#the evolution of claire review

[akane-kurokawa]

Chapter 149 thoughts!

We’re picking up where we left off!!! Is it sad that that’s enough reason to be excited? Claire had put the fear of it off screening the rest of the convo in me (see my tags on her chapter review from last week for reference)

Poor Kana, I can get why she’s so unsure, she is really trying to piece together what’s in Aqua’s head from like, a collection of mixed messages tbh

Very funny line coming from Akane

Oh this might be the most important line in the chapter to me, mostly because it supports my insane rambling theories and analysis. I have a LOT of thoughts on Akane’s relationship with Ai from the point of view of someone who has spend a lot of time trying to think inside Ai’s head. But that’ll wait for when I actually finish my big analysis essay.

Gay gay gay gay! I love that they’ve gone from open hostility with silent admiration to admitting how great the other is. I REALLY hope they can be friends by the end of the series, they have the most important relationship to me.

Akane is such a firm supporter of Kana and her dreams, I like that she gets angry when Kana tries to step back and give what she wants to someone else, it’s a good parallel to her frustration with Kana in Tokyo Blade

Wild Kana Fled!

I’m a bit disappointed that Akane didn’t tell her the truth of what was going on with Aqua but I didn’t really expect her to. Kana not knowing shit is a big part of the status quo that I can’t see being upset lightly.

AAAAAAA AKANE UNHINGED BITCH KUROKAWA IS BACK I LOVE HER.

It’s so great to have a driving button pusher again, she’s not content to let a scene happen and be forgotten, she’s exactly what this story needs! Follow up! LOVE her just showing up at her house, she’s getting less normal by the day and I love her for it.

Akane considering that Aqua won’t let the people important to him in on his plans hurts a little, she has such an insecure view of her relationship with Aqua, unsurprising given her insecurities during the relationship as well as the breakup.

It’s sad to me that both of them are insecure as to where they stand with Aqua tbh, probably because of all the hot and cold games he’s played with them (not usually intentionally, but it’s not like he communicates intention) Like Aqua could have had romantic feelings for Akane and he DOES have them for Kana

This makes a lot of sense to me. Kana and Aqua are two people elevated to Akane both in terms of the pedestals she puts them on (the savior who was there for her during MyLove and the reason she started acting in the first place) while also being people she loves. With Akane’s fan-like perspective, it’s unsurprising that she has privately decided what’s best for both of them and plans to make it happen.

She is spiraling out of control lmao and I’m not sure if it’ll be seriously addressed or just accepted as an evolution of her character but it’s fascinating either way.

I almost forgot Aqua’s a celebrity lmao, we haven’t really talked about fame in a while.

I know Akane’s going to get a lot of flak for seemingly just going “oh Aqua needs a woman to fix him” but I don’t really know if that’s what she’s doing. From her conversation with him last chapter, we can see that Akane had a pretty good insight into what’s important for Aqua and that’s his bonds. So important, in fact, that he specifically tried to sever them in preparation for his revenge.

To me, it seems like Akane is trying to build for Aqua that he can’t easily sever like hers, and won’t push him in a detrimental direction (like hers AND Ruby’s rn tbh) to force him to see the potential consequences to his actions that he likes to ignore.

Aqua doesn’t want people to miss him when he’s gone, he doesn’t want to hurt others, which is why Akane tries to keep reinforcing how much people care about and would miss him. I don’t think she’s necessarily expecting to fix him, but rather she sees he’s conflicting and is trying to put pressure on that conflict.

Is it a good idea? No probably not, but I think it’s in line with her character and it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

Overall a great chapter imo, especially for Akane. I’m a big fan of the character (hence my name on here) but even I’d been strongly questioning if Akasaka had a direction for her character at this point, and considered that maybe he should’ve killed her off at the fakeout if there was nothing more to do with her.

And I don’t COMPLETELY take that back tbh, her stalking Hikaru and keeping an eye on Aqua are both not really adequate explanations behind her statements at the beginning of last arc. She intended to STOP Aqua. Not watch him, not delay him, but stop him.

I can’t really tell if she has a further plan that’s just been off screen (which was what I initially suspected at the beginning of last arc) or if she’s just kind of a plot convenient stalker now.

This was a step in the right direction though, while certainly not passing the bechel test lol, it’s elevating Akane back to a character from a plot device for me, giving her back some flaws and biases in how she involves herself with things

I’m hoping to see how this is followed up on now, especially in reference to the wet fart of an unresolved subplot that is aqrb. It’s no surprise that aqkn is endgame, I think we’ve generally all known that from the start, but I doubt it’ll actually be happening soon.

[librarycomic]

Comics 1964 - 2024 edited by Thierry Groensteen, Lucas Hureau, Ann Lemonnier, and Emmanuèle Payen. Thames & Hudson, 2024. 9780500028407. 288pp.

I didn't get to see the exhibit at the Centre Pompidou this book is based on -- it closed in November 2024 -- and I was about to order myself a copy of the French edition for my birthday when this arrived in the mail from the publisher. All by way of saying: I was overly inclined to love this book when it arrived, and I did. You should get a copy for your public library shelves, too, especially if you have a decent graphic novel collection for adults.

Worth noting: There's more than a little adult content in the original art featured in the book. Most are in English, French, or Japanese. While a working knowledge of these languages might help in appreciating the work a bit more, it's not necessary -- the book is spectacular in terms of visuals alone.

I didn't read much of the essays; they seem like a great introduction to comics from the period, but mostly they let the art do the talking. The book opens with chapters about comics as art and the exhibition, and cover the rise and evolution of comics. "An Evolving Artform" contains original art from Windsor McCay, Clair Bretécher, Fred, Chris Ware, Bill Waterson, and Brecht Evans. "Counterculture" has art by Gilbert Shelton, Kuniko Tsurita, Susumu Katsumata, Shin'ichi Abe, Nicholas Devil, Robert Gigi, Jean-Claude Forest, Georges Pichard, Nicholas Devil, Guido Crepax, Caza, Georges Wolinski, Jean-Marc Reiser, Fred, Gébé, Willem, Robert Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Jay Lynch, Kiki Picasso, Loulou Picasso, and Olivia Clavel. (If at this point you're wondering if superheroes figure into the exhibit at all, there is some art from superhero comics in the "Science Fiction" chapter, along with spectacular illustrations by Moebius, including the art used on the book's cover.)

I had never heard of some of the creators in the book, and I don't love everything in it. There's a huge amount that wowed me, and enough that's new to me that I find myself looking through the book over and over. The first book on my list that I need to read after seeing the art in here: Forest's original Barbarella comics.

The List of Exhibited Works at the end of the book is organized by chapter , and then by creator or publication within each chapter. (I believe this mirrors the organization of the exhibit itself. I've included an image of the Table of Contents with the review if you're curious about it.) When a creator's work is in the book, a page number is listed. Dates, materials, where a work was originally published, and other information is included about most of the art. It gives a sense of how amazing the exhibit itself was, and the lengths the curators went to to organize it.

Also: If you're now wishing you'd made it to the exhibition, too, there's a short tour at www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEcyXFSWDzY

[keresacheron]

Pokemon Kalos Crystal Playthrough and Review

Kalos Crystal is the sequel to Unova Red. It has a very simple premise; that the pokemon of generations 5&6 take the place of those of in 1-2. It's a Crystal Version where Fairy is the brand new types instead of dark&steel. A shiny Elektrike replaces the Red Gyarados, ect.

It's a faithful adaption of Pokemon Crystal. It's got great sprites, being made by the Unova Red/B&W3 team that feel really appropriate for gen 2. It's very nostalgic and really feels like your playing an alternative timeline version of crystal. I once caught a Krookorok holding a black glassess, which was a real flavour win. All the legendaries have overworld sprites, which is great immersion, and the additional legendaries are placed in appropriate areas. There are additional evoluation stones, so that while still scarce they are more available than the base game.

I took awhile completing the pokedex, and the evolution changes and more importantly earlier evolution levels were great even if they were still fairly high. The level curve is somewhat improved while still feeling like the original game, with the exception of the Kanto trainers. The wild Kanto pokemon have thankfully been moved up to level 35. There is an Elite Four rematch where they start at level 60, which provided a good intermediate step between Blue and Red.

Some of the fights and team choices were great. Your Rival has a Sandile, which fits since he's son of Giovanni who uses one in Radical Red as his ace. Whitney was still extremely hard, as her new ace Furfrou could still outspeed and flinch stuff with Stomp+Attract. The Kimono girls used the Swords of Justice. Jasmine's Aegislash was hard, but fair as the lack of abilities was balanced by giving them a low special defence. The dragons in the Johto lategame all had dragon rage at the right time, giving the Team Rocket Admins and Blackthorn Gym a great theme. Will type was changed from Psychic to Fairy, showing off the generations new type. Lance was very tough but fair.

Red himself was a bit too strong. His team were the three Unova starters and the Tao Trio of Legendary dragons in their mid to late seventies. Without a fairy type to switch into his outrages he would be unbeatable by my lvl63 no legendaries team (Also his Samurotts horn drill never missed in multiple battles, sometimes koing 2 or more pokemon).

The games greatest strengths, it's faithfulness and adaption, is also it's greatest weakness. Bugsies ace was Vivillion without STAB. Pryce was a joke, as the physical special split robbed him of good STAB moves for his team. The Kanto trainers and gym leaders had levels that were mostly unchanged. Jasime was kept a poison type user, so she and Koga both had to substitute in bug pokemon into their team, despite the Fuschia gym now being dark. Dragalgae was overused, with Clair, Koga and Lance all using one. And Karen didn't use a Hydreigon since this was Lance's ace.

It was a good experience and executes it's vision marvelously. My team is below.

Darcy, my starter pokemon. I always wanted to use a Shiny Fennikin due to it's great look, so I used a code to make it shiny. Darcy was a great pokemon, hitting hard and fast with powerful moves. It's type combination played great with the physical/special split, and with the Dazzling Gleam TM he was even great against Lance.

Salem the Mandibuzz, caught as a Vullaby on Route 46. I had never used a Vullaby or Mandibuzz before, and wanted to try one out. She was extremly strong, both in the early game, and later on when it evolved to Mandibuzz at level 40 before the elite four. Due to learnign Swords Dance very early on, her bulk and physical stabs she had a niche as sword dance sweeper and still handily swept Morty with Swords Dance followed by Thief.

Ozma the Whimmsicot, caught in Ilex Forest as a Cottonee. I wanted a Fairy type for Lance, and wanted to try using this line as fairy types. She sadly doesn't learn sleep powder, but her stun spore helped me catch many a pokemon. For mid-to-late Johto she was my weakest mon, as I restrained from evolving her until she learned Moonblast at level 40. With the Champion and final two elite four members being weak to Fairy she was great against them, and vital to beating Red as her dragon immunity was vital.

Destiny the Stunfisk, caught surfing in Slowpoke Well post Morty. I have always wanted to use a Stunfisk, and seeing them flopping around Azalea town made me excited to get one early. I was disapointed to have to wait for Surf to get one. However, while slow Destiny hit hard and had very useful typing and abilties. She was great in mid-late Johto when the rest of my team need the help. She hit hard with a wide movepool, and while to slow to sweep she almost always took at least one pokemon down with her.

Ryuugi the Clawitzer, caught post-Morty while Surfing then was coded. I always wanted to use a Clawtizer, liked it's Shiny, and though it would be interesting to play one in a very different way it would in future generations since it has no pulse moves. With early extreme speed and Aqua Jet he hit fast, and with his special attack and high power moves he hit hard. Due to take until level 38 to evolve he also fell behind mid-game and needed to have Surf and Icy Wind until after I became Champion. He was never the less devastating against nonwater mons and has a very cool sprite.

Ben Jerry the Bouffolant, caught Route 44 post-gym 7. I was getting desperate, as I needed a sixth mon without a type overlap that didn't share a weakness with more than two of pokemon that I hadn't run into before. So I settled on Bouffolant, who immidately got Head Charge and proceed to devastate everything in his path with overwelming physical power. As a Tauros counterpart, he felt very fitting for the game, and while he never got a good coverage moves he was so good against the rest of the game it hardly mattered (I spent my Earthquake TM on Stunfisk, since he doesn't get it by level and he really should). He did one thing, hit really hard, and did it really well from the moment I caught him till the very end of the games.

[clearance-giant]

How Clearance Giant Simplifies Buying and Selling Used Items Online in the UK

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, online marketplaces have revolutionized how we buy and sell goods. The demand for platforms that prioritize ease, security, and affordability has surged, particularly for used items. Clearance Giant, a UK-based platform, excels in meeting these needs with its user-friendly design and community-centric approach. This blog explores how Clearance Giant makes trading pre-loved items a breeze and why it stands out among its competitors.

The Evolution of Online Marketplaces

The shift to online platforms has transformed commerce, emphasizing accessibility and convenience. For buyers, these platforms offer access to a variety of products without leaving home. Sellers benefit from a global audience and the ability to monetize unused items effortlessly.

However, not all platforms are created equal. Challenges like complex navigation, lack of security, and high fees can deter users. Clearance Giant addresses these concerns, offering an optimized experience tailored to user needs.

What Makes Clearance Giant Unique?

Intuitive Interface

Listing items on Clearance Giant is straightforward, even for first-time users.

Advanced search filters help buyers find exactly what they need with minimal effort.

Emphasis on Security

Clearance Giant prioritizes user safety with encrypted payment systems and fraud prevention measures.

Its transparent review system fosters trust among buyers and sellers.

Affordable Listing Fees

Unlike platforms with hefty charges, Clearance Giant offers minimal fees, making it accessible for everyone.

Periodic promotions, such as free listings, further enhance its appeal.

Diverse Product Categories

From gadgets and furniture to fashion and collectibles, Clearance Giant covers a wide array of categories, catering to diverse user interests.

Why Choose Clearance Giant Over Other Platforms?

Facebook Marketplace: While Facebook Marketplace is convenient for casual transactions, it lacks robust security features and a dedicated focus on second-hand items.

eBay UK: eBay offers global reach but comes with higher fees and a more competitive environment.

Gumtree: Gumtree excels at local transactions but falls short on advanced features like search filters and buyer protection.

Clearance Giant bridges these gaps, providing a balanced solution that prioritizes user experience and affordability.

Success Stories from Clearance Giant Users

Claire’s Clutter-Free Home Claire, a busy mom from Bristol, used Clearance Giant to declutter her home. By selling unused furniture and kids’ toys, she not only freed up space but also earned extra income.

James’ Tech Treasure Hunt An IT professional, James frequently upgrades his gadgets. Clearance Giant allowed him to sell his old devices seamlessly, funding his tech purchases while promoting sustainable practices.

Ella’s Vintage Finds Ella, a collector of vintage decor, discovered unique items on Clearance Giant. The platform’s affordability and variety helped her grow her collection without breaking the bank.

Tips for Using Clearance Giant Effectively

Create Detailed Listings: Include clear photos and accurate descriptions to attract buyers.

Communicate Transparently: Respond promptly to buyer queries and negotiate fairly.

Prioritize Local Sales: Meeting in person can reduce shipping costs and foster trust.

Explore Regularly: Clearance Giant’s extensive inventory means new treasures are added daily.

The Environmental Edge

Clearance Giant isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a contributor to sustainable living. By promoting the reuse of goods, the platform helps reduce waste and environmental impact. Every transaction supports the circular economy, making sustainability accessible to all.

Conclusion

Clearance Giant redefines convenience, security, and affordability in the realm of online trading. Whether you’re a seller looking to declutter or a buyer hunting for deals, the platform simplifies the process while championing sustainability. Join Clearance Giant today and discover a smarter, greener way to buy and sell used items in the UK.

[ulkaralakbarova]

A veteran actress comes face-to-face with an uncomfortable reflection of herself when she agrees to take part in a revival of the play that launched her career 20 years earlier. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Maria Enders: Juliette Binoche Valentine: Kristen Stewart Jo-Ann Ellis: Chloë Grace Moretz Klaus Diesterweg: Lars Eidinger Christopher Giles: Johnny Flynn Rosa Melchior: Angela Winkler Henryk Wald: Hanns Zischler Actress in Sci-Fi movie: Nora Waldstätten Piers Roaldson: Brady Corbet Urs Kobler: Aljoscha Stadelmann Maria’s London assistant: Claire Tran Maria’s agent: Stuart Manashil Journalist in Zürich: Péter Farkas Journalist in London: Ben Posener Talk show host: Ricardia Bramley Urs’ assistant: Luise Berndt Mayor of Zürich: Gilles Tschudi Berndt: Benoit Peverelli Chanel PR: Caroline De Maigret Waldhaus concierge: Arnold Gramara London theater assistant: Sean McDonagh Wilhelm Melchior: Valery Bukreev Dorothea von Duisburg: Katrin Schmidt Cello player (concert at the Waldhaus): Phoebe Lin Violin player (concert at the Waldhaus): Katarzyna Nawrotek Oboe player (concert at the Waldhaus): David Seghezzo Harpsichord player (concert at the Waldhaus): Claire-Anne Piguet Journalist (uncredited): Jerry Kwarteng Jo-Ann’s Manager (uncredited): Jakob Köhn Journalist (uncredited): Steffen Mennekes Paparazzo (uncredited): Wilhelm J. Reitzenstein Kellnerin (uncredited): Rosa Schrehardt Film Crew: Writer: Olivier Assayas Costume Design: Jürgen Doering Co-Producer: Rémi Burah Art Direction: Gabriella Ausonio Co-Producer: Jean-Louis Porchet Editor: Marion Monnier Co-Producer: Karl Baumgartner Co-Producer: Thanassis Karathanos Co-Producer: Gérard Ruey Director of Photography: Yorick Le Saux Production Design: François-Renaud Labarthe Producer: Charles Gillibert Associate Producer: Antoun Sehnaoui Set Decoration: Gabriele Wolff Line Producer: Martin Hampel Co-Producer: Sylvie Barthet Casting Director: Antoinette Boulat Sound: Daniel Sobrino Script Supervisor: Christelle Meaux Sound: Nicolas Moreau Casting Director: Anja Dihrberg First Assistant Director: Dominique Delany Producer: Frédérique Dumas-Zajdela Musician: Phoebe Lin Musician: Katarzyna Nawrotek Musician: David Seghezzo Musician: Claire-Anne Piguet Movie Reviews: Reno: **The actors and their generation difference, evolution of cinema and the beauty of nature.** This is about a middle aged actress who spends in the Swiss Alps with her personal assistant while preparing for the upcoming project. During that time, she receives a news that the author of the book which was adapted for the screen 20 years ago where she play a main role and now in its remake, she’s doing another part, while a young sensation playing the main part. This is more like the evolution of cinema. The 20 years is too soon for her, while the cinema and its trend advanced rapidly. Precisely to say, the commercial films and young actors taking over the art films and true artists’ places respectively. If you at least 30 years old, you would get this film more than others. Because while I was growing up in the 90s, the cinema was so different. I’m not talking about the technology like computer graphics, but the story and how it was narrated for the screen. Now the science- fiction and dystopian themes taking over with the young audience and social media support. I think it was a quite meaningful film, particularly if you adore films like the recent evolution in cinema was so faster than ever. The negatives were, the film was too long, slow pace and too simple drama. The positives were, the actors and their performances, the locations, theme and some of the dialogues. Directed by a French filmmaker, this is an international project with a few guest appearances. Most of the film was set in the Alps. Totally different than what I was anticipating, but I still like, except in a few parts where I got bored for its weak development. So this is for the selected audience, that mean it will be appreciated by a very few and I’m kind of neutral with mostly in its favour. _6/10_ M...

[denimbex1986]

'Plot Overview

"Ripley" centers around the enigmatic character, Tom Ripley, a skilled con man whose talent for imitation and deception leads him into a web of intrigue and danger. Ripley's manipulative prowess is his greatest asset and most perilous liability as he navigates a world filled with wealthy elites and criminal underbellies.

Cast Highlights

Andrew Scott performs compellingly, often creepily, as Tom Ripley, bringing depth and complexity to the role. His portrayal captures the charm and menace of the character, making it a standout in his already impressive career.

Behind The Scenes

Andrew Scott, fresh from his role in the recent LGBTQ-themed "All of Us Strangers" alongside Clair Foyle, brings a nuanced understanding of complex characters to this series. His experience enriches his portrayal of Ripley, adding layers of intrigue and humanity.

Commentary

While "Ripley" is not the first adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novels—previous versions starred notable actors like Matt Damon and John Malkovich—this rendition stands out. Filmed in stunning black and white, the visual style adds a timeless, spellbinding quality to the series. Although the plot sometimes stretches believability, it remains a fascinating exploration of deception and identity. The fact is that people really do achieve these high levels of deception.

Wrap-up and Rating

"Ripley" is a riveting series that hooks viewers from the start and is a must-watch on Netflix. It excels in every aspect, from storyline and screenplay to acting, direction, and character arcs, earning it a rare 5-star rating.

Storyline: 5/5

The storyline is intriguing and well-crafted, providing a complex web of deceit and identity that keeps viewers engaged throughout.

Screenplay: 5/5

The screenplay is sharp and sophisticated, effectively translating Patricia Highsmith's novel to the screen with dialogue and scenarios that build tension and develop character depth.

Acting: 5/5

The acting is exceptional, particularly Andrew Scott’s portrayal of Tom Ripley, which adds layers of nuance to an already compelling character. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances that complement the lead.

Directing: 5/5

The directing is masterful, utilizing a black and white aesthetic that enhances the mood and suspense of the narrative. The choice of shots and the pacing are meticulously handled to maintain intrigue and emotion.

Character Arcs: 5/5

The character development is outstanding, with each character undergoing significant transformations that are believable and impactful. Ripley’s evolution, in particular, is both fascinating and unsettling, making for a compelling watch.'

[evoldir]

Fwd: Symposia: Online.EvolutionBehavior.Oct24

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Symposia: Online.EvolutionBehavior.Oct24 > Date: 22 October 2023 at 05:43:31 BST > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > Animal Behavior , Evolution and Conservation > > FINE SEMINAR ANNOUNCEMENT > > 24th October, O. Berger-Tal, D. T. Blumstein, A. Greggor and J. Swaddle > > When: 24th October, 45 min presentation starts at 1100 NYC / 1700 > Paris. The Zoom link will be opened at 1045 NYC / 1645 Paris. Following > the seminar, there will be an hour of discussion (Q&A). > > Summary: In a rapidly changing world, an individual's behavior is a key > response to the changing environment, and it may permit individuals, > populations and species to survive, and sometimes even thrive, in > human-dominated landscapes. Conservation behavior is a field focusing > on applying insights from behavioral ecology research to conservation > and management. > > Discussion: Each of the panelists will discuss three of the following > six questions contributed by the hosts and the students Lindelani Makuya > (Succulent Karoo Research Station and Wits University, South Africa), > Siya Sangweni (Succulent Karoo Research Station and Wits University, > South Africa) and Thomas Baratta (Italy; volunteer at the Succulent > Karoo Research Station, South Africa). > > 1. What can 'I' as a behavioral biologist do to contribute to >   conservation successes? > > 2. How can we effectively communicate the findings of animal behavior >   studies to policymakers, the public, and local communities? > > 3. How do field studies on movement behaviour and technological >   advancements (e.g., remote sensing and tracking devices) contribute >   to conservation? > > 4. Give one empirical example from your studies on animal behavior that >   were implemented in conservation actions. > > 5. Are there examples of behavioral interventions in which behavioural >   traits have been manipulated to address a condition concern (e.g., >   pre-release predator training, etc.)? > > 6. We know that there are some excellent long-term datasets with >   behavioral data (+10 years). How can these datasets be useful to >   conservation? > > How to attend: > > YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClXFO1pLpCTBy7vSwLWH-GA > > This option allows you to view the seminar live (or at a later time), > but not engage directly in the discussion (only through the chat function > in YouTube). > > Zoom: https://ift.tt/b8j0UX7 > > Meeting ID: 982 8736 4333 > > The Zoom link will be opened at 1045 NYC / 1645 Paris. > > Suggested Readings: > > Berger-Tal O., T. Polak, A. Oron, Y. Lubin, B.P. Kotler & > D. Saltz. (2011).  Integrating animal behavior and conservation biology: > A conceptual Framework. Behavioral Ecology, 22:236-239. > > Greggor, A.L., O. Berger-Tal, D.T. Blumstein, A. Lisa, > C. Bessa-Gomez, B.F.  Blackwell, C.C. St. Clair, K. Crooks, S. de Silva, > E. Fernandez-Juricic, S.Z. Goldenberg, S.L. Mesnick, M. Owen, C.J. Price, > D. Saltz, C.J. Schell, A.V. Suarez, R.R. Swaisgood, C.S. Winchell, & > W.J. Sutherland. (2016).  Research priorities from animal behaviour > for maximizing conservation progress. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, > 31:953-964. > > Greggor A., O. Berger-Tal & D.T. Blumstein. (2020). The rules of > attraction: the necessary role of animal cognition in explaining > conservation failures and successes. Annual Review of Ecology Evolution > and Systematics, 51:483-503. > > > > > Carsten Schradin

[cupids-chronicles]

Hades X Persephone Saga: A Touch of Malice #4

Author: Scarlett St. Clair

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Mythology

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Goodreads rating: 4/5

Pages: ‎‎‎464 

Published: 23 May 2021

A Touch of Malice Review

Note: This book is intended for mature audiences over the age of 18 due to explicit content (steamy chapters).

Greek gods with contemporary problems? Sign me up! “A Touch of Malice,” Scarlett St. Clair's mythical rollercoaster, has Persephone as a news mogul, Demeter as the mother of all 'I object to this wedding!' tropes, and Hades as… well, a slightly doting fiance stuck in a mysterious trap.

From the beginning, there’s something hilariously ironic about the gods dealing with contemporary issues. Persephone isn’t just trying to escape the underworld; she's managing a news organization and planning a wedding while navigating the treacherous waters of the Olympian tabloids. I mean, what’s a god to do when their engagement goes viral? Moreover, Demeter's 21st-century style of maternal disapproval? A snowstorm in summer! Talk about icy cold passive-aggression.

In a whirlwind of romance, fantasy, and the sort of drama only gods can truly pull off, “A Touch of Malice” offers readers a dazzling and sometimes befuddling ride. That said, our experience wasn't always divinely inspired. Scarlett, oh Scarlett, your grand tapestry was occasionally marred by typos.

Now, the plot. There's more action packed into this tome than Hercules had labors. Between dramatic confrontations with the Olympians, terrorist groups with a vendetta against gods (certainly a twist), and Demeter's frosty tantrums, the narrative seemed to sprint from one divine catastrophe to another. And the ending? If anyone saw that coming, they must have been consulting the Oracle at Delphi.

However, for all its action and divine intervention, the essence of the story is grounded in relationships. Helen's betrayal, Sybil's trials, and Persephone's growth (Thank the gods for this) as a character shine through, reminding us that even gods and demigods aren't immune to personal evolution. Hades and Persephone's relationship, which has seen everything from elopement to magical ring tracking, remains at the story's heart. Their passion might just have Aphrodite herself raising an eyebrow.

But, as with any delectable Greek feast, there are moments when you think, "Did I really need that extra baklava?" Some of the book's descriptions left me craving for more, like glimpsing a delicious dish but not getting a taste. This is particularly felt in the descriptions, which, at times, seem to flit between too vague and too detailed.

Yet, despite its faults, there's a pull to the narrative, much like Hades' pull on Persephone. The overarching question keeps you reading: "How on Earth (or the Underworld) will this all resolve?" And of course, waiting to see if your theories play out – because let's be honest, we all love to play oracle from time to time.

Perhaps my favorite aspect is how St. Clair brings a touch of humanity to these otherwise lofty figures. The quote, “Grief means we loved fiercely…and if that is all anyone ever has to say about either one of us in the end, I think we lived our best life,” resonates deeply, reminding us of the universality of love, loss, and the complex tapestry of emotions that even gods can't escape.

To wrap up, "A Touch of Malice" is a quirky, modern retelling of Grecian legends with an extra dose of drama. Would recommend as it is my favourite installment thus far, but perhaps with a small side note: get a cozy blanket, brew a warm drink, and brace yourself for the wintry storm of Demeter's displeasure.

Please note that this book is part of a series and can not be read as a stand alone. Lucky for you this can be your little weekend binge as almost all the books in the series has already been released !

Wait a minute boys and girls, check out these trigger warnings first:

Rape

PTSD

Suicide

Death

Torture

Violence

War

Romance tropes... you ask ?

War

Marriage

Pregnancy

Who do we meet in this book ?

Hades

Persephone (Perri)

What to read next:

Neon Gods (Dark Olympus) by Katee Robert.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

Drag Me Up (Gods of Hunger) by R.M. Virtues.

Or just like read the next few books of this series.

[cibertexto2023]

Referencias bibliográficas

C. Crawford (1982), The Art of Computer Game Design

Cortés, F., De Tezanos-Pinto, P., Helsper, E., Lay, S., Manzi, J., y Novoa, C. (2020). ¿Se ha reducido la brecha digital en Chile? Diferencias entre acceso, uso y factores asociados al empleo de Internet. Midevidencias, 22, 1-6. Extraído de https://www.mideuc.cl/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/MIDevidencias-N22.pdf

Ebert, Roger. (2005). “Why Did the Chicken Cross Genders?” Movie Answer Man, November 27, 2005, www.rogerebert.com/answer-man/why-did-the-chickencross-the-genders

Facultad de Informática de la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (2008), Historia de los videojuegos, consultado el 20 de septiembre (https://www.fib.upc.edu/retro-informatica/historia/videojocs.html)

G. Berys. (2010). A Philosophy of Cinematic Art

G. Tavinor (2008), Definition of Videogames

Hebert S. (2015), The Sciences of the Artificial

Horst R. (1972), On the Planning Crisis: Systems Analysis of the 'First and Second Generations

Jurgensen Z. (2018), Appreciating Videogames, en Aesthetics of Videogames, Routledge

Lopes D. (2010), A Philosophy of Computer Art

Museum of the Moving Image, COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT. Moving Image. https://movingimage.us/collection/collection-spotlight_video-games/

Rough B. (2018), Videogames as Neither Video nor Games A Negative Ontology, Routledge

Scolari, Carlos A. (2022). “Evolution of the media: map of a discipline under construction. A review”. Profesional de la información, v. 31, n. 2, e310217. https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2022.mar.17

T. Crampton (2006), For France, Video Games as Artful as Cinema, The New York Times, online, https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/06/business/worldbusiness/06game.html

UCI Claire Trevor School of Arts, SHIFT CRTL. BEALL. Consultado 20 de septiembre, 2023, de https://beallcenter.uci.edu/exhibitions/shift-ctrl

[Data Radar]. (2016, November 25). Evolution of Video Game Graphics 1962 - Now (4K) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H6hnFV-nDU

[TEDx Talks]. (2023, April 24). Video Games as an Art Form | Noah Lin | TEDxTheMastersSchool [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MUZex60Tl0

Verini, B. (2011, September 5). Okay kids play on my lawn. Rogert Ebert. https://www.rogerebert.com/roger-ebert/okay-kids-play-on-my-lawn

Verini, B. (2011, September 5). Roger Ebert: The Last Critic Who Mattered? Variety. https://variety.com/2013/film/markets-festivals/the-last-critic-who-mattered-1200599333/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001170/

Video Games Player Magazine (1983) Vol. 2 No. I, página 48

[cinereviewtmb]

Simin Vaswani is the CEO and Founder of Sarina Film Productions. She is a Writer, Producer, Editor, Actress and Dancer and believes in leading from her heart and intuition. She is deeply committed to her own evolution, her son Karan, her family, and her eternal love, Harish Vaswani. Resilient "Resilient" Poster "Resilient" Trailer Short Film Country of production: USA Year: 2022 Runtime : 11’03 Crew and Cast Director: Claire Chubbuck Writer: Simin Vaswani Producers: Simin Vaswani, Harish Vaswani Cinematography: Dominick Sivilli Composer: Wayne Sharpe Choreographer: Preeti Vasudevan Editors: Tara Lynn-Rye, Claire Chubbuck, Simin Vaswani Sound: Harish Vaswani Cast: Simin Vaswani, Harish Vaswani, Clint Hromsco, Sam Garland, Angelica Grace Garson Synopsis A woman with a traumatic past supported by her husband's deep love, discovers the depth of her resilience and finds her inner strength during a difficult moment. Inspired by real life events, Resilient is a transformational piece of art told through narrative and dance. Simin Vaswani Interview Cine-Review: Simin, please tell us a little about your film career, how did you get into it? In 2018, I became a full-time mother, ending my very successful IT career as a project lead for Sony Music and other companies including Time Magazine, Aegis Media, and Teach for America. All my life, I have followed my divine guidance and my guidance led me to making films. I am a natural born writer, my favorite pastime growing up was to create stories based on my visual imagination. And I see films as visions that play in my mind’s eye and I write them down in a screenplay. I am a self-taught screenwriter. So I love making films and telling stories. CR: You work with your husband as producers. We can note in your films a wonderful cinematography, original music. Please tell us about your production company. In March 2021, Harish and I founded Sarina Film Productions, we wanted to create narrative films, emphasizing my love of writing and storytelling through dance, and his love of music. It was our divine calling together as partners. We wanted to create films that reflect and speak to the human experience in all of its emotional complexities. We both bring over 20 years of production management experience in the IT space, along with vast knowledge of music, dance and movies. I grew up surrounded by a family of actors and dancers, and Harish by musicians. Taking the plunge into making films was a natural evolution for both of us. Both Harish and I work very hard to create a high quality of production, we are devoted in manifesting the vision and in channeling creative power of the highest vibration. The cinematography, music, dance choreography and all the work we do with artists is to nurture their artistry and to create powerful films. CR: About the film “Resilient”. The original theme is interpreted through dance. The images are spectacular, the issue of domestic violence through childhood psychological trauma is raised. Why did you choose this story? How does it resonate with your life experience? At its core, Resilient is a film about the power of love to heal past trauma, and change one's relationship to their past. It is my personal story based on my own journey of processing trauma and finding strength than victimization. Transforming my diagnosis of complex PTSD into art has been part of choosing life over pain, and I hope to inspire others to do the same by sharing this story. The title Resilient is a reminder to others that they, too, can choose light over dark, life over pain, and joy over despair. In my personal evolution, dance and film have played a powerful role in transmuting the energy of trauma and releasing the old fears that are deeply rooted in my body thus allowing me to live into my dreams and shine. CR: The originality of telling a story through dance grabs your attention as a producer. Also you play in films in the lead role. You are dancing. What role does dance play in your

life? A story when written with dance, can create a deeper narrative, traditionally where one would insert dialogue, I choose to let the body's rhythms tell the story, this keeps the story open to audience interpretation, so they can then attach a personal narrative, which could become a segue to healing. It is important for me to keep the choreography simple, by keeping dance simple, the story can be told in a more profound way because then the audience can relate, stay engaged and be present. I have been dancing all my life, my training began in the Indian Classical dance style of Bharatnatyam at the age of 5, progressing to Bollywood. And I have studied ballet for more than 12 years and in 2014 I began training in the American Rhythm and American Smooth style of Ballroom. Also, I am a student of the Classical Realism School of Art in the lineage of Jacob Collins. I am a certified Core Energetics Practitioner, an evolutionary mind body psychotherapy practice that moves energy and emotions. I hold a Master’s Degree in computer management and have worked in IT for 20 years. All of the above studies have come together to help me make films to tell stories through narrative and dance. CR: What project are you working on now? I am working on several more screenplays. A romantic dance short film called Mon Amour. Her Dream, a love story with a lens of how art can spark passion and romance in a relationship. A feature film called Almost Everything. It's about a couple's struggle around sexuality and intimacy. And another short film called Mona, which is a story about loss. I want to offer my deep gratitude to Silk Road Film Awards and Cannes 7th Art Awards for recognizing our work and artistry. We have come a long way with your support. CR: Thank you for the interview. So we once again congratulate you and your Resilient film team for the International Best Cinematography award at the "Cannes 7th Art Award festival". And for a special prize - the screening of the film Resilient at the Cannes Film Market. We wish you a successful festival road and an amazing film career!

[jurassicparkpodcast]

'The Evolution of Claire' Review | By: Tom Fishenden

BE ADVISED: The following article contains spoilers for The Evolution of Claire.

Several years after Michael Crichton’s iconic Jurassic Park and The Lost World laid the foundations for the sprawling Jurassic movie verse that Universal Pictures have built, we finally get to build even more Jurassic lore in a novel format. This time, through Tess Sharpe’s The Evolution of Claire.

The Evolution of Claire falls nicely within the gap between Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World – exploring the story of a young Claire Dearing, and how she is an intern on Isla Nublar during the construction of the Jurassic World resort. The book is a fantastic deep dive into Claire’s character – explaining beautifully how the traumas and effects of a dangerous Nublar shape Claire into the cold, calculating and clinical character we meet in Jurassic World before Owen can break through her layers and reveal more of the slightly vulnerable, more sensitive character who we first meet in the beginning chapters of this novel. The Evolution of Claire does a fantastic job of really exploring Claire’s character – delving into how she behaves, and why she behaves the way we she does. Tess has done a fantastic job in working in conjunction with both Universal and Bryce Dallas Howard herself to really align the Claire in the novel with the Claire we see on screen. The novel helps add context and explanation to Claire’s actions, and helps to provide a fulfilling backstory which really compliments the Claire we see fighting sharply for animal’s rights in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

However, The Evolution of Claire doesn’t just focus solely on Claire Dearing – as much as the name may suggest otherwise. We have a whole cast of rich and diverse characters – some new, some returning – who really help to carry the story and build real, strong emotional connections with the story as it unfolds. We have Claire’s fellow interns – from the snobby, brat-like Wyatt (Whom I’m sure we can all compare to someone during our time at school), to the more desperate characters like Tanya and her twin brother Eric, who are on Isla Nublar for far more nefarious reasons. Like the Biosyn plot of the original Jurassic Park – where Lewis Dodgson paid Nedry to obtain embryos from the original site, in The Evolution of Claire, Tanya and Eric are being forced to steal specifications and technology from the new Masrani Global facility on Nublar – all for a rival medical science company who have technology which will save their sister’s life, for a price. This kind of ethical question comes into play towards the end of the novel, but really makes the reader think about technology and all its relevant applications – both good and bad. It also leads to the most traumatizing area of the book – an area focused around the character of Justin.

Justin is introduced as a cute, slightly-geeky character around Claire’s age with similar interests and a passion for business. He instantly hits off with Claire, and the two form quite the small romance which we gradually see grow as we explore the book further. It’s your typical teenage romance – all nerves and bumbling along, but it is well written and really serves to build and elevate both characters and their investments in the park further. It is this sparking romance that impacts us most when reading the novel – as it all goes horrifically wrong. Whilst trying to re-route the power to collect paddock information for the rival technology firm, Eric and Tanya accidentally unlock a Velociraptor which has just been transported to Isla Nublar from Isla Sorna – which is explained to be a hatching ground much like in the days of John Hammond. However, whilst attempting to escape the paddock to relative safety, Justin ultimately sacrifices himself – dying at the claws of the Velociraptor so that Claire may escape. It is this act of sacrifice that shocks readers – and helps to form the traumatized and clinical Claire we met in Jurassic World so well. Seeing an intern die was a shock – and it is a shock which was pleasantly surprising as I did not expect such chaos from a Jurassic World prequel novel.

It is here that it feels appropriate to move onto Simon Masrani’s character – as we learn a lot about his character within this novel. One of the driving components of Claire is finding a previous intern’s journal – despite being told they were the first group. This leads to the discovery of an algae which is harming the Brachiosaurs – but also to the discovery of a cover up, which we ultimately learn, lead to the death of a previous intern and the covering up of their first intern group. It is through these actions, and the dialogue with Masrani towards the end of the novel, that we learn a lot more about this kind and caring man – and the burden of sacrifice and loss upon him. He feels deeply whenever something goes wrong and whenever somebody dies – but he also feels that it is important to not let death ruin somebody’s legacy. In the case of the missing intern, Isobel – Masrani decided that it was better to cover up her death because she truly cared for the dinosaurs – and wanted them to bring happiness to people across the world. Masrani makes the hard decision to cover her death up because, in doing so, he allows her legacy to live on and grow throughout the park. The Evolution of Claire does a fantastic job of building upon Masrani – developing his ethics whilst also showing how the world of business is sometimes murky and blurred. His character in the Novel really adds to the Masrani we meet in Jurassic World, and to Tess’s credit, I feel as though Masrani is arguably one of the most beautifully written characters within the whole book.

We also get to revisit Henry Wu within the novel – and the novel adds a little bit more humanity to Wu’s character, exploring how the events of the first park perhaps effected Wu a little bit more than he lets on. His persistence to create more of these creatures to honour his colleague’s deaths adds a lot more to his persistent cause – and helps to make more sense of his character’s lapses of judgement within Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Wu is, fundamentally, continuing mad science to honour his fallen comrades. The story also introduces a couple of fun park workers – the most memorable being Bertie, an animal trainer who works with the T-Rex, Brachiosaurs and Triceratops, and Oscar – who is a dark, security-focussed individual not too dis-similar from Lambert within Jurassic World Evolution. Adding these additional characters does a fantastic job in adding personality to the Jurassic World we see within the films – reminding us that everyone from the security staff on main street to the paddock workers at the Raptor Pen had a story – and had something which they would have done within the run up to Jurassic World’s opening. It’s interesting as in some areas, I feel as if Tess has opened the flood gates – showing exactly how much scope for additional and meaningful story telling there is within this universe.

The story also feels fulfilling – exploring how different areas of the park have been worked on and why certain features and functions exist. We gain insight into different components – from the construction of the Monorail and how the Mosasaur was a late addition to Jurassic World, to the development of certain paddocks and enclosures, and how the processes to transfer animals were created. Nothing here ever feels forced for the sake of fan appreciation. Everything Tess includes within the story feels logical and conclusive – and really speaks volumes of the kind of faults, errors and corrections that a real theme park may encounter before launch day. You can tell that Tess worked hard to research existing source material in addition to real-life attractions, and the result is a story which feels logical and crucially – makes sense when grounded within the Jurassic Lore. We gain a lot of insight in a short amount of time – and you walk away from this book really longing for more. I want to see more of how Jurassic World was constructed. The roundup of dinosaurs. The capture and sedation of them. This book answers so many questions and adds so much context, whilst at the same time – opening so many more questions. These are questions which I can only hope Universal are willing to invest in – allowing us to get more novels and canonical materials in the future

The book isn’t perfect. Towards the end, the developments perhaps feel a little bit rushed – with a lot happening in a short span of time. And, some characters – such as Vic Hoskins, for example, do not make appearances. But – this could be because there is ample room to tell more stories including these characters soon. What Tess Sharpe has done is produce a fantastic and insightful prequel to Jurassic World. The novel builds upon many characters we already know whilst adding new ones – and everything feels organic and appropriate to the universe. The Evolution of Claire is a fantastic novel – and I hope that it is the start of many more to come under the Jurassic banner.

Don't miss our podcast review below!

Article written by: Tom Fishenden

[genericwhitehomosexual]

My quick review

[somepinkthing]

I just finished reading Tess Sharpe's book, The Evolution of Claire, and I'll admit that I'm a bit conflicted. I would give it either a 3.5 or 4/5 rating because, while I really enjoyed it, I can also see where it fell flat as far as character dialogue and action goes. However, also felt that it did a great job tying the conflicting parts of claire’s personality that we see in the movies together by setting her on the path to becoming who she is in JW. I feel that the book really builds this idealistic, young claire up to eventually become the woman we end up seeing. Though, I will admit that some of the hints of claire starting to slip into her new persona are easy to miss. So, as a tribute to claire, I’m gonna do a pros and cons list

CONS:

The dialogue and character interactions seemed a bit forced to me. It wasn't like it was completely unbelievable but that somehow made it seem weirder? If that makes sense. It was like the activities and themes of the interactions were familiar enough to me but then the characters spoke to each other and it often just seemed a bit... off. A lot of the references and quips felt forced and some of the lines simply didn’t feel like something a 19 yo would say or hear their peers say

The book did lack actual action. Which may be because the book is a prequel to a movie. Obviously it couldn't detail a big event where many people died because then how would you explain the park opening at all? But it was almost as if the author wanted every single thing claire did to have meaning and to say something about her person. Like, I can see that Claire caring enough about the dinosaurs to spend a whole day planning and then another painting a gyrosphere showcases that claire has a heart and believes in justice. I just didn't need that spelled out for me time and time again and I didn't need like 3 whole chapters of her doing just that. It just got a bit redundant to hear about how meaningful claire's actions were again and again.

Claire’s characterization. Claire does seem a far cry from the person we see at the beginning of JW right up to the end of the book. And its not like the characterization is completely off but something is absolutely missing. Most notably, somewhere between the end of the book and the beginning of the movie, claire completely lost her investment in the dinosaurs and her sense of wonder. And it’s actually her attitude towards dinosaurs that is the hardest to reconcile. Unfortunately, during the course of a lifetime, losing your sense of wonder is a common enough occurrence, as is regaining it. But it’s hard to imagine this young claire growing into someone who calls the dinosaurs ‘assets’. My real criticism for it is that the book should have added an epilogue or given us more glimpses of older claire and her thoughts on what happened between then and now. That may have made the change in attitude seem smoother. Because, while I can see this claire becoming the one we’re introduced to, it did take a lot of thinking. So I do think some dialogue from an older claire may have made that easier for readers to follow

I’ll be honest, if I accept the book events as canon, a lot of how claire reacts to the indominous doesn’t add up. I would expect her to be more upset about it. I would especially expect her to have more of a reaction to masrani’s cover up, either trying to justify it or being against it. THOUGH I suppose that depends on what we’re assuming happened in the interim and what lessons claire had to learn. Plus, doing a prequel after the sequel has already been made does make it hard to make everything line up

That scene at the end, where claire pets the dinosaur. I feel that she should have turned away given the state of mind the author was trying to convey and the direction she was trying to take claire’s character. That would have been more in line with the tone of the last few chapters and with the person claire would eventually become by JW. However, I can also appreciate trying to end the story on a hopeful note and it’s not a game changer

PROS:

First off, feminism. Acknowledgment of privilege from a main character. Casual LGBTQ relationships. Girls supporting girls. Guys supporting girls. This book’s got it all.

The book really does well in helping bridge the gap between the claire we see at the end of JW and what she becomes by Fallen Kingdom. It brings more depth to her development in the time skip. How, with the events of this book, claire went around full circle. Returning to her old calling and the drive that was always there after the disaster on Isla Nublar but this time with more fortitude and experience

It also did a pretty nice job of giving some backstory behind why claire does some of the things she does. For example, why she stayed on the island, why park security is so important to her. It also gives some of her reactions in the movies some depth--her aversion to the dinosaurs at first, her distress at the sight of the dead dinosaurs, her desperation to stay in control once the indominous escaped. The book ties itself in pretty well in that respect

I loved the characters, despite their unnatural interactions with claire. It's refreshing to see a book about characters with ambition. Characters who aren't the wandering hero, who want more, who seek out more. And claire and her friends were definitely that. Plus, the book also gave movie characters like masrani and wu some more background

Claire’s internal dialogue was amazing. Every part of it

I really like how they let claire be idealistic and young. That actually makes it more believable to me that claire would have such a distant and pragmatic reaction to dinosaurs and other people later in life. No one starts out as jaded as claire was in the first movie without some kind of reason. A careful but idealistic teen suffering a major betrayal from two close friends which caused her boyfriend to die in her arms, horribly mauled at the jaws of a creature that once gave her hope and inspiration would do it.

Most of the characterization seems to be pretty spot on for a younger claire tbh. Her interactions with people, her likability despite her unconventional personality, her ambition, her need for control and organization, her aggressiveness, her forward thinking attitude, her righteousness; those were all intact.   

Although I criticized it earlier, I believe the book does a good job of setting 19 yo claire up to become who she is in the first movie, just that it takes too many mental acrobatics to get it. But once I saw it, all the pieces did fall into place

You have to consider time as a factor. Assuming claire stayed with masrani all the way to the beginning of JW, then she has spent over a decade cultivating the park from its beginning by the time the movie rolls around. That is a lot of time for a young woman to go through some major changes. And claire, after justin’s death, is definitely on the brink. 

Environment also has a part to play. The deeper she gets into this park and the more her role at the park plays into her need to feel in control, the harder it’ll get for her to take that step back and realize what this is becoming. 

At her most vulnerable, claire was surrounded by people like Henry Wu and Simon Masrani--her heroes. While they meant well, they filled her with their skewed, biased ideas of the truth and of what was right for her. They sold her their explanation for what happened with both iz and justin which claire started to normalize it in an attempt to feel sane. Then they gave her a concrete goal that they thought would be best for her and she clung onto it. She grabs onto this goal set out before her and focuses on that instead of actually dealing with her trauma and fear. Instead of learning to accept the situation and move on, claire’s decided that the situation was her fault and that she should have been able to control it. Going forward, she intend to make sure this never happens again, to be in total control next time. Pile that mentality onto trauma, respect for rules and regulations, trust issues that have been worsened by betrayal, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility and you have a slippery slope---one that I can absolutely see taking claire to where she ends up in the beginning of JW.  

At the beginning, claire is someone who has the whole world set out in front of her. And some of that hope and idealism is based in innocence and the illusion that she’s safe. By the end of the book, that’s taken from her in the worst way. Now, every dinosaur related disaster will hit too close to home for her. Every injury will make her think “that could’ve been another justin”. Sure, she still loves dinosaurs to some extent, but what happens the first time one of them hurts one of her staff on her watch? And once people start entering the park? How far is claire from realizing she can't keep everyone safe without hurting some dinosaurs? In the last chapter, claire admits she’s now looking over her shoulder, waiting. She’s already started seeing dinosaurs as dangerous creatures--that isn’t that far of a jump from ‘Asset That Needs to be Controlled’ given her self-imposed mission and mental state

The book leaves claire on a precipice. She’s one sticky, dino-related mishap from realizing that there is no absolute control or safety where dinosaurs are involved. And that’ll snap something in her. She’s running scared and is trying to pretend she's not. She will do anything she has to do to feel safe and in control again. Slippery slope.

[literalizzy]

A Touch of Malice .:. Review

Finally, here I am again with my last (for now, since the next book was not released yet) review of this A Touch of Darkness series.

4.0/5.0 ☆ (with spoilers)

I don't know what happened with Scarlett St. Clair's when writing this sequel, but it was amazing. The development when compared to the first two books is evident in many ways, which made this one definitely my favorite so far.

For everyone's happiness (and mainly mine's) Persephone seems to be getting over her sexual insecurities. Not that all scenes related to this trope were over, but Seph just seemed more mature about it now. Being honest with herself and with Hades about it made her way more confident about her fears and desires. That way, Hades could be honest to her about his past and calm down her insecurities, both making sure that she was the only one he emotionally and sexually desired and opening himself up to teach and experience with her everything she desired. I believe the scene that showed it off better happened when Hades tried helping Seph training her magic by giving her a true god's power attack. When seeing her biggest fear, Seph again saw Hades with other women, but the way she perceived that was completely different from the last book. Now she saw him trying to fill himself without her, having only the physical attention but still not having the love she could give. She obviously was affected by it anyway, but now for different reasons. It was a huge change for her character, one that really had me cheering for her in a long time.

But that wasn't the only way Persephone matured. Actually, through the whole book her character grew up in every way possible. Her magic was way more explored, the same with her role as the Queen of the Underworld or as the goddess of spring. Her scenes in Olympus directly defying the god's and standing there for herself, with or without Hades presence, for defending her point were just chef's kiss. It showed how more confident she is, and by that she's empowering people around her just as Apollo and Aphrodite.

Personally, I believe this whole change happened in a very natural way, as a consequence of both aging and trauma. After so long, she learned with her mistakes and became a smart and powerful character, standing by Hades side not as his lover but as his equal. She became a true Queen and not just the king's lover and I couldn't be more proud.

Talking about Hades now, I felt a huge change in his actions too. Even though it is kind hard to analyze if it was actually him changing or if it was just Persephone's perceiving him differently, since we only have her point of view, it was noticeable how Hades learned with all the fights they had in A Touch of Ruin. Even though he still struggles a lot of times, you can see he understands whats wrong and is working on changing.

Passing those amazing points, I must say I'm a little bit afraid about what's going to happen next book. Sexual Trauma's have been a already introduced work in this series, however I feel like it became an actual main trope instead of just a discussion being approached in this sequel. Now that we know Demeter's and some of the Triad's have begun this revenge/revolution against the god's because of these traumas, I wonder how is this plot going to develop. Persephone, on the other hand, also has her sexual trauma's to deal with, bringing the debate between revenge and justice and all the possible reactions to traumas. These are very delicates subjects that with the slightest mistake can become a huge disservice, but considering the evolution this series had and how mature the writing is getting I'm really looking forward to see it happening on the best way possible.

For now, I'm entertaining myself with Hades point of view series, even though it doesn't seem to add much to the plot itself. I'm not a huge fan of books that separate pov's because I always get bored, like I'm reading the same story all over (which is truly basically what happens), but now I'm all into the plot and I need a little bit more before the next book gets released. Also I'm super entertained by Aphrodite's plot and it seems to have a little bit more of attention in Hades book, so I'm all into it.

[bookwormreads]

I love Jurassic Park, the movies and the books, and I was so excited to hear there was a Jurassic World book. And, on top of that, it’s about Claire and I love her! So you can bet that when I got the book I couldn’t put it down.

Overall I liked the book. It’s got dinosaurs, it’s got mystery, it’s got strong women in science fields. In all those respects, I loved the book.

But I am concerned about the characterization of Claire. I understand that it’s before Jurassic World and it’s about how she got involved in the park but there are some major characterization differences. I don’t want to spoil anything so this is going to be a little vague. But Claire in this book was softer almost. She’s still fierce but her relationship with the dinosaurs is kind of significantly different. Which makes the way she acts in Jurassic World seem so out of character. And I understand, she suffered a major loss and yes it affected her as a person and her goals for the future. It made her determined to prevent another tragedy happening. But to change so much? It also throws into question her reaction to some things in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and the emotional fate of the dinosaurs.

I think Tess Sharpe did an amazing job expanding on the world and its characters. I really did like the book, my personal questions aside. I don’t know, maybe going backwards in time to figure out Claire before dinosaurs, maybe this is who she’d be. After all, it is about The Evolution of Claire and she does evolve.

[thefugitivesaint]

C'Mon C'Mon (2021) Context: Viv (Gaby Hoffmann), sitting in her car in Oakland, talking to her brother Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) on the phone about having to navigate the trials of raising a child, in this case, her son, who Johnny is temporarily caring for in New York while Viv deals with the mental health crisis of her bi-polar spouse, Paul (Scoot McNairy).  I was giving this movie a re-watch and you can consider this post a recommendation to do so yourself (or watch it for the first time if you’ve never seen it). The aesthetic choice to shoot in black and white lends the narrative a melancholic mood that complements the quiet intimacy of a film that revolves around sound and listening to other people. Notable scene, one used in the movie’s trailer, is Joaquin Phoenix’s reading of Claire A. Nivola “Star Child’, a tender moment shared between an uncle and his nephew. 

(side note: originally published in 2014, 'Star Child’ went out-of-print and A24, in the company’s first publishing venture, crafted a new edition inspired by the film. “Speaking with PW about the origins and decades-long evolution of Star Child, Nivola said that the story was inspired by two very personal events: the birth of her son in 1983 and the death of her father five years later. Around that time, she created a little book for her son, held together by a single staple. “I was thinking about death and where does all that plenitude go? And for a child, where does all that abundance, that personality, come from? These are big questions, and I don’t have the answers.” Source) Here’s a review from the New Yorker if you’re interested. I’ve said it previously but it’s worth repeating, I’ve grown fond of Mike Mills’ movies. One of the conventions Mill’s employs in his films, one I appreciate, is citing books (and essays) on screen that are being read by his characters. ‘Star Child’ being one. Another is from the cinematographer Kirsten Johnson called ‘An Incomplete List of What the Cameraperson Enables’. There’s a passage on motherhood taken from Jacqueline Rose’s ‘Mothers: An Essay on Love and Cruelty’ and a passage on navigating the mental health of a parent from ‘The Bipolar Bear Family: When a Parent Has Bipolar Disorder’ by Angela Ann Holloway. Mills’ selections help inform the overall tone of each of his films. It’s a simple convention that adds wonderfully to the cohesion and flow of his narratives and accentuates Mills’ gift of establishing a sense of intimacy with characters (I would have a hard time not appropriating if I were a film maker myself.) Shit, I was just going to share a screen grab from a film I was watching and look at this post now.