#prelude to ascent

[chibikitty-ira]

Prelude to Ascent - Issue 1

(P.S. This is to keep it posted on Tumblr, it was released a while ago. You can check with it on my other social media if you prefer it there!)

[evilhasnever]

It is proof of his torturous but steady ascent in the Wen ranks that Meng Yao is allowed time with the prisoner. Even more so that he gets to visit alone, dismissing the guards with a tip of his chin.

The moment they are alone, the chained dragon uncoils, abandoning any pretense of sleep. Lan Xichen opens his maw and his long tongue unrolls like a silk carpet, producing a shining beacon of light on its tip. “Please,” he speaks urgently, without moving his mouth, “I need A-Yao to swallow this.”

From its glow, the light had seemed as big as a lantern, but upon receiving it in his palm Meng Yao sees it is a pearl no bigger than a common oyster prize.

He suspects this is exactly what he has been sent to torture out of him. The urge to drop it wars with the desire to bask in this undeserved, unfathomable trust.

Lan Xichen likely senses his hesitation. “A-Yao won't be in danger from my favor,” he whispers, “It cannot be taken from you by force.”

Meng Yao knows that Wen Ruohan would have him cut open from sternum to navel, like cattle to the roast, if he knew he had swallowed Lan Xichen’s pearl. He will simply have to lie better than usual, won’t he?

The moment he places the pearl on his tongue, it melts like a raindrop down his throat, tingling chill spreading across his body and into his limbs. When it reaches his belly, the bird-flap of his golden core turns into a feverish buzz, warmth setting in his deepest crevices as if the cold had been only a prelude.

“How will I return this to Zewu-Jun?” he whispers, breathless with the experience of it. He thinks of a lizard tongue as long as a waist sash, of the human tongue Lan Xichen used to speak softy with.

The dragon squints in what, perhaps, is as close as he can get to a smile with such a fearsome maw. “When the war ends,” he says, sounding slightly breathless as well, “there will be time.”

[approximateknowledge]

another thing with the new dune movies is that regardless of how well they do, i can almost *guarantee* you that they're gonna go until the end of Children of dune (book 3) at most, and stop there

because

A) God-emperor of dune is one of the least film-adaptable scifi books in existence; it's not boring, but it is just completely different in tone to the previous 3 books. it's a heady dense philosophical thing with a lot of moving parts and very little action (especially compared to what came before) that ends with the titular god-emperor dying in an unceremonious fashion (which was always the plan!)

and

B) Heretics and Chapter House are so fundamentally weird and horny (not what you think) in their very foundations that to adapt them into hollywood-approved movies you'd have to fundamentally change both the story and the setting. these books are *weird*. and also really fucking good. Heretics is the best entry in the whole series imo. but it's weird and convoluted and deeply horny but not in the way you'd expect. that's the real dune. paul is fucking prelude

so yeah, these movies are going up to Leto II's ascent at the furthest and no further

i can't see it happening

which is probably a good thing

[butterfly-lies-chase-them-away]

Don’t Stand So Close To Me (18+) (Part 13)

Breeding kink requested by jessicarosequinzelfleck Thigh Riding requested by chai-writes

Teacher!Bruno Madrigal x Student!Fem!Reader Modern Day!Imagine Non-Magic AU Summary: On a particularly lazy day, both Bruno and Y/n want to try something new in the relationship Warnings: Smut, swearing, Agegap, inappropriate thoughts, teacher/student (STUDENT IS OF AGE), breeding kink Word Count: 1796 Italics will mostly be his direct thoughts, his imagination Author Note: It's a little less breeding kink that I like, but I didn't know how to go about it in this context so I tried my best :p Don't Stand So Close To Me (Masterlist) (Previous) >(Part 13)<

Bruno POV

Today unfolded as a wonderfully serene day, cocooned within the cozy confines of our home, my beloved by my side. We reclined on the plush expanse of our couch, my arms outstretched to cradle her, her supple form nestled atop my chest. A television program, its content an inconsequential murmur, provided a gentle backdrop to our shared solitude.

In a languid moment, she released a drawn-out sigh, gracefully shifting her weight into a more upright posture. Her dulcet voice, tinged with a hint of fatigue, melodically expressed her prevailing sentiment.

“I’m bored,” she lamented, her expression marked by an endearing pout.

Responding to her proclamation, I animatedly clapped my hands upon my thighs, promptly elevating myself into an attentive stance, eager to fulfill her desire for amusement.

“Well, you have anything in mind you want to do?” I inquired, my eyes locking onto hers in anticipation.

A mischievous glint danced in her eyes as she smirkingly replied, "Well, there is one thing that's been playing on my mind," her words dipped in an enticing allure.

Curiosity piqued, I leaned in closer, my curiosity palpable. "What’s that>" I beseeched, my imagination running wild with possibilities.

Without a moment's hesitation, she sprung into action, effortlessly leaping onto my lap, straddling one of my legs with a playful agility that left me utterly taken aback. Her sudden bubbly demeanor infused the air with a delightful spontaneity, and my heart raced in tandem with her newfound enthusiasm.

“So..what exactly..is this?” I inquired, my hands cautiously retracting into the vicinity of my own being.

Her response was a seductive silence, a tantalizing prelude to the sensual journey she was about to lead me on. Without uttering a single word, she initiated a mesmerizing dance of her hips, a slow and sinuous motion that saw her lower half sensually gliding back and forth, the tantalizing friction of her body against my thigh igniting a fire within me. 

Oh.

Oh.

As her hypnotic movements continued to beguile me, I found myself succumbing to the intoxicating rhythm of the moment. My hands, compelled by an irresistible desire, ventured forth, their quest marked by a deliberate and unhurried ascent up her supple thighs, tracing the contours of her body with a gentle touch that conveyed both admiration and longing.

Finally, my fingers found their destination, gripping firmly onto her plush hips as if anchoring myself to her irresistible allure. With unwavering resolve, I took control of our sensual dance, guiding her in a delicate, synchronized cadence that mirrored the yearning that had awakened within us both.

“Is this what you want?” 

A silent affirmation passed between us as she responded with a fervent nod, her teeth delicately sinking into her bottom lip in anticipation. The sight of her eagerness filled my heart with a profound sense of connection and desire, and a knowing smile graced my lips.

I relinquished control to her with a tender surrender, granting her the freedom to explore this newfound intimacy as she pleased. Our connection deepened, not only in the physical realm but also in the unspoken language of desire and trust that bound us in that electrifying moment.

In the midst of her tantalizing dance, a surge of passion coursed through me, igniting a fervent desire that could no longer be contained. With a decisive and tender movement, I gently cradled her face in the palm of my hand, guiding her towards me with a commanding yet affectionate touch.

Our lips met in a fervent and consuming kiss, a passionate convergence of our longing and attraction. The world around us faded into insignificance as our mouths melded in an intimate embrace, our breaths becoming one. 

My own desires now driving me to a point of undeniable urgency, felt a potent need to take charge of the moment. With a swift and confident motion, I exerted my strength, deftly flipping the two of us over, our bodies now entwined in a different position.

With a shared smile of anticipation, we allowed ourselves to succumb to the potent allure of our desires. In a passionate entanglement, we shed the confines of restraint, removing each other's clothes, unveiling the raw vulnerability that lay beneath.

With a tender kiss, I conveyed my affection for her in that fleeting moment, savoring the anticipation that hung between us. As our bodies united as I pushed my member in her cunt.

“God, mi Vida. You’re a wonder, you know that.” I said. 

A symphony of pleasure emerged from our synchronized movements, harmonizing our breathless moans with the rhythmic dance of passion. The sensation of our bodies intertwining ignited a cascade of euphoria within us, each movement deepening the symphony of pleasure that resounded through our beings.

The air became electric, charged with a blend of excitement and longing as we navigated the uncharted territory of our desires. Our bodies moved in sync, fueled by a fierce hunger for exploration and pleasure.

With each touch, a symphony of sensations echoed through my being, igniting a fire within me that threatened to consume every ounce of rationality. The intensity of our connection transcended the physical, intertwining our spirits in a dance of passion and vulnerability.

In that moment, time ceased to exist, leaving only the molten heat of our entangled bodies and the unspoken promises hanging in the air. Letting go of inhibitions, we allowed ourselves to revel in the raw and unfiltered ecstasy, surrendering to the rapture that awaited us.

As desire surged through my veins, a fleeting moment of primal instinct momentarily overcame me, compelling my body to move with an unrestrained force. With an uncontrollable surge of passion, I thrust into her, driven by a fervent desire to please and bring her untold pleasure.

“I’m gonna fill you up, mi Vida. I’m gonna make you swell with my cum.”

In a whispered declaration, my voice laced with both tenderness and arousal, I promised to mark her with my love, to fill her with the essence of our connection. The raw intensity of the moment consumed us, our bodies locked in a powerful embrace, destined to leave an indelible mark on our souls.

“Please, papi!” she moaned, desperately. 

In a symphony of passion, her desperate plea echoed in the air, fueling my desire to grant her every wish. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I reveled in the intoxicating power of her response.

Though my usual focus lay in her pleasure, today, an overwhelming surge of primal need coursed through me, urging me to embrace the raw instinct that burned within. With an unyielding determination, I chased my own climax, seeking the ultimate release that would unite us in a profound and erotic crescendo.

The allure of witnessing my essence spill from her became an irresistible fantasy, heightening the intensity of our connection, and ensuring that this moment would etch itself as a vivid memory in our shared tapestry of desire.

I need to fill her with my cum.

As the intensity of our passion swelled, I could feel the rising tide of our climax drawing near. With every shared moan and trembling touch, the fiery culmination of our desires approached like a storm on the horizon.

As the weight of our shared desire lingered in the air, a new surge of raw passion consumed me. The thought of leaving my mark within her, of intimately connecting our bodies in the most primal way possible, spurred me into action. 

With unyielding determination, I found myself driven to push further, to explore the depths of our connection with an even greater intensity. The hunger to fill her with the essence of our love, to permeate her being with my seed, pulsed through me, amplifying every touch and every movement.

Whispering in a voice laced with longing, I confessed my deepest desire, an intimate declaration that revealed the raw vulnerability within my soul.

"I want to fill you with my seed," I breathed, my voice tinged with urgency and devotion.

In that shared moment of electrifying revelation, our hearts beat as one, knowing that this act of primal passion would etch itself into our beings, forever eternally intertwining our spirits in a tapestry of fearlessness, vulnerability, and boundless love.

In the final moments, our bodies writhed together, consumed by an insatiable hunger, as we reached the precipice of ecstasy. The world around us faded into a blur of sensations, and time became an abstract concept, irrelevant to the overwhelming bliss we were about to experience.

In a crescendo of pleasure, our cries mingled, echoing through the room as waves of ecstasy crashed over us. Our bodies tensed and quivered, each shudder conveying the intensity of our release. 

As our bodies languidly unwound from the throes of passion, I gazed down at the tender tableau revealed before me. Gradually withdrawing from her embrace, a sense of satisfaction and awe washed over me.

In that moment of bittersweet separation, a glistening testament of our intense union lingered, as beads of my essence gradually trickled out of her. Captivated by the primal beauty of the scene, I couldn't resist the surge of desire that coursed through me like an electric current.

Impulsively, I dipped my fingertip into the pool of our combined essence, savoring its warmth and texture, before gently tracing a path back into her yearning depths. A gasp escaped her lips, her body responding instinctively to this final act of connection, sealing our bond with a shared intimacy that was both primal and tender.

As I watched her eyes flutter open, a mixture of surprise and gratification dancing within their depths, I knew that this indelible moment would forever bind us in a tapestry of unspoken desires and cherished memories.

A faint blush speckled my cheeks as her soft lips pressed gently against my flushed skin, infusing the moment with a warmth that matched the embers of our fading passion. Her tender kiss ignited a spark of tenderness within me, dispelling any lingering doubt or uncertainty.

I gazed into her eyes, captivated by their depth and the genuine affection that shone within. "Well... that was pretty good," I admitted shyly, a flicker of self-consciousness mingling with the remnants of pleasure.

Drawing closer, her voice carried a gentle reassurance. "It was much more than good." Her words washed over me, a soothing balm for any trace of lingering insecurity.

In her embrace, I found solace and acceptance, understanding that this intimate encounter had surpassed mere physical satisfaction. It had blossomed into something profound, forging an unbreakable bond between us.

Bathed in the afterglow of our shared passion, a quiet contentment washed over me, and I knew that this fleeting moment was just the beginning of a journey filled with exploration, love, and endless possibilities.

-

Author Note: Holy shit, I haven't written anything for this Fanfic in ages. I looked back at my requests for this fanfic and felt I needed to do something about it. I have so many lined up to write but I just haven't felt like writing for ages. I have other big projects that I have planned and really want to focus on them, so I will not really be updating this one frequently and I will not be taking requests for it as I already have too many to catch up on for ages ago. I do really appreciate that support I have gotten on this fanfic and I hope I can get the same for other projects too :)

Taglist: elfwoodfae diannaey rennaisancebaby fapqueen scarletambitions nik-barinova little-spooky-ghost-girl dylansoldhair r0ck3n1buk11 hoeboat101 nervoussubjectappreciator kuilty biafbunny sad0ni0n alinafaustina elitalover jessicarosequinzelfleck

[mihai-florescu]

Oh I can totally see Nocturne as a Figaro song. That was actually the song that introduced me to Blanco White like five years ago and I'm only just now listening to the rest of his discography lol. But looking at the lyrics to that one again I definitely see it like.

Cold trail of the last ascent

A cross held a sign in the wind

And time fell away with the sound of each step

If the stars aligned

Then for us they were meant

In the lunar sky

It's definitely there. I have The Lily on one of mt character playlists for mhyk I've started and I'm curious if we have the same ideas on who it fits... On that note though I have finished 3 of the preludes and mannnnnn man!! The last one that was East & North was so... well intense since the Northern wizards kinda fucked off for a while there and then they had to fight the giant fish and destroyed probably a not insignificant part of the town in the process. But it did keep me hooked it really did. -📖

Im gonna be so real, i got too anxious to answer this ask in case i got it wrong, so thats why i kept putting it off, sorry. The Lily makes me think of Faust...

Eastern prelude was one of the stories that got me thinking okayyy im obsessed with the worldbuilding. I love plotlines with religious societies who think they are saving the world, who think their god is right and watching over them, that gets proven to be the opposite, whose god was false all along and all their cruel actions in his name were futile. The melancholic atmosphere of a remote impenetrable community, of a monster lurking underneath, of cold blood killing for their faith, it still strikes me as one of the most memorable stories ive read.

[loneberry]

Make me a poet: eat my heart

“In chapter III of Dante's Vita Nuova the poet returns to his home "overcome with ecstasy" at having been greeted, for the first time as an adult, by his beloved Beatrice. His joy is short-lived, however, since he is soon upset by a "marvelous vision" that appears to him in his sleep. A figure who identifies himself as Dante's "master" holds a woman, naked except for a crimson cloth, in his arms. The figure holds a "fiery object" in his hands, telling Dante, "Behold your heart." The figure then holds Dante's heart up to the woman, who proves to be Beatrice, and makes her eat it from his hands. After a short while the figure begins weeping bitterly, and weeping, he folds his arms over the woman and together they ascend towards the heavens. At this point Dante awakes, and is inspired to write a sonnet addressed to "all Love's faithful subjects" in which he requests help in interpreting his vision.

“Rossi traces the various responses Dante received from those who had read the poem. Cino da Pistoia saw the heart as representing Dante's love, and the act of eating the heart as representative of his beloved's growing awareness of his feelings. However, he ignored the sense of horror that the vision evoked in Dante, as well as the bitter sadness with which it ended. In the first part of his response, Guido Cavalcanti emphasized the state of Grace provoked in Dante by the ecstasy of his love. The bitter weeping, he believed, resulted from the fact that falling in love was, on the lady's part, a sorrowful event, or perhaps a prelude to her death. Later, Cavalcanti suggested perhaps that eating the heart could be an antidote against death (vv. 9-11):

Di voi lo core ne portò, veggendo

che vostra donna la morte chedea;

nodrilla de lo cor, di ciò temendo.

“According to Rossi, the vision of Beatrice eating Dante's heart, confined as it is to the level of dream, serves to sanctify their love (even if Beatrice initially resists it) and to unite their hearts, consequently transforming Dante, the "amante gentile", into a poet. Dante goes beyond metaphor into the realm of the symbolic. The renunciation of earthy gratification, represented by Beatrice's ascent after having eaten his heart, is a necessary antecedent to his acquisition of the poetic word and the exemplary pilgrimage that was to result from it. The vision was, in Rossi's opinion, a stopping point on a more complete voyage towards the truth: "al di là dello speculum egli aspira infatti al rapporto facie ad faciem; al di là dell' 'essemplo' egli vuole arrivare a vedere la 'bellissima figura' del Cristo". Thus, for Dante the eaten heart motif is taken up to portray a symbolic sacrifice that anticipates his poetic initiation. The experience of a Reality beyond the senses, previously deemed impossible unless evoked through mystic inspiration, can now be realized, through the force of the intellect, in poetic language.”

(C. Si.) Rossi, L. "Il cuore, mistico pasto d'amore: dal 'Lai Guirun' al Decameron." Studi Provenzali e Francesi 1982. L'Aquila: Japadre, 1983. pp. 28-128.

Source

[elysian-scribbles]

LOST ASCENT

Amidst the dance of dreams and flame, A spirit soars, not bound by name. Wings of fervour, a daring start, Seeking heights, yet torn apart.

In the tapestry of earthly air, A fall begins, a somber affair. Whispers of remorse weave the thread, As dreams unravel, feathers shed.

Amidst the weave of dreams and air, A prelude to a fall laid bare Regret becomes the solemn theme, In the river of reality's silent stream.

~ W

[thesinglesjukebox]

FKA TWIGS - "EUSEXUA"

Forever 'til the end of time...

[7.70]

Ian Mathers: First part: I do wish more pop music sounded like its makers had heard "Windowlicker" at least once, yeah. Second part: why does it suddenly feel like we're freefalling without a parachute? Third part: you know what, they should have gone with "braindance" back in the day. [8]

Grace Robins-Somerville: Everyone should burn down their place of work and host a rave inside its charred shell. This song is so fucking good. Twigs can do whatever she wants forever.  [9]

Will Adams: The office choreo clip that kept bouncing around my timeline upon the video's release was a fake-out; the stuttering boom-boom beat in the prelude is a separate song entirely, "Drums of Death." "Eusexua" proper is breathtaking in the way the best trance music is: strobing, nervous, euphoric all at once. The titular concept would seem overwrought were it not explicated as flawlessly as Twigs does here. Her voice is suspended in mid-air as the track swirls around her, until everything falls away and she is lifted to that higher state. [9]

Jel Bugle: It’s ponderous, and I had to google what "eusexua" is: "a state of being" and "the pinnacle of human experience." I didn’t really get to the summit of human experience with this one – it’s kinda Perrie Edwards x Yeule, and I feel this leaves a sort of electronic slop. Maybe it’s the kind of thing that gets played in a club, rather than on a cold drizzly afternoon, The last 40 seconds are good, where it’s more disjointed and ethereal. That should have been the whole song. [5]

Katherine St. Asaph: Putting my editor's cap on: Twigs used 167 words to describe the indescribable "eusexua" when one word existed and would suffice, "ecstasy." Zero words, even, would suffice: the last part of this song. [8]

Mark Sinker: Listening to this engenders a state of being and the description of that state of being is: pleasant! In a somewhat nervous and spooky way! It’s not really a new state of being though, because I’ve heard other songs by FKA Twigs. It seems a vaguely needless pressure for everyone to invent a whole new word for it.   [7]

Taylor Alatorre: FKA Twigs is bad at naming things, including herself, but this is known. The syllables comprising "Eusexua" are an obstacle of her own making, which is apt for a song that portrays its (unfortunately) titular feeling as a state that must be fought and clawed for, even against one's better judgment. As depicted, the ascent to transcendence is a rather bumpy one, speckled with earthly crevices and frictions -- those chittering little clacks against the temple are what deny us an early exit from crass materiality. Twigs dances around her definitions because she knows that, despite what she says at one point, to transcribe would only tether her down further. She trusts in her voice, and its wide range of contortions, to do the real semantic lifting, and the trust pays itself back. Our reward for following her on this ersatz Eightfold Path is a guiltless surrender to the simple joys of trance, not in scare quotes but in full hands-up glory. It can't last forever, of course, but just long enough to have made the journey worth it under any name. [7]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: Maybe my standards are too high for her — at this point, I expect masterworks from Twigs every time, songs that will stop you in your tracks through novel stylistic choices or sheer emotive weight. "Eusexua" is instead merely a case of well-executed contemporary sophistipop, hitting all of the right semi-nostalgic synth tones and rhythms to feel like a moment of ecstasy on the dancefloor. Even when it slows down I don't get any more out of it; she phones it in a little, which is to say she does better than most working pop musicians.  [7]

Nortey Dowuona: I already felt constantly alone. It's my own damn fault. I'm getting older, so it's my job to fix it. That is when you reach eusexua. You finally hit the end of your excuses, rationalizations, punching up and down and delusions, and you swim free into your own eusexua. Fear is a common process -- it happens often when others are trying to drown you with their own despair -- but fear not; eusexua is here for them too. Look past yourself to see the despair and regret you constantly feel just for existing reflected in another's eyes; pull them too into eusexua. Eusexua will be our freedom, our community, our life. You will not have to be rich, you will not have to be handsome, you will be healed of your disabilities and difficulties, you will need no power or gratification, you will become part of us, and be a greater whole that will have you complete and loved. You will finally have help. [10]

Alfred Soto: Putting aside my FKA Twigs skepticism was easy: I'm a sucker for boom-clap stutterbeats. She channels K-pop and Fever Ray for the sake of inhabiting a reasonable facsimile of euphoria. She's always been reasonable. [7]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

[starsreminisce]

Elain found herself ensnared in the fog of uncertainty, grappling to discern the precise juncture from which it all emanated.

Perhaps it unfolded after the shards of her heart lay scattered, on a night so long and engulfed in darkness, when her chest ached beneath the burden of fractured sentiments.

How much time had quietly elapsed as she tended to her wounds, wounds he had a hand in tending to? The conviction burgeoned that the blossoming of their newfound affection could conquer even the most primal impulses. However, with reckless scarred hands, he inadvertently shattered not just her newly healed heart but also their shared hope, a heartbreak she was informed was the result of his self-confessed mistake — a mistake he bore the weight of entirely

The offering of herself and the permission she granted had been a mistake of his own choosing.

So, from which shattered fragments did her heart piece itself together again, only to be surrendered to Lucien?

Was it the hushed, profound connection he shared with Feyre? One that allowed them to voice their most profound frustrations while still basking in a realm of unwavering love and undying loyalty?

Could it have been his purring voice, affectionately calling Nesta "Viper," or perhaps the subtle thawing of Nesta's icy demeanor in his presence, as she allowed herself a smug, warning smile?

Did the fire in his eyes or his unyielding commitment to justice beckon her heart? Maybe it was his audacious stand against the High Lord, unflinching even in the face of his inner circle's dissent, the mightiest High Lord conceding to his viewpoint?

Was it in the elegance of his hands, delicately reaching for a strawberry, the way his lips caressed the fruit with a promise of satisfaction that escaped in a soft moan?

Did it arise from his assured presence, the boredom he projected towards those he disliked, the subtle clench of his jaw in moments of displeasure?

Could it have been his sharp, elusive wit, wrapping her in the warmth of an inside joke shared only with her? Or the snort that preceded his hearty laughter, the gleam in his eyes when victory was his, or his graceful acceptance of fault?

When, oh when...

At what point did his visits transform into the most anticipated moments of her weeks? When did the rhythm of her heart accelerate at his approach? When did her eyes start searching for him in every room, the ache of his departure for the Spring Court, or the letdown when he couldn't fulfill a commitment?

When did the tendrils of possessiveness and jealousy begin their stealthy ascent, weaving insidiously around her heart? Was it while she conjured vivid mental images of him standing beside the red-headed queen? A queen whose intellect and spirit flawlessly intertwined with his, their shared laughter forming an unassailable bond that rivaled her own?

When did her curiosity cease to be a fleeting thought, instead blossoming into a fervent desire to unearth his innermost self? When did the resonance of his voice evolve into a melody she yearned for, its absence leaving her craving? When did his name cease to be just an assortment of letters, instead transforming into a beacon that unfailingly caught her attention?

When did the memory of his scent take root, triggering a cascade of sensations? When did his laughter become a distinctive note, instantly recognizable even amidst a cacophony? When did she find herself shutting her eyes, seeing nothing but him in her mind's eye, as if he were the only presence worth envisioning?

When did her mind begin to wander into reveries of his touch? When did the allure of his body's weight become an enticing thought, his name an earnest whisper as she painted mental pictures of the taste of his lips, the sensation of his hands mapping her skin? When did the beguiling timbre of his voice, accompanied by that signature rakish smile, summon her name in a tantalizing prelude, just instants before she gives in?

And in a blaze of fervent ownership, when does she yield to him, gifting him with what is undeniably and distinctly his, while simultaneously staking her unassailable claim on what is exclusively her own?

When did this phenomenon transcend the boundaries of their mating bond? When did it surpass the realm of the physical, delving deeper into the primal, becoming an essence that consumed her entirely? When did she finally relinquish herself to the inexorable force of their destined connection?

But alas, it was too late.

He had already become the dawn that obliterated her enduring, icy night.

The thread that bound her to him had stealthily wound itself around her, its inception eluding her awareness.

[styrmwb]

Favorite Final Fantasy Music (FFXVI)

Here we are, at the final numbered entry. Soken is back as the main composer, alongside the XIV squad. I think XVI's soundtrack is very similar to the gameplay; some kinda eh, but when it hits? IT HITS. From the moment I played the demo, hell, even the moment I watched the first trailer, there were songs that I was like "I cannot get enough of this I need to hear it forever". XVI is a game of huge moments that are the absolute strongest parts of the game, and as such, most of my favorites are the strongest parts of the game (there are exceptions.). Let's finish up this series (until I start to do non numbered entries and sequels ehehhhhhhhhhh) with a bang! A fire? I'm trying to make a flame joke. Ifrit. (also goddammit I gotta go with unofficial uploads again so pray nothing gets taken down)

5. Catacecaumene First of all, WHAT is this title second of all: yesssssssss this is the Soken I know and love!!!! A lot of the game up to this point is strictly orchestral, which is NOT a bad thing at all, but then you destroy your first crystal, the big bad plot starts to Really happen, you're in this big fuckin nothing void, you're fighting this Creature (that doesn't even snort!) and this goddamn techno beat comes out of nowhere!! I love the constant ascent (dndn duh Duh DUH DUH DUHDUH!) that repeats throughout the track, and that really cool tv static electro tube I'm playing Operation and accidentally hit the metal bit that plays the main melody (used again later on in the final boss fights!). It's such a cool song and really brings you that vibe to the soundtrack that I think a lot of us were expecting when we see the XIV crowd on the development. I also just looked it up after writing this katakekaumene was a place in modern Turkey that means "burnt land" so it fits with the nothingness void!

4. Titan Lost The entire Titan sequence. Again, the entire Titan sequence, is AMAZING. Like, special shoutouts to Do or Die and Heart of Stone before and after this song, but this is obviously the highlight of the entire fight. Again, this is absolutely that type of soul we grew to love in XIV, placed in XVI. That heavy techno beat, the vocals sounding low and grumbly and gravelly, and that BIG choir. Like Under the Weight, the song FEELS like the earth oppressing you. And I mean, if you're gonna be fighting an Actual Mountain, you GOTTA have a fucking banger as you're doing it. (HEART OF STOOOOOOOOOOOONE!)

3. Away This game just... throws you right into it. This game has one of the, if not The strongest intro out of any game in the entire series. That spiraling, building, winding intro, that heavy, slower beat (the first version of this song you hear draws it out a little with a bit of the prelude into it it fucks), into that chaotic, stressful string orchestra creates the tension for this massive kaiju battle, and every time they play it creates an excellent transition for the actual fight itself. The choir is grand and epic, alongside the mainly male vocals, I love those slight female ones that back the track, they're absolutely beautiful, as well as the piano that plays, despite being a single instrument it FILLS the room.

Then you hit the chorus. This is the part right here. The melody itself is beautiful, the voices are awe-inspiring, the lyrics once you actually read them fitting Phoenix perfectly?????? FUCK DUDE!!!!! IT HITS SO HARD THAT WHEN IT PLAYS A SECOND TIME WITH A LOT OF THE INSTRUMENTS HOLDING BACK TO LET THE CHOIR TAKE EVEN MORE OF A HIGHLIGHT IT TAKES THOSE REMAINING CHILLS YOU GOT AND STOKES THEIR FIRES FURTHER STILL (IT'S A PHOENIX SONG IT'S A FIRE JOKE) I FUCKIN LOVE THIS SONG AND THE INTRO TO THIS GAME AND I LOVE JOSHUA THAT'S RIGHT THIS IS A ROSFIELD BROTHERS POST NOW WOOOOO-

2. Into the Mire - Stillwind This is Probably the strangest pick of this entire list, ESPECIALLY after I was literally just glazing the fuck out of Away. But Into the Mire? I cannot get enough of this song. This made the first dungeon, this gray, depressing, goblin filled swamp, something really special to me. That main piano lives rent free in my mind, cycling, hitting heavy, sounding decrepit, yet still beautiful. I love the main melody, the chorus of the song, the "oo Oo OO Oo oo ooOOOo ooOOOo" that repeats a couple times, the entire song really has this sort of circular feel that constantly goes in and out and in and out and repeats back and forth over and over that I love so much, I love the ghostly vocals, I love the strings that take over the main melody, and then you also add in that mid battle version (the one that plays on the first "loop" of the song) with the heavier drums and the introduction of more strings coming in; the chorus almost becoming heroic, the bells twinkling in the back, that sort of industrial, construction like percussion; it sounds like an open, starry sky, which is really funny considering the context it plays in! I had this song set as my Hideaway music, because I could and have listened to this for hours.

1. Find the Flame FFXVI came out close to the Height of my Guilty Gear enjoying (still really like it btw just not actively playing (this is besides the point)). When I played this game and got to this fight? This is fucking Clive's Dragon Install. (I made this joke already in a much earlier post (this is still besides the point)). Find the Flame is pretty much the Main Theme of this game, and GOD. MOTHERFUCKING. DAMN. THIS IS A GIFT FROM GOD HIMSELF. THIS SONG FUCKS, IT BANGS, IT SLAPS, EVERY CRINGE ASS SLANG WORD FOR A GOOD SONG THAT I CAN POSSIBLY THINK OF, THIS SONG IS IT. YOU WANNA KNOW WHY THE MAIN TWO BROTHERS ARE PHOENIX AND IFRIT? BECAUSE THEIR THEMES ARE FIRE! That intro, the heavy hitting horn/string/vocal/percussion combo, that chanting! I fucking love every single verse/melody/whatever it's called in this entire song, I feel pumped up and like I'm catching myself humming or singing along to it every time I hear it. I love the horns playing off right after that first vocal section, I literally could just have THAT part looping forever and I'd be happy. The "Find, the flame" section just keeps up that same heavy hitting percussion/chanting sound the entire song has, and for a fight that has Clive accepting this great trauma he's been facing his whole life, it gets you fucking hyped, I love it so much.

It's the final numbered list, so I'm making this post Extra long and cheating once again (but not really) and making this #1 spot a 2-parter, because the final boss theme, All as One, is a remix of Find the Flame, with a little bit of that main Final Fantasy theme thrown in there, an EXTREMELY healthy dose of the power of friendship in the lyrics, and the coolest, most anime fight we've had in the entire series. Find the Flame is such a hype song, and getting to hear it again in that last bit takes the silly, childlike feeling of "this is the coolest thing ever", that literal pogchamp, soyjak pointing emotion that I feel like I'm gonna be made fun of for saying that this gives me (but you know I'm fucking right!). This is the song you remember your friends and enemies to, the song you tell the final boss "This is your Final Fantasy Sixteen", and the song you fucking punch a god in the face to. Both of these together put the stupidest smile on my face, and I can't get enough of either of them. They're a pair in my mind, and the epitome of what I love about this game.

Honorable mentions honorably go to: Sixteen Bells, On the Shoulders of Giants; No Risk, No Reward; Press On, Reflections - Drake's Head, To Sail Forbidden Seas, Do or Die, Heart of Stone, Ascension, Furor, The Riddle, Fighting Fate, Death Shall Me Devour, 'Neath the Pall, Logos, and Hymn of the Penitent.

[alexanderharveywright]

closed starter for @moonglowmagic (Poppy)

location; Alex's house in Downtown Lunar Cove

Wide, warm hands pushed beneath the hem of a shirt he’d see in his bedroom floor later, and sprawled across the soft skin of Poppy’s back. They were both a little wine drunk with the remnants of a dinner Alex had made them left on the table. She was in his lap and their glasses clinked every time they leaned in to each other for a kiss. The room itself turned hazy, reality slipping far away into some forgotten nightmare as his thoughts found a new home between Poppy’s lips. 

While a hand remained on her back to keep her steady atop him, his other wandered down the stretch of her body. Fingertips, hungry for more than the meal on the table could feed, cascaded across the curve of her lithe figure, giving her ass a squeeze as he passed it but not stopping there. At her knee his hand slipped around to the inside of her thigh and began its ascent back up. He wasn’t shy about pressing harder against the heat of her body, though his touch did not linger there any longer than anywhere else. Eager to explore every inch of Poppy that he could reach, Alex’s hand swept the length of her over and over again. The heavy petting a prelude to what lingered in his chest.

A break in the dance of their lips to gasp for air gave Alex the perspective to see her face. Opulent eyes of blue as glossy as he imagined his own gleaming chestnut. The air around them thick with tension, lust, and love. It welled up in his glimmering dark hues. The feelings he had held back for months now, as Alex cared more for Poppy’s emotional state than his own. To hold within himself such a deep feeling was excruciating. Every night that they shared a bed and he’d watch her drift into sleep he had to swallow it. The symphony of i love yous he’d spent decades composing. They ate away at him on the inside, gnawing at the bones of his ribcage like a wild thing begging to be released. Tonight, it raged harder than any night before, suffocating Alex even as he felt air coming through his nose.

This was everything he’d ever wanted. The looming darkness and general uncertainty aside, quiet nights with the women he loved was a long dreamed dream realized. Something he had sought with others but to no avail.

I love you lingered behind lips that drew in uneven breath, still unsteady from their frenzy of kisses. I’ve loved you for a very long time beamed brightly and apparent from dark eyes, wild with the light of sincerity. An unwelcome wetness began to cloud his vision. The harder Alex held his feelings in, the more salt water swelled. He imagined what he’d say, what it would feel like to confess. To hear himself say the words aloud, Poppy, I love you. I’ve loved you for a very long time. Since that night, our first night. You touched me, and I was never the same after. I’ve thought about you constantly, in one way or another, subconsciously and at the forefront of my mind. A prevailing force in my art. My home; made of bones, flesh, teeth, and hair. The latter a color he admired in sunsets and tapestries but that possessed no real meaning for Alex beyond the strands he often had the privilege of winding his fingers through.

I love you. I love you. I love you. His eyes betrayed him with their conveyance and the release of that salt water down his wine flushed cheeks. Droplets that disappeared into his beard but made obvious what truth his teeth held back. 

“Poppy.” The crack in his voice, raw in its gruffness, authentic despite his unyielding commitment to keep from her what Alex thought was selfish. He loved her and couldn’t hide it, but until his teeth broke he’d hold it in. For her own sanity, and a little for his. Rejection wasn’t something Alex ever took well, and from her? He imagined it’d destroy him, and he’d rather endure pain than risk losing what his hands now held. 

Dark, wet eyes held her blue for how long Alex didn’t know, allowing Poppy to see him without a modicum of composure. “I have held in my hands the riches of this world in measures most men will never know, and yet…” Outright, he wouldn’t allow himself to burden her with those three words, but Alex allowed himself this. “...you are the most precious thing I have ever touched.”

[chibikitty-ira]

Prelude to Ascent - Issue 1

(P.S. This is to keep it posted on Tumblr, it was released a while ago. You can check with it on my other social media if you prefer it there!)

[aurorxaeternitatis]

      Nestled within the very fabric of the city's heart, the grand opera house stood as a symphony of architectural marvel. Its exterior offered a harmonious blend of neoclassical elegance and intricate detailing, a mere prelude to the enchanting world that unfolded within its embrace.

      Upon crossing the threshold of its arched entrance, one was swiftly transported into a realm where the whispers of history echoed along the corridors. Gilded chandeliers, resembling celestial constellations, hung suspended from the ceiling, their brilliance dancing upon frescoes that adorned the expanse—depictions of muses and melodies that seemed to capture the essence of creative inspiration itself. A faint scent, reminiscent of aged wood and anticipation, lingered in the air, casting an aura that was both nostalgic and exhilarating.

      A cascade of plush velvet seats curved in ascending tiers, embracing the stage in a symmetrical ballet of opulence and comfort. Each seat held the promise of an unparalleled view. The stage, a canvas upon which dreams and narratives were painted, lay framed by luxurious curtains that flowed like ethereal veils. This boundary separated the realm of the audience from the world of the performers, a tantalizing divide between reality and the universe of the imagination. And at the base of the stage lay the orchestra pit, a haven where harmonies soared and crescendos ignited; an aural heartbeat that underscored every emotion that was to be unveiled.

      As attendees took their places, a symphony of hushed conversations and rustling fabrics filled the air. The anticipation, almost palpable, reverberated like a cadence yet unplayed; a prelude to the melodies that awaited. And then, as the lights gracefully dimmed and the first notes wafted through the air, the opera house transformed into a timeless sanctuary where the bounds of time seemed to waver.

      The tendrils of the opera's melodies wrapped around the space, yet it was the gilded atmosphere in the booths that seemed to clothe the audience in an intimacy that defied the grandeur of the surroundings. A moment suspended in the cadence of the music, Domínico's gaze turned toward the lady beside him; a calculated curiosity glistening within his eyes. A smile graced his lips, a deliberate yet unassuming expression that held a charm of its own. The lady before him seemed to catch his gaze. " For me, an opera is a blend of those on the stage and those watching. Sometimes, it's hard to discern which is more enchanting. I couldn't help but notice your eyes lingering on the crowd—did you seek the same sentiments this opus stirs within your heart? "

      His words, crafted with a blend of seduction and intrigue, hung between them like a silken thread of invitation, tempting her to share her thoughts while leaving room for the dance of conversation to ensue. He leaned back slightly, the dim lighting casting a play of shadows that added to the mystique of the moment, his eyes holding hers with an intent that was both inviting and enigmatic.

      In this shared booth, they were not mere spectators; they were performers in their own symphony. Each word woven into the fabric of their conversation would be a carefully orchestrated note. As Turandot's aria continued its ascent, the opera house would seem to fade, leaving only them; a duet in the darkness, where every pause and inflection held the promise of the unknown. / @vulpesse

[sofia6399]

Fearing the Uknown

Until I went to Disney World, I believed facing my fear of roller coasters would be easy. Superheroes leap from skyscrapers, and young princes battle monsters—surely, I could conquer the dreaded twists and turns of a roller coaster. Little did I know that facing fear is far more complex than fantasy tales suggest, but the rewards are equally transformative.

In 2012, I found myself at Disney World, “The Happiest Place on Earth,” for the second time. Though older, my fear of roller coasters remained stubbornly intact. At amusement parks, there’s an unspoken expectation to brave the thrill rides—the ones with heart-stopping drops and dizzying heights. I resolved that it was time to step out of my comfort zone. My challenge: Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.

The night before, I prepared obsessively. I watched videos of the ride at least twenty times, determined to convince myself I was ready. But when I approached the colossal structure the next day, my confidence unravelled. The towering peaks of the ride loomed, its dark plummets and the ominous roars of the animatronic yeti sent chills down my spine. As I stood in the seemingly endless line, my heart raced like a ticking bomb. My hands trembled, slick with sweat, and my legs wavered beneath me, threatening to collapse.

As the train approached, I wanted to bolt—but I didn’t. This was usually the point where I’d surrender to fear and step away. Not this time. Pale as a ghost, I climbed aboard, strapped in, and clutched the safety bar as though my life depended on it. The ride began, and with it, there was no turning back.

At first, the roller coaster moved gently, almost deceivingly calm. But soon, we began the first steep ascent—a 61-meter climb that revealed a breathtaking panorama of Disney World. Tiny figures of pretzel vendors and churro-toting children scurried below like ants. The sight made my stomach churn, a prelude to the chaos that awaited. The train plunged through a dark, icy cave, and then came the first drop. My stomach seemed to rise into my chest as I let out a scream so loud it drowned the others.

The ride didn’t let up. The train twisted into a dizzying 250-degree turn before hurtling backward at 80 km/h. Laughter morphed into panicked cries as gravity defied us. Then, the finale—a 24-meter freefall. As we descended, my grip tightened, my breath caught, and I prayed for it to end. When the train finally screeched to a halt, I was trembling, but relief and triumph washed over me.

Later, as I savoured a well-earned ice cream, it hit me: I had done it. I had conquered my fear. Emboldened by this newfound courage, I rode Expedition Everest again before the day was through.

What seemed like a small act—riding a roller coaster—was a profound moment. It taught me that overcoming fear instills a sense of pride and bravery that resonates far beyond a single ride, spilling into every challenge life throws my way.

[strengervinay]

Kareri Trek: Kangra Welcomes You for a Perfect Adventure!

Let’s Discuss

If you're seeking a thrilling yet serene escape from the hustle and bustle of life, the Kareri Trek in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, promises an unforgettable experience. Nestled at a majestic altitude of 2,950 metres, this trek leads you to the crystal-clear Kareri Lake, surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-clad peaks. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, the Kareri Trek has something special for everyone.

Let’s dive into what makes the Kareri Lake Trek a must-do for any trekker visiting Dharamshala!

1. Kareri Lake Temperature: A Tale of Crisp Days and Chilly Nights

One of the highlights of the Kareri Lake Trek is experiencing the diverse weather that enhances the beauty of the journey. During the trek, expect day temperatures to range between 12°C to 18°C, making it a pleasant and refreshing walk through the forested trails. But don’t let the sunny days fool you—the nights can get quite cold, with temperatures dropping to -6°C to 4°C.

Packing layers is crucial, as you'll need to stay warm at night while camping near the lake, but enjoy the mild, crisp air during the day. The weather, combined with the breathtaking scenery, makes the Kareri Lake temperature an integral part of the trek’s charm.

2. Kareri Village: Your Starting Point

Your adventure begins at the picturesque Kareri Village, the starting point of the Kareri Lake Trek. This quaint village, located near Dharamshala, is the perfect prelude to the adventure that lies ahead. Surrounded by dense forests and grazing sheep, Kareri Village offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the rustic lifestyle of the Himalayan locals.

The trail from Kareri Village to the lake is a moderate-to-hard ascent, but it’s worth every step for the stunning views and natural beauty along the way. Don’t forget to spend some time interacting with the villagers and soaking in the local culture before you embark on the trek.

3. Trek Distance and Difficulty: 10 KM of Majestic Beauty

The Kareri Lake Trek distance is 10 kilometres (one way), taking you through beautiful pine forests, rocky terrains, and glistening streams. Though the trek is moderate-to-hard in difficulty, it’s suitable for both beginner and seasoned trekkers, thanks to its well-marked trails and gradual elevation gain.

During the journey, you’ll come across Riyoti, a scenic rest point where you can stop for lunch and enjoy the panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range. The trek’s varying landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows and towering peaks, make it a visual treat that rewards every bit of effort.

4. Kareri Lake: A Serene Retreat in the Dhauladhar Range

At an altitude of 2,950 metres, Kareri Lake is a pristine glacial water body fed by melting snow from the nearby mountains. This scenic lake is one of the hidden gems of the Dhauladhar range, far removed from the crowded tourist spots of Himachal Pradesh.

Surrounded by lush green meadows, towering deodar trees, and snow-capped peaks, Kareri Lake offers an unmatched sense of tranquillity. The calm waters of the lake reflect the majestic surroundings, creating picture-perfect moments for trekkers. If you’re lucky enough, you might catch the golden hues of the sunrise or sunset casting their glow on the mountains, an unforgettable experience.

5. Dharamshala Trek: A Must-Do Adventure

Located just a short drive from Dharamshala, the Kareri Trek is often regarded as one of the best Dharamshala trek. Its proximity to this popular hill station makes it easily accessible for weekend adventurers or those looking to add a trek to their Dharamshala itinerary.

With the nearest ATM in Dharamshala, you can stock up on any last-minute essentials before heading to Kareri Village. The trek offers an excellent opportunity to explore the less-explored side of Dharamshala while being immersed in nature.

Your Perfect Adventure Awaits!

The Kareri Lake Trek is a hidden gem that promises adventure, beauty, and serenity all wrapped in one. Whether you’re looking to witness the stunning Kareri Lake temperature fluctuations, experience life in Kareri Village, or take on the challenge of the Kareri Trek's 10 KM trail, this trek is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh.

With Universal Adventures, you can book your Kareri Lake Trek package and enjoy an experience of a lifetime. Starting from just ₹1,349 per person, this 2-day/1-night trek includes camping, meals, and a guided adventure that will leave you with countless memories.

So, pack your bags and get ready—Kangra welcomes you for a perfect adventure!

[tilbageidanmark]

MOVIES I WATCHED THIS WEEK (#198)

MASTER, A BUILDING IN COPACABANA (2002) is considered one of the best Brazilian movies of all time, and justifiably so. The large 'Edifício Master' is a 12 story apartment building situated in a lower middle class area of Copacabana of Rio. Important documentary director Eduardo Coutinho rented one of the small 1-bedroom units there for a month, so that he could meet and interview dozens of the tenants who live there. In a sparse, simple and unadorned manner, they each talk about their lives, which often were filled with pains, loneliness, hardships and separation. Many of the stories are emotionally sad, some even tragic, and all very human. But so many of them also recite some of the poetry they write, or sing some of the samba songs they compose, and generally opens up without pretensions. Simple and non-judgemental. 9/10.

(I want to see his 'Jogo De Cena' but I can't find a copy online with English subtitles! - HELP, please!)

🍿

PIROSMANI (1969) is my first Georgian masterpiece which was not made by Sergei Parajanov. It's an awe-inspiring biography of Nikolai Pirosmanashvíli. He was a self-taught, naïve Georgian painter who lived during Vincent van Gogh's time, and like him, died destitute and unappreciated by his piers, only to find prominence decades after his death. (Japanese Trailer Above.)

It's an absorbing and visually-stunning film, composed of rural tableaux and primitive folk setting, a mixture of Henri Rousseau, Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Bruegel and Jodorowsky. A sad, slow and formal composition, full of sublime pathos and simplicity. Best film of the week!

After watching it, I discovered an excellent explainer from a YouTube channel called 'Plan-Séquence' (which offer similar analyses about other less-known masterpieces).

(Pirosmani later was also the inspiration for a Russian pop song called 'A million roses', which apparently became a big hit in the 1980's).

🍿

2 CZECH MASTERPIECES:

🍿 First watch: ECSTASY (1933), the controversial, groundbreaking erotic romance, the film that Hitler banned throughout Nazi Germany. Gorgeous, young Hedy Lamarr swimming naked, running naked, showing her breasts, making love and having an orgasm (off screen) was far too indecent for "proper" society to see.

The drama played in a silent movie style, with very sparse dialogue. I saw it in the original German, but there were also French and Czech versions. It also contained an early example of 'Smoking after sex', long before 'The Graduate' and even before 'Now, Voyager'.

Good for Hedy [Not 'Heddy'!] to have invented Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), which enabled code-division multiple access (CDMA) communications in World War 2.

🍿 Mr. Prokouk: A Horseshoe for Luck (1946), my earliest slapstick film by famed Czech stop-motion animator Karl Zeman. It introduced the character of Mr. Prokouk, which became an 'Everyman' symbol in Czechoslovakia, as popular as 'The Tramp' and Mr. Hulot. An anti-superstition fable, but also a PSA for recycling.

🍿

I previously only saw 'Larisa', Elem Klimov's biography of his wife, Larisa Shepitko. THE ASCENT (1977), a harrowing World War 2 nightmare, is my first searing masterpiece by her, and the last film she finished before dying young at a car accident. Two Russian partisans starving in the snow, fighting the Nazis, going through hell and losing their souls. it's as heavy as the most depressing Dostoevsky novel, and a prelude to her husband's even darker 'Come and see'. The film was shot outdoors at forty degrees below zero, and you freeze just by watching it. [*Female Director*]

🍿

ANNA KENDRICK X 2:

🍿 WOMAN OF THE HOUR, her new, directorial debut is an ominous feminist nightmare masquerading as a true crime thriller about a sadistic serial killer.

This light comedy about a stupid television show is transformed into a creepy tale of systematic misogyny and degradation. Women led to live in a watchful state of fear wherever they went, always assessing everything and everybody around them, lest they be harmed. The men, and not only the creepy-as-fuck killer, were casually abusive, contemptuous and sexually-harassing. In 1978, it was in the air and water, and completely unremarkable. Thank God it's not like that any more, and women don't have to 'Choose the Bear over Bachelor Number Three'... /s.

Technically, it was well done, with menacing sound track of White Noise ambiance. 7/10. [*Female Director*]

🍿 She's my crush from 'A simple favor', 'Up in the air' and 'Alice, darling' but I didn't realize that she started as a talented child actor and that she could sing (''Ladies who lunch" at 17), and dance as well as act.

THE CALL (2014) was just a little improve thingy where she plays herself in a pink sweater and in an office setting.

🍿

'Color guard' is a combination of cheer-leading/baton twirling/marching band/spinning choreography and high-school dancing competition.

David Byrne staged a big event in 2016 and produced the documentary music performance CONTEMPORARY COLORS because he found this less-known art form fascinating. And he brought in other artist friends to spice it up, like The Beastie Boys, St. Vincent, and Nelly Furtado. Apparently, the making of this production led him to the format of ‘American Utopia’, which was much better, and which I now want to re-watch one more time.

🍿

2+ CHAPLIN MUTUALS FROM 1916:

🍿 THE PAWNSHOP, Chaplin's 6th film at Mutual, and one of his funniest two-reelers. For 25 minutes, he clowns, pratfalls, slapsticks and pantomimes. Edna Purviance is also lovely here. Perfection! 10/10.

🍿 THE RINK (Colorized) was his 8th (out of 12) film for Mutual Films. He plays a clumsy waiter, as well as a master skater, calling himself Sir Cecil Seltzer, C.O.D. Later on, he will show his skating skills again in 'Modern Times'.

🍿 Bonus: I never heard of his home movie NICE AND FRIENDLY from 1922. It's a 10-minutes improvised sketch he made as a wedding present to his friends, the Mountbattens. Strange and private, it's not on a level of any of his 'finished' productions. It features 8 year old Jackie Coogan, a year after 'The Kid', and it ends with the title card: "All of which goes to prove something very profound but we are not quite sure just what it is".

🍿

Max Barbakow's 'Palm Springs' had been one of my favorite Guilty Pleasures in the last few years, and I've seen it 15 times or more, and enjoyed it every time. I just love everything about it. So I was waiting to see what he will cook up next. But the only commonality with his new comedy BROTHERS was the one-time use of the slur name 'Shitbird'... There were simply zero redeeming qualities to this flat, unfunny, formulaic suckface, not even the scene where Josh Brolin was jerking off that orangutan. One point for this being T. Emmett Walsh's last movie. 2/10.

🍿

GEOFFREY JONES X 2:

🍿 LOCOMATION (1975), a terrific British industrial documentary about the transformative history of trains, from it "primitive" beginning in 1825, and how it altered the landscape, the world. It uses a montage of prints, paintings, lithographs, photographs and and clips set to electronic music, but without any words. 7/10

🍿 Jones must have been working for British Rail. His riveting crisp SNOW (1963) was also about the excitement of train riding. From a group of railwaymen shoveling snow on the tracks, to the cozy fun ride in a blizzard, this too was a wonderful hymn to traveling by train. If he was American, this film would be selected to the National Film Registry. Great rhythmic collage, and jazzy soundtrack too.

🍿

I love Ali Wong and seen all her stuff more than once or twice. In her 4th nasty standup which just dropped, ALI WONG: SINGLE LADY she continues to overshare in specific details her intimate and depraved sex-life, but none of it is new or shocking. I still admire her taboo-breaking feminist strength, her constantly-horny independence, and the fact that she doesn't take shit from anybody. But the Chinese-American version of the abject materialism she revels in is not so funny any more. From her decade-long public confessions, I feel sorry for her ex-husband. 4/10.

🍿

3 SHORTS:

🍿 THE GOALKEEPER, a fine mime piece by Jacques Tati. Not sure when or where it is from.

🍿 ESSUN DORMA (1987) was directed by Ken Russell, part of the British anthology music film, 'Aria'. Ten filmmakers were tasked with interpreting a piece of classic opera. M'eh: You could get away with a lot back then.

🍿 ANÉMIC CINÉMA (1926) was the only avant-garde "film" made by dadaist Marcel Duchamp, basically showing some spinning disks like a Seriograph with superimposed dirty, nonsensical proverbs. As offensive as the urinal 'Fountain'.

🍿

BOOKWORM is a new family film from New Zealand about a gifted girl of 11 and her estranged father on an adventure trip out in the wilderness. It started well enough, and I'm a sucker for this plot line, (I watched the similar, and much better, story 'Gifted' with Chris Evans - twice!) - as the girl reminded me of somebody I know... But then I took a break right in the middle of it, and when I returned to it the next day, the whole thing crumbled into a disappointing, unbearable mush. Kiwi nature shots were lovely, and the film was coated with a filter of A.I. sheen, the kind you see on r/midjourney. 2/10.

🍿

2 POLITICAL DOCUMENTARIES ABOUT JAMES CARVILLE:

🍿 "I'm the son of a great salesperson. We have come to devalue salesmanship. But if you're not willing to sell, you're not willing to win."

CARVILLE, WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID is my 3rd documentary by Matt Tyrnauer (After 'The Reagans' and 'Where's my Roy Cohn?'). It's a CNN-produced and CNN-deep exposition, slick and watchable, that can be consumed in the background while doing the dishes. It was made during the last 6 months of Biden's campaign until his bumbling debate in June 2024.

🍿 And, being a completist, and not expecting much from it, I thought I'll also sit through D. A. Pennebaker's (and wife) 1993 THE WAR ROOM, the behind-the-scenes documentary about the Clinton for President campaign. But this is the difference when you have a 'good' filmmaker behind the camera.

It's odd to relive this whole sordid affair a generation later, when all the players were young, unpolished, and relatively untarnished. Fascinating to see how things were done then - as compared to now! 8/10.

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I started watching Elaine May's celebrated A NEW LEAF a couple of times before, and failed. This time, I promised myself that I'll sit through it. Unfortunately, in spite of gritted teeth and frequent stops, I could only tolerate 46 minutes of this overrated 'comedy', before throwing in the towel. I hated everything about it: Walter Matthau as a romantic but asexual anti-hero "playboy", the hoity-toity lifestyle of the ultra-rich class of 1971 Manhattan and herself as the fumbling spinster with her awkward round glasses. Unfunny to the core, annoyingly cringey. Couldn't finish it. [*Female Director*]

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