#sea turtle harmonic

[nuadox]

Buzzing insights: Tracking bees with robotic flowers and hive sensors

- By Anthony King , Horizon -

Think of wildlife tracking and what probably comes to mind are documentaries following the majestic movements of elephants through the savannah, the graceful migrations of sea turtles in the deep blue and the prowling of big cats in dense jungles.

Yet, in the grand tapestry of nature, one creature that’s vital to the ecosystem but less in the spotlight can be found gently toiling away: the humble bee. Researchers are keeping a watchful eye on these buzzing wonders in a unique effort to understand their behaviour and ensure their survival.

Big buzz 

Bees pollinate 80% of all flowering plants, including more than 130 types of fruits and vegetables. Unsung heroes of the natural world, bees and other pollinators are responsible for up to €‎550 billion a year in global food production. 

‘We need to understand better how bees move and pollinate plants,’ said Dr Mathieu Lihoreau, a behavioural ecologist at the University of Toulouse. 

Cut to a farm outside Toulouse, the southern French city better known as the location of bigger winged objects: Airbus planes. 

But this is no ordinary farm. It’s an experimental site with, for example, no real flowers. Bumblebees and honeybees will be released into the fields – spread over 25 hectares – and tracked while flying to robotic flowers to taste a sugary reward. 

The experiment is part of a research project that received EU funding to improve understanding of how bees forage and interact. Lihoreau leads the project, which is called BEE-MOVE and runs for five years until the end of September 2026. 

He will trace dozens of bees simultaneously with a radar as they navigate around hundreds of robo-flowers set out in the fields. Knowing why bees buzz off in a certain direction can help improve crop pollination, conserve wild bee populations and save some rare plant species. 

Captivating creatures

While Lihoreau has always been fascinated by animal behaviour, as a student he pictured himself observing whales in the Pacific Ocean or primates in African jungles. But then as a young scientist he became captivated by much smaller creatures after joining a laboratory that studied ants. 

His attention now is on how bees navigate and make decisions as they seek nectar and pollen, orienting themselves using the sun, landscape features and even other bees. Because they collect food for themselves and harvest nectar and pollen for their colony, bees memorise the landscape. 

Research suggests bees can even have emotions and doubts, detect electric fields and count. 

‘I’m fascinated by them,’ Lihoreau said. 

In total, there are around 20 000 bee species and wild bees are critical for a healthy ecosystem. They’re vital assistants in the reproduction of plants by carrying pollen from one flower to another. 

Previously, researchers used large and expensive harmonic radars to track an antenna placed on the back of an individual bee. This allowed scientists to follow the bee as it weaved its way around a meadow, searching for flowers before returning home. 

But following just one bee gives merely a sliver of insight into what’s going on. Honeybees live in hives of thousands of worker bees and bumblebees reside in nests with dozens or hundreds. 

How bees act as a team or make efficient foraging decisions in the company of other pollinators are open questions.

Radar tracking

The BEE-MOVE radar will do its tracking without any of the bees having antennas. It uses the same technology as reversing sensors on cars, sending out energy waves to detect objects by bouncing off them. 

Lihoreau said that, to his knowledge, this is the first time such a radar has been used in ecology.

‘I want to show bees do not move randomly in the environment and to understand the rules that guide their sophisticated foraging,’ he said. 

The radar will track honeybees and bumblebees separately as they fly to the robo-flowers and then together. The planned robotic plants are small metal containers that recognise individual tagged bees as they alight on a platform and allow them in to sup sugar water.

Eventually, Lihoreau wants to investigate the effect on bee behaviour of adding contaminants like pesticides to the sugar water. 

Pesticide threats

Pesticides, including insecticides, used against pests like aphids are often neurotoxins.

‘Bees are in danger because they forage on plants that we treat with pesticides and then they feed on neurotoxins,’ said Lihoreau. 

The European Food Safety Authority said in 2018 that neonicotinoid insecticides pose a threat to wild bees and honeybees. Neonicotinoids are suspected of scrambling the bees’ navigation systems. 

Everything that bees learn when navigating a meadow, garden or cityscape is retained. This may ultimately leave them particularly vulnerable to neurotoxins. 

‘Because they have this tiny brain, probably every neuron is important,’ said Lihoreau. 

In agriculture, healthy bees are crucial for good yields in crops such as strawberries and almonds. 

‘Orchards hire beekeepers to bring in hives, but they need numerous healthy bees,’ said Dr Joao Encarnacao, a sensor expert at Irideon, a technology company in the Spanish city of Barcelona. 

Hive sensors 

If a hive is unhealthy, it can’t pollinate enough flowers and the fruit crop is reduced. But a farmer will become aware of a shortfall in pollinators only when it’s too late.

Encarnacao leads an EU-funded project – iPollinate – positioning sensors on hives to report real-time foraging of honeybees. The tracking technique relies on artificial intelligence and multiple coin-sized sensors placed on the hive. 

The information can be used by an orchard owner to spotlight the healthiest bee colonies or to learn the best locations for hives.

‘You get metrics that show you how productive the beehives are for pollination,’ said Encarnacao. ‘So far, nobody has enough information to know how to optimise things like the placement or the orientation of beehives, yet this might be the difference between having good pollination and bad.’

The project, which is due to end in December 2023 after three years, aims by then to have built a prototype of the sensor system. The plan is for the service to be available to commercial partners of the project in 2024.

The sensors have been tested in onion seeds in France and Israel, in berry fruit in countries including France, Spain and Portugal and in almonds and sunflowers in the US state of California. 

Californian almonds are a key target for iPollinate because about 2.5 million beehives are routinely set out across more than 500 000 hectares of almond groves – a big commercial opportunity for anybody who can improve pollination and, by extension, the harvest. 

Both iPollinate and BEE-MOVE highlight the crucial links between bees and the ecosystem as a whole, reinforcing the need to tackle biodiversity loss driven by human influences including pollution. 

‘Bees are on the frontline of an ecological crisis,’ said Lihoreau of BEE-MOVE. 

Research in this article was funded by the EU via the European Research Council (ERC). The views of the interviewees don’t necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.

This post Buzzing insights: tracking bees with robotic flowers and hive sensors was originally published on Horizon: the EU Research & Innovation magazine | European Commission.

--

Read Also

The first global map of bee species

[ebonynightwriter]

cosmic intuition | waava month 2023

Title: cosmic intuition Word Count: 653 Rating: K Tags: Wan. Raava. Waava (Platonic). Conversations. Character Insight. Uncertainty. Friendship. Beginnings Era. Canon Universe. One-Shot. Waava Month 2023. Summary: [On the way to Harmonic Convergence, Wan and Raava talk about direction, origins, and change.]

-.-

waava month (2023) // day 11 · cosmic

 -.-

He builds a raft to cross the ocean, guiding it along with the power of water. The air chills the farther out they go, and after a few days at sea, it had been a while since they had seen land, spirit, or animal. Wan begins to wonder if they were going the right way.

Moving his arms in a circular motion, he pushes them forward, being careful not to jostle the craft too much. As they slow against the current, he looks at the stars overhead, which shone down on them in a river of light. Though they hadn’t spent long on the Water Lion Turtle, Wan remembers the stories he heard there about people called 'navigators' who found their way on the water by looking at the stars. Maybe it was the same way Raava was guiding them.

The thought lingers in him as he turns his gaze away from the stars. Raava rested in the center of the raft, looking straight ahead.

“So…” he says, breaking the silence of the waves. “How do you know where to go?”

Keep Reading

[spookykoalaphilosopher]

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[bestswimwearforwomen]

Designer Swimwear Inspired By Nature

Designer swimwear inspired by nature is a trend gaining popularity in the fashion industry.

From the use of natural materials to patterns and prints inspired by the beauty of the natural world, designers create unique and eco-friendly swimwear that looks great and promotes environmental awareness.

We will explore the role of nature in designer swimwear, the benefits of using natural materials, popular natural materials used in swimwear, and how nature-inspired designs can make a positive impact on the planet.

What is Designer Swimwear?

Designer Swimwear embodies the epitome of luxury and style in beach fashion, with meticulously crafted pieces that redefine elegance and sophistication for beachgoers.

These exclusive pieces are meticulously created by skilled artisans who painstakingly bring forth unique designs to elevate beachwear to new heights. Each designer swimwear collection reflects a seamless blend of high-quality fabrics, precision tailoring, and innovative styles, ensuring that wearers stand out effortlessly on the shores.

The allure of designer swimwear lies in its ability to exude a sense of exclusivity and refined taste, making it the go-to choice for fashion-conscious individuals seeking to make a statement by the sea.

How is Nature Inspiring Designer Swimwear?

Nature serves as a profound muse for designer swimwear, influencing the creation of exquisite beachwear pieces that capture the essence of natural beauty and tranquility.

Tropical prints infused with vibrant hues reminiscent of lush forests and exotic flowers bring a sense of paradise to swimsuits and cover-ups. Oceanic motifs such as seashells, coral reefs, and waves are artfully incorporated, evoking the serenity of the sea. The rhythmic patterns of palm leaves and the soft pastel colors of a sunset find their way onto swimwear, transporting wearers to blissful coastal escapes. By weaving elements from the natural world into their designs, fashion designers create a harmonious relationship between style and the environment, offering beachgoers a chance to embody the allure of nature.

Use of Natural Materials

Incorporating organic materials and sustainable practices, designer swimwear embraces eco-friendly initiatives to create ethical beachwear that harmonizes with the environment.

By incorporating natural elements like recycled nylon, organic cotton, and plant-based dyes, ethical swimwear brands are able to reduce their environmental impact while promoting sustainable fashion choices.

The use of responsibly sourced materials not only ensures the longevity of the swimsuits but also minimizes the negative effects on ecosystems and marine life.

This shift towards eco-conscious swimwear reflects a growing awareness within the fashion industry to prioritize ethical practices and support sustainable production methods.

Patterns and Prints Inspired by Nature

Designs in designer swimwear often feature intricate patterns and prints inspired by tropical flora, fauna, and marine life, adding a touch of natural beauty to beach attire.

These nature-inspired patterns bring a sense of vibrancy and exoticism to swimwear collections, with tropical prints evoking the lush greenery of rainforests and botanical motifs showcasing the delicate beauty of flowers and plants.

Marine elements such as seashells, corals, and underwater creatures like tropical fish or sea turtles are often depicted in swimsuit designs, creating a whimsical and refreshing aesthetic that mirrors the enchanting diversity of the ocean."

Color Palette Inspired by Nature

The color palette of designer swimwear draws inspiration from nature's beauty, featuring earth tones, sun-kissed hues, and refreshing shades reminiscent of coastal landscapes.

These natural color palettes are carefully curated to capture the essence of tranquil shorelines and the vibrant hues of the ocean. From sandy beige tones that mirror the beach at sunset to deep blues that reflect the depths of the sea, each color choice in swimwear design is intended to evoke a sense of serenity and elegance.

By incorporating water-inspired styles and shoreline elegance, designers create pieces that embody the beauty and allure of coastal environments, allowing wearers to channel a relaxed and sophisticated beachside aesthetic.

What are the Benefits of Using Natural Materials in Designer Swimwear?

Utilizing natural materials in designer swimwear offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from sustainability and eco-consciousness to ensuring comfort and style for beach enthusiasts.

By opting for sustainable textiles like organic cotton, recycled nylon, or hemp in swimwear designs, not only do you contribute to reducing environmental impact but also support eco-friendly initiatives in the fashion industry. These eco-conscious choices not only align with the growing trend of sustainable fashion but also provide a unique and stylish edge to your beachwear. The use of natural materials such as bamboo or linen helps enhance the breathability and comfort of swimwear, making it a preferred choice for those seeking both functionality and aesthetic appeal in their beach attire.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Designer swimwear crafted from sustainable and eco-friendly materials promotes environmental conservation and eco-conscious fashion choices, aligning with the ethos of sustainable swimwear.

These eco-chic swimwear pieces are not only stylish but also play a vital role in reducing the fashion industry's environmental footprint. By using sustainable textiles such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and regenerated nylon, these swimwear options help decrease the carbon emissions and water usage associated with traditional swimwear production. The awareness raised through the promotion of these eco-friendly alternatives encourages consumers to make more sustainable fashion choices, leading to a positive impact on the environment.

Hypoallergenic and Skin-Friendly

Designer swimwear made from organic materials is not only hypoallergenic and skin-friendly but also exudes natural beauty that complements the allure of a seaside collection.

These ethically sourced materials not only benefit the environment but also offer significant advantages for those wearing them. The use of organic fabrics can help prevent skin irritations and allergies, making them ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. The softness and breathability of these materials provide a comfortable and luxurious feel against the skin, enhancing the overall swimwear experience. The aesthetic appeal of organic materials adds a unique charm to designer swimsuits, capturing the essence of natural beauty in seaside fashion.

Unique and One-of-a-Kind Designs

Designer swimwear crafted from organic materials boasts unique and artisanal designs, offering beach enthusiasts exclusive attire that exudes seaside glamour and individuality.

These exquisite pieces are not just garments; they are wearable works of art that showcase the meticulous attention to detail and passion that goes into creating them. Each handcrafted swimsuit tells a story of creativity and vision, reflecting the essence of luxurious beach attire and the elegance of artisanal creations.

The intricate patterns, stunning colors, and fine embellishments embody the spirit of exclusive beach fashion, making each piece a statement of sophistication and style. Wearing designer swimwear is not only about looking fabulous but also about embodying the essence of seaside allure and glamour.

What are the Popular Natural Materials Used in Designer Swimwear?

Designer swimwear incorporates a variety of popular natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled fabrics, offering eco-conscious options for beachgoers.

Organic cotton is a sustainable textile choice that is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it gentle on the environment and safer for the farmers who cultivate it.

Bamboo, known for its softness and breathability, is a fast-growing plant that requires little water and no pesticides to thrive, making it an excellent renewable resource for swimwear.

Recycled fabrics, often made from post-consumer plastic bottles or fishing nets, help reduce waste in landfills and oceans while offering durable and stylish options for conscientious consumers.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a favored material in designer swimwear creations, known for its softness and versatility, lending a touch of seaside sophistication with ocean waves patterns.

The soft texture of organic cotton makes it incredibly comfortable to wear, while its versatility allows designers to create a wide range of styles from bikinis to cover-ups. This fabric effortlessly embodies a sense of seaside elegance, perfect for those who appreciate ocean-inspired designs in their swimwear. The natural properties of organic cotton also make it a sustainable choice, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly fashion options in the swimwear industry.

Bamboo

Bamboo, a sustainable material, adds a unique touch to designer swimwear with its seagrass textures, embodying surfside elegance and the splendor of seaside fashion.

This eco-friendly fabric not only provides a luxurious feel but also contributes to the preservation of our oceans and coastlines. The natural textures of bamboo give off a laid-back, beachy vibe, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet casual beach look.

Designers are increasingly turning to bamboo due to its versatility in creating both classic and cutting-edge designs that resonate with the allure of coastal living. By incorporating bamboo into their collections, they are embracing a more sustainable approach to fashion that resonates with the environmentally conscious clientele who appreciate the beauty of nature in every stitch.

Recycled Materials

Designer swimwear crafted from recycled materials often features creative designs inspired by coral reef motifs and watercolor prints, exuding a sense of coastal charm and environmental responsibility.

These sustainable pieces not only showcase the beauty of marine life but also serve as a testament to the fashion industry's shift towards eco-conscious practices. By incorporating elements like seashell embellishments and wave-inspired patterns, these swimwear collections embody a deep connection to the ocean and its enchanting allure. The use of recycled fabrics not only reduces waste but also highlights the importance of protecting our oceans and marine ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

How Can Nature-Inspired Designer Swimwear Promote Environmental Awareness?

Nature-inspired designer swimwear plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness by embodying the essence of coastal living and advocating for sustainable style choices.

The intricate designs of these swimwear pieces often draw inspiration from the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean, incorporating elements like seashells, coral patterns, and marine hues.

By translating the serenity of the sea into wearable art, these eco-conscious swimwear brands remind individuals of the importance of preserving our marine ecosystems.

Through their commitment to using recycled materials and eco-friendly production processes, these designers exemplify how fashion can coexist harmoniously with environmental sustainability, offering consumers a stylish yet responsible choice for their beachwear aesthetics.

What are the Different Styles of Nature-Inspired Designer Swimwear?

Nature-inspired designer swimwear encompasses a diverse range of styles, from floral prints and animal motifs to earthy tones and patterns that celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

These swimwear pieces seamlessly blend botanical elegance with ocean-inspired details, creating a harmonious fusion of nature's wonders. The floral prints, reminiscent of blooming gardens, infuse a touch of femininity and freshness, while the animal designs evoke a sense of wild beauty.

In contrast, the earthy patterns pay homage to the grounding elements of the natural environment, such as sandy beaches and lush forests. Each design tells a unique story of the interconnectedness between fashion and the world around us, inviting wearers to embody the spirit of nature in every swim.

The intricate details and intricate interplay of colors in these ensembles truly encapsulate the mesmerizing allure of the great outdoors.

Floral Prints

Floral prints are a perennial favorite in nature-inspired designer swimwear, evoking the charm of a seaside collection and the timeless allure of coastal classics.

They bring a touch of tropical style to beach oases around the world, embodying a sense of beachfront elegance with their vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

These floral designs have become synonymous with effortless summer chic, making a statement whether lounging by the pool or strolling along the shoreline.

The versatility of floral prints allows them to seamlessly transition from daytime beachwear to evening seaside soirees, capturing the essence of a coastal lifestyle in every stitch and silhouette.

Animal Prints

Animal prints add a touch of exotic flair to nature-inspired designer swimwear, incorporating marine life elements and infusing a sense of seaside serenity and waterfront chic.

These animal prints, reminiscent of the diverse patterns found in the depths of the ocean or along the sandy shores, bring an alluring allure to beachside fashion.

Zebra stripes, leopard spots, or snake prints effortlessly evoke a playful yet sophisticated feel that resonates with the vibrant energy of the coast.

Whether lounging by the pool or strolling along the beach boardwalk, wearing swimwear adorned with these aquatic designs transports you to a tropical paradise, where the sea meets the land in a harmonious blend of elegance and natural beauty.

Ocean-Inspired Designs

Ocean-inspired designs in designer swimwear capture the essence of seaside glamour with motifs like ocean waves patterns, embodying the elegance of water's edge fashion.

These oceanic influences not only evoke the serenity of the sea but also reflect the beauty of coastal living. From playful seashell prints to sleek nautical stripes, these designs transport wearers to visions of sandy beaches and salty breezes. The allure of ocean-inspired swimwear lies in its ability to infuse a sense of relaxation and sophistication into one's beach ensemble, making the wearer feel effortlessly chic and connected to the natural beauty of the ocean.

Earthy Tones and Patterns

Earthy tones and patterns infuse designer swimwear with coastal vibes, reflecting shoreline style and marine moods that resonate with the natural beauty of coastal environments.

The use of earthy hues like sandy beige, ocean blue, and seaweed green in swimsuit designs evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to the sea. These color palettes mimic the various shades of the coastline, from the golden sands to the deep azure waters, allowing wearers to embody the essence of seaside living. Incorporating seashell prints, wave-inspired motifs, and coral patterns further enhances the marine theme, creating a harmonious blend of nature and fashion that captures the spirit of coastal elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is designer swimwear inspired by nature?

Designer swimwear inspired by nature is a collection of swimsuits and beachwear that draws inspiration from the beauty and elements of nature. This can include patterns, colors, and designs that mimic the natural world, such as floral prints, ocean-inspired hues, and animal motifs.

What are some common types of nature-inspired designs in swimwear?

Some common types of nature-inspired designs in swimwear include tropical prints, botanical patterns, animal prints, and ocean-inspired colors. These designs can often be found in both high-end designer swimwear and more affordable brands.

Why choose designer swimwear inspired by nature?

Designer swimwear inspired by nature offers a unique and stylish option for those looking for swimsuits and beachwear. Not only do these designs stand out, but they also evoke a sense of connection to the natural world, making them both fashionable and meaningful.

How can I incorporate designer swimwear inspired by nature into my beach wardrobe?

You can incorporate designer swimwear inspired by nature into your beach wardrobe by choosing swimsuits, cover-ups, and accessories that feature nature-inspired designs or colors. This can add a touch of whimsy and personality to your beach look.

Are there any sustainable options for designer swimwear inspired by nature?

Yes, there are many sustainable options for designer swimwear inspired by nature. Some brands use eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fabrics, and prioritize ethical production practices. You can also look for swimsuits made from natural fibers like organic cotton or bamboo.

Can I wear designer swimwear inspired by nature in any season?

Yes, designer swimwear inspired by nature can be worn in any season. While it may be more common to see these designs in the summer, they can also be worn in tropical climates or as part of a winter getaway outfit. Just choose designs and colors that suit the season and your personal style.

[markluice721]

Sands of Paradise: Discovering the Best Beaches in Guatemala

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Guatemala boasts a coastline adorned with hidden gems—beaches that weave a tale of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquil retreats. From the volcanic black sands of Monterrico to the vibrant Caribbean shores near Livingston, Guatemala's beaches are a canvas painted with sun, sand, and serenity. This exploration delves into the sands of paradise, uncovering the best beaches in guatemala that define the coastal allure of this Central American gem.

Monterrico: Ebony Shores on the Pacific

Monterrico, with its ebony shores along the Pacific coast, stands as a testament to the unique beauty that characterizes Guatemala's beaches. The volcanic origin of the black sands sets Monterrico apart, creating a visual spectacle that is both dramatic and enchanting. This coastal haven, merely a few hours from Guatemala City, offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a tranquil escape.

The beaches of Monterrico are not only visually striking but also serve as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles. Conservation efforts are woven into the fabric of Monterrico's coastal identity, making it a sanctuary for Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles. Visitors have the opportunity to witness the magical spectacle of turtle hatchings, contributing to the conservation of these majestic creatures. Monterrico's ebony shores, with the Pacific waves gently caressing the coast, create a symphony of tranquility and natural wonder.

Livingston: Caribbean Rhythms

On the Caribbean side, the beaches near Livingston resonate with the vibrant rhythms of Garifuna culture. Livingston, a town influenced by Afro-Caribbean heritage, offers a different coastal experience. The beaches here are adorned with golden sands, complemented by the lively beats of Punta music and the colorful atmosphere that defines Garifuna communities.

Livingston's beaches provide a backdrop for cultural immersion, where travelers can indulge in Garifuna cuisine, characterized by coconut-infused dishes and fresh seafood. The sands come alive with drumbeats and dance, creating a lively coastal scene. The Caribbean shores near Livingston offer not just sun and sand but also a cultural symphony that invites visitors to dance to the rhythms of the sea.

Puerto San José: Pacific Opulence

Puerto San José, a bustling port town on the Pacific coast, introduces a touch of opulence to Guatemala's beaches. The sands here, kissed by the Pacific waves, are complemented by a blend of coastal charm and modern amenities. Puerto San José has evolved into a destination that seamlessly combines the convenience of a seaside town with the luxury of upscale beach experiences.

The beaches of Puerto San José are a playground for those seeking a coastal escape with a touch of sophistication. Premier beach resorts, fine dining options, and recreational activities such as deep-sea fishing characterize this stretch of the Pacific coastline. Puerto San José's beaches invite travelers to indulge in a coastal opulence that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the Pacific.

Playa Blanca: Pristine Pacific Beauty

For those yearning for exclusive seclusion and pristine beauty, Playa Blanca emerges as a coastal sanctuary. Accessible by boat or a scenic drive, Playa Blanca's beaches offer an idyllic retreat where travelers can unwind away from the crowds. The sands here are untouched, framed by lush greenery and the turquoise waters of the Pacific.

Playa Blanca's exclusivity extends to its premier beach resorts, where private beach cabanas, personalized services, and gourmet dining redefine luxury in a natural setting. The beaches become a haven for those seeking an intimate escape, where the symphony of the Pacific waves serves as a backdrop to moments of serenity and seclusion.

El Paredon: Surf and Serenity

El Paredon, a laid-back fishing village on the Pacific coast, introduces a dynamic blend of surf culture and coastal serenity. The beaches here, embraced by consistent waves and uncrowded surf breaks, have earned a reputation as a surfer's paradise. El Paredon's sands become a canvas for those seeking a coastal escape that seamlessly integrates adventure and tranquility.

Surf lessons, personalized accommodations, and an authentic village charm characterize the beaches of El Paredon. The Pacific waves create a rhythmic soundtrack, inviting travelers to engage in surf culture while savoring moments of serenity along the sandy shores. El Paredon's beaches redefine the coastal experience, where surf and relaxation harmonize to create a unique symphony on Guatemala's Pacific coast.

Conclusion: A Coastal Symphony

In conclusion, the beaches of Guatemala form a coastal symphony, each with its unique melody that resonates with sun-soaked beauty, cultural richness, and tranquil retreats. From the volcanic black sands of Monterrico to the vibrant Caribbean rhythms near Livingston, the opulence of Puerto San José, the pristine beauty of Playa Blanca, and the surf and serenity of El Paredon, Guatemala's beaches invite travelers on a journey through diverse coastal landscapes.

The sands of paradise in Guatemala tell a story of conservation, culture, opulence, and authenticity, where the symphony of the sea becomes a backdrop to unforgettable coastal experiences. Whether seeking secluded beauty, vibrant cultural immersion, or the thrill of the waves, Guatemala's beaches offer a coastal tapestry that captivates the senses and beckons travelers to discover the enchanting allure of the sands of paradise.

[keysaquaticsblog]

"Crafting Wonder: The Art of Key West Aquarium Design"

In the heart of Key West, where the turquoise waters meet the sky, an aquatic wonderland comes to life within the Key West Aquarium. Behind its awe-inspiring displays lies the meticulous artistry of Key West Aquarium Design. This creative process intertwines imagination and expertise to create a captivating haven for marine life and visitors alike.

Key West Aquarium Design is a canvas where creativity meets natural beauty. Every corner of the aquarium is carefully crafted to provide an immersive experience. From the gentle sway of seaweed to the intricate patterns of coral formations, each element transports visitors to the depths of the ocean.

The heart of Key West Aquarium Design lies in capturing the essence of underwater realms. Architects, marine biologists, and artists collaborate to replicate the intricate ecosystems of the sea. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that visitors are not just spectators but explorers of the ocean's mysteries.

Key West Aquarium Design is a symphony composed of spaces that harmonize with marine life. From tranquil lagoons where sea turtles glide to vibrant coral gardens alive with a kaleidoscope of fish, every exhibit is carefully orchestrated to reflect the beauty and diversity of the underwater world.

Designing an aquarium requires a delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality. Key West Aquarium Design seamlessly melds these elements. Behind the stunning displays lie advanced filtration systems, lighting setups, and temperature controls that mimic natural habitats, creating a nurturing environment for the marine inhabitants.

Beyond the surface ripples, the true magic of the Key West Aquarium unfolds. Every exhibit is a testament to the passion of designers who painstakingly translate marine ecosystems into immersive experiences. Key West Aquarium Design is a journey of imagination, transforming glass walls into portals to the underwater world.

The Key West Aquarium is more than an attraction; it's an invitation to discover and connect with marine life. Key West Aquarium Design plays a vital role in this invitation. As visitors marvel at the intricacies of each exhibit, they form a deeper appreciation for the ocean's wonders and their significance in our lives.

Key West Aquarium Design evolves as a tribute to conservation. Exhibits shine a spotlight on endangered species, sparking conversations about our role in safeguarding the ocean. Through design, the aquarium becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring visitors to become stewards of the marine environment.

Within the Key West Aquarium, an orchestra of design elements comes together to create a symphony of aquatic marvels. The interplay of light, color, and texture crafts an environment that mirrors the oceans' beauty. Through Key West Aquarium Design, the delicate balance of the underwater world is brought to life.

[mellybearlovesmarshmellows]

Just added to my tracks on Spotify "5000 Candles in the Wind (From "Parks and Recreation")" by Sea Turtle Harmonic https://ift.tt/2kstSZg

[wrockthereread]

Chapter 10: Hallowe'en

The next morning, Harry and Ron are discussing what the dog could be guarding when the mail arrives. Harry receives a Nimbus 2000, along with a note from Professor McGonagall summoning him to Quidditch practise. [“Nimbus 2000″ by Sea Turtle Harmonic] Malfoy tells Harry that first-year students are not allowed broomsticks. Malfoy then tries to report Harry to Professor Flitwick who just expresses admiration for Harry’s talent having heard from McGonagall. Harry later meets Oliver Wood to learn the basics of Quidditch, including the various positions on a standard Quidditch team and the implements used in the game. [“Captain of Gryffindor” by The First Task Is Dragons] Oliver explains Harry's role as a Seeker: his job is to avoid other players and catch the Golden Snitch. [“Brighter Today” by Marked As His Equal] A Quidditch game cannot end until the Snitch is caught, making the Seeker the most important player on a team. On Hallowe'en, Flitwick begins teaching his students how to make things fly, using the Wingardium Leviosa spell. Only Hermione succeeds; Ron, offended by her air of superiority, utters a nasty comment that Hermione overhears. Harry notices her running off in tears. [“Meanwhile” by Seen and Unforeseen]

Harry and Ron arrive at the Hallowe'en feast to hear Professor Quirrell, the teacher of Defence Against the Dark Arts, give a terrifying announcement about a twelve-foot troll in the building. [“Troll in the Dungeons” by Stephanie and the Quaffles]; [“Troll Hunter II” by Slytherin Soundtrack]  As the prefects lead the students back to their dorms, Harry realises that Hermione does not know about the troll. [“Troll In The Dungeons!” by Ollivander] They head off to warn her and come upon the troll. Unwittingly, they lock it in the girls' bathroom only to realise that Hermione is trapped in there with the troll. Using teamwork, magic, and a lot of luck, the two of them manage to knock out the troll. [“The Day I Learned the Swish and Flick” by Anvil and the Hints] Professor McGonagall finds them and begins to scold the boys. [“Trollin' for Lovin'” by Justin Finch-Fletchley and the Sugar Quills] Hermione interjects that Harry and Ron were looking for her. She then lies, saying that she went to face the troll herself and that Ron and Harry had been trying to save her from it. At this point, Hermione befriends them.

[barbaricmadness]

Early August rotation.

[littleroma]

Guess what I was watching

[scarletarosa]

Nyx

Greek goddess of the night

Nyx (Roman: Nox) is the primordial goddess of the night and is one of the most ancient goddesses to dwell within this Universe, as she had originated within the Void beyond the Universe. Nyx formed from the depths of this ancient darkness without any parents and mated with several deities in order to bring about gods who were necessary for creation to evolve. From Chaos (the formless Void), Nyx gave birth to Nemesis, Hypnos, Momus, and many others. With her first husband, Ouranus (god of the heavens), she gave birth to many deities, including Philotes, the goddess of unity and love. Afterwards, Nyx mated with several other deities such as Olethros and Erebos. With Olethros (god of doom), Nyx gave birth to Pluto (god of death and the Underworld). In ancient Greek sources, Hesiod claims Pluto (Hades) to be the son of Kronos and Rhea, yet it is the Orphics who determine him to be the son of Nyx (which Nyx confirms). 

Nyx also temporarily mated with Erebos, the primordial god of darkness, with whom she gave birth to Aether (god of the upper light and aethereal air), Hemera (goddess of day), and Eris (goddess of strife and discord). In the evening, their mother Nyx would draw her dark veil across the sky, obscuring the ether and bringing night. In the morning, Hemera dispersed night's mist to reveal the shining blue ether of day. In the ancient cosmogonies, night and day were regarded as elements separate from the sun. Eris would go upon mankind and ruthlessly spread chaos, gossip, arguments, and battles with glee- her opposite and sister, Philotes, would be the one to amend this maliciousness with her harmonious powers. Philotes is the Universal power of harmony and the ability to subdue chaos through love and understanding. She is the most beloved of Nyx’s children and is the strongest among them. She arose as dawn and hope and began working to harmonize all of existence in order to bring peace and wisdom; fighting against all hardships.

"And Nyx bare hateful Moros (Doom of Death) and black Ker (Fate of Death) and Thanatos/Pluto (Death), and she bare Hypnos (Sleep) and the Oneiroi (Dreams). And again the goddess Nyx, though she lay with none, bare Momos (Criticism), painful Oizys (Misery), and the Hesperides (Evenings)...Also, she bore the Moirai (the Fates) and the ruthless avenging Keres (Deaths)...Also powerful Nyx bare Nemesis to bring retribution upon corruption, and after her, Apate (Deceit), Philotes (Unity), Geras (Old Age), and cold-hearted Eris (Strife) were born.”  

In Greece, Nyx was often depicted as the very substance of the night- a veil of dark mists drawn across the sky to obscure the light of Aether, the shining blue of the heavens. Her opposite is Hemera (Day) who scattered the mists of night at dawn. In her humanoid form, the goddess is depicted was a beautiful woman wearing a black dress and with black wings. Sometimes she was shown crowned with an aureole of dark mists. Homer (Il. xiv. 259, &c.) calls her the subduer of gods and men, and relates that Zeus himself stood in awe of her. In the ancient cosmogonies, Night is one of the very first created beings, for she is described as the daughter of Chaos (the Void).  

At the beginning there was only Chaos (the Void), Nyx (Night), Erebos (Darkness), and deep Tartarus (the Abyss). From the collected effort of elder creator deities, the Cosmic Egg was able to be formed in the depths of the Void, and eventually the Egg burst open- exploding into light to form the cosmos of the Universe, as well as the glorious deities Phanes (Lucifer) and Eros. These two beautiful deities were separated upon birth, with Eros staying within the Void and radiant Phanes remaining in solitude within this newly formed Universe. Eventually, Eros made a less-powerful copy of himself to be born to Aphrodite, so that he could interact within the Universe as well. Phanes held the distinguished sceptre [the rulership of the universe] and guided the other deities who came into being for many ages.  

The Orphic Hymn to Nyx [16]:

“Night, parent Goddess, source of sweet repose,   From whom at first both Gods and men arose,   Hear, blessed Venus, deck'd with starry light,   In sleep's deep silence dwelling Ebon night!   Dreams and soft case attend thy dusky train,   Pleas'd with the length'ned gloom and feastful strain.   Dissolving anxious care, the friend of Mirth,   With darkling coursers riding round the earth.   Goddess of phantoms and of shadowy play,   Whose drowsy pow'r divides the nat'ral day:   By Fate's decree you constant send the light   To deepest hell, remote from mortal sight;   For dire Necessity which nought withstands,   Invests the world with adamantine bands.   Be present, Goddess, to thy suppliant's pray'r,   Desir'd by all, whom all alike revere,   Blessed, benevolent, with friendly aid   Dispell the fears of Twilight's dreadful shade.”

Appearance: Nyx appears as a beautiful and regal woman with long wavy black hair, silver eyes, pale skin, black-feathered wings, and wears long flowing black dresses with tiny stars and silver jewelry. In her ancient form, Nyx is enormous, dwarfing in size even planets; her long black hair is like a shroud. Her piercing gaze can strike terror into most other deities who come upon her.

Personal experiences: She is extremely loving and wise, loves calculating things, is compassionate, understanding, graceful, regal, mysterious, charming, and very intelligent. She is one of the most wonderful goddesses I know of and is both incredibly gentle and wise. Whenever Nyx is happy, new stars are born in the Universe. She deeply values things such as inspiration, peaceful exploration and scientific pursuits, astronomy, pharmacology, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Nyx is more withdrawn from humans than many other deities, but for those who come to her, she grants them serenity, guidance, and nourishment. She describes herself as “the one who guides and nurtures from the dark so the day can be born”. Nyx also explains that she is the goddess who the Egyptians called Nuit and who the Nords called Nótt, since it is she who embodies the night and has been known by many names throughout existence.

Offerings: chilled sweet red wine, chilled sarsaparilla, chilled absinthe, chilled blue raspberry soda, chilled pomegranate juice, chilled cranberry juice, oysters, prawns, caviar, swordfish, baguette, crème of strawberry, gateau, cooked hare, plums, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, olives, moonflowers, black dahlias, Queen of the Night flowers, anemone flowers, purple tulips, belladonna, Chanel no. 5 perfume, Jezebel perfume (Black Phoenix Alchemy), Midnight Dahlia perfume, ostrich eggs (not to eat), raven/crow feathers, raven/crow skulls, black silk, silver jewelry, star maps, bat figurines, crow/raven figurines, python figurines, sea turtle figurines, lapis lazuli, labradorite, star sapphires, cats eye, tanzanite, black onyx, antique combs, handheld silver mirrors, antique jewelry boxes, antique padlocks, fountain pens, poetry, black or dark blue candles

[bumirang]

Turtle, Duck, Dragon, Horse: Ch. 8 excerpt

It’s a chilly afternoon when Bumi sits in on Hana’s worst training session since she arrived at Air Temple Island.

Under Jinora’s supervision, she and six other novitiates were walking the circle in a coordinated effort to create a sphere of solid wind nearly twice her height. Intimidating, but she’d managed it before. She actually wasn’t doing too terribly, until she caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye. Maybe it was excitement or performance anxiety or just the distraction, but that’s when it all went wrong. She immediately fell out of step with the others, but the more she tried to correct for it, the more unstable their formation became, until the sphere was a roiling squall-ball they were struggling just to contain.

Master Jinora stepped forward and summoned a gust with thought alone. “That’s, uh, impressive, but if you’ll slow down and back away, I can safely disper—”

Then it exploded, with a roar like a thunderclap in reverse. Thankfully, they were shielded from the worst of it by a barrier whipped up by their teacher, but it was a close thing.

Hana’s ears are still ringing when she makes in Bumi’s direction, ignoring the accusatory glances from her fellow novitiates. It’s obvious to all of them who messed things up, but they can’t prove anything, so whatever. Bumi, in contrast, just waves happily, absentmindedly petting Bum-Ju on his shoulder.

She stops five feet away from him and plants her hands on her hips. “What’re you doing here?”

“Hi to you, too,” he replies, slightly offended.

“Sorry, that sounded… I mean, did you need me for something?”

“Nope.”

“So, what, you popped by to watch me be a screw-up?”

“Well, I like to get a feel for where the newbies’re at. Didn’t think you’d be out with ‘em.”

She deflates a bit. “You saw how hopeless I am. I’ll be stuck with the newbies forever at this rate.”

“Nooo, no… Your bending’s just, uh, chaotic.” His smile is wide but not very convincing. Oh no. He’s trying to be nice. Her face burns at the realization. Pity is the last thing she wants from him, of all people.

He continues, “Form was great, though. Right, buddy?” He glances at the dragonfly-bunny, who shrugs. “Yeah, he thinks so, too.”

“…Thanks.” She stares past him, at the ground, wishing she were anywhere else. At the same time, Bumi’s easily her favorite person on Air Temple Island, and it’s usually such a treat being the focus of his attention. If only she could be anything other than a pathetic misfit in his eyes.

He puts a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, kid, don’t get hung up on it. We’ll figure it out.” His voice has gone all serious, worried.

“You don’t have to… be nice to me.”

“…Huh?”

“Because you feel sorry for me. I don’t want…” She feels her eyes flood with hot tears. In a panic, she slaps a hand over her face, harder than she intended. “Ow.”

Bumi clears his throat and calls over her head, across the courtyard, “Hey, Jinora, gonna steal Hana for a bit!”

“Oh, we’re all done!” she calls back, sounding less rattled than she probably feels. “No theft required.”

“Great! Seeya at dinner!” His hand slides down to Hana’s arm, sending a wave of goosebumps shivering along her shoulders and neck. She almost jumps when he mutters into her ear, “I know a good place to talk. No lookie-loos.”

Then they’re hurtling through the air, and she forgets about her shame for a sweet thirty seconds. His grip on her arm is firm, but she latches onto him anyway. Just survival instinct, she reminds herself, as she hears him laugh with her ear against his chest. He wraps an arm around her then, and she feels safer than she ever did on the ground.

Bumi sets them down in a little grassy clearing on the eastern edge of the island. It’s not far from one of his favorite places to have class, but without any obvious paths to it, you’d have to survey the island from the air to even know it exists. Or just know its layout like the back of your hand. It’s late afternoon, leaving most of it in the shade from nearby trees. What sunlight there is glows gold on dead grass. Framed by two stunted trees jutting from the cliff’s edge is the skyline of Republic City, painted gold as the grass. Bumi pulls a little ta-dah pose in front of it, which gets a smile out of her.

“That’s more like it,” he says, wearing his own smug grin. “Now what was that about you not wanting me to be nice?”

“I just meant…” She grasps at the air, like the words she needs to complete her thought are buzzing around her. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to go out of your way. For me.” It seems like a moot point now.

“Why not you?”

“I’m not cut out for this. You’re wasting your time.”

He laughs softly to himself and crosses his arms. For a moment, Hana’s terrified that he might be mocking her, but when he looks back up at her, his eyes are kind, and a little sad. “I know how ya feel,” he says with a shrug.

“How could you poss—”

Bumi just raises an eyebrow at her, and she slaps her hand over her face again. It stings worse than the first time, but she figures she deserves that.

“Fu— Nngh! I’m such an—” Hana drops down onto her haunches, holding her throbbing face in both hands. Maybe with enough pressure, she can shove the tears and snot back where they belong. “I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad.”

She hears him sit down across from her. “M’not mad, kid. Like I said, I’ve been where you are. More or less.” She steals a glance at him, seated maybe a foot away and wearing the city itself like his own personal aura. “I see you busting your ass to do what comes so easy to others, and I know what that does to ya. Shame and doubt. Anger. A lot of anger. It can make ya feel worthless…”

She nods and eases into a cross-legged sit, mirroring him.

“S’not true, though. Everyone’s worth something. You’re worth a lot. Trust me, I’ve got an eye for talent.” Bum-Ju, who’s been hovering at a respectful distance, picks that moment to park himself on her head. “See? So does he.”

Hana wipes her runny nose, trying to hide it at first, but Bumi’s expression is so genuinely affable that she feels silly for thinking he might judge her. He’s on her side. A goopy face won’t change that. For lack of better options, she wipes up with a sleeve.

Hands dry, she reaches up, tentatively, to pet the dragonfly-bunny. “Is it okay if I…?”

“That’s up to him.”

The spirit doesn’t flee at her touch. In fact, he leans into it. She gasps as she runs her fingers through his fur, which is easily the softest, silkiest texture she’s ever felt, like yarn spun from cloudstuff. To her surprise, he gives a happy little chirrup and plops into her lap, landing on his back.

“He says to tell you he wants belly rubs.”

“Heh. Okay.” Petting Bum-Ju is supremely soothing, like lemonade on a summer’s day. His quiet little chirps merge and blend into a purr, and she smiles again. How could she not?

“It… It’s humiliating. I knew training wasn’t gonna be easy, but this is like being a little kid all over again.” She runs a finger along the edge of one of the spirit’s strange insectoid wings. Like the fur, it doesn’t feel entirely substantial. “I was supposed to be an earthbender, y’know.”

“Yeah? Says who?”

“…My dad.”

“Hah! Ain’t that always the way?”

“Heh…”

“You don’t give me earthbender vibes at all. You’re too… squishy.”

Her head shoots up to glare at him, and she notices how the sunlight’s shifted since they arrived. Twilight’s creeping up fast. “Did you just call me squishy?”

She’s caught him off-guard, and he blushes at the unflattering implications of such a word choice. “That’s to say… Well, the way rocks aren’t, right? Does that make sense?”

“No…?”

“You’re, I dunno, airy.”

“So I’m squishy like air…?”

Bumi runs a hand through his hair in actual frustration. “Forget I said you were squishy!” He looks relieved when she giggles and clues him into her teasing.

“My point being,” she continues blithely, “I may be the worst airbender here, but I had no earth talent whatsoever. Dad was not pleased. I never even wanted to do it, except to please him.”

“Sorry.”

“I have a little brother, though, and he’s brilliant with earth. Stone, glass, metal. You name it. Guess it worked out for Dad in the end, but I always… Even though it was crazy, I always wanted to fly. Not in an airship, but like the birds do. It never seemed fair.” She winces at how naive that sounds. “After Harmonic Convergence, I thought, y’know, finally. This is who I’m supposed to be.” Sympathy fills the lines around Bumi’s eyes and mouth, and she looks back down at the fuzzy spirit in her lap. She gives him some experimental chin scritches, which seem to go over well. “But it’s been more than three months now, and I’m still… I’m just a screw-up.”

“You’re the best teaching assistant I’ve ever had.”

Hana blinks. “Aren’t I the only one you’ve ever had?”

“Nah, I used to spend summers teaching new recruits arts ‘n’ crafts.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Says somebody who has no idea how boring it can get on a tour of duty! Keeping your hands busy staves off Sea Madness. And fistfights… Well, that is until somebody badmouths another guy’s macramé. I’ve been called as a witness at some crazy court martials, lemme tell ya.”

“I… Wow, okay. I guess you’d know.”

“And before I forget, let’s get one thing clear,” says Bumi, leaning forward and pointing right in her face. “I like being around you. Aren’t we friends?”

What’s the appropriate response to that? “You… friend… with me?” Well, it’s definitely not that. “I guess I didn’t… I thought you were just trying to figure me out. What’s wrong with me, I mean.”

“That, too, but hey! We have fun, right?”

“Yeah?”

“There ya go! Friends!”

She laughs. She can’t help it. Seeing the way Bumi’s face lights up only makes her laugh harder. Bum-Ju launches clear of her lap as she doubles over. Collapsed on the grass, she finally admits, “Okay! We’re friends! I guess!”

“So…” Only when she sees his shoulders relax does Hana realize how tense he’s been this whole time. “You always wanted to fly, huh?”

“Oh, yeah. More than anything. Thought I could grow up to be a bird if I put in the effort, but I was forced to develop an overactive imagination instead.”

“Sounds like a fun story.”

She pushes herself back into a sitting position and picks bits of grass out of her hair. She could do with a trim, now that she’s thinking about it. “Not a whole lot to tell. I was basically a toddler, and I don’t remember much.”

“Yeah?” Bumi’s grinning at her. He grins a lot, to be fair, but he has a different style for every occasion. Goofball, smart-ass, encouraging, nervous, and so on. This is a pure look of amused contentment, just for her. It makes her feel all gooey inside, but in a nice way, no snot involved.

“Hm. Well, okay. Mom did tell me about one time she found me eating worms out of the garden.”

“Hah! What’d it taste like?”

“Slimy dirt, probably? I only know it happened from Mom. Like I said, toddler.”

Bumi scratches his neck and looks off to the side, like he’s debating something with himself, then says, “I jumped off cliffs a lot.”

“Wow. Dark.”

“Into the water! Got pretty good at climbing. Diving, too, but that’s just, y’know, falling with style.”

“Umbrellas.” He looks at her expectantly, eyes glittering like chips of ice. They might be the palest she’s ever seen, and if they aren’t the most beautiful, they’re definitely in the top five. That’s a strange thought. Despite his age, he’s actually quite handsome. In fact, the wrinkles themselves emphasize his features in a way she didn’t realize she appreciated until just now. They tell a story of a life well-lived.

A quirk of his eyebrows reminds her that she’s in the middle of a conversation, during which she’s just said “umbrellas” and stared at him for ten seconds.

“W-well. Um. I saw this character in a storybook who flew around with an umbrella, so I found the biggest one I could and ran down the street, screaming my head off the whole time.” Hana feels herself blush at the admission. “That part seemed important for some reason. I was, like, five.”

“How’d that go?”

“As I recall, I broke the umbrella, and several people called the cops. They thought I was escaping from a murderer or something. Can’t imagine why.”

Bumi just laughs. Hana revels in it until he quiets enough to keep telling him embarrassing things about herself.

“Then there was the time I spent a month collecting loose feathers around my neighborhood and stuffed them all in my shirt,” she says, with a bit of added pantomime. “Was gonna jump out the apartment window, but I chickened out.”

“So… it worked?”

“Shut up. You are horrible, and I hate you now.”

“Minus 57 points for disrespecting your elder.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault they dress me like a giant baby.” She tugs at a corner of the scarlet shawl sewn around the shoulders of her standard-issue Air Nomad pajamas. They both snicker.

Then Bumi sits up straight like he’s been struck by lightning. “I got it!”

“Hm?”

“A wingsuit. Try one on!”

“That’s not really allowed unless you’ve qualified, though.”

“Eh, if you get in trouble, I’ll smooth it over,” he says with a little hand wave. “It could be just the confidence boost you need to get over whatever mental block is tripping you up.” He gestures at his own outfit. “Think about it. The right uniform can totally change how you see yourself. And I should know.”

“That’s a good point, but…” Hana shrugs and makes various non-committal noises. What she doesn’t mention is her discomfort at the snugness of the wingsuit’s fit. As ridiculous as the pajamas look on her, they’re at least loose and comfortable. Squeezing into a skintight flight suit to practice—probably clumsily as ever—is just another humiliation waiting to happen. It does give her an idea, though.

“Remember when I told you how I’ve had a bit of Kyoshi Warrior training?” she asks with a little smirk.

“I remember you not flipping me, even after I asked nicely.”

“Well, I might still have my fan lying around somewhere…”

[kuwentista]

B A K U N A W A  by Beth Harmon, EBANGHELYO

The Bakunawa is a serpent-like dragon in Philippine mythology. It is believed to be the cause of eclipses, earthquakes, rains, and wind.[1] The movements of the Bakunawa served as a geomantic calendar system for ancient Filipinos and were part of the shamanistic rituals of the babaylan. It is usually depicted with a characteristic looped tail and a single horn on the nose. It was generally believed to be a sea serpent, but are also variously believed to inhabit either the sky or the underworld.

Bakunawa is believed to be originally a compound word meaning "bent snake", from Proto-Western-Malayo-Polynesian *ba(ŋ)kuq ("bent", "curved") and *sawa ("large snake", "python").Spelling variants include Vakonawa, Baconaua, or Bakonaua.

Tales about the Bakunawa say that it is the cause of eclipses. During ancient times, Pre-colonial Cebuanos believe that there are seven moons created by their supreme god to light up the sky. The Bakunawa, amazed by their beauty, would rise from the ocean and swallow the moons whole, angering Bathala and causing them to be mortal enemies.

To keep the moons from completely being swallowed by the Bakunawa, ancient Filipinos would go out of their homes with pans and pots, and would make noise in order to scare the Bakunawa into spitting out the moon back into the sky. Some of the people in the villages would play soothing sounds with their musical instruments, in hopes that the dragon would fall into a deep sleep. Thus, the brave men of the village hoped that while the dragon was hypnotized by the musical sounds they could somehow slay the dragon. Although the dragon was known as a "moon eater" it was also known as a "man eater".

Other tales tell that the Bakunawa has a sister in the form of a sea turtle. The sea turtle would visit a certain island in the Philippines in order to lay its eggs. However, locals soon discovered that every time the sea turtle went to shore, the water seemed to follow her, thus reducing the island's size. Worried that their island would eventually disappear, the locals killed the sea turtle. When the Bakunawa found out about this, it arose from the sea and ate the moon. The people were afraid so they prayed to the supreme god to punish the creature. The god refused but instead told them to bang some pots and pans in order to disturb the serpent. The moon is then regurgitated while the Bakunawa disappeared, never to be seen again.

Others tell how the Bakunawa fell in love with a human girl in one of the native tribes. The head of the tribe found out about their affair and had their house burned to ashes. The Bakunawa, finding out about this, became immersed in anger and tried to take revenge by eating all the 7 moons. When the Bakunawa was about to eat the last one, the supreme god took action and punished the Bakunawa by banishing it from its home away from the sea. It also tells that the reason of the eclipses is how the Bakunawa is trying to come back to its home and deceased family.

Some Filipino elders believe that Bakunawa is a moving island with communities mounted on its back, and that there are two classifications: the flying Bakunawa and the land Bakunawa.

[kazuko1607]

TSP TRIVIA

2. Odessa Narumi/Cure Lagoon

• Merfolk who aren’t granted the ability to understand all marine life must learn manually instead. Odessa can only understand sea turtles and dolphins as of now.

• Before all the chaos in Azora, she often aquadanced and sang with her eldest sister, Mariella during special occasions.

• She flaps her tail fin when excited. When in her human form, this translates to her flapping her hands or kicking her feet.

• Her favourite food is raw seaweed, but she also enjoys anything sweet and anything Kyoko makes.

• Compared to the other merfolk her age, she isn't the most skilled in sea magic, as she struggles to perform basic spells. The Lapis Locket acts as a slight boost to her power, but it's still very unrefined. This is the reason why Odessa is able to maintain the Terra Spell (even if she gets wet) - as long as she has the locket on, she's safe from turning back into a mermaid.

• She believes narwhals are a mythical creature, similar to how humans see unicorns.

• Odessa loves having her hair brushed or toyed with; It reminds her of how her mother used to pamper her as a child.

• She has innate musical talent, and can learn a song after hearing it once. This musical progress also translates into song composition, as she can create and remember a distinct melody without writing it down.

• Odessa has been singing for her entire life, and she can harmonize with herself. Although this is seen as incredibly rare for humans (Polyphonic Overtone), it’s rather common where she is from.

• Although she doesn’t have a lot of stamina, she is very flexible. She occasionally gets bursts of energy when she’s excited, as shown in Chapter 8.

• As a young princess, Odessa often snuck out of the palace to escape from her lessons and responsibilities. In those cases, she’d often explore the underwater flora nearby.

• She’s terrified of storms.

• All of Odessa’s main senses (sight, hearing, taste, etc) are slightly heightened due to her mermaid genetics. Her ears may wiggle on occasion if listening for a distinct sound.

• Odessa gets very seasick on boats.

[aion-rsa]

Rick and Morty: A Guide to Every Voice Actor

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The world of Rick and Morty has grown to absurd proportions. The show spans multiple planets, galaxies, timelines, and multiverses, meaning there’s always an opportunity to meet strange new people and creatures. 

As such, Rick and Morty’s voice cast has grown along with the adventures of its titular pair. While co-creator Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, and Sarah Chalke have reliably voiced the central Smith-Sanchez family this entire time, the show also relies on a large crop of other voice actors. Some actors recur while others pop up only a time or two as very special guests. But all contribute to the rich aural tapestry of Adult Swim’s very ambitious animated series. 

Gathered here is a list of (to the best of our knowledge) every voice actor who has popped up on Rick and Morty, who they played, and where you may have heard (or seen) them before. 

Justin Roiland

Rick, Morty, Mr. Meseeks, Mr. Poopybutthole, Mr. Always Wants to Be Hunted

Justin Roiland is not just the co-creator of Rick and Morty but also the vocal engine for how much of the show sounds. Roiland portrays Rick, Morty, Mr. Meseeks, Mr. Poopybutthole, and countless other distinctively voiced characters in the show’s weird world. From the pilot on, Roiland’s tic-filled voice patterns have driven a lot of the humor behind the show. 

Roiland has been an animator and a voice actor for quite a long time, getting involved with his eventual Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon and his Channel 101 imprint back in 2004. There he made Internet-only cult animated series like House of Cosbys, and 2 Girls One Cup: the Show. His voice was previously well known as Earl of Lemongrab (“Unacceptable!!!”) in Adventure Time. 

Chris Parnell

Jerry Smith

Former SNL cast member Chris Parnell has had a prolific career in comedy both as a live-action and voice actor. Parnell is best known for playing Garth Holliday in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Dr. Leo Spaceman in 30 Rock, and many more roles in film and television. In the animation world he’s voiced characters on Archer, Robot Chicken, Gravity Falls, and beyond. His voice is often perfect for the “everyman” role and as such he has only been required to embody the sad form of Jerry Smith on Rick and Morty thus far. 

Spencer Grammer

Summer Smith

The daughter of Kelsey Grammar, Spencer Grammar got her start as Casey Carywright on the ABC Family college dramedy Greek. Since then, she has done chiefly live-action work on shows such as CSI, Chicago PD, and Grey’s Anatomy. 

Sarah Chalke

Beth Smith

Canadian actress Sarah Chalke brings two enormous roles from TV comedy’s past to her work on Rick and Morty. At first she was best known as the “second Becky” on ABC sitcom Roseanne. She would then go on to portray Dr. Elliot Reid for nine seasons of the classic Scrubs. Chalke is still chiefly a live-action comedic actress today but has done some more voice work in the past, including on Clone High and American Dad. 

Kari Wahlgren

Jessica, Cynthia, Samantha, Mother Gaia

Kari Wahlgren works extensively as a voice actress for animated movies, TV shows, and video games. As evidenced by her character list above, she is often Rick and Morty’s go-to voice to portray one of Summer’s teenage peers. 

Brandon Johnson

Mr. Goldenfold

Brandon Johnson is a familiar face and voice to Adult Swim audiences. He has previously popped up on NTSF:SD:SUV and American Dad. On Rick and Morty he voices Mr. Goldenfold, who is seemingly the only teacher at Morty and Summer’s school. 

Phil Hendrie

Principal Gene Vagina

Philip Hendrie is best known for hosting The Phil Hendrie Show, a proto-Comedy Bang Bang-esque talk radio show in the 1990s where he portrayed both a fictionalized version of himself and many other wacky characters. He broke into animated voice acting in the late ‘90s, voicing dozens of characters on King of the Hill and popping up in Futurama as well. On Rick and Morty he plays the unfortunately named principal of Morty’s school. 

Ryan Ridley

Frank Palicky, Lighthouse Keeper, Concerto

Ryan Ridley is a writer and producer on Rick and Morty, and like many of the show’s writers is sometimes called upon to lend his voice to a character or two. His best known creation is the Lighthouse Keeper on the Purge planet obsessed with his terrible screenplay. Ridley has also written for Ghosted, Blue Mountain State, and Community. 

Rob Paulsen

Snuffles, Centaur

Rob Paulsen is a legendary voice actor best known for voicing two Ninja Turtles (Raphael and Donatello) and several Animaniacs characters. His filmography is truly impressive and includes the important role of Snuffles the Smith family dog on Rick and Morty.

Jess Harnell

Scary Terry, Ruben

Harnell is another Animaniacs veteran. After voicing Scary Terry and some additional voices in season 1, Harnell has yet to return to Rick and Morty. 

Patricia Lentz

Joyce Smith

Patricia Lentz provides the voice of Jerry’s mom. She’s had a long, impressive career of live-action and voice acting with some highlights including Runaways, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Happy Days. 

Dana Carvey

Leonard Smith

The voice of Jerry’s dad is provided by one of SNL’s better known alums in Dana Carvey. A master impressionist, Carvey was an important figure on SNL during the ‘80s and would go on to star in Wayne’s World, The Master of Disguise, and Trapped in Paradise. Shortly after his SNL career, he hosted The Dana Carvey Show, which did not last long but is notable in TV history for having an incredible cast of writers including Louis C.K. Charlie Kaufman, Jon Glaser, Robert Carlock, and frequent Dan Harmon collaborator Dino Stamatopoulos. 

Echo Kellum

Jacob Philip, Brad, Triple Trunks

“I throw balls far. You want good words? Date a languager.” So sad that we had to leave Brad behind in C-137. Echo Kellum provides the voice of Brad and several other Rick and Morty characters.. Kellum is a UCB grad who has appeared in Key & Peele, Comedy Bang! Bang! and most notably Arrow as Mister Terrific. 

John Oliver

Dr. Xenon Bloom

John Oliver now carries on the legacy of The Daily Show in his superb HBO news series Last Week Tonight. Prior to finding his perfect comedy news niche, Oliver had a lengthy comic acting career starting in his native England and extending into his new home in the U.S. Oliver previously played an important recurring role in Harmon’s Community and pops up just once on Rick and Morty. 

David Cross

Prince Nebulon

David Cross is one of several sketch comedy legends who lent their voice to Rick and Morty as part of their lengthy careers. Cross created and starred in sketch series Mr. Show with Bob and David alongside co-creator Bob Odenkirk (how has he not popped up on Rick and Morty yet?). Since then he’s had a successful stand up career and been a part of some impressive TV ensembles such as Arrested Development. 

Dan Harmon

Birdperson, Kevin, Mr. Marklovitz, Davin, Ice-T, Dr. Glip-Glop, Nimbus

Dan Harmon is the co-creator of Rick and Morty alongside Roiland. The two share a long history going back to the Channel 101 days. While both Roiland and Harmon are skilled storytellers, Harmon has truly delved into the science of story throughout his career. Harmon is best known for creating and showrunning Community, which became an onscreen sensation for fans and an offscreen nuisance for NBC due to Harmon’s at times difficult behavior. On Rick and Morty, Roiland and Harmon deploy Harmon’s deadpan delivery to good use, with him often playing monotone characters like the beloved Birdperson. 

Tom Kenny

King Jellybean, Squanchy, Conroy, Million Ants, Etc.

Tom Kenny is an incredibly successful voice artist who you likely best know as none other than SpongeBob SquarePants. On Rick and Morty, Kenny’s roles are decidedly less wholesome than the sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea. Kenny was a big factor in season 1 playing King Jellybean and Sqaunchy. He’s popped up sparingly in seasons 2, 3, and 4 as well, most notably as Million Ants of the Vindicators. 

Cassie Steele

Tammy Gueterman, Tricia Lange

Somebody’s gotta play Tammy Gueterman, that traitorous monster. And that “honor” goes to Cassie Steele. Steele’s name is recognizable to Canadian (and some American) audiences due to her role as Manny Santos on Degrassi: The Next Generation. Rick and Morty was her first voice acting role. She will continue her voice acting career as the lead in Disney’s upcoming Raya and the Last Dragon.

Claudia Black

Mar-Sha/Ventriloquiver

Claudia Black has turned up on Rick and Morty twice, once in season 1 and once in season 4. It’s a surprise she hasn’t done so more often as she’s built up quite the voice acting career. After becoming well known in sci-fi series like Farscape and Stargate SG-1, Black continued on into a successful gaming career, providing her voice to Uncharted, Gears of War, and Dragon Age. 

Maurice LaMarche

Morty Jr. Brad Anderson, Abradolf Lincler, Crocubot

Maurice LaMarche’s smooth baritone is quite familiar to many animation fans. LaMarche has voice acted in everything from Animaniacs to Futurama. He’s got a killer Orson Welles impression and that seems to be the starting point for many of his Rick and Morty characters. 

Alfred Molina

Mr. Needful

Many of us know Alfred Molina from his incredibly successful film career in projects like Boogie Nights, Spider-Man 2, and The Da Vinci Code. But Molina has also had quite the career as a voice actor as well. In the past couple decades, Molina has lent his sturdy voice to Rango, Monsters University, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Frozen II, and more. He was clearly a shrewd choice for the Lucifer-like Mr. Needful. It’s a wonder why he hasn’t turned up on Rick and Morty more. 

Richard Fulcher

King Flippy Nips

Richard Fulcher is best known as the unofficial third member of British comedy troupe The Mighty Boosh, though he himself is American. Fulcher wrote and acted in every incarnation of The Mighty Boosh. He has also had a prolific career in comedy acting outside the troupe. As of late, Fulcher has leaned into his voice acting abilities including this sadly one-off role on Rick and Morty as King Flippy Nips, ruler of Pluto. 

Nolan North

Scroopy Noopers, Multiple Others

Nolan North has done extensive videogame work in franchises such as Uncharted, Assassin’s Creed, and the Arkham series. That’s right: the voice of shrimpy Plutonian Scroopy Noopers on Rick and Morty is both Nathan Drake and Desmond Miles. North also voices many other characters in positions of authority for the show. 

Aislinn Paul

Nancy

Aislinn Paul is another Degrassi: The Next Generation alum who has broken into the voice acting world. On Rick and Morty, Paul plays only Nancy, Summer’s nerdy classmate who everyone is always mean to. Hopefully one day there will be justice for Nancy. 

Alejandra Gollas

Lucy

Alejandra Gollas is a bilingual Mexican actress who has acted in films, TV shows, and stage productions for decades. Her only Rick and Morty role was that of creepy Titanic enthusiast Lucy. 

Scott Chernoff

Revolio Clockberg Jr.

Originally referred to as “Gearhead,” Revolio Clockberg Jr. is one of Rick and Morty’s most recognizable recurring characters. Embodying this important role is veteran voice actor and TV writer Scott Chernoff. Chernoff has lent his voice to dozens of animated properties and has even written for many successful comedies including BoJack Horseman, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and School of Rock. He is one of many Channel 101 veterans involved in Rick and Morty and pitches in with some other background voices on the show here and there. 

Keegan-Michael Key

Schleemypants

Keegan-Michael Key is likely best known as half of the ultra successful sketch comedy duo Key & Peele. (Wonder whatever happened to the other guy!) Key has had an enormously successful career as a comedic actor on television. On Rick and Morty he plays testicle-looking time cop Schleemypants. 

Jordan Peele

Second Fourth-Dimensional Being

Oh, here’s Peele! Schleemypants’ unnamed partner is the only character Peele has played on Rick and Morty. 

Jemaine Clement

Fart

New Zealand comedic actor Jemaine Clement is best known for being half of the Grammy award-winning comedic musical act Flight of the Conchords alongside Bret McKenzie. Clement has also worked extensively with fellow Kiwi Taika Waititi to produce recent classics like What We Do in the Shadows. His deadpan delivery was a perfect choice monotone gaseous being “Fart.”

Andy Daly

Krombopulos Michael

Krombopulos Michael is Rick and Morty’s Boba Fett: he looks cool but ultimately does nothing. Playing K.M. was one of the most sought-of “character voice actors” in the industry. Daly’s cheerful everyman delivery has proven useful on dozens of comedy shows across the entertainment landscape. Perhaps best known for his starring vehicle Review with Forest MacNeil, Daly has also lent his voice to series such as Harley Quinn, Bob’s Burgers, and Big Mouth. He can also be heard as a crucial role on Roiland’s Solar Opposites. 

Christina Hendricks

Unity

Christina Hendricks is best known for her role as Joan Holloway on Mad Men. In addition to that, however, she’s appeared in quite a few genre films and shows like Firefly, Life, and The Neon Demon. Hendricks has done some voice work here and there and her only role on Rick and Morty to date is assimilation expert and one-time Rick Sanchez paramour Unity. 

Patton Oswalt

Beta-Seven

Patton Oswalt is basically the dark matter of the comedy universe. He and his voice turn up just about everywhere. Perhaps his best known voice acting role is that of lead character Remy in Ratatouille. On Rick and Morty he has played only Beta-Seven thus far and is surely due for some more appearances. 

Keith David

The President

Even if you’ve never heard of Keith David, you have surely heard his voice. An unmistakable baritone with gravitas, David has leant that voice to projects such as Gargoyles, Halo, and Spawn. David has worked with Harmon before on the final season of Community. Surely, there is no better voice for Rick and Morty’s unnamed President…or its Reverse Giraffe.

Kurtwood Smith

General Nathan

Not sure if you recognize Kurtwood Smith’s voice? You would if he called you a dumbass. Yes, Smith is best known to TV audiences as Eric Forman’s ornery dad Red on That ‘70s Show. He provides that same ornery spirit to the role of General Nathan on Rick and Morty in “Get Schwifty.” 

Stephen Colbert

Zeep Xanflorp

Stephen Colbert is of course a longtime comedic actor, host of The Colbert Report, and now host of The Late Show on CBS. The Late Show understandably takes up most of his time nowadays but he was nice enough to portray the intelligent alien living inside Rick’s flying saucer’s Miniverse battery. 

Nathan Fielder

Kyle

“The Ricks Must Be Crazy” has quite the star power among its voice cast. In addition to Colbert’s Zeep, the episode also introduces another Microverse populated by Kyle. Kyle is played by Nathan For You’s cringe comedy maestro Nathan Fielder. 

Jim Rash

Glaxo Slimslom

Jim Rash is another frequent Dan Harmon collaborator, best known for his role as Dean Pelton on Community. Rash is an accomplished comedic actor and an Oscar award-winning screenwriter. He’s the perfect choice to play alien couples counselor Glaxo. 

Matt Besser

Fungo

Matt Besser is an improv comedy specialist who is a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade comedy troupe. Over his long career, he’s appeared in just about everything. On Rick and Morty he portrays alien diplomat Fungo, who tries to convince Jerry to donate his penis to Shrimply Pibbles. 

Werner Herzog

Shrimply Pibbles

Werner Herzog might be the strangest inclusion in the Rick and Morty voice canon. Herzog is a towering figure in the cinema world as a director, screenwriter, documentarian, and occasional actor. His German accent and generally serious and pessimistic disposition has made him a natural target for comedies looking to inject a bit of weird humor into the proceedings. 

Chelsea Kane

Arthricia

Chelsea Kane has appeared in several TV series targeted to tween audiences like Disney Channel’s Jonas and Freeform’s Baby Daddy. Her brief role as the Purge planet’s Arthricia was a jumping off point to try more voice actor roles on shows like Hot Streets, Regular Show, and DC Super Hero Girls. 

James Callis and Tricia Helfer

Pat and Donna Gueterman

James Callis and Tricia Helfer portray the parents of double-agent Tammy Gueterman for a very specific reason. Callis and Helfer are best known for their roles on Syfy’s classic series Battlestar Galactica, with Callis playing brilliant scientist (and traitor to humanity) Gaius Baltar and Helfer playing Cylon model Number 6. Pat and Donna Gueterman on Rick and Morty look just like the actors playing them, which should have been our first clue that something is amiss.

Nathan Fillion

Cornvelious Daniel

Who is Nathan Fillion if not nerd culture’s best friend? Fillion came into prominence by playing Captain Mal Reynolds on Joss Whedon’s beloved Firefly. Since then Fillion has had a solid career on shows like Castle and The Rookie. In his spare time, however, he provides his voice to animated series like Rick and Morty and Big Mouth, often playing a thinly-veiled version of himself. Cornvelious Daniel is notable for being the first character onscreen in Rick and Morty to enjoy that sweet, sweet McDonald’s Szechuan sauce. 

Tony Hale

Eli

Tony Hale won two Emmys for playing the Vice President’s bagman Gary Walsh on Veep. Before that he was the youngest Bluth child, Buster, on Arrested Development. As of late, however, he’s getting more into the voice acting scene. You (or your kids) may best know him as the beloved Forky in Toy Story 4. But prior to that, he popped up as a cheery Mad Max-style biker named Eli on Rick and Morty. 

Joel McHale

Hemorrhage

Joel McHale is, of course, another Community alum. He played lead character Jeff Winger on Harmon’s old NBC series. In addition to that, McHale has had a lengthy career in comedy, having hosted The Soup and Netflix’s recent Tiger King special. He was also a tight end of the University of Washington football team but that’s neither here nor there. He voices bucket-wearing post-apocalyptic warlord Hemorrhage on Rick and Morty.

Susan Sarandon

Dr. Wong

Perhaps no character on Rick and Morty has delved deeper into Rick’s psyche than Smith-family psychologist Dr. Wong. Lending her voice to Dr. Wong in the infamous “Pickle Rick” episode is legendary actress Susan Sarandon a.k.a the Louise in Thelma and Louise. 

Peter Serafinowicz

Agency Director

Peter Serafinowicz is a British comedian and actor who used his role voicing Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace as a launching pad to befriend some truly talented creators and get some truly fascinating roles. Serafinowicz has popped up in Shaun of the Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy, Parks and Recreation, and more. He also portrayed the titular Tick in Amazon’s The Tick. His role in Rick and Morty is briefly that of a Russian villain agency director who tries to take down the ever-elusive Pickle Rick. 

Danny Trejo

Jaguar

“Pickle Rick” really has quite the impressive guest voice cast. Danny Trejo joins Peter Serafinowicz and Susan Sarandon in lending his voice to this episode. Trejo plays Rick’s loose canon action hero ally, Jaguar. Outside of Rick and Morty, Danny Trejo may be one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment. A frequent collaborator of Robert Rodriguez, Trejo has leveraged his fascinating upbringing and tough guy appearance into countless roles. 

Gillian Jacobs

Supernova

Another Community alum! Superhero team The Vindicators requires a lot of guest voice talent and clearly Dan Harmon knew one place to turn. Jacobs played Britta on Community (she’s the worst). The Pittsburgh-born actress has also appeared in Girls, Don’t Think Twice, and Ibiza. 

Christian Slater

Vance Maximus

Christian Slater is a big get for Vindicators leader Vance Maximus. While he’s best known to modern audiences as the titular Mr. Robot in Mr. Robot, Slater got his start as an actor with popular roles in movies like Heathers, Interview with the Vampire, and Broken Arrow. Slater has had a fruitful voice acting career as well, having previously played “Slater” in Archer. 

Lance Reddick

Alan Rails

Alan Rails is another one of the hallowed Vindicators crime-fighting team. Playing the ghost train-summoner is Lance Reddick. Reddick has been a mainstay on television for decades, turning up in Oz, Fringe, Lost, and more. Most notably he played Cedric Daniels for the entirety of The Wire’s run. 

Logic

Logic

Logic is one of the few Rick and Morty guest stars who gets to be an animated version of himself.  This Maryland-based rapper has released five successful albums and enlisted Rick and Morty to help promote his sixth mixtape Bobby Tarantino II. 

Clancy Brown

Risotto Groupon, Story Train passenger

Talk about a guy with a commanding voice. Clancy Brown has been a successful actor for a long time, going back to his roles in Highlander, The Shawshank Redemption, and Lost. He’s undoubtedly best known to animation fans, however, as the voice of stingy Krusty Krab owner Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants. On Rick and Morty, he’s played alien restaurant manager Risotto Groupon and a Story Train passenger in season 4’s “Never Ricking Morty.” 

Thomas Middleditch

Tommy Lipnip

Thomas Middleditch is likely best known to television audiences as overmatched tech tycoon Richard Hendrix on HBO’s Silicon Valley. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for Middleditch’s comedy career. The prolific improviser played Tommy Lipnip in Rick and Morty and must have impressed Justin Roiland enough to give him a lead role on his Hulu comedy Solar Opposites. 

John DiMaggio

Multiple Minor Roles (Death Stalker, Leader, Knight, etc.)

John DiMaggio is an incredibly busy voice actor. If you’ve ever enjoyed an animated comedy, there’s a good chance DiMaggio contributed his voice to it. His best known roles include Bender on Futurama, Jake the Dog on Adventure Time, and Scotsman on Samurai Jack. 

Sherri Shepherd

Judge

Sherri Shepherd is an actress, comedian, and TV personality best known for being a co-host on The View for seven years. Since then she’s turned up as an actress or talking head on many shows and lent her voice to portray a judge that deals with Morty in the season 4 premiere. 

Sam Neill

Monogatron Leader

In addition to having one of the best Twitter accounts in the world, Sam Neill is also an actor best known for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III. The New Zealander has continued to work quite a bit in recent years, turning up in Thor: Ragnarok and Peaky Blinders. On Rick and Morty he plays the leader of the  Monogatron alien race in “The Old Man and the Seat.”

Taika Waititi

Glootie

Playing another Monogatron, this one named Glootie, is New Zealand actor/director Taika Waititi. Waititi got his start in the New Zealand comedy scene alongside other Rick and Morty guest star Jermaine Clement. Since then he has only gone on to become one of the most in-demand filmmakers on the planet. Waititi is behind Thor: Ragnarok, JoJo Rabbit, and an upcoming Star Wars film. 

Kathleen Turner

Monogatron Queen

Kathleen Turner is what you would call a “get” for Rick and Morty. Turner has won two Golden Globe awards and been nominated for an Oscar and several Tony awards. She is best known for her roles in ‘80s movies Romancing the Stone, Prizzi’s Honor, and The War of the Roses. Turner has also been working as a voice actress since the ‘80s, voicing Jessica Rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit and going on to act in The Simpsons and King of the Hill as well. 

Jeffrey Wright

Tony

Jeffrey Wright is no stranger to sci-fi, having toiled away as sad robot Bernard on Westworld for three seasons. Wright got three-quarters of a way to an EGOT in one role by playing Belize in Angels in America. Since then he’s acted in several Daniel Craig Bond films, Boardwalk Empire, and The Hunger Games. On Rick and Morty he plays the role of an alien who vexes Rick into an existential crisis by continuing to use his private toilet. 

Elon Musk

Elon Tusk

Elon Musk is a South African/Canadian/American engineer and industrialist who serves as the founder and CEO of SpaceX and CEO of Tesla, along with numerous other ventures. Presumably he did not call anyone behind the scenes of Rick and Morty a pedophile but you never know. 

Justin Theroux

Miles Knightley

Justin Theroux has had quite the career in Hollywood. He first came to prominence acting in the David Lynch films Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire. He then continued to appear in major films while also writing some for good measure like Tropic Thunder, Iron Man 2, and Rock of Ages. On television he played Kevin Garvey in HBO’s The Leftovers. For Rick and Morty, he played the role of “heist artist” Miles Knightly in “One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty.” You son of a bitch, I’m in. 

Pamela Adlon

Angie Flint

Pamela Adlon is the rare case of an actor who was first best-known for voice work breaking into the live-action arena in a big way. Adlon is best known for giving voice to Bobby Hill on King of the Hill, while also voice acting in other animated projects like Recess, and 101 Dalmatians: The Series. A longtime collaborator of Louis C.K. (though not so much anymore), Adlon appeared on FX’s Louie and got a well-received FX show of her own, Better Things. On Rick and Morty, Adlon portrays Angie Flint – a lock-picker who Rick recruits to his heist team.

Matthew Broderick

Talking Cat

Matthew Broderick is a longtime stage, film, and television actor best known for his roles on Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, WarGames, The Producers, and much more. Most recently he turned up on Netflix’s sadly-departed post-apocalyptic comedy Daybreak. On Rick and Morty, Broderick plays a Talking Cat with a secret so heinous it will drive anyone to near insanity. 

Liam Cunningham

Balthromaw

To portray the voice of a wizened dragon, Rick and Morty turned to an actor best known for a series filled with them. The Irish actor Liam Cunningham is known to most people as Ser Davos Seaworth from Game of Thrones. Though not usually a voice actor he must have enjoyed his role on Rick and Morty as he turns up again briefly in Roiland’s Solar Opposites. 

Phil LaMarr

Multiple Minor Roles

The first two things most people (and by most people I mean me) think of when they think of Phil Lamarr are his time on Mad TV and the moment his head explodes on Pulp Fiction. But aside from sketch comedy and head explosions, LaMarr has had a remarkable voice acting career. He portrayed the title character in Samurai Jack while also providing his voice to Justice League, Static Shock, and countless video games. It’s surprisingly hard to figure out what voices Phil LaMarr plays on Rick and Morty but given his talents it’s certain to be quite a few.

Christopher Meloni

Jesus

When Rick and Morty briefly presented the savior of mankind in season 4’s sixth episode, surely there was only one choice to play him. Christopher Meloni has had one of the more fascinating careers in entertainment. After playing the deadly serious role of Elliot Stabler on Law and Order: SVU for years, Meloni has re-embraced his comedic side in projects like Happy!, Harley Quinn, while reprising his role in the Wet Hot American Summer franchise.

Paul Giamatti

Story Lord

Paul Giamatti once joked in a late night talk show interview that his role in any given heist or action movie would be the guy wearing a headset in a van, typing on a computer, and telling the hero to “get out of there, man!” He has since parlayed that character actor sensibility into a remarkable, multi-award-winning career. Giamatti is best known recently for portraying Chuck Rhoades on Billions and producing AMC’s Lodge 49. Prior to that he played lead roles in American Splendor, HBO’s John Adams, and much more. The guy has a good handle on stories and therefore makes perfect sense as Rick and Morty’s Story Lord. 

Alan Tudyk

Chris, Observant Glorzo, Multiple Minor Roles

Alan Tudyk is a nerd culture mainstay. Very few comic-cons come and go without Tudyk involved in at least one project presenting within them. Tudyk has played Hoban “Wash” Washburne on Firefly and its spinoff movie Serenity, Mr. Nobody on Doom Patrol, and many more beloved characters. His live-action appearances are just the tip of the nerd iceberg, however, with Tudyk providing his voice to everything from Solo: A Star Wars Story (K-2SO) to Harley Quinn (Clayface/The Joker). On Rick and Morty, Tudyk plays several unnamed characters. 

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Rob Schrab

God

Rob Schrab is a Channel 101 veteran and longtime Harmon collaborator. Schrab is best known for his work as a director of projects like Monster House, Community, Parks and Recreation, and more. On Rick and Morty he plays none other than God…or at least the Zeus-like god of a remote planet. 

Jim Gaffigan

Hoovy

Jim Gaffigan is a wildly successful standup comedian who co-created and starred in a TV show about his life for TV Land called The Jim Gaffigan Show. While he’s appeared sparingly in films, of late he’s dabbled in voice acting, lending his voice to Hotel Transylvania 3, Playmobil: The Movie, and Luca. His kindly Midwestern accent lends itself nicely to the helpful but doomed Hoovy on Rick and Morty.

Planetina

Alison Brie

Five seasons in and Rick and Morty is still finding old friends from Community to make their debut. Alison Brie played Annie Edison on Dan Harmon’s classic series. Since then she’s become quite the star, serving as a lead on GLOW and voice acting in BoJack Horseman and The Lego Movie 2. She even provided the voice of Natasha Romanoff a.k.a. Black Widow in the video game Marvel Avengers Academy.

Steve Buscemi

Eddie

Steve Buscemi is a prolific and talented character actor known for his classic roles in Fargo, Reservoir Dogs, The Sopranos, and more. That he plays such a relatively minor role on Rick and Morty suggests that he might be a fan of the show and just wanted to stop by and say hey. Buscemi is also notable for being a New York firefighter prior to his acting life.

Christina Ricci

Princess Ponietta

Once known as a talented child actor, Christina Ricci has continued her creative work into adulthood. The actress has starred in films like Speed Racer, Black Snake Moan, and the upcoming fourth Matrix movie. Bless her for dropping by Rick and Morty only to play an CHUD horse-person princess pregnant with Rick’s heir.

Kyle Mooney

Blazen

Kyle Mooney is an SNL cast member and writer who specializes in offbeat characters and sketches. He also wrote and starred in 2017’s Brigsby Bear. His role hasn’t been officially confirmed on Rick and Morty yet but it seems as though he voices the Mortal Kombat-esque faux badass Blazen.

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