#cosmic drama

[rastronomicals]

3:25 PM EDT September 9, 2024:

Voivod - "Cosmic Drama" From the album Dimension Hatröss (June 29, 1988)

Last song scrobbled from iTunes at Last.fm

'Inside a giant particle accelerator , a beam of protons, traveling at near the speed of light meets a beam of antiprotons moving equally as fast in the opposite direction. The protons and mirror-image antiprotons annihilate each other, creating the fiery chaos of a parallel micro-galaxy. Experiment One complete, the Voïvod goes into that new dimension, meeting different civilizations and psychic entities, extracting knowledge and energy in the eight programs of this project called: Dimension Hatröss'

Epilog.

File under: Cybermetal

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich

* * * *

Looking at the state of the world on the level of 'fact' and 'logic' I can find little ground for hope that our species can turn things around but, nowadays, I sense more of our interconnectedness at deeper levels than I used to. Every act issuing from a little more presence and conscience than is habitual may contribute more than the numerical sum of its outer results. I somehow-or-other see/feel/know this to be true - and grounds for a certain kind of hope.

On which note, I just tripped over this Bennett quote:

“We are faced with the need to make real present sacrifices in order to serve a future in which we may not even be alive. Not one man in ten thousand is capable of such self-denial. Gurdjieff’s message bridges the gap: our own immediate welfare is bound up with the entire life of the Earth and its future. We cannot fulfil ourselves even to the extent of achieving happiness or security, unless we play our part in the Cosmic Drama. In all appeals to the conscience of mankind to combat pollution, the squandering of resources and the destruction of our plant and animal genera, there is a missing link. They do not answer the question: “But what does all that mean to me personally, more than my own welfare and that of my family?”. Gurdjieff shows us how and why our personal well-being no less than our prospect of achieving ‘real being’ depends on the way we serve all life on the Earth.”

~ JG Bennett

[Thanks to Ian Sanders]

[blueheartbookclub]

"Epic Majesty: John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and the Theological Tapestry of the Human Condition"

John Milton's "Paradise Lost" stands as an unparalleled epic that delves into the cosmic realms of theology, morality, and the human experience. Published in 1667, this monumental work continues to resonate across centuries, offering readers an expansive canvas upon which the grand tapestry of creation, rebellion, and redemption unfolds. The title itself evokes the poignant irony of a paradise lost and the intricate theological explorations that define Milton's magnum opus.

The narrative centers on the biblical tale of the Fall of Man, tracing the events from Satan's rebellion in Heaven to Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's blank verse is a majestic river of language, a flowing current that navigates through the celestial and terrestrial landscapes with a divine eloquence. The poetic richness and rhythmic cadence of Milton's verses contribute to the epic grandeur of the work, elevating it to the status of one of the greatest literary achievements in the English language.

At the heart of "Paradise Lost" lies the enigmatic figure of Satan, a rebellious angel whose defiance of God sets in motion the cosmic drama. Milton's portrayal of Satan is complex and multifaceted, challenging readers to grapple with questions of free will, pride, and the nature of evil. The character of Satan becomes a tragic figure, a charismatic and flawed entity whose rebellion is fueled by a misguided sense of autonomy.

Milton's exploration of Adam and Eve, the first human couple, adds another layer to the theological discourse. Their innocence, fallibility, and subsequent expulsion from Eden become symbolic of the broader human experience—caught between the desire for knowledge and the consequences of disobedience. The interplay between free will, temptation, and the inevitability of divine judgment forms the thematic backbone of the narrative.

"Paradise Lost" also engages with profound theological questions, reflecting Milton's own Puritan convictions and his dissent against the hierarchical structure of the Church of England. The work contemplates the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the redemptive power of divine grace. Milton's theological stance, however, remains dynamic, allowing for diverse interpretations and sparking scholarly debates on the nuances of his religious beliefs.

The epic's enduring appeal lies not only in its theological depth but also in its universal themes that transcend religious boundaries. Milton's exploration of the human condition—its aspirations, flaws, and the perennial struggle between good and evil—resonates with readers across cultures and time periods. "Paradise Lost" serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to grapple with fundamental questions of existence.

In conclusion, John Milton's "Paradise Lost" is a literary colossus that stands at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and literature. The title encapsulates the essence of the narrative—an epic portrayal of the cosmic struggle between divine order and human agency. Milton's poetic brilliance and profound exploration of theological themes ensure that "Paradise Lost" remains an ever-relevant masterpiece that invites readers to ponder the complexities of the human condition and the timeless quest for meaning in a world marked by both paradise and loss.

John Milton's "Paradise Lost" is available in Amazon in paperback 16.99$ and hardcover 24.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 469

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[compassionmattersmost]

Ramayana No. 4: The Human Role in the Cosmic Drama—Reflections on Universal Responsibility

Previous Post in this Series: Title: 3: The Battle Within—Reflections on Dharma, Maya, and the Path to Enlightenment Next Post in this Series: Title: 5: A Choice of Paths—Righteous vs. Unrighteous Motivation As I reflect on the early chapters of the Ramayana, one theme stands out to me: the unique and pivotal role that human beings play in the battle between good and evil. In this epic, we see…

[stylistic-nightmare]

Voivod - Cosmic Drama

[blueheartbooks]

"Epic Majesty: John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and the Theological Tapestry of the Human Condition"

John Milton's "Paradise Lost" stands as an unparalleled epic that delves into the cosmic realms of theology, morality, and the human experience. Published in 1667, this monumental work continues to resonate across centuries, offering readers an expansive canvas upon which the grand tapestry of creation, rebellion, and redemption unfolds. The title itself evokes the poignant irony of a paradise lost and the intricate theological explorations that define Milton's magnum opus.

The narrative centers on the biblical tale of the Fall of Man, tracing the events from Satan's rebellion in Heaven to Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Milton's blank verse is a majestic river of language, a flowing current that navigates through the celestial and terrestrial landscapes with a divine eloquence. The poetic richness and rhythmic cadence of Milton's verses contribute to the epic grandeur of the work, elevating it to the status of one of the greatest literary achievements in the English language.

At the heart of "Paradise Lost" lies the enigmatic figure of Satan, a rebellious angel whose defiance of God sets in motion the cosmic drama. Milton's portrayal of Satan is complex and multifaceted, challenging readers to grapple with questions of free will, pride, and the nature of evil. The character of Satan becomes a tragic figure, a charismatic and flawed entity whose rebellion is fueled by a misguided sense of autonomy.

Milton's exploration of Adam and Eve, the first human couple, adds another layer to the theological discourse. Their innocence, fallibility, and subsequent expulsion from Eden become symbolic of the broader human experience—caught between the desire for knowledge and the consequences of disobedience. The interplay between free will, temptation, and the inevitability of divine judgment forms the thematic backbone of the narrative.

"Paradise Lost" also engages with profound theological questions, reflecting Milton's own Puritan convictions and his dissent against the hierarchical structure of the Church of England. The work contemplates the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the redemptive power of divine grace. Milton's theological stance, however, remains dynamic, allowing for diverse interpretations and sparking scholarly debates on the nuances of his religious beliefs.

The epic's enduring appeal lies not only in its theological depth but also in its universal themes that transcend religious boundaries. Milton's exploration of the human condition—its aspirations, flaws, and the perennial struggle between good and evil—resonates with readers across cultures and time periods. "Paradise Lost" serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to grapple with fundamental questions of existence.

In conclusion, John Milton's "Paradise Lost" is a literary colossus that stands at the intersection of theology, philosophy, and literature. The title encapsulates the essence of the narrative—an epic portrayal of the cosmic struggle between divine order and human agency. Milton's poetic brilliance and profound exploration of theological themes ensure that "Paradise Lost" remains an ever-relevant masterpiece that invites readers to ponder the complexities of the human condition and the timeless quest for meaning in a world marked by both paradise and loss.

John Milton's "Paradise Lost" is available in Amazon in paperback 16.99$ and hardcover 24.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 469

Language: English

Rating: 9/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[wormboyfriendcentralstation]

tolkien is full of three dimensional villains who understand the mistakes that they've made and regret them, or who have very understandable motivations that we literally watch spiral downward. melkor, meanwhile, came into existence as the strongest prettiest best cosmic entity, immediately started trying to fight god for the aux cord, and made it everyone else's problem for the next All Of Existence

[thestuffedalligator]

I read Fat Face by Michael Shea last month and it was. Fine? It was a Cthulhu Mythos story written in the 80s, it was very edgy and it had a lot of tropes I’m not a fan of, I don’t really recommend it, but I have to talk about one detail I have not stopped thinking about since I read it.

So. I knew Fat Face through reputation because it was the story that inspired Shoggoth Lords from the Call of Cthulhu TTRPG, shoggoths that can control their cellular makeup to look like humans. And the twist in Fat Face is that shoggoths have been hiding amongst humans in Los Angeles, and at the end of the story one of them eats the protagonist.

The tone of the story is grit. It’s grime. It’s sleaze and sexual violence and drug abuse on top of cosmic horror. It wants to be taken seriously so bad.

But here’s the thing about the shoggoths: they have a business.

They have two businesses they run out of an office building in downtown Los Angeles. A shoggoth is a primordial blob of eyes and mouths and flesh and hunger, and the idea of one of them at the LA Office of Finance registering an LLC is already. Great. Perfect. No notes.

The business is a front — and again, that’s great, a shoggoth went, “I want to do some nefarious deeds and not get caught by humans; I know, I’ll register a fake business that’ll be a front, and no human will ever suspect” — because the actual interior of this office is a room of pools of water made from black and ancient Antarctic rocks so that shoggoths can relax in their original blobby forms and eat stray animals that they’ve caught.

So it’s basically just. A place for shoggoths to unwind after a long day of pretending to be human. It’s portrayed as cosmic horror, but it’s shoggoth Cheers. Sometimes you wanna go where nobody knows your shape.

Here’s the kicker. The front of the business is a hydrotherapy clinic and stray pet rescue.

When they decided to make a front for their secret lair in an LA office building where they hang out in pools of water and eat stray animals — the front they prominently display and advertise — they decided to go with a hydrotherapy clinic and stray pet rescue.

That is Goosebumps shit. The rest of the story reads like a tone poem about the sleaze and violence of Los Angeles, and the main twist of the story reads like R.L. Stine.

But that’s not even the detail I can’t stop thinking about. Because the story reveals that this business — which again, is a front made by alien blobs to eat stray animals like an ALF-themed buffet and hang out in jacuzzi tubs of Antarctic rocks in an LA office — has a flyer.

Which means there’s a shoggoth with a passion for graphic design

[lostinmac]

August in the Water (1995)

Dir. Gakuryū Ishii

[paragonraptors]

more legion posting

[ethicstownpod]

S2 CAST!

S2 will follow roughly the same format as S1 - narrated stories - but this time we’re more in media res, AND! our fabulous S1 ensemble are stepping up to become main characters. So here’s a reminder of who’s who, as well as an introduction to some new folks!

Starting with most beloved human person Cai, who I'm so thrilled will be able to show off even more of their skills in S2.

And now cast!

And now our amazing new folks!

We have one final announcement to come, we're just missing a headshot, so keep an eye out!

Plus, episode 5 features guests from Chain of Being, The Wyrd Side, Super Suits and more, but those are secrets for future ;)

[rastronomicals]

8:00 PM EST December 19, 2023:

Voivod - "Cosmic Drama" From the album Dimension Hatröss (June 29, 1988)

Last song scrobbled from iTunes at Last.fm

'Inside a giant particle accelerator , a beam of protons, traveling at near the speed of light meets a beam of antiprotons moving equally as fast in the opposite direction. The protons and mirror-image antiprotons annihilate each other, creating the fiery chaos of a parallel micro-galaxy. Experiment One complete, the Voïvod goes into that new dimension, meeting different civilizations and psychic entities, extracting knowledge and energy in the eight programs of this project called: Dimension Hatröss'

Epilog.

File under: Progressive Metal

[stealingyourbones]

I’m so glad I started to listen to Star Trek audio dramas. The silver age comic levels of whimsy and shenanigans in them is incredible.

[erikasandersonactor]

Horrorcon UK

Ok, so a little rather late for an Audio Drama Sunday post, but I wanted to share what an epic weekend we had at Horrorcon UK in Sheffield 11-12th May.

Myself, Daivd Ault and James Cleveland (all from The NoSleep Podcast) were there promoting "Horror in Audio Fiction", trying to get more people to discover audio drama and fiction through podcasts, and not assuming all podcasts were two blokes talking about stuff into a mic.

Having worked on over a 100 shows between us, (with a lot of horror), it became a game of "Tell us what kind of horror you like, and we'll recommend a show for you to listen to".

From the big anthology shows like NoSleep, and the very British and queer Shadows at the the Door, we kept finding more shows to talk about and add to an ever-growing flow chart.

Shows we were flag waving for included:

The NoSleep Podcast Shadows at the Door @re-dracula @thekilda @woebegonepod Dark Dice Red Odyssey Audible Visions Drama Creepy Campfire Radio Theatre The Wicked Library Victoria's Lift The Dead @lessismorguepod The Hidden Frequencies

And it wasn't just horror! We gave shoutouts to @camlannpod and the sci-fi series Cyclone as well!

In all, a wonderful weekend introducing people to the incredible world of audio drama and fiction.

[arthur-lesters-right-arm]

As someone who hasn’t listened to malevolent…..what’s going on? A mean, you have a gay elder ich entity that’s just a smaller form of a normal entity that almost of gaslighted (maybe kidnapped) into being okay with it. Then you have a religious fellow (priest?) that’s into this actually instant man. And said insane man doesn’t know how to wrap it up and-

It's all gay sex hope this helps!

[thegodcyclecomic]

Welcome!

This is the official blog for the webcomic, The God Cycle, a Greek Mythology retelling that focuses on Ares and Athena as the main characters in a military-horror plot. This comic deals with dark themes unsuitable for a young audience such as discussions of war crimes, sexual assault, abuse, cannibalism, mental illness, and disturbing imagery.

Synopsis:

The God Cycle is an all-consuming madness. The goddess of war, Athena, marches unflinchingly through history's battles, stuck in a spiral of bloodshed and violence. The Fire of Olympus is fading, flickering until its embers turn to ash. She must find a way to rekindle it once more, even if it means working together with her sworn enemy, Ares. The turning of the cycle may mean the end of the Age of Gods— and their entire pantheon.

Disclaimer: The God Cycle is a webcomic based on Greek Mythology and the works of Homer, Hesiod, Euripides, and others. While most elements are intended to stay true to the original, there are intentional changes intended to serve the theme of the story.

Link to read comic: [WEBTOON]