#plus a bonus unhinged rant | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

quohotos · 1 year ago

Note

did u maybe also read guardians of ga'hoole? could i bother u for some of those owls?

YES! I did read all of them when I was like 11 or 12. Our school library had the full series. I don't remember if I liked owls before I discovered Ga'Hoole, or if I liked owls because of Ga'Hoole but either way it became like my THING for a couple years.

My favorite thing about them was that in the inner cover was all of the main characters illustrated with their names attached, and then in the back cover was four more characters illustrated who you hadn't met yet. I just thought that was so cool, and every time a new character was introduced I would flip back to the end cover and see if it was one of the ones shown off. I'm totally going to steal that technique if I ever get published.

I actually made a clay plant pot that had little (also clay) renditions of these guys pasted onto the side but I can't find it at the moment. If I ever do I'll post a picture of it.

oh, rant time:

I read ALL of the books, and then got two books into the wolf spinoff before I realized I just... didn't super enjoy Lasky's writing. I put up with it because owl but there were a lot of things that really baffled me as I reading. What the fuck was going on with gizzards? And magnets? Why were there always songs? Why did we get two expansion pack maps (wait, no that was cool I'm not complaining about that one)? Why was Soren's brother owl Hitler? I mean that literally, they say like "Hiel Kludd" and goose step and do a little owl salute. Why do all of the books I read as a child have animal Hitler in them??? Are the humans (sorry, others) all dead? Did the owls kill them? Trader Mags tears out the eyes of portraits and trades them, and laments the fact that she's never found violet eyes (is that a fucking Underland Chronicles Reference??? (I don't think it is now but I sure as heck thought so then). Why did it suddenly become first person but for like only one book? Why is Soren related to both Owl Hitler and Owl Jesus? Does Mist actually have magic powers or is she just like that? Why did Soren let his kids drink alcohol? Soren just starts a family off screen like welcome back he's a dad now? Am I allowed to make fun of the fantasy names that are impossible to spell and pronounce or are they actually Native names and I'm gonna appear super racist? God those were violent, like a lot of people died? What's all this shit about owls not pooping, they totally do poop in addition to dropping pelots? This book mislead me and I totally embarassed myself infront of the entire highschool biology class aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I remember walking downtown and going past a local mini movie theater. There were posters up for the Ga'Hoole movie and I was like HOLY FUCKING SHIT LETS GO LETS GO YES YES YES.

And then I saw it and it was just alright. I mean I'm not gonna say it was bad or anything, I don't think Zach Snyder ruined my life or whatnot but it was just okay. I feel like British Soren was anoying but they at least got Twilight correct. Mad they recast the spotted owl because they're native to where I grew up and we love the representation. They rolled the first like four books into one and changed the lore to kind of merge the moon blinking (which just dissipated from the story after book 2?????) with the animal magnetism that brainwashes his sister (fucking magnets again, magnets in the gizzards, how do they work?). Why did they put owl city on the soundtrack? I mean it was obligatory, they had to, but also why?

I did read all of them religiously, and I do have a great appreciation for owls as a result... but I'm just not as attached to them as I am the Underland Chronicles. I feel like they were good books for me as a kid, but I have very little desire to go back and re-read them.

#ask quohotos #bats and owls on demand #Art request #paint 3d #paint3d #ms paint #my art #my terrible art #crappy art #guardians of ga'hoole #owls #plus a bonus unhinged rant

22 notes · View notes

emmasue88 · 7 months ago

Text

So ya’ll know Jax from the amazing digital circus? My gf hates him, and I love him, which is probably partially why she hates him, but that’s besides the point. I’m gonna rant about him and why I think he’s such a violent jerk.

In episode 2 specifically, I think Jax is just turning to violence and anything adrenaline inducing to escape having to think, because if there’s constantly conflict, then there’s no time in which he can be left alone with his own mind. The thought that he’s just super self absorbed and cares about his own well being doesn’t really sit right because of multiple things. He’s gotta be smarter than he lets on with his ability to manipulate others and enter places he shouldn’t be allowed to with keys he shouldn’t even have, so that means he should know full well that being cocky when talking to huge scary alien creatures (like the gloinks queen in the pilot) or making random deals with unhinged fudge monsters (that were very much willing to eat him had Ragatha not spoken up) is very much just a death wish, but he does it anyways. Now, it may be true that you can’t really die in the digital circus, but I’m pretty sure you can still feel pain, so why was bro still not even a little scared of being eaten alive? Simple. Because he doesn’t think anything matters so he doesn’t give a frick about his own wellbeing, or about anything. So why does he still run from danger then? Because even if he thinks he doesn’t give a frick, or wishes he doesn’t, he’s still scared and he still cares, because he’s still human. And he probably hates that, probably thinks it’s stupid to care or still feel scared even though he knows everything is all meaningless. But I’m sure he also knows that even if it’s stupid, he can’t change the fact he’s got human emotions. Like someone that’s suicidal but afraid of death. Even though he knows it doesn’t make sense to care and he doesn’t want to care, he does, and he hates it. A nihilist at mind but not at heart.

To cope with the fact that everything is meaningless yet he still can’t let go, he does anything and everything to stay entertained and not think about it, even if it’s at other’s expenses, which in turn makes him a jerk, so to cope with the guilt that comes with the fact he’s a jerk, he reminds himself that everything is meaningless anyways so it doesn’t matter that he’s a jerk, but he still feels awful and can’t let go of it despite knowing everything is meaningless, which brings us back to square one, to cope with the fact that everything is meaningless yet he still can’t let go, he does anything and everything to stay entertained and not think about it. It’s a cycle that feeds itself.

In other words, my man is a special type of self destructive, he’s has a, or rather he THINKS he’s has a “all life is worthless and meaningless, so just have fun because otherwise there’s no point in living at all” type attitude that I used to know way too well. It’s both self absorbed and self destructive. He’s living off of nothing but thrill, so he’ll do anything to chase that thrill, because without it, why even exist? Without it, there’s nothing to distract him from how pathetic he is. And any distraction is better than having to deal with that, even if it’s a violent distraction.

(Side note, his extra enthusiasm for violence in episode two could also be partially so he didn’t have to think about the fact he was actually upset Kaufmo was gone, which would explain the slight flash of pain when his funeral was brought up, because it’s exactly what Jax was trying to run from and forget about completely.)

I think his situation is just the louder and more chaotic you are, the harder it becomes for you to think about the situation you’re in, and the more time you spend planning evil things, the less time you have to spend planning your own doom or something (Plus bonus points if you already think you’re awful to begin with so you just keep being more awful since you believe there’s no chance of redemption anyways or if you’re a guilty sadist.) So why is he such an impulsive jerk? Because he doesn’t like to think. And when he does think, he’s busy thinking about schemes and planning how to make things more chaotic and distracting so he doesn’t have to think about life, not thinking about other people’s feelings. I can’t blame him tbh, thinking is hard lol (/hj)

Jax is a wonderful mix of wannabe nihilist, hopelessness, and “I feel like I’m the worst so I always act like I’m the best”. I love him.

Either that or he’s just a narcissist with a death wish. In which I still love him because I’m just that messed up.

Edit: I definitely over analyzed this. So I’m gonna go and over analyze it even further *edits and adds in like 5 more paragraphs*

#tadc #tadc jax #the amazing digital circus #jax #jax the amazing digital circus #i have issues

26 notes · View notes

patandpran · 4 years ago

Text

The Nuisance and the Handsome Prince - A Sarawatine Medieval AU - Chapter 20

Tine is an aspiring Squire who has been training his whole life to work alongside the Kingdom’s finest Knights. Sarawat is a Prince who, on the outside, seems fierce and unapproachable. He is disinterested in any of his royal duties, namely his Knight training. What happens when Tine is assigned to be the fierce and handsome prince’s Squire?

Mil burst into Phukong’s quarters without even knocking. He knew it was likely very inadvisable but he didn’t care. It was the only place that felt safe at the moment. After he had left the Infirmary, Mil had quickly found out about Sarawat and Tine’s disappearance from whispers in the halls. Sarawat didn’t just run away - it wasn’t like him.

“Kong?” Mil called out desperately.

Mil ran deeper into the set of rooms that made up the Prince’s quarters and found Phukong being dressed by a servant for the evening’s Revelries. The Prince had a midnight blue outfit on that made Mil come to a halt and forget for a moment what his actual reason for being there was.

“Mil?!?” Phukong’s eyes widened in surprise as he drank in the presence of the Knight.

Phukong nodded dismissively to the servant who was helping him dress and the servant curtly bowed before making his leave. Silence hung in the air until they both heard the sound of the latching of the door that led to the hallway, marking the fact that they were truly alone.

Mil’s breath hitched as the Prince slowly walked toward him, studying him as if he was a phantom or a dream. Phukong made one circle around Mil before the Knight couldn’t stand it any longer.

He put one hand on either of Phukong’s shoulders to stop the Prince and asked, “Are you all right?”

Phukong sighed, letting down his guard in a way he didn’t for anyone else. “Not exactly but knowing that you are awake again has lifted a great weight from my shoulders.”

“There is great unrest in the Kingdom.” Mil responded, his brow furrowed with concern. “I have missed so much because of my blindness.”

“Blindness?” Phukong repeated, confusion in his eyes.

“You were right all along, Kong.” Mil rambled, the words spilling from his mouth at an alarming rate. “I let my sense of duty get in the way of what is right. I know that my past actions have had dire consequences and I pledge to you that I will make up for them. Starting now.”

Mil was not exactly a man of many words so this was all very new for Phukong, especially the part where Mil admitted he was wrong. Phukong questioned again whether he was dreaming but could still feel the pressure of Mil’s hands on his shoulders so he knew he was quite awake.

“I promise to be different.” Mil continued and Phukong relaxed even more. “I want to better… for you.”

“But what about your Father?” Phukong wondered, knowing that Mil had always been pressured by his Father’s command.

“He has never treated me like a son, only like a weapon to be used for his own gain.” Mil responded with conviction. “I would rather fight for a decent cause than a selfish one.” Phukong could barely believe what he was hearing but it was unlike Mil to speak anything but the truth, a value that had caused Phukong to fall for the Knight in the first place. Without thinking, Phukong murmured, “But he’s your family….”

“You and Sarawat are more my family than my Father has ever been.” Mil answered, not missing a beat.

Phukong wished he could kiss Mil right then and there but it didn’t seem like the right timing. Unconsciously, though, his eyes fell to Mil’s lips and Mil took this as an invitation to lean forward and press his lips to Phukong’s. Of course, the Prince did not put up a fight.

Never had anything felt so right to Mil. All his life he had felt like he was fighting for something he couldn’t quite right but now, with Phukong in his arms, he felt complete. As long as he could keep the Prince safe, there was nothing else that Mil needed. Finally, he was at peace with who he was and what he wanted.

“I wish we could just stay here…” Phukong whispered against Mil’s lips. “But we do have a kingdom to save.”

Mil chuckled and pulled away from Phukong slightly. He put a determined look on his face. “All right. What is the plan?”

+++++++++++

Sarawat could feel hope draining from him at every passing moment. He had shed blood and literal tears to get the message to his Mother but he wasn’t sure if it had worked.

The previous evening, the Prince had worked up the strength to scale the dungeon wall to the small window in his cell. He had draped several scraps of his outfit over the side, hoping desperately that someone might notice it and recognize it as his clothing, signalling them to his whereabouts.

Tine had protested the action the entire time, warning Sarawat that if he fell, he would only damage his head even further. As much as he cared for his Squire, Sarawat’s determination to free them had won out against Tine’s rationality.

But now it was morning and no one had arrived to save them. The sun had replaced the Moon in the sky and Sarawat worried that the message had gone unseen. Sarawat looked over to the opposite cell and saw that Tine was sleeping fitfully against the dungeon wall, twitching so often in a way that told Sarawat he was having a nightmare.

“Tine!” Sarawat hissed, hoping to save the man he loved from the danger in his dreams but quickly realizing that maybe it was not as bad as facing the doom that reality brought.

Tine shifted and slowly woke before rubbing his eyes. He winced at the sunlight that streamed through the window. The Squire sighed, realizing that no one had come to their aid, despite the hope that had settled in him when he finally fell asleep early that morning.

“Are you feeling any better?” Tine asked once his eyes had adjusted to the light. Sarawat nodded slowly, even though he still had a splitting headache. The Prince opened his mouth to respond to Tine when a clunking sound of loud and nearing footsteps interrupted his thought.

Anger spread like wildfire through Sarawat’s chest as he saw who it was: The Head Knight.

“Good morning, Your Highness.” The Head Knight sneered mockingly before turning his attention toward Tine. “… And the Traitor. What a pair you are.”

Sarawat charged forward and rattled the cell bars violently. “Listen to me. The only traitor is you. Tine has done nothing wrong. Now, I order you to release us now!”

“I don’t answer to you.” The Head Knight scoffed as he paced in front of the cells, dragging his sword lazily along the bars. “I don’t answer to anyone!”

“That’s your problem…. PRIDE!” Tine cried out in disgust. “There’s not a shred of honour in you. Only action fuelled by jealousy and hatred.”

“Now, that’s just a bunch of ridiculous words.” The Head Knight retorted angrily. “What I want is power and I’m going to take it.”

“You are betraying the crown. The crown you have served your entire career.” Sarawat expressed, confusion in his words. “For what?”

“It was a game of patience, Prince. Something you know nothing about.” The Head Knight explained as he continued to pace. “I have worked my way up through the ranks, using pawns to do my dirty work and feigning loyalty. You see… I am a very good actor. Just like your Father, Tine.”

“Don’t you dare mention my Father.” Tine spat venomously, his brow furrowed.

“He had me convinced me for a while, you know, that he was going to be a great Squire, that he would eventually lead by my side but then he acted so… stupidly, leaving me behind and for what? A normal life? How boring…” The Head Knight ranted before pausing in front of Tine’s cell. “But then you appeared at the Squire Trials and I thought… well, what an opportunity this is! What an added bonus to my plan!”

“You get away from him.” Sarawat growled, struggling to his feet.

The Head Knight ignored the Prince and thrust his sword between the cell bars, aiming it at Tine’s throat. Thankfully, Tine still had enough strength to keep his wits about him and he scrambled back a few feet, avoiding the blade.

“TINE!” Sarawat cried out, shaking the bars with all his might.

The Head Knight turned on his heel and laughed spitefully at the Prince, who’s anguish only fuelled his entertainment. Tine hated looking so scared in front of others but the Head Knight was so unhinged that he couldn’t predict what the man was going to do.

The Head Knight sighed and pulled his sword from the shell. “You two are much too easy to read. I am doing the Kingdom a favour by taking over. No one would every accept two men on the throne. The thought is so ridiculous that it disgusts me.”

Tine recoiled, shame spreading through him but Sarawat barked out, “You know nothing of love! You have never loved anything but your own reflection.”

The Head Knight barely flinched at the Prince’s words which only validated the truth of them. He sheathed his sword and continued on with his pacing.

“You two will remain here as collateral.” The Head Knight explained. “Just in case the King does not give up the throne, you will be used to convince him.”

“What do I have to do with anything?” Tine wondered and quickly regretted his words.

“You will keep the Prince cooperative until he is no longer needed.” An evil smile spread across the Head Knight’s lips. “And then you will be discarded.”

“The wrath that will come your way if you harm even a hair on his head.” Sarawat called out to the Head Knight. “Plus, our wait won’t be long. My family will continue to search for me.”

“That’s the thing, Your Highness, they won’t.” The Head Knight laughed as he turned back toward the Prince. “They believe you have betrayed them and fled with your Squire, scattered to the wind to ensure the traitor’s freedom. The best part is that I’m hiding you right under their nose…”

“Someone will come down here.” Sarawat objected, although his voice revealed that he was losing hope by the minute. “Someone will hear our screams!”

“The Guard has been strictly prohibited from entering the Dungeons aside from those I trust and as for your screams… they will be drowned out by the Revelries that are about to begin so I suggest that you save your breath.” The Head Knight turned on his heel and stalked down the hallway as Sarawat collapsed down into defeat. “Soon you will be calling me the King!”

“I don’t understand…” Tine murmured as soon as they heard the slam of the Dungeon’s door. “What is he going to do?”

“… He’s going to overthrow my Father and take over the throne.” Sarawat answered, his voice small. “His rank is high enough that is he challenges my Father to a duel and he wins, especially without an Heir present, he will take the Kingdom from my Father’s trembling hands. That’s why he needed me out of the way. God, I am so stupid…”

“I’m so sorry.” Tine breathed out, his throat catching with emotion. “This is all my fault.”

“No, Tine, this would have happened one way or another.” Sarawat looked up to meet Tine’s gaze. “The Head Knight has been planning this for a long time. We are just his pawns. Who could have know that this was what he was planning?”

“I knew of his true nature, I should have exacted my revenge on him as soon as I got through the castle walls.” Tine should his head with regret. “Then, none of this would have happened.”

“You would not have been able to even raise a sword in front of the Head Knight without all the entire Royal Guard descending on you first.” Sarawat protested firmly. “And that’s not to take away from your fighting skill. This is just the reality of our situation. The Head Knight has everyone wrapped around his finger, even my Father.”

“The King won’t see the betrayal coming…” Tine realized with horror.

“No.” Sarawat agreed. “He won’t.”

+++++++++++++++++

The Revelries were in full swing when Ohm entered the Ballroom. Green had fashioned an outfit for him as well as many others for those who were working for the cause. Rumour had it that Sarawat would return that evening so Ohm was ready for anything. Weapons were concealed in all parts of his outfit which made it quite uncomfortable but worth it to know that he would be ready if anything was going to happen. Weapons were not allowed at such events but thankfully Green’s fashion kept them well hidden enough to pass the inspection at the entrance of the ballroom.

The King, the Queen and Prince Phukong sat up on their usual platform above the crowd. One throne sat empty where Prince Sarawat would usually sit and the site made Ohm’s stomach turn over with worry. What exactly was Tine and Sarawat’s plan and why had they fled in such a manner? What was going to happen tonight?

Fong had insisted on working beyond the kitchen for the evening’s event and Green had even fashioned him a pocket where he had slipped a butcher’s knife, just in case he was also called into action. Ohm kept a firm eye on Fong as he made his way through the crowd, offering chalices of who knows what to the members of the group.

Ohm nodded for Fong to make his way over to him and as much as wanted to slug down one of the drinks offered on the tray Fong was holding, he knew he had to keep his wits about him.

“Sir Green has really outdone himself with your attire this evening.” Fong tried his best to lighten the mood as he could tell that Ohm was more on edge than he had ever seen him before.

“That kind of suggestive language does not help me stay focused on the task at hand, Fong.” Ohm murmured and earned himself a devilish grin from Fong.

The dance floor was lively with spinning couples and Fong looked out at it longingly. Ohm noticed this and leaned in to whisper in his ear, “When this madness is all over, I’m going to take you dancing.”

The blush that spread across Fong’s cheeks was well worth it but the moment didn’t last as a scream sounded from the edge of the room as the Head Knight charged across the dance floor toward the platform where the remaining members of the Royal Family sat.

Ohm watched in confusion as the Head Knight jumped up onto the platform and a flood of Royal Guards dispersed amongst the crowd evenly. Several members of court fainted in surprise and many tried to flee but the doors of the ballroom were quickly barricaded by Guards, blocking anyone from escaping.

“What in the hell…” Fong whispered and dropped his tray in shock.

The chalices clattered to the floor with a clang and Ohm stepped in front of Fong to put distance between him and the platform. The King, Queen and Phukong all gave the Head Knight a look of confusion and Ohm’s stomach twisted in a way that told him that this was the event they had all been waiting for.

The Head Knight pulled his sword from its sheath and for a moment it seemed like he was about to turn away from the King as if to protect him from something but the sneer on his lips told the crowd that there was something much more menacing afoot. The King, the only person aside from the Knights and Guards who was allowed to bear a weapon, reached for his own sword but the Head Knight quickly reacted to this.

“I suggest, your Highness, that you don’t make another move.” The Head Knight held his sword out toward the King’s throat. “You will surrender the throne in my name or face the consequences.”

The King rose slowly and the crowed became eerily still. Never had Ohm heard a room so silent. He slipped his hand into Fong’s and squeezed it before reaching into his own shirt to take out one of his concealed weapons.

“I don’t know what this big charade is about, Head Knight, but the show is over.” The King put one hand down onto the blade of the Head Knight’s sword. “Stand down or the guards will take action against you.”

“You see, that is where you are wrong.” The Head Knight chuckled. “The Guard follows me, their Future King and not you… Your DISgrace.”

“How dare you!” The Queen jumped to her feet but Phukong quickly acted and held his Mother back from getting any closer to the altercation.

“I think this will make you both more agreeable.” The Head Knight retorted and gave a nod to one of his Guards.

“Father! Don’t stand down. Please!” Prince Sarawat’s voice sounded across the ballroom as Lord Mil dragged him into the space.

Sir Boss quickly followed with Tine in tow who was putting up the fight of a lifetime. Both young men looked battered and bruised, as if they had never been truly free as had been rumoured.

“We were kept in the dungeon, I never ran away!” Sarawat called out, equally as resistant to his captor as Tine was.

“If you do not listen to my commands, I will kill your son right here and now.” The Head Knight explained, turning back toward the King.

“No!!” The Queen cried out, fighting against Phukong’s grasp. “My son - not my dear son!”

Ohm looked to Green for direction. Green held out a steady hand which signalled Ohm to stay in wait, as much as he wanted to spring into action and help his friend. Sometimes it was better to wait in such situations than to cause a scene.

The King’s upper lip curled in a defiant sneer. “Do not lay a hand on my son.”

“Mil, NOW!” Prince Phukong cried at the top of his lungs.

As the Moon became full in the sky that evening, the Bear followed the direction of the younger Prince and released the Wolf, passing him his sword and hoping that the Wolf was ready for the Hunt of his life.

Teeth bared, the Wolf jumped into action.

#2gether #the nuisance and the handsome prince #sarawatine #sarawat x tine #milphukong

8 notes · View notes

quranreadalong · 7 years ago

Text

#4, Surah 2

THE QURAN READ-ALONG: DAY 4

Having dealt with the titular magic dead cow in the last section, we’re moving onto the Everybody Hates Jews section today. And we’re still not even halfway done with the surah.

We begin with Allah listing various annoying kinds of Jews. In 2:75, he complains about the Jews who intentionally pervert the message of the Torah. 2:76 is a complaint about those who say they believe in public, but not in private. (Allah knows that they’re lying, anyways.) All neutral, I’d say, despite the whining.

Other complaints are about Jews who haven’t read the Torah but only guess at what it says (bold words from someone who does the same damn thing, Mohammed my guy) and literate ones who pretend that what they’re recording is the word of Allah when it’s just stuff they made up (hmmmmm!), presumably referring to rabbinical literature. “Woe unto him” that does that, Allah says. Both, again, neutral whining, despite the implicit hint of hellfire. Now there is an interesting hadith that Ibn Kathir connects with this ayah.

`Abdullah bin `Abbas said, "O the group of Muslims! How can you ask the people of the Scriptures about anything while your Book which Allah has revealed to your Prophet contains the most recent news from Allah and is pure and not distorted? Allah has told you that the people of the Scriptures have changed some of Allah's Books and distorted it and wrote something with their own hands and said, 'This is from Allah, so as to have a minor gain for it.

Hmm. Sure seems like some early Muslims knew damn well that the Quran’s stories had errors compared to the Biblical ones they were based on, and so they told their fellow Muslims not to ask Jews (or Christians) any religious questions or consult their scriptures, because they “distorted” them. This, despite the fact that, as we’ll see in some Meccan suwar, Mohammed told polytheists to ask the Jews (and Christians) to confirm his words, because back then he figured that they’d back him up, lol...

This is another topic we’ll return to later. Mohammed implies that the Torah/Gospels are legitimate in some places and says that they’ve been screwed with in other places, depending entirely on his political position at a given moment. Anyway, back to hellfire:

And they say: The Fire (of punishment) will not touch us save for a certain number of days.

This is a reference to the idea of purgatory, which my uneducated ass always figured was a Christian thing but apparently the concept of hell as a temporary punishment was actually of rabbinical Jewish origin, and many Jews still view hell this way. According to Ibn Ishaq, Arab Jews believed hell was only a week-long punishment.

A freedman of Zayd b. Thabit told me as from Ikrima or from Said b. Jubayr from Ibn Abbas: The apostle came to Medina when the Jews were saying that the world would last for seven thousand years and that God would only punish men in hell one day in the next world for every thousand in this world.

Mohammed clarifies that this is not true and that hell is forever. Hard to classify this one--I’m being generous and saying it’s neutral, still.

We then come to two good ayat, which are basically copied and pasted from earlier (around 2:40)--the Quran is extremely repetitive, even within the same surah:

And those who believe and do good works: such are rightful owners of the Garden. They will abide therein.

And (remember) when We made a covenant with the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none save Allah (only), and be good to parents and to kindred and to orphans and the needy, and speak kindly to mankind; and establish worship and pay the poor-due..

...okay, I’m being really kind by calling that last one “good”, because it concludes, addressed to the Jews: “Then, after that, ye slid back, save a few of you, being averse”. In other words, Allah told the Jews to be good people, but most of them didn’t (and still don’t) listen to him. In the next ayah he reminds them that they were told to not kill one another (except for that unfortunate idolatrous time where they explicitly were told to kill each other...) but they did anyway. Moral of the story, Jews suck. Anyway, while all of this is, again, just a recap of the Moses story mixed with ranting against Medinan Jews, I’m still including it in the good section. But then!!

Believe ye in part of the Scripture and disbelieve ye in part thereof? And what is the reward of those who do so save ignominy in the life of the world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be consigned to the most grievous doom. Such are those who buy the life of the world at the price of the Hereafter. Their punishment will not be lightened, neither will they have support.

The kuffar hell counter is back in action, baby! Kuffar hell counter: 1 (continued in 2:86)! People who believe in the Torah and/or the Gospels but do not believe in the Quran are going to The Bad Place.

2:87 is the first appearance of Jesus (Isa) in the Quran--we’ll get back to him later, including exciting verses where he condemns Christians to hell. For now, Allah just reminds us that Jesus was a prophet but the Jews denied him, then he complains about Jews killing prophets again (though not Jesus himself, as we shall see).

The next three bad verses include a hit on the kuffar hell counter (2) and are generally Mohammed being unhinged towards those Jews who don’t buy what he’s selling:

Allah hath cursed them for their unbelief. Little is that which they believe. ...

The curse of Allah is on disbelievers.

Evil is that for which they sell their souls: that they should disbelieve in that which Allah hath revealed, grudging that Allah should reveal of His bounty unto whom He will of His slaves. They have incurred anger upon anger. For disbelievers is a shameful doom.

Throughout this rant, Mohammed’s contemporary Jews are conflated with their ancestors and connected with their “crimes” of disbelief. The last ayah is saying they’re jealous that Allah made an Arab a prophet instead of one of them. Whew! And he ain’t even finished! 2:91 (neutral?) begins another rant:

And when it is said unto them: Believe in that which Allah hath revealed, they say: We believe in that which was revealed unto us. And they disbelieve in that which cometh after it, though it is the truth confirming that which they possess.

Mohammed tells Jews that they have to believe in Allah’s revelations. They say “we do, we just think you’re full of shit”. This makes Mohammed upset. He also reminds them yet again that “they” killed prophets (who???). 2:92 brings up the idolatrous calf, implying that somehow Jews in 7th century Arabia were responsible for that, I guess? There is then more ranting about the calf incident. There’s a line from this one that we’ll keep in mind for later--Mohammed says that the Jews in Moses’ time said “We hear and we rebel” when told to keep YHWH’s covenant.

Now here’s an interesting (bad) one, though.

If the abode of the Hereafter in the providence of Allah is indeed for you alone and not for others of mankind (as ye pretend), then long for death (for ye must long for death) if ye are truthful. But they will never long for it, because of that which their own hands have sent before them. Allah is aware of evil-doers.

Hey Jews, if you really believe that you and only you get to go to heaven, then just pray for Allah to kill you. Oh, wait, you’re afraid of dying so you won’t do that. Cowards! Of course, Muslims also believe that they and only they get to go to heaven... but the Quran does say that Mohammed’s followers longed for death (really!) so I guess he’s got me there! To conclude today’s section, Mohammed reminds us that Jews really, really suck, plus bonus kuffar hell counter (3):

And thou wilt find them greediest of mankind for life and (greedier) than the idolaters. (Each) one of them would like to be allowed to live a thousand years. And to live (a thousand years) would be no means remove him from the doom.

Mazel tov!

NEXT TIME: The Christians deserve some shit, too!

The Quran Read-Along: Day 4

Ayat: 22

Good: 3 (2:82-84)

Neutral: 11 (2:75-81, 2:87, 2:91-93)

Bad: 8 (2:85-86, 2:88-90, 2:94-96)

Kuffar hell counter: 3 (2:85-86, 2:88-90, 2:96)

⇚ previous day | next day ⇛

#quranreadalong #surah 2 #al baqarah

1 note · View note

velmaemyers88 · 5 years ago

Text

Russian police arrest more than 1,000 in Moscow election protest.

Police officers detain a protester during a protest demanding independent and opposition candidates be allowed to run for office in local election in September, in downtown Moscow on July 27, 2019.

MAXIM ZMEYEV/Getty Images

Top CBP Officer Testifies He’s Unsure if 3-Year-Old Is “a Criminal or a National Security Threat”

I Found Eric Trump’s YouTube Playlist, and Now I’m Depressed

Three White Ole Miss Frat Brothers Posed With Guns in Front of Bullet-Riddled Emmett Till Memorial

Trump Goes on Unhinged Rant Against “Brutal Bully” Cummings: Baltimore District Is “Rodent-Infested Mess”

Police in Russia detained more than 1,000 people in Moscow Saturday in what was the biggest crackdown of dissent in recent times and a sign that the opposition is becoming more defiant as it stands up to President Vladimir Putin’s stronghold on power. The protesters were demonstrating against the move to exclude opposition candidates from the ballot for Moscow’s city council. Several opposition activists who had sought to run in the September election were arrested before the protest even began. Overall, police arrested 1,074 protesters throughout the long demonstrations that lasted around seven hours, according to Russian state news agencies that cited police figures. An independent monitor cited by the New York Times put the number of arrests slightly lower at 938.

Нагцвардия и полиция избивает дубинками лежащих на земле протестующих Видео: Медиазона pic.twitter.com/Kgux1ktrsF

— Медиазона (@mediazzzona) July 27, 2019

Video posted on social media showed how police clashed with demonstrators and hit protesters with batons as they tried to disperse the crowd and make arrests.

Serious clash on the Tverskaya just off Pushkin square. Pepper has being used pic.twitter.com/P9OE4LK6eD

— Ivan Nechepurenko (@INechepurenko) July 27, 2019

Какой ад pic.twitter.com/YgbzXohGlt

— Никита Баталов (@nikbatalov) July 27, 2019

The protest Saturday came after authorities appear to have been caught off guard by protests last week against the decision to bar candidates from competing in the September vote. Alexei Navalny, Russia’s most prominent opposition figure, was arrested earlier in the week and was sentenced to 30 days in jail for calling for the protest. Police on Saturday burst into an office that Navalny supporters were using to live-stream the protests.

Although police said some 3,500 people, including around 700 journalists and bloggers, participated in the protest, others say the real number is likely much higher. It also isn’t clear though how many of those detained were actually participating in the protest. Reuters reports some of those detained appeared to be people who were simple “in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Help us continue covering the news and issues important to you—and get ad-free podcasts and bonus segments, members-only content, and other great benefits.

Join Slate Plus

Credit: Source link

The post Russian police arrest more than 1,000 in Moscow election protest. appeared first on WeeklyReviewer.

from WeeklyReviewer https://weeklyreviewer.com/russian-police-arrest-more-than-1000-in-moscow-election-protest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=russian-police-arrest-more-than-1000-in-moscow-election-protest from WeeklyReviewer https://weeklyreviewer.tumblr.com/post/186597823677

0 notes

reneeacaseyfl · 5 years ago

Text

Russian police arrest more than 1,000 in Moscow election protest.

Police officers detain a protester during a protest demanding independent and opposition candidates be allowed to run for office in local election in September, in downtown Moscow on July 27, 2019.

MAXIM ZMEYEV/Getty Images

Top CBP Officer Testifies He’s Unsure if 3-Year-Old Is “a Criminal or a National Security Threat”

I Found Eric Trump’s YouTube Playlist, and Now I’m Depressed

Three White Ole Miss Frat Brothers Posed With Guns in Front of Bullet-Riddled Emmett Till Memorial

Trump Goes on Unhinged Rant Against “Brutal Bully” Cummings: Baltimore District Is “Rodent-Infested Mess”

Нагцвардия и полиция избивает дубинками лежащих на земле протестующих Видео: Медиазона pic.twitter.com/Kgux1ktrsF

— Медиазона (@mediazzzona) July 27, 2019

Video posted on social media showed how police clashed with demonstrators and hit protesters with batons as they tried to disperse the crowd and make arrests.

Serious clash on the Tverskaya just off Pushkin square. Pepper has being used pic.twitter.com/P9OE4LK6eD

— Ivan Nechepurenko (@INechepurenko) July 27, 2019

Какой ад pic.twitter.com/YgbzXohGlt

— Никита Баталов (@nikbatalov) July 27, 2019

Help us continue covering the news and issues important to you—and get ad-free podcasts and bonus segments, members-only content, and other great benefits.

Join Slate Plus

Credit: Source link

The post Russian police arrest more than 1,000 in Moscow election protest. appeared first on WeeklyReviewer.

0 notes