#to celebrate the launch of Shadow generations

[rail-of-light]

Amy~ 💖🌹

[pickingupmymercedes]

R for Roscoe, C for Coco - Lewis Hamilton

Quick Dog Dad Special

request: "All those posts about Lewis on "happy fathers day daddy" are sending me crazy, please do them justice" - anon 1 & "Bestie, Lewis deserves a special fluff for father's day with Roscoe" - anon 2

pairing: Lewis Hamilton x Reader!

wordcount: +1K

a/n: Late for the Father's day special because I was with my dad celebrating yesterday (thanks dad for the f1 love). But happy father's day to our favorite dog dad!

As always, I'm open for feedback, come say hi!

______________________________________________________________

The key felt ridiculously heavy in her hand, the exhaustion after the travel nightmare finally catching up. She fumbled with the lock, cursing silently when she fumbled the key twice. Finally, the door swung open, revealing a dimly lit living room and the sound of a sleepy snore from the general direction of the couch.

"Roscoe?" she called out cautiously, her voice barely a hoarse whisper. A flurry of dark fur erupted from the shadows, tail wagging furiously. Roscoe launched himself at her, showering her ankles with grateful licks.

"Hey boy," she managed, patting his head as a wave of relief washed over her. She had finally made it. Forty-eight hours of travel hell, a cancelled flight, a twelve-hour layover in rain-drenched Atlanta, and here she was, in the middle of Lewis' LA home, greeted by the overly enthusiastic bulldog.

Suddenly, a sleepy voice came from the corridor. "Y/n? Is that…?" The voice trailed off, and a rumpled Lewis emerged into the dim light, eyes squinting in surprise. "What the hell…"

Before he could finish his question, Roscoe, oblivious to the tense atmosphere, decided to greet Lewis as well, leaping onto his leg and nearly knocking him out of balance.

"Roscoe, down!" Lewis managed to say, pushing the dog gently aside. He looked at her, his face a mixture of confusion and barely contained amusement as he took her in. She was a mess, clothes rumpled, hair a tangled disaster, and a tiredness etched on her face that spoke volumes.

"Hey," she managed, mustering a weak smile. "Sorry, I… uh…"

The flood of apologies died in her throat as Lewis saw it. It was the exhaustion in her eyes, the way her shoulders slumped with defeat, that stopped him from unleashing the barrage of questions he had been building up over the past two days.

"Hey," he said, his voice softer than expected, offering his hand. "What happened?"

She didn't resist, burying her face in his chest, feeling the tears of frustration and exhaustion welling up. "It's been a nightmare, Lew. I booked the wrong flight, then had a layover in Atlanta that got delayed for hours because of the rain. I've been traveling for nearly two days."

Lewis guided her to the sofa, his hand soothingly rubbing her back. Roscoe curled up at their feet, still wagging his tail, happy to have them together.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Lewis asked softly, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"I wanted to surprise you," she mumbled; her voice muffled by his shirt. "I thought I'd get here Friday afternoon, and we could have a whole weekend together before the races are back."

Lewis pulled back slightly to look at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and tenderness. "You should have told me, babe. I would never have left you stranded in Atlanta for 12 hours."

She sighed. "I'm sorry. I just... didn't want to ask for help and ruin the surprise."

Lewis shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're here now, that's what matters. Let's get you cleaned up and into bed."

She nodded, allowing him to help her to her feet. She felt the weight of the past 48 hours lifting slightly as she made her way upstairs with Roscoe attached to her feet. After a long, hot shower, she finally felt somewhat human again, slipping into one of Lewis's oversized shirts and crawling into bed with Roscoe.

As Lewis got into bed with a tray of food in hand and his little family finally under one roof, the clock chimed midnight. She let out a small, defeated laugh. "All that, and I lost the cute balloon I had for you."

Lewis raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "Balloon?"

"For Father's Day," she explained, her voice barely above a whisper. "It had 'Dad Dog' written on it. I wanted to surprise you."

Lewis stared at her for a moment before bursting into laughter. "You went through all this trouble just for Father's Day with Roscoe?"

She nodded, feeling a mix of amusement and love. "Not just for that. I also wanted to spend time with you. Just us before we get swarmed by F1."

Lewis's laughter softened into a warm smile, his eyes glinting with his love for her. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

She smiled back, feeling the last of her tension melt away. "In a good way, I hope."

"A bit, well, a lot, chaotic, but definitely the best kind" he assured her, pulling her close. "Now get some sleep. We still got a whole day of just us. You, me and Roscoe."

The morning sunlight filtering through the curtains woke her gently. Lewis was still asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. Roscoe, sensing her awake, nudged her hand with his wet nose, his tail thumping a happy beat against the mattress.

She stretched, the soreness from her travels slowly fading. She glanced at Lewis, a wave of tenderness washing over her as she saw him relaxed and peaceful, free from the pressures of carrying the weight of the world.

A memory jolted her awake. The gift. The "Dad Dog" charm was still tucked away in her purse, lost in the chaos of the previous night. Carefully, she slipped out of bed and retrieved it, tiptoeing downstairs with Roscoe right behind her.

She poured herself a cup of the freshly brewed coffee, the aroma filling the air with a familiar comfort. Pulling out the small velvet box, she placed it on the kitchen counter, right where Lewis would see it when he came downstairs.

A few minutes later, Lewis appeared, a sleepy smile on his face as he appeared in his boxers. He stretched, his eyes landing on the box on the counter. He walked over, a curious expression on his face.

"What's this?" he asked, picking up the box.

"A little something extra," she said, a teasing smile on her lips. "I know it's not really the best balloon ever made, but…"

Lewis didn't let her finish. He opened the box, revealing the silver charm nestled inside. A glint lit up his eyes as he inspected the detailed charm with a tiny R and a C for Roscoe and Coco.

"Y/n, this is incredible," he said, his voice filled with excitement. "It's perfect. But really, having you here is the best part. Thank you for coming," he whispered as he enveloped her in his arms, his voice filled with sincerity. "It means the world to me."

She squeezed his hand. "I'll always find you, even if it takes a global nightmare to get me there."

"Next time, though" Lewis said, his voice a low rumble against her ear, "let me know if you're stuck mid surprise trip across the Atlantic. Maybe I can help."

Y/n chuckled. "There wouldn't be much of a surprise then, would there?"

Lewis playfully kissed her cheek as he chuckled, reaching for Roscoe by their legs to show the bulldog his new charm.

The travel nightmare, the missed flight, the long layover – it all seemed insignificant now. Sometimes, even the most unexpected detours could lead to the most beautiful destinations. And all that mattered at the end was that she was here, with Lewis and Roscoe, their little clan finally reunited.

______________________________________________________________

TAGLIST - @saturnssunflower @xoscar03 @chocolatediplomatdreamerzonk @happy-golden-hour @vicurious28

@0710khj @thecubanator2 @neilakk @bigratbitchsworld @adriswrld

@fearfam69691 @cmleitora @goldenroutledge @timmychalametsstuff @jpgnsf @priopp123

If you’d like to be added to my taglist you can leave a comment or send me a dm/ask.

[batbeato]

My partner keeps telling me to go on Tumblr whenever I launch one of my 20-10000 minute ramble-rants about Umineko at them so here I am AGAIN

Something that a lot of people love about Umineko (and I do too!) is how much Umineko centers its female characters: Umineko focuses a lot on the rich inner lives and emotions of these women, all of whom have been negatively impacted by ideals of submissive feminism and the needs of the patriarchy.

In general, in Umineko, there's this phenomenon that I don't often see elsewhere, where male characters' emotions and feelings are treated as less important, less interesting, etc. than female characters' are. This is interesting to me, and I think it makes sense - in many spaces and works, female characters are treated as caricatures - they are tragic dead mothers, loving wives, sexy girlbosses who secretly have a soft spot for the protagonist, etc. It's only par for the course that in a work where female characters are so celebrated and explored, it is male characters who suffer the fate of being reduced to more base qualities and have their feelings and emotions brushed off or waved over.

Umineko takes the concept of the absent dead wife, mother, lover and turns them into these complex, unknown ghosts who haunt the story: Kinzo's wife, Bice, Kuwatrice, Asumu. These are all female characters central to various plot points and aspects of the story, including thematic ones, but these women are very rarely, if at all, given space to truly express their inner thoughts. This is in contrast to the Ushiromiya women (Eva, Kyrie, Rosa, Natsuhi) who are so often able to express their innermost thoughts in these long, emotional sequences. Umineko doesn't allow space for these women to be caricatures, but instead seems to make space for them to be characters we simply don't have enough information on.

I think Asumu is the best example of this: she is a character with very little actual voice in the main story. Rudolf theorizes that she knew about Battler's true parentage and raised him with love regardless, but also worries that her death was due to his lies and infidelity. Her cause of death is never revealed. Kyrie talks about Asumu as a smart woman who played dumb and innocent to steal Rudolf from her, and there is the distinct concept that if Asumu hadn't died of Cause X, Kyrie would have killed her soon after. Battler sees Asumu as an uncomplicated, loving mother. And then, when Ryukishi released Last Note, we saw this different side of Asumu - an arrogant, jealous woman who took pride in her skill at puzzles and believed that she could have saved everyone, but also still a loving mother who loves her son, and even accepts her son's half-sister, Ange, in the end. Never a caricature, always cast in shadow, but with depths beneath.

But back to what I mentioned before - male characters being treated as those flanderized, flatter caricatures, with their feelings brushed off. It's very interesting to me, because it's not even just a case of male characters simply not having the screentime - they do. Battler and Kinzo get the most of it, but George also receives plenty of discussion as well.

Battler and George, however, are the male characters who I see the most flanderization of. Battler is a pathetic crying malewife twink bottom. George is a child predator who grooms Shannon.

George is a man who was raised by a hovering, overprotective mother with ridiculous expectations of him. She made him study every day and tried to instill values befitting of the power and status she hoped he would someday have into him. However, he saw how Battler, who was meant to be 'inferior' to him, getting along better with girls - even the one he liked - and grew jealous. His relationship with Shannon began because of this, but it also helped him to understand his own flaws, and he tried to change himself. Coming from a place of privilege, this is a difficult task. He also truly loved Shannon, even though he sometimes had a patronizing view of her due to his own instilled biases, and was even willing to go against his family for her. He isn't a perfect person, but he was attempting to change and grow.

Battler is a man with a deep empathy for others and is overly emotional at times - a trait I think is unfairly made fun of, given how men showing emotion is often portrayed as unmasculine, feminine, and shameful. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, and though clumsy and foolish at times, does his best to help others. He was raised by his grandparents for 6 years, so he is somewhat divorced from the privilege he now once again holds as a member of the Ushiromiya family, and makes mistakes because of that. He makes a lot of sexual jokes, but it's implied that this is due to being socially awkward after reuniting with the family he hasn't seen in six years. It's very difficult for him to truly despise someone, but once his trust is broken, even if he still loves them, it can be very hard to earn that trust back.

...I don't think the fandom needs to focus more on the male characters, per say. No one should be told they need to focus more on X than Y because enjoying X is more ethical, progressive, fair, etc. etc. But I would like to see people at least acknowledging the complexity of the male characters in Umineko more. The malewife Battler jokes are funny, I admit, but I'm tired of the child predator George jokes. Can we please leave people who ship Shannon and George alone? At this point, I'm beginning to worry about if they're alright... seeing a lot of hate for something they love can't be pleasant.

It's a general trend I see - liking a male character means you need to prioritize female characters more. Liking a het ship means you need to make it gay, or appreciate gay ships more. If a bisexual character dates someone of the opposite sex, this is bi erasure or erasing queer representation. But it's alright to like male characters, het ships, bisexual characters in het relationships, and so on. What isn't alright are the biases that are keeping queer media from receiving as much publicity, as much funding. What isn't alright are the biases that give male characters much more complex writing than female characters in many pieces of media. We as consumers can examine these things in the production and text of the works we enjoy, but I think there is too much focus on this ethical consumption of media.

...And that's how we end up making child predator George jokes - to reconcile the existence of a flawed, nuanced male character (who can and should be criticized of course) with the fact that Umineko is such a woman-central media. Umineko needs to be one of the 'good ones', the 'ethical ones'. So the male characters must be reduced to jokes, to one-liners. It is an overcorrection on a fandom level to reconcile with a society level issue, one that can harm fans of those characters and introduce toxicity to a place that should be about sharing love for a small universe we all enjoy.

(Whoops. This is why my partner told me to go on tumblr, huh?)

[batmannotes]

DC IN CONCERT LAUNCHES “BATMAN” LIVE CONCERT TOUR TO CELEBRATE ICONIC FILM’s 35th ANNIVERSARY

Enjoy The Classic DC Super Hero Film With A Live Orchestra Playing Danny Elfman’s Grammy-nominated Original Score

TCG Entertainment, a leader in live entertainment and touring productions, in conjunction with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and DC, will bring Warner Bros. Pictures’ 1989 blockbuster film “Batman” to symphony halls around the globe as part of its DC in Concert series. Celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, the “Batman” tour kicks off January 2024 in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theater and stops in twelve U.S. cities before heading to Paris and London. Guests who attend will enjoy the film projected onto a larger-than-life screen while Danny Elfman’s iconic musical score is performed by a live orchestra. Visit  www.DCFilmsinConcert.com for ticket information.

Released June 23, 1989, Warner Bros. Pictures’ DC Super Hero film “Batman” was the top grossing film that year and has remained a fan-favorite for more than three decades. The film was composer Danny Elfman’s first collaboration with director Tim Burton and the score was later nominated for a Grammy award. The “Batman Theme” has become an iconic piece, evoking the Caped Crusader for many generations.

“Hot on the heels of our success with our first DC in Concert tour, we are excited to bring the classic 1989 ‘Batman’ and its acclaimed score to diehard fans and new generations for the film’s 35th anniversary,” said Stephen Cook, President, TCG Entertainment. “We create an unforgettable concert experience and are proud of the added creativity the DC in Concert series offers audiences to make the night an epic event.”

Not your Grandma’s symphony, DC in Concert attendees enjoy an enhanced concert experience with spectacular stage lighting, post-event autographs, merchandise sales, and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite DC Super Hero. (Please note that “Batman” has a PG-13 rating and runs for approximately two hours.)

(Source: TCG Entertainment)

For 2024, “Batman” from DC in Concert will visit the following cities for one-night only, with more dates to come:

In “Batman,” The Dark Knight, defender of law and order in Gotham City, treads the shadow zone between right and wrong, fighting with only his skill in martial arts and his keenly honed mind to defend the innocent and to purge the memory of his parents’ brutal murder – always keeping his true identity as millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne a closely guarded secret.

The “Batman” concert is presented by MGP Live in select cities and is part of “DC In Concert,” a global touring film concert series featuring a live symphony orchestra performing, to picture, every note from fan-favorite blockbuster films starring DC Super Heroes. Pre-sale code sign up starts today (Sept. 8) and lasts through Sept. 13 when the pre-sale tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. local time. General sale tickets will be available Sept. 15 starting 10 a.m. local time. Please visit www.DCFilmsinConcert.com to sign up, purchase tickets and learn more about concert dates in cities nationwide.

[p5x-theories]

New information about Versions 2.2 and 2.3!

Version 2.2, as previously announced, is a mainline version, adding more to Chapter 3's plot, as well as Messa, whose name is now confirmed to be 北里基良 (possibly Motoyoshi Kitasato) from the list previously leaked by a bug. Messa is confirmed to be a Physical type Resist teammate! This also confirms he's a 5-star, and a Confidant

Version 2.3 will be an event version (P5 Collab), broken into three parts (2.3.1, 2.3.2, and 2.3.3). Haru Okumura and Futaba Sakura will be added to the game during these versions

"A series of semi-anniversary celebrations will also be held in the 2.3.1 version at the same time" (I assume "semi-anniversary" refers to the fact that the game will have been running for six months when that version goes live?)

Version 2.3.2 will add Tycoon, and a new Ice type Defense teammate with the name 芦谷真咲 (possibly Masaki Ashitani; also a name from the leaked list) will be added; described as simply "What kind of different story will this elegant and generous senior have?", but this character is also a 5-star and a Confidant (who will not be romanceable, implying it's a guy. Possibly Cherish?)

More information about Messa will be posted within the next few days; he is described as "This seemingly casual intern doctor also seems to have inner persistence."

Version 2.2's plot content: "How can Version 2.2 "Aria of Anger" find a "method" to save Mr. Katayama, and how will Riko-senpai fulfill her "promise"…"; it will include "Plot update for Chapter 3 of the main line, new area of ​​the palace "Power Plant", new main line boss battle"; it will last from September 12th - 26th, with a banner for Messa (as well as a continuing Bui banner)

Version 2.3.1: ""Deconstructing the Angry Hacker": The new P5 linked plot and activity pyramid chapter will be launched soon, and "Futaba Sakura", a member of the Phantom Thieves of the Hearts, will soon appear. What kind of new crisis is hidden in the pyramid…"; it will last from September 26th - October 10th, with a banner for Oracle (as well as a continuing Bui banner)

Version 2.3.2: "The player who reversed the victory"; it will last from October 10th - 24th, and the new ice teammate will have a banner (as well as a continuing Fox banner)

Version 2.3.3:" "Cut off the greedy daughter": The new P5 linked story and event Space Base Chapter will be launched soon, and "Haru Okumura", a member of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, is about to appear. Let's defeat the powerful shadow behind the Space Base with everyone in the Phantom Thieves of Hearts!"; it will last from October 24th - November 7th, with a banner for Noir (as well as a continuing Fox banner)

[lennonleigh]

character name: lennon leigh reid

birthday: september 19th, 1999

gender / pronouns: cis woman, she/her

hometown: central park south, new york city

sexual orientation: bisexual / biromantic

residential area: starlight cove

occupation: fashion designer, founder of lenlei

length of time in starlight oaks: two months

positive traits: ambitious, resourceful, hardworking

negative traits: restless, impatient, stubborn

faceclaim: kaia gerber

BIOGRAPHY —

lennon was brought into a life of privilege, born to actor robert reid and celebrity makeup artist alissa taylor. her parents never married and just a year after the birth of their daughter, they separated. the majority of her childhood was spent in new york city with her mother, while the other half she spent on movie sets with her father in los angeles. her bicoastal lifestyle was something she adjusted to fairly easily but she would always consider new york her home, no matter how much she loved the serenity of the beach and being close to the water.

it was during the long hours spent with her mother at photoshoots and fashion weeks, where lennon got to observe what would become her passion in life. watching models on the runway, on and off camera, actresses on the red carpet, adorned in the most beautiful and bizarre creations, she found herself immersed in the world of fashion. as a teenager, she began to sketch, creating a portfolio of different designs that would become the first of many. she also scrapbooked as part of her research, collecting magazines and journals, textiles, fabrics. on her sixteenth birthday, lennon only asked for one present: a sewing machine.

from sophomore year until senior year of high school, lennon designed every costume for the theatre club, as well as made custom home and away uniforms for the cheer squad. every second of her time that she wasn't studying, she was sewing, crafting, creating. although she had several opportunities to meet designers, fashion icons and moguls in the industry, lennon wanted to remain anonymous. her status as the daughter of robert reid was never the factor she wanted to be the reason for her success, no matter how easy it could have been for her. after high school, she applied to the fashion institute of technology, where she was accepted and welcomed instantly. she couldn't escape nepotism entirely, no matter how much she wished she could.

in those formative years, lennon learned so much, not just about the fashion industry but about herself. she fell in love with a girl, her newfound sexuality leading to a brand new burst of creative expression. the relationship was short-lived however, her lover leaving to study abroad and choosing to stay there. it was also her first taste of heartbreak which she soon learned had the ability to fuel a whole other kind of productivity and creativity. after graduating, lennon wanted to jump into the world of work and so, she acquired the help of her mom, the owner of her own cosmetic company, to help her launch her first business venture.

lennon worked quietly behind the scenes for a year after she graduated, bringing 'lenlei' to life on the pages of a new portfolio that she kept close to her heart, building her brand from the ground up. during this time, she also got the opportunity to shadow jacqueline durran on the set of barbie. it was a dream come true. one that she admittedly had her father to thank for. lennon rarely sought his help but there was no way she could pass up on the experience of a lifetime. while working with jacqueline, lennon kept a close eye on one of her other heroes in the industry, amara washington. a woman whose work she'd followed closely since she was fifteen years old.

she respected amara not just for her work ethic but for being one of the most impactful, influential female entrepreneurs of her generation. ororo was a brand that featured in her scrapbooks as a teenager and when amara made the move to new york city, lennon didn't ever miss a runway show. the young designer's self named brand lenlei was crafted with a similar vision to those who'd come before her, with an added twist and a slight risk --- she wanted it to be a success but for it to be inclusive and accessible to all. casual wear, androgynous fashion, for women, men and nonbinary individuals. lenlei represented originality, authenticity and comfort. launched online in 2023, her range sold out and lennon earned a spot in forbes' 30 under 30.

fast forward to the present day, lennon's move to starlight oaks, (amara washington's very own hometown) was led by the success of her growing company. signing a contract with an independent clothing store, above the clouds, proved to be a new and exciting step forward. with the presence of amara in town, she's also hoping for the opportunity to learn from her in a setting that's more relaxed, away from the bustling city lights that they're used to. securing a retail space to sell her clothing line while working behind the scenes to bring her own boutique to life, lennon is hopeful that the small town will unlock bigger dreams, new hopes and fresh beginnings.

POTENTIAL CONNECTIONS —

coming soon !

[astrxlfinale]

Were misfortunate events awaiting him?

Or a grim premonition, one that eats eagerly from his efforts to come alive?

Lighter could never make the best sense of it as voices danced like hallowed whispers. Whenever a bundle of Ethereals find themselves dispersed, their culmination of pure matter, pure power finding itself being dissolved to the winds, it feels as if predators were eagerly waiting to take advantage of these efforts. The thought rolls heavily within his mind as he holds himself upon a building's edge, a bleary backdrop being his solitary company for the time being.

Everyone found themselves digging towards these goals in the bigger Hollows. Material realm, ancient relics, power that plays beyond that dangerous divide, and a gut instinct was instructing Lighter about it being the latter. The old voices and eager ambitions hadn't just diminished when Hollow Zero found itself birthed. If anything, he's confident that past battles simply gained a new field to operate on.

"Hm." With a flick of the thumb, flames found themselves dancing close to leather, a professional's edge keeping that distance right out of damaging range. It looked as if this scarlet cloth amidst a wistless dance attracted some company.

Not anyone catered into the affairs of the Outer Ring at least.

"Just how long have you been tailing me?" Lighter's voice held a sharpened edge, directly solely at the figure cloaked in dusted ivory emerging from the shadows of wreckage.

Only then would that rhythm of hymns come to a pause, a look almost zen in nature overcoming their features, hands poised together as it ushering forth their endless gratitude. "Don't you enjoy it? An endless dance that provides nothing but bounty. Material gain in lawless remnants. Strength of the soul for the enduring, creating beautiful resonance that attracts the primordial beginning itself."

"...?"

A sharp pivot of the heels would turn the Champion towards them direction. Even as a distant stir of thunder brings tremors to these replicated heavens, his stance holds firm as he slowly walks to the figure. "Question for a question? Typical. Are fallen Ethereals just your brand of a sick kick? My patience isn't boundless."

The enigmatic figure could only chortle at the moxie of this modern generation. Despite being years, years older, it almost felt relieving that the creators of sacrifice hadn't dwindled in potential. "I'm merely a celebrator of their return. Dismantling these holy grounds serves as the soil, just as ingenuity of Man is the life water. Just as they take, so to do the Hollows itself." Errant sparks of gritty violet would lash out from their joined hands, immediately prompting the Calydon's champion to clench his fist.

If only he could've been prepared for the action that seemed like an anomaly. Rifts, multiple rifts began to tear through the fabric of space like eyes peeking from the void. More of this character's ilk were located within, the voices elevating to a more prideful staccato while surrounding him. The sheer total was staggering, ascending in some ordered frame of stained glass. A low 'che' edges from his lips, frustrated steam spilling forth as a mechanical click of the gauntlet signified that talk was no longer an answer.

"The Order has recognized your ability and your aptitude. Lighter. Please continue to reap the precious source that refines your song." Akin to a finger snap, all of the beings had vanished from sight, a heavier tremor swimming through him as his scarf flicked upward. Standing in that beings initial place, amidst falling debris of infrastructure was a Thanatos. A scythe-like arm drawing itself high, those gangly limbs poised akin to a spider's, ready to launch.

All in all? Back to business as usual.

"That damn Perlman was a curse waiting. The arrival of Phaethon," A blessing at least. "Pompey's fall, and now this." He murmured, snapping his Lighter shut before abruptly cross countering a blade that shattered the sound barrier. Gridlocking the Ethereal, his eyes burned with resolution as he immediately overpowers the gridlock.

"Come what may."

[satoshi-mochida]

Shadow of the Ninja Reborn launches August 29 - Gematsu

From Gematsu

Shadow of the Ninja Reborn will launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam on August 29, publisher Natsume Atari and developer Tengo Project announced. It will support English, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options.

In Japan and Asia, the game will be priced at 4,400 yen / 29.9 SGD / 790 THB / 349,000 IDR / 99 MYR, and SEGA will distribute physical editions for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch. In the west, physical editions will be distributed by ININ Games for PlayStation 5 and Switch.

Here is an overview of the game, via SEGA:

Experience the magic of Tengo Project, the innovative creators renowned for their unforgettable 16-bit revivals like Pocky & Rocky Reshrined! Prepare for the fourth chapter of their newest classical ninja action! In a distant future, there exists a legendary Ninja… Race through the dark skyscrapers, unleash ninja skills to defeat the threats of tanks and robots! Liberate humanity from the tyranny of the Four Demonic Generals! Experience super realism in classical gaming! Confront formidable foes using a range of dynamic maneuvers, mastering 7 ninja weapons and unleashing special ninjutsu! Jump into challenging battles with an ally with cooperative mode! With the original KAGE: Shadow of the Ninja (titled SHADOW OF NINJA in North America and BLUE SHADOW in Europe) launched in 1990, Natsume earned its stripes as the master of action games—now, that same creative team brings you the newest chapter in the series

Acclaimed composer Iku Mizutani scores the immersive soundscape of this game, drawing from his experience on beloved classics like KAGE: Shadow of the Ninja, Shatterhand, and the Metabots franchise.

Following the original version, Dynamic Planning crafts vibrant key visuals and character designs, celebrated for their iconic contributions to Mazinger Z and Grendizer.

Watch a new trailer below.

Japan/Asia Physical Editions Trailer

English

Japanese

[captainkurosolaire]

Gold x Silver

 Waves clashed and sundered before a heaving vessel sailing forth aimlessly, tide’s rippled into swirls against the titanic might of the ship. Uneasiness creaking, relentless winds, a tumultuous storm approached. “Let’s end this, matey.” A scoundrel affirmed his eyes glowered in advance and illuminating gold, activating his heritage Truesight, saw a precognition of brief seconds prior, of what will happen or has. – If he hadn’t then, knowing his advisory, he would’ve died right there seeing his future-self fetch a bullet to the skull. Soon as he worded his peace his blood-brother pulled his trigger remorseless. During their intense conversation Captain brought his boot’s loose pulling out ankle first. WIth a formidable accuracy and force in his traditional tactic he threw it at the pinpoint moment that barrel was going off. It wasted a bullet to the air changing the trajectory and going into the skull of their crest on their flag they shared. He launched his other boot at Sol, who leapt away predicting it knowing Captain’s ploys. But that was only a diversion that deviant rogue, enacted the legendary unbeatable secret technique passed on generation to generation among all fighters against an immovable wall… RUN~! The Seeker launched himself in pace off his own ship. Hearing overhead, “Nice try Cap’n! BUT.. bullet wins against even that!” Revealing a second-pistol that his tail had prepared, Captain was against a foe that was equally cunning as him. A shot, barreled out and clocked Kuro through his shoulder as he descended off the ship.  Strangely, no splash... Confused Sol expected to pick-up the sound. He leaned over the ship’s rail, not a speck of blood, or anything… 

No. ...That accursed pirate leapt off and climbed down, crawling through a window-gap between the cannon’s in the Gunport! Kuro's adrenaline, blood swelled high with all this tension. He surveyed left to right the room he was in, knowing his advisory equally as well… Captain couldn’t hope to win against Sol who had all that ammunition on him, or six extra firearms on his holstered coat. He needed to disarm them all in one fell swoop. His items to use were a crate of fireworks the crew wanted to celebrate Captain’s victory at the Budokai but came-up short, there was gunpowder, rigging tools and contraptions, a training dummy and of course cannons that would’ve taken too long. Shortly after, the Captain laid out his plan if he had any… Sol arrived rushing down below taking shortcuts to arrive quicker, he built the Worldly Finder after-all. What a terrifying enemy to go against! Not only a pirate brethren, but shipwright. Captain against a Shipwright the two knew-each other thoroughly, from sea-vessel to personal. In the pitch-shadows of the gun-port, he saw the silhouette of a figure and that infamous Tricorne Hat stood – unbeknownst his hat was propped on the straw-dummy, and a trail of blood-droplets to give it belief, without any hesitation, on impulse alone, he pulled out his gun, and shot a round that was designated to end this chase, an explosive round, there was no fear, only a maniac set to destroy and erase, the recipe for a great ruler of the sea. …But Solaire knew his enemy lacked patience. When that shot connected, of course it led to a chain-reaction, but not like any; Sol accounted for, nor the ship they drifted on the ocean with. Internally a massive combustion came forth, then sparked the fireworks, to spiral everywhere, catching further pyro to everything, leading into gunpowder that led directly up the staircase. Sol’s eyes with lunacy in surprise but also, praise… The Purveyor of Ingenuity showing himself with honor and dishonorably, once again. Again though; this shipwright believed he knew all the tricks against Captain and threw out a contraption, a device that gave a ward, that protected him from the initial impact. It subsided after a ilm, Sol’s foot that back-stepped, hit a snag, a singular rope that was burning from a sparked firework, led directly to his bottom coat. A ember ablaze drew upward; how ironic, this betrayal started with Sol’s attempt to extinguish Captain in cinder. “SHIT!” Came from the Raen, who screamed throughout the ship’s corridors. Forcing him to throw off his chest ware and his arsenal included, now led into using the – secret unbeatable technique: run!

Once that ammunition was given enough heat and fire, that amount Sol carried, a rocketing explosion carried throughout the gunport, denoting and making a huge crater in the room, the ceiling showed the outdoors. The weather’s rain trying its hardest to sizzle out fire but the storm had yet, approached with a devastating downpour. The ship wobbled and forced both of them into launching and losing balance and smashing against wherever they were, everything shook like they received cannonfire from their enemies. Kuro wasn’t in the clear either. That shot that he received, had frighteningly been revealed, among pirates, you should expect foul play. Sol was the Innovator of Disaster, the bulky Seeker felt a dizziness and coldness, sickness in him before vomiting forth. He had been poisoned with an agent that worked against his tolerance. His body often could handle any biological, plant based since his body was not only conditioned in consuming from his Black Shroud visits… But this was a Garlemald force, with hands-on industrial chemical poison. It worked faster than expected. Now Captain was on a clock, to get to his cabin room. The hallway he was in, held a safe-back door way there, with a secret ladder connecting the left and right wing of his closest Crewmates by a ladder and hatch to his cabin. Amongst his pace forth, a turret deployed in ambush came out, detecting Kuro’s heat signature. Thinking quickly on his feet the feline jumped off his feet and grabbed a rope to a lighting source to evade the first shots. He swung himself with rapid-movement channeling Huton between and yanking the fixture with him, swinging off the appliance with force he destroyed both the chandelier and the small-turret bot. All that movement did was quicken the poison, he could feel his breathing congested, his lungs getting infected in distress, not having long before it eventually traveled to his heart or brain, he was against time. Sol was discombobulated and knocked into a barely conscious state from the whiplash of landing so harshly and close to that devised sonic impact, although showing signs of life, his scales had damage. Meanwhile the Blackguard reached the ladder but now, knowing things were booby trapped ahead, going forth, Captain had to be even more careful. The moment he lifted up, a laser flashed across, if it wasn't for his instinct and tail sticking up, would’ve lost his digit. Instead he recoiled, another droid-node was spinning around, searching for further heat signature. Kuro began panicking, heart racing from cold-sweats, he was seeing double-vision at this point. The pirate leapt off the ladder and with the poison’s noticeable effects in his steps, he was stumbling to reach the galley. From there he brainstormed and looked for a fast solution. With survival in mind, he reached into his own flesh-wound and pried finger first with a pain-jerking reaction his bullet still lodged in him. Taking the Crew’s stove and burning a pan he made a make-shift tool to cauterize his protruding crimson ichor that wanted to spurt out into a blood pool. Unable to dally, Captain turned off the stove’s flame and grabbed a match box of lighter, fuse, and a high alcoholic bottle of brew. He returned to that troublesome ladder and concocted a molotov cocktail throwing the contained incendiary with hatch open and overhead, the laser-turret picked up and shot its heat and caught glass-break, which the flames ignited and melted the metal. Kuro, following right behind in pursuit, put out the fire before it grew impossible to quell. Stumbling his skin, noticeably more pale. A thick-dry vomit of blood came ushering out of his design. Taking further strain, the energy of Kuro was fading, it had taken over his entire lungs now. He saw the collection of potions that were neatly in the display case of antidotes, alchemy purposes in his room, he just needed to reach… So tired… Eye’s struggled to stay open, drowsiness was swelling up.

Captain finally clasped palms over the sliding glass to his stash of salvation, upon his knees with little to any coherence left, a tripwire sprung, and every concoction inside was shattered with a rope and cannonball attached from above his ceiling if he had the muster to stand earlier, it would’ve smashed into him breaking his spine from the impact, but instead with Sol’s own dangerous creativity, it still served to be disastrous for a frantic, panicking Captain. “N-n-no….!” Salvation nearly at hand was broken into shrapnel of shattered glass, pools of various liquids were all over the place. Captain somehow had to identify and recognize the right one at this point, from his smell, texture and memory alone. He deteriorated further. Sprawling forth to his only chance. The palpitations in his heart began their last sequences, slowing noticeably, almost instantaneously. Captain lapped against wood, splintering tongue against a green murky pool with his last ditch-effort. However, a stillness came over. Pupils dilated, devoid of life, raspy breathing wheezed, before unfortunately… silence.

🌊 ♫Doomsday♫ - Reference - Last Chapter 🌊

[blackberrybrambles]

Blackberry Brambles - Beginning

To celebrate the official opening of this blog, I went ahead and wrote up a nice little snippet story that explains some of the story pertaining to how our dear reader has wound up trapped in the Fae Realm with Sun and Moon! It's not to long of a read, only a little over 1600 words, but it's something!

TW for a very angry Moon, a fair amount of food waste, and for general horror content.

The sound of glass shattering cuts swiftly through the silence of the night. Every window of every room bursts of its own accord, as if having been struck by some violent, ominous force.

Every lightbulb in the house bursts. Pop after pop of vibrant light blinds you, leaving red lines burned momentarily into your retinas as you’re plunged into near darkness.

Only the pale light of the moon remains there to watch over you.

You clutch your head, feeling an intense wave of pressure wrack your body as you drop the bowl from your hands. The porcelain shatters upon the tile floor. Vanilla ice cream splatters and fans out, mixing with the violet syrup as it melts atop the stone. You watch the streaks of soft purple ripple faintly, unable to lift your head as the pressure around you grows all the more intense.

Until suddenly it stops. All has gone still. If only for a moment.

Then you hear the footsteps. One after another. The gravel just outside your house crunches as the unknown visitor moves around outside.

As your head clears and you can finally move, you find yourself looking out the nearest broken window. A tall, ominous shadow passes by the ruined pane. Glowing spots mark your vision as the shadow seems to light up in places. You blink repeatedly in confusion, as if trying to erase the disorienting yellow splotches with the rapid movements of your eyelids.

The figure shifts still, virtually impossible to make out in this near absolute darkness.

Two glowing spots come into your line of sight. Fiery and angry. You stare at them for a moment, feeling your heart pounding in your chest.

A seething, inhuman rage radiates from those eerie red orbs.

They turn away from you just as slowly, and the figure resumes walking. It disappears from your line of sight. The only hint at the continued approach of the creature is the crunching of gravel under heavy footsteps.

Crunch.

Crunch.

Silence.

Then your front door abruptly launches out of place. The wood snaps and splinters violently as the door is thrown against the distant wall.

The broken light bulbs burst to life with a red glow. A shadow of red washes over everything within your line of sight. Suddenly it's as though you’ve been cast into hell itself. You see not in black and white, but black and red.

A loud, horrible growl sounds from the next room.

You watch long, clawed fingers curl around the corner of the empty doorway. The glowing red orbs reappear, only now you can see the face they’re attached to.

A large, perfectly circular head peeks around the corner. An oversized inhuman face stares down at you. Its wide, toothy grin is made all the more ominous by the spiteful red glow of its eyes. It looks like some sort of statue. A statue that has come to life.

You tremble at the sight of it, unsure of what it wants or why it’s come for you. But you can see the hatred in its eyes. Intense and unyielding.

“Where are they?” The creature utters, raking their claws down the wood of the doorframe.

You tremble at the sound of it. At the sound of its voice. Soft and guttural. Like a drowned whisper struggling to find breath.

There comes a moment of intense, terrifying silence as you stare at this thing that has invaded your home. Then they shift to step further into the room with you. Their other arm comes into view as they wrap their hand around the other side of the doorframe. You hear the wood creaking and cracking as this entity begins to violently push against it.

“Where are they?!” It repeats, its voice getting louder and more threatening as it stares down at you. Your lip quivers as tears begin to roll down your cheeks. The terror of this situation quickly overwhelms you as this thing proceeds to tear massive chunks out of the doorway simply by jerking its clawed hands.

Your voice dies in your throat before you can even hope to try and respond. You don’t know what this creature wants. You don’t know what it’s asking for. But you’re willing to give it anything, just to get it to leave.

You tremble helplessly as this malicious entity proceeds to fully make its way into the room with you.

“WHERE ARE THEY?!” It repeats once more, raising its voice further. “I KNOW YOU TOOK THEM! THE BIRDS DON’T LIE!” It adds.

A quiet sob escapes you in response to the horrific voice screaming in your ears. You can do nothing but shrink into yourself as the being slowly stomps its way closer to you.

The tile splits and cracks beneath its heavy feet.

Stomp, crack.

Stomp, crack.

Stomp, crack.

Until you hear the violent squelch as it steps in the puddle of melted ice-cream that lays just in front of you.

It pauses, seemingly caught off guard by both the sound and the feeling of stepping into something wet. You watch the massive, flat face twitch and rock from side to side. Like a large bird or an insect studying something that’s caught its attention.

The creature leans down, running their fingers through the melted dairy treat that has pooled upon the floor. It then brings its hand close to its face, studying the viscous cream as it drips from its fingers.

For a moment, everything goes silent again. Save for the sound of drops of melted ice-cream and blackberry syrup dribbling onto the tile floor.

Then there comes a loud, terrible growl. A growl so loud and violent that it makes the walls around you shake.

“Rulebreaker!” The creature snarls out, its voice surprisingly quiet as it speaks. It drops its hand, turning its face back down to stare directly at you. “RULEBREAKER! Thief! Naughty! NAUGHTY!” It growls, the pitch of its voice rising and falling as a result of its growing rage.

A large, clawed hand shoots out to wrap around your throat. You try to scream, but find your voice cut off as the intense grip of it prevents you from making a single sound. It strangles you violently as it lifts your body clean off of the floor. Your legs dangle helplessly beneath you, though you thrash lightly as you begin to claw violently at the hand, desperate to escape. You’re dropped before the lack of air can threaten to plunge you into darkness.

But you’re not freed. Those clawed hands catch you by your shirt before you could even hope to run away. The entity yanks you so that you stand, growling all the while.

“Where are they?! Show me!” It demands, shaking you angrily by the front of your shirt.

“What?!” You sob, your voice finally finding its way past your lips as you offer a desperate inquiry of your own. You have no idea what this thing is or what it wants. But you’ll give it what it wants, if it just tellsyou what it's here for.

The creature roars in response, dropping you again.

“The blackberries!” It hisses, voice going a bit quieter as it watches your body fall into a crumpled heap upon the ground. The fear has effectively paralyzed you, rendering you unable to run. “Where are the blackberries?! MY blackberries! You stole them! Thief! Rulebreaker!” It utters, finally making it clear exactly what it's come for.

Your voice dies in your throat again. But now aware of what this thing has come for, you timidly point towards your pantry.

Your hand trembles so badly that the creature seems to struggle to figure out what you mean, at first. Then it storms over to your pantry and practically rips the door off of its hinges. There they are. The blackberries. Or what’s become of them.

Multiple jars of blackberry jam and blackberry syrup sit in plain view.

The being seems to freeze at the sight of them.

“No...” It mutters, its voice having gone strangely quiet. You watch as it reaches into the pantry to pick up a jar of blackberry jam. Freshly canned.

Then it snarls abruptly, throwing the jar at the nearby wall. The glass shatters loudly and the jam splatters against the drywall. Everything drops down onto the floor, splattering loudly.

“No! No! No!” It growls, picking up another jar, then throwing it.

Then another.

And another.

The sound of glass jars shattering and jam splattering creates a horrific chorus that resonates throughout your home as this being seemingly has a mental breakdown in front of you. Until there remain no jars left for it to hurl in anger.

Then the beast goes quiet for a moment. Only for a moment. After which it turns to look at you, its whole body jerking and spasming as it does.

“You!...” It mutters, stomping towards you with loud, jerky steps. “Rulebreaker!... Rulebreaker!... Punished. You. Must. Be. Punished.” It quietly growls, reaching for you once more.

A terrified whimper escapes your lips as those large, clawed hands wrap around your face and head. You’re lifted up again. Slowly but easily. Your legs dangle limp beneath you this time, the fear having genuinely left you paralyzed this time around. You can’t even bring your hands up to wrap around the arms that now hold you like a rag doll.

Tears roll down your cheeks as you stare into the inhuman red eyes of the creature. Its wide, playful smile never falters as it stares at you.

“Nighty night.” It utters, maintaining unrelenting eye contact with you.

You feel its claws threaten to dig into you. You feel the intensity of its hate as you stare into its fiery, glowing eyes. Until suddenly pain shoots through the back of your head, and you’re plunged abruptly into cold, unyielding darkness.

[gcldforged]

(  rege jean page , 35 , he/him , cis man , león 2  ) - have you seen  sebastian león ? we’ve heard through the grapevine that they’re  patient  but also  headstrong. when you think of them , you think of  a smile that's brightness rivals the sun ; secrets that grow with every day ; and pretending to be someone he is not.

basic information.

full name: sebastian león. nickname: bash , seb. name meaning: venerable , revered. age: thirty-five. date of birth: april 5th. astrological sign: aries. gender & pronouns: cis man , he / him. orientation: biromantic , bisexual. spoken languages: spanish , latin , portuguese , english , italian , french, german. title: crown prince of spain, crown prince consort of italy. martial status: secretly married to lucrezia de medici.

personality.

positive: patient ,  charismatic ,  devoted ,  adaptable , noble. negative: headstrong ,  temperamental ,  secretive , proud , irascible. moral alignment: neutral good. temperament: choleric. mbti: enfj  -  the  protagonist.

history.

sebastian's birth marked a day of celebration throughout the spanish kingdom. god had blessed them with an heir, a prince. as he grew up, bash proved to be the heir any king would dream of. he was strong, committed, and dutiful. he learned how to wield a sword in near record time and proved deadly with it. or rather, he could be deadly with it if he wanted to, but there was a kindness to the spanish heir that was equally as strong as the temper he possessed.

he learned quickly how to hide it after his mother passed. it felt like her death stole all the warmth from the leon household and the father he'd looked up to for as long as he could remember changed too. sebastian followed his father. if the king desired a tougher heir then that was what he would be. softness was shoved aside. sebastian focused on his training with a blade and shadowing his father around court, mirroring almost every action he saw his father do, believing how his father behaved was how a ruler should be and mimicking it would also grant him his father's approval.

when he was old enough, sebastian went off to serve in the spanish army, to fight in his father's campaigns. it was there, witnessing the horrors of wars launched by his father and away from his influence, that the long buried part of bash awoke again. it was in part thanks to a spanish general who took bash under his wing. suddenly his father's teachings, previously held as gospel by the prince, was challenged. unlearning was a gradual process, as was learning the type of man he wanted to be separate from his father's influence, but his eyes opened.

bash hid the change upon his return to court. a part of him hoped it was temporary, that he'd return and after a few days of being back beside his father he'd return to how he was. but it was the opposite. suddenly he was seeing faults in his father's actions. suddenly he no longer admired the man who's approval he'd spent all his life fighting for. but like he had following his mother's passing, sebastian hid his true feelings. he continued playing the role of the perfect son and didn't speak a word of his disagreements. instead, he publicly agreed and supported his father's decision. whenever the king called, bash answered.

it was in the shadows, however, that traitorous thoughts began growing. he sought out trusted allies first within the spanish court, including his brothers, gathering loyal supporters as the plots for a coup gradually arose. all kept top secret, the word never spoken aloud, but a silent understanding existing amongst his allies.

the brewing plot wasn't the only secret sebastian possessed. the marriage of the spanish heir should've been a grand celebration, but instead it was done in the shadows, known to no one but those who conducted the ceremony, the prince, and the bride, lucrezia de medici. and unlike the marriage he expected for himself, marrying lucrezia was a choice made not with politics in mind but only love.

the invitation to france couldn't have come at a better time for bash. it presented him with the opportunity to forge his own alliances with other royals and advance the plot to overthrow his father. however, he remained extremely careful and patient, knowing he walked a dangerous line. all it would take was one misspoken word for his father to possibly learn of bash's treachery and that could not occur. fear would not stop him or shake his conviction, not when spain's future hung in the balance. however, for the time being he continued his facade of a perfect son, a skill he'd grown quite talented at, and waited for the right time to strike.

headcanons.

sebastian's reputation amongst nobles is complex. due to his convincing facade of being a perfect son, one who seemingly supports his father and his actions, there are some who believe that's all he is. he despises it. he despises being viewed similarly to his father, but he also knows that it's how it must be so his father doesn't grow suspicious of his true plans. sebastian hopes that when he becomes king, his actions will prove how different he is from his father.

that being said, he is actively seeking out allies amongst other royals patiently testing the ground, and working to craft a reputation for himself outside of his father's shadow. very carefully. he is not often rash and especially not with a plot he's spent so long carefully crafting. nor does he divulge that there even is a plot brewing unless one has fully gained his trust and proven themselves in bash's eyes.

he's an expert sword fighter. he was taught by the best in spain since he was a boy and frequently called a prodigy by his teachers. a deadly one. his prowess on the battlefield became well known during his time fighting with the spanish army. he's also an excellent shot with a gun, refusing to say he's second to anyone - except his wife.

a man of action. he also takes words with a grain of salt from most people, save those who have his trust, and bases his judgement on how they act rather than what they say.

sebastian does have a very good heart, but he also has a temper, one that some might say mirrors his father's. when he's mad, it's difficult for him to hide it and, depending on the situation, control it. there are a few people who can calm him down. otherwise, he does his best to remove himself from the situation so he can calm down and return with a clearer head.

despite his strong disagreements with his father and how he rules, one thing bash agrees with is maintaining spain's strength so other countries know not to cross them and so the empire remains in tact and formidable. he believes, however, that such strength can be maintained and even grown without invading and overtaking other monarchies.

is a tad overprotective of his brothers. it comes from a good place; he only wants to be a good big brother, someone his brothers can depend on and confide in. so he's quick to jump to their defense or shelter them from their father when he can but he also does his best to not be overbearing.

does have some lingering ptsd from his time in the army and occasionally has nightmares.

wanted connections.

best friend ›› they've grown up alongside sebastian since they were boys, and bash views them like another siblings. they probably fought in the army together. the two are fiercely loyal to each other ( odds are this person would be offered a place in his court once he's king ) and would be involved in the plot against his father.

allies / spies ›› basically any connections involving the plot to overthrow his dad. people who support bash ( even if they aren't aware of the plot ), people who are relaying info to him, etc.

enemies ›› could be enemies of spain in general or bash himself. if the former, maybe he's trying to win them over in hopes that they'll be on better terms when he's king.

former flings ›› when he was younger, sebastian was fairly flirtatious and did have a handful of flings, particularly when he was actively looking for a betrothal in order to please his father. some of these might've been serious relationships or casual; either way, they ended before he fell in love with lucrezia.

broken betrothal(s) ›› i imagine bash has been betrothed a few times in his life but it never resulted in marriage. it would've been political in nature, likely arranged by their parents and likely ended by them too ( either due to the alliance falling through or a similar reason ) or ended by your muse as bash wouldn't have due to his obedience to his father.

someone looking for a betrothal ›› in the eyes of the world, bash is unwed and, as crown prince, is a very eligible bachelor. would be some good drama since he is secretly married and very in love with his wife.

[bopinion]

2023 / 21

Aperçu of the Week:

"WOW, they are going to ARREST ME".

(Donald Trump, New York City Court, Case No. 71543-23)

Bad News of the Week:

As expected, U.S. Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. At least since his strong re-election last year, the relatively young politician (44 years old) is considered a promising contender and was already in second place in the polls after Donald Trump and ahead of Joe Biden before his official announcement.

Unfortunately, his platform is anything but young: the "Trump with a brain" is pursuing a distinctly right-wing agenda, has loosened gun rights, threatened minorities and cut social programs. But above all, he has dedicated himself to fighting "wokeness" as a preserver of the good old primal American canon of values. He, for example, prohibits the discussion of gender diversity in schools.

Unfortunately, and for Europeans hardly comprehensible, he is not taking an outsider's position, but riding on a general trend. For example, when Budweiser launched a campaign for Bud light featuring transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, conservatives successfully called for a boycott of the brand. Example: In a widely circulated video, Kid Rock shot at crates of the brand's beer with a machine gun and was celebrated for it. And just last week, Target took off the shelves a rainbow-colored product line it had introduced for Pride month in June - because employees were threatened by angry customers.

Increasingly, a culture war is emerging. And whether it's with Donald "Grab them by the pussy" Trump or his echo Ron "Don't say gay" DeSantis, Republicans will position themselves as the keepers of the true U.S. spirit. Anything that has even a hint of social, equality, inclusion, diversity or liberalism will be branded as an attack on the national self-image. And this message will resonate with many: the Republican voter base will go to the ballot box rallied to save their America.

This will not be the case with the Democrats, however. For their establishment has failed to build a successor to Joe Biden. Out of misplaced respect for the incumbent, who is traditionally granted automatic re-appointment. Even as his approval ratings continue to crumble. Not because of his policies, but because of his age. And because of a lack of imagination.

All of the alternatives currently mentioned by the media - from Kamala Harris to Amy Klobuchar to Pete Buttigieg - have unfortunately already proven that they cannot mobilize significantly. And all of them are hiding. Only when Biden becomes seriously ill or shows obvious signs of age-related failure will they be seen. With no agenda of their own, no charisma, no shadow cabinet. Just not being a Trump or DeSantis won't be enough this time. Especially not if you yourself are not an Alpha Male. Because US society is apparently not yet ready for a woman or a homosexual. And the legacy of Barack Obama is not strong enough.

Good News of the Week:

"Why Generation Z wants to work differently - and is now infecting everyone". That's the headline in leading political magazine Der Spiegel this week. Or in other words: work-life balance is currently a big topic. There is a shortage of skilled workers on the labor market. And that doesn't just mean the usual suspects like geriatric nurses and teachers or IT specialists. But everyone. The topics are overflowing: Should the retirement age be pushed back? How can Germany become attractive for international work nomads? How about a four-day week for everyone? Or a so-called "unconditional basic income"?

The primary issue here is not whether or in which industry one would like to work, but above all how. During the Corona pandemic, many employers and employees got to know - and in many cases appreciate - home office for the first time. I could pass for a trendsetter in this regard. For 20 years, I've worked primarily from home. And in parallel, I also have the advantages of "trust-based working hours". No one is interested in exactly when I do what work. The main thing is that I do my job. It's a give and take. And depends on personality. While some struggled with getting out of bed or putting the equally pending housework on the back burner, I have to be more careful that work doesn't become too dominant. Responsibility is the magic word - for work as part of one's personal life.

Balance is the key word in work-life balance. It's not about working less, if possible with full pay compensation. It's about remaining the master of your own personal schedule. Having to take time off for a doctor's appointment? Missing the kindergarten event? Sitting in the office in perfect weather even though the previous weekend day was rainy? Just doesn't make sense. The relationship between employer and employee should be symbiotic. After all, both have the same interest: that the work gets done. Then both sides are doing well. Without the control mania of a time clock, but with mutual trust. I can recommend this with a clear conscience.

Personal happy moment of the week:

Three days of weekend and no work. Good weather and children out of town. Sleeping in and no obligations. Going on trips and eating well. Work-life-balance... ;-)

I couldn't care less...

...for the bashing of the climate alarmists from the "Last Generation". Last week they were raided by the police - the official reason: suspicion of a criminal organization. Excuse me? Civil disobedience is for me a high good to kick the system (pardon) in the ass. Such disproportionate action by the state, instead of addressing the real problem, backfires, at least for me. Robin Hood has always been more likeable than the Sheriff of Nottingham.

As I write this...

...the runoff election for the post of president is underway in Turkey. Recep Erdogan has held power for 20 years. And for this year's challenger from an opposition party alliance, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, things were actually looking good. Not anymore: either he loses and autocrat Erdogan remains in power. Or he wins and has to keep countless election promises to the right-wing electorate, whose candidate fell out in the regular election. And with this course - played out, for example, on the backs of Syrian refugees and the Kurdish minority - he moves just as far away from a liberal, democratic ideal as Erdogan. Therefore, many voters will prefer the original. And nothing will change, the historic opportunity will be lost.

Update: now it's whitmonday. And Erdogan is reelected. And celebrated. Ooph...

Post Scriptum

FC Bayern has become the German soccer champion. The eleventh time in a row - so nothing new. However, like many others, the decision was actually made only the day before yesterday on the last match day, literally at the last minute. What is considered a catastrophe in Munich, I actually think is good: after all, (open) competition is part of sports. See the German ice hockey team, which yesterday won a medal at the World Championship again after 70 years. And which (in contrast to FC Bayern) nobody had on their mind. I couldn't lose anyway, because the opponent and winner was Canada - my second home.

[meyer-sensei]

Anakin at the Battle of Ujigawa

The Clone Wars rage on. Amid the galactic conflict, fractures within the Jedi Order threaten its unity. Jedi Master Quinlan Vos, disillusioned by the Republic’s corruption, has gone rogue, seizing control of Kyber Ridge—a hyperspace lane leading to a vital kyber mining facility.

Now, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker must confront Quinlan and reclaim the ridge. But as ambition and ideology collide, the battle will test not only their strength but the fragile unity of the Republic itself...

The Resolute floated above Kyber Ridge, its crew tense. Anakin Skywalker paced the bridge, studying the holographic map of the asteroid belt blocking their path. Captain Rex stood nearby, his helmet under one arm.

Rex: "The intel’s confirmed, General. Quinlan Vos is holding the ridge with rogue clones and Separatist weaponry. He knows our tactics—and he knows us."

Anakin: "Quinlan always said the Republic was broken. Guess he finally decided to fix it his way."

Rex glanced at Anakin. "Sir, you know him better than I do. Will he fight us?"

Anakin stopped pacing, his expression hardening. "Oh, he’ll fight. Quinlan’s no coward. And he won’t back down."

Behind him, two clone commanders, Jesse and Hardcase, bickered like rivals in a podrace pit. Anakin smirked at their antics, but Captain Rex’s steady voice pulled him back to the task at hand. 

"This won’t be easy, General," Rex muttered.

Anakin nodded, his usual cocky grin replaced by something more resolute. "Easy or not, we can’t let Vos hold this lane. If we lose Kyber Ridge, we lose more than a mining facility—we lose the Republic’s trust."

The asteroid field loomed ahead, its jagged rocks illuminated by bursts of laser fire from hidden turrets. Jesse and Hardcase launched their fighters into the chaos, weaving through the debris with practiced skill.

Hardcase (over comms): "You’d better keep up, Jesse! I don’t want to hear excuses when I’m the first one through."

Jesse: "Talk all you want, Hardcase. We’ll see who’s celebrating when this is over."

As Hardcase surged ahead, Jesse’s voice came over the comm again, sly and mocking.

Jesse: "Better check your stabilisers—they’re running hot."

Hardcase hesitated, glancing at his controls. The distraction cost him. Jesse shot past him, leaving Hardcase fuming.

Hardcase: "You tricked me! Typical."

On the Resolute, Anakin leaned forward, watching their progress.

Anakin: "Let them push each other. Competition’s good for morale."

Rex: "Or it gets them killed."

Anakin’s smirk faded. "They’ll make it. They’re two of the best I’ve got—they just don’t know it yet."

Jesse emerged from the asteroid field, his starfighter dodging laser turrets as he transmitted his report.

Jesse: "This is Jesse. I’m clear and headed for the ridge."

The ridge itself came into view, a dark silhouette against the glowing kyber mines beyond. From his command center, Quinlan Vos watched the battle unfold. His voice crackled over the comm.

Quinlan Vos: "So predictable, Anakin. Always rushing in, always so sure of yourself."

Anakin stepped forward, activating the comm. "I didn’t expect this from you, Quinlan. Turning on your own troops? Abandoning the Republic?"

Vos: "The Republic abandoned itself. You can’t see it, Anakin, but you will. When it’s too late."

The dropships landed on Kyber Ridge amidst heavy fire. Anakin leapt from his shuttle, lightsaber igniting as he cut through the rogue defenders. At the center of the ridge, Quinlan Vos waited, his yellow lightsaber humming ominously.

Vos: "You’re still fighting for a dream that’s already dead, Anakin. Why can’t you let go?"

Anakin: "Because I still believe in the Republic. Unlike you."

Their lightsabers clashed, the hum of energy drowned out by the roar of battle around them. Below, Jesse and Hardcase worked together to disable the remaining turrets.

Hardcase: "Not bad, Jesse. For a guy who cheats."

Jesse: "And you’re not bad for someone who’s all talk."

As Vos fled into the shadows, the battle’s end brought no celebration. Anakin stood over the battlefield, his thoughts heavy.

"The Republic will hold," he murmured to Rex. "It has to."

Rex’s voice was quiet, almost resigned. "Let’s hope so, General. Let’s hope so."

[ijustwantedtobeoneofthestrokesuk]

2011 - 2015

2011

January

17th - White Lies released Ritual

24th - Adele released 21

31st - Chapel Club released debut album Palace

31st - Skepta released Doin’ It Again

February

7th - The Streets released Computers and Blues

11th - ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead released Tao of the Dead

15th - Bright Eyes released The People’s Key

15th - Five O’Clock Heroes released Different Times

15th - Yuck released their self-titled debut album

18th - Radiohead released The King of Limbs

March

7th - Noah and the Whale released Last Night on Earth

11th - Alex Turner released his debut solo EP Submarine

14th - The Vaccines released debut album What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?

14th - The View released Bread and Circuses

22nd - The Strokes released Angles

29th - Britney Spears released Femme Fatale

29th - Sum 41 released Screaming Bloody Murder

April

4th - Glasvegas released Euphoric Heartbreak

4th - The Kills released Blood Pressures

11th - Foo Fighters released Wasting Light

11th - The Pigeon Detectives released Up, Guards and at ‘Em!

11th - Tribes released debut EP We Were Children

May

3rd - Beastie Boys released Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

6th - Mile Kane released debut solo album Colour of the Trap

8th - Spector release debut single Never Fade Away

10th - Tyler, the Creator released debut album Goblin

23rd - Art Brut released Brilliant! Tragic!

23rd - Lady GaGa released Born This Way

June

3rd - Kaiser Chiefs released The Future is Medieval

3rd - The Vines released Future Primitive

6th - Arctic Monkeys released Suck It and See

6th - Frank Turner released England Keep My Bones

20th - Patrick Wolf released Lupercalia

20th - Wiley released 100% Publishing

24th - Beyonce released 4

28th - Limp Bizkit released Gold Cobra

July

Spotify launched in USA

2nd - Kendrick Lamar released debut album Section 80

23rd - Amy Winehouse died

August

8th - Jay Z and Kanye West released Watch The Throne

8th - The Horrors released Skying

22nd - CSS released La Liberacion

26th - Bombay Bicycle Club released A Different Kind of Fix

30th - Blood Orange released debut album Coastal Grooves

30th - Red Hot Chili Peppers released I’m with You

September

Snapchat launched

2nd - Example released Playing in the Shadows

2nd - The Rapture released In the Grace of Your Love

9th - Ed Sheeran released debut album +

9th - Laura Marling released A Creature I Don’t Know

12th - Slow Club released Paradise

12th - The Kooks released Junk of the Heart

18th - Kasabian released Velociraptor!

18th - The Subways released Money and Celebrity

27th - Blink 182 released Neighborhoods

27th - J. Cole released debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story

October

11th - Lana Del Rey performed Video Games on Jools Holland

24th - Coldplay released Mylo Xyloto

24th - Justice released Audio, Video, Disco

28th - Florence & the Machine released Ceremonials

28th - Professor Green released At Your Inconvenience

November

1st - Justin Bieber released Under the Mistletoe

14th - Childish Gambino released debut album Camp

14th - Drake released Take Care

14th - Los Campesinos! released Hello Sadness

18th - One Direction released debut album Up All Night

21st - Nickelback released Here and Now

21st - Rihanna released Talk That Talk

December

1st - Beans On Toast released Trying To Tell The Truth

6th - The Black Keys released El Camino

24th - She & Him released A Very She & Him Christmas

2012

January

9th - The Maccabees released Given to the Wild

16th - First Aid Kit released The Lion’s Roar

16th - Howler released debut album America Give Up

16th - Tribes released debut album Baby

16th - Wiley released Evolve or Be Extinct

20th - The Shins released Port of Morrow

27th - Lana Del Rey released debut album Born to Die

31st - Grimes released Visions

April

2nd - Chance the Rapper released debut mixtape 10 Day

2nd - I Like Trains released The Shallows

2nd - The Futureheads released Rant

9th - Alabama Shakes released debut album Boys & Girls

23rd - Feeder released Generation Freakshow

23rd - Jack White released his debut solo album Blunderbuss

27th  - Marina (previously Marina & the Diamonds) released Electra Heart

27th - Mystery Jets released Radlands

May

4th - Keane released Strangeland

7th - The Cribs released In the Belly of the Brazen Bull

14th - Simian Mobile Disco released Unpatterns

21st - Gossip released A Joyful Noise

21st - The Enemy released Streets in the Sky

29th - The Walkmen released Heaven

June

1st - The Hives released Lex Hives

3rd - Chapel Club released Good Together

6th - Hot Chip released In Our Heads

11th - Maximo Park released The National Health

15th - Justin Bieber released Believe

18th - Reverend and the Makers released @Reverend Makers

26th - Linkin Park released Living Things

26th - The Offspring released Days Go By

July

9th - Frank Ocean released debut album Channel Orange

9th - The View released Cheeky for a Reason

13th - Public Enemy released Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamp

15th - Psy released Gangnam Styles

August

13th - Spector released debut album Enjoy It While It Lasts

20th - Bloc Party released Four

20th - The Darkness released Hot Cakes

31st - Two Door Cinema Club released Beacon

September 

3rd - The Vaccines released Come of Age

11th - NOFX released Self Entitled

18th - The Killers released Battle Born

21st - Mumford & Sons released Babel

24th - Green Day released Uno

24th - Lucy Rose released debut album Like I Used To

28th - Muse released The 2nd Law

October

1st - Public Enemy released The Evil Empire of Everything

1st - Roll Deep released X

5th - The Datsuns released Death Rattle Boogie

15th - Patrick Wolf released Sundark and Riverlight

22nd - ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead released Lost Songs

22nd - Kendrick Lamar released Good Kid, M.A.A.D City

22nd - Taylor Swift released Red

22nd - The Polyphonic Spree released Holidaydream: Sounds of the Holidays, Vol. One

26th - Calvin Harris released 18 Months

29th - The Twang released 10:20

November

7th - Christina Aguilera released Lotus

7th - Crystal Castles released III

7th - One Direction released Take Me Home

14th - Green Day released Dos

19th - Example released The Evolution of Man

19th - Rihanna released Unapologetic 

December

1st - Beans On Toast released Fishing for a Thank You

11th - Green Day released Tre

2013

January

14th - ASAP Rocky released debut album Long. Live. ASAP

14th - Everything Everything released Arc

28th - Adam Green released Adam Green & Binki Shapiro

28th - Biffy Clyro released Opposites

February

25th - Palma Violets released debut album 180

March

4th - Kate Nash released Girl Talk

4th - Stereophonics released Graffiti on the Train

18th - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club released Specter at the Feast

18th - Justin Timberlake released The 2020 Experience

26th - The Strokes released Comedown Machine

April

1st - Bring Me The Horizon released Sempiternal

1st - Fat White Family released debut album Champagne Holocaust

1st - Tyler, the Creator released Wolf

1st - Wiley released The Ascent

5th - Paramore released their self-titled album

12th - Bromheads (formerly known as Bromheads Jacket) released Choro

12th - Charli XCX released debut album True Romance

12th - Yeah Yeah Yeahs released Mosquito

22nd - Frank Turner released Tape Deck Heart

23rd - Har Mar Superstar released Bye Bye 17

29th - Chance the Rapper released Acid Rap (mixtape)

29th - The Pigeon Detectives released We Met at Sea

May

6th - Noah and the Whale released Heart of Nowhere

6th - She & Him released Volume 3

14th - Vampire Weekend released Modern Vampires of the City

17th - Daft Punk released Random Access Memories

20th - Tribes released Wish to Scream

27th - Laura Marling released Once I Was an Eagle

June

3rd - Miles Kane released Don’t Forget Who You Are

3rd - Queens of the Stone Age released …Like Clockwork

10th - Neils Children released Dimly Lit

10th - These New Puritans released Field of Reeds

18th - J. Cole released Born Sinner

18th - Kanye West released Yeezus

24th - Tom Odell released debut album Long Way Down

July

9th - Jay Z released Magna Carta… Holy Grail

11th - CSS released Planta

13th - The Black Lives Matter movement started

29th - Backstreet Boys released In a World Like This

29th - The Crimea released Square Moon

August

6th - The Polyphonic Spree released Yes, it’s True

12th - White Lies released Big TV

19th - Travis released Where You Stand

26th - Franz Ferdinand released Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action

September

2nd - Babyshambles released Sequel to the Prequel

2nd - Glasvegas released Later… When the TV Turns to Static

2nd - The 1975 released their self-titled debut album

6th - Arctic Monkeys released AM

10th - The Weeknd released debut album Kiss Land

16th - Manic Street Preachers released Rewind the Film

24th - Drake released Nothing Was the Same

24th - Kings of Leon released Mechanical Bull

27th - Haim released debut album Days Are Gone

27th - Lorde released debut album Pure Heroine

30th - Dizzee Rascal released The Fifth

30th - Yuck released Glow & Behold

October

7th - The Fratellis released We Need Medicine

11th - Giggs released When Will It Stop

18th - Katy Perry released Prism

28th - Arcade Fire released Reflektor

28th - Los Campesinos! released No Blues

November

5th - Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP 2

5th - Lady GaGa released Artpop

11th - The Killers released Direct Hits

18th - Blood Orange released Cupid Deluxe

25th - One Direction released Midnight Memories

December

1st - Beans On Toast released Giving Everything

3rd - Britney Spears released Britney Jean

10th - Childish Gambino released Because the Internet

13th - Beyonce released her self-titled album

24th - The Others released Songs for the Disillusioned 

2014

February

3rd - Bombay Bicycle Club released So Long, See You Tomorrow

3rd - Maximo Park released Too Much Information

24th - Reverend and the Makers released Thirty Two

March

3rd - Pharrell Williams released Girl

3rd - We Are Scientists released TV en Francais

10th - The Twang released Neon Twang

24th - Howler released World of Joy

31st -  Kaiser Chiefs released Education, Education, Education & War

April

14th - Paolo Nutini released Caustic Love

May

2nd - Lily Allen released Sheezus

6th - The Horrors released Luminous

12th - The Black Keys released Turn Blue

19th - Coldplay released Ghost Stories

19th - Conor Oberst released Upside Down Mountain

19th - The Sunshine Underground released their self-titled album

26th - Sam Smith released debut album In the Lonely Hour

June

3rd - 50 Cent released Animal Ambition

10th - First Aid Kit released Stay Gold

10th - Jack White released Lazaretto

10th - Kasabian released 48:13

13th - Lana Del Rey released Ultraviolence

16th - Klaxons released Love Frequency

16th - Linkin Park released The Hunting Party

23rd - Ed Sheeran released x

July

7th - Example released Live Life Living

7th - Manic Street Preachers released Futurology

10th - Bleachers released debut album Strange Desire

14th - Slow Club released Complete Surrender

August

18th - BTS released debut album Dark & Wild

18th - The Magic Numbers released Alias

18th - The Polyphonic Spree released Psychphonic

September

2nd - The Vines released Wicked Nature

8th - Death from Above released The Physical World

8th - Interpol released El Pintor

8th - The Kooks released Listen

8th - Simian Mobile Disco released Whorl

22nd - Julian Casablancas’ side-project The Voidz released debut album Tyranny

22nd - Professor Green released Growing Up in Public

29th - Jamie T released Carry on the Grudge

October

3rd - Rob Skipper died

3rd - The Datsuns released Deep Sleep

7th - Weezer released Everything Will Be Alright in the End

17th - ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead released IX

20th - Slipknot released .5: The Gray Chapter

20th - The Coral released The Curse of Love

27th - Rancid released …Honor Is All We Know

27th - Taylor Swift released 1989

28th - Tidal launched

31st - Calvin Harris released Motion

November

3rd - Wiley released Snakes & Ladders

10th - Foo Fighters released Sonic Highways

14th - Nickelback released No Fixed Address

December

1st - Beans On Toast released The Grand Scheme Of Things

2nd - She & Him released Classics

9th - J. Cole released 2014 Forest Hills Drive

15th - Charli XCX released Sucker

15th - One Direction released Four

24th - BTS released Wake Up

2015

January

13th - Mark Ronson released Uptown Special

February

11th  - The Subways released their self-titled album

16th - Carl Barat and The Jackals released debut album Let It Reign

25th - Skepta, Stormzy, Krept and Konan, Novelist and more from the grime scene joined Kanye West on stage at the Brits

March

13th - Marina (previously Marina & the Diamonds) released Froot

16th - Kendrick Lamar released To Pimp a Butterfly

23rd - James Bay released debut album Chaos and the Calm

23rd - Laura Marling released Short Movie

23rd - The Cribs released For All My Sisters

April

13th - Tyler, the Creator released Cherry Bomb

21st - Alabama Shakes released Sound & Color

27th - Blur released The Magic Whip

May

1st - Stormzy uploaded Shut Up to YouTube

4th - JME released Integrity>

4th - Mumford & Sons released Wilder Mind

4th - Palma Violets released Danger in the Club

15th - Brandon Flowers released The Desired Effect

15th - Hot Chip released Why Make Sense?

19th - Slow Club released I Swam Out to Greet You

25th - ASAP Rocky released At. Long. Last. ASAP

25th - The Vaccines released English Graffiti

29th - Florence & the Machine released How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

June

2nd - The Darkness released Last of Our Kind

5th - Muse released Drones

22nd - Desaparecidos released Payola

22nd - Everything Everything released Get to Heaven

22nd - Wolf Alice released debut album My Love Is Cool

30th - Apple Music launched

July

5th - Krept and Konan released debut album The Long Way Home

5th - Lucy Rose released Work It Out

27th - Public Enemy released Man Plans God Laughs

31st - Albert Hammond Jnr released Momentary Masters

31st - The Maccabees released Marks to Prove It

August

7th - Dr Dre released Compton

7th - Frank Turner released Positive Songs for Negative People

21st - Spector released Moth Boys

21st - The Fratellis released Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied

28th - The Weeknd released Beauty Behind the Madness

September

3rd - The View released Ropewalk

3rd - Travis Scott released debut album Rodeo

11th - Bring Me The Horizon released That’s the Spirit

11th - Stereophonics released Keep the Village Alive

11th - The Libertines released Anthems for Doomed Youth

18th - Lana Del Rey released Honeymoon

18th - The NME went free

25th - The Dead Weather released Dodge and Burn

October

9th - Reverend and the Makers released Mirrors

9th - The Enemy released It’s Automatic

November

6th - Grimes released Art Angels

13th - Justin Bieber released Purpose

13th - One Direction released Made in the A.M.

25th - Adele released 25

December

1st - Beans On Toast released Rolling Up The Hill

4th - Coldplay released A Head Full of Dreams

2016 - 2024

[tmctales]

Tides of Tension PT7

Chapter Seven: A Legacy of Peace

In this final chapter, we delve into a world shaped by the lessons learned from the American-Chinese Annexation War—a world where peace and cooperation are cherished above all else.

Part One: The Demilitarized World

The nations that were once the primary actors in the American-Chinese Annexation War underwent significant demilitarization. Defense budgets were redirected towards education, healthcare, and infrastructure. A sense of collective security prevailed as countries trusted in diplomacy and international law to resolve disputes.

The global arms trade was heavily regulated, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was curtailed. Multinational peacekeeping forces, under the auspices of the United Nations, helped maintain stability in regions experiencing conflict or post-war reconstruction.

Part Two: Environmental Stewardship

The devastating environmental impact of the war had left a lasting imprint on the world's consciousness. Nations came together to address climate change and environmental degradation with unprecedented urgency.

Renewable energy technologies proliferated, replacing fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. Reforestation efforts were launched on a global scale, restoring ecosystems and mitigating the effects of deforestation. Conservation initiatives protected endangered species and preserved biodiversity.

Part Three: Global Health Resilience

The experience of battling pandemics during the war had left a profound mark on global health policies. Nations cooperated closely to prevent and respond to health crises, sharing data, research, and resources to combat emerging diseases.

International organizations, bolstered by increased funding and political support, played a central role in coordinating responses to health emergencies. Vaccination campaigns and healthcare infrastructure development improved global health outcomes, reducing disparities in access to medical care.

Part Four: A Commitment to Education

Education became a cornerstone of the post-war world. Nations invested heavily in universal access to quality education, viewing it as a powerful tool for fostering tolerance, critical thinking, and global citizenship.

Cultural exchanges, scholarships, and international partnerships flourished, allowing students from all backgrounds to learn about different cultures and perspectives. The world celebrated diversity and recognized the importance of cross-cultural understanding in maintaining peace.

Part Five: The Quest for Justice

In the aftermath of the war, efforts to address human rights abuses gained momentum. Truth and reconciliation commissions were established in nations that had been involved in the conflict. War criminals were held accountable for their actions, and survivors found closure and healing through the pursuit of justice.

International tribunals for war crimes set precedents for future conflicts, sending a clear message that impunity would not be tolerated. The world was committed to upholding the principles of justice and accountability.

Part Six: A Future of Possibilities

As the years turned into decades, the legacy of the American-Chinese Annexation War was one of resilience, unity, and hope. The world had transformed into a place where cooperation, diplomacy, and a commitment to peace defined international relations.

Generations that had grown up in the shadow of war were now leaders in a world unburdened by the specter of conflict. They carried forward the lessons of history, striving to create a future where humanity's potential could flourish without the shadow of war.

In this world, peace was not just a word; it was a way of life. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the capacity for change, and the enduring belief that a better world was not only possible but essential.

Written on

September 23rd, 2023

10.06pm (United Kingdom Time)

TMarsh-Connors©

[rabbitcruiser]

National Color Day

National Color Day on October 22 gives you a chance to stop and reflect on the relationship we share with the colors that surround us and the innumerable ways in which they impact us. How long has it been since you stopped by a garden to admire a yellow sunflower, or gazed at the deep blue sky? We invite you to celebrate the power of colors today!

History of National Color Day

National Color Day celebrates and enlightens people about the significance attached to each color. Humans have always shared a deep relationship with the colors that surround them. As we grow up, our tastes evolve and so does our association with the things that we once liked. But this omnipresent element of nature hardly gets its due recognition.

National Color Day is celebrated to recognize the duality of our relationship with colors. We often use colors to our benefit but we seldom talk about the power and influence that our chosen color has on our mood, state of mind, and attention span.

The right color can enhance your beauty and the wrong one can ruin a photograph. Our brains associate colors with memories and shape our experiences of melancholy and trauma. Much of the impact that a color can have on us is based on our biology, and then there’s our personal relationship with colors. The advertising industry reaps great benefits from the color theory, which illustrates our predisposition to some colors. For example, a combination of red and yellow can stimulate our brain — a concept that reflects on the logos of McDonald’s, Netflix, KFC, and Target.

Launched by General Motors in 2009 as a part of a promotion for a brand new Chevrolet, National Color Day has been celebrated ever since.

National Color Day timeline

1700 The Color Wheel

Sir Isaac Newton discovers the visible spectrum of light and studies the impact of color for the first time.

1810 Goethe’s Investigation

Artist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe explores the psychological aspects of colors and lays the foundation for the color theory.

1870 The Colorimeter

French photographer Jules Duboscq invents the colorimeter to measure the wavelengths absorbed by a particle.

1898 Alfred’s Photometer

American painter Alfred Munsell invents the photometer to measure luminance, a.k.a., the color value of an object.

National Color Day FAQs

What is the most unpopular color?

According to a survey, yellow is the most unpopular color, with a fan base of just 5%.

Why do people see colors differently?

Rods and cones, the two types of cells inside the human eye, determine what color we see. Wavelengths of a color matter as much as our own absorption of it, because 90% of the color we interpret is based on our memory.

What color is ‘the dress’?

The dress is actually blue and black. Due to the blue light being overrepresented by the shadows, many people see it as white and gold.

National Color Day Activities

Color your stress away

Organize a ‘mix and match’ color event

Wear your least favorite color

Indulging in arts and crafts and painting, in particular, has tremendous benefits. It is more than stroking a brush on paper — painting forces you to connect your body to your mind. October 22 is a great day to reconnect with your inner self.

Mix magenta with yellow and you get red. Combine red and green and you get a shade of yellow. Colors are nothing but a big group project. This National Color Day, educate yourself about how these shades come into existence and don’t be afraid to get your hands ‘colored’ in the process.

Many will advise you to rock your best colors on National Color Day, but not us. Because we believe in embracing change. This year, peep into your closet, pick out a piece of clothing you’d never dare to wear, and step out of your comfort zone.

5 Facts About Colors That’ll Blow Your Mind

Blue is the warmest color

Red comes first

Hate stress? Think pink!

Code green for rest, yellow for panic

Bulls hate red? Well, that’s a lie

According to a study, blue is the world’s most popular color, with 40% of people picking it as their favorite.

Red is the first color that an infant can see, as it has the longest wavelength.

The color pink relieves anxiety and stress because of its calming effect and palliative qualities.

Fixing your gaze on the color yellow can cause nausea, whereas staring at green colors can calm your mind.

Bulls can’t even recognize the color red, let alone be triggered by it — it’s the movement of the muleta that angers them.

Source