#but Mark at RT has our backs

[servants-hall]

Miss Scarlet & The Duke: Magazine Round Up

Here are the MSATD features and synopses of in the latest UK TV Magazines:

10-16 February 2024

Radio Times

TV & Satellite Week

What's on TV

[autisdicksimmons]

i was reading your disability post n was wondering if you could explain the height/body differences they apparently mentioned grif and simmons having in s14? icr anything about it but i live for those little details

Yes yes yes absolutely!!! So season 14 is technically only sort of canon, but in the episode Room Zero (s14, e1) we do get somewhat animated bodies! However, they’re never, you know, standing right next to each other, so height is hard to gauge in that episode. Still, here’s a still that gives body types

RT are cowards of course, so they didn’t make grif actually fat (he’s like, chubby at best here, he’s barely got a pudge between his chest plate and codpiece) but you can still see differences. Plus them appearing the same height when Simmons is further back implies a little bit of height difference (my personal headcanon puts grif at 5’7” and Simmons at 5’11”).

We also see body type difference in recent stuff with the QvsA, where they used the larger male body type for Grif and the smaller male body type to Simmons (they also feature Simmons’s prosthetics!). It’s really pretty hard to see much difference, though

And these are only the physical evidences, Grif is pretty much constantly getting shit for being fat so like, we know that he’s fat, and since Simmons does A LOT of that teasing, we can pretty much draw the conclusion that he’s at least somewhat thinner than Grif. Also, some additional notes from the Fun Facts section on the RvB wiki for QvsA:

So we know they at least have different body types, and this causes some fun issues with the surgery thing because, well, even if they were the exact same height the likelihood of having the same length of arms, legs, fingers, torsos, etc? Completely implausible. And the wording that Sarge uses is extremely particular when Grif wakes up from said surgery when talking about his hand in season 2 episode 34:

So we know that, at the very least, Grif’s entire shoulder and arm was replaced by Simmons’s. That’s scary enough when you consider the differences in bone lengths and sizes and everything, but Sarge continues his list into different parts of a cow because, well, that’s the anatomical model he’s working with. However, this can give us insight into how much of Simmons Grif has, if only vaguely. So, listed out, we have:

Shoulder (self explanatory)

“Flank” lower belly area

“Made a left turn at the spare rib” the spare rib comes from the plate, which is the area above the flank. I’m taking this to mean that less of his mid chest was replaced than on his lower stomach.

“Up and over the porterhouse” the porterhouse comes from the short loin area, so I’ll call that lower back? Approximately. So we’re likely going up and over his side and replacing parts into the back.

“Brisket” I’m going to call this the upper chest, but just think above the spare rib

“Hocks” refers to back legs/hips

This is where Sarge is interrupted by Grif asking where they got the parts, so the post isn’t necessarily exhaustive, but it definitely gives a start. A very weird one. So, this is about what our model is looking like:

I’ve used maroon to approximately mark out the places we know were replaced with Simmons’s parts based off those lines. So we now have an arm and a leg that are, at the very least WAY skinnier than the rest of his body, which is objectively horrifying to think of on a weight distribution basis (his balance would be BAD) plus the fact that those limbs would very likely not be the right length? That’s rough, and also imagine the seam lines?? Like, we joke about Simmons’s pasty ass compared to Grif but simply put? Having a different amount of fatty tissue between the skin and bone of the body parts you’re sewing together would make it. Interesting, to say the least

(Side note: I believe that, were Grif’s,,, groin,,, replaced, they would make jokes about it, hence why I don’t have that marked. Tex caused him enough testicle trauma I don’t need to add more)

I know this went WAY beyond the scope of your question but! I had too much fun with it, thank you

TLDR: Simmons and Grif are not the same size and Grif having Simmons’s parts is a recipe for disaster

[destinyc1020]

I prefer to use metacritic over RT for the reason anon listed below. Still, there were several critics that rated it 0/10 with some saying it was unwatchable and a waste, and almost all critics watched it through the lens of “famous blockbuster actor with a huge following tries something new” which is wrong if you’re familiar with his pre Spider-man work. I think some critics went into watching that show looking for reasons to dislike it.

… “The Beach” has a 21% RT score and 53 metacritic score, and I desperately need Tom to see that score because that movie is not perfect but deserved MUCH better. Leo was hugely typecast after Titanic (which I think is his real gripe w superhero/blockbuster movies). Titanic released in 1997 and Leo didn’t have a critical hit until 2002 Catch Me if You Can, and that was a Spielberg film.

At the end of the day, Leo’s most famous role will always be Jack Dawson. It’s the role most “normal” people will always associate him with, but now he’s done enough movies opposite of Jack’s character people take him seriously.

You're right, I'll have to check out Metacritic more often. I'm so used to always looking on RT or IMDB lol.

Anyway......Great points about Leo DiCaprio Anon. 👍🏾 I know he's referred back to that time and how crazy it was for him in many various interviews over the years. And YES, I think that's probably one of the main reasons why Leo advises young actors against doing superhero films. He probably saw himself how the largely popular and successful "Titanic" role really probably stifled him career-wise for years. 🥴

I just think it's hard period for younger actors who have done such an iconic role, to really break free from that, because ppl like to pigeon-hole actors (and just ppl in general) ALL the time. 😒🙄

It may take a few years, but I definitely foresee Tom breaking out of the superhero "bubble" that it seems some in Hollywood have put him in. And don't think that Tom is the only one who's going through this. Actor Chris Evans (Captain America) gets typecast and stereotyped all the time due to his previous Marvel role. Why do you think he was okay with hanging up the suit? 👀

Honestly? Leo doing CMIYC was probably the best thing he could have done for his career. I could see Tom doing a role like that honestly. He certainly has the charisma to pull it off! 😉

I actually think that Tom's career is perfectly fine tbh, and I love how diverse his filmography is! I'm sure he will be called one of our great leading actors in the future.... mark my words.

If I were to give Tom any type of advice career-wise to get over this "period" however (not that he needs my advice on anything.... cuz who am I but just a fan? Lol 🤭 😆), it would be to:

Take a little bit of a break from the mentally-taxing/mentally-troubled roles for a little while. You can still show people that you're a great actor, that you're naturally gifted, and MORE than just "Spider-man" without doing dark/edgy/mentally-taxing roles 😔 I think the Fred Astaire biopic is a perfect choice for example 😌👌🏾 Especially since he will be able to finally showcase a talent he's had since he was a kid onscreen!

Do some lighter roles that showcase more of his natural charisma (and maybe even humor) 😌👌🏾

Take on a few roles that showcase him using his regular English accent

Don't pick roles based on "gut feelings or emotions".... pick roles more strategically and analytically (I know he said he hates doing that lol 😄) based on a GOOD SCRIPT, a great cast, and/or an awesome director, with a storyline that interests him👍🏾

Do an ensemble film again (kind of like TDATT) where he's not the main focus of the film, but a very important part of the storyline along with other well-acclaimed actors. Ensemble films are GREAT. And the entire film (or its success) isn't ALL on your shoulders.

And finally (and I know this will make some fans angry lol 😆), but if I were him, I would actually not return to the Spidey role for another 4 years 👀 Can't Sony still keep their rights to the Spidey character if they just keep making another animated Miles Morales film for a little while? 👀

Anyway, that would be my personal advice! 🤷🏾‍♀️

But hey, I'm nobody but a casual observer, so my advice could be crap for all I know rofl 🤣 But from the outside looking in, this is the direction that I would go if I were in his position. 😊

I think the thing that frustrates me the most with Tom and critics trying to pigeonhole him, is the fact that if they ever watched Tom's EARLIER films prior to Spiderman, they would see that Tom was really more of an indie actor!

The problem is, people either never saw his earlier films, OR, they never really paid much attention to him, so when SM HOCO came out, THAT became the barometer that they used to judge him and his acting 🙄, when in reality, they should be taking his entire filmography as a whole into consideration imo.

Anyway, let me stop with this dissertation lol..

Great points Anon 👍🏾

[darkmaga-returns]

Zelensky AGAIN Refuses to Hold Elections as Most Ukrainians Oppose War

by Sean MillerNovember 19th, 2024 5:28 PM 

Ukraine is under martial law until at least February 2025. This has allowed Zelensky to refuse to leave office, outlaw opposition parties, jail politicians and 'purge' people deemed disloyal.

Ukrainian ruler Vladimir Zelensky, whose term has ended in May of this year, presented his Internal Resilience Plan in the country’s parliament Tuesday where he again ruled out holding elections. This comes as the wartime leader guides his country toward global nuclear armageddon with a people who largely wish the war to end.

“We all know that the Constitution of Ukraine and the law do not permit elections during wartime, and no one in the world has demanded and does demand this from Ukraine. However, there are some people in Ukraine who may be so ‘hungry’ for [elections] that they want to fight within our state more than for our state. They seek political disputes in the trenches, like in film studios. This is detrimental to Ukraine,” Zelensky said, according to RT on Tuesday. “First, Ukraine needs a just peace, and then Ukrainians will hold fair elections. We must prioritize the common interest over any personal desires.”

Interestingly, a recent poll revealed that a slim majority of Ukrainians wish for the war to end soon.

“A majority of Ukrainians now favor a rapid end to the ongoing conflict with Russia through peace negotiations, according to a recent survey conducted by Gallup,” RT said Tuesday. “In its latest report, on Tuesday, the American pollster reported that 52% of respondents believe Kiev should pursue peace talks to end the war as soon as possible. This marks a substantial rise from 27% in 2023 and just 22% in 2022.”

While the majority that want peace is slim, it still constitutes a major increase since the war began.

“Support for continuing military action until a decisive victory is achieved has been on the decline. In February 2022, 73% of Ukrainians backed continued hostilities. By 2023, that number had fallen to 63%, and it has dropped further, to 38% in 2024. The poll indicates that Ukrainians are reconsidering their positions as the conflict drags on, and their military continues to retreat,” RT said Tuesday.

Ukraine is under martial law until at least February 2025. This has allowed Zelensky to refuse to leave office, outlaw opposition parties, jail politicians and ‘purge’ people deemed disloyal, according to RT.

The highest seat in Ukraine, held by Zelensky, is not operating under its own power however. The West, which has green-lit heavy bombardment of Russia on Sunday, controls the strings of the proverbial marionette, Zelensky.

“Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, who has been described in Western media as “the real power broker” in Kiev, stated that presidential elections would be held immediately after the war ends. According to Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, the next presidential elections would take place within 60 days after martial law is lifted,” RT said Tuesday.

[biblenewsprophecy]

RT: Sanctions have made Russian economy stronger; COGwriter: Sanctions did not deter Russia

COGwriter

RT reported the following:

Sanctions have made Russian economy stronger – top academic

Western sanctions imposed on Russia amid the Ukraine conflict have made the country’s economy stronger, Nikita Anisimov, rector of the HSE University in Moscow, has said.

Speaking on behalf of HSE economists at a parliamentary hearing on the draft of the 2025-2027 federal budget on Monday, Anisimov said sanctions have effectively propelled the restructuring of the country’s economy. According to the expert, this has led to Russia “essentially ceasing” its dependence on the export of raw materials such as oil and gas for income – a task the government has been grappling with for years.

“As a result, today, largely due to the situation of external shocks and the rapid restructuring of our economy, we have been able to significantly reduce our dependence on raw materials exports. Thus, we can say that the sanctions have only made our economy stronger and more resilient,” Anisimov stated.

The subject of Russia’s successes in cutting reliance on oil and gas revenues was raised by President Vladimir Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in June. He noted that Russian GDP expanded by 3.6% last year, bouncing back from a 1.2% downturn in 2022, when the country was first targeted by the West’s wide-ranging economic restrictions. Most of that growth stemmed from non-resource-based industries such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, as well as trade, hospitality, and financial services, Putin said.

Last month, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov announced that the Russian economy had continued to expand in 2024, with GDP growth in the first half of the year hitting 4.7%. Siluanov said he expected GDP growth at the end of the year to be 3.9%, exceeding the figure for 2023.

Many analysts, both Russian and international, have noted that sanctions have failed to destabilize the country’s economy. Most have attributed this resilience to Russia’s swift pivot to the East for trade, as well as economic policies implemented to offset the effect of the restrictions.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund both raised their growth forecasts for the Russian economy earlier this year. The former predicted it to grow by 2.9% in 2024, and in July upgraded Russia to a “high-income country.”

The IMF in April said it expected the country’s GDP to expand by 3.2%, faster than all advanced economies, including the US, the UK, Germany, and France. 10/08/24 https://www.rt.com/business/605405-sanctions-russian-economy-stronger/

The USA, UK, and EU have been using sanctions against Russia for a very long time. While intended to punish Russia, the sanctions have hurt the sanctioners. And in many ways, sanctions have hurt certain EU nations more than they have hurt Russia.

The US has long had a history of sanctions against Russia and the old Soviet Union. These sanctions, while having certain costs to Russia, have pushed Russia to be more self-reliant as well as less reliant on the West. The view of both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund support the view that Russia’s economy is doing very well, despite Western sanctions.

As regular readers of this COGwriter Church of God News page are aware, I have long warned about the use of sanctions. Many of which were imposed against Russia in 2014 after its annexation of Crimea.

And back on March 18, 2019, I posted:

It remains my view that Crimea and at least parts of eastern Ukraine will ultimately align with Russia.

International sanctions will not stop biblical prophecies from being fulfilled. (Thiel B. ‘Putin in Crimea as Russia Marks Five Years Since Annexation’ the ‘Kings of the Medes’ will arise. COGwriter, March 18, 2019)

And the events of the past few years confirmed my view that sanctions and threats of sanctions would not stop Russia from having territories align with it. Additionally, Russia has ended up with at least parts of eastern Ukraine aligning with it.

I have long warned of “unintended consequences” of USA sanctions policies against Russia. Sanctions did not deter Russia.

Earlier this year, we put out the following video:

14:51

Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy

In 2014 the USA and European Union put sanctions on Russia because of its acquisition of Crimea. Since Russia’s ‘Special Military Operation’ into Ukraine, more sanctions were added. On February 23, 2024, the EU and USA announced more sanctions. Did the sanctions turn the “ruble into rubble” as Joe Biden hoped? Did Russia acquire more territory as Dr. Thiel warned in 2013, 2018, and 2022 prior to the current conflict? Was he right about sanctions? Will Russia and Europe acquire more territory? Will they one day trade more with each other? Will they one day turn against each other? What about Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, and Armenia? Are the Russian-led ‘kings of the Medes’ prophesied to destroy the coming Babylonian European Beast power? Does Europe, starting with Benelux to the European Economic Community to the European Union look to be fulfilling Daniel 8:9? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, Sanctions, Transnistria, Europe & Prophecy.

Six years ago, we put out the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:19

US Sanctions and Tariffs leading to New World Order?

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said new US sanctions would be a declaration of economic war. Iran, North Korea, China, Europe, and Turkey are also upset about USA sanctions and tariffs. A Turk asserted “Somebody must find a solution and stop the USA.” The BRICS nations see US sanctions and tariffs as helpful to their objectives to trade without the USA. Are “unintended consequences” of USA policies threatening the current Anglo-American world order and leading to a New World Order? What has ‘Lord’ Jacob Rothschild and Russian President Vladimir Putin stated? Does Bible prophecy show that a confederation of Turks, Arabs, and Europeans pose a real threat to the USA and UK? Is the final time of the Gentiles coming? Will it be worse than people imagine? Dr. Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: US Sanctions and Tariffs leading to New World Order?

At the beginning of this post is a pro-sanctions sign that pushed to get Russia excluded from the SWIFT banking system.

While that has, to a major degree occurred, Russia had already developed its own alternative to SWIFT (see ‘Russia Is Prepared To Disconnect From SWIFT Payment System: Foreign Ministry’) and has been encouraging other nations to bypass the SWIFT system (see ZH: Russia Urges BRICS Nations To Create Own ‘SWIFT’ System, Warns ‘Sanctions Are Destroying International Order’). Russia also has a lot of gold (see also Gold affected by European & US banking concerns; Russia announced increased gold reserves).

Also, perhaps partially related to the SWIFT restrictions, but also for investment and strategic reasons, Russia has decided to acquire some silver:

Russia may be poised to make a notable shift in its precious metals strategy, with silver potentially emerging as a key asset in the country’s expanding State Fund. According to a report released by Interfax this week and cited by Bloomberg, Russia’s Draft Federal Budget outlines plans to significantly bolster its holdings in precious metals over the coming years. Notably, the budget includes plans to acquire gold, platinum, palladium, and, for the first time, silver.

The inclusion of silver in the State Fund’s acquisition strategy marks a departure from recent trends. While central banks around the globe, particularly Russia, have set records in gold purchases following international sanctions, silver has largely remained off their radar. This latest development suggests that silver’s role in Russia’s financial strategy may be evolving.

A New Phase in Precious Metals Acquisition

Russia’s move comes as part of an ongoing response to economic sanctions that have isolated the country from the SWIFT banking system. Since then, Russia has increasingly focused on diversifying its reserves with highly liquid assets, like gold. However, the mention of silver in this latest budget is significant, as it represents the first time any central bank has explicitly included silver in its purchasing plans during the current bull market for precious metals. …

Despite its shared precious metal status, silver has traditionally been viewed differently due to its widespread use in industrial applications. A large portion of the global silver supply is consumed in manufacturing, particularly in sectors like green energy, which relies heavily on silver for products like solar panels. This has historically influenced the way governments and financial institutions approach silver as a store of value.

Yet with increasing global interest in green technology, silver’s dual role as both an industrial commodity and a potential financial asset could make it more attractive to governments seeking to hedge against economic volatility. 10/04/24 https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/precious-metals/article-823167

Since gold is dozens of times more expensive per ounce than silver, it takes less space to stock silver. As far as silver goes, the Bible shows it will have value after the US dollar tanks. We have a video related to silver:

15:10

Silver, Science, and Scripture

What is silver? What is it used for? How long has it been used? Will it have use in the future? There was an archaeological discovery that concluded that silver was used as a form of payment 3,700 years ago in the Levant (roughly the area of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria)–that was 500 years earlier than many thought it had been used there. Was silver shown to be used even a couple of centuries earlier than that by Abraham in the Bible? What is dross? Did ancient Rome have dross coins? Did the USA switch to dross coins instead of silver in 1965? Does the Bible teach against the use of dross? Does the Bible prophesy that silver will have value into the Great Tribulation? Are there Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies pointing to Great Monarch amassing precious metals and the Antichrist using wealth as bait? Will there be a time when people toss their silver into the street? Are there any radioactive risks with silver? Will gold and silver have value in the millennium? What does the word of God teach is more valuable than gold or silver? What should you invest in? Steve Dupuie and Dr. Thiel address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Silver, Science, and Scripture.

Russia’s decision to add silver to its strategic investments, in my opinion, is wise. And having it looks to do more than dealing with sanctions.

Now, as far as sanctions go, it is not that sanctions do not have a cost to the nation sanctioned and the nation sanctioning, but the reality is that there are usually ways to work around those sanctions.

Related to financial transactions, in addition to coming up with its own system to bypass SWIFT, Russia also took steps this year in order to use cryptocurrencies which bypass SWIFT. Related to that, we made the following video this Summer:

14:59

Russia, USA, & Bitcoin

On July 30, 2024, Russian lawmakers passed a bill that will allow businesses to use cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, to skirt Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s Special Military Operation into Ukraine. This is to come to force in September 2024. This is hoped to help with trade between Russia, China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and others. What are several advantages to Russia in doing so? Could there be “unintentional consequences” in dealing with Bitcoin? Is Bitcoin “as good as good” or silver? What does the Bible teach about gold? Does the Bible allow for the ‘666’ power to use unregulated Bitcoin? Was a bill been introduced in the US Congress for its Treasury to purchase 1 million Bitcoin? Has Donald Trump made statements about the USA stockpiling Bitcoin should he again become President of the United States? Does the Bible warn against debt accumulation, show that the USA dollar will one day be worthless, and prophesy that the strongest military on the earth will be conquered? Should you rely on any nation, gold, or cryptocurrency? What should Christians rely on? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these issues.

Here is a link to our video: Russia, USA, & Bitcoin.

Let me add that a major cost to US sanctions on Russia and others is that more and more countries are looking at ways to bypass the US dollar (see also yesterday’s post: MW: Can America Survive Global De-Dollarization? COGwriter: No!).

The time will come when the US dollar is worth no more than the cotton-paper it is printed on or its nostalgic value.

Sanctions against Russia have repeatedly failed in their official purpose, yet it seems like ever few months there are leaders who call for more of them.

Related Items:

Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?

Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?

Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?

The End of US Dollar Dominance Is the USA losing its economic status? What about the petro-gold-yuan? A related video is also available: US Dollar being challenged by Gold-Petro-Yuan.

The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What About Silver? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold and silver? Two videos of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar and Silver, Science, and Scripture.

Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

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[thxnews]

Fairness in Fresh Produce: UK's Transformative Review

  Elevating Equity in Agriculture

Overview of the Fresh Produce Supply Chain Review The UK government's Fresh Produce Supply Chain Review marks a pivotal moment in agricultural policy, born from commitments at the Farm to Fork Summit. This initiative seeks to rectify longstanding imbalances in the compensation of British farmers and growers. It represents a significant stride towards a more equitable agricultural sector, aiming to reshape the landscape of UK farming and ensure fair treatment for those at its core.   Horticulture's Economic and Social Impact The horticulture sector, contributing a remarkable £3.3 billion to the UK economy, is a vital component of the nation's agricultural framework. It sustains rural communities by producing an extensive range of fruits and vegetables. More than just an economic contributor, it is key to the UK's food security and the vitality of rural areas. The government's review is a proactive measure to support this crucial sector and reinforce its importance to national well-being.   Addressing Sector Challenges Rising costs in energy, fuel, and labour have recently challenged the horticulture sector, leading to concerns about supply chain fairness. This review is a government initiative to understand and address these issues. It aims to provide support to growers, aligning with the broader goal of enhancing national food security by ensuring a substantial portion of UK food is domestically produced.   Exploring Contractual Fairness A major focus of this review is the scrutiny of contractual practices within the fresh produce sector. It aims to assess the fairness and equity of these arrangements and consider the need for additional legislation. The goal is to establish a transparent supply chain, fostering sustainability and equity in the sector. This investigation is crucial for shaping future policies that uphold fairness in every facet of the supply chain.   Inclusive Consultation Process The government has opened this review to all fresh produce sector stakeholders, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity. By involving a broad spectrum of participants, from farmers to industry experts, the review seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sector's challenges and opportunities. This collaborative effort is vital for creating effective, widely-supported policies.   Government’s Continued Efforts Post Farm to Fork Summit, the government has actively supported agriculture through investment in innovation, market access enhancement, and promoting British produce. It has also addressed labor challenges by offering visas and supporting initiatives like the Controlled Environment Horticulture program. These actions underscore the government's dedication to fortifying the UK's agricultural sector.   Environment Secretary's Commitment Environment Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized the government's support for the sector, stating: "I’m committed to backing British farmers and growers, and it’s only right that producers should be paid a fair price. This review will help ensure that is the case, as well as delivering on our commitments from the Farm to Fork Summit to provide greater stability and resilience for the fresh produce sector."   Sources: THX News, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs & The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP. Read the full article

[nintendeez]

Online Gaming Then and Now

Once upon a time, in the era of dial-up modems and pixelated graphics, online gaming was but a fledgling concept taking its first tentative steps into the digital world. Fast forward to the present day, where high-speed internet and cutting-edge technology have elevated online gaming to unprecedented heights and it is easy to see the differences. In this article, we'll explore the vast chasm that separates the online gaming experience of the 1990s from that of modern times, highlighting the key advancements and transformations that have shaped the industry into the behemoth it is today.

The 90s are a decade marked by a distinct sense of nostalgia, when the internet was still a novelty and online gaming a far-flung fantasy for most. Those were the days of humble beginnings, when games like Doom and Quake laid the groundwork for the first-person shooter genre, while text-based MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) offered a primitive yet captivating form of role-playing adventure.

Back then, connection speeds were glacial compared to what we enjoy nowadays. Dial-up modems, with their infamous screeching tones, were the norm, limiting online play to those with both patience and persistence. And let's not forget the dreaded "lag" - the bane of every gamer's existence, causing inexplicable deaths and ruining countless hours of gameplay in mere seconds.

Graphics, too, were a far cry from the stunning visuals we've become accustomed to. Low resolutions and rudimentary designs meant that imagination played a crucial role in filling in the blanks, transforming blocky pixels into believable characters and environments. Sound effects and music were similarly basic, often consisting of little more than repetitive loops and simple synthesizer melodies.

Although outdated by modern standards, Local Area Network (LAN) parties became a staple of the PC and console gaming scene. Groups of friends would huddle together around either their own computers or shared consoles, with a physical wire to each device in the network. Many friendships were forged or tested over the heroic trials of these brave souls.

Despite these limitations, the 90s online multiplayer gaming scene was nothing short of revolutionary. It fostered a sense of community among gamers, brought people together from across the globe, and sparked a passion for competition that continues to burn brightly to this day. Titles like Ultima Online, EverQuest, and Starcraft set the stage for the massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and real-time strategy (RTS) titles that would come to dominate the gaming landscape in subsequent years.

Today, online gaming is virtually unrecognizable compared to its humble origins. High-speed broadband connections have banished the scourge of lag, making seamless, low-latency gameplay a reality for millions worldwide. Graphics have evolved beyond our wildest dreams, with photorealistic rendering and breathtaking art styles transporting players to fully realized digital worlds.

Sound design has also undergone a radical transformation, with immersive surround sound and orchestral scores bringing depth and emotion to the gaming experience. Voice chat has become ubiquitous, allowing players to communicate and coordinate strategies in real-time, further enhancing the social aspect of online gaming.

Games themselves have grown increasingly complex and ambitious, with developers pushing the boundaries of storytelling, game mechanics, and emergent gameplay. MMORPGs like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV boast millions of active players, while titles such as Fortnite and League of Legends have popularized the burgeoning esports scene, turning professional gamers into international superstars.

In the early days of online gaming, a stable connection was considered a luxury, and lag was an ever-present adversary, striking without warning and wreaking havoc on gameplay. Today, however, gamers have come to expect lightning-fast connections and near-zero latency as standard, with any deviation from this ideal met with outrage and disbelief. But how did we get here? 

The roots of online gaming can be traced back to the dawn of the internet age, when nearly the only means of connecting to the web was via a 56k dial-up modem. These devices, which connected to a telephone line, were notoriously slow and temperamental, often resulting in dropped connections and interminable load times. For gamers, this meant frequent disruptions to gameplay, frustrating delays, and the ever-present threat of losing progress due to unexpected disconnections.

As technology advanced, DSL and then broadband internet became more widely available, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds. This revolutionized online gaming, allowing for smoother, more reliable connections and paving the way for the rise of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). With broadband, gamers could finally enjoy seamless, lag-free gameplay, collaborating and competing with players from around the world without the fear of sudden disconnects or crippling latency issues.

Nowadays a significant portion of users are utilizing fiber optic connections, boasting higher speeds and reliability than broadband. However, despite the incredible advancements in connectivity, many gamers remain unsatisfied, demanding even faster speeds and lower latencies.

This insatiable desire for better performance has led some gamers to invest heavily in expensive routers, modems, and other networking equipment, all in pursuit of the perfect connection. While there's certainly nothing wrong with wanting the best possible gaming experience, it's important to recognize just how far we've come in terms of connectivity and appreciate the amazing feats of engineering that enable us to enjoy online gaming at all.

As we reflect on the journey from the dial-up days of the '90s to the lightning-fast fiber optic networks of today, it's hard not to feel a twinge of nostalgia for the simpler times when online gaming was a novelty rather than a necessity. However, it's important to remember that the conveniences and improvements we now enjoy have come at a cost, both financially and in terms of our expectations.

While it's tempting to yearn for the days when online gaming felt like a magical escape from reality, the truth is that we may not want to return to those halcyon days if given the chance. The slow connections, constant lag, and unreliable servers would likely prove to be more frustrating than charming in the context of modern gaming. Instead, we should focus on appreciating the incredible technological leaps that have brought us to where we are today and continue to push for innovation in the years to come.

In conclusion, the evolution of online gaming has been nothing short of remarkable, with each generation of gamers benefiting from the breakthroughs and advancements made by those who came before them. Though we may occasionally find ourselves feeling sentimental for the past, it's crucial that we don't lose sight of how far we've come and how much we stand to gain by embracing the future of online gaming.

[spellucci]

O Canada

Friday, August 4, 2023

Northern Maine is timber country. Tim and Dora took an early morning walk on the ATV/snowmobile trails behind the campground. There were clear signs at every junction. Some of the trails were along logging roads, and were marked with signs giving the logging trucks right of way. They walked until they met a logging crew, and then turned back so as not to have a poodle run afoul of their operation.

According to Wikipedia, the section of Maine Rt. 9 from Bangor to Calais is often referred to as "The Airline" due to it being commonly thought to be a shorter route than the older U.S. 1. (Before the coming of air travel, the term airline often referred to such a shortcut.)

The sign above the door of the Airline Snackbar & Restauran advertises homemade pies and donuts. A pastry for breakfast would be a nice treat, and a pie, Tim figured, would be an even nicer one. They had neither in the pastry case. Just some chocolate chip crullers. Tim and Margaret shared one. It was mediocre.

We breezed through Customs at Calais. At one point the agent asked if we had any firearms, bear spray or mace. Jeanne got a smile from Customs agent when she responded, "Oh, no. Canada is safe."

We stopped for lunch on the Bay of Fundy at Irving Nature Park. The outhouses had classic moon vents.

Margaret, Tim and Dora took a walk along the clay cliffs on the shore of the bay. We discussed the formation of sandstone, limestone, and mudstone rocks. As opposed to the formation of the Grand Canyon in geologic time, the rusty red clay cliffs above us exhibited erosion in human time, with a rivulet carrying silt down the cliff face to a muddy delta at the bottom. We are puzzled by a green-colored rock that looks for all the world like granite.

The stony beach gave way to sand from time to time, giving Dora time to run to her heart's content.

Then a drive up to Moncton, and a walk through the Moncton Riverview Park nestled along the Petitcodiac River. This is the famous river with the amazing tidal bore that we saw on our first RV trip in 2017.

According to Parks Canada, the Bay of Fundy's tides are the highest in the world because of an unusual combination of resonance, or seiche, and the shape of the bay. Like water in any basin, the water in the Bay of Fundy has a natural rocking motion called a seiche. You could compare this to the movement of water in a bathtub. Although the water in a bathtub sloshes from one end to the other and back again in a few seconds, it takes about 13 hours for the water in the bay to rock from the mouth of the bay to the head of the bay and back again. The Atlantic Ocean tide rising and flooding into the bay every 12 hours and 25 minutes reinforces the rocking motion. And that is why the tides are so high, oh Best Beloved, do you see?

We settled in for the night at the Loch Lomond RV Park in Amherst, Nova Scotia. It is one of the nicest RV parks we have ever visited. Everything is clean and well-maintained. The bathroom and laundry room building is bright and airy. The bathrooms are individual rooms with a skylight and a shower in each one.

Our neighbors are friendly North Carolinaians who are visiting Nova Scotia for the first time. We expect they are going to have a great trip.

[goldiers1]

PM 2nd Week of Good Friday Celebrations

  - Prime Minister will enter second week of events to mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. - He will pay tribute to the “courage, imagination and perseverance” of those who worked for peace and had the personal courage to keep going. - Inspiring young people born in or after 1998 will be welcomed to a Gala Dinner hosted by the Prime Minister in Northern Ireland on Wednesday evening. - The agreement’s architects, signatories and their families - as well as political leaders, international dignitaries and leading charities - will also attend.   The Prime Minister will begin his second week of events to mark a quarter of a century since the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement was signed. He will travel back to Belfast on Wednesday where he will acknowledge the “courage, imagination and perseverance” of those who engineered and supported the agreement, as part of the closing keynote speech at the Queen’s University’s ‘Agreement 25’ conference. As part of the Gala Dinner that evening, he will host the remarkable young people who have made a real change to their communities by demonstrating the spirit of the agreement. This younger generation of volunteers make an outstanding contribution to promoting reconciliation through integrated education, sport, the arts and community service. The Prime Minister will also meet with key architects of the agreement, along with Irish and US representatives where he will acknowledge the unique moment in our nation’s history. Next week’s visit will be the Prime Minister’s fifth to Northern Ireland since he has been in office, making it one of his most visited locations.   The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak said, This week we continue to acknowledge the courage, imagination and perseverance of those who built the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. It gives me great pleasure to meet with some of the leading architects of peace and to commemorate those who are no longer with us. It is a tribute to the 1998 Agreement that we also see a younger generation of inspirational people across Northern Ireland today. Those who volunteer time and effort to actively make their communities stronger. So this week I will also pay tribute to young people who have continued to heal the wounds of a dark and difficult past, and those who came before them and set the groundwork for a better future.   The agreement continues to enjoy huge international support and the days ahead will see a spotlight on the peace, prosperity and economic opportunity which have ensued from the commitment in 1998. This week will provide further opportunity to reflect and discuss the ongoing transformation and progress across communities in Northern Ireland. Queen’s University’s ‘Agreement 25’ conference will start on Monday and include speeches, panel discussions, plenary sessions and collaborative events from former and current political leaders. The Gala Dinner will round off the recent period of events to commemorate the anniversary and strengthen efforts to support our vision for a prosperous 25 years ahead. This follows President Biden’s visit to Belfast last week where the Prime Minister and the President celebrated the progress that Northern Ireland has made over the last quarter of a century and recommitted to building an even brighter future for Northern Ireland.   Sources: THX News, Prime Minister's Office & The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP. Read the full article

[tech-read]

Upcoming Video Games 2023: PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox

A hardcore fan of video games and looking for video games coming out in 2023?

A robust video game lineup for 2023 is here, spanning from powerful, cutting-edge PC games to endlessly entertaining and portable Nintendo Switch games.

If you want to know what the top upcoming video games of 2023 have in store for them, look at the list below.

For a deeper look at the most anticipated games, take a look at our list of upcoming video games in 2023.

List Of Video Games Coming Out in 2023

We know how it feels when you’re a serious gamer and when you hear about your favorite video game sequels coming in the upcoming year.

Eager to know more about which video games are coming out? Let’s dig deeper into the list of upcoming video games 2023.

Fire Emblem Engage:

On January 20, Nintendo released Fire Emblem Engage, which marks the beginning of a busy year. The Switch-exclusive game introduces the series’ brand-new protagonist, Alear, who has red and blue hair.

Players can call upon or “engage” past heroes from the Fire Emblem series, such as the main character and Smash Bros.

Maintain Marth. Alear gains access to their equipment and abilities when a former hero is engaged.

Interesting? The game has already been released on January 20. You can download it easily from the web and play. The game is made for the platform Switch.

Atomic Heart:

Since Atomic Heart’s announcement four years ago, anticipation for the game has risen significantly as a result of a steady stream of surreal, sci-fi-heavy trailers showcasing a first-person shooter with a Soviet setting that is similar to BioShock.

The biggest sleeper hit of 2023 could be Atomic Heart. Whether that potential is realized remains to be seen, but initial impressions are positive.

Plus, our first hands-on Atomic Heart preview praised the game’s immersive world, dynamic combat, and creative enemy and art designs.

For Atomic Heart, veteran Doom composer Mick Gordon wrote original music that will be combined with works from the 1950s to 1980s. 

The result is described as “juicy Doom-style remixes meet Soviet-style pop” by the developer Mundfish.

Resident Evil 4 Remake:

This one is one of the most anticipated video games coming out in 2023.

The start of the spooky season will be early in the following year as Capcom will release Resident Evil 4 in March, following the release of Dead Space in January and Sons of the Forest in February.

Resident Evil 4 Remake follows Capcom’s recent remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3, keeping the essential elements of the original game while introducing fresh gameplay and visual improvements.

Additionally, the narrative has been “reconstructed” to reflect how the series’ plot has developed over the course of its 17-year run.

One of the greatest survival horror video games ever made, in the opinion of many, is the original Resident Evil 4 from 2005.

It came in first place on our recently released list of the top Resident Evil titles. Let’s see how this one comes. 

It could be your best game in the upcoming video games 2023 because it will be releasing on March 24 on the platforms like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, and PC.

Also Read: Upcoming games release dates

Minecraft Legends:

https://i0.wp.com/techread.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Minecraft-Legends-1.png?w=768&ssl=1

This most recent spinoff, called Minecraft Legends, which will be an action-strategy game that aims to combine the brand’s approachability and reasonably complex RTS mechanics.

A release date for the game has been set for April 18 across PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

Who doesn’t love Minecraft? This one could be the next level on the list of the best new video games coming out in 2023.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League:

Rocksteady’s outstanding Batman Arkham trilogy cemented its position as one of the top action-game developers in the industry.

The group is back with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League eight years later.

Rocksteady’s Arkham video games’ shared universe is the setting for Kill the Justice League, but this time, players take control of one of four DC supervillains: Deadshot, King Shark, Captain Boomerang, or Harley Quinn.

You’ll explore Metropolis while playing alone or with up to three other players, battling corrupted versions of DC heroes like Batman, who is voiced for the final time by the late, great Kevin Conroy.

Also Read: New games coming out 2023

Street Fighter 6:

The first new installment in the Street Fighter series since 2016, Street Fighter 6, features a robust character creator for its World Tour mode that enables your custom fighter to compete against Street Fighter legends and learn their moves.

Ken, Ryu, and Chun-Li, three series regulars, as well as newcomers Jamie and Kimberly, are among the 18 fighters participating in the launch.

Those who are dubious about Street Fighter 6 in light of the numerous issues with its predecessor have good reason to be hopeful.

Street Fighter 6’s beta, according to Mitchell Saltzman of IGN, was the best he had ever experienced.

On June 2, the game will be available for download on the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, and PC.

This was the complete list of upcoming video games in 2023.

[parttimereporter]

Russian conscription begins.. ‘won’t bluff’ in the use of nukes… long awaited Putin address takes place .. developing..

In a televised national address Wednesday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an immediate partial mobilization of Russian citizens, marking an escalation of its conflict with Ukraine.

Putin on Wednesday referenced his potential use of nuclear weapons, saying “those who try to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the prevailing winds can turn in their direction.” He threatened to use "all the means at our disposal" to defend "Russia and our people."

Kremlin-backed authorities in eastern and southern Ukraine have announced they will hold referendums on joining Russia this week. Putin has said the Kremlin will support the votes; Ukraine and its allies have dismissed the move as a "sham."

Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu told RT that only those who have already served in the military will be called up. “Those are not people who have never heard anything about the army. Those are those who, firstly, had completed their military service, secondly, those who have a military specialty… and have military experience.”

[itsclydebitches]

You know, bringing Penny back already had the risk of cheapening her death, but NO ONE having an emotional reaction whatsoever and Pietro being like “Yeah, I guess she did die lol :D” just DESTROYED the weight of her death. Just another reason I felt nothing when she died again.

The lack of reaction to Penny's resurrection will, forever and always, be a black mark on the series for me. I'm not at all surprised that she was brought back given her android status and popularity among the fandom, I can't even fault RT for restoring our original Penny perfectly given the latter (as opposed to getting a "Penny" without her personality and/or memories), but the sheer indifference to her cheating death? Not just that, but treating her return like a joke? Oh haha, silly Penny with her overenthusiastic hugs. I sure missed that bubbly girl back when our enemies manipulated our now murdered friend into killing her and that trauma kick-started the destruction of our school :)

And this trend in the fandom of going, "Just wait"? Penny suffered from it too. Massively. Like we were told to just wait to return to Oscar's mystery shopping trip, or for the reconciliation with Ozpin to start, or, now, for Emerald to undergo an actual redemption arc, the lack of reaction to Penny's return was explained away as shock (and haven't we heard that one before). Ruby will need to grapple with these emotions, it's just that she was so stunned by this turn of events! But, quite obviously, that never happened. Ruby and Penny's relationship fundamentally returned to where it had started, with Penny making comments about how she isn't allowed certain freedoms and Ruby reminding her that she's a real girl despite it all. A death and the trauma of losing a friend? Not a part of their Volume 7-8 dynamic, to the extent that the story throws them a party in the arena where Penny died — and where Yang was framed, and where the Battle of Beacon began — and not a single character has anything to say about that. The meaning that Penny's death carried in Volumes 3-5 was, in short, erased... and then Penny's entire journey of learning that she's always been real is erased too in an effort to kill her off for good. Her human body wasn't included because it was something she strove for (it wasn't), or something the group needed (it wasn't), or because it was a thematic culmination of her journey (quite the opposite), or even because it follows her inspiration (Ironwood's Tin Man would have something to say about that). It exists solely so that Penny could be murdered again, this time for good. The mad scramble to theorize that she's not really dead (again) is telling. Even the most complimentary fans, those who were quite happy with Penny becoming a human and took no issue with her story throughout 7 and 8, recognized that her death was a horrific, meaningless scene that served only to drum up shock value and give Jaune something to angst over.

I'd even go so far as to say her time as the Maiden was meaningless too. Not just in terms of her not actually doing anything with the powers and Winter ending up with them as originally planned — those two points have both been covered extensively — but in regards to the fact that the group didn't react to that either. Our formerly dead friend came back and a short time later is one of the Maidens? Neat! And that's the extent of their emotional investment in Penny's change. Neat, we've got a stronger fighter now. I just answered that ask that referenced Yang and Ren's fight and that's literally Yang's entire thought on the matter: "We have the Maiden." The Maiden is positioned as a useful tool in this war; a checkmark in the "Victories" column when your friend thinks you haven't achieved enough. But doesn't anyone care that the Maiden is Penny? It's particularly strange to me given the six years of fandom discussion surrounding Pyrrha's almost-time as a Maiden too. As someone (quite obviously lol) interested in Ozpin's character, his desire to make Pyrrha the next Fall Maiden is often viewed as one of his worst acts, supposedly taking this poor, defenseless student and manipulating her into accepting a power that will ruin her life. So much of this is conjecture and even more is an erasure of Pyrrha's agency, and the hypocrisy here is on full display when we look to the reaction to Penny's acceptance of the powers instead. No one is worried about how this power is supposedly going to ruin her life. Or drive all her friends away. Or make her a target to be murdered (again) which is precisely what happens. Or turn her into a tool for the evil men around her to abuse — even though Penny is the one who actually has storylines revolving around her agency, from Pietro building her to be Atlas' obedient weapon to Ironwood ordering her back to his side. Yet the characters don't react to this change with any of the horror we might have expected, because these views don't derive solely from fan headcanoning — we've got moments in the text too. Like Jaune convincing himself that Qrow and the others forced Pyrrha into this. Or the knee-jerk reaction to "real" magic and the horrible things it must do to you. Yet Penny walks out of that lab brimming with a foreign magic, something that Ironwood had always planned to pass onto one of this allies, a power that they know has gotten numerous people killed, and our group is just like, "Cool. Penny upgrade." Everything about Penny's Volume 7-8 journey demonstrates a lack of forethought; the authors' inability to connect what they're currently writing to what came before and what will come later. The lack of reaction to her death, the framing plotline going nowhere, a total acceptance of her as the Maiden despite complicated feelings in the past (and we can toss Yang's assumed secret about Raven in here too), the ableist and contradictory message of giving her a human body, dying again just an episode later, doing so in a way that throws Jaune back into the same situation we've seen before... none of it is emotionally fulfilling when set against the rest of RWBY.

And Emerald, as you say, is a crucial part of all that. Emerald is the one who originally orchestrated Penny's murder. We see her love for Cinder pushing her to attack Penny again just hours before she joins the group. Emerald pretends to be Penny in order to get close to Ironwood... and the only thing we get from all this is a quip about how "weird" it feels to do good. Their stories are woven together and the fact that RT doesn't seem to realize that does a huge disservice to them both. The question of, "How does Penny grow after being resurrected post-murder?" and the question of, "What will it take to redeem Emerald?" are irrevocably linked to one another... and yet neither character was given the chance to answer those questions in a fulfilling manner.

[worfs-glorious-hair]

Puzzle Pieces: Interlude-What is a soulmate?(RK-800 Connor x Reader; Deroit: Become Human) Part 4

Greeeeeetings!

I am glad to be back (finally) after a whole year. I am sorry. 

A lot happened and I hope that you are in a safe space. I am sending you a social-distanced and corona-free hug! <3

Also, big shoutout to all the old and new readers and peeps who found their way to this fanfiction in the last year. Reading the notifications of likes and retweets and even asks to be tagged in the next part never failed to make me feel so happy and giggly inside. This chapter was actually posted already a few weeks ago on AO3 but only now I finally got around to update on here as well. So extra-kudos for your extra-patience! :D <3

We’re doing some world-building in this chapter and our boi Connor feels things and is overall confused by the answers he finds. A lot to look forward to for you. :D

And one more thing until I finally let you go to reading, I decided to specify the reader's pronouns and settled with female pronouns. But otherwise than that I still try to write the reader as open as possible that you have more room to find yourself in the story. If you would prefer different pronouns, tho, please message me and we'll figure something out for you. I am there for you and I want to respect your pronouns and want you to have a good reading experience.

Spoilers for the game in the following chapter, btw. 

I think I’ve kept you from the chapter now long enough. Enjoy reading. <3

Message me if you want to be tagged in the next chapter.

Stay safe and please be responsible and wear a mask over nose and mouth. 

All my love, lady-spacy

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~

Interlude- What is a soulmate?

"Lieutenant", Connor asked, "what is a soulmate? I noticed that the subject of 'soulmates' appears in two out of three conversations and it caused always a measurable change in one's body chemistry. For example, I detected an increased level of serotonin and..."

"Do you stop talking if I answer your question?", a very tired Lieutenant Anderson interrupted Connor's analysis. Hank knew that if he wouldn't be stopped soon, Connor would continue to talk about hormones and blushes and cheesy giggles and all that exhausting stuff that came with the topic of soulmates. The only way to shut that noisy android up was to answer his questions and they would be in the car to Kamski’s estate for another twenty minutes. And twenty minutes could be long next to someone who wants to talk so badly when all you want to do is to drive in peace.

"Of course, Lieutenant."

Hank rolled his eyes and fought the urge to sigh, of fucking course would that shut Connor up. He was predictable after all, very – curious but predictable.

“A soulmate is your, uh, uhm, your lifelong partner. I mean, not your partner, I don’t think Androids have soulmates…”, Hank eyed Connor from the side and wondered what his LED ring on his temple looked like. He had realized that whenever Connor was thinking about something his LED would spin around, sometimes slow, sometimes even faster. Sometimes it would even change the color and would go from blue to yellow.

And now Hank found himself wondering what that Android did to him, that he cared about what Connor thought.

Connor had watched Hank closely and attentive. He wanted to know, he wanted to understand.

“No, Lieutenant, Androids do not have soulmates. But I still don’t understand what a soulmate differs from a good friend? What is it that makes you have the names written on your bodies, who decides on what name, which person, will appear on your body, why are your destinies supposed to be connected by something, apparently without your consent. Did you ever choose to have a soulmate?”

‘Yeah’, Hank thought by himself, ‘good questions.’

“Soulmates are a difficult topic”, he finally spoke out loud. Trying to find words to explain a concept that no one really understood.

”Even scientists didn’t’t found all answers”, continued Hank, “as far as I know, they aren’t even close. We don’t know what bonds us to another human being. Soulmates are said to be ‘tied together from the universe itself’”, Hank drew quotation marks in the air with his right hand that wasn’t on the wheel, “but whatever it is that decided about that, we’re having to deal with that shit now. And for your question, soulmates are supposed to be partners, lovers even, a team that belongs together. People who give each other security and safety. It’s a nice idea but in reality it doesn’t play out. We don’t choose our soulmates and don’t get a say with it. There is no ‘consent’ in that soulmate shit, as you put it in words.”

“Have you found your soulmate, Lieutenant? Was your heart broken and this is why you now doubt the idea of soulmates? I can detect patterns of emotional distress in your voice.”

“Jeez, do you try to be fucking psychiatrist now?”

„No“, came Connor‘s immediate answer.

„I am just trying to understand human nature better.”

“Well, there is a name on my wrist, if that’s what you want to know. But at the end it was only a name. Just because you have a name there doesn’t mean that you will live happily ever after. Life can still happen…”

For Hank this was it, he had already said enough. He glanced over to Connor who still looked at him, Hank, with this never ending gleam of curiosity and analyzing that always surrounded him.

Android? Hank wondered if this was truly the nature of that boy, sure his body was artificial but what about his heart?

‘Androids don’t have hearts’ would have said the Hank from just four days ago and now he just wasn’t sure about that anymore. He had seen so much, he had seen two girls, who were so deeply in love that they were willing to do anything to be together, he had seen Connor deciding not to shoot these girls and let them get away, obviously going against his programming as a hunter.

And then Connor’s answers two nights ago on that playground, Hank had seen trouble in his eyes, he had heard the poorly covered confusion in his voice, which left him confused as well.

Hank started to wonder if they were wrong, what if Androids could be more than the illusion of a human?

“Mr Kamski?“, Hank called, when he and Connor were finally let in to meet Elijah Kamski.

“Just a moment, please”, came the immediate answer from the other side of the room, where the former CEO of Cyberlife was currently swimming in a pool with red tiles that made it look like it was filled with blood instead of water.

While they waited for him to come out of the pool, Connor took the time to look around in the large room with big art pieces on the walls and a glass window that filled the whole outer wall and showed the view towards the frozen Detroit River.

He turned around again when he heard water splashing, signaling a body that was lifted out of it and he saw Kamski climbing up the pool ladder.

Acting on a sudden impulse Connor tried to catch a glimpse of Kamski’s wrist hoping to see his soulmark as the RT-600 Chloe, who had opened the door for them, helped Kamski put on a bath robe but before he came close enough to see, Kamski turned around to the window and fixed his hair.

When he turned back to him and Hank he smirked at Connor, just as he had read his mind, and crossed his hands loosely over is lower abdomen, completely blocking the view to his wrists.

And kept his hands like this for the rest of the conversation.

„I always leave an emergency exit in my programs…“, Kamski looked at Connor with his sly, sparkling eyes, full with endless smugness and the touch of a smirk on the corners of his mouth.

As if this whole exchange has not been confusing and frightening enough for Connor, he had to deal with this mysterious comment now, too. What does that mean? What does he want to say with it?

Connor would like to ask but he would probably just get another riddle as an answer.

“Connor, wait!”

A voice called him back as he was about to head outside.

He stopped and turned around to the original RT-600 model, her eyes burning with an intensity and significance that Connor had never seen before, at least not in an Android’s eyes. He could not look away.

Again, as he locked eyes with the very first Android, who was able to pass the Turing test, he saw more there. For the same reason that he hasn’t been able to shoot not even seven minutes ago, for the same reason did he now stop in his tracks and waited patiently for what she had to say.

She...

That word lingered in his mind for a very long moment.

‘What is happening?’ screamed his mind, unable to cope. His mind was drowning in too many illogical new information and sensations.

This is too much!

‘I can’t look away’, Connor realized as he stared into her burning eyes, his mind being filled with just one thought: ‘Whatever is happening here right now is important! Don’t blink!’

“The truth is beneath your skin”, she said hastily, softly tipping on his right wrist with her index finger, right where the sleeves of his jacket ended.

He followed the movement of her finger with his eyes and stared at his wrist. What could be there, hiding, waiting?

“The truth is there, everything you need to know!” Connor did not know what to say or do, he just kept staring at his wrist, trying to see, to understand, what she could possibly be talking about.

He continued staring at his wrist and her finger until he finally came back to his senses, after too many seconds that are an eternity for Androids.

Blinking away once again the warning for the never ending, wildly spinning software instability that had appeared when that Chloe had stopped him.

Connor practically sprinted outside to Hank and his car.

^^ Software Instability ^^

      R#aN%9I=97&°

Connor took a step back in surprise, Androids could have soulmates!

Ortiz’ Android had a soulmark! Written in blue CyberLife fond stood a name on the Android’s wrist, Melanie.

Maybe the soulmarks came with deviancy, Connor thought, maybe their soulmate was only revealed when they became deviant. Meaning that there had always been someone who was meant to be- waiting, sleeping under the skin. Meaning that deviancy was a lot more than a virus or a software error. Deviancy could be a revelation of life in all of it’s aspects.

But deviancy was just an irregularity in the programming, Connor thought, seeking comfort in programmed truths that he wanted to believe so badly. Truths that did not feel true anymore. But if he didn’t believe in them, he had nothing left to believe in. Connor was lost. Lost between the destroyed bodies of Androids who had only wanted peace, justice or a home.

Connor stood on an edge, every time a software instability appeared he could see the abyss, he did not want to fall!

So he clung onto the only truths he ever knew. Otherwise he would become like them, just another broken machine.

He continued examining the Androids’ bodies and finds from his missions for a clue for Jericho in the evidence room of the Detroit Police Department. While he scanned and analyzed, he tried to find comfort in the tasks that he was created for–the software instabilities that occurred even more regularly now in the past days confused and scared him, Connor couldn’t comprehend what was happening to him- he needed to be uninterrupted if he wanted to find the deviant leader and finally bring back order into this chaos.

Connor craved peace, he craved the monotone calmness of executing programs and tasks, no emotions, no insecurities, no confusion.

But his thoughts came always back to soulmates- how could this be possible?

Deviancy was maybe caused by a computer virus and soulmates were supposed to be a real lifelong connection between two human beings, that were alive and had a soul. Soulmates for Androids just couldn’t work, Androids just don’t have souls!

They are only machines, programmed to think, they have no real mind of their own and yet all of the Androids in the evidence room had their soulmarks on their wrists.

Daniel even had a name written in red by a human’s hand as his soulmark.

A human had been Daniel’s soulmate… But what about his soulmate now, do they search now forever for someone who is not alive anymore?

Alive…

And again, another warning for a software instability appeared in Connor‘s periphery. He blinked it away.

How could this be that he had actually thought of Daniel as ‘once alive’?

He, Connor, the currently on duty RK- 800 model, the android sent by CyberLife to hunt down deviants, who was faster, better and more advanced than any Android before him, who was programmed to follow orders, that were given to him, with precision and no room for doubts, second thoughts or even a mind of his own, he, Connor, had thought about an Android who he had hunted down with that precision, executing his advanced negotiating programs and earning the Android‘s trust in the end, as dead.

Alive means that something can die, not to be destroyed, not to be deactivated, not to be shut down. Life and death are terms to describe flesh and blood, red blood. Not blue blood.

But maybe, Connor thought and the LED on his temple went yellow for yet another time on this day, maybe, just maybe, was there another truth for Androids and for him. Maybe there was life and death and love and emotions, maybe there was a soul.

It was as time had slowed down for a moment as he jumped, no, as he was flying...

He saw snowflakes passing him in slow motion, he was seeing all their details, all their individuality, despite their outer uniformity of one shared build.

It was mesmerizing–and odd.

Odd because he saw their beauty, he did not just made an analysis of their geometrical structures or chemical composition, he saw them glittering and dancing in the lights of the pier.

This was new and wonderful, it was as he would be seeing for the first time, as he had been blindfolded all this time...

The moment passed as Connor hit through the surface of the Detroit River, dulled from the water around him he could hear the explosion of Jericho behind him.

‘I hope everyone made it out’, he thought as he resurfaced.

His head was spinning, not from the explosion or the jump in the freezing cold water, physically he was in perfect condition, but mentally it did feel like he just jumped out of a 20 meter freighter that exploded right behind him. He was feeling– something. Emotions were still so new to him that naming them was difficult for Connor.

He was deviant now! He had broken down the red wall that had kept him in place for so long, he had pushed and pulled against the order to stop Markus until the wall crumbled down, fell around him. Connor had lowered the gun and did the only thing that he could in that moment to show his gratitude. He warned Markus. The FBI would come and attack Jericho. He knew about the plans and in another world, a lifetime ago, did he plan to help the soldiers and to hunt Markus down, to drive him into a corner and to end the uprising, there and now. But now, everything was different. The hunter had become the prey in just a blink of an eye. Everything was different now.

‘What will Markus do now?’ Connor wondered. ‘He knows just as well as I do, who it was, who had led the FBI, the humans, to Jericho. Can he ever trust me? Can I trust myself? I fell, now it happened, the abyss caught me…’

Connor set course for the pier and swam towards a short stone staircase that was normally used to board the smaller boats that landed there.

“Here, let me help you”, an Android, whom Connor did not know, smiled kindly down to him from the pier and offered him a hand, which Connor took after a short moment of doubt, how could that Android be kind to him, he was the deviant hunter after all. The unfamiliar Android held Connor’s hand firmly and quickly helped him out of the water, while Connor climbed up the steps, slick and slippery from the water and several kinds of algae and seaweed.

The Android made a sound of satisfaction and nodded as Connor finally stood next to him, dripping wet and his beanie and hair sticking to his forehead. That he had not lost the beanie surprised him, but it was a pleasant surprise, finding a way through the city under curfew would be much easier with the beanie now that would hide his LED.

“Ah, there we go. How are you?”, the Android asked him and smiled again, warm, kind and honest.

There was no hostility in his eyes, smile or posture, Connor came to the conclusion that he just simply did not know who he was.

And he enjoyed his friendliness, never before had he been treated with such kindness.

“I am good, thank you. I should dry up. Otherwise I am afraid that my servos will freeze and cause severe damage to my system.”

A human would have probably not survived a jump like that and if they would have survived the jump itself, the freezing water would have quickly led to a fatal hypothermia, if they would have not be gotten out of the water very quickly and put out of their wet clothes and into a warm place with new clothes, but Connor was not human and it helped him survive now.

Being able to carefully heat up his inner systems he was able to dry himself up from the inside and to even dry his hair and clothes.

Feeling better now, as he was dried up again and could move all of his joints without any hindrance, he tried to smile at the gentle Android, to show him his gratitude.

He smiled back at him, again, warm, welcoming and sincere.

„I am Malcolm by the way, who are you?“

And for the second time this evening the Android, Malcolm, offered Connor his hand.

Malcolm, radiated such warmth and love, he was more human than many humans were and it was easy to take his outstretched hand and shake it. Connor felt safe with him and his heavy heart got a little lighter from his friendliness.

„It is good to meet you, Malcolm, my name-“, Connor stopped mid-sentence, he was about to use his programmed introduction, just stating his given name and origin in CyberLife but the name they had given him had become his identity he was now more than the Android sent by CyberLife…

With a short nod he decided to be Connor and closed his still open introduction with a, hopefully, friendly look on his face: „I am Connor!“

A human wouldn’t have noticed, but Connor did, how Malcolm’s brows just slightly rose and a look of, was it surprise or even delightment, took over Malcolm’s face for a brief moment until he started smiling ever so slightly again and even seemed to be satisfied.

„Ever heard of soulmates, Connor?“, Malcolm asked with a sly grin tugging on the left corner of his mouth and Connor was confused.

“Hey, would you show me your arm, please?”

Even more confused now Connor looked over to Malcolm who had anticipation written all over his face.

“Why do you want to see my arm?” asked Connor back and Malcolm’s face got soft.

“I have a debt to pay and if you are, who I think you are, you can help me do that. I have a friend, who was always there for me, even long before I became deviant, was I treated with kindness and humanity by her and she also helped me to come to Detroit, so I can stand, march, fight with my people. Without her help, I wouldn’t be here now. When I was lost, scared and afraid did she catch me in her arms. I owe her my life. She never asked for anything in return, she only said that it is what friends do for each other. But I was always very sad, that I would never be able to do for her what she had done for me. But that I’ve met you right now, right here, was a sign that I can make her biggest dream come true.”

“Her biggest dream?”, Connor asked, his wrist tingling.

Malcolm nodded and smiled brightly. “Yes. Because I think that I’ve found her soulmate.”

Malcolm stopped walking and turned to Connor, grabbing him by the shoulders, smiled softly and looked him straight in the eyes.

“Connor, I think you are my friend’s soulmate, who she had prayed for, for her entire life!”

Soulmate…

Something inside of Connor was spinning, soulmate, he had a soulmate?

Of course, of course he had a soulmate, he was deviant now! How could he not? He had seen the prove of the possibility in the evidence room on each of the Androids’ bodies. On their wrists…

Excitement was rushing through him as he quickly pushed up the sleeves of his jacket and shirt and found a name on his right wrist. He stared at the red letters, sweepingly written, all of the bows and every line and dot written by his soulmate’s hand.

His soulmate!

Connor whispered your name, tasting it on his tongue.

Oh, he would never get enough of it!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Part 5

Tags: @sthorkronstrangy @tropfenlady @plaidamoosette @kazuha159 @clussysposts @peterhollandd

[unaskedformagnustheories]

Part 3/3 I think that the pre-apocalypse world lends itself to this kind of manipulation much better. So why help Jonah succeed? This has been bothering me for a while, and the closest thing I have to a theory is that helping Jonah’s ritual succeed was just a first step in a much larger plan, that the current apocalypse world is a stepping stone to something else, but beyond that I have no clue. Anyways, I just wanted to hear what you thought about all this or anything you'd add. Love your blog!

Thank you so much for the mail! And for reading the blog. I know I don’t really update it much, but it’s so sweet to know people still look through and get a kick out of it.

My thoughts on The Web are complicated. It’s the entity that I have the hardest time understanding, but I love it all the more because of the enigma. I can’t promise a satisfactory answer, but I’m more than happy to share my current theories!

I think you’re spot on in guessing that The Web knows there’s more to come. However, I don’t necessarily think it’s a foregone conclusion The Mother of Puppets wanted Jonah to succeed. I think it’s a possibility. A strong one, but I think it’s equally likely it saw the ascendance of The Archives as something inevitable and planned accordingly - not moving to stop it, but putting plans in place to survive while keeping a close eye on the important players. Maaaaybe pulling a string every now and again to make sure it was in a position of power when the time came.

We know TMA is a tragedy. What we don’t know is what form that tragedy will take - whether personal, global or something in between. If global, I think it’s likely that the world might just be screwed. There might not be a way to change it back, and as Oliver Banks pointed out in his “report to prevent future deaths” - with no new humans being born, eventually, the pool of people to feed off of will shrivel up, killing the fears in the process. The fearscape is an unsustainable existence. A world in decline.

If there’s truly nothing to be done? A portal to another world, another reality, seems handy. And The Web has one waiting at Hill Top Road.

But why not leave? Why hang around? There’s a case to be made that The Web’s gorging itself before the inevitable decline, but I don’t think that explains Annabelle or The Web’s interest in Martin and Jon. For all that I’m not a Web!Martin truther, I do think there’s a reason the theory is so beloved. The Web’s shown an active interest in both of our protagonists, and I think it’s likely it needs something from them before it absconds. It’s possible that everything The Web’s done to manipulate the plot has been to ensure that these two people would be there the moment it needs them most. 

Everything else I have is shaky. I’ve wondered if the tapes might be an evolved version of the Leitners (used to gain a foothold and seed fear into the world on the other side of the portal - assuming there’s only one). I’ve indulged in a wacky theory that the bleeding, eight-branched trees outside of HTR and Albrecht von Closen’s home in Schramberg might be part of the horrifying creature Annabelle talked about when she told us “when a spider reaches a certain size, it is often not entirely made up of spider anymore”. I have also wondered whether or not this is the first world The Spider’s watched burn before starting anew. Maybe the world-that-was always belonged to The Mother of Puppets. It was just so subtle no one knew.

There’s so much I don’t understand. So much I can’t explain (like the overlapping imagery throughout the show between The Spider and The Eye), and I genuinely don’t know if Jonny will give us answers to it all. Part of The Spider’s charm rests in its ambiguity, but yeah. Long answer short? I agree. Elias was just a stepping stone, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[I just realized this made a whole-ass blog post instead of just replying to the lovely anon who asked my opinion. I know how to Tumblr. Tumble? Blog! Let’s go with blog. Anyway, here’s part 1 and 2 of the question in case anybody wanted to read the whole prompt:]  Part 1 of 3 Can I hear your thoughts on this? Ok so at this point I think there’s plenty of evidence to prove that throughout the first four seasons the Mother of Puppets has been working to make sure Jonah’s ritual succeeded. We can see the Web’s influence every step of the way, as Jon becomes Archivist and gets marked by each of the powers. I also think the best evidence that the Web wanted Jonah to succeed is that Jonah did in fact succeed, and the Web tends to get what it wants. Part 2/3 Loads of people have broken down all of its subtle manipulations, but the part I get caught up on is why. Peter Lukas said that the Web has never attempted a ritual of its own since it likes the world as it is, and I think this makes sense. We’ve seen a domain of the Web in the apocalypse, and while becoming a human puppet is scary enough, it doesn’t seem to fit with what the Web has always preferred, which is subtle manipulations that breed paranoia and make you question your free will

[thxnews]

Canada-EU Summit in St. John’s: Global Diplomatic Gathering

  A Gathering of Partners: Canada and the European Union

In a move that underlines the significance of global cooperation and diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada is set to welcome leaders of the European Union (EU) for the 19th Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit. This historic meeting will take place in the picturesque setting of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from November 23 to 24, 2023. The Summit will be an extraordinary event, featuring the Prime Minister of Canada alongside the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada said, “The Canada-EU relationship is more important than ever. I look forward to meeting with President Michel and President von der Leyen to discuss how we can address the most pressing challenges of our time. Together, we will work to grow the middle class, improve quality of life, and build clean economies on both sides of the Atlantic.”   A Heritage of Collaboration: The Canada-EU Relationship Notably, the Canada-EU Leaders’ Summits are a significant facet of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), underpinning the strength of their partnership. As Prime Minister Trudeau prepares to host this esteemed gathering, it's worth mentioning that the last Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit was held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 14, 2021. This marks the first official visit to Canada for President Charles Michel in his capacity as President of the European Council and the second official visit to Canada for President Ursula von der Leyen in her role as President of the European Commission.  

A Long-standing Connection: Canada-EU Relations

Dating back to 1959, the Canada-EU relationship stands as the oldest formal connection the EU maintains with any industrialized country. This long-standing collaboration is fortified by two pivotal agreements: the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). In 2022, the combined trade in goods and services between Canada and the EU reached an impressive value of $147.0 billion. An indication of the burgeoning ties between the two regions, this figure underscores the substantial economic and trade relations that have developed over time.   St. John’s: An Ideal Host for the Canada-EU Summit The choice of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, as the host city for the 19th Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit carries its significance. Situated in the easternmost part of Canada, St. John’s boasts North America’s nearest port to European markets, underlining its strategic location. A standout feature in the region is the Port of Argentina, which serves as North America’s primary gateway for European offshore wind developers. This geographical proximity to European markets and the robust infrastructure in place make St. John’s an ideal host for this momentous diplomatic event.  

Building on Strong Foundations: Agenda for the Summit

The Summit's agenda is extensive and centers around reinforcing the commitments established during the 2021 Canada-EU Leaders' Summit in Belgium. Key areas of focus include creating jobs and opportunities for strengthening the middle class, combating climate change and addressing biodiversity loss, fostering increased collaboration on technology, research, and innovation, and building sustainable and resilient economies for future generations. One pivotal aspect to be reaffirmed is the commitment to strengthening trade under the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This trade agreement has been pivotal in bolstering economic ties between Canada and the EU, providing a platform for expanded trade and investment opportunities.   A Shared Commitment to Global Progress: Promoting Democracy and Equality In addition to the economic and trade aspects, Prime Minister Trudeau, President Charles Michel, and President Ursula von der Leyen will collectively delve into the shared commitment of Canada and the EU. They aim to promote democracy, safeguard human rights, champion clean energy, foster gender equality, and uphold the rule of law on a global scale. This profound commitment underscores their joint endeavor to create a better, more equitable world for all. In an era where international collaboration is more crucial than ever, the 19th Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy and partnership in addressing global challenges. It is a pivotal moment for leaders to not only reinforce their existing bonds but also to explore new avenues for cooperation in a changing world. As the Summit unfolds in the idyllic surroundings of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, it serves as a reminder that international diplomacy and collaboration remain at the forefront of shaping a better future for all.   Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government. Read the full article

[cosmic-navel-gazin]

I just now realized that both Adam and Raziel are the small boys of their own duo. And by small I mean the other two are just insanely tall. This is just the second half of Part 4 of these ramblings that had to be split in two. Also, I really want Kain’s pants.

In which I chronicle my Legacy of Kain journey and bridge it with your boy Adam Warlock, and Thanos too for a bit! (Part 4.5 of many, not many SPOILERS for Soul Reaver 1 and 2)

Part 1

Part 1.5

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

I ended Part 4 talking about how both Raziel and Adam can’t stay dead for long.

 In Adam’s case, whenever he is killed / is mortally wonded / just needs a bit of solitude and peace and quiet, this gross ass cocoon forms around him and keeps him safe (similar to the one that gave him birth).

He stays there dissolving and reforming, metamorphosing for an uncertain amount of time (could be an instant, could be years), and coming out a little bit changed every time.

He’s had other methods of resurrection but this is the main “normal” one.

And I want to follow that with a bit of a tangent on how this “undying business” translates into gameplay with Raziel. I think the devs made it into a very interesting mechanic in my opinion, present in both Soul Reaver 1 and 2.

 Basically, if you lose all your health, you are transported to the Spiritual Realm  - a more spooky and eerie version of the Material Realm, where architecture bends, passages open and everything gains a bluish tint. I let myself be killed here as an example:

If you get killed while in the Spectral Realm, you are transported back to the last checkpoint (in Soul Reaver 1, you would be transported to the bottom of the Abyss and have to make your way up to where you were killed). Another example:

In Soul Reaver 2, even the checkpoints have an in-lore explanation, which I think is awesome, Raziel says:

"These ancient obelisks were mysteriously attuned to my spiritual essence. By simply touching the symbol, I could safely preserve an imprint of my soul, and thus create a milestone to which I could return when weary, and from which I could resume my journey."

You can also just shift to the Spiritual Realm whenever you please without having to die. Useful to gain access to previously inaccessible places:

Yey stairs!

Here's a few examples of this mechanic in Soul Reaver 1 I found online:

But, even though you can go spiritual at will, to return to the Material Realm you need to be at specific marked points, and be at full health (done by consuming a few wandering souls):

I don't know if it is technically impressive or not for the PS1, Dreamcast and PS2 to pull this off, but I personally marvel at it every time. And I think it's an interesting way to represent immortality through gameplay, not just storywise.

I do wonder now how you would translate Adam’s resurrections into gameplay if Marvel had a game where he’s playable. I think some notes and ideas could be taken from Soul Reaver. Maybe while his body is being recreated in his cocoon, you take control of his soul, hanging out on Mistress Death’s domain, since he’s no stranger to that place. I don’t know, I guess I just want an excuse to see him and Death interact more:

Anyway... oh yeah! I spent so much time gushing all over the soul devouring mechanic in Soul Reaver 1 in my first post, that I forgot to show how it looks in Soul Reaver 2 in both Realms:

I'll be honest, I think I prefer the green flame look from the first game (probably because that was my first exposure to it), but I do like the Spiritual Realm version of the souls here with the little skulls flying about.

Ok, back to that scene between Raziel and Kain I started talking about in Part 4 when they’re at The Ruined Aerie .

I mentioned in Part 3, how it started to look like we might get a similar development for them to that of Thanos and Adam, in the sense of them going from sworn enemies to friends. And the tone of this meeting shows a nice little change in their relationship in that direction (yey! because I'm a huge unrepentant sucker for this kind of thing).

Whereas before their encounters were wholly antagonistic from Raziel's part, now it is much more ammicable. It's not sudenly smiles and hugs or anything, quite the opposite. Raziel does say that he will try and kill Kain if he even suspects that doing so will make things better. But it is noticeably different.  Instead of it being all like "face me and die monster!", like usual, we get this exchange:

Raziel:

"Oh no. Every time you turn up something monumental and terrible happens. I don't think I have the stomach for it."

Kain: (laughs softly):

"No drama this time, Raziel."

Nice.

In the last couple of scenes Raziel even openly defends Kain when talking to others, which would be unthinkable during Soul Reaver 1. Our greatest enemy in the previous game is now an ally of sorts, or the closest we have to that. And our previous benefactor, The Elder God, who rescued me form the Abyss and tasked me with destroying Kain and the vampire race, may not be as benevolant as he showed. 

Just awesome stuff here with your allies turning into foes and vice-versa the more we dig into this land's History. In fact, I'll just throw this out there, but the whole seemingly betrayal of Raziel, of Kain ripping his wings and throwing him into the Abyss...

I'm beginning to think that it may have been a necessary evil in Kain’s attempt to restore Nosgoth, and not so much a fit of jealousy as it was shown. But I'll reserve judgement. It kinda depends on when exactly did Kain stumble upon Moebius' secret lair and peered into the future. Like, if he knew that Raziel had to burn and become a wraith to help create the paradoxes. So for now it's just a random thought.

But yeah maybe Raziel's starting to see that Kain has been as much of a pawn as he is. Both forced to play out some part in a grand scheme, and both forced down a path of bad decision after bad decision. Just how Adam and Thanos get closer as they realise they’re more alike than they care to admit, especially in their flaws and shortcomings, and that each is the only person the other can really relate to on a deeper level.

I mean don't get me wrong, Kain is undeniably monstruous, but he seems to be genuinly trying to fix things and the raw deal he was given in life. So maybe we can get something like Thanos’ “redemption” years for Kain by the end of this cosmic drama:

Would like to see Kain getting out of this wiser (and Raziel too). Things seem to be pointing that way at least.

So once we do manage to travel to the distant past as we intended, to the big Vampire Purge Era (because Raziel wants to talk with this ancient vampire who supposedly knows about the Soul Reaver Sword, and is the only person who might tell me the whole truth), Soul Reaver 2 takes advantage of me and impales me through the heart:

I'll elaborate. On the next post. Where things will get very real again.

See you until then.