#they are chilling in malta

[autistichanseo]

I love how everyones just decided “fuck hanseok and paolo actually they doesn’t even exist anymore” and are now making “hanseo and vincenzo are biological brothers” aus because something this fandom does well is pretty much go “fuck canon I’ll make them happy even if I have to fight god himself to do so” and I admire that a lot

[tobinfrost]

Malte.

[qhookahlounge]

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[alpaca-clouds]

Okay, let's go a bit more into Mizrak's probable origins

Okay, after my post-yesterday I saw in the reblogs and comments a couple of things where people get their history a bit mixed up. So let me try to clear this one up.

The world did not look like it does today in 1792!

As I said, there is quite a bit of dialogue that implies that he comes from Jerusalem. Which makes sense, because the Knights Hospitaller are from there. (For a quick explanation about what's up with the Knights Hospitaller, have a look here.) It also makes sense with his name.

Now, his name is a bit more complicated as some people make it out to be. While the name Mizrak today is most common in Turkey, it is actually a bit controverse where it originates from. There is some argument saying it came from the Slavic name Mizlav, but there can also be an argument made that it comes from the Ethopian name Misrak. Both still kinda make sense with it being so common in Turkey these days, because... Welp, the Ottoman Empire was freaking giant.

And in the late 18th century, Jerusalem was in fact part of the Ottoman Empire.

(This is the closest date in maps I have found to the setting of the show, but the bigger changes would not come until Napoleon did his thing in the late 1790s.)

Now, the show also mentions Malta in relation to the Abbot and his knight-monks. So how does that fit in?

Fairly simple.

There was a bit of a conflict happening between the religions in Jerusalem in the late 1770s. Now, please keep in mind, that in general Muslims were for most of history a lot more chill about other religions being around, than Christians historically were. But never the less: Some of the Knightly Orders and the local Kalif got into issues, there was fighting. It ended up with a lot of the Knightly Orders leaving Jerusalem.

The Knights Hospitaller moved their headquarters from Jerusalem to Malta in 1779.

We do not quite know how old Mizrak is. But I assume he is in his early 30s. So, yeah, good chance he joined the order in Jerusalem and then accompanied them to Malta and from Malta to France.

[officialpenisenvy]

chilling in my bedroom with the ac on. bestie is chilling in her bedroom watching tiktoks. other bestie is three gin-and-juices in watching the olympics with trap music blaring twerking on our guy friend. god bless malta

[eurovision-revisited]

Eurovision 2003 - Number 17 - Eivør Pálsdóttir - "Í nótt"

If you want to know what's going to win my national final of the year, I'll spoil it now. Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins 2003 is seriously strong. Like Malta in 2002, Iceland and RÚV decided to just go for it in a big way. There's one act in the competition who hasn't made my top 48, who I think would have made the top 20 if she hadn't come up against two other Icelandic entries earlier in the bracket...

One of those who has made it through is Eivør Pálsdóttir. In the grand tradition of Icelandic female singers (including Björk) she was already the lead singer in a band at the age of 15. In Eivør's case, she was the singer of Clickhaze. In 2002 she was recruited to be the singer in Yggdrasil, a Faroese art-collective/folk super-group (Eivør is Faroese). 2002 also saw her move to Reykjavik to study music. When RÚV came calling, how she could refuse the opportunity to sing at Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins?

Í nótt (Tonight) is Icelandic bossa nova done just right. Far from the Nordic folk music, this is slow, chill and the whammy bar on the guitar is getting a good twanging throughout. Eivør seduces us with the most relaxed way possible. Her voices glides alongside the guitar in a haze of promises. The mood is languid.

Isn't this just absolutely everything you could want from a national final song? And it's only 18th in my list - craziness.

Unfortunately unlike nearly every other Eivør song, I can't find the lyrics - and that's despite this very song winning several song-writing prizes throughout 2003 and 2004. Given the praise this song has earned, it's only write to credit Fridrik Erlingsson and Ingvi Þór Kormáksson the song-writers. Ingvi has also written four other Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins entries, but this was his first.

Eivør has gone on to have huge success in a variety of musical genres. As well as winning Faroese of the year in 2004, she has a grand total of 18 albums, huge numbers of performances and concerts across Europe and perhaps best know outside her devoted following as the singer and co-composer of the Gods of War soundtrack. Many of her songs on YouTube have more than a million views, and her Faroese throat singing is a viral hit with voice coaches and reaction channels . Her Icelandic language cover of Den Vilda also made the Icelandic Chart

Eurovision missed out on this voice. Here's something from a live performance at the Town Hall in Torshavn - Falling Free.

[lonelyroommp3]

summmer song suggestions:

1.Obnoxiously overplayed hits that are extremely nostalgic to me:

-Despacito: I listen to this song and i am 17 again, drunk on a school trip to malta. i just learned what a long island ice tea is. my english teacher is with us at the club. a girl got blackout drunk and told said english teacher who cheated on the exam, after walking in on her on the toilet

-Closer (halsey/chainsmokers): i listen to this song and i am 16, an exchange student in america going to homecoming. It's october but it's 32 degrees in st louis. The humidity is unbearable and the sunsets are beautiful.

2. songs that feel like summer to me, but maybe more in a chill road trip along the coastline way, way rather than a club way

-honestly most of the solar power album but specifically oceanic feeling and the path: my sister went to two shows of the solar power tour within a year on opposite ends of the world, catching both northern and southern hemisphere summer. both shows were amazing and oceanic feeling specifically represents those experiences and my bond with my sister. the path just makes me feel like i'm on a beach with the sun burning down

-stolen dance (milky chance)

-i aint worried (one republic): i only like this song when it's above 25 degrees outside

-left hand free (alt-j)

3. the kind of song that i feel like actually fits your playlist:

-loca (shakira)

-rush (troye sivan)

-pray to god (calvin harris, haim)

-monaco (bad bunny): a bit overplayed but as an f1 girlie i had to put it

-einmal um die welt (CRO): potentially the most nostalgic german song

-Gimme! Gimme Gimme! (ABBA)

-Froot (marina)

Sorry for the long ass list haha. i hope you find some inspiration! if i had to pick a single song off this list i would probably say loca

the 1 & 3 categories in particular are EXACTLY what i'm going for... thank you both for the songs and for the despacito backstory which actually made me scream laugh irl

[king-a-queen]

Eurovision 2023 pt. 1

pt. 2 | pt. 3

It’s this time of the year again! To honor beginning of Eurovision week here’s my opinion on this year’s songs and my ideal qualifiers at the end. No hate, just positive vibes here, feel free to disagree.

Semi-Final 1

Croatia (Let 3 – Mama ŠČ!) – You either love it or hate it. I personally love it – it’s grotesque, weird, absolutely unique and outstanding. We’ll forget most of song from this Eurovision in few years, but not this one. It shows that there’s not just one way to convey an anti-war message.

Ireland (Wild Youth – We Are One) – Not a big fan of this one. Sounds like it comes from a Disney Channel teen movie. It has a summerish, positive vibe, but that’s about it. Also, the live performance from Irish TV leaves much to be desired.

Latvia (Sudden Lights – Aijā) – At first I wasn’t a big fan of it, but right now it’s one of my faves. The vibe of this song makes me wanna lie on the floor and just become one with this song. And they’re great live performers.

Malta (The Busker – Dance (Our Own Party)) – This song feels like it’s a mix of Daði og Gagnamagnið, The Roop and SunStroke Project. It has its own charm, the staging is eventful and the lyrics are relatable. While it’s not one of my faves, it holds a special place in my heart.

Norway (Alessandra – Queen Of Kings) – Definitely one of the strongest participant this year. The song has everything that Eurovision wants: the strong vocals, the lyrics, the staging, the vibe and the powerful message. My only concern is whether it being a viral is more of an advantage or disadvantage.

Portugal (Mimicat – Ai Coração) – Amazing, vintage, burlesque vibe. Not my favorite, but I really enjoy it.

Serbia (Luke Black – Samo Mi Se Spava) – My number 1 since I’ve heard a few seconds of it on PZE recap. I love the message and the dark, mysterious vibe. It feels like it belong in a trailer of some epic, post-apocalyptic game. I regularly listen to it on repeat.

Azerbaijan (TuralTuranX – Tell Me More) – Do they have a chance? Probably not, but they still bring a great, chill vibe.

Czech Republic (Vesna –  My Sister's Crown) – My Slavic heart loves all of it – the message, different Slavic languages and folklore elements. You don’t get bored listening to it. I just feel, Vesna need to work on their live performance for it to be perfect.

Finland (Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha) – Before Finland’s NF I didn’t get the hype for this song. I found it weird, messy and chaotic. But after seeing live performance and public going absolutely crazy for it, I started to get it. Now it’s one of my favorites. What can I say, it’s crazy, it’s party.

Israel (Noa Kirel – Unicorn) – It’s a great, well-produced song and Noa is a very talented artist. I think it may be one of the dark horses of this year’s comp.

Moldova (Pasha Parfeni – Soarele şi Luna) – I love those ethnic bops. Pasha is a great performer and it sounds absolutely amazing live.

Netherlands (Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper – Burning Daylight) – It’s hard for me to judge it, as I don’t fancy songs like that. I’m not a fan, but good luck to them.

Sweden (Loreen – Tattoo) – In my opinion it’s a bit overrated entry. And before anybody comes at me, I like the song and I know it’s really good. It’s just that it’s absolutely what I expect from Sweden and Loren at Eurovision and I prefer to be surprised. But Loreen is amazing performer and I don’t think that this song would work so well if anybody else without such charisma tried to sing it.

Switzerland (Remo Forrer – Watergun) – A great anti-war ballad. I’m not a fan of ballads, but I think it’s a good one. With great staging, he can do well and I’m sure juries will appreciate it (if he qualifies that is).

My ideal qualifiers (in no particular order): Croatia, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Serbia, Czech Republic, Finland, Israel, Moldova, Sweden

[aijamisespava]

Let The Games Begin!

Today is one of the biggest days in Eurovision 2024. Why, you ask? We get our first national final songs! Malta held their first semi-final today, with 9 of their 36 songs being released for the fans to vote which of those songs will make the final and have a chance to represent Malta in Sweden in May.

I heard all the 9 songs on the webcast on TVM to get a feel for what the songs we could be hearing in May. Kurt Calleja was a key name here for Eurovision fans.

I would rank them, but I don't want to make this post too long. So I'll share some thoughts I may have about a couple of entries. I'm sure that the entries will be available on YouTube sooner or later so you can hear it and rank the songs as we go (as I will be doing).

Gail Attard was a highlight of this batch with her song "Wild Card." That song gave me chills and I absolutely love it. I want it on Spotify ASAP so I can put it on my playlist if she stays at the top. Dominic Cini brings an interesting song called "Bewsa" which could stand out come May. A total bop, though? See Sarah Bonnici with "Loop."

What do you think of the songs? Let me know in the comments down below!

[romanticfistfightz]

tmrw at this hour i will be chilling on a beach . in malta .

[rockislandadultreads]

New Title Tuesday: Thrillers

Midnight is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead

For fans of Verity and A Flicker in the Dark, this is a twisted tale of murder, obsessive love, and the beastly urges that lie dormant within us all...even the God-fearing folk of Bottom Springs, Louisiana. In her small hometown, librarian Ruth Cornier has always felt like an outsider, even as her beloved father rains fire-and-brimstone warnings from the pulpit at Holy Fire Baptist.

Unfortunately for Ruth, the only things the townspeople fear more than the God and the Devil are the myths that haunt the area, like the story of the Low Man, a vampiric figure said to steal into sinners' bedrooms and kill them on moonless nights. When a skull is found deep in the swamp next to mysterious carved symbols, Bottom Springs is thrown into uproar—and Ruth realizes only she and Everett, an old friend with a dark past, have the power to comb the town's secret underbelly in search of true evil.

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

Gracetown, Florida, June 1950: Twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens, Jr., is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys, a reformatory, for kicking the son of the largest landowner in town in defense of his older sister, Gloria. So begins Robbie’s journey further into the terrors of the Jim Crow South and the very real horror of the school they call The Reformatory.

Robbie has a talent for seeing ghosts, or haints. But what was once a comfort to him after the loss of his mother has become a window to the truth of what happens at the reformatory. Boys forced to work to remediate their so-called crimes have gone missing, but the haints Robbie sees hint at worse things. Through his friends Redbone and Blue, Robbie is learning not just the rules but how to survive. Meanwhile, Gloria is rallying every family member and connection in Florida to find a way to get Robbie out before it’s too late.

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

Former spy Maggie Bird came to the seaside village of Purity, Maine, eager to put the past behind her after a mission went tragically wrong. These days, she’s living quietly on her chicken farm, still wary of blowback from the events that forced her early retirement.

But when a body turns up in Maggie’s driveway, she knows it’s a message from former foes who haven’t forgotten her. Maggie turns to her local circle of old friends—all retirees from the CIA—to help uncover the truth about who is trying to kill her, and why. This “Martini Club” of former spies may be retired, but they still have a few useful skills that they’re eager to use again, if only to spice up their rather sedate new lives.

Complicating their efforts is Purity’s acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau. More accustomed to dealing with rowdy tourists than homicide, Jo is puzzled by Maggie’s reluctance to share information—and by her odd circle of friends, who seem to be a step ahead of her at every turn.

As Jo’s investigation collides with the Martini Club’s maneuvers, Maggie’s hunt for answers will force her to revisit a clandestine career that spanned the globe, from Bangkok to Istanbul, from London to Malta. The ghosts of her past have returned, but with the help of her friends—and the reluctant Jo Thibodeau—Maggie might just be able to save the life she’s built.

This is the first volume of "The Martini Club" series.

When I'm Dead by Hannah Morrissey

On a bone-chilling October night, Medical Examiner Rowan Winthorp investigates the death of her daughter’s best friend. Hours later, the tragedy hits even closer to home when she makes a devastating discovery—her daughter, Chloe, is gone. But, not without a trace.

A morbid mosaic of clues forces Rowan and her husband to question how deeply they really knew their daughter. As they work closely to peel back the layers of this case, they begin to unearth disturbing details about Chloe and her secret transgressions…details that threaten to tear them apart.

Amidst the noise of navigating her newfound grief and reconciling the sins of her past, an undeniable fact rings true for Rowan: karma has finally come to collect.

This is the third volume of the "Black Harbor" series.

[ana-chronista]

28, 30?

Thanks for the ask!

28. do you collect anything? Fridge magnets. Except I moved to a place where the fridge is inside a cupboard, so they’re having to live on my metal extractor/cooker hood for now. 😅 My current collection includes places like New Zealand, Malta, Poland, France and Germany. Sometimes I get them myself, other times they're gifts. 30. what’s one thing that never fails to make you happy/happier? Getting some time and space to myself to gather my thoughts and recharge my social battery. I enjoy peoples’ company but I do tend to hit a wall after a while, which can be tough, especially if I have other things going on at the same time. A bit of time chilling alone works wonders, though!

[blue-hamble]

Gentle sunbeams cut through the whispering mist surrounding the Squat Frog Coffee House. It was some time after lunch and Lute had just finished tidying away dried cups and dishes. He was just full enough to start getting sleepy, and it was easy to zone out. Good time to have a nap soon. The sound of creaking cartwheels broke the spiral out of his daydream. A small covered cart rattled along the dirt and flattened grass towards the coffee house. A long-limbed skydancer wearing a sedge hat was at the reins, coaxing her rambra to a halt. She disembarked in one fluid motion, dusting herself off in a delicate manner. Her voice was warm like a bell. "Lute! I have things for you!" "Miss Nita!" (forum thread: https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/rp/3238950/1#post_54364006)

Gunita had vibrant feathered wings that fluttered with butterflies in a sort of glamor. She was seldom without her fox fur and headdress, allowing only her mouth and her warm ember eyes to identify her. A heavy paper bag was part of her collection of pouches and pockets under her cape. She tipped her hat at Lute as she walked into the coffee house. "Got your letter just before I was leaving Earthhome, so I got you souvenirs as promised. Wouldn't miss The Beast's comeback for anything. I apologize for the meltiness, it was already a bit soft when I got it for you. Got some wasteland pears for you too since I was already there." The skydancer set out her gifts from a paper bag, revealing a pennant, and hat, and a magically chilled pawpsicle. The pawpsicle was gray with blue gum drop eyes slightly askew in the likeness of Kaiju Wrestling star Caledus the Beast.

"Thank you, Miss Nita! Man, can't wait for the matches. Haven't watched good wrestling in a while and I've seen the Beast since I was a hatchie. Tell me about your journey here while I make you a cuppa! Put your feet up!" Lute eagerly ushered Gunita to a seat at the bar, grabbing his gifts in one motion. He made a mental note to keep the pawpsicle stick after eating his ice cream. He poured cups of fresh green tea for them both and sat beside the skydancer at the bar with a bowl of toasted crickets. "It was a good trip," she nodded, taking the cup into her slender hands. "Met many who were selling goods during Greenskeeper Gathering not long ago. Business with Laurelnest's trader was interesting--wanted gold in exchange for plants in the Labyrinth, of all things. The Gladekeeper surely homes all sorts. I'm afraid I can't recommend them as gold is not high on Cloud Brush's priorities." "Local business with neighbors has kept us good on produce as of late," Lute supplied through a mouthful of crickets. We recently got into contact with a roaming produce supplier, and she's been really good to have near with more mouths to feed."Clan Florabrisa grows coffee too, which was delightful. Didn't get too much time to talk, but their grower Vroman knows his stuff. I'll make sure to tell Bluebird of them though! Gold is still good to have." She nodded and took a sip of tea, savoring the flavor. "New clan members, huh? Have you opened your gates?" "I suppose so! I only recently joined Cloud Brush myself. Malta is a weaver and painter. Camarines and Carambola ran a little farm previously, so the fields and animals are theirs. And some laundry dragon named Jeith who really likes denim. He really, really likes denim. It's been lively with them around, and we're glad for it..."

Something wiggled a memory in Gunita's mind, like a loosened tooth, as the spiral eagerly chattered. It was years ago, but the snapshot appeared in a wave of calm as tea hit her tongue.

"It's beautiful, Zareen. Thank you..." Gunita traced her fingers on the simple sketch. Each stroke was calculated and controlled, but the young clan leader's approach was softening--something his father had taught him, no doubt.

"It's a memento for you on your travels. I know it's hard to stay for long. You will always be welcome here, my love. I hope one day I can make home...safe again. For everyone." And for you, the unspoken words rang in silence. The merchant nodded, heart twisting in her chest. "Thank you for understanding. I'll...I'll try my best too. Please don't feel you must wait for me to settle. Create your life here and create your joy, and I'll be happy no matter what." Zareen turned to look at her, electric eyes a glassy bright blue, and she knew he understood.

The sound of a screaming kettle broke the skydancer out of her memory. "Oh, water's done! I'll be a minute," Lute sheepishly grinned. He jumped across the counter back to the kitchen, allowing Gunita a pause to collect herself and wipe any stray tears. Things were healing here already, she thought. Her long, low exhale shook her aging bones free. Even if it did take years and years. She thumbed some treasure from her purse and rose to leave, but he waved her off. "Oh souvenirs are payment enough this time, Miss Nita! But please take your time here. Are you going to watch Kaiju Wrestling?! Oh, I bet you'd love The Empress, she's so cool. I think Mister Mac is coming by for a hot chocolate and some snacks, and I know you'd love to see him!" The spiral looked at her with comically large kicked-puppy eyes. Gunita had to laugh. The nap, and any plans of leaving, was left forgotten for at least several hours.

[eurovision-del]

5. Malta – Dance (Our Own Party)

Man, I love this one! Everything about this works so well for me, from the story told in the lyrics, to the vibe of the music, to the singer’s slightly awkward charisma, to the killer sax solo! It’s an introvert’s anthem – I definitely vibe with the mood of anxiety at big parties but still wanting to party, so let’s take it home and have some fun! This song is packed full of hooks – ‘I feel better in my sweater’ is ridiculously catchy and also called me out personally, the pauses on ‘hey – wait – what ’cha say’ combined with the instantly recognisable hand movement make it really stick out, and then there’s the sax itself – all the little moments it has throughout add so much to the song, and I think the solo is brilliant. Sure, it comes around a fair bit, but I don’t care at all, I love it every time! The music is the perfect blend of laid back chill and funky beat that you could dance too, it encapsulates the tone of the lyrics perfectly! I love what The Busker did with their staging in the MESC final, and even without it on the pre-party tour they’ve been so fun to watch. This song is so easy to enjoy and I can’t help but love it!

[scotianostra]

On December 12th 1939, 9 miles off the Mull of Kintyre, the D class Destroyer, HMS Duchess was sunk after a collision with another ship.

This is the story as told by a survivor. It was an icy, black, December night and the destroyer, "Duchess" was heading home to the north of Scotland. Only another hour and she could dock at Greenock, at the end of a spectacular, record - breaking passage from East to West. The declaration on of war on Germany in that ; September of 1939, had been the signal for the flotilla of nine ships --all 'D' Class destroyers -- to leave their Chinese port, with the instruction to set sail for the 'friendly' waters of the U.K. with "the greatest possible speed". It had been a rare experience, an impressive and morale - boosting sight for the crew of the "Duchess", as they had steamed away in single file and at thirty knots, heading for refueling at Singapore On they had gone at break-neck speeds, beyond Colombo, Aden and into the Suez Canal. Here, the other shipping had been halted to ensure the flotilla's unimpeded progress to Malta. At Malta, three of the destroyers -- "Duchess", "Dainty", and 'Delight" -- were detailed to escort the Battleship "Barham" from Gibraltar to Scotland.

The "Barham" was a mighty ship. A veteran of previous skirmishes with the German fleet at Jutland in 1916. A massive vessel of some 31,000 tons, she dwarfed her escorting destroyers. The battleship and her escorts followed the usual pattern of submarine - avoidance by zigzagging, making it difficult for an enemy submarine to obtain a 'fix' on the ship. It had been a lightning trip -- perhaps the fastest East - West passage ever recorded and the crew of the "Duchess" were rightly proud of their achievement, as, in the early gloom of a December morning, she zigged and zagged her way towards the Hull of Galloway. The majority of the crew were below, asleep and the Petty Officer on watch had closed down all but one of the gunnery implacements, held a roll - call of his ten gun crew and ordered them to go below, to secure their hammocks, To clear the way for their messmates at breakfast. Only a young Ordinary Seaman, a 'boy sailor' called Ernest Swinhoe, was left up top at the 'A' gun. He was the 'communication number', the sailor on watch at the 'fore - gun. As the junior rating, he had been given the icy, early morning duty and he envied his gunnery mates their chance to go below into the warmth of the mess.

Ern had been lucky to join this destroyer, to be a part of the friendly crew of the "Duchess", along with his good friend Peter Port. Peter was his best mate, the lad who had shown him the sights of Hong Kong, before they had left the East,

They had both felt privileged to be a part of this record- breaking destroyer flotilla. As an electrician, Peter was fortunate, he thought, to be below in the warmth of the low power room. Safe from the biting chill of a Scottish strait.

It was 04OO hours now, and the watch had begun. Only an hour of this and they would be home and dry. Ern stood in the shelter of the gun shield, to avoid the wind.

There was a blackout and the absence of moonlight made it a coal-black night. He adjusted his headphones and looked aft. It 3. was then that he saw the massive shape of a ship's prow bearing down on him out of the darkness.

It towered over the diminutive destroyer and with a sickening sound, hit the "Duchess" at about half way and with such tremendous speed, that she simply turned the destroyer over. As she. 'turned turtle' Ern dived into the cold black sea, as other, half - naked sailors scrambled desperately round the rolling hull.

The "Barham's" searchlight lit up the scene, It had been her towering form that had pushed the "Duchess" over. Her crew felt sure that they had hit an enemy submarine, as the "Duchess'" upturned asdic domre looked just like a conning tower. But, when her searchlight beam moved aft, it revealed the awful truth -- the sight of a ship's screws, still turning --and her horrified crew began to sweep for survivors. The water was freezing and oil - ridden. There had been no time to grab lifebelts and Ern pushed off his rubber boots and overcoat, alternately treading water and floating on his back. Out of the blackness, a drowning shipmate struggled towards him. He was naked and desperate and Ern realized from his 'Ganges' training, that the condemned boy would use him as a lifebelt - and so, condemn them both.

Ern swam away to a reasonable distance, until the poor fellow disappeared. The light from the "Barham" lit up the side of the upturned "Duchess" and Ern could clearly see the faces of frightened men, shouting through tiny portholes, from which they were unable to escape. On the fast - disappearing hull of the "Duchess", men were clinging on, until the "Barham" pulled alongside, plucking them to safety, only moments before the boilers of the "Duchess" blew and she disappeared. beneath the waves, taking her entombed crew with her. The "Barham" and her other destroyer escorts, lowered boats and Ern began to shout to them. He realized that he had been in the water for some time now. His chances of survival were diminishing for every minute he was left in that icy waste. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a rowing boat and a coxswain shouting, "Oars!" The men stopped rowing now and the coxswain shouted again for silence.~ Ern summoned up ~'what little strength he had left and called for help. He was aware of a ship's lifeboat coming alongside and pairs of arms reaching out to pull him into the craft. He felt numb as the cold air hit him and he pleaded with his rescuers to put him back into the water, where it had felt warmer. When he reached the safety of the "Barham' he was a shaking mass, unable to warm himself through.

He was severely hypothermic and had 'been lucky to survive. His rescuers had pulled him out of the water at some minutes after 0500 hours, which meant that he had been in the water for an hour -- beyond a reasonable amount of survival time for conditions such as those on that December night. As he recovered, Ern learned that he was one of only twenty - three survivors from the ill - fated "Duchess" and, her crew of a hundred and sixty men. His fate had rested on the timing of his watch duty. He had possibly been the only sailor aboard to see the fateful collision, when the zig and zag of the two vessels had coincided. His heart went out to his mate, Peter Fort, who had been below at the point of impact. He couldn't possibly have survived and Ern hoped that he had known little of what was happening,' as he and a hundred and twenty - three others perished in what was officially described at the time, as, "One of those unfortunate accidents of war." More than fifty years have passed since that accident and my father --

Ordinary Seaman Ernest Swinhoe still remembers the events of December 12th. 1939, as if it happened yesterday. He can recall the cold, misery and confusion. The anguish of seeing entombed sailors shouting from tiny portholes, the pain of losing a good friend and the guilt of seeing a shipmate drown before his eyes. Since that day, however, ships have had escape hatches built into their sides, to prevent the fate that befell many of the "Duchess'" crew. While her demise had not been as 'newsworthy' as that of the "Hood", the "Bismarck", or -- later -- the poor old "Barham" herself, lessons had been learnt from this awful night in 1939.

[dexo27]

Day 7 Of 12 - 🎵Seven Oloro's Prancing🎵

🎵On the Seventh day of Christmas Ingen gave to we, Seven Oloro's Prancing, Six Cryo's Chilling Five Golden Spines! Four Styxo's Swimming Three Frecnh Raptors, Two Ankylo's Cuddlin' and a Quetzalcoatlus in an Aviary! 🎵

Another crested dinosaur today, the Olorotitan! I love the colours on these, and are definitely one of my (and a person close to me's) favourite species in evolution. Big, elegant, and colourful crests and stripes warm any of our guests hearts like a roaring yet cozy fireplace.

I named them after the greek goddesses and female figures in myth, as I usually do for Olorotitans thanks to the person I mentioned earlier :)

The names I selected are Hera, the Alpha of her herd, obviously (Limpopo River/Rana), Athena (Yukon/Pulchrana), Aphrodite (Mangrove Forest/Rana), Demeter (Champlain Valley/Pulchrana), Nyx (Gambia River Basin/Lithobates), Artemis (Svalbard/Papurana) and Khione (Great Sandy Desert/Pelophylax)

(Pic 2 is Aphrodite, Pic 3 is Demeter, Pic 4 is Demeter and Hera, Pic 6 is Artemis, Pic 7 is Athena on the left, Khione on the right and Pic 10 is Nyx, fittingly at Night)

From tomorrow on the rest of the species will be those introduced and getting updated with the Malta dlc and update, so feel free to guess whats next ! (or, leave a name suggestion, as there is going to be alot of individuals being added.)