoons in your mouths. You literally had maids and butlers to cater to your needs. With your status, you can get with everyone you want, and that is some good life, isn’t it?”

Chanyeol definitely didn’t expect that you’d say the things you said, so he looked at you like you had suddenly grown three heads. And the thing about you was that once you opened your mouth, it was hard for you to close it back – especially when what you wanted to say was something that had been bubbling inside you for months.

“Yet both of you had the audacity to preach about injustice and oppression like you had experienced it. You throw money like it’s paper, and you’re only all talk and no game. Your cause is a joke! You expect people to rally and go against the corrupt politicians, but you know nothing about their struggle because inside, you’re nothing but a rich, mediocre boy who thinks the world revolves around him. And you think that you can get me to date you because you’re so high and mighty with your so-called life changing cause and money, money, and more money. Well, you can’t! You make me sick!”

You huffed as you finished, taking your gaze off him and looked away, refusing to let yourself feel bad about your outburst. You had to admit to yourself that the last part was a little bit unwarranted. You’re not sick of him – you’re far from it. All that pent-up emotion was not all directed to him, but it was all for your brother whom you were frustrated with since you got into university. But Chanyeol was here and witnessed your outburst, and you knew that your words got to him because he was quiet for the longest of time after that.

You thought he had walked away in shame instead of saying another word to you. However, when you turned, you saw him standing at the same spot, staring at you.

Truth was, you weren’t used to that look. It was weird seeing him without a mischievous glint in his eyes, the look that showed confidence and life. Now, he looked utterly devastated. Like he couldn’t believe that you had it in you to say such things.

Such wrong things.

“I-” his voice rasp when he spoke. Eyebrows furrowed, he shook his head, breaking his gaze from he as he looked down at the floor, “I didn’t know that you feel that way.”

“Well, now you do.”

He had the strangest look in his eyes when he looked at you. His lips parted like he was about to say something, the thing he wanted to say was at the tip of his tongue before he changed his mind and took it back.

You waited and waited, but then he shrugged.

“I’m sorry, Thunder. I won’t bother you anymore.” he muttered before walking away without glancing back even once.

Once he was out of sight, you were left to ponder about your words. Guilt settled in your gut as you couldn’t shake off the feeling that when it came to this matter, you were absolutely wrong.

And there’s nothing you could do to take it back.

#exo #exo fanfiction #exo fanfictions #exo scenario #exo scenarios #exo fluff #exo angst #chanyeol fanfiction #chanyeol fanfictions #chanyeol angst #chanyeol fluff #chanyeol au #chanyeol imagines #exo imagine #exo imagines #chanyeol scenarios #fp

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tomerasange · 5 years ago

Text

Chapter 7: Tresendar Part 1

As I write these final entries for now, the night is illuminated. The torches of Phandalin burn well into twilight, and the people are celebrating. For the first night in months, they are safe from distress. And yet, I have retired early. From the window, I see Urnig and a dwarf sharing in revelry. A small floating creature that came into my life is whizzing through the air, alighted by a levitating pouch. A quick fingered halfling is showing her tricks to a group of young children. I believe Aurora was off somewhere, sewing up a group of pouches upon request. Tomorrow brings more into my life than previously expected, and my task is far from over.

Having dug through my memories, I recall glimpses and flashes of the events that started with Neverwinter. As I look at my fitted and beautiful robes hanging in silence and a small pin in my left palm, I ruminate over the events of today. Did I succeed? Truly? At what cost?

As the sun arose this morning, I dressed up and found my way to the inn’s domain. A familiar sight now, the faces were starting to repeat. A farmer taking in a quick drink before tending to his fields. A small group of merchants taking refuge from the trail, their caravan likely at Barthen’s. Even Garaele managed to find her way into the Stonehill, away from the shrine temporarily.

As I sat next to Urnig, awaiting for Aurora to descend, I noticed two people that seemed to escape my initial days in Phandalin. A halfling and a dwarf wearing the garb of travelers were seated at a table, and talked animatedly at length. Aurora eventually made her way into the inn’s common area, and joined us for breakfast. As we helped ourselves to a meal, I tapped Aurora on the shoulder.

“Darling, I can’t help but notice those two at the table are a bit conspicuous. This is a human settlement, correct?” “Well, we have run into Lineen and the Alderleafs, and Garaele is literally right there. But I know what you mean. They do have a rough quality about them.”

We finished breakfast and walked towards the pair. “Pardon me, but I don’t recall your faces from our time here. I’m Tomera Sange, and these are my cohorts Aurora and Urnig. Pray, are you new to town?”

The halfling woman, wearing a cloak and tunic with a series of pockets, stood up from her seat. “Oh, we have a fancy lad? Yeah, we’re new in town. On call to escort.”

Fancy lad? I could say similar disparagement towards yourself, given I am no longer the smallest being in the room. I held my tongue. “Oh, marvelous. We were actually on escort earlier this week, and have a touch of further business to attend to at the moment. Tell me, who are your employers?” “Look, all I know is we were tasked to take a cart of Neverwinter to Phandalin by some guys called the Lord’s Alliance.” “The Lord’s Alliance? Well, we were hired as well! Perhaps you could be able to aid us then. You see, one of the reasons you were hired to this job were the reports coming from Phandalin. Perhaps you’ve heard of...” and I side-eyed the room to see if any Redbrands were partaking in breakfast.

“Easy, mister. I don’t know who you’re jumpy about, but I know every guy in the tavern. Phandalin’s a good town. Come here often.” “Ah, well, then you’ve heard of these Redbrand types? We were tasked with Sildar Hallwinter to clear out their keep at the Tresendar Manor, but had a spot of trouble yesterday. Perhaps we could come to agreement to clear that rat’s nest out. There is definite coinage in the future for your service.” The halfling looked back towards the dwarf, stoic and quiet, as he shrugged his shoulders. “Alright, you got a deal.” “Excellent! So the two of you-” “There’s three of us.” “Oh, and where’s your third, pray tell?” “Here I am!”

The three of our party turned to face a small voice coming from a small mug of warm beer. In a shock, a small creature popped out from the drink, well hungover. I couldn’t tell if my eyes were playing trick on me, but this being appeared to be a Earth Genasi, forged of a fine black stone with streaks of bronze running through his body and rubies inlaid to his eyes. If so, this would be the smallest Genasi I’d laid eye upon. “I’m Epide!” Aurora was dumbstruck. “Well, then.”

As we assembled and plotted our next move, I took stock of our group’s newest adventurers.

ARTEMIS, the Halfling Rogue. A quick fingered and quicker witted scoundrel whose main objective was to get in, get out, and get gold. In addition, she also carried a rapier by her side, bringing our total to three of the blade type. Indeed, we would have to trade tactics in the future.

FARDAHR, the Dwarf Cleric. A portly chap with a bald head and a burly beard. His warhammer caught my eye, as it was adorned in ancient runes and held a powerful charge of mana. In addition, his healing magics would be invaluable to my worry of injury.

EPIDE, the Earth Genasi Sorcerer. He stood as tall as half my forearm and had a mischievous streak that Urnig found endearing. This odd couple of a massive Aasimar and his six inch friend would no doubt be astounding to witness from afar. My father had mentioned meeting an Earth Genasi once, and he said the fellow was virulently chaotic in temper. Will keep an eye on this one.

We took our leave of the Stonehill and took the trip back through Alderleaf Farm. The townspeople again were out and about, and from a distance we swore we could see the Redbrands congregating. Still, we knew this was the time to strike. With the forces split from the manor, this was a better chance to break their numbers. We approached the door from the day prior, and handed off our Lockpick Set to Artemis. With a flick of the wrist, she made quick work of the lock and we were in with ease.

The entryway was empty of any conflict, and we took to scouring the room for any clues to where the Redbrands were hiding. Epide took full advantage of a basin of water and used a simple spell to part the waters. In this basin, he found a coin sack, the first sign of life, and nabbed it for himself. Aurora noticed a series of doors to her right and began to examine them, while I motioned to Fardahr to check out a series of barrels. We stepped forward and found cured and salted meats, enough to feed a small battalion for a season. I shuddered at the thought of these ruffians, callous and vile enough to steal away the hard earned food of the village. My thoughts were interrupted as I saw Epide had utilized his coin purse in a most peculiar fashion, using it to float about the room using a spell that controlled the flow of water to rise into the air. Never had I seen such a curious sight.

In a moment, my eyes caught sight of another door, a small light emitting from the keyhole. From our position next to the salted meats, I snuck with utmost care to the door and placed a careful ear to it. There was a light shuffle, and a quick sound.

With a unexpected jolt, the door slammed into my body, and it took all of my gusto to hold firm. There was a foe on the other side, and if they wanted a struggle, it is a struggle they would have. I called to the others. “Darlings, a little help with the door, please?” No response, no aid, no other body to hold the door. These absolute traitors.

I held again and again as the door smacked against my frail body. Having no more strength to impose, the door gave way and I fell to the floor. The Redbrand stood in the doorway, sword drawn in a way to cut me through. Just as I saw, overhead, a stab of ice, an dagger, and a jet of fire fly with ease in rapid succession. The Redbrand stood no chance. His corpse burned with a sudden ferocity and collapsed in front of me. I turned back to see the others, drawn at the ready to fire on any others.

I drew my longbow with similar intent, and saw another figure amidst the flames. My arrow soared and stuck true. Provoked and desperate, I lay witness as the Redbrand flew through the air in a single bound, looking to dodge the flames. The Redbrand landed with a grunt and swung his morningstar with a cry. The gruesome weapon failed to connect, and I stood dumbstruck at his unpreparedness. He stared blankly, the error of his judgement realized in that he was staring down six trained warriors. In a fit of absolute dominance, I threw my arms into the air, as if to mimic the gladiators that would sometimes approach the arena of Silverymoon.

Artemis and Aurora cut him down in spectacular fashion, and we were left again in silence. If this is what was to be expected, I was not so concerned for our chances. We searched the room they came from, a makeshift bedroom with two simple beds and a series of more crates. As the others rummaged through the crates, they found several red cloaks. Some presumed to use these as disguises and donned them, but I felt apprehensive to this plan of action. Surely, our mix-matched group of giants and sprites would stand out regardless. In addition, I refuse to wear red on principle. Deep red is not my color.

With the first room secure, we set about the door Aurora came across. Upon inspection, the door was unlocked and no sound came from the opposite side save for a light breeze. We entered the room, a stark hallway whose only defining feature seemed to be the door at the end of the hall, a beautiful angel motif adorning the wood.

Fardahr and Urnig took point lead and walked confidently through the corridor. So be that confidence comes before the fall, as the floor gave way, revealing a trap set by the Redbrands. There was little time to react, as I ran to the edge and grabbed at the struggling Fardahr. Urnig held himself and with a confident lift, escorted himself out of the pit. We stared down into a maw of spikes and the sides of the room. There was enough room to make a delicate shuffle across the pit, and we each took in turns to make our way. Perhaps it was the several feats so far completed today, or the strength in numbers, but my confidence was mighty and bolstered. I took several steps upon my turn to cross, but when I strode across the floor, a stone gave way and I fell. I felt a moment where there was nothing, and then a familiar voice. A fortunate measure that Urnig was there to grab my arm and hoist me up. He grabbed at me before I even registered the fall. To think, being saved by this wild man.

We opened the door and several members went in, and I could see from the back that their stunned faces betrayed an interesting sight. I was anxious to find any further clues, so I marched into the room with confidence. This appeared to be a crypt of sorts, where three familial coffins lay in silence. As I approached one, a stone grinding low cut the room. I held my gaze on the coffin, as a desiccated skeleton emerged, rusted blade in curled grasp. I turned to look at my compatriots, only to see two more skeletons emerge from the coffins. Something about my presence at alerted them.

We fell onto these phantasms, and as the group stood against two of the foes, I held against one. Though I have never fought against skeletons, I deduced the best method of attack was to strike with a more blunt effort. My rapier and arrows were nigh upon useless to this matter, so I withdrew my two battle-axes and swung into battle. The axe connected with a crack and the skeleton remained upright, taking the opportunity to take a swing towards me. I reeled back and connected again with the axe, shattering the ribcage of the skeleton and silencing it. I turned to find one skeleton was now a smoldering pile of rubble and Aurora was in combat with the third. Her rapier was caught in-between the individual ribs of her skeleton, and I dashed towards the melee. With a downward swing, the axe found its mark and the ribcage was shattered and the fight was won. I turned around to the others, and realized with horror their worn the capes of the Redbrands. Glancing about the area, I could see a red banner motif about the abandoned architecture. The long dead ancestors had seen the capes of the Redbrands, and thought them to be allies, where I was an instigator for not wearing the colors.

As we caught our bearings, I scrounged in the coffins, knowing from human society that these ancient fellows loved hoarding their treasure in the afterlife. No such luck, as the room was far too worn to yield any meaningful or expensive artifacts. I even fell over in my search, as the stone lid of a coffin proved too large for my frame and nearly crushed me in its weight. Whatever good will had ben found in our new companions arriving had been sorely squandered by this rat’s nest of a building.

Just as we examined the last of the coffins, we could hear a series of shouts and cries from another room to the side. Someone had been alerted to our presence. We took the time to quietly stand beside the door, refusing to make sound. Eventually, as the room became deathly still again, I looked to Urnig and Artemis, who seemed to be chatting up a plan. Artemis held her ear to the door, and nodded her head. As a group, we readied to charge the door in an instant. I held ready with rapier and shield to come against whatever was near.

The two signaled and Artemis rushed the door, Urnig behind. We could see Artemis stab one of the guards in the room with her rapier, and duck between the legs of the sizably larger Aasimar. As she cleared the doorway, an explosion centered on Urnig blasted the room with sparks of lightning. The shockwave was initially fierce, but I dove into the room see a sight.

One of the guards was slumped over in a heap, his clothes singed with electricity. Epide was flying about in his bag looking to stab at their facewith needle like shards of rock. Aurora snuck in with a stab of the rapier, pinning down one of the guards. Even Artemis was caught again in the fight, having dove in for another round, exclaiming “You’re full of crap”, as she dueled with a guard. I further saw two jail cells. One holding a small child, and one holding two women. I ran to the women and knelt down.

“We’re here for your rescue. Remain calm as we settle this matter!”

The two women sat transfixed in the corner, screaming, eyes wide in terror having seen Urnig cast his magic and the violence before them. I left them in their state and began to move around the cramped room to end this brawl swiftly and without incident. One of the guards had his back turned and I stabbed through the nape of the neck, cutting him to the quick. As everyone flooded into the room, we could see our severe numbers advantage had won the day again.

I made a quick reprieve to the two women as the guards were raided and Epide found a sock to hold onto in a pile of clothes from previous captives. They were malnourished and clearly had been through much in the previous days.

“Excuse me, is one of you a member of the Dendrar family?” The young woman paused. “I...I am.” “We’ve come in service to you, my dear. You needn’t worry.”

The lock was crude and rudimentary, and Artemis broke in with ease. As we freed these poor civilians, they initially collapsed into our arms, having been so weak. As I held them, our band of warriors came across an armory, where Fardahr found a crossbow that was up to his standards and Urnig found a jar of rare preserved peppers. We escorted the family past the rooms enacted for torture, and eventually came to the room we entered. As I saw the door, I paused.

This woman had a son, yet no husband to care for them. His shop was destroyed, his trade gone. They did not have much to spare, and in the winter, who would think what horrors would befall them? I have seen the dregs of society in Silverymoon on several excursions (and soon found myself in contact, given their propensity to enter the arena in search of food and care for the entertainment of the masses). I held myself, and I inserted five more gold coins into the pouch I had held as an aside. It was not much (quite meager, by my standards), but it was my hope that it could serve as enough support along with the twenty gold I had saved.

“Before you leave, dear, there’s something I was able to rescue from your abode. You see, we went looking for you after...” I realized she had not seen her husband’s corpse hung in the town square. “...what had happened to your husband with the Redbrands. We were able to salvage an amount of gold and his tools.”

She looked puzzled by this event. “You went into my house?” I only realized how actually strange our expedition was when said aloud. “Quite, and for that we apologize. It was only in service of your safety.”

She started back, and with a vacant glance, whispered, “Thank you for this. I can’t really repay you, but... no, this is a way. Do you have a piece of paper?”

We stood in the atrium as she began to sketch a crude map of a town. “This is Thundertree, a well abandoned town on the trail. My family had commerce there, and if you go to this”, pointing to the map, “building, there’s a family heirloom. Been lost for some time, given the rumors of Thundertree, but I hope that I might see it once more.” “You have my word towards its retrieval.”

As we went to leave, there was a loud crash and a sound of rubble smacking on cold stone. Behind me, Fardahr and Urnig had been searching for anywhere else, and stumbled on a secret wall in the room. It seemed our job was not complete.

Artemis left with the three to secure them passage to Phandalin, and as the doors of Tresendar once again shut behind us, we turned our faces towards this new room, darkness creeping and a presence felt.

#dnd #tomera #fighter #air genasi #lost mine of phandelver #dnd story #chapter 7 #spoilers #story log

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sleepymarmot · 8 years ago

Text

DS9 season 3 liveblog & notes

[Season index: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PS]

The Search 1

Um... so what about that treaty about no cloaking on Federation starships, that was such a big deal in The Pegasus?

What's going on with Jadzia's hair...

"We're going to take our only warship into the territory of people who think of us as intruders to convince them we represent no threat" Logic???? What kind of plan is this?

Loaned? Ah, ok.

"When did I start thinking of this Cardassian monstrosity as home?"

If this is "one of the finest collections of ancient African art you'll ever see", what is it doing in their luggage instead of a museum? This is almost as bad as Picard and that priceless artifact in The Chase...

"Maybe it is. Maybe I'm your friend, and maybe I want you to see that you are still needed here no matter what some idiot Starfleet admiral might think." ;_;

Why dim the lights when you cloak? Just to give a visual shorthand to the viewers?

Wow Odo... I don't understand why everyone is so hard on Quark in this episode -- Sisko bullies him, Bashir insults him for no reason, now Odo is yelling at him with more aggression than he's ever shown in two seasons...

Seriously?! Cloaked ships leave a trace, and nobody in all decades of conflict ever noticed that?! I mean, even if somehow only the Romulans know, that means they can detect cloaked Klingon ships, which would mean they could as well have been uncloaked -- that'd be a massive retcon that doesn't work with anything we've seen before.

I still don't understand how replicators can produce foul tasting food... They make exact copies on a molecular level...

Poor Bashir -- it's as if Sisko picked his best friends to leave behind on purpose...

another literal redshirt dead

Class M planet with no star? What?

Why do these changelings all look like Odo -- imperfect imitations of humanoids? I thought Odo's appearance was the result of trying to fit in Bajoran society + lack of skill to make face more detailed. These changelings live by themselves so they can pick any shape they like, and I'd expect them to have more control over details, so just repeating Odo's design looks like a lazy shorthand to indicate they're the same species -- as if their liquid state weren't enough. They even have the same hairstyle -- which he copied from a Bajoran! If the writers are trying to say "they're just copying Odo" then they should all be played by the same actor.

The Search 2

Oh come on, Kira, there's absolutely nothing wrong with having a lot of questions in this situation!!!

Me: well this story is pretty bad so far, I don't have any expectations for it anymore Screen: Andrew Robinson as Garak Me: interest instantly restored

(I'm certain every person liveblogging this show made or reblogged a post in this vein...)

Alright, Sisko's plotline is definitely some kind of hallucination

Or is it? I thought it was all too good to be true, but maybe the Dominion is just tricking them

Wait, that subcommander is alive and on DS9?

Okay, I didn't like that "Starfleet security officer" and now he's more suspicious. Maybe he's a part of the Dominion. Maybe the changelings are a part of the Dominion. Maybe all these people acting strangely are changelings in disguise. Maybe everything is a conspiracy. I dunno, this entire episode feels incredibly fake.

"It seems our leaders have simply gone insane" Garak stop reinforcing my impression that you and Sisko are somehow the only real people in this story... Well Dax and Bashir also seem to be alright, but they're a bit too passive.

Oh, Garak didn't look behind himself and got shot, guess he's not real either

FUCKING FINALLY

This is so unsurprising that I can't tell if the writing is to obvious or if I've seen this spoiler before and half-forgot. Probably both.

And they just let them all go. Sure. I wonder how they managed to gain so much power, if they're prone to dumb decisions like this..

What a shitty story. Jfc. The only amusing part was that according to the main characters, the Starfleet admirals are stupid and untrustworthy (what a surprise...), and Garak is smart enough to not only take action when needed, but seem to almost realize the world around him is wrong (but he still somehow fails a spot check in a firefight...). Bashir clearly wants him to join the team and run around having adventures (not a surprise either...). It's funny that the character who comes closest to becoming self-aware is actually one of the simulated ones.

The fakeness of the plot is obvious enough to make me unable to take it seriously, but not clear or fun enough to just relax and enjoy the ride. I don't hate simulations on principle, but I need them to be good simulations. The Federation is too stupid -- it might have worked with some new admiral, since they're often assholes, but we know Nechayev and she was obviously OOC. The editing is pretty telling: there are weird timeskips (worst offender: Sisko gets into a fight and then without a change of pace others come to break him out from the brig), plus I don't think there were establishing outside shots of DS9. And anyway, the very first scene with Sisko where he's in a shuttle even though at the end of the previous episode he was about to be captured, and then Dax and O'Brien show up and we've never seen them escape is a dead giveaway that everything about this group of characters from here on is somehow wrong. And that's 8 minutes into the episode. I thought "Well, maybe it's an editing experiment, and it'll be a how-we-got-here flashback episode" but nope. What a waste of time.

Lmao I just read this in a comment to a review of this episode: "When I first saw the The Search, Pt II I found it unusual that Bashir is in a shuttlecraft with someone and for the first time manages not to annoy his travelling companion. And then the ending reveals why – it was all a dream!" That's right! I actually thought that too! :D

I can say one good thing about this episode: Odo's love of order has always had dark undertones, and I like that it's explored and discussed here as a racial trait which made his brethren into a galactic evil force.

But otherwise I'm not very impressed with his storyline? In the first part his anger and compulsive homing instinct look offputting instead of sympathetic. At one point he makes an expression that is probably supposed to be soft and makes the viewers go "aww", but ends up just looking forced and creepy. And the tender moment with Kira at the end just didn't work for me.

The House of Quark

OUCH

I was pretty scared for Quark, since he's not a big fan of violence, nice to see he's taking this so well

A new pretty outfit for Quark! A beautiful Klingon woman!

Another beautiful Klingon with a great grey mane. Yes, my commentary is very deep today.

I just continue to be amazed by Quark's luck with the ladies. Cultural exchange with a Vulcan in the previous season, now with a Klingon.

Aw, O'Brien actually wants Bashir's opinion now. And Bashir gives good relationship advice to a married man -- compare to their conversation in Armageddon Game!

Doesn't this solve their problem? If Kozak died dishonorably, that means D'Ghor gets nothing. Which is what should have happened in the first place. So now that D'Ghor challenged Quark, Quark's inability to fight will be shown to everybody (as if it weren't obvious enough...), so D'Ghor's lie will be exposed. And then he'd not only have no right of ineritance, but presumably also become a criminal for lying to the coucil.

Quark is awesome

What a good episode. Quark acts cool and noble! Klingon vs Ferengi value clash & working together! A-story and B-story work together well because despite no direct connection, they're both uplifting and thematically linked!

Equilibrium

Oh, of course when Jadzia gets screentime, it's for her to act OOC

Aw, a J&J friendship scene

Time for the annual comment on how much Bashir grew up! I've already talked about his scene in the previous episode, and now there's this lovely, purely platonic scene with Jadzia

How can these Federation weirdos sleep without blankets?

This was okay. But can we have a Jadzia episode not about her almost dying? So far this season is disappointing -- only one good episode out of four.

Second Skin

O k a y. You got me, I really didn't expect this

This is the kind of episode I watch this show for

How do you disguise someone as a member of species for years? I can understand cosmetic surgery like in Face of the Enemy, but to change their entire body so it would show as target species during any medical examination... This concerns the episode Tribunal, too. How are agents so deep undercover supposed to work? She spent all these years helping the Resistance. How does that benefit Cardassia? 10 years ago they wouldn't have known the Federation would become involved and their sleeper agent would work with them

Niiiiice

"Just something I overheard while I was hemming someone's trousers" lmao his excuses are getting more and more ridiculous

Cardassian!Kira *is* more attractive than the real Kira

the real Garak demonstrates how much his reflexes are quicker than his simulation's :D

Honestly, by this point I'm just curious for how many seasons can the writers stretch the mystery surrounding Garak. :D They're having too much fun giving out pieces of the puzzle one by one.

The Abandoned

This beautiful woman with a really impressive chest is Jake's gf? Wow!

Why are they just taking away the wreckage instead of buying it from Quark?

Sisko holding the baby and Jadzia and Julian watching him with smiles on their faces :'))

oh my god Odo used his old bucked as a cache-pot for Kira's plant... :O

wait, weren't the Jem'Hadar much more reptilian?

"It's amazing how some people would judge you based on nothing more than your job" haha

If this boy has so much aggression, why is it only expressed as need for physical combat, and not angry verbal outbursts etc? Another genetically engineered quality -- he needs to be a brutal soldier that doesn't talk back?

I find it curious that this episode answers the question "Is it okay for a 20 year old to date a 16 year old?" with such a definite yes. That's pretty questionable territory, and it's unclear why exactly Sisko changed his mind: his opinion about the girl's job or Jake's interests doesn't negate the age difference.

I like that the show takes Odo's backstory as a lab specimen so seriously. I used to expect exploration of this theme with Data, since he must have spent a lot of time in some Federation research centers before entering the Academy.

Civil Defense

Garak AND Dukat? I like this episode already.

Why are they not asking Garak for help? I know they'd prefer other options, but is kind of an emergency! I know they'll have to, eventually, since he's in the opening titles.

"I never knew how much this man's voice annoyed me" :D I'd actually be curious to hear the announcement in full, personally!

This is such a good excuse for a Disaster-like episode?? Perfect synergy between the setting and the needs of the plot

haha of course Odo and Quark are trapped together

"The only place in the galaxy that still recognizes my access code is a Bajoran space station" So what about that code in Second Skin?

bwahaha it just gets worse and worse

I think this is a good episode to show new viewers who want a taste of the show before starting to watch it properly from the beginning: it gives a good idea of the setting and involves all major characters to some degree, but so far it has very few continuity references

"What? That you'd spend your final hours in jail?"

"Tell me, Doctor, what is it exactly about this situation that's making you smile?" "You, Garak." oh my god...

holy shit this station is something else...

Dukat shows up in person! It's strange they didn't even discuss the possibility of calling him earlier. Of course, he immediately turned this into a hostage situation, so...

Oh my god he's making himself tea in the middle of this... amazing

"If you had been on the station when I designed this programme, I would have made an exception in your case."

HAHAHAHAHA

When Odo and Quark walk out, why are so many people just chilling on the Promenade?! They were about to die seconds ago!

What a beautiful episode :D Probably not as suited for beginners as I initially thought, thanks to Garak&Dukat. But I really appreciate the dark comedy side of it

Meridian

I think I've seen this episode in TNG... maybe multiple times... Jadzia is even worse suited for this role than Deanna.

welp this was really bad on literally every possible level. i could complain for a long time but i'd rather save my breath

the only good thing about this episode: it's so irrelevant you can easily skip it.

Defiant

I think she needs sleep, not a night out in the bar

THAT VOICE

I think I'm spoiled about this one...

Second Chances did such a good job not villainizing Tom and then this episode comes and ruins it

ah yes tell all your military secrets to the Cardassians, including cloaked ship detection...

why the random kiss

aaand Riker spends possibly the rest of his life in a Cardassian camp? great. just great. why did someone hate him so much they deemed this necessary? they managed to make me so salty about this I didn't even care about the Cardassian stuff, that's an achievement. Will gets to continue his career and marry his imzadi while Tom, who already spent 8 years marooned alone and didn't even get a promotion afterwards, now rots in prison forever. "You always had the better hand," indeed.

it's hilarious how quickly Dukat can make Sisko sympathise with him just by mentioning fatherhood. worked even better than the last time. if he got half a brain he's doing it on purpose.

I hope Riker at least got to spend some time with Ro while they were both in the Maquis. now that's something I'd like to see

Fascination

"I'm a poor substitute for your wife" "I could have told you that 60 games ago"

do we really need the Odo/Kira/Bareil love triangle?

"I usually make it a point to drop by Quark's three or four times a day at random intervals, just to let him know that I'm thinking about him"

"Jadzia, of course. I've never understood how the two of you could be such good friends. [...] It's just that she gets to spend so much more time with you than I do." "Jadzia and I have been doing this for the past two years." ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

oh O'Briens, pls don't fight over nothing :(

so where is Bashir during all this? because I'm pretty sure he and Garak are not immune to this romance confusion nonsense, and that sounds like a much more intriguing story than what I'm watching

ah, he's with Kira, well at least this one's mutual and not sexual harassment

I understand Odo, but why is Sisko unaffected too?

A question that concerns not only to this episode: why is Kira always the object of everyone's attraction? She's dating Bareil (which I completely forgot about; when she mentioned having a boyfriend in the previous episode I was very confused), Odo has a crush on her, in this episode Jake and Bashir do too, an episode before Riker kisses her, an episode before some creep wants a blow-up doll of her, an episode before Dukat leers at her...

Well... I guess this was less gross than The Naked Now.

Past Tense

I like how Dax adjusts to this time period instantly. was she already born by then?

"Some of these people are mentally ill." *braces myself for some horrible comment* "...They need proper medical treatment." oh thank god

Jadzia looks absolutely gorgeous

surely it's not a coincidence that the only white character among the time-travellers ends up with a millionaire, while the others are locked up in the sanctuary

Sisko and Bashir's discussions are very heavy handed, it's like watching some old moralizing play

I like how Jadzia retrieved her combadge by telling the truth

there was nothing particularly wrong with this story, and it was well-made, but for some reason it didn’t really impress me

Life Support

so. Winn was behind the sabotage, right?

this is like "Ethics" in reverse

haha they want Terok Nor back

"She talks a lot for a female" Nog you used to be better than that...

"Listen to me. I don't care about your negotiations, and I don't care about your treaty. All I care about is my patient, and at the moment he needs more medical care and less politics. Now, you can either leave here willingly or I'll call security and have you thrown out."

now it's more like "The Host". (I can't stop comparing everything to TNG haha)

don't try to make this into a "grey morality" situation. Nog is objectively in the wrong here, the human culture is objectively better than the Ferengi culture in this respect. TNG intentionally wrote Ferengi values to be abhorrent, and DS9 didn't change them but somehow tries to justify them and it just. doesn't. work. Just admit you wrote yourself into a corner, and either retcon the Ferengi to be more tolerable, or set aside your "all cultures are valid" agenda for a minute and admit some things are just bad. this glorification of moral relativism is DS9's version of TNG's worst misapplications of the Prime Directive

wow, are they actually going to kill him off?

"Positronic implants"?! Um. UM. They have working positronic brain now? Since when? Last time I heard, nobody managed to make stable ones since Dr. Soong... Or are implants easier to make than a full brain? Anyway, the possibility of a mixed organic-positronic brain has never even been discussed before, this is kind of a big deal. Dammit, just putting some human skin on Data was something only the Borg managed to do! This sounds 1000 times more complex!

"Major" ah, so that's how they break up, he’s incapable of romance now

ahh, his voice, head movemens and facial expressions are just like Data's

uggh the Jake-Nog storyline went as I expected

wow I didn't expect the treaty to actually get signed!

"I won't remove the last shred of humanity Bareil has left" rude... and that's from the man who befriended Data... I'm disappointed

oh btw if he just casually talks about the possibility of fully replacing Bareil's brain, that means it is possible to create stable positronic brains at will now! this is enormous! Data doesn’t have to be the only one of his kind anymore! Lal can be rebuilt! oh wait, let me guess, this will never be addressed again ever.

Welp. You know, right before I started this episode, I was mentally complaining about Bareil, like "kill him off already". Whoops! I feel bad now. This episode didn't go as I expected, and was more important than I expected too, which is good.

Jake and Nog's storyline and the positronic stuff -- less good. Honestly, the more I think about these two points, the angrier I become and the less I like this episode.

I thought that A and B plots were annoyingly unrelated, but actually... I think they share the theme of "peace above all", on a very different scale. Because the Bajoran-Cardassian treaty doesn't sound very fair to me either. "There's even the possibility that the Cardassians will issue a formal apology"?! Is that really enough? "Even the possibility"? Meanwhile, people like Dukat not only walk free but remain at their high posts. Cardassia|Nog was the offending side, Bajor|Jake did nothing wrong, and yet rather than declare that and demand justice and apologies, the latter can only hope to achive mutual tolerance -- even that is hard enough. Well, let's just hope the show isn't going to try and justify the occupation, like it did with Nog's misogyny...

btw, since we're talking about international politics and status quo: what about the Dominion threat? everyone was really scared for a couple of episodes, and then things went back to normal. we went to the Gamma Quadrant once for no reason (nothing about the plot required that!). the Defiant, a unique warship sent here for defend DS9 and the wormhole against Dominion attacks, is regularly used as a shuttle/runabout for random trips. way to disperse all sense of danger, change and excitement.

I certainly like Bashir in this episode more than I liked Crusher in Ethics (or in The Host, lol). He can get pretty intense when it comes to saving his patient's life. Not "fly to Cardassia to face a former head of secret service" intense, but still.

It's nice to see Winn humanized a bit. The writers have spent a lot of time making Dukat likeable, she deserves the same treatment. I'm so used to mistrusting her, I spent the entire episode being confused whether she actually wants the treaty to succeed or is plotting to make it fail for some reason, whether she wants Bareil alive or dead. But I guess I was supposed to take everything she was saying at face value for once?

I don't know what the hell is this season doing with these Ferengi B-plots that, I guess, are supposed to be humorous (???) but are wildly offensive instead. Are we supposed to just calmly accept Quark and Nog's extreme misogyny? It was played for drama pretty well in Rules of Acquisition; this is a noticeable step back.

Heart of Stone

I love Sisko and Bashir's casual conversation about a male ensign's pregnancy! Sure, he's an alien, but it's still progress for this show.

Odo and Kira's storyline is so cliched... I don't even make an effort to listen to their technobabble

As viewers we all know Kira will be saved somehow at the last minute, but in her and Odo's place I'd already start discussing a mercy kill. Phaser blast from a friend >>> asphyxiation

"I'm in love with you too" ???????????????????? YOUR BOYFRIEND LITERALLY DIED IN THE PREVIOUS EPISODE

Sisko, he's just a kid. I know you're testing him, but there's no need to go that far.

Okay, I'm going to sound like a broken record, but: what about misogyny? The previous episode made a point of showing that Nog upholds Ferengi values regarding women. And that's completely incompatible with Starfleet. Isn't anyone going to mention that?

heh... there was a thought at the back of my mind that a changeling might be involved

aww, good, stand up to Quark, you two! :)

Well, most of this episode is very boring, contrived and derivative, but it does give Odo some character development (even if it includes the dreaded romance, ugh) and has a good excuse for this plot device at the end.

Destiny

"I also had Chief O'Brien reprogram the replicators to provide Cardassian food" Um, why wouldn't it already be on the menu? I assumed the replicators weren't replaced by Federation ones, and in season 2 Keiko gave a Cardassian dish to Rugal. I went back to check, and she literally said "I found some Cardassian recipes in the memory bank of our food replicator"!

It makes sense that the Bajorans don't want the Cardassians in their Temple

let me guess, there'll be an unexpected third Cardassian and suddenly the prophecy will sound much more believable

"Now those are about the two friendliest vipers I've ever met" Hey, maybe don't make jokes like this immediately after someone walks out of the door...

Told you so

Damn, the third "viper" seems to actually deserve that name! Will she be the "bad" one, or, in subversion, the only trustworthy one?

"Men just don't seem to have a head for this sort of thing. That's why women dominate the sciences." ah yes hello reverse sexism trope

Cardassians flirt by bickering? Never heard that before... I thought this was more like Klingons.

Okay, they played it straight with Dejar

That's lovely! But "vipers will return to their nest in the sky" doesn't make sense -- how did the comet fragments return to their nest?

The Prophets don't "want" anything! They just can tell you the future because they don't exist in linear time!

Well, this was a lovely episode, if not the most engaging. But the subplot with O'Brien and the scientist was completely unnecessary.

Prophet Motive

Was! This! Necessary?! I don't need to see sex on screen! And yes that includes oo-mox!

Aw Bashir

I can't believe we're getting a story where Bashir is the one who suffers because his friends won't shut up. Karma is real...

nice job breaking it, Quark

The story is pretty shallow by itself, but makes me ask some interesting questions. Would it be ok to nonconsensually transform a bad person into a good one? Especially a person in a position of power? I know I'd be tempted to do this to some politicians... But even if we assume the ends justify the means, who would define good or bad? Sadly, this episode doesn't take these issues seriously.

After 2.5 season of Bajoran religion, it's actually nice to meet the "Prophets" in person again in all their creepy, clueless glory.

Visionary

Time to torture poor Miles with more unreality!

why are both sides being so dumb? just say "Odo was separated from the rest of his people as a baby, grew up with no knowledge of them, and only met them 1.5 times"?

"I'm always diplomatic" *cut* "THAT WAS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I'VE EVER HEARD AND I RESENT THE IMPLICATION!"

my first thought: the transporter genuis who beamed in the device was O'Brien

this one doesn't make sense... the sleeping Miles should know about the disaster and the radiation device too...

As usual with time travel episodes, it's very fun to watch, but the mechanics break down at the end and spoil the impression. I like that, as in Civil Defense, every time you solve a problem it gets worse.

It's only season 3, and "O'Brien suffers" as a type of episode is already getting old.

Distant Voices

There's a Cardassian writer named Shoggoth? :D

"Still the man of mystery?" "Oh, you wouldn't have me any other way"

Melting Odo is a genuinely disturbing sight...

"There's hope for you yet, Doctor"

Very predictable story, but it has some character development and lovely scenes with Garak.

Through the Looking Glass

when Mirror!Garak looks in indignation at Sisko kissing Kira: honestly same

Mirror universe Terok Nor is less riot-proof than our universe's was...

Episode: boring and pointless as I feared

Mirror Kira: somehow even worse than the last time, at least watching her hit on herself was mildly entertaining

Mirror Garak: still a giant waste of Andrew Robinson -- seriously, he appears rarely enough, and for the third time in this season he's not playing his real character

Sleeping with alternate versions of friends/subordinates: incredibly gross

Well at least Bashir and Dax looked really hot with these haircuts lol

Improbable Cause / The Die is Cast

Ahh, so many of my favourite things. Odo investigates! Garak confronts his past and justifies his reputation for once! International conflict! Dominion is dangerous again!

The cliffhanger where Garak joins Tain is the most thrilling thing that happened on the show recently! But I'd be severely disappointed if he didn't do that.

The torture scene is very impressive, but there are some things I don't understand about it:

What, "They're still my people and I want to go home" is the big secret that's worth all that torture? Seriously? Anyone could have told you that. How is this information new or relevant?!

Nevertheless, "he never broke" is a lie, right? Odo did break and confess, even if I think his revelation was completely useless. Don't the intelligence agencies of the two biggest police states in the galaxy have security cameras in their interrogation chambers?!

I could understand if Odo forgave Garak eventually, but not so soon and easily! He tortures you horribly, then you never even mention it and invite him to hang out only several hours after! Sorry, what?!

It's becoming a trend to start Garak-centric episodes with something bad happening to him. :D Oh shit, Garak's hand got bitten! Oh shit, Garak has a migraine! Oh shit, Garak's shop blew up!

Explorers

Come on, O'Brien, is this really more ridiculous than building ships in bottles? :D You of all people should understand!

"For a moment there I thought that you had been put in charge of the Cardassian Ministry for the Refutation of Bajoran Fairy Tales"

Miles, just say the word! :D

Fireworks in space! :D I don't know what I love more -- the beautiful and uplifting moment itself, or Cardassians going "Shit :))) We gotta be really nice today :))))) Congratulations :)))))))"

After the epic intense two-parter -- 45 minutes of pure fluff :D It has so many things that are specific to DS9: Sisko and Jake's family bond, Bajoran culture and Cardassians being jerks about it, Sisko and Dukat's passive-aggressive skyping, Bashir and O'Brien's slowly developing friendship -- all leading to the celebration of the “boldly go where no one has gone before” spirit, and everything, for once, ends well.

Family Business

"If I were Curzon, I'd have stolen her from you by now" *facepalm* let's just pretend this stupid heteronormative line doesn't exist

this house looks like a Hobbit hole

Quark and Rom's mom is awesome. get rekt you misogynists!

omg Miles & Julian, how old are you? :D

Rom is so nice in this episode

I like Kasidy

Ishka is 10 times more awesome than it seemed

Rom really rocks in this episode

aaaand the ship sails :D

I wish Ishka could make a public statement, and Quark would

Good episode: interesting family dynamics, amazing Ferengi feminist, cute new ship

Quark and women is a fascinating topic. He's a traditionalist when it comes to Ferengi women, but in daily life among other species usually manages to come off no worse than any 20th century misogynist, and finds strong and outspoken women attractive rather than repulsive. Apparently it boils can be traced back to mommy issues: Quark isn't just a "good Ferengi", he's being reactionary towards Ishka, but at the same time she clearly is a positive influence on him, even if he won’t admit it. Too bad in this episode he refused to take even one step forward as he did in "Rules of Acquisition"...

Shakaar

Shit, things are really going downhill on Bajor... separation of church and state, what's that?

"We spent so many years fighting the Cardassians. We spent so much time hoping and praying for a Bajor that was free. Now that we won, how can people just hand their freedom over to someone like Winn?" "It has been my observation that one of the prices of giving people freedom of choice is that sometimes they make the wrong choice."

Why can't those reclamators be replicated?

"I wasn't aware that our relationship needed solidifying"

Great episode! (If I set aside the question of replication... Seriously, what's the law here? The Bajorans on DS9 can use the replimat, but Bajor can't ask the Federation to replicate some farm equipment? I don't think it would be physically impossible, surely it's not made of something like dilithium or latinum.) Winn hasn't reminded me of our sad reality so much since her first appearance. The B-plot was completely irrelevant, but I always enjoy seeing this sort of thing.

Facets

Quark... are you trying to convince the station commander's 16 year old son to write porn for you? seriously?

Ah yes, people closest to Jadzia, aka all of the main characters... and a dabo girl who appeared once for 45 seconds

don't do this... especially in front of all of ur friends...

Dax has a multi-Doctor episode! :D

CurzOdo and Quark's reaction to him are beautiful :D But how can he drink?

Poor Jadzia :(

Go Rom! Quark is too much of an asshole this season...

This is messed up...

Typical man: he's attracted to a woman, so he takes out his frustration and her and nearly ruins her life

How do Trill memories work? Why is this ritual needed when all memories are already in Dax's head? Are some of them in a .zip and need to be decompressed to be appreciated fully? How did Jadzia not know of Curzon's crush? Is it possible to hide some of your memories from the next host(s) on purpose? You know what, nevermind. Rene Auberjonois (whose name I had to copy-paste, I must admit...) clearly had fun with this episode, and so did I.

The Adversary

yes finally! :)

When they introduced the word "changeling" I was like "that's dumb, that's not what the word means" but now I understand. tbh I love them as enemy -- this story is so beautifully paranoid

why are they all assuming there's only one changeling on board

Well, they certainly know how to end the season on a dramatic line...

This season, my honeymoon phase of "oh my god, serialized Trek" finally ended, and I started thinking about whether or not I like these serialized stories. So I felt compelled to write longer notes after each episode, and don’t have any general remarks this time.

#star trek #ds9 #blah blah blah

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socialattractionuk · 5 years ago

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Utilising Covey’s Seven Habits To Make You Highly Successful With Women (Podcast Transcript)

You can find the original article at http://www.socialattraction.co.uk Connect with us Google+

Okay, welcome back to today’s episode where we’re going to be looking at a book titled The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Now this book is a bit of a rock at the helm of many self-development principles. In this episode, I’m just going to go through the main seven principles that he talks about in the book.

I’m going to relate them to dating to see how they can help to influence your life for better so that you can meet the type of women that you really want to attract into your life. So the book, as I said, is split into seven segments about each of the different habits. So I’m just going to work my way through them. So initially the first step is about being proactive, and he talks about making decisions, really the helm of being proactive in life. So I guess if you’re listening to this episode that you’re already taking the first step towards being proactive in your dating life, there are many other things you can do.

For example, you can take control and when you see an attractive girl go and approach to her and learn how to go and talk to her. But the key here really is that if you have an issue in your life, don’t just sit back and hope that things go well. You’ve got to be proactive. Even if it means making mistakes and things going wrong, definitely taking action towards a goal, even if you’re going to get everything wrong, it’s going to make you feel better because you’re not waiting around, you’re being proactive.

So you’re going to have more serotonin in your body because you’re standing up straighter and you’re really going after what you want. So the first step is about being proactive in your dating life.

Now habit number two that Covey talks about is beginning with the end in mind, which I think is interesting. He talks about having a principled centred mission statement, which basically is like your values in life. If you listen to my episode on Captain America, I talk about his moral integrity and how that is the central theme that runs through him. That is why he’s such an attractive character to be around.

So beginning with the end in mind is extremely relevant to dating because, first of all, fundamentally what type of girl would I like to end up with and what kind of lifestyle would I need to lead to become attractive to that type of girl? It’s a theme that’s interesting, so rather than short term, I’m going to go out tonight and meet a girl. I mean that’s not really thinking too far in the future, is it? If you were going to meet the girl of your dreams, where’s that girl likely to be?

It could be that she might actually be in an art gallery. Okay. Well, if I’m beginning with the end in mind, if I want to go and meet an emotionally stable, intelligent girl, I’m more likely to find her in an art gallery.

So by thinking about what is it in the future that I want, it then actually changes how you go about doing that today. So that is a very powerful principle.

Habit number three, which he speaks about is to put first things first. Again, it’s an interesting idea because all my training courses, often a lot of people think too far ahead in interactions and they’re worried about, oh well, what do I say to this girl and how am I going to organise a date? What do I text her? When actually they haven’t even gone and gotten near the girl.

Putting the first step is certainly important. I’ve spoken about this in many different episodes, but the first step towards talking to anyone is to just get proximity, which means just get near them, get in their vicinity. As a first step, typically when you are near people, things often happen where you don’t really have to do much else, but it’s taking control. It’s doing the very first thing first, right? Which is getting near the person that you want to speak to.

Habit number four is thinking win-win. Again, this is a really fascinating principle because we often, when we’re looking at meeting girls, we outline what we want. I want to meet a girl that’s like this, and she has to be like this, she has to look like this, she has to act like this, and we start thinking about what we want.

But we give very little time to thinking about actually what’s the win-win here? What value offering do we give women? You know, can we protect them? Can we provide for them? Can we offer them intellectual stimulation?

This is definitely worth thinking over because as a man, as we increase our status and we go through our life, we should be looking at creating different circumstances in our life where we can offer more value to women. That can be being a success in our life. It can be having friends that are of high influence. Basically looking at what value offering do you bring women? You can certainly write these out, and I think the gaps will become abundantly clear and you can start working on them. Again I did a podcast about Thor, about how being physically big is a huge fitness indicator, and that’s certainly some value that we can all bring to women in our lives.

Habit number five as Covey talks about is seeking first to understand then to be understood. Again, I did an episode about social communication before. Looking at Seneca’s view on wasting time. But it’s interesting here that I think one of Covey’s things was to speak half as much as what he would listen. This is quite interesting. If you think back to a few of the last conversations that you’ve had, typically you’re going to remember things that you spoke about rather than actually what the other person was trying to vocalise.

So a little thing that you can do is to be like, okay, in my next interaction I need to remember at least three things that this person is saying to me. Or you can start with just one. But the point is that when you become aware of effective listening, you are opening yourself up to learn so many extra things by other people’s experiences, understanding their emotions, how they work.

When we’re doing all the talking, it’s very difficult to actually understand what they’re saying.

This could even go further into understanding female psychology, right? What is it that women innately find attractive about guys? If you can understand that, you can then begin to create a blueprint for how you want to live your life. I did a podcast on that about Charles Darwin. If that’s of more interest to you, then that’s definitely a good episode to listen to. But I think that rather than taking away from this, what is it that the other person would want? We need to understand that before we can put our value offering further forward. Now the habit number six, he talks about synergizing, which is ways to leverage differences to create a bigger whole.

So what he’s really saying here is about creating a community. Now one of the things that was important to me when I set up social attraction was to have an area where we could create a space where we could all grow together. I set up a secret Facebook community where all of my existing clients had access to communicate and speak with each other and have the support system in place. That has been amazing because what it enables people to do is to learn from everyone’s experiences communally.

So although people may not post that often on there, they’re certainly reading and looking at what’s happening on there. When people have insights they share them. It’s a whole global network where everyone can learn together. Interesting enough, business is actually getting done through the network of people I’m putting together as well.

So that is an interesting concept, and perhaps you can look at this in other areas of your life, for example, if you wanted to again train at the gym, finding a partner that you can train with where you can globally do things together.

Even thinking about relationships with women. Ideally, you want to be dating a girl where there is synergy, where you can grow together and achieve more things as a whole than if you’re by yourself.

The final thing he talks about, habit seven is sharpening your saw. If you listen to any of my episodes, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of this, which is basically focusing on the renewal of your physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. So this isn’t just going out and working all the time. This is developing your life, reading philosophy, looking at psychology, reading anything of interest basically. But things that are going to keep you mentally sharp.

I can certainly say that when I’m reading books, as a bit of a funny analogy, but if there’s a quiz show on TV, my ability to answer questions is probably 200% higher than if I haven’t read for a week. Because I’m creating neuro pathways all the time. New information, dying of the old. There’s that quickness of mental clarity where I can access information better.

Also with regards to talking to women, right? If you’ve got a much bigger range of things that you can talk about through what you’ve read and what you’ve discussed, you’re not going to run out of what to say because the opportunities to talk about stuff are absolutely endless.

I mean just what I’ve covered so far in these episodes of the podcast, literally talk to women about what you’ve learned. It’s so interesting and intriguing and you’ll get into all kinds of interesting discussions. Habit seven being sharpen your saw basically means dedicate to your life. You know, the continual improvement.

You can also do going to the gym, reading, all these different things, but basically cultivate your life in a way where you’re always developing. Further on from that one we can discuss facing fears in your life. Because again, that’s a big thing that holds a lot of people back. When you can overcome fears in your life, it opens up so many doors to different areas of your life that you didn’t know were being affected.

So really the last habit is obviously my favourite. You know, developing your life and just setting yourself a goal to become more confident and more affluent in all areas of your life. I hope you enjoyed this episode and I’ll catch you tomorrow for the next one.

Listen to The Gary Gunn Show Podcast #13 – Utilising Covey’s Seven Habits To Make You Highly Successful With Women

Want to create better habits around women? – View our upcoming courses here

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ascbh13 · 5 years ago

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Sermon for 25th August at 11 a.m. Luke 16. 1-13. THE UNJUST STEWARD Kay Morison

Intro: I have been preaching for 45 years and my husband John probably for about 60. We have kept and filed all our sermons from those years.

One very interesting thing emerged when I looked back: Apparently, neither of us has ever actually preached before on today’s passage from Luke!

I don’t really know why that has happened, but John thinks it may be because clergy don’t deliberately set out to confuse their congregations by their preaching!

But what I do know, is that in all the six commentaries I have studied on this passage, words just read so well by Carolyn, each Biblical Commentator has said something very similar along the lines (and I quote):

“This is a very difficult parable to interpret” Or “This is notoriously one of the most difficult of all parables to interpret” Or “The parable of the dishonest steward bristles with difficulties”.

So we are clearly in for some challenging thinking this morning! However, I will do my best to be simple! BUT first I want to remind you of how Biblical scholars tell us to understand Parables….

Scholars tell us that a Parable has just One basic meaning. The parable of the sower may well be an exception, but often we look at a parable and assume it is an analogy: A story in which every person, each event, means something significant. Not so!

Consequently, we are not seeking to find a whole variety of applications in our parable today. Rather, I am highlighting just two distinct, basic principles. These were two principles, applying separately, to the two different groups of hearers present, when Jesus told this parable: Group One, the disciples: the faithful followers of Jesus. Group Two: the Pharisees – the very critical religious leaders, who were deliberately seeking to trip Jesus up and get rid of him just as soon as possible.

So now let’s see what this parable may have been saying to: 1. Jesus’ faithful Disciples.

If you think about the Bible words, which Carolyn read, you will realise much of the story and its language is “ironic”: Jesus is ruefully showing: “this is how unjust people think, you know!”….. For our Lord often used exaggeration and hyperbole, phrases like “pluck out your eye” ,“cut off your right hand”. Words not meant literally, but to make a point. And this parable seems to be one long irony.

We are not intended to take the shrewd manager as an example of how to conduct our business lives! That is, if we are still having to work out how to look after our money in an ethical way. You need to understand that, in the days in which this parable was taught, wealth in the Holy Land, was mostly tied up by the affluent in terms of “oil” and “wheat” and other commodities.….. But today we deal with pounds and pence and these days not so many of the latter!

At rock bottom, Jesus is challenging his disciples to think. They may have followed him faithfully, but they still have a huge amount to learn and understand about life and faith. Does that say something to you too? You may have been a Christian for years but there is always still more to learn.

Professor Tom Wright has this to say about the followers of Jesus: “The disciples have learnt so little, understood so little, grasped so little, of what their wonderful master has been doing in their midst.”

So in the parable, the shrewd money-grabbing steward is thinking of the rapidly forthcoming day when he would be given the sack: he is too old to dig……. begging is too undignified! He makes a cunning plan to bolster his savings for the future.

His action was plainly wrong, but his purpose - in secular terms - made plain sense. He is actually commended for getting his future organised. Behaviour described with tongue in cheek, resulting in much muttering and head-wagging as the hearers grasped the irony of it all.

For the parable definitely does speak about the need to consciously think and plan for the future: The manager asks himself: “What shall I do now???” He’s going to lose his job and he needs to be ready to cope with the adversity he has brought upon himself.

Sometimes we, as Christians, can be rather naïve about life. Every one of us needs to ask the question “What do I need to do now - to prepare for the future?” We need to be ready for our later life:

And where are we spending Eternity? Do we confidently know ourselves to be members of Jesus’ spiritual family? Basically, the parable teaches us that each one of us here needs to make the decision to follow Jesus day by day and not put it off! In the same way, as the unjust Manager in the parable needed to stop and think, then put his plan into action.

It was a wrong plan, but a right principle.

So there is a genuine challenge for each of us today. A challenge, even from this very strange parable. A parable set in a world which was so different to our own world. But the message is the same: Are we ready for the future? Not so much financially, but rather, spiritually: relying on Jesus as our constant friend and companion: The Loving Lord with whom we shall spend eternity.

So we move on in this Parable to:

2. The Unrighteous Pharisees.

As we heard, verse 1 of Chapter 16 read just now. says that this parable was spoken to Jesus’ Disciples.

But we know that the Pharisees were also on hand, listening intently and trying to find a way of condemning Jesus. Trying to catch him out. However as so often happened, the Pharisees don’t catch Jesus out. He catches them out, and also challenges their worldliness and focus on wealth.

Verse 14 says: “The Pharisees who loved money heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.”

Sneering is an unpleasant word isn’t it? Jesus had clearly said something to upset the Pharisees.

For this parable about essential daily items , oil and wheat, is really about acquiring “this world’s goods”. Which the Pharisees really loved, as they provided Power over people. Oil and wheat etc. were the universal commodities that could be exchanged for other basic necessities. In our 21st century way of life we use money. So you can see that Jesus’ parable plus its conclusion hit the Pharisees hard.

Jesus said plainly in v. 13 “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despite the other: You cannot serve God and Money” :

That’s precisely what the majority of acquisitive Pharisees were doing!

The Pharisees wanted to be seen as lovers of God, following all the Jewish laws: not just the Ten Commandments, but also, an additional 613 different rules! And they loved their positions of power. Positions of prestige. They wanted to be admired for their apparent piety –

You remember the parable of TheTwo Men Praying? The tax collector and the Pharisee. The Pharisee stood up boldly and prayed all about himself. Boasted of all he did……but the tax collector bowed low at a distance and said “God be merciful to me a Sinner” Well he was a sinner, but he is the one who was forgiven!

And the true story we all know from our childhood, the one about Jesus meeting Zacchaeus the Tax collector - and then his subsequent conversion, is a vivid demonstration of this very truth.

Even if you have found the parable of the Dishonest Steward hard to grasp, the parable of the Tax Collector and Pharisee is crystal clear…… and the behaviour of Zacchaeus is plain as a pikestaff!

Let me ask you a question: If we’re really honest, each of us is a mixture of good and bad. But in your heart of hearts, into which category do you feel you mostly belong?

Faithful Disciple …. OR … Unrighteous Pharisee (Pause)

You don’t need to tell anyone - apart from God!

As I finish, let me tell you a true story:

I have a great nephew called James…��.He trained down here at Moorlands College near Christchurch, so we saw him often in those days. He has been a church youth worker for a few years now. Just recently he inherited some money from his Grandfather. A grandfather who decided it was wise to give money to his grandchildren now, and not make them wait until the next generation died, before the youngsters could inherit.

You may not realise that a church youth worker often has no personal home, but lives in basic accommodation provided by his church, or has to rent, on quite a low salary, his home as he moves from job to job. A couple or so years ago, James married a lovely American wife, who is a full time mother to their small toddler.

I accidentally heard on the family grapevine how that James remembered our Lord’s teaching on money. He kept extremely quiet about it, but from his inheritance, he gave one tenth away to his church (that’s a very biblical amount) It is to help with his church’s work and outreach. John and I much admire him for really practising what he preaches.

Jesus told us to store up treasure in heaven, and that’s precisely what WE need to do!

(LET’S HAVE A SHORT TIME OF SILENT PRAYER NOW…..I’LL FINISH WITH “AMEN”.)

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talldrink-o-h2o · 6 years ago

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Lifestyle: Buying a New Car

I grew up in Michigan, which you can read about extensively in this post. Everyone in Michigan either was employed by the auto industry (working for the Big 3 – GM, Chrysler, or Ford, as the case was in the ‘90s) or had family who worked in the auto industry. To this day, I know I’m in Michigan because of the lack of foreign cars on the road. I remember people would make racial slurs to my mom for the three years she owned a Toyota Camry, because it was more acceptable to say a racist comment than to drive a foreign car.

As a side note, I went to school in East Lansing from 2004 to 2008. This was when it was becoming mainstream to pay an obscene amount for drip coffee, a trend which continues to this day. East Lansing was home to a startup coffee chain called Beaners. I shit you not. Beaners experienced massive growth in Michigan and started to look to national expansion. They tried to enter into the Texas market. Allegedly the Texas powers-that-be said you can’t have a coffee shop that is named Beaners in Texas. Turns out that this is a racial slur for the migrant workers. Calling a shop this would alienate a good portion of the population. The company has since changed its name to Biggby (pronounced “Big B”) and claim the change had nothing to do with how offensive the name was. Which shows why people in Michigan thought it was okay to tell my mom she drove a rice racer because her car was Japanese.

But I digress. My aunt and grandfather both had worked for GM and my mother’s childhood best friend’s husband was a co-owner of a car dealership (did you follow that?). A person who retires from GM is granted a discount for him/her and their family for life. Because of this, it was insane for our family not to drive GM cars.*

When I turned sixteen, Katrina had conveniently totaled the little Mazda MX3 my dad had bought for her from a woman he worked with. The woman had kept it in mint condition, barely putting miles on it, and my dad got it for a song. One missed stop sign and the car was kaput. Because Katrina was a senior in high school and would be going to Michigan State the next year where she wouldn’t be allowed to have a car, my parents thought it’d be prudent to get us a car we could share for a year and then I could have it to myself my senior year. That’s how we got a year-old silver Pontiac Grand Am. And aside from feigning heartburn at the injustice of it all,** that car would take us all the way through college and follow me to my first year in Minnesota.

The first spring I lived in Minnesota, I had agreed to give my car to my sister, who had finished her MBA and was moving out to Virginia for her first job. This meant I needed a new car. Up until this point, the most I had ever spent on any single purchase was a $200 purse. I came out of undergrad with $20,000 of student loan debt and dumbly chose to live in a brand new apartment in the coolest neighborhood that literally cost more than one of my paychecks. I had no money to put down on a car and the idea of buying anything, let alone taking on yet another loan, made me sick to my stomach. I stayed up many nights talked to Steve about it, whom I had just started dating, and whom has always been much more frugal than me. For instance, he lived with his dad for a few years after undergrad so stockpiled an amount of cash. His favorite activity on the weekend is to determine just how much we’ll be able to save in the coming year and at what age we can retire. He offered to co-sign the loan for me, something I’d obviously need, being “cash poor” as the lady at the bank would later describe me to my dad. On principle, I couldn’t have a man I just started dating as my co-signer (I couldn’t think to the next week, why would I be beholden to this dude for five years?) so I had my dad sign.

The car I chose? A year-old silver Pontiac G6 with 22,000 miles on it. This is the car that replaced the Grand Am, because even though I no longer lived in Michigan, why would I ever buy anything other than American? Also the idea of doing research and going from dealership to dealership seemed daunting and not the same pastime activity in Minnesota as it was in Michigan. Don’t worry, this wasn’t an exact replica of the car I had just driven to my sister. This car was a very practical two-door, my statement to the world that I wasn’t planning to get married or have kids cause they couldn’t fit anyway. I chose it because I thought the trunk was cute. “I like its butt,” I told the salesman.

Fast forward to November 2018. I still have the G6. In the 9.5 years I’ve had the car, I’ve put a whopping 45,000 miles on it, meaning I never drive the thing. The furthest distances she traveled were two trips to Michigan, three trips to Milwaukee, and one time to Chicago. Only recently did I start driving her with any regularity, which is because I finally got access to Target’s restricted parking lot (you can reminisce about my first month parking there here). On an average day, my driving is 3-5 miles round trip. It’s less than two miles total to get to and from work, and if I throw in a class at OrangeTheory, I top out at five miles total.

Do you remember what it’s like to drive around in a 2009 model? There’s no back-up camera. There’s no keyless engine start. There’s no input for a phone to connect and certainly no Bluetooth. The dashboard is digital but not a touchscreen. It’s basically the Stone Age.

But back to money. A lot of people will say that they don’t buy cars because they don’t invest in depreciating assets. Which like, fuck off. If you’re leasing your BMW 5Series every three years that means you’re paying $500+ per month every month with no end. You’re pissing away money that could be used on literally anything else.

I always said I’d keep my car until it was ten years old or hit 100,000 miles, whichever came first, which, based on my habits, is clearly going to be the former versus the latter. Also, though, I really don’t like having a car payment so my intention was to drag this baby out as long as I could and start doing some initial research this spring.

But, like any long-term relationship, my car required some TLC recently. I was driving her when the “Service Tire Monitor” light came on. At the time, it was winter in Minnesota and air pressure in tires is a real thing, so being able monitor the pressure is something, but this seemed more like a nice-to-have, versus a need-to-have. So I put it off. I should also note that the only other time this light came on, I was driving down the road (not the highway, thank God) and the car just completely shut down in the middle of traffic. It was able to turn back on but it did it again a second time. As I learned while running, the symptom is not usually the cause and the car’s computer had to be reset – nothing to do with the tire monitor at all. One might think that story would have led me to quicker action this time around, but it did not.

On a November weekend, I went to a suburb for new running shoes (as discussed here). I was forced to take the scenic route home, because the road to the highway was blocked by some random festival. I had to go through a neighboring suburb where I could catch the highway. As I got close to the highway, literally every light on my dashboard – Check ABS, Check Airbag, Traction Control Off – started flashing.

I was nervous, but not overly concerned, and called Steve, who was watching Purdue football. “All the lights on my dashboard are on and flashing,” I started in.

“Uh huh,” he said, distracted, over the sounds of football in the background.

“Well, I just wanted you to know that if I die, this is why.”

“Okay – I’m going to go back to watching the game,” he hung up, unconcerned.

I figured that since things were going nuts and I clearly needed to reset my car’s computer, I might as well call Firestone. I explained what was going on with my car and asked if they’d have any availability today.

“No. Actually the earliest we can get you in is Monday,” the Firestone man informed me.

“Can I just drop it off today? She’s no good to me – actually,” I cut myself off. “My car is shutting down now. I need to call someone who can help me. Bye.”

My car completely died in a busy intersection. I tried to turn my car to the side street but only managed to be at a sight angle causing a backup in traffic. I tried turning the car on and off many times over, but nothing was happening. Now, I was panicked. I put my hazards on and started sweating. I called Steve, unclear what to do in this situation.

“Now don’t get mad, but, did you try turning it off and on?” Helpful.

“Yes. Duh. Many times. It won’t go back on. I have my hazards on but people keep honking. What do I do?” I was starting to freak, picturing that my death would not be because my car blew up on me, but rather because the cars behind me would not notice and crash into me.

“Uh…well…umm…” I could hear his brain working but also thought that maybe something was happening in the game.

“I’m going to call someone who can help me. Bye,” and I very aggressively hung up the phone on my husband.

I was able to get a tow truck and three really kind men who were walking by pushed my car out of the intersection and into a parking spot. One even started yelling at the people who were honking as he helped. Like the completely sane, rational, strong, independent woman I am, after the men saw I was safe and went back about their day, I started crying.

To move the story along, my tow truck friend Kyle delivered my G6 to the Firestone I had called previously. I called to alert them and miraculously they now had time to fix my car that day. Steve came and got me – I apparently told him the wrong intersection so not only did he have to leave the game, he was sent to the wrong place, so he scolded me for that upon arrival. I apologized but also reminded him that I was a little distracted.

All in, my car needed a new alternator, battery, spark plugs, and fuel flush. It cost me $1000. Everyone told me that was high and Steve had been able to get them to drop off a whopping $50, but as I asked everyone who offered their armchair quarterback advice, what leverage did I have?

The following Tuesday morning, I was driving my car to OrangeTheory when the Service Tire Monitor light came on, again. This time, I was no fool. I called the Firestone guys on my way back home post-class and they told me to bring it in. The man on the phone let me know that checking tire pressure is complimentary.

Great, sir, but when the air pressure needs to be checked, a light comes on that says, “Check Air Pressure,” not “Service Tire Monitor.” I had to explain this twice, but they ignored me and sent me out to the garage to have a mechanic check the air pressure, because what do I know? I’m just the girl who cries when people are kind to strangers and who overpays for auto repair.

Turns out my air pressure was just fine, but, wouldn’t you know it? One of the tire monitors was out. Don’t worry, that was another $250.

All in all, I decided that I at least needed to get my money’s worth and drive my car through the spring, which will be its ten-year anniversary. Then I will begin the hunt for a new car.

On my list? Unfortunately, Pontiac has since been discontinued by General Motors. An Audi Q5, Jaguar E-Pace, and Infiniti QX50. For the first time, I’m going foreign. And I will be looking to lease, not only because that car payment is so much cheaper, but also because, when the Service Tire Monitor light comes on, someone else will pay the $1250.

*This obviously didn’t stop my mom from not only owning the aforementioned Camry, but also a Ford van (not a mini-van because apparently owning a mini-van is worse than owning one of those huge vans with the sliding doors that pedophiles drive around in).

**Really my brothers should be the ones complaining. Keith, the eldest, had to buy the Beretta he drove with money he collected from the paper route. He would later inherit my mom’s Ford van, which turns out is the exact wrong thing to give a high schooler unless you want to promote kids getting drunk in the spacious back area. My other brother, Kent, drove a Dodge Diplomat which was more or less a land yacht. It had this big, cushy leather seats that could fit two people each and, unfortunately, the heater only worked sporadically – a problem in Michigan winters – and when it did work, it’d make a really loud noise. He’d proceed to hit the dashboard hard with his fist until the sound stopped. I think a barely used Grand Am to share with my sister was luxury.

#michigan #marriage

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thehautegoddess · 6 years ago

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seven ways to be happier RIGHT NOW

life is beautiful…

it really, really is. but sometimes, it is easy to get caught up with what’s wrong with our lives, as opposed to what is right. this post was inspired by one of my previous hautemamainthecity posts, and it is still just as true today as it was when i broached the subject years ago:

i saw this great article on the world observer online entitled “13 ways to be happier” and i was reminded of a few immediate tactics to rectify negative self-talk, and automatically make myself feel better when things seem glum.

here are the seven tactics that most spoke to my spirit:

1. let go of having to always be right. “many of us struggle with even the thought of being wrong and will go as far as falling out with dear friends or loved ones solely for the sake of being right. letting go of this habit will lead to better relationships for all…a sense of serenity in knowing that even though you may have been right, you’ve saved yourself and those around you a great deal of stress, worry and tension in not having to be right or have the last word…wayne dyer wrote ‘would i rather be right or would i rather be kind?’…” this is so important. i am really working on this, because at the end of the day, it is only ego that is driving the need to be right. what difference does it make who is right or wrong? just let it go, and work on being happy. i realize that this has ruined some of my romantic relationships. for one thing, it is emasculating to always tell a man he is wrong and insinuate that who he is isn’t good enough. if you want to keep a man by your side, choose your battles, ladies. it is not necessary to point out every misstep or flaw. yes, what you are saying may have some truth to it, but is it worth losing someone to stand on the "principality” of the situation? (yes, i know it should be “principle”…it’s a joke…get it?) #getoveryourself you are not the moral police. it is not even your place to call people out. and not doing so will make you much happier. let people do them. i am practicing living my best life…and that requires me not to go back and forth with anyone. as long as i am not in any physical danger and my child is good – say whatever you want. #ishallnotbemoved

2. let go of any self-defeating ideas. “most of the hurdles we face in life are actually ones that we have concocted up in our minds, they are imaginary, unreal and they are what prevent us from moving forward, not our actual circumstances. these imaginary hurdles warp our ideas about what we can and cannot do, what is and what is not possible. we need to learn to see through these hurdles. then we will be ready to spread our wings and fly! an entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. similarly, the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you”– THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. i think this may be the most important thing i know about life. YOUR THOUGHTS CREATE YOUR LIFE. decide to be happy. decide that what he or she does will not affect your peace of mind. decide that even if you don’t have the money or the career you want, you are still wonderful, worthy, and good enough, and the universe is busy making a way for you to have the best life possible. KNOW that the way people respond to you is because of THEM and what they are going through at that time – it has nothing to do with your worth. then stand tall and handle your business. you are amazing!

3. let go of attachment. "attachments create an atmosphere of fear. you are not reliant on things and allowing yourself to think you are will prevent you from being happy." this is one of my favorites. we create narratives in our minds about what our lives should look like - what job we should have, the purpose of our relationships (i.e., marriage, lifelong friendships, etc.), and where we should be in our lives at certain times. but we don’t know sh*t. we attach ourselves to what we think is best for us, and when it doesn’t work out that way, we break down. no, no, no! we must stop this behavior. pray and go with the flow! really let go and allow miracles to flow into your life. every one of us has experienced a relationship or friendship, then looked back and been so grateful that it was removed from our path! i am sure there are a million examples of this in our lives…yet we fight and fight and fight when things don’t look the way we think they should. we need to stop fighting and chill. we will be much happier when we do. the universe is on your side and it knows what its doing…allow, sweet goddess!

4. let go criticism. "refrain from criticizing anything and everything that you don’t understand. we are all different and that’s what makes life beautiful; what a boring place this would be if we were all the same. allow people and things to be different, don’t see difference as an excuse to criticize. we all want to be happy, let’s allow ourselves to be happy and let’s allow others to be happy.” i was talking to a friend the other day about a family situation that was SO frustrating to me - i could not understand why this family member was making certain decisions (i.e., i was completely judging her decisions). my friend said to me: “stop trying to understand. you will never understand. you have not walked in her shoes…” as simple as that was, it is so true. we all make decisions based on our experiences. unless you have had the exact same life as someone, you will never fully understand their actions. and further, it’s none of your business. all you can control is you, and your responses to things that show up. i choose to send her #lightandlove from afar, mind my damn business, and focus on being the best goddess, mother, friend, lover, lightworker and blogger i can be *and scene*

5. let go of blaming. “stop trying to find reasons for why things are what they are, in looking to explain things away we often try and find fault in something or someone, this negativity harms those around us, but more than anyone else, it harms us!” this is a big one for me because of experiences surrounding my divorce. it is so damaging to keep rehashing the past and pointing the finger. when things get tough it is so easy to say, “well, you did this!" i don’t want to do that. i want to accept responsibility for my actions, forgive, and heal. and we cannot do that when we keep talking about who did what. stay in the present. acknowledge your feelings, apologize if necessary, and get back to being cute, fabulous, and happy. also, the more of this work i do, the more i am starting to own my sh*t. i know that everything that has shown up has been because i have summoned it by energetic invitation…so how can i be mad at any outside entity, when i know that my thoughts have created my life? it is all about taking responsibility, forgiving yourself when you make mistakes, accepting your lessons, moving on, and doing better next time. that is literally all you can do.

6. let go of trying to impress other people. "there are so many more important things in life than worrying what someone thinks of our shoes, what you do for a living or the car you drive. these things are not that are going to nurture healthy relationships. what people want from you is to be real, to be yourself, when you drop all pretenses you’ll realize that people appreciate you for who you are and you’ll find your relationships are now stronger and deeper." i like this one, because in this age of social media, everyone tries to create an air of perfection - look at my perfect life - my kids are perfect, my car is fab, my man is sexy, my shoes are fierce, my vacations are exotical, and my life is just way, way better than yours. lol. it’s such bullsh*t. for one thing, most people are fronting…everything is not always sweet in anyone’s life. and secondly, when i see that kind of behavior, i often wonder how the person is doing spiritually - are you at peace? are you happy? are you fulfilled? what is missing? marianne williamson said in “a return to love”: “grandiosity is always a cover for despair…”what's REALLY going on, boo? think about that when you are looking at that person’s social media presence…let all that superficial mess go, and get back to the middle. when you are truly at peace with your life, you don’t need to brag on instagram and facebook constantly…you are too busy being happy and comfortable with who you are.

7. let go of trying to always control. "situations, events, people; as much as we may try, much of what happens around us cannot be controlled by us and so we must spare ourselves the hassle of trying to think that it can. let everyone and everything around you just be and you will feel much more relaxed and happier.” if it is one thing i know, especially when it comes to relationships, it is that you cannot control anyone. period. other than your kids, which is only minimally possible (i have to repeat everything i say to my son at least 4x) for very early years of their lives, there is no one you can control. and trying to do so will create a life of pain and misery. if someone is not what you want them to be, take that as the universe’s way of telling you: “this is not the person for you…” and do not approach them with that mindset – be open to see what it is you are supposed to learn, but know that you cannot change them. if a situation is not panning out the way you wanted it to, take that as the universe’s way of telling you: “this is not the situation for you." and change your perception! also, understand that God speaks to us through our lives…if that job is not working, then perhaps this is God’s way of telling you to move on. we have to be honest about what is showing up in our lives and allow God to guide us. it’s okay! pray and let it go! the universe is on your side and it knows what it is doing! stop trying to control everything and everyone, and go somewhere and doing something fun.

we can choose love or fear in every moment. it is important to practice choosing love! it is much more fun :-)

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the-jaydog8-blog · 6 years ago

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E-Portfolio

Casting Jon Benet (2017) & Paris is Burning (1990)

1. Personal Impact-

Casting Jon Benet

This film resonated with me for two reasons. The first is that I feel this film acts as a sort of mirror for the viewer, forcing us to acknowledge a tendency we have as humans, where we are often consumed by curiosity to the point that we look at tragic events (i.e. the murder of Jon Benet Ramsey) as a means of our own entertainment, dehumanizing those involved and affected by the event (I’ll get into this more in the Social & Political Context section). The second reason this film affected me so deeply is too personal to share in detail, but essentially the montage scene at the end of the film really hits home, as it reminds me of a similar experience I’ve had with my own family.

Paris is Burning

I was raised Christian. The church I grew up in is a Baptist Church in Los Gatos. The congregation is primarily white, wealthy, and very conservative. My oldest friend from church was named Jason (he also went by “Jay,” like me). Besides our names, and the fact that we both came from wealthy, conservative, white families, we didn’t have much in common, but we remained good friends throughout the years. We attended church together from preschool, through the end high school. As we got older, we didn’t hangout much, but whenever shit-hit-the-fan, we were always there for each other. During our senior year, Jay came out as gay. I was surprised when he told me, but I didn’t think much of it. I just said, “Awesome!!” and gave him a hug. I was really happy for him. We then both went on to attend SCU. Over the next 4 years, I got to see Jay transform. Slowly but surely, Jay became comfortable being himself. I realized that for the first 18 years of our lives, I didn’t really know Jay. But here at SCU, I got to know him. It seemed like he had finally found a community where he felt accepted; a community where he felt no pressure to be anything other than himself, and where he felt no guilt or judgement about who he was. He graduated in Spring of 2017. He killed himself 4 months later.

When I watch Paris is Burning, I think of Jay. I think of him strutting across campus, radiating confidence, with a hot pink boa around his neck and rainbow flags attached to his backpack. I think of how he thrived in a community where he felt a sense of belonging. But then I think of the battle he fought every day. I think of the torment he felt. And then my heart breaks because I think about how he must have felt lost after leaving SCU, the safe, welcoming community he had once belonged to. I think of how he ultimately lost hope, how he saw no end to the suffering, and how he was forced to take what he saw as the only way out. So, why is Paris is Burning so important? The answer is simple: this film offers hope to the hopeless. It has been 28 years since this film was released, but it is no less valuable today than it was then. There are still so many people today struggling to find a sense of belonging, struggling to find any reason to live; this film is for them. Paris is Burning offers hope to those who desperately need it.

2. Social & Political Context

Casting Jon Benet

Ok I know literally everyone and their mom has used this video in their presentations but hear me out... I believe Childish Gambino’s “This is America” music video shares similarities with Casting Jon Benet in terms of their social/political commentary, as well as their method for delivering said commentary.

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There’s this movement on social media that I’ve seen becoming more and more popular among my generation over the last couple years, which I’ve dubbed the “Good Vibes Only’ movement. Essentially, its a collective emphasis on positivity and self-care with a main guiding principle that says, “focus solely on what makes you happy, and cut out everything else.” While I’m a big believer in self-care and positivity, I feel like this practice of ignoring anything that makes you uncomfortable or upset is unrealistic and unhealthy, and has led to an increase in apathy and desensitization that is hurting our society. “This is America” and Casting Jon Benet both highlight the existence of this problem by acting as a sort of “mirror” for the viewer, where the intended audience sees their own tendencies reflected back to them by the people and events on-screen.

Childish Gambino’s video highlights the way the privileged white majority in America likes to focus on and get enjoyment from the "fun” aspects of African-American culture (rap, hip-hop, dance, etc.), but does not like to acknowledge the problems and struggles African-Americans face daily (police brutality, poverty, discrimination, etc.). #positivevibesonly...

Casting Jon Benet is an example of how easily we, in America, can get so caught up in our own curiosity that we lose track of what is really at the core of what has us intrigued. In this case, a 6 year-old girl was brutally assaulted and murdered, yet in this documentary we see how, since the murder, most of us have been so obsessed with the mystery of it all that we forget about the heartbreaking tragedy at the center of it. Again, an example of how we push away the things that make us feel sad or uncomfortable so we can focus solely on the “fun” part of it and feel good.

Paris is Burning

When this film was being made, it was an especially brutal time to be a homosexual man in New York City. The AIDS epidemic was in full-swing, and everyone was terrified of contracting the disease. On top of the fact that AIDS was claiming the lives of many gay men, it also served to completely alienate the gay community, causing them to become outcasts of society. Essentially, in the 80s, gay men in New York City were treated like lepers; they were the “untouchables” of society. Many were even cast out by their own families, leaving them to fend for themselves. While Livingston did not intend for this film to spark a social-movement - (“Paris is Burning is not a social-movement film, nor does it presume to represent the totality of queer-of-color existence. In fact, the film is quite explicit that it is specific to a time and a place,” (Hildebrand, 138)) - I do believe it serves a greater purpose.

At a time when gay men were facing relentless persecution and being pushed to the margins of society, Paris is Burning depicts how black/hispanic gay men in New York City were able to create their own community in which they found safety, solace and hope. By choosing to portray the “ball scene” in NYC, Jennie Livingston created a film which offered hope to the gay community, who, at the time, did not have many media representations that they could connect with. “The film matters to many...particularly those who have been starved for images of lives with which can they identify and that validate their right to exist and inspire alternative ways of being in the world. Thus, the film’s importance is not just historical but also affective. The cultural work this documentary has done in the world transcends the film and its filmmaker by offering models of queer world-making,” (Hildebrand, 146). Today, this film is still just as important, as it continues to serve as a message of hope to those struggling to validate their own existence, showing them that, while it feels like they have nowhere to turn, it is possible to create a new life that is worth living.

3. Director’s Voice

Casting Jon Benet

Although still very much in the early stages of her film career, Kitty Green has already begun to establish a unique voice. Green has a very unique style of reenactment that is on display in Casting Jon Benet, as well as her first film, The Face of Ukraine: Casting Oksana Baiul (2015); she holds “auditions” for the roles in her reenactments, and then uses the performances from those auditions as the actual reenactments in her film. By doing this, Green is able to show different interpretations of the same event. Green then intercuts these reenactments with interviews from the auditions, and uses that combination as the narrative structure for the film.

Paris is Burning

“...this film operates in a liberal cinéma vérité tradition that refused voice-of-God narration in order to allow the participants and the footage to speak for themselves,” (Hildebrand, 138). Much of the criticism surrounding Paris is Burning is in regards to Jennie Livingston’s “director’s voice” (or, lack-thereof). The unique thing about Livingston’s voice in this film is that she doesn’t really have one; she completely omits any sort of didactic voice from this documentary, which causes it to have a sort of open-ended narrative, with no clear resolution or call-to-action. Some criticize Livingston for this, saying that it allowed for the privileged white audience to purely get entertainment from this film, rather than being forced to think about the social issues being raised. “...the lack of the filmmaker’s own didactic voice may, in part, suggest a kind of ambiguity and account for the divided readings of the film,” (Hildebrand, 138).

4. Evolution of Global Documentary

Casting Jon Benet

Seeing as it was just released a year ago, its hard to tell the impact Kitty Green’s documentary has had/will have on the world of documentary-filmmaking. However, based on the reactions it has received, I think it is safe to say that this film is definitely making waves in the world of documentary. Even those who have criticized it, still admit that it is an important part of documentary history; “...Casting Jon Benet, is in many ways a deeply unsatisfying, even infuriating film, but I wouldn’t want not to have seen it,” (Brody). In fact, its controversy only serves to further solidify its place in the history of documentary film. Many point to Errol Morris as the main inspiration for Kitty Green’s films. However, while inspired by Morris, Green has begun to create an original style of her own. In the next few years we will be able to get a better idea of how Green’s film has impacted the world of documentary filmmaking.

Paris is Burning

At a time when gay men faced intense discrimination and lacked any sort of role-models on-screen that they could relate to, Jennie Livingston’s Paris is Burning joined films like Tongues Untied (1989) by Marlon Riggs in jump-starting a movement that provided those in the LGBTQ+ community with films they could look to for inspiration, and representation. Although Livingston claims her film is not a social-movement film, I believe it falls in the same category as films like Tongues Untied as helping drive the movement for equality in the United States.

I believe Paris is Burning has a place in film history (and apparently so does the Library of Congress, as they selected it for preservation in 2016). As I explained in my first section, this film matters for many people, for many reasons. As long as there are people in need of hope, in need of knowing there is a possibility of a better life and a better future, this film will matter.

Works Cited

“Casting JonBenet”: A Documentary That Unintentionally Exploits Its Participants" (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. by Richard Brody, The New Yorker, April 2017.

"Film Review: Casting Jon Benet (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site." written by Peter DeBruge, Variety, April 2017.

"Is Paris Burning?", by bell hooks in Black Looks: Race & Representation; 2014.

"Love Hangover: Debates", pp 119-146 in Paris is Burning: A Queer Film Classic, by Lucas Hildebrand, 2013

http://thesantaclara.org/remembering-the-life-of-jason-jay-bassett/#.Wxi8sNXwa8o

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milenasanchezmk · 7 years ago

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The Keto Reset Diet Excerpt—and a Video!—to Celebrate Today’s Release

Thank you so much for your support and interest in my latest passion of keto as we finally arrive at the official release date of The Keto Reset Diet—today, October 3rd. The response to my assorted ruminations about keto over the past several months has been overwhelming. A brief mention here on September 14th about joining our Keto Reset Facebook group resulted in 1,000 people joining within hours! There are now over 6,600 people engaged in lively discussion at this time. The “join group” requests blew up the phone of our Facebook group host, senior writer/researcher, and resident keto recipe and lifestyle queen Dr. Lindsay Taylor. She spearheaded the recipe and 21-day meal plan projects for The Keto Reset Diet. You’ll get to know her quickly on the highly active Facebook group.

But today I want to celebrate the release and share with you one of my favorite excerpts from the book as well as a video conversation I think you’ll enjoy.

By the way, if you haven’t purchased the book yet, we have decided to extend the “pre-order” offer of four digital bonus items indefinitely for MDA readers: a $10 gift certificate to PrimalBlueprint.com, a Keto Recipe eBook, a complete eBook version of my popular Healthy Sauces, Dressings and Toppings, and an exclusive hour-long talk show with co-author Brad Kearns and myself getting deep into the keto konversation. These items are worth more than the book price, so hopefully it’s enough to get you to take action and start your Keto Reset journey.

Today I’m sharing a passage from Chapter 3 that talks about the immediate fat loss potential of keto eating and the long-term advantages of being keto-adapted. It’s part of an extensive section that discusses the broad health, performance and disease protection benefits of keto. My publisher actually advised me to not “give away” the book, but I explained that these are my peeps at MDA, so a family who shares together stays together. See what you think and, as always, I look forward to your comments.

Enjoy this excerpt from The Keto Reset Diet, and please attribute if you decide to share this content on your blog or social platforms.

Perhaps the most immediate and dramatic benefit of ketogenic eating is the opportunity for quick and efficient reduction of excess body fat and easy, long-term maintenance of your ideal body composition. Ketogenic eating stabilizes appetite hormones, up regulates the metabolic processes that prioritize fat burning, and delivers a high satiety factor owing to the high fat composition of keto-friendly meals and snacks. Ketogenic eating can make you an efficient fat-burning machine. When you are in full-blown keto, you enjoy complete dietary satisfaction, rarely feel hungry (even if you skip meals!), and never have to struggle, suffer, restrict calories, or force strenuous workouts in order to burn extra calories. Instead, you allow your genetic setting as a fat-burning beast to naturally calibrate you to a healthy body composition. You will be able to properly utilize tools like Intermittent Fasting, nutritional ketosis, and ketone supplements to drop excess body fat whenever you want, without a struggle or a second thought.

While it’s a literal truth—the law of thermodynamics—that you must burn more calories than you store to lose excess body fat, the secret is not burning extra calories through exercise while painstakingly restricting dietary calories. It’s been scientifically validated that calories burned during exercise lead to a corresponding increase in appetite and a decrease in general physical activity. These dynamics are especially true for the chronic exercise patterns that desperate dieters engage in. The secret to reducing excess body fat is in hormone optimization—being a fat- and ketone-burner instead of a carbohydrate- or sugar-burner. When you eat keto, you correct the wildly excessive insulin production that is endemic to the Standard American Diet, since fat becomes your readily available fuel source around the clock.

In contrast, a high insulin–producing eating pattern shuts off fat burning and forces you to rely on ingested calories as your primary energy source. It starts disastrously with breakfast, the “most important meal of the day . . . to not screw up,” says Dr. Cate Shanahan. At your highfalutin corporate retreat at the Ritz-Carlton, your “Healthy Start” breakfast buffet features fresh berries, low-fat Greek yogurt, homemade granola, low-fat banana-nut bread with apple butter, raisin bran muffins, steel-cut Irish oatmeal (with brown sugar, raisins, and pecans), orange or cranberry juice, and coffee. If you are conscientious and serve yourself moderate portions, you’ll still consume at least 100 grams of carbohydrates and possibly up to 200 grams—more than our ancestors might have consumed over several days. And you’ll be out 36 bucks. Seriously.

You’ll burn some of this energy off right away (generating inflammation and free radicals in the process), then prompt a flood of insulin into your bloodstream to store as fat (in the form of triglycerides) any excess glucose that you don’t burn right away. When insulin removes glucose from your bloodstream in the hours after your Healthy Start, you will become lethargic and start to feel hungry for lunch. You’ll have another high-carbohydrate binge (yes, binge; because low blood sugar triggers a fight-or-flight reaction that causes you to overeat and your hormones to more likely direct those extra calories into storage as fat—all to protect you from the perceived life-or-death matter of low blood sugar). When you repeat this high-carbohydrate, high insulin–producing eating pattern day after day for the rest of your life, you’ll contribute to the statistic that the average American gains 1.5 pounds (2/3 kilo) of body fat (and loses a half pound (1/3 kilo) of muscle each year from the ages of 25 to 55. If you fast or eat a keto-aligned meal for breakfast, none of this story happens. Instead, you sail along burning the clean fuels of fat (either from a meal or from storage), ketones, and an optimally minimal amount of glucose.

Fully Understanding the Keto Message

That’s the excerpt from Chapter 3, but please understand it’s only an excerpt. To fully appreciate the keto message and the health benefits of keto, it’s essential to adopt a big picture perspective. Case in point: another section in the book is titled, “The Keto Reset Diet is Not a Shortcut Program!” You cannot just jump into a keto eating pattern and expect the aforementioned benefits to accrue. When you cut carbs too abruptly or fail to integrate complementary lifestyle practices such as exercise, sleep, and stress management, your keto effort will likely result in the increased production of stress hormones, the conversion of lean muscle tissue into glucose to give your body the fuel source it’s grown dependent upon for decades, and eventually fatigue, poor compliance and burnout from an ill-advised effort.

Even in an enlightened group of MDA followers, our history surely includes decades of carbohydrate dependency before we saw the light and started embracing the Primal eating principles. If you have been Primal for a while, doing a great job avoiding or strictly minimizing grains and sugars, but still carry around some unwanted body fat, or have adverse blood values, or struggle with thyroid or adrenal irregularities, you likely have some level of metabolic damage and lingering carbohydrate dependency.

This is where the Keto Reset journey becomes an extremely attractive option. Go through the entire process (21-Day Reset, fine-tuning period, and six-week nutritional ketosis period) at least once, and you will experience a reset effect at the genetic level that will benefit you for the rest of your life. An annual six-week Keto Reset exercise is also a highly recommended health practice to hone your metabolic flexibility, protect against today’s epidemic of diet-related disease, and promote peak cognitive and physical performance. Even a lean, fit, athletic person will benefit from an annual Reset, whether or not they decide to adhere to nutritional ketosis over the long-term.

On the topic of extending the benefits of that annual Reset, I sat down with co-author Brad Kearns to talk about the health benefits of fasting in the big picture of keto-adaptation. In this video, we cover everything from dirty burning glucose and clean burning fat and ketones, the concept of metabolic efficiency, the contrast between overfeeding/accelerated cell division and metabolic efficiency/improved cellular repair, and all the good stuff that’s happening in your body when you ditch carbohydrate dependency and progress toward being fat- and keto-adapted.

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As you likely realize, keto is incredibly hot right now, and with this attention comes lots of healthy debate—and even controversy. I’m encouraged to notice that virtually every concept presented in the book is free from objection by the thought leaders in the keto game. Even my crusty contrarian friend Richard Nikoley gives my message a stamp of approval—hard-earned praise indeed! The Keto Reset Diet presents a sensible approach that is flexible, customizable, and driven strongly by personal preference and self-experimentation. Regardless of your particulars, I’m confident the journey will appeal to you and deliver a great benefit to your long-term health.

Thank you so much for your interest and commentary. I appreciate the comments below the post and also welcome you to join the Keto Reset group on Facebook for long-term engagement.

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