#grand rex 2023

[statoprecario]

L’immagine e la parola 2023: la Storia e la sua memoria audiovisiva al centro dell’evento

Dall’11 al 12 marzo al GranRex di Locarno, “L’immagine e la parola”, l’evento primaverile del Locarno Film Festival presentato da Swisscom, celebra i suoi primi dieci anni. “Le immagini della Storia: Un confronto fra ricerca e creazione” è il titolo del programma che getterà una luce sulla relazione tra il passato e le immagini che lo raccontano. Per l’occasione, il regista rumeno Radu Jude,…

[pedroam-bang]

Ahsoka (2023)

[james-vi-stan-blog]

When was war sent as a blessing, or peace as a punishment?

— Thomas Middleton in The Peace-maker, a propaganda work in favor of James I's peace policy, 1618

[zhongrin]

“honey, can you… get us a pet?”

◇ characters ◇ zhongli, al haitham, childe, tighnari, kaveh, pantalone, cyno

◇ tags ◇ fluff, crack, dragon!li

◇ a/n ◇ all i want in life is a zhongli and a al haitham with their chosen pets is that really too much to ask

𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡 ⬙ 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡 ⬙ 𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡

zhongli, predictably, brings back a dog. before you ask, it’s a very normal dog that isn’t the size of a mountain and is unable to control the elements. it’s a common house pet, a sign of luck and auspiciousness, plus he’s a very good boy!

………. just. don’t coddle rex jr. too much, okay? rex sr. is still a half-dragon after all.

al haitham brings back a pot of some rare plant he got at the grand bazaar... what? plants are pets too. an even better version, he argues, especially since this particular one should bear small edible fruits when they grow enough. plus, they’re quiet and will let him read in peace.

hey, it’s your fault for never specifying what kind of pet you wanted him to get.

childe brings back an otter. where did he get it? no one knows. don’t ask. where will he put it? uhhh. no worries, he’ll put the otter in your bathtub for now, but he’ll commission someone to dig up a pool for them to float around! it’ll be fineeee!

tighnari sits you down and lectures you about the responsibilities of a pet owner for two straight hours to make sure you truly understand what you’re asking of him first. adopting a pet is a huge step in your life and he wants to make sure you fully understand what you’re getting into.

plus, you might want to take into consideration that your fox hybrid lover inherits that territorial behavior from his ancestors…?

kaveh jumps at the opportunity. to him, that’s like you’re giving him the green light on bringing animals home. a mistake on your part, honestly.

it’s day three and you’re now housing: an unexpectedly tame dendro slime with a withered flower on its head, two very weakened and starving desert foxes, one forest fox with one eye, and a little bird with a broken wing.

good luck.

pantalone merely chuckles yet the very next day you find the most elegant, purebred siberian forest cat delivered straight to your lavish shared abode’s doorstep. she’s groomed to perfection, well-trained, and a joy to be around.

the most beautiful cat for the most breathtaking person in his life - he thinks it’s very fitting.

cyno unexpectedly brings back a rabbit; a snow-white furred darling with ruby-red eyes that fits on top of your palm. such an innocent-looking, wee little being has become a lethal weapon in cyno’s hand. whenever you deny him of something, you will now see two pairs of eerily similar-colored eyes looking up at you with wet bunny eyes.

darn it.

like father like son, you suppose.

© zhongrin | 2023 ◆ no repost. reblogs much appreciated. feel free to reach out to submit suggestions, feedback, comments, or if you just want to talk!

◇ taglist ◇ @thestarsofenkanomiya | @genshinparty | @abyssmal-skies | @hamdehlesmis | @depressivecomforts | @sophiethewitch1 | @why-am-i-here-someone-save-me | @sunnshineflxwer | @heartonthemoon | @yuutasbabe | @percyval-archives | @carbs-need-more-love | @rebeccka | @queen-belial | @stygianoir | @silentmoths | @niktwazny303 | @dustofthedailylife | @herdrops | @diebischesther | @marina-and-the-memes | @angryhope | @mixed-kester | @shuangxo | @fiannee | @lordbugs | @anonymousficreader | @shizunxie | @ladylofspades | @sup-zfam | @ansy-tea | @irethepotato | @nachotrash | @algrimmammon | @sassy-cat-in-town

[il-predestinato]

HELP! 🥺 Charles struggling to reach his water bottle with his tiny T-Rex arms... 🍼🦖

Charles Leclerc | Sprint Race | 2023 Belgian Grand Prix 🎥: F1TV

[possession]

EVA GREEN attends the "Les Trois Mousquetaires : Milady" Premiere at Cinema Le Grand Rex in Paris, France (December 10, 2023)

[thesoldiersminute]

Cillian Murphy Oppenheimer Premiere at the Grand Rex Cinema in Paris on July 11 (2023)

[pinesource]

CHRIS PINE: Best moments of 2023 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' Premiere at Le Grand Rex on March 22, 2023 in Paris, France.

[archiveikemen]

William Rex 1st Birthday Campaign: Story (2023)

His POV

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Warnings and FAQ

Contains spoilers from William's main story

The sound of Kate playing the piano reverberated through the air — and the music piece soon came to an end.

William: Was that my first present?

I asked while waving the card I found on my bedside table this morning that said “come to the Grand Hall”.

Kate wore a smile as beautiful as a flower.

Kate: Yup, but there’s more. I hope you’ll look forward to them.

Kate: — Happy birthday, Will.

My first ever birthday wish was engraved in my mind.

It was a sweet and beautiful memory that soon turned into a poison.

– Flashback Start –

Kate: You must've had tons of amazing birthday celebrations up till now.

That day, Kate apparently heard from Victor that my birthday was coming soon. She frowned, slightly nervous.

Kate: Which celebration was most memorable to you?

William: Most memorable? Let me think…

William: There was a year when a mission fell on the same day as my birthday, so I had the target sing me a happy birthday song before being executed.

Kate: … I’ll be sure to write that one down in my next report as one of your most villainous episodes.

William: Ahaha, please do, Miss “Fairytale Keeper”.

William: But why did you want to know that?

Kate: I’m thinking of ways to celebrate your birthday.

Kate: … I thought it’d be nice if I made your birthday memorable.

(... Memorable, huh.)

Kate was someone who was willing to lose her life in order to protect me.

I would never let her die so easily, but who’s to say that fate would not take her away from me the next day?

Perhaps, that was why every day and every second, she always tried to love me with all her body and soul.

(I guess that feeling is especially strong because it’s my birthday.)

William: We can celebrate it however you like. That way, it’ll be most memorable to me.

Kate: … Really?

William: Yes, of course.

(After all, I’m looking forward to receiving your birthday wishes.)

I decided that I would no longer reject her self-indulgent love that was given to me by her free will.

I wanted to enjoy every last moment of it.

(Ah… I just had a great idea.)

William: … I need an accomplice.

Kate: Hm?

William: Nope, nothing.

Kate: Ah, right. What’s the date of your birthday?

William: — In a week’s time, Kate.

– Flashback End –

After playing the piano, Kate held something out to me and said it was a present.

(... An umbrella?)

On the umbrella’s handle was the same card as the one I saw on my bedside table.

“Don’t get drenched in the rain with anyone besides me”.

William: What’s this?

Sensing her adorable possessiveness, I smiled and tilted my head.

Kate: Um… getting drenched in the rain with you can make anyone go crazy… so this is just in case!

Kate’s ears turned red as she mumbled something that didn't really sound like she was making excuses.

I found it hilarious that she thought I’ll ever be swayed by others.

There was no one else I would rather be in love with, than the woman who was soaked in red on that night at the Tower of London.

… But I didn't say that to her directly.

And of course, it was because Kate was becoming more and more self-indulging as the days went by.

William: Since it's a request by my dearest, I shall be extra careful about that.

Kate: … Please do.

William: What else should we do to celebrate after that wonderful performance and present?

Kate: Let’s go on a date. It’s been raining non-stop since this morning, so we shall put that umbrella to good use.

William: … It’s not okay to get drenched in the rain with you?

Kate: Huh…!?

Kate: T-That’s… um… saved for the end of our date.

William: Fufu, I see. For the end, hm.

Kate: L-Let’s get going…!

…

In the end, the rain had stopped by the time our date ended, so we couldn't get drenched as planned—

Kate said “I’m going to tell you why there was no dessert at dinner” and playfully led me away by the hand, like a little girl hoping for her prank to be a success.

Awaiting us back at the castle was a strawberry tart hat Kate had baked early that morning with Victor’s help.

Stuck into one of the bright red strawberries was another card.

(“Eat me”?)

It was a very bold invitation. Usually, I would suspect that it was Victor’s idea.

However, judging by everything that had happened that day… it was definitely Kate’s own idea.

William: Does “me” refer to you or the tart?

Kate: … Both.

Kate gave a single worded response and looked away.

I couldn't contain my laughter when I noticed that the tips of her ears were as red as strawberries.

I was sure that she fought her feelings of shame to write that, just to make it “memorable” for me.

(Kate is truly so adorable.)

William: Is this the last of your self-indulgent cards?

Kate: … Yes.

Kate: I thought that nothing can go wrong if I used cards… and that you’ll definitely remember this day whenever you look at the cards.

Kate: Even when I’m no longer with you.

Those cards served as a symbol of my beloved’s love and well wishes.

The day I would hold her lifeless body in my arms — would be the most horrible poison to me.

William: I see… thank you. It's a splendid present.

Kate smiled ecstatically.

It was a beautiful, attractive, and ephemeral smile that only someone who has accepted her impending demise could wear. I burnt that sight into my memory.

By the time I finished eating the strawberry tart — “today” was coming to an end.

William: Ah, I almost forgot. I have a present for you too.

Kate: Huh?

William: It’s right at your feet, next to your chair.

Kate quickly peered under the table and her face lit up, eyes twinkling.

Kate: … W-Was that a magic trick?

William: Yeah, I learnt it from Victor.

I shan’t let her know that the delicious aroma of baked goods I smelled this morning had given her surprise away.

I didn't see the need to disappoint her by revealing that her surprise was, in fact, not a surprise.

Kate: But it’s your birthday, why did you give me a present…?

William: To thank you for today.

I gently took the hair accessory from her hand and walked around her chair to stand behind her.

As I had expected, the hair accessory looked beautiful on her.

Kate: Thank you… I’ll cherish it forever.

Kate looked at me fondly while touching the hair accessory with her fingertips to check its placement.

Kate: The day is ending soon…

Kate: … Do you think this day will be memorable to you?

William: Yes, of course — however…

William: It’s still a little too early for this day to become only a memory, don’t you think?

I sat on the table and held the “eat me” card between my lips.

William: … Hm?

Kate: …

As always, my little robin was quick to catch on.

Kate got up from her chair and took the card from my mouth.

She pressed her lips to mine.

Kate: Mm…

Kate didn't resist when I drew her in. Instead, she straddled me in a naughty way.

William: … Fufu, you’ve become a very bad woman.

Kate: Yeah… all because of you.

Kate cupped my face in between her hands.

The pleading look in her eyes was oozing with passion.

Kate: I want to celebrate the day you were born, as much as you want me to.

Kate: One day will never be enough for that, but… I want to do that until the very last minute of the day.

Kate: I want to make myself a permanent part of you.

(No matter how expensive the present, or how enjoyable the party…)

(Nothing can ever compare to her expressing her desires.)

I shivered from the excitement I felt at the very core of my body.

She sensed it and the passion in her gaze grew stronger.

We kissed again and again.

The way Kate desperately tried to love me with her entire being, despite her inevitable death, was enough to move someone to tears.

It was like we were running away from the end of my “birthday”, rushed by the time on the clock ticking past.

(... Should I tell her now?)

William: Kate… there’s something I haven't told you about.

Kate: Mm… what is it…?

William: Actually— my birthday is tomorrow.

Kate: … What?

Kate paused, her breathing ragged.

The seductive facial expression she had just a while ago turned into a surprised one, I couldn't help but smile at how endearing it looked.

William: One day is not enough for me to enjoy the well wishes from my beloved.

William: … Because I’m selfish.

Kate: T-Then… today isn't your birthday or anything…?

Kate: Huh? But Victor and the others said that your birthday is today…

William: I selfishly got them to cooperate with me.

There could have been no better accomplices than the members of Crown.

William: A memorable plot twist, isn't it?

Kate: … Pfft, ahaha!

Kate burst out laughing and nodded happily.

Kate: Yeah… I was just thinking that a day wouldn't be enough.

Her laughter was beautiful, like she was single-handedly gathering all the happiness that could be found in the darkness.

William: Can I make my first request for my second birthday celebration before the day ends?

Kate: Of course… what is it?

William: There’s a dress in my room that would go really well with that hair accessory.

Kate: …!

William: My first request is for you to wear that… and let me love you.

Kate: … I’d love to.

At that exact moment, we heard a bell sounding in the distance.

We looked at each other and laughed.

Kate: Once again… happy birthday, Will.

Nothing could ever make me happier than hearing those words of blessing from her lips.

[aquagirl1978]

A Minor Distraction - William Rex x Reader (Ikemen Villains)

A/N: Part of Visions of Temptation 2023 hosted by @xxsycamore

Pairing: William Rex x Reader

Prompt: Day 7 - Public Sex

Word Count: 1133

Tags: NSFW; Minors - DNI; vaginal fingering; public sex; female-bodied reader (no pronouns used)

Sighing loudly, you sat up in the bed; it took a few moments for your eyes to adjust to the darkness of the cabin. It was day three of the cruise, and you were still not used to the rocking of the ship. Your gaze shifted to the body sleeping next to you – at least someone was able to get some rest in this unbearable heat.

You pulled the covers off your legs as gently as you could so as to not disturb Wiliam. When he had invited you on this trip, it sounded positively delightful – you had never gone on a cruise before and were looking forward to the glitz and glam he told you about. But who knew that you would be traveling in the middle of the most heinous heatwave? 

Your gaze lingered on William, jealous of his ability to sleep through this unbothered. 

“You can’t sleep, can you?” a voice from the bed whispered.

“Did I wake you?” you asked apologetically.

William huffed a laugh as he sat up in the bed. “How ‘bout you put on that dress you had on earlier, the red one that I said looked so pretty on you, and I take you somewhere. I think what you need is a distraction.”

*****

William opened the ornate doors, inviting you into the grand ballroom. You had been here with him on the first night of the cruise – there was a dance held for the first class passengers, and of course William was invited.

It was a grand affair, bigger and more splendid than anything you had ever been invited to on land. Dressed in a dark tuxedo, William was the most handsome man on the ship, garnering the attention of many of the ladies in attendance. But his eyes were on you, only you, as he guided you around the ballroom. He had this special way of making you feel like you two were the only ones in the room that night.

Not much unlike now, where you both were, in fact, the only ones in the large space. Only now that you truly were the only ones in there, the space somehow felt lonely without all the other passengers. 

William walked over to the grand piano and took a seat on its bench as if he owned the instrument. He patted the bench with his hand, inviting you to join him. He turned to you, a wide grin adorning his handsome face as his fingers found their home on the ivory keys. 

While William’s eyes were on you, yours were on his fingers; flashes of red danced across the keys like red rose petals falling from its bloom. Soft music filled the air, its notes lulling you into a peaceful trance.  You closed your eyes, allowing your mind to relax and drift, wishing you shared William’s gift with music.

When the music stopped, you opened your eyes and looked at William. He was smiling at you; the way his head was tilted gave him a boyish appearance. 

“Do you want to learn how to play?”

“Yes!” you replied, trying to control your squeals excitement and maintain some sense of dignity. 

“Good,” he replied. William leaned over and brushed a kiss on your lips, equally as excited as you were. “Place your right hand on top of mine.” A spark of excitement ran down your spine as your fingers barely touched. “That’s it. Let your hand follow mine as I press the keys.”

William was a patient teacher, guiding you through each note and pointing out the finger placement on the keys. Always praising, always encouraging, even when you made a mistake. You lost track of how many times you played the same piece of music, but it didn’t matter – you were actually playing music with William. 

William stopped playing and removed his right hand from the keys, leaving your fingers floating. He positioned your fingers on the keys, ready to play the notes you had ingrained in your head. 

“What are you doing?” you whispered, once you realized what he was doing.

“It’s your turn to play, robin.” He flashed you a smile, bright and alluring; you weren’t sure you were ready to play on your own yet, but that smile was enough to convince you to play for him. “I’ll be right here in case you need any help,” he added as he rested his hand on his knee.

Swallowing your nerves, you waited for his cue to start. And much to your amazement, you were playing the piano. Your eyes were trained on the keys in front of you as you correctly recalled each note in the proper order. Too busy focusing on the next notes, you didn’t notice William’s hand slide from his knee to yours nor did you feel him lift your skirt and slide his hand under.

“William….” you gasped when you felt his finger slide along your slit, causing you to immediately stop playing.

“Keep playing,” he said.

“What if someone…comes in?” you whispered, feeling the heat rise from your core to the apples of your cheeks. 

“They won’t,” he said, giving you a knowing look.

Oh. Oh…

Reminded of what deeds your lover was capable of, you couldn’t deny the small thrill that shot your body, knowing that you were safe here with him. 

Alone.

“Play,” he coaxed, sliding a finger inside you, his other hand playing the notes on the piano. Swallowing a moan, you began to play the piano with William. 

Or, at least you attempted to. 

How is he able to play right now like this? Unable to suppress your sounds any longer, you let out a soft moan. William let out a pleased huff of laughter and teased your clit with his thumb, sending waves of pleasure to course through your body. 

Your hips began to rock against his hand, your walls squeezing William’s fingers. The music stopped playing, replaced instead with your sweet sounds.

“You let out such beautiful sounds when I touch you here,” he praised, inserting another finger inside you. Your moans grew louder as he curled his fingers, reaching your most sensitive areas, the pleasure building inside almost overwhelming.  

Clutching the edges of the bench you were seated upon, you steadied yourself as your body began to tremble. Your eyelids fluttered as your lips parted, the only word slipping from your lips was William’s name as your body succumbed to his touch.

Without a word, he removed his hand from under your skirt, and gathered you in his arms. Breathless and boneless, you pressed your body against his, finding his embrace calming and soothing. He carried you back to your room, and gently laid you down to rest, sleep overtaking your body the moment your head hit your pillow.

Tagging: @redheadkittys @themiscarnival   @coral-relevium @cyberk1ee     @kookie-my-little-sunshine @pathogenic       @ellisgivesmelife013 @ikemen-writer   @nightghoul381 @itsjudesfault @randonauticrap @xbalayage @xenokiryu

[fuckyeaharthuriana]

The tv show list is also completely updated! You can find it here!

I added tv shows, miniseries, anime and webseries. I did not have many updates, but these are the new things you will find if you compare it with the old version:

Webseries (they are linked to the youtube page within the descriptions):

2018 The Campaign for Camelot

2017 Legend

2016 Rex

2013 Mordred

Tv show/anime

2023-ongoing: Four Knights of the Apocalypse (sequel of Nanatsu no Taizai, it focuses on actual arthurian characters)

2023 (cancelled) The Winter King

2019 Fate/Grand Order Babylonia

2017 Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel]

2014 Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade

Everything is in chronological order.

And movies are here.

Please, if you see anything I missed, let me know! I am always happy to find new media.

[tailschannel]

Here's a complete recap of everything featured in this year's Sonic Central presentation

New collaborations with LEGO, an upcoming Sonic Frontiers DLC update, and a first look at Part 2 of Sonic Prime were among the major highlights in this year's Sonic Central presentation.

Here's everything you need to know.

Sonic Frontiers

Details on the second major content update for Sonic Frontiers was revealed in the Sonic Central. Titled "Sonic's Birthday Bash", it's scheduled for a release on 23 June 2023.

Sonic's Birthday: Celebrate Sonic's birthday in Sonic Frontiers with a new birthday theme, including a festive HUD, environment objects, a new birthday skin, and more!

Open Zone Challenges: Explore the Open Zone with all new challanges scattered throughout.

Spindash: The iconic Sonic move makes a return in Sonic Frontiers!

New Kocos: Some Kocos seem to dawn new outfits and some do seem a bit bigger than usual.

New Game Plus.

Sonic Superstars

A new teaser was shown promoting the new Sonic Superstars and LEGO collaboration, featuring LEGO Eggman as a pre-order bonus.

Following the presentation, SEGA dropped new renders and descriptions for all the characters featured in the upcoming game.

Trip: Not much is known yet about Trip, the mysterious girl first encountered by Fang on the Northstar Islands. While a bit clumsy, Trip is heavily armored and has been enlisted by Fang and Dr. Eggman to protect and guide them around the wonders of this uncharted region.

Fang the Hunter (formerly Fang the Sniper): Fang is a springy jerboa that is light on his feet and is always looking for the next big score. A bounty hunter by trade, Fang the Hunter has been known by many different names over the years, likely due to his “WANTED” status with the authorities. Always trying to stay one step ahead, he’s constantly modifying and upgrading his primary mode of transportation, the Marvelous Queen.

You can check out the rest of the descriptions for Sonic, Amy, Tails, Knuckles and Eggman here.

The official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube channel also uploaded a new 3-minute video featuring Superstars producer Naoto Ohshima and Sonic Studio creative officer Takashi Iizuka.

They "talk in-depth about Superstars, including inspirations, challenges, and what it's like to create a new character."

Sonic Symphony World Tour

Here are the official tour dates for the Sonic Symphony from 2023 to 2024:

Sept 16, 2023 - London, Barbican Hall

Sept 22, 2023 - Paris, Le Grand Rex

Sept 30, 2023 - Los Angeles, Dolby Theatre

Oct 14-15, 2023 - São Paulo, Brasil Game Show

Oct 21, 2023 - Boston, Emerson Colonial Theatre

Oct 28, 2023 - Chicago, Auditorium Theatre

Nov 17, 2023 - Düsseldorf, Mitsubishi Electric Halle

Dec 15, 2023 - San Antonio, Majestic Theatre

Dec 29, 2023 - Atlanta, Cobb Energy P.A.C.

Jan 05, 2024 - Seattle, Paramount Theatre

Jan 06, 2024 - San Francisco, Davies Symphony Hall

Jan 20, 2024 - Washington DC, Warner Theater

Jan 27, 2024 - Kansas City, Kansas City Music Hall

Feb 11, 2024 - Tokyo, LINE CUBE SHIBUYA

Feb 17, 2024 - Toronto, Meridian Hall

Mar 24, 2024 - Montreal, Wilfrid-Pelletier Theater

Mar 29, 2024 - Portland, Schnitzer Auditorium

For more information such as ticket pricing and availability, check out the above links.

Sonic Prime

A new extended clip of the upcoming second content drop of Sonic Prime was previewed. It's scheduled to make its debut on Netflix in 13 July.

With the help of his ragtag group of Shatterverse allies, Sonic battles the Chaos Council for control of the powerful Paradox Prism, one Shard at a time.

Sonic Dash and Speed Battle

A new Classic Super Sonic skin will be joining SEGA HARDlight's flagship titles Speed Battle and Dash soon.

Other things of note, as reported last week:

To coincide with the release of the 2nd season of Sonic Prime, characters from Prime will be playable in Dash, including Boscage Sonic, Rusty Rose, and Tails Nine.

Alongside the Prime characters, Super Silver and an all new Dragon Hunter Lancelot will make their debut in Dash and Speed Battle later this month.

San Diego Comic-Con 2023

With Comic-Con coming this summer, a new pop-up restaurant featuring the blue blur will open near the show floor.

More details will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Merchandise

New Death Egg Set from Jakks Pacific: Based on the Sonic 4 Episode 2 final boss, fight The Egg Heart in the new Death Egg set.

Streetwear brand Hypland announced their collaboration with Sonic the Hedgehog: The limited edition collection features an assortment of graphic tees and hoodies featuring Sonic and his friends meshed into contemporary streetwear designs.

S-Fire Sonic Statue: Pre-order the new Sonic & Shadow statue today with augmented reality compatibility.

Sonic has officially announced a collaboration with the popular shoe brand Crocs. As reported back in late May: it's available in adult and kids sizes, for $49.99 USD and $44.99 USD respectively. Besides the shoes themselves, Crocs will be offering Jibbitz charms. They will be coming in a pack of 5 with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Shadow, offered at $19.99 USD.

Other things of note: a Sonic-themed Playmate cooler from Igloo, a themed guitar from ESP Guitars, and Sonic and Shadow Cable Guy figures.

Sonic Origins Plus

With Origins Plus out, SEGA released a new launch trailer.

With more content than ever before, and a new premium physical version, Sonic Origins Plus is the definitive way to play 16 classic Sonic games in one timeless collection.

LEGO

SEGA officially previewed the Death Egg Robot set, now scheduled for a release in August.

As reported via a leak earlier this month, it contains a Sonic mini figure accompanied with his speed sphere mechanism and the launcher to it; and the Death Egg Robot piloted by Eggman, and Cubot.

Samba de Amigo: Party Central

As reported, the upcoming Samba De Amigo: Party Central will be featuring the world's famous hedgehog as a guest character.

The game will feature two iconic Sonic tunes, Escape From the City and Fist Bump, alongside the City Escape stage itself.

IDW Sonic the Hedgehog

Today's Central presentation made a brief mention of IDW Publishing's upcoming one-shot issue for the Sonic the Hedgehog comic book series: Amy Rose's 30th Anniversary.

You can read more details in our report from earlier today.

Sonic Speed Simulator

Despite the developer's controversies, the officially-licenced Speed Simulator got a mention in the Central presentation.

Users can celebrate Sonic's birthday in style with the new Tuxedo Classic Sonic skin, out now.

Lastly...

TailsTube got a shoutout, and voice actor Mike Pollock dropped some fire bars in the LEGO collaboration video.

...and that's all! For news and updates anytime, be sure to follow @TailsChannel where you are on social media.

(Files contributed by the Tails' Channel Newsfeed.)

[denimbex1986]

'Of all the fascinating people who came into J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life during his years at UC Berkeley, few are as intriguing — or as tragic — as Jean Tatlock, the woman some believe was the love of his life.

Oppenheimer was 25 when he arrived on the Berkeley campus in 1929 as an associate professor of physics. He moved into 2665 Shasta Road, up the windy, steep hills that flank the university. From the windows, he could see the bay.

The Shasta Road property was always lively. In the main house, Oppenheimer’s landlord Mary Ellen Washburn hosted constant parties; intellectuals roved in and out of the property, debating ideas and drinking late into the night. Oppenheimer objected to teaching before 11 a.m. so he could stay up chatting and smoking.

In the spring of 1936, Oppenheimer met a young woman named Jean Tatlock at one of these parties. He already knew her father, an acclaimed Berkeley professor of Old English; professor John Tatlock enjoyed having lunch with Oppenheimer at the Faculty Club, where Oppie, as he was known around campus, showed off his wide-ranging knowledge of literature and ability to recite passages from memory.

Jean was 22 and brilliant. She was in her first year at Stanford Medical School, studying to be a psychiatrist. This, of course, was highly unusual for a woman in the 1930s, and Tatlock made an impression. Friends and acquaintances recalled she was the type of person everyone noticed when she walked into a room. (Florence Pugh was cast as Jean Tatlock in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” movie.)

#OPPENHEIMER will have its French premiere on July 11th at the Grand Rex in Paris. pic.twitter.com/W0o25gL6cy

— Florence Pugh Photos (@pughphotos) June 29, 2023

Oppenheimer, who loved sharp, unconventional women, fell fast. By the fall, the pair were an item, and something of an intellectual power couple. Oppenheimer was the star of the physics department, luring talent from all over the nation to join him. Tatlock was a trailblazing psychiatrist who delighted Oppenheimer with her love of poets like John Donne. “All of us were a bit jealous,” one friend recalled in “American Prometheus,” the definitive Oppenheimer biography.

Their relationship, though, was a tumultuous one. Tatlock went through periods of deep depression, and Oppenheimer was often the person who talked her through them. When she was low, so was he. “American Prometheus” detailed how Robert Serber, a nuclear physicist who met Oppenheimer at Berkeley and became one of his closest friends, watched their relationship unfold.

“He’d be depressed some days because he was having trouble with Jean,” Serber said.

Over the course of three years, they got engaged at least twice, broke things off and kept getting back together. Serber said Tatlock would cut contact with Oppenheimer for weeks or even months. When she returned, Serber said she would “taunt him about whom she had been with and what they had been doing. She seemed determined to hurt him, perhaps because she knew Robert loved her so much.”

In retrospect, it seems clear at least some of this tumult was due to Tatlock’s struggle to understand her own sexuality. In letters to friends, she expressed fear that she might be attracted to women. The thought tormented her — she was then a student of Freudian psychiatry, which maligned homosexuality as a mental defect. Torn between her genuine love for Oppenheimer and her anguished confusion, Tatlock called things off for good in 1939. A year later, Oppenheimer’s new love, a married woman named Kitty Harrison, became pregnant with his child. Her husband agreed to a divorce, and Harrison and Oppenheimer married in 1940.

When a friend asked Tatlock if she regretted not marrying Oppie, she said she did. Maybe she would have married him if she wasn’t “so mixed up,” Tatlock lamented.

But their relationship did not end — and their affair would have profound implications for both of them.

---

Between 1939 and 1943, it’s believed Oppenheimer continued seeing Tatlock several times a year. They still went to parties together in Berkeley, and at least once they got drinks at the Top of the Mark. When she was feeling low, she’d call Oppie and he’d talk to her for as long as it took to see her through the dark moment. In early 1943, he left for Los Alamos to head the Manhattan Project. No one could know the details of his work in the New Mexico desert. Oppenheimer left Tatlock without saying goodbye.

For Tatlock, who relied on Oppenheimer for support, this was a devastating abandonment. He couldn’t explain what had taken him away, and she wrote him pleading letters. By then, she had become a doctor at Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco (today, it’s part of the UCSF campus). It was an incredible feat of determination in the male-dominated field, but despite her professional success, loved ones knew that Tatlock was not well.

On June 14, 1943, Oppenheimer flew from Los Alamos to see her. Unbeknownst to him, he was being tailed by military officers. In their report to the FBI, they said they watched Oppenheimer take the train from Berkeley to San Francisco, “where he was met by Jean Tatlock who kissed him.” They went to Xochimilco, a Mexican restaurant on Powell and Broadway, and had dinner and drinks. Then, they went back to her top floor apartment at 1405 Montgomery St., a pretty block tucked right underneath Coit Tower. With the spies watching from the street below, the lights went out at 11:30 p.m.

The next morning, Oppenheimer emerged from the flat. They had one last meal together at Kit Carson’s Grill before Tatlock drove him to the airport. He hopped a flight back to New Mexico, and she went home. Soon, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover had a report about their meeting in his hands.

Both were already on his radar. For much of Tatlock’s adult life, she had been a dues-paying, meeting-attending communist. She even wrote for the Communist Party’s official West Coast publication, the Western Worker. Hoover, with his characteristic paranoia, became convinced Tatlock might be passing nuclear secrets to the Soviets. “It has been determined that Jean Tatlock … has become the paramour of an individual possessed of vital secret information regarding this nation’s war effort,” Hoover wrote in a memo. He had the phone in Tatlock’s Montgomery Street apartment tapped.

There is no evidence Tatlock was any sort of spy, or that she even knew what Oppenheimer was doing at Los Alamos. In 1954, when Oppenheimer was interrogated over accusations he was a Communist sympathizer, he was asked why he flew to see Tatlock in 1943. “Because,” he answered, “she was still in love with me.”

Tatlock’s mental health deteriorated further in the months after their meeting. Around the start of the new year 1944, Tatlock stopped answering her phone. Fearing the worst, her father drove to her apartment on Jan. 4, 1944. He had to climb through an open window to get inside. There, he found his daughter in the bathtub. Jean Tatlock was dead. She was just 29.

Immediately after finding her, her father did an odd thing: He lit a fire and burned her letters and photos. A few hours later, he finally called a funeral parlor. That funeral parlor called police, who arrived at 1405 Montgomery to find a dead woman and a pile of burned paper. Although no one now living knows what those items were, many historians believe it may have been evidence that Tatlock was lesbian or bisexual.

Much has been made of the unusual circumstances of her death over the years, particularly because an autopsy found she’d eaten a full meal before dying. Some believed she was murdered by the government. But Tatlock left a handwritten suicide note and endured a lifetime of clinical depression, so most who knew her best did believe she ended her own life.

Sequestered at Los Alamos, the Serbers received a cable from Oppenheimer’s former landlady at Shasta Road. It informed them that Tatlock had died the day before. Robert Serber rushed to find Oppenheimer and break the news to him before someone else did. He was too late. “Deeply grieved,” Oppenheimer went for a long, solitary walk in the hills surrounding Los Alamos.

“Jean was Robert’s truest love,” Serber said. “He loved her the most. He was devoted to her.”

Tatlock’s family had her remains sent to Albany County, New York, where she was buried in the family plot. Her stone is simple. It reads:

Jean Frances Tatlock 21 February 1914 4 January 1944

---

In 1962, Gen. Leslie Groves, the military leader of the Manhattan Project, wrote to Oppenheimer asking why he had named the first atomic bomb test “Trinity.”

“Why I chose the name is not clear, but I know what thoughts were in my mind,” Oppenheimer replied. “There is a poem of John Donne, written just before his death, which I know and love.”

The poem he quoted was called “Hymn to God, My God, in My Sickness.”

I joy, that in these straits I see my west; For, though their currents yield return to none, What shall my west hurt me? As west and east In all flat maps (and I am one) are one, So death doth touch the resurrection.'

[holycolorfulpig]

"John Wick 4" Premiere At Le Grand Rex In Paris

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 10: Keanu Reeves attends the "John Wick 4" Premiere at Le Grand Rex on March 10, 2023 in Paris, France.

[scary-senpai]

shenani-goats!

Fandom: one-punch man

Genre: Humor, Fluff

Summary: Genos is guarding the Gävle goat and Garou is trying to burn it… that's it, that's the plot.

OR: An exceedingly silly story I wrote for myself. You can read it too, if you want.

For Wanpanmas 2023. Prompt: Date

It's not a crime if it's objectively funny." "I somehow doubt that.” Genos glanced at the giant straw goat, and then at Garou, and then at the rapidly draining gas can lying sideways at Garou's feet. Genos' sensors detected a third, indistinct presence in the bushes, but he made an executive decision to ignore it for now. "You're overreacting," Garou said. "I don't understand why you're getting so worked up over a stupid straw goat—" "City L takes its wintertime traditions very seriously. This is why multiple S-Class heroes have been dispatched to patrol this area around the clock, thereby assuring the Yule goat's safety," Genos said. "This year, there will be no shenanigans… or shenani-goats, for that matter." "Take a look around," Garou said, gesturing. "Do you see where you are right now? Do you hear yourself talking? This whole damn thing is the definition of shenanigoats—" Genos sighed. In the grand scheme of things, this goat guarding gig did seem a little silly. Silent and stoic against the night sky, the structure stood taller than a Tyrannosaurus rex, and just as long. But unlike a T-rex, it was made of straw, and highly flammable. Precisely because the goat was highly flammable, it was heavily secured. Genos couldn't fathom how Garou had managed to slip past the multiple S-Class heroes stationed throughout the town square, and the remaining A-Class heroes patrolling the overall district. Perhaps because Garou happened to be dressed as Santa Claus, nobody had thought to question him.

[[read the whole thing on ao3]]

[kykyonthemoon]

Old friend

— Pairing: Zhongli x Guizhong (Guili)

— Tags: short, soft angst, event

— Summary: The tragedy of reunion is knowing that there might be separation once more.

— Word count: 1286

— Masterlist

— Ao3

Inspired by Lantern Rite 2023 event.

As the roar of the zither from the top of the high mountain mingled with the music and the cheers of the festival at the harbor, everyone was stunned for a long time. The sound was not of this world, but came from the heavens, and the mortals would feel privileged to have heard it once in their short lives.

Consequently, no one noticed anything unusual at the time. Those who paid close attention could only notice a few unusual breezes carrying dust from all around Liyue to one area. Every stream of sand flew with the wind, from plains to hills; from narrow streams to vast seas. Then they met, swirled and merged  to become one being. A shadowy figure above the high mountain.

The barefoot maiden slid through the grass, her star-like eyes fixed on each of the xiao lanterns above her. That night, they were stars and moonlight. Peach lips parted slightly as she hummed a tune to the sound of her longtime friend’s zither. How much time had passed? Several thousands of years. Everything had changed, even her melody had been more or less altered.

Yet, she was content. Because, even though she was no longer alive, her music was passed on and was now a part of the current world.

She had been away for a long, long time. She had become part of the land, of the grass, of the wind and water, of the Liyue sky. But that night, perhaps the only exceptional night when her melody sounded, she could return.

Someone's footsteps could be heard from behind her. She could predict without turning her head.

"What a lovely evening, don't you think so, Rex Lapis?"

Zhongli's footsteps came to a halt. The maiden in front of him moved her head slightly, a smile spreading across her lips like a blooming flower. Fragile and fading, but not completely lost. Time stood still for a brief moment.

"It is true that you are back, Guizhong."

The young woman nodded gently. The sound of the zither was still echoing.

"Until this melody comes to its end."

Merely that one moment, for her to see him again. It had to be enough. She had already flown over to where Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper were still enjoying tea. She visitedCloud Retainer as she began to work on the great lantern for her disciple. She had come to sit next to Streetward Rambler when the very first notes were played. And now, she came to visit Rex Lapis, who was standing silently beside her, gazing out at the sea of xiao lantern lights.

"Would you accompany me on a walk around Liyue Harbor?"

Guizhong had always enjoyed the lively environment. She would never sit quietly on this grand and spectacular holiday. Zhongli graciously nodded. She followed him into the prosperous harbor. A man walked quietly among the sea of people and lights, flanked by a shadowy maiden who was as pale as dust. Nobody appeared to notice them, or, more accurately, no one could see them. Side by side, they strolled together.

"How beautiful!"

Guizhong exclaimed as her palm softly touched a xiao lantern on the side of the road. It ascended slightly, as though taking advantage of the breeze. She laughed slightly and added that she could have invented some fascinating machinery relating to this particular xiao lantern.

Zhongli said nothing and simply nodded. Just like the old days when they walked the mundane world together. Guizhong had always noticed everything on the side of the road. She would be fascinated and want to touch or even purchase everything. Zhongli would keep following her silently, carrying everything for her. Her eyes would be so bright, and her smile would be just as vibrant.

Over time, things had changed, and they were no longer beneath the same sky. Nonetheless, certain things remained constant.

Like their feelings.

They came to a halt in front of a teahouse. When the tea was brought out, the song was drawing to an end. Guizhong sat across from Zhongli, still happily looking down at the bustling music hall below. Perhaps, she longed for once to be in the audience, singing and cheering enthusiastically. If she had existed in this realm not in the form of a ghost, she would undoubtedly do so.

From the mountain came the music, harmonizing but not being overwhelmed with the music below. Zhongli looked down at his half-empty cup of tea. Even the gods could not catch the moonlight that had fallen to the bottom of the cup. Just as the retention of the deceased who was now only dust; it was completely illusory.

"Rex Lapis." 

Guizhong spoke up. She wanted Zhongli to look at her. One last time. 

"Just like this place, Liyue, you have changed a lot. You have had a new identity, a new life, and new friends."

From the upper floor of the teahouse, Zhongli looked down below, where the hat of the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor - Hu Tao - stood out from the crowd. She was holding hands and pulling three of her other friends along to the diner. Zhongli recalled the meeting after Hu Tao's performance ended. Friends? Rather, it was a business relationship. But between people, or between gods and mankind, there is always a kind of contract. People frequently refer to it as fate.

"They would be delighted to meet you, Guizhong." 

"Really?" Guizhong eagerly responded. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could meet?"

I would be delighted too if you could stay a little longer...

Feelings that could not be escaped into words have lingered in the heart for thousands of years. However, Guizhong could understand. She had always read people's emotions and knew how to make them feel good. Even after she was gone, the feeling that she was always there provided those who knew her the courage to continue on their own paths. Like the way Streetward Rambler was finally able to replay her music, theirs.

"I was concerned for you." Guizhong carried on the conversation. "I imagined how you would manage after the battle, how you would deal with your loss... But now I realize I was overly worried. You have done well, Rex Lapis. You're smiling more frequently now."

The melody from the high mountains became faster than ever. Guizhong's silhouette turned blurry. The tragedy of reunion is knowing that there might be separation once more.

"Guizhong... I sincerely miss you..."

The corners of Guizhong's eyes filled with tears. She did, however, smile.

"I'm glad to hear those words from you..."

The tune slowed down, gradually. Guizhong's body also became paler.

"You know, I'm always here, in Liyue. I am dust. I have spread everywhere. I have seen the world and countless of mundane lives. I've never really gone..."

Zhongli clenched his fist around the tea cup. The tea in the cup was rippling, as if his suppressed emotions were about to burst. Guizhong's voice continued to reverberate, becoming further distant.

"At this moment, I'm nothing but an illusion in front of you. Yet, I believe that at some point, we will all be reunited. You and I... Everyone... Therefore, as long as you remember me, I shall always exist."

"Would you make a contract with me?" 

Zhongli's offer caught Guizhong by surprise. She gave a tender smile:

"Yes. This is a contract. I will always be in your heart."

When the final notes sounded, Madame Ping glanced away and saw a figure smile at her before dissolving into dust and soaring away. By the side of the teacup opposite Zhongli's, there was left a blooming glazed lily, from which a melody could still be heard softly…

-The end-