#catherine review : december

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ WILLIAM'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 ✧• ─

𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William released a video message to wish Kevin Sinfield the best of luck for his fundraising & awareness efforts for Motor Neurone Disease.

𝟐 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : 'The Earthshot Report' introduced by The Prince of Wales and hosted by Hannah Waddingham was announced.

𝟑 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince and Princess of Wales took part in the Qatari State Visit. They welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani & Sheikha jawaher at their residence and then accompanied the couple to Horse Guards for the Ceremonial Welcome. Afterwards, they drove in a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace with a Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry. WillCat joined other members of the family in viewing an Exhibition of the Royal Collection items relating to Qatar and attended the luncheon reception. In the afternoon, William received the Sheikh at Kensington Palace. Finally, The Prince of Wales attended the State Dinner at Buckingham Palace.

𝟒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William held an Earthshot Meeting in London. Afterwards, he attended a Meeting. The Prince of Wales wrote a letter to the recipients of 2024 Diana Award congratulating then ahead of the ceremony the next day.

𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : He visited visited The Passage's St. Vincent's Centre for their annual Christmas Lunch.

𝟔 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William attended the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service hosted by The Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey. He gave a reading at the event.

𝟕 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales departed Royal Air Force Northolt for France where he attended re-opening ceremony of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral on behalf of The King. Later, he called upon the President-elect of USA at the residence of the Ambassador to France (Dame Menna Rawlings). William later arrived at Royal Air Force Northolt from France.

𝟗 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : He chaired a Meeting of The Prince's Council at Windsor Castle.

𝟏𝟎 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William visited The Mercian Regiment at Picton Barracks for their Regimental Christmas Party.

𝟏𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince of Wales wrote a letter to Team V3nture for support ahead of the day-4 of their Atlantic row. A teaser for The Earthshot Report was released.

𝟏𝟑 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William released a statement in support of United for Wildlife's successful completion of repatriation of tortoises and lemurs to Madagascar in one of the world's largest wildlife repatriation efforts.

𝟏𝟒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Kensington Palace released a video of The Prince of Wales and Hannah Waddingham's visit to Alexandra Palace ahead of the premiere of The Earthshot Report highlighting Earthshot & PDC World Darts Championship.

𝟏𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Earthshot Report aired on BBC One.

𝟏𝟗 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Wales' 2024 Christmas Card was released.

𝟐𝟎 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : BTS moments of William & Hannah Waddingham's Alexandra Palace visit were released.

𝟐𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Royal Foundation × Norfolk & Waveney Mind Mental Health Pilot Programme for rural and farming community. It will provide mental health support to members of the 1,500-strong community in northwest Norfolk - around half of whom live on the Sandringham Estate.

𝟐𝟒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William & George played in the traditional Sandringham pre-Christmas Football Game with Catherine, Charlotte and Louis cheering them on. 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service aired on ITV with a special reading by William.

𝟐𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : William & Catherine along with their kids attended the Divine Service on Christmas morning held in Sandringham Parish Church. The Waleses appeared in a video during the King's Christmas Address.

𝟑𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Kensington Palace released the 2024 Wrapped for the Wales.

[jjspina]

Books Read and Reviewed in December 2023!

Here it is already the end of another month. Where does the time go? I have been busy as usual reading some wonderful books for the month of December of 2023. Here are the 6 books I read and reviewed for December. I might have read even more if I didn’t have a few WIP. But I always seemed to have a WIP! That fact never stops me! I hope you enjoy reading these reviews. I love sharing my eclectic…

[triviareads]

ARC Review of Something Extraordinary by Alexis Hall

Rating: 4.5/5 Heat Level: 3.75/5 Publication Date: December 17th

Premise:

Arabella Tarleton kidnaps her former friend Sir. Horley Comewithers to save him from an unwanted marriage, except she ends up kidnapped by him and eloping to Scotland instead.

My review

This was such a delightful read— hysterical in a way that veers towards absurd and full of equally hilarious modernisms, but it has so much heart and Big Feelings, and I admire the way Alexis Hall portrays the diversity of the queer experience so well in a historical setting.

Arabella is on the aromatic spectrum, and it's really interesting because she's also a big book lover who sees herself as the heroine of her own story (it's giving Catherine Morland)... except heroines usually have happy endings that involve falling in love and having grand romances, and Arabella has never quite been able to figure out that part. She's spent the last two books running away from a forced marriage, and then pushing away potential romantic partners, and now she's feeling lost. And it makes sense looking at this even from a modern perspective; In addition to the compulsory heterosexuality pushed upon us early on, there's also amatonormativity, the assumption that being in (usually monogamous) romantic relationships is the norm.

Belle is struggling to figure out what a "happy ending" means for her, so the distraction of "saving" Sir Horley from marrying a woman forced on him by his homophobic aunt couldn't have come at a better time. But Arabella being Arabella means that somewhere along the way, she decides to abandon her plan of kidnapping and eloping with Sir Horley... except Horley has a pang of conscience and kidnaps her right back to "save her reputation".

And that's Arabella to a tee; I think she is one of the more frustrating heroines I've read in a romance novel just because of her tendency to literally run away from her problems therefore making them bigger problems for everyone (as valid as her problems are; The patriarchy and forced heteronormativity suck!), and also her being quite.... trigger-happy. BUT Alexis Hall completely converted me over by the end, and other than enjoying her zany antics and novel way of looking at world, I empathized with her quite a lot.

I also really loved getting to read Sir Horley as a hero in his own right;. I'm SO glad he was never written off as a gay best friend because in the last two books, other characters considered him a shallow bon vivant even though he was a reliable friend to the Tarletons and co. Here, you get the raw, stripped down version of him (and unlike the prior two books, you do get both his and Arabella's POV). Horley— Rufus, as he decides to go with halfway through the book—has faced his share of tragedy and rejection, but the narrative doesn't super wallow on that.... he's not a sadboi hero by any means. He's quite cutting and much more competent than people give him credit for, but he also this tender side with Arabella that was already present while they were friends, but it's really lovely to see it develop into something more permanent as the book goes on.

The sex:

There is an EXCELLENT variety— there are MM, FF, and MF scenes. Arabella and Rufus have a non-monogamous relationship, and later on marriage as well.

This book is also a lot kinkier than the prior two and it's approached with the same lightheartedness as the rest of this book; consent is discussed and then you have everything from highwayman kidnapping roleplay to spanking, and yes, there is a Daddy moment— you'll be surprised how that comes about, but like the rest of this novel, in a GREAT way.

Overall:

I adored reading how Arabella and Rufus create their own rules for their marriage and seeing them happy together is everything. This is truly a boundary-pushing historical romance and I would highly recommend this to any romance reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Princess of Wales’ Year in Review: December

December 5th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of Evelina Children's Hospital, opened the Children's Day Surgery Unit at Evelina Children's Hospital. Later, she joined her husband and the King and Queen at an evening reception at Buckingham Palace for the Diplomatic Corps December 6th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Royal Foundation, held a meeting at Windsor Castle. The Wales family were also seen Christmas tree shopping in Windsor Great Park December 7th - A short clip of the Princess of Wales promoting her Carol Concert was released December 8th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, held a Christmas Carol Service in Westminster Abbey. She was accompanied by her husband and children, and members of the British royal family and Middleton family December 9th - The Wales family Christmas card - taken by Josh Shinner in Windsor - was released December 11th - A video of the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis volunteering at their local baby bank in November was released December 12th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Royal Foundation, held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle December 19th - A short clip of the Princess of Wales appeared in an episode of 'Secrets of the Aquarium' - the footage was shot during in 2022 during Sail GP December 23rd - Kensington Palace released three photographs of the Princess of Wales with three inspiring people (Russell, Ray and Brenda) who have made a difference to the lives of young people. Footage from the meeting was aired during the 'Together at Christmas' Carol Concert December 24th - ITV aired the 'Together at Christmas' Carol Concert December 25th - William and Catherine made a personal Christmas tweet, alongside a photograph of their three children. That morning, the Wales family joined members of the British Royal Family at the Divine Service in Sandringham Parish Church. During the King's Speech, footage of the Wales family at work during the year was aired December 26th - Footage of the Wales family at the coronation rehearsal and the coronation appeared in the 'Charles III: A Coronation Year' BBC documentary December 29th - Kensington Palace released their own "Year in Review" video to end the year December 30th - Matt Porteous released a photograph of the Wales family at the Coronation Concert

[adamwatchesmovies]

Mixed Nuts (1994)

Remakes are rarely what they should be. In theory, what you should do is take a movie that’s either bad or almost but not quite there and try it again, taking the opportunity to fix the blemishes. In execution, we most often get something akin to "cloned with damaged DNA”. I haven’t seen Le père Noël est une ordure so I’m assuming Mixed Nuts is the latter because it shows promise and then builds to an ending so lame and lazy it sours the rest of the film.

In California, on Christmas Eve, Philip (Steve Martin) is the head of the suicide-prevention hotline “Lifesavers”. The organization is about to shut down thanks to the eviction notice from the landlord, Stanley (Garry Shandling). On what is sure to be Lifesavers’ last day, Philip and his co-workers Mrs. Blanche Munchnik (Madeline Kahn) & Catherine O’Shaughnessy (Rita Wilson) will have to deal with a trailer-trash couple, an annoying neighbor that loves to make up bad songs (Adam Sandler), a depressed transvestite (Liev Schreiber), angry rollerbladers (Parkey Posey and Jon Stewart) and the “Seaside Strangler”.

Directed by Nora Ephron (which she co-wrote with her sister, Delia), a fair number of jokes land - particularly if you’ve got an off-kilter sense of humor. All of the characters are so neurotic that a normal, everyday scenario would end up with tears, outrage and a gun being fired. On Christmas Eve, at a suicide-prevention hotline, in a building whose elevator is out of commission and whose tenants are all being evicted, with a serial killer on the loose, the question is how big of a mess this will become and how the weirdos will fit together. Despite all this, I swear Mixed Nuts isn’t as ridiculous as it initially sounds.

I probably shouldn’t have enjoyed the film as much as I did and I must confess that thinking back, I can only think of a few times it made me laugh. The most noteworthy element of the film is Liev Schreiber in his film debut. His character is over-the-top like there’s no tomorrow but the performance is surprisingly sensitive when the jokes simmer down. Also enjoyable are key interactions between Catherine and her callers. She’s so empathetic towards them it’s a wonder she can do her job. While this raises some questions about how the operation could’ve possibly worked and requires you to find the humor in suicidal thoughts, it just might be bizarre enough to make you smile.

The ridiculous feels-like-they’re-improptu-but-they-actually-aren’t songs courtesy of Adam Sandler’s character (who speaks in the same annoying childlike voice he chooses when he isn’t playing a fantasy version of himself), the various neuroses and escalation lunacy manage to rack up enough points for you to like the film. You're having a good time, wondering why people are so down on Mixed Nuts. Then, we get to the final act. The conclusion doesn’t come out of nowhere but that's only because someone went back once the script was finished and added hints of what was coming retroactively. It starts by making you cringe, then keeps getting worse until you’re sitting there, wondering “Did I somehow convince myself I was having fun earlier, or was the whole movie like what I'm seeing now?”.

There are a lot of big names in Mixed Nuts and they should’ve added up to a Yuletide comedy for the ages. It doesn’t live up to its potential. In fact, I’m now in the position of trying to defend a movie that I’m not even sure I enjoyed that much in hindsight. I thought of concluding this review with "Mixed Nuts is a mixed bag" but I'm filled with such doubt about the end results that I'm not sure I can even muster that statement. (December 20, 2021)

[emayuku]

Wendy and Kevin Digimon Movie Poster

Wendy and Kevin (Japanese: デジモン ウェンディとケビン 二人の選ばれし子供たちの物語 Hepburn: Dejimon: Wendi to Kebin - Futari no Erabareshi Kodomotachi no Monogatari lit. "Digimon: Wendy and Kevin - The Story of Two Chosen Children") is a Japanese/American anime musical romance film produced by Funimation and released by Toei Animation in cooperation with WiZ, Bandai and Fuji Television. The 15th Funimation animated feature film, it was the first animated feature filmed in the CinemaScope widescreen film process., and features the voices of Myriam Sirois, Brenda Song, Stephanie Sheh, Kathleen Barr, Macaulay Culkin, Johnny Yong Bosch, Vic Mignogna, Aaron Dismuke, Catherine O'Hara, Chris Sarandon, Devin Ratray, Hillary Wolf, Angela Goethals, Michael C. Maronna, Gerry Bamman, Kristin Minter, James Hong, Daniel Stern, Joe Pesci, Derick Snow, Justin Briner, Max Mittelman, Zach Aguilar, Jerry Jewell, Greg Ayres, Scott McNeil, John Swasey, Cristina Vee, Kate Higgins, Alex D. Linz and Yuri Lowenthal. Based on the 1945 Cosmopolitan magazine story of "Home Alone" and "Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior" by Elizabeth Mayuku. It was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. Wendy and Kevin tells the story of a lonely 8-year old Chinese girl named Wendy Wu who made friends with several Digimon (Digital Monsters), led by SooLingmon after she and her family move to a suburban Chicago where they open their own five-star luxury hotel and a mischievous American boy of her age called Kevin McCallister, the son of the rival concierge, who was also home alone to defend himself from the burglars with the help of his faithful Digimon partner, Dracomon. When the two children and partners meet when they were kidnapped by the evil scientist, Yan-Lo and his henchmen, the “Wet Bandits, they embark on many romantic adventures and fall in love despite their feuding families. While in the Wonderbolt Academy, Kevin and Alex Pruitt became friends when they helped Kevin's mother, Kate. Unfortunately, they'll soon have to become mortal enemies.

Wendy and Kevin was released to theaters on December 22, 2019to box office success. It was the first animated film to be filmed in the CinemaScope widescreen film process.,[3] as well as FUNimation’s first animated film to be distributed by their Saban division. It initially received mixed to negative reviews by film critics, but critical reception for the film has been generally positive in modern times, and the film is now seen as one of the best animated films from FUNimation. A direct-to-video sequel, Wendy and Kevin II: Junior & Dorumon’s Adventure, was released on December 27, 2020.

@digimonarchive

@remember-digimon

@mochiette

@sleepy-edits

@like-fairy-tales

@laurenillustrated

@digimonadventuretri

@sallyb-sin

@tetrix-anime

@charlottecors

@ur-daily-inspiration

@a-titty-ninja

@digi-lovermon

@digimon-forever

@digitalmonsterconfessions

@digimonrewatch

@digimentals

@digi-egg

@ladyandthetramp-101

@digi-lovermon

@digimon-forever

@digitalmonsterconfessions

@digimonrewatch

@digimentals

@digi-egg

@kevinmccallister

@kevinmccallisterineverymovie

@wendywuhomecominwarrior-blog

@aventures-world

@jamesthedigidestined

@fancyemmabovary

@oreo-clark

@thatwritererinoriordan

@swhisted 

@gareteddybear

@ruiningvoldemortday

@redphlox

@seventeenlovesthree

@westerntails

[houseofbrat]

*Sky News

The Ministry of Defence (UK) has had both King Charles and Princess Catherine listed as attending on their website since last December (2023).

It only became an issue today because 1) they started selling tickets and 2) the UK media started running it as a story as "Kate's first engagement."

Listing the colonel of the regiment that is trooping is a standard announcement of the British Army, i.e. they do that every year.

Kate is the (honorary) colonel of The Irish Guards. It is reasonable assumption by THE BRITISH ARMY that she would be attending when they started publishing TTC information in December.

Andrew was the colonel of the Grenadier Guards when they last Trooped the Colour, and Andrew was present for it. THE BRITISH ARMY'S website managers had--and still have--a reasonable expectation to list Kate as a person to expect for "The Colonel's Review" on 08 June 2024.

I guess since the Kensington Palace comms team and William threw such a fit about Kate being listed that I guess the Irish Guards' Lt. Colonel might as well get ready to do the review instead.

Clearly, Kate won't be up to the job in early June, even though it's more than TWO MONTHS after Easter.

Also even though King Charles is still listed as attending and reviewing Trooping the Colour on 15 June 2024. (And we all know that Charles has cancer, right?.)

If William wasn't such a control freak preoccupied with forcing his comms team to quash every little thing that makes him want to suck his thumb, then THE BRITISH ARMY would not have been forced to make the changes they had to make today.

But, well, future king William could not handle it; hence, the KP comms team had to make some phone calls today.

Should have just let THE BRITISH ARMY'S website conduct business as normal until May, if an adjustment needed to be made in the future. Could have always done it closer to the actual date. But no...

No instead, William decided that making enemies with THE BRITISH ARMY was the move to make.

Someone get William a pacifier. Maybe Carole can burp William tomorrow after the school run.

[xthelastknownsurvivorx]

WIP Word Search

RULES: use this generator to generate three random words (or however many you’d like to do!) and share the lines where they show up in your wips!

Thanks @anincompletelist and @cha-melodius for the tags! I did this for every time my heart swings back to you since it's the only wip I'm actively working on rn. I've

young (appeared a total of 10 times! selected only one line per scene for brevity)

As they pass, Gabriel's eyes skip over the young Crown Prince Edward, the two princesses, the King, and Prince Andrew to rest on Prince James. He looks regal on horseback, just as a young prince should.

Zach cocks his head to the side, considering, then nods approvingly. "You seem like you'd make a young and attractive candidate. Good to get some new blood into politics."

"'Young' doesn't mean twenty-two and green," Luna counters. "Take it from an old man who is concerned how it might affect you, eh? At your age you won't have had the time to build up a thick enough skin to withstand some of the smear campaigns."

"And Henry, you're just so young and easily persuaded of things. If you're willing to offer up your house, what else might you give away? I hardly think you won't one day come up against regrets upon reflecting."

threaten

Thinking about Henry, divorced from the kiss, is easier. It doesn't require an identity crisis, doesn't threaten to overturn everything he thought he knew about himself. Even if the silence between them sometimes hurts physically and fuels his deep-seated fears surrounding loneliness.

[second appearance redacted for spoilers]

glasses

After they finish eating, Alex follows Nora to a building he's never set foot in before. They trek up the stairs, and when they arrive at the classroom, Professor Luna is already there. He's sitting at his desk with horn-rimmed reading glasses, reviewing notes on his iPad before the lecture. He's Latino, Alex realizes, maybe even Mexican. Younger than Alex initially thought, too. Then Alex's eyes go to the way the top few buttons of Luna's shirt are undone, exposing sharp collar bones. He swallows and feels a little too warm. It's December in D.C., for fuck's sake.

It feels a little less surreal once they're inside without a complete view of the house. Henry and Bea enter first, calling out to Catherine that they are home, and with the rest of them on their heels. No one responds, but they find a woman who resembles the siblings in the living room, reading. Her hair is mostly silver with several strands of Bea's color mixed in, a pair of reading glasses perched on her nose. All of her clothes look soft and worn in.

This was a lot of fun! Passing it on to @indomitable-love, @14carrotghoul, @sherryvalli, @gayrootvegetable, @happiness-of-the-pursuit, @formorewishes, @orchidscript, @inexplicablymine and anyone else who wants to do it!

[laud03]

Activity 01

Following my review of the Gapminder study codebook, I have chosen to conduct an analysis of a global health concern: breast cancer.  In conjunction with this primary focus, I will also explore the issue of suicide rates per hundred thousand individuals.

Question: Is breast cancer associated with suicide per 100th?

Variables: breastcancerper100th and suicideper100th

Hypothesis: Women diagnosed with breast cancer may be more likely to commit suicide compared to the general population.

Literature review:  

Suicide After Breast Cancer: an International Population-Based Study of 723 810 Women

Catherine Schairer, Linda Morris Brown, Bingshu E. Chen, Regan Howard, Charles F. Lynch, Per Hall, Hans Storm, Eero Pukkala, Aage Anderson, Magnus Kaijser ... Show more

Summary: Few studies have examined long-term suicide risk among breast cancer survivors, and there are no data for women in the United States. We quantified suicide risk through 2002 among 723 810 1-year breast cancer survivors diagnosed between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 2001, and reported to 16 population-based cancer registries in the United States and Scandinavia. Among breast cancer survivors, we calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and excess absolute risks (EARs) compared with the general population, and the probability of suicide. We used Poisson regression likelihood ratio tests to assess heterogeneity in SMRs; all statistical tests were two-sided, with a .05 cutoff for statistical significance. In total 836 breast cancer patients committed suicide (SMR = 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28 to 1.47; EAR = 4.1 per 100 000 person-years). Although SMRs ranged from 1.25 to 1.53 among registries, with 245 deaths among the sample of US women (SMR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.32 to 1.70), differences among registries were not statistically significant ( P for heterogeneity = .19). Risk was elevated throughout follow-up, including for 25 or more years after diagnosis (SMR = 1.35, 95% CI = 0.82 to 2.12), and was highest among black women (SMR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.44 to 5.17) ( P for heterogeneity = .06). Risk increased with increasing stage of breast cancer ( P for heterogeneity = .08) and remained elevated among women diagnosed between 1990 and 2001 (SMR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.57). The cumulative probability of suicide was 0.20% 30 years after breast cancer diagnosis.

Topic: cancerheterogeneityearfollow-upscandinaviasurvivorsdiagnosissuicidebreast cancerlikelihood ratiosuicidal behaviortnm breast tumor stagingstandardized mortality ratio

Issue Section: Brief Communications

References:  

(1) Rowland J, Mariotto A, Aziz N, Tesauro G, Feuer EJ, Blackman D, et al. Cancer survivorship — United States, 1971 – 2001. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2004 ; 53 : 526 – 9.

(2) Ries LAG, Eisner MP, Kosary CL, Hankey BF, Miller BA, Clegg L, et al., editors. SEER cancer statistics review, 1975 – 2002. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute; 2004. Available at: http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2002 . [Last accessed: September 22, 2005.]

(3) Yousaf U, Christensen M-LM, Engholm G, Storm HH. Suicides among Danish cancer patients 1971 – 1999. Br J Cancer 2005 ; 92 : 995 – 1000.

[bylerposting]

The Two Rainbow Ships - The Vanishing of Will Byers & The Philadelphia Experiment

I was reading this review of TFS by @theladyrebecca2 which includes segments of the official TFS programme. Reading them through, I think I may have uncovered one of the hints to S5.

(TFS Spoilers below)

[Allegedly, wartime experiments caused the supernatural disappearance of a US naval ship… Project Rainbow was based on Einstein’s research into unified field theory through which [he] hoped to create a single theoretical framework to encompass all fundamental forces, including electromagnetism and gravity.]  [Carl Allen claimed to have witnessed a strange event in October 1943 involving the naval destroyer escort USS Eldridge and scientists who were working on highly confidential technology which would make ships invisible to the enemy by using powerful electromagnetic fields to ‘bend’ light around them. According to Allen, they succeeded in doing just that. In fact, Allen said the ship was also briefly teleported 275 miles away to Norfolk, Virginia, before reappearing in Philadelphia. …It’s been suggested that the Eldridge’s official logs could have been deliberately altered… with the whole of Project Rainbow moving beyond top secret clarification.]  -Catherine Jones

I knew about this for a minute, it was one of the first spoilers that I read, That it began with The Philadelphia Experiment//Project Rainbow.

I immediately thought "hey! that's a reference to Will's rainbow ship! from season 2! the rainbow ship!"

After all, Kate Trefry said "It's Easter Morning"

I did a tiny bit of googling so I could learn a bit more about the actual conspiracy, and I read about how (theoretically) it worked by bending light in such a way that the ship would disappear.

And then I started thinking about the Vanishing of Will Byers, and what happens to the light before he vanishes.

It wasn't until earlier today though, when I read this review, that I made the connection in my mind.

That's the whole reason for the rainbow ship. That's why TFS opens with the Eldridge vanishing - it's just like how S1 opens with Will vanishing. I think they want us to make this connection.

Kate Trefry, Entertainment Weekly, December 14th 2022

[denimbex1986]

'An acclaimed director and two rising young actors headline the '2023 new movie All of Us Strangers, a supernatural drama that has already earned a bit of buzz following its screening at various fall film festivals.

Searchlight Pictures is behind All of Us Strangers, which comes from BAFTA-nominated writer/director Andrew Haigh, and features some high-quality talent on screen as well, including Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal and Claire Foy.

Find out everything you need to know about All of Us Strangers right here...

All of Us Strangers plot

Based on a novel by Taichi Yamada, Haigh wrote the script for All of Us Strangers. Here is the official synopsis for the movie:

"One night in his near-empty tower block in contemporary London, Adam has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbor Harry, which punctures the rhythm of his everyday life. As a relationship develops between them, Adam is preoccupied with memories of the past and finds himself drawn back to the suburban town where he grew up, and the childhood home where his parents, appear to be living, just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before."...

All of Us Strangers reviews

The majority of critics who have already seen the movie are fans, with the movie having a 93% "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes as of December 23. What to Watch is no different, our All of Us Strangers review describes it as "heartbreaking, but essential viewing."

Here is a quick sampling of some of the things other critics have said about the movie:

Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly: "All of Us Strangers will break your heart — but it just might mend it too."

Tomris Laffly, The Wrap: "A sublime masterpiece. A rumination on grief and love, Haigh's poignant and understated ghost story is one of the best films of the year."

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter: "Prepare to be wrecked."

All of Us Strangers cast

The leads of Adam and Harry are played by Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, respectively.

Scott is best known for his role as the "hot priest" in Fleabag, but he has been catching people's eyes for a while now, with memorable performances in Sherlock, Oslo and Catherine Called Birdy.

Mescal is one of the biggest rising stars in recent years thanks to his work in Normal People, The Lost Daughter and Aftersun, the latter of which earned him a Best Actor Oscar nomination. All of Us Strangers is his second movie coming out in the final months of 2023, as he also stars in Foe.

Playing the ghosts of Adam's parents are Claire Foy and Jamie Bell.

Foy broke out with her as Queen Elizabeth in the first two seasons of The Crown. Since then she has gone on to star in First Man, A Very British Scandal and Women Talking.

Bell has been appearing in movies since he was a kid in Billy Elliott. Some of his more recent notable work includes Turn: Washington's Spies, Rocketman, Without Remorse and Shining Girls.

All of Us Strangers trailer

The talents of the four actors leading All of Us Strangers are on full display in the movie’s trailer...

All of Us Strangers awards

We're keeping track of all the major end-of-year nominations and awards that All of Us Strangers earns. Check out what the movie has racked up so far below:

BAFTA Film Awards

Outstanding British Film (nominee) Best Supporting Actor — Paul Mescal (nominee) Best Supporting Actress — Claire Foy (nominee) Best Director — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Best Adapted Screenplay (nominee) Best Casting (nominee)

Golden Globes

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Drama — Andrew Scott (nominee)

Gotham Awards

Outstanding Lead Performance — Andrew Scott (nominee) Outstanding Supporting Performance — Claire Foy (nominee) Best Screenplay — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Best International Feature (nominee)

British Independent Film Awards

Best British Independent Film (winner) Best Director — Andrew Haigh (winner) Best Lead Performance — Andrew Scott (nominee) Best Supporting Performance — Paul Mescal (co-winner) Best Supporting Performance — Jamie Bell (nominee) Best Supporting Performance — Claire Foy (nominee) Best Screenplay — Andrew Haigh (winner) Best Casting (nominee) Best Cinematography (winner) Best Editing (winner) Best Makeup & Hair Design (nominee) Best Music Supervision (winner) Best Production Design (nominee) Best Sound (nominee)

Film Independent Spirit Awards

Best Feature (nominee) Best Director — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Best Lead Performance — Andrew Scott (nominee)

London Critics' Circle Awards

Film of the Year (nominee) Screenwriter of the Year — Andrew Haigh (nominee) Actor of the Year — Andrew Scott (nominee) Supporting Actress of the Year — Claire Foy (nominee) Supporting Actor of the Year — Paul Mescal (nominee) The Attenborough Award: British/Irish Film of the Year (nominee) British/Irish Performer of the Year — Paul Mescal (nominee) British/Irish Performer of the Year — Andrew Scott (nominee) Technical Achievement Award, Casting (nominee)

Los Angeles Film Critics Awards

Best Leading Performance — Andrew Scott (runner-up) Best Screenplay (winner) Best Editing (runner-up)

Andrew Haigh movies

British director Andrew Haigh may not be a household name with audiences, but his work has been some of the most lauded amongst cinephiles in recent years. Here is a look at his list of previous credits for feature movies:

Greek Pete (2009) Weekend (2011) 45 Years (2015) Lean on Pete (2017)

He has also directed episodes of the acclaimed TV series Looking, as well as its TV movie, and The OA.'

[world-of-wales]

─ •✧ CATHERINE'S YEAR IN REVIEW : 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 ✧• ─

𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Princess of Wales wrote a letter to Jean Hensey inviting her to the 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey and congratulating Jean & her students on their Holocaust memorial Garden. Kensington Palace released the letters to the carol service attendees written by Catherine reflecting on the importance of love, empathy and how much we need one another in the most difficult times.

𝟑 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Prince & Princess of Wales took part in the Qatari State Visit. They welcomed Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani & Sheikha Jawaher at their residence and then accompanied the couple to Horse Guards for the Ceremonial Welcome. Afterwards, they drove in a Carriage Procession to Buckingham Palace with a Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry. WillCat joined other members of the family in viewing an Exhibition of the Royal Collection items relating to Qatar and attended the luncheon reception. Catherine supported the release of ‘Recovery Is Possible’ - Forward Trust's Campaign Film. A video was released of her sending out the Carol Service invites.

𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Kensington Palace released the bespoke illustration for the front cover of the Order of Service for the Carol Service designed by Charlie Mackesy.

𝟔 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Princess of Wales hosted the fourth annual "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.

𝟗 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Catherine was nominated for Time Person of the Year.

𝟏𝟑 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Kensington Palace released a video in support of From Me To You Charity.

𝟏𝟗 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Wales' 2024 Christmas Card was released.

𝟐𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Royal Foundation × Norfolk & Waveney Mind Mental Health Pilot Programme for rural and farming community. It will provide mental health support to members of the 1,500-strong community in northwest Norfolk - around half of whom live on the Sandringham Estate.

𝟐𝟐 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : The Princess of Wales narrated the sneak peak trailer to Royal Carols : Together At Christmas.

𝟐𝟒 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Catherine, Charlotte and Louis cheered on William & George as they played in the traditional Sandringham pre-Christmas Football Game. 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service aired on ITV.

𝟐𝟓 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Catherine & William along with their kids attended the Divine Service on Christmas morning held in Sandringham Parish Church. The Waleses appeared in a video during the King's Christmas Address.

𝟑𝟏 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 : Kensington Palace released the 2024 Wrapped for the Wales.

[littlecajunlady]

Books I Read in 2024

My original goal was to read 35 books this year. I didn't. My new goal became 14. I read 8.5, in this order.

Holiday Romance - Catherine Walsh

Ready or Not - Cara Bastone

Expiration Dates - Rebecca Serle

The Message - Chris Grine (Animorphs graphic novel)

Funny Story - Emily Henry

Out on a Limb - Hannah Bonam-Young

Mary Jane - Jessica Anya Blau

Haunt Sweet Home - Sarah Pinsker

You Again - Kate Goldbeck (currently reading)

How I'd rank them favorite to least favorite: Funny Story, Ready or Not, (You Again), Expiration Dates, Out on a Limb, Holiday Romance, Mary Jane, Haunt Sweet Home

*didn't rank The Message since it's a graphic novel, but definitely counted it as a book I read since it's 200 pages.

I'm just gonna give a couple of short reviews with only vague spoilers and explain why I only managed to read nine-ish books (I pretty much didn't feel like reading, basically. But there's more to it.)

My dad was in and out of the hospital all throughout January and I was just fucking riddled with anxiety. I'd thought I'd keep reading at the same pace I had the last four months, but instead I was so stressed that I literally couldn't focus on anything. I couldn't read or write or decide on a new tv show to watch. All I did was binge-watch a 90s era soap opera, because my brain couldn't handle anything more complicated than that. It was nothing but pure distraction, which apparently is what I needed at the time. (My dad still has chronic health issues he'll always have, but after a month long recovery he healed from that particular issue.)

Anyway, I requested Holiday Romance from my library in December and didn't get it until April. My ranking might be slightly off because I did enjoy it but reading a holiday book in the spring didn't help, and it was the first book I tried to read after a stressful time. I just find that when I try to recall what happened in it, I barely can. And I don't know if that's the book's fault.

Actually for everything I read, it might be my fault and my inability to concentrate or enjoy things that caused this slump, and not the actual quality of the books.

For me, Ready or Not > Out on a Limb. So many reviewers/booktubers permanently have the former on their TBRs and praise the latter, when I personally feel like Ready or Not was better written. I don't usually seek out this trope (but I don't hate it like a lot of other people do either.)

I've seen that a lot of people don't like You Again. I've been reading it for 2 months, but again, really not the book's fault. I like it a lot so far. In reviews people are calling the characters unlikable. I mean, I guess? But not really. They don't bother me and their personalities aren't ruining the story for me. I've liked way worse characters than these two.

Okay. Don't feel like writing reviews for the rest. They were all fine. Average. I should find a genre I actually like, maybe that'll help. idk. This year I was just NOT in the mood to read. Like at all. I don't know how I feel about reading in 2025 either. No goals set.

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Princess of Wales’ Year in Review: January

January 1st - A photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte appeared on the internet, taken in December at Lapland UK January 6th - Jay Rutland released a photo of Catherine and her three children trick-or-treating at his house on Halloween January 11th - Catherine was spotted on the school run January 12th - William and Catherine were spotted leaving Windsor on their way to their first official engagement of the year. They travelled to Liverpool, where they opened the new premises of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. The Prince and Princess of Wales then travelled to Birkenhead, to visit the Open Door Centre January 13th - The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, held an Early Years Meeting January 18th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, visited Foxcubs Nursery January 19th - The Princess of Wales held an Early Years Meeting in her role as Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation. She then held a reception at Hampton Court Palace to celebrate the World Cup win of the England Wheelchair Rugby Football League team, in her role as Patron of the Rugby Football League January 25th - The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, held a meeting with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood Advisory Group January 26th - The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Windsor Foodshare. Catherine, Joint Patron of the Royal Foundation, then held an Early Years Meeting January 28th - Kensington Palace released two photographs and a video of the Princess of Wales, alongside an open letter, to soft launch her new Early Years project January 30th - The Prince and Princess of Wales, Joint Patrons of the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, attended the Centre for Early Childhood "Shaping Us" campaign preview and reception January 31st - A video was released of the Princess of Wales and the "Shaping Us" campaign. Later, Catherine travelled to Leeds, in her role as Patron of the Royal Foundation, to launch the "Shaping Us" campaign. She first visited Kirkgate Market, before visiting the University of Leeds

[californiaprelawland]

Wisconsin v. Yoder 

By Catherine Kavalauskas, University of California Davis Class of 2026

December 20, 2024

The Wisconsin v. Yoder Supreme Court case (1972) involved Jones Yoder, Wallace Miller, and Adin Yutzy, three members of the Amish religion. Initially, the parents were prosecuted under Wisconsin’s compulsory school attendance law which requires that parents send their children to school until they’re sixteen years old. However, feeling as though Wisconsin’s law infringed upon their First Amendment Right, the parents brought the case before judgment of the Supreme Court. Ultimately, this case holds significance as the Court was left to decide whether or not the First Amendment outweighed state rights and thus, whether or not parents obtained the power to privately educate their children. 

The Amish are defined as a group of “Christian traditionalists,” who believe that traditional, simple living, and strict adherence to religious beliefs help them find favor with God. Ultimately, Amish communities “maintain a degree of separation from surrounding populations, and hold their faith in common,” (2) Which leads scholars to define them as an “ethnoreligious group.” Ultimately, the religious beliefs of the Yoder, Miller, and Yutzy parents is what withheld them from sending their children to school after eighth grade, as they believed any further education compromised their religious beliefs.  

Moreover, feeling as though Wisconsin's compulsory school attendance law went against their freedom of religion and their First Amendment right, Yoder, Miller, and Yutzy brought their case before the Supreme Court. Through the evidence that the three parents presented to SCOTUS, they “showed that they (respondents) sincerely believed that high school attendance was contrary to the Amish religion and way of life” (3). And that they believed compliance with the law would compromise their salvation with God/ go against their religion. Additionally, the evidence exhibited that the Amish community provided continued education to their children that is tailored to prepare them for life in the Amish community. Ultimately, the Supreme Court was left with the decision of whether the Wisconsin law violated the First Amendment by criminalizing the beliefs and behavior of parents who refused to send their school due to their religious beliefs.  

Upon reviewing the values and programs of Wisconsin’s secondary school and the evidence presented by the Amish parents, the Court found that the state’s schooling conflicted with the fundamental way of life of the Amish religion. Therefore, the Court ruled in favor of the Amish parents in a unanimous decision, holding that individual’s interests to exercise their religion, as the First Amendment allows, outweighs State interests and Wisconsin’s compulsory school attendance law that requires parents send their children to school until they’re sixteen years of age.  

The Wisconsin v. Yoder's court case holds significance because it established that the First Amendment right of the Constitution outweighs states' rights; and ultimately conveyed that parents obtain the right to educate their children outside public and private education in so far as their reasoning for doing so aligns with their religious beliefs.   

______________________________________________________________

1) Vaia. “Wisconsin v. Yoder.” https://www.vaia.com/en-us/explanations/politics/civil-liberties-vs-civil-rights/wisconsin-v-yoder/. Dec 13, 2024 

2) Wikipedia. “Amish.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish. Dec 13, 2024. 

3) Justia. “Wisconsin v. Yoder.” https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/406/205/. Dec 13, 2024 

[marjaystuff]

New Blog: Happy Birthday

It’s my birthday - or it will by the time most of you read this.  I am on the cusp of double numbers again, which for some reason this year is fascinating to me.  I have my requisite cupcakes to bring to school and will pick up munchkins for the rest of the group.  (If I can keep the cats away from them.)  

When I was young, birthdays were miraculous, magical events that happened with soooo many thousands of days between each one.  Now, I think time moves so fast that birthdays dash by so quickly.  Tomorrow should be busy but low key.  I am certain, the busyness will make the day go by quickly.  

I spent time today ordering various supplies I need to teach the students to make Christmas Ornaments in December.  This weekend at the craft show I was at, I found the quill lady.  She makes the most beautiful ornaments out of tiny pieces of paper rolled.  Of course, I bought some again.  I love her work!

This week I read some fun reads.  Here Comes Santa Claus by various authors was a series of three short stories.  A Worthington Wedding by Ella Quinn was an engaging story with two wonderful main characters and a hapless fool.  I also finished Catherine Bybee’s newest book, but you are going to have to wait for that review!  

Elise sent in a book review of Another Girl Lost by Mary Burton.  Sounds interesting!  The interview this week was with Fiona Barton and her book Talking to Strangers.  You will want to read both books!  

Carve out reading time this week.