#shared by ebr

[black-arcana]

WITHIN TEMPTATION Shares Preview Of New Single 'A Fool's Parade'

On April 5, 2024, WITHIN TEMPTATION will release their brand-new song, "A Fool's Parade", which marks a collaboration with the talented Ukrainian producer Alex Yarmak. According to a press release from WITHIN TEMPTATION's publicist, "A Fool's Parade" "highlights Russia's pretense regarding the war, and condemns its lies, ongoing crimes and brutal intentions."

A preview of "A Fool's Parade" is available below.

The song, released as a harbinger of the much-anticipated "Bleed Out 2024 Tour", is a powerful expression of what the press release calls "WITHIN TEMPTATION's commitment to continue shedding light on the ongoing existential struggle that Ukraine is facing against Russia's cruel invasion."

For the recording of the accompanying music video for "A Fool's Parade", Sharon den Adel — the frontwoman of WITHIN TEMPTATION — traveled to Kyiv, Ukraine. The music video is being directed by renowned Ukrainian video director Indy Hait.

With involvement in initiatives such as the Ukraine Aid OPS foundation, WITHIN TEMPTATION aims to keep drawing attention to Europe's much-needed support for Ukraine's defense.

In a June 2023 interview with James Wilson-Taylor of Rock Sound, Den Adel spoke about the lyrical inspiration for WITHIN TEMPTATION's "Wireless" single: "When the war started in the Ukraine, we were in the studio writing songs, And it's one of the songs that we wrote. And it is about war, of course. It's about a soldier going to war and thinking he's going to liberate people, do good stuff and be a hero and everything, but then he finds out that he's been lied to by media but also government. And then he finds that he can't go back because he's already in his army gear, for instance. You can't go forward, you can't go backward because you have your buddies next to you and you'll all die in the field. And in front of you, you have a mission impossible almost."

The Dutch singer continued: "So that's what we try to do — maybe also shine a light on certain situations within the war. It's just we're storytellers — it's like amplifying a certain kind of emotion that people could feel in this situation."

Asked how she and her bandmates decided to use Russia's invasion of Ukraine as inspiration for one of their songs, Sharon said: "Well, from my point of view, it's not just their war. I really believe what some people are saying — it's really our war as well. Because it's next to us. They already said, they're not gonna stop at Ukraine; they're gonna go further. And a couple of hours flying from my home, it's already Kyiv. So it's also our war. I think we should be aware of the fact that this is a danger for all of us. They won't stop. And hopefully — we wanna keep this a little bit alive in our own small way by writing about it and talking about it and waving a flag on stage about it."

In March 2022, WITHIN TEMPTATION was one of the artists who took part in a telethon concert in support of Ukraine. "Save Ukraine - #StopWar" united more than 20 countries and bring together more than 50 participants. The marathon was broadcast from Warsaw on the Polish TV channel TVP. In addition, broadcasters from many countries around the world, including Estonia (EBR),Lithuania (LTR),the Czech Republic (ČT2),Georgia (GPB / First),Albania (RTSH 2),Montenegro, Slovenia, Latvia (LTV),Croatia (HRT),Slovakia (RTVS),Austria (Puls 4),Cyprus, Canada (OMNI) and others, rebroadcasted the marathon on their local channels.

In an interview with Greece's Rock Overdose, Den Adel stated about her band's participation in the event: "For us, it was an honor to be asked for it. I think as a band and as people, we really value freedom of speech and freedom and democracy. I think as a band, people sometimes say, 'Don't be so political,' people say, 'Don't be so expressive and don't take a side on things.' But as a musician, I think it's important to represent who you are, not just in music but really stand for what you make and what you are saying in your lyrics in a way. And things that are happening in the world inspire us to write music, and then you also have to take a stance and what side you are. I think when it's so obvious where there's an aggressor and where there is a country being violated, invaded, you should take a stance and then it makes it much easier even to be very clear about where you stand in this whole conflict. Of course, it's something that we are keeping ourselves updated with every day because we find it very sad to see that a country that wants to be a democracy is invaded this way. So we are very honored to be asked also to play for this event, this marathon, and happy to do it."

Released last October, WITHIN TEMPTATION's latest album, "Bleed Out", signifies a bold leap forward for the band. From contemporary, hard-hitting, and djenty riffs to soaring melodies displaying their symphonic roots, WITHIN TEMPTATION has created a sonic journey that fuses diverse musical styles and thought-provoking themes. This is an album that is as epic as it is unflinchingly outspoken, and now more than ever, this is a band who isn't afraid to make a stand on issues the members care about.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, WITHIN TEMPTATION have shifted their focus from writing about personal emotions and societal subjects to tackling global injustices and reflecting the tumultuous state of the world in a way that other artists seem unable or unwilling to do.

While songs such as "Wireless" and "We Go To War" examine the authoritarian aggression on display in Ukraine and other warzones, the title track itself addresses the plight of women fighting for their rights in Iran after the murder of Mahsa Amini.

The album also grapples with the complex issues around a woman's right to choose in recent single "Don't Pray For Me" and throughout, this impassioned and political focus is reflected in the intensity and heaviness of the music. Embracing a new era of musical exploration and lyrical depth, WITHIN TEMPTATION have pushed boundaries and showcased their artistic evolution, delivering a fist-in-the-air proclamation of both their moral convictions and their fearless approach to music.

[sibylsleaves]

ebrs: a shared language that only they speak

okay, obviously we all know and love the physical language that buddie speaks. we love that they're not even canon but a single raised eyebrow from Buck has Eddie folding and confessing his deepest secrets. They can communicate through a single shoulder bump, a thumb on the shoulder... however...

I think a lot about the ways they will build their own verbal language that only they (and incidentally, Chris) will understand. It goes beyond inside jokes and finishing each other's sentences (although, those are also included in the Language). It's the intimacy of not only spending every moment with someone but knowing every part of them: when one word spoken between you evokes an entire history of love and memory and knowing.

This was the very first thing that got me writing my divorce fic: Eddie texting Buck and saying, "remember that time you asked me to get horseradish for you at the store and I came back with the whole root?" It's not just a funny memory - it brings back everything. The way Eddie would do anything for Buck, no questions asked. The way Buck is always asking Eddie to go to the store to pick up new ingredients for them, and Eddie is always happy to do it, even when he doesn't know what Buck's asking for. It's the knowledge that Buck is always cooking for them, and trying to perfect something new for them. It's the acknowledgment that Eddie used to be terrible in the kitchen and now he's not and Buck has known all these parts of him. It's that Eddie has allowed Buck to know all these parts of him - the goofy, unrestrained parts where he's allowed to make mistakes. It's the acknowledgment that they built this vocabulary together and there's simply no one else on earth that will ever be able to speak it fluently except the two of them. That they only ever wanted to go together, and now they finally get to.

sorry I made myself emotional there I hope this helps minutely with your stressful week!

thank you friend it absolutely does!!!!!! they just understand each other in a way no one else ever could because they've been through SO much together and with that history comes the basis & foundation of their relationship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pharmascience9]

Future Trends in Batch Manufacturing Record Management

In the fast-evolving world of pharmaceuticals, staying ahead of the curve in batch manufacturing record (BMR) management is crucial. As technology advances and regulatory landscapes shift, the methods and tools used to maintain these essential records are also undergoing significant changes. Here, we explore some of the emerging trends and future predictions for BMR management and how companies can prepare to leverage these advancements.

1. Digital Transformation and Electronic Batch Records (EBR)

The transition from paper-based records to electronic batch records (EBRs) is already well underway. EBRs offer numerous advantages, including improved accuracy, easier access, and enhanced compliance with regulatory standards. Moving forward, we can expect the widespread adoption of EBRs to become the norm. This shift will not only streamline record-keeping processes but also reduce errors and enhance data integrity.

2. Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are poised to revolutionize BMR management. These technologies can automate data entry, detect anomalies, and predict potential issues before they arise. AI-driven analytics can provide insights into process optimization, helping manufacturers improve efficiency and reduce waste. As AI and ML algorithms become more sophisticated, their applications in BMR management will expand, leading to smarter and more proactive decision-making.

3. Blockchain Technology for Enhanced Traceability

Blockchain technology offers a secure and transparent way to record and verify data. In the context of BMRs, blockchain can provide an immutable ledger of manufacturing activities, ensuring data integrity and traceability. This can be particularly valuable for regulatory compliance and during audits. The pharmaceutical industry is beginning to explore blockchain applications, and its use in BMR management is likely to grow as the technology matures.

4. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) involves connecting physical devices to the internet, allowing them to collect and share data. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, IoT-enabled equipment can automatically capture and record data in real-time, reducing the need for manual data entry. This real-time data capture can enhance the accuracy of BMRs and provide a more comprehensive view of the manufacturing process. IoT integration will likely become more prevalent as devices become more affordable and interconnected.

5. Cloud-Based Solutions for Improved Accessibility

Cloud-based BMR management systems offer several advantages, including remote accessibility, scalability, and improved collaboration. These systems enable multiple stakeholders to access and update records in real-time, regardless of their location. As the pharmaceutical industry becomes more globalized, the demand for cloud-based solutions will increase, facilitating seamless collaboration across different geographies and time zones.

6. Advanced Data Analytics for Process Optimization

Advanced data analytics tools can help manufacturers make sense of the vast amounts of data generated during the production process. By analyzing BMR data, companies can identify trends, uncover inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their processes. Predictive analytics can also help foresee potential issues, allowing for proactive measures to prevent disruptions. The use of advanced data analytics will continue to grow, driving continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

7. Regulatory Evolution and Harmonization

As global regulatory requirements evolve, there is a growing emphasis on harmonization and standardization. Regulatory bodies are increasingly recognizing the benefits of electronic records and advanced technologies in ensuring compliance and improving product quality. Companies will need to stay abreast of these changes and adapt their BMR management practices accordingly. This may involve updating systems, retraining staff, and adopting new technologies to meet the latest standards.

8. Enhanced Focus on Data Integrity and Cybersecurity

With the rise of digital BMRs, ensuring data integrity and cybersecurity has become paramount. Manufacturers must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information from cyber threats. This includes encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. As cyber threats continue to evolve, companies will need to stay vigilant and adopt the latest cybersecurity best practices to safeguard their data.

9. User-Centric Design and Usability Improvements

As BMR management systems become more advanced, there is a growing emphasis on user-centric design and usability. Systems that are intuitive and easy to use can significantly reduce the risk of errors and improve overall efficiency. Future BMR solutions will likely focus on enhancing the user experience, making it easier for operators to input and access data accurately and efficiently.

10. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is becoming a key consideration in all aspects of business, including pharmaceutical manufacturing. Digital BMRs reduce the need for paper, contributing to more eco-friendly operations. Additionally, advanced analytics and process optimization can lead to more efficient use of resources, reducing waste and energy consumption. As the industry moves towards more sustainable practices, BMR management will play a crucial role in supporting these efforts.

Preparing for the Future

To stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of BMR management, pharmaceutical companies should:

· Embrace Digital Transformation: Transition to electronic batch records and invest in technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain.

· Invest in Training and Education: Ensure that staff are well-trained in new technologies and regulatory requirements.

· Prioritize Data Integrity and Security: Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data.

· Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with regulatory changes and industry trends to ensure compliance and competitiveness.

· Focus on Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly practices into BMR management to support broader sustainability goals.

By adopting these strategies, companies can not only ensure compliance and improve efficiency but also position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

[ibelieveinthep0werofmyvoice]

The shame I carry

My story is heavy

It makes me angry

I wanna share it radically

This is what I'm doing currently

Combat, Fuite, Immobilisation, Soumission: 4 réactions hors de notre contrôle qui nous permettent d'assurer notre survie

On m'a aplatie,

Je suis restée en totale apathie

Je me suis rétrécie

J'ai été prise à votre merci

I've been dying slowly

You left me feeling completely dirty

My soul is now empty

I'm realizing I don't have any healthy boundary

I deeply hate and I'm scared of authority

I need to let myself be seen completely

Be in touch with my feminine energy

Connect and share with the community

I want to get back my sovereignty

On my body: the totale authority

Finally find a sense of safety

It is truly my priority

EBR - 21 mai 2024

[jhavelikes]

At a moment when scholarship can be shared before publication (through preprints on ArXiv and MediArXiv), archived digitally, and often circulated through corporate services like Academia.edu and ResearchGate, there has been a tendency of these existing dissemination methods toward presenting one essay at a time, often without the context of the site-specific platforms and collective publications and conversations where a given essay may have originally been published. As a contrast to the decontextualized and ahistorical approach to presenting essays, ebr is now in the process of gathering together essays whose authors (or readers) have self-consciouslyI linked their own essays with others in the ebr archive, encouraging what can be described as an ebr intertext. Like most scholarly journals, ebr regularly updates its archive across different versions (we are currently in version 7.0), so that past essays are accessible in current formats. In this way, the designwriting from the mid-1990s are recast in the current format. But here, too, we risk losing the intertext that is as much a part of our publication as the essays themselves. Over the past three decades (and seven versions) the changing formats and page designs

ebr historical intertext › electronic book review

[80sbrandis]

Dive Into the Electric Bike Magazine Universe: Your Roadmap to Staying Ahead

Introduction

Hey there, electric bike aficionados! As the wheels of innovation keep turning in the world of e-bikes, staying in the know is more crucial than ever. That's where electric bike magazines step in. In this ultimate guide, we're strapping on our helmets and exploring the power-packed realm of electric bike publications – your fuel to ride ahead and stay on top of the latest e-bike trends.

Understanding Electric Bike Magazines

These magazines aren't just glossy pages and shiny bikes. They're the holy grail for every passionate rider and industry expert seeking the latest scoop on electric bikes. Inside, you'll feast your eyes on:

Ride Reviews and Face-offs: Get the lowdown on various e-bike models, detailed comparisons, and insights into cutting-edge tech.

Buzzworthy Industry Updates: Stay ahead in the race with breaking news, fresh product launches, and the latest gizmos in e-bike technology.

Maintenance Mastery: From A to Z, learn how to care for your ride, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your bike in top-notch shape.

Epic Rider Chronicles: Thrilling stories from riders worldwide sharing their electric escapades and experiences that'll fuel your own adventures.

Top Electric Bike Magazines

The Trailblazer: Electric Bike Action Magazine: Your go-to for immersive test rides, deep-dive reviews, and the scoop on the newest e-bike models.

The Game Changer: Electric Bike Report: Unpacks comprehensive insights, exclusive news, and industry expert interviews focusing on what's next in e-bike innovation.

The Global Perspective: E-Bike Magazine: Euro-based and packed with everything from city commuting to mountain shredding, offering a kaleidoscope of electric bike perspectives.

The Decision Buddy: EBR (Electric Bike Review): Dive into their video reviews, detailed comparisons, and buyer's guides for a confident e-bike purchase.

Benefits of Diving into Electric Bike Magazines

Stay On the Edge: Keep tabs on the electric bike revolution and ride the wave of innovation.

Smart Riding Decisions: Make savvy choices when you're ready to snag your next electric ride.

Community Cruise: Connect with fellow riders, swap stories, and gather tips from a vibrant e-bike community.

Masterclass on Wheels: Level up your knowledge about maintenance, troubleshooting, and pro-level biking tips.

Conclusion

Hop on, buckle up, and brace yourself for an electric ride through the pages of these game-changing magazines. Whether you're a pro or just dipping your toes into the e-bike realm, these publications are your GPS to navigate the ever-evolving electric bike landscape.

Remember, it's not just about pedaling; it's about the journey. Dive into these magazines, soak up the wealth of knowledge, and hit the roads with a newfound edge!

[stevecarell600]

Medical Drone Market Share, Outlook & Global Opportunity Analysis by 2028

The global medical drone industry is projected to experience significant growth, reaching USD 1,410.9 million by 2028, up from USD 254.7 million in 2021, with an impressive CAGR of 27.70% during the period from 2021 to 2028. According to the "Medical Drone Market, 2021-2028" report by Fortune Business Insights™, the market had a valuation of USD 194.7 million in 2020. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the continuous technological advancements in the medical drone industry and the fierce competition among major players striving to deliver top-quality products.

Information Source:

Top Companies Covered in Medical Drone Industry are:

Zipline Inc. (San Francisco, The U.S.)

Volocopter GmbH (Bruchsal, Germany)

Volansi Inc. (San Francisco, United States)

Matternet Inc. (Mountain View, The U.S.)

Manna Drone Delivery Inc. (Dublin, Ireland)

Flytrex Aviation Ltd. (Tel Aviv, Israel)

Flirtey Holdings Inc. (Reno, The U.S.)

Vayu Inc. (Ypsilanti, The U.S.)

Skyports Ltd. (Billericay, The U.K)

Ebre Drone LLC (Tarragona, Spain)

Swoop Aero Pty. Ltd. (Docklands, Australia)

Skyfarer Ltd. (Coventry, The U.K)

The global medical drones were an emerging technology with significant potential in the healthcare industry. Medical drones, also known as healthcare drones or medical delivery drones, are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to transport medical supplies, equipment, and even organs between healthcare facilities or directly to patients in remote or inaccessible areas. These drones offer numerous benefits, including:

Faster delivery: Medical drones can significantly reduce transportation time for critical medical supplies, such as medicines, blood, vaccines, and diagnostic samples. They can bypass traffic congestion and access hard-to-reach locations, leading to faster responses in emergencies.

Remote access: In rural or isolated areas where road infrastructure is limited or inadequate, medical drones can provide essential medical supplies and support, bridging the healthcare access gap.

Disaster relief: During natural disasters or humanitarian crises, medical drones can deliver medical aid, food, and water to affected areas quickly, providing support to affected populations.

Cost-effective: Over time, medical drone services have the potential to be more cost-effective than traditional delivery methods, especially in regions where infrastructure development is expensive or challenging.

Reduced risk of infection: Medical drones can minimize human contact during delivery, potentially reducing the risk of spreading infectious diseases.

However, it is important to note that the widespread use of medical drones has been hindered by several challenges and considerations:

Regulatory hurdles: Integrating drones into the healthcare system requires navigating complex regulations and ensuring compliance with aviation authorities and healthcare agencies.

Safety concerns: Safety is a significant concern with any drone operation, especially when transporting medical supplies. Ensuring the reliability and redundancy of drone systems is crucial.

Weather limitations: Adverse weather conditions can affect the flight and safety of medical drones, making it necessary to establish weather-resistant and reliable drone models.

Payload capacity: Drones have limited payload capacities, and transporting bulky or heavy medical equipment might be challenging.

Since my knowledge is not up-to-date beyond September 2021, I recommend researching recent developments and news to get the latest information on the current state of medical drones and their applications in the healthcare industry.

[emilybettsource]

Source: Emily

[absentlyabbie]

hey! did you see that Tommy is back for the last season of Arrow? Will you watch? I haven't watched in years but I saw Colin Donnell, Susannah Thompson and all are back!!! Quite exciting, no?

i saw!! tbh it makes me mad, because god damn it all, i will watch whatever episode(s) colin is in, and i actively do not want context about everything that has happened since canon and i divorced

i am here to watch my party boys interact and for no other reason, give me toliver and absolutely nothing else please and thank you

[useless-catalanfacts]

De Salses a Guardamar i de Fraga a l’Alguer: les comarques de parla catalana una a una. 49/88: el Baix Ebre (Terres de l’Ebre, Catalonia).

Baix Ebre (“Lower Ebro”) is a district in the south of Catalonia, around the end of the river Ebro’s course and its mouth in the Mediterranean sea. Its capital city is Tortosa, which was one of the most important cities during the Islamic period and has also a rich Renaissance architecture heritage.

Baix Ebre includes parts of two natural parks. One is the Natural Park of the Ebro’s Delta (Parc Natural del Delta de l’Ebre), one of the three most important wetlands in the Western Mediterranean. The other is els Ports mountains (Parc Natural dels Ports) shared with Terra Alta and Montsià.

Photos by pitarque, turismeacatalunya.cat, tortosaturisme, guiarium.com, araceli_clic.

[babblingblondegenius]

Happy Mancrush Monday!

Wow, what an amazing weekend!  Thanks to Stephen, Emily, and our awesome fandom for some quality content and great stories.  It was truly a much-needed reminder of why I loved Arrow and joined the fandom in the first place.  One of the highlights was SA saying Oliver loved Felicity ‘six, seven seconds after I first saw her.’  He didn’t specify which first encounter he meant so I’m gonna assume both and grin in sheer delight at what both those encounters had in common. ;)

Hard to top but not to be outdone, EBR’s response about their meet cute was a very special song lyric she created on the spot.... From the moment we met,

These are bullet holes and I love you 

While initially it just struck me as cute, funny, and catchy, it also got me thinking about how many times bullet holes have played in part in their relationship. 

I have no doubt that Oliver Queen would have searched every floor of Queen Consolidated and the world if need be to find the adorable blonde girl with the amazing legs who babbled at his picture and made him smile during one of the darkest times of his life.  But a bullet-ridden laptop sped up his search. 

Remember that the script said Felicity was the one who was supposed to be smitten in this moment?  LOL.  That boy was smoaked and there was no going back.  One of my favorite parts of this scene are Felicity’s first words to Oliver ‘I know who you are, Mr. Queen.’  Truly prophetic in nature that she would be the most instrumental person in helping Oliver see the hero within him. She has always been the one who lights his way and can get a smile out of him. Bless their organic chemistry that changed the trajectory of the entire show for the better.  And thank you Deadshot for the bullet holes. ;)

Emily then mentioned Oliver probably loved Felicity by the time he hides in the back of her Mini Cooper.  

Ironically, also because of a bullet hole from where his mother shot him.  

We knew that Oliver trusted Felicity’s expertise from the moment he met her.  But this scene took it to the next level.  Oliver trusts Felicity with his life, not to mention his secret identity and the location of his vigilante home base.  One that would feel more like a home once he asked Felicity to join the team and be an even more vital part of his mission and life.  Moira Queen did her son a solid. :)

So now that Steve and Em have confirmed Oliver and Felicity were in love with each other in season 1, these other bullet hole scenes carry a new significance.

Like when Count Vertigo kidnapped Felicity and Oliver left his mother’s trial in a rage.  He confronts The Count as an angry (and hot) amalgamation of the Arrow and Oliver Queen in the suit with the hood down.  Their verbal sparring takes a violent turn when the Count shoots at Oliver and grazes his arm.  But it isn’t until the Count directly threatens Felicity with a syringe of vertigo that Oliver responds with three rapid-fire arrows that send the Count out the window to the death.

Oliver immediately goes to check on Felicity and she immediately reaches for the wound but Oliver assures her ‘it’s nothing.’  Because in that moment, to him, all that matters is her.  He would do anything for her, including breaking a vow he made to himself.  There was no choice to make.  Kudos to you, Count Vertigo.

As much as Oliver tries to protect her, Felicity still has free will and she is a brave badass in her own right.  This is especially evident when Felicity jumps in front of Sara and takes a bullet in the shoulder.  We don’t get to see Oliver’s initial reaction while they are still out in the field, but the aftermath back at the lair once Diggle has given Felicity ‘aspirin’ for pain and Sara has stitched her up.

Oliver wasn’t just asking about her bullet wound here.  Felicity had been feeling left out and Oliver wanted nothing more than to assure her that no matter who else comes and goes, she would always be his girl.  

Full disclosure: I’m not crazy about this scene in the context of the show at the time for numerous reasons I won’t go into here.  But at face value, Oliver looking at Felicity with so much love and pride makes my heart melt.  The way he gently cups her face and talks to her in the soft tone that is reserved only for her makes all of me melt into a puddle of feels.  Thanks for your time, Clock King.

For a show called Arrow, Oliver did on occasion deviate from the norm by using other weapons.  Like LOA swords to dual the Demon’s Head, which did not well the first time and Oliver was stabbed and kicked off the side of a mountain.  No worries, Tatsu had penicillin tea so Oliver recovered so they could fight again a few months later (I would normally lol here but Felicity is not amused so I won’t).

 Our boy does much better this time, defeating Ra’s with his own maneuver.  It’s Arrow so he doesn’t have time to celebrate before snipers shoot at him and he is sent off the edge of a very high bridge since apparently the theme of season 3 was to wound Oliver and then have him fall from a great height.  But instead of a cold snowy ledge, his fall is averted by the Atom swooping Oliver out of danger.  I’m sure Oliver is a big enough man that he would have thanked Ray but he didn’t have to because it was his girl who saved him.  The girl who has always saved him.  His Felicity.  And his smile is pure awe, pride, and love just for her.   

To tell you the truth, I’m not sure that Oliver was actually struck with any of the bullets.  It looked like he was but then in the next scene back at QC/PT, he didn’t seem wounded other than his hand.  Either way, we appreciate your shipper service, incompetent Star City police force.  

This night started out so beautifully.  Oliver united the citizens of Star City to gather for a lighting of the Christmas tree as a symbol of hope against the forces of evil.  But Mayor Handsome had bigger plans as he took an unsuspecting Felicity on stage with him to ask if she would make him the happiest man on the face of the earth (as if he wasn’t already; look at that dork’s ginormous smile).   

Felicity said yes, like she told him she would and Oliver slid the big bling onto her finger.  They shared a sweet snug before running off to the waiting limo.  Which still makes me laugh.  I mean on one hand, f*** those ungrateful Star City bitches but Olicity didn’t even spare them a glance before they peaced out. LOL

More snugs followed in the limo and they were so soft with each other in a state of genuine bliss. But those forces of evil retaliated swiftly and Felicity was caught in the crossfire. Oliver went from serene to shock in a matter of moments.

The bullet damaged her spinal cord and caused paralysis in the lower half of her body.  Oliver was consumed with rage and guilt, leaving Felicity alone at a time when she was feeling incredibly vulnerable. When he finally comes to see her, they have an honest and open talk where Felicity shares her fear that Oliver wasn’t there because of her condition and she even gives him an out.  One that he absolutely does not want and proves it to her by pulling her engagement ring out of his pocket to place back on her finger with the words ‘for better or worse.’

I still think this scene was one of the most heartfelt and well-acted scenes of the entire series.  And this will always be their real wedding to me.  Just the two of them.  Making a vow to each other.  Finding strength in each other.  Always. <3

Whew!  I haven’t done a post like this in quite some time and I have to say, it feels good to feel good about Olicity again.  I hated that the show ruined my enjoyment of them for a while cause they really are a one-of-a-kind and once-in-a-lifetime pair.  I want to dedicate this post to @cruzrogue​ who seems to be enjoying the these are bullet holes and I love you hashtag as much as I am. :)  

Happy hugs for all of you, fam!  And tons of appreciation for the fandom’s talented gifmakers!  Gif credits to:  primogif.com for the Felicity babbles gif; and fanforum.com for the Felicity these look like bullet holes gif. 

[tigstripe]

There’s more to these shows than romance.

I can’t imagine how bad it must feel for actors of popular shows to go through the trouble of going to conventions and be active on social media, just to be constantly harassed by questions regarding ships. Their character went through some huge, life-altering realizations? Doesn’t matter, the main pair got it on in the same episode, so that’s all that anyone noticed. Their character died, and came back from the dead later that season? That’s cool and all, but did you see how the main pair broke up and got back together? Sus AF. The world is ending? That’s awesome, but what about mah ships?

I’m not dissing ships. If you know anything about me, I’m a huge shipper.

But, particularly within my fandoms (Arrowverse and the Magicians), the fans tend to latch onto romantic interaction at the cost of noticing the things that matter. There’s an argument that the romances do matter (Queliot’s queerbaiting, Avalance’s representation, etc) and that’s not what I’m talking about.

No spoilers, but Arrow S8 will not feature Felicity as a character, probably at all. EBR has left the cast. Yet the bombardment of questions regarding her return, how Oliver will react to not having her around, and other Felicity-related subjects completely drown out any interesting things the fans could be talking about.

Oliver is going to be traveling the multiverse this season. He’s going to experience things we never thought Arrow would be willing to do, but all we can seem to focus on is the fact that Felicity won’t be with him anymore. “How will Oliver feel about being separated from his family” seems to be a common question being tossed around for SDCC.

I can answer that one for you: He fucking hates it, Karen.

Another one is “Can we hope for Emily to return for the finale?”

I can answer that one, too: You can always hope!

These people are so obsessed with Felicity and Olicity that they’re blatantly ignoring the opportunity to learn about the worlds Oliver will visit, what kind of returns we’ll be seeing from long-dead character (FYI, Tommy and Malcolm are confirmed to be returning. How is no one talking about that), possible new superhero cameos and teases, flash forward information that involves William, Zoe, Connor, or even future!Diggle, or even how Oliver might be capable of showing up on other shows before the crossover.

You know...interesting things.

I’m going to miss Emily on the cast. I’m going to miss Felicity. But let her go. If she comes back, be pleasantly surprised with the rest of us.

And this kind of bullshit isn’t restricted to Arrow.

Recently, Grant Gustin used his platform on Instagram to denounce the hate against Iris and her actress. It would appear that the anti-Westallen group and the subtextually racist anti-Iris group have gotten so bad that other actors are stepping up to defend Candice and her role as Iris.

We could be learning about how they’re planning on using Godspeed in season 6. We could be asking the heavy questions about Cisco’s future on the team or how many more iterations of Wells we can get before it gets too repetitive. We could ask about the Dibny romance coming up. Setting up for the crossover. Expectations or desires post-crossover. Anything.

But we’re just going to get comments and questions about Iris, a staple member of the show that doesn’t have to answer to anyone for any reason other than “when did she learn how to use a rifle that well.” 

I rambled a little but the original point of my post was: I wonder how the actors feel when they put so much time and effort into the work they do, only for the fans to generally ignore those efforts for the shoved in your face romance or the drama surrounding it. I’m sure it can’t feel good. I’m ashamed to share the fandom with people who latch onto one aspect of a show and rave about it endlessly, when there are so many other good things to look at or be excited about.

Meanwhile, over on the Magicians panel, I’m hoping the crew gets a new asshole torn by the fans over the blatant and textbook queerbaiting that happened in S4. My hopes and dreams are in your hands, SDCC fans.

[jbuffyangel]

I'm curious if you think EBR left the show because of the xo with Oliver off doing stuff with the Monitor & possible focus on future Star City. Or do you think the SL was adapted because she decided to leave the show. It doesn't really matter but EBR has said that SA is her favorite scene partner and the Crisis/future stuff might be less interesting for her to play. Like you, I really hope that she comes back for the finale. I can't imagine S8 without her. Love your reviews & podcasts! Thanks.

I think Emily was done with the show and wanted to pursue other projects. When these decisions were being made the writers wouldn’t have mapped out Season 7 yet let alone the Crisis crossover. I don’t think Emily was pitched a storyline she didn’t like and then decided to leave the show. I don’t know much about contract negotiations, but its hard for me to imagine it going down like that.

Emily’s contract was up and she didn’t want to resign probably for a bunch of reasons we know and even more we’ll never know. And that’s fine. This is what happens with long running series. The longer it goes the higher the chance you’ll lose principal cast members.

Do I think Emily leaving the show influenced S7 writing choices? Ummm... YES is not a strong enough word. The entire present day storyline was constructed around it. Oliver’s time in prison was a test balloon both for Olicity and for us. They had to learn they could be separated and survive it without losing their souls/heart. And for us viewers, we went through 8 episodes of Olicity separated with very little interaction. That said, we got some of the best Olicity moments of the series in their parallel storylines.

Of course, we did get a reunion and more glorious Olicity scenes, which won’t be happening in Season 8. At least, not until the very end (if we’re lucky). We also enjoyed Felicity solo storylines in S7, which will not happen in 8 because Emily isn’t going to be there. So, although the prison storyline was kind of like training wheels for Emily’s departure it doesn’t come close enough to the reality of S8. And the reality is S8 without Emily SUCKS.

But they constructed the flash forwards around Emily’s departure too and used it as a launching bad for spin off storyline. Hell, if anything her leaving the show actually forced the writers to give us all the Felicity goodies we’ve been begging for all these years. Felicity’s exit is also built around the writers deep desire to not kill the character. I’m very serious. They parked her in a cabin for 20 years to avoid killing her. 

Would we be dealing with a 20 year separation if Emily had stayed on the show? Probably not. They Outlander’d Olicity so they didn’t have to kill either character and it explains why a madly in love married couple with kids aren’t sharing any scenes together for 10 episodes. But if Emily stayed the writers would have cooked up some other kind of horrific sacrifice for Oliver and Felicity - of that I am sure. It’s Arrow. We were never getting out of this without severe pain. 

Honestly, Emily might have done us a favor. I think Emily leaving was the creators worst case scenario. They did not want her to leave. They know how important she is to the series. This is a nightmare scenario for them on multiple levels. So, even though the 20 years is painful I gotta say it’s not as painful as I feared. Oliver and Felicity are both alive and currently having hot-reunited-multidimensional sex. That’s a big win in my book.

How is Oliver’s storyline impacted by Emily’s exit? Good question. I don’t know. I don’t know if Oliver would have left with the Monitor.  Barry was supposed to be the one missing for twenty years. Oliver is swapping fates essentially to save Barry. (We can argue the ridiculousness of that decision and how the world would be better off without that disaster zone in red leather later). Did Emily’s exit create that decision or was it one the writers always planned? No clue. 

Had Oliver left with the Monitor and Emily stayed then of course there’d be more individual Felicity screen time, raising their daughter, searching for her husband and fighting for Star City in S8. But if Oliver didn’t leave with the Monitor then the writers would create some other horrible situation Olicity had to fight their way through in Season 8.

The summation of this very long answer is yes I think Emily’s exit impacted storylines both for Season 7 and 8, but no I don’t think horrible things happened to Oliver and Felicity because of Emily’s exit. I think horrible things were always going to happen to Olicity regardless of Emily’s participation in the series because that’s the show. But I also don’t think Emily made her decision to leave based on any specific storyline. She was just done. Make sense? Hope so!

[1-crazy-dreamer]

OH, MY DEAR ARROW HEART!

Moments like this, I’m so grateful that I have my fandom friends to share all the feels! Thank you FAMdom!

I love you!

@allimariexf @msbeccieboo @faegal04 @puck038 @chrissykins-for-the-win @hope-for-olicity  @lucyyh @laxit21 @bookolicitynessa @tangled23works

If you love Felicity and EBR and you need someone to vent, please come to DISCORD, we are crying, but at least we are crying together damn it! Message me for more info.

[hope-for-olicity]

Why I’m Angry about 7x14

So I rewatched, fast forwarded trying to see what others saw. I didn’t. But I did write out how I felt...I think it helped me. I’m sharing in case I’m not alone, although I strongly suspect I am.  

- Poor Felicity STILL haunted by her fear of Diaz. Horrible nightmare and shocker she wakes up alone. Still no supportive husband :(

- Rene giving Oliver advice. Oliver being a cop. Oliver being a hypocrite to his sister. Oliver’s unexplainable need to be close to Emiko. Emiko wasting screen time. 

- EBR is is an amazing actor. Her fear and rage upon learning Diaz was out of prison was palpable to me through a TV screen but not to Oliver who stood a mere 50 feet away. Also Oliver know that Diaz attacked Felicity and William, where is his rage??? Oliver looked at his wife! For the first time in months! Blink and you might have missed it. It was when he was explaining to Felicity she should trust John. Do you hear me screaming on the inside?? I’m so glad Felicity called out John. 

- Then Felicity texts “Laurel” - I put her name in quotes intentionally - WHY? Because she is not Laurel, she has never been Laurel on this show. She is BS. The same BS who worked with Prometheus and Diaz. The same BS who aided in killing Samantha. The same BS who helped kidnap William. Felicity is fantastic at holding grudges. Did she hit her head? Sometimes she remembers she BS but mostly no, she’s her friend. I blame Oliver for this. He left her alone in the apartment too long. So nope, not buying into they are awesome gal pals. 

- The fact that Felicity had to REMIND BS that she should want Diaz dead. BS forgot Quentin. I will never forget Quentin. 

- I wish Felicity and Oliver could talk as comfortably as Felicity and BS. 

- Oliver and Felicity talk. The fact that this NEVER happens says SO MUCH. I was too shocked to be excited when it started. Then my heart broke into a bunch of tiny pieces because Felicity thought her husband had paid close enough attention over the last few weeks to notice she was pregnant. But of course not. There are tears in Felicity’s eyes, Oliver looks at her and does not see them. Turns out he noticed she wanted to kill Diaz. Of course, she has told him this out loud before - it’s not like he had to leap far. The rest of the scene was clouded by this huge disappointment cloud for me so I had to watch it again. I HATE that Oliver told Felicity it was her decision whether he goes in the field with Diaz. Asking her advice, talking about it...but putting her in charge of this decision, I just....no. Then after the mission he will back any play she wants to make. That is so sweet and part of me was like HELL YES! But the other part of me was like no, that is INCREDIBLY STUPID. I don’t think either of them should back each other no matter what. They are both adults with brains. They should come to a decision together not just follow the other blindly. Which is basically what Oliver would be doing if Felicity gave him permission to fight with Diaz. He is letting Felicity make her own decision but she also has to make his? Oliver noticing after MONTHS that Felicity is hurting is not something I can be happy about. HE TOOK TOO FUCKING LONG. And he’s still not paying attention as he didn’t notice her reaction to whole conversation and HE’S LOOKING AT HER. Important to point out because it’s rare. I know many people were disappointed that they didn’t touch...but I was too angry to care. I have your back no matter what sounds so much better than I’ll back every play you make no matter what...

- Fast forwarding the flash forwards is the best way to watch. 

- I’m so proud of Felicity choosing not to kill Diaz. Nice of Diggle FINALLY get his priorities straight especially as he almost let Diaz walk again were it not for Felicity.  

- They waited way too long, are the same way too long as every other season to introduce the big bad.  At least he’s not Diaz. 

- I guess all of all the Delicity issues and all Felicity’s fears are now resolved. Tied up in a tidy bow. Felicity can go home, after facing her greatest fear - other than losing Oliver - and eat mint chip alone. Because spending time with Emiko is more important to Oliver than spending time with his wife at this time. 

- Then we get the 8 second reveal. To be honest, it was so short I almost fast forwarded past it.  No secret I hate the pregnancy storyline...for countless reasons. But that reveal was too short and underwhelming and then OVERSHADOWED by the reveal of the Dante/Emiko relationship and Diaz’s death? It was like take out the trash day when the government releases a bunch of news stories so none of them are news. Oliver didn’t look as overjoyed as I thought he might but there was definitely no doubt that despite not looking at his wife for MONTHS everything is peachy keen now! Shocked he picked up on the words “children” and “them.” Felicity has always been the most forgiving unicorn....

- I did enjoy watching Diaz burn more the second time. I wonder if they will ever tell us who did it or will it be just another ball dropped by the Arrow writers. 

@memcjo @onceuponarrow @msbeccieboo