#villagers save herd of elephants

[aspoonofsugar]

Blake's Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is Blake's secondary allusion, which is used to describe our Cat Girl's political plotline, her relationship with the White Fang and her interactions in Menagerie (her personal Jungle).

A POLITICAL FAIRY TALE

Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book is a metaphor for the author's moral and political beliefs. Unluckily, these ideals are not that good, as Kipling is the author of The White Man's Burden, a famous racist poem. In short, Kipling believed it was the duty of the white man to colonize and educate the "savages" (ugh).

This philosophy appears in The Jungle Book, as well (luckily not as much and together with better themes). Now, RWBY counters this by turning Kipling's premise upside down.

Kipling's works often present the English Colonialism as positive and helpful

Blake's Jungle Book shows a discriminated minority fighting for freedom, conquering violence and helping the world

So, RWBY's Jungle Book becomes an answer to the original tale. It refuses its racism, but keeps intact the vibrating characters and the powerful themes of freedom and self-discovery.

SUMMARY AND KEY ELEMENTS

The Jungle Book is not a novel, but rather an anthology of short stories that often have animals as protagonists. Among these, Mowgli's fables are the most famous and the focus of this meta.

So, here comes a summary of Mowgli's coming of age journey, which is told in several separated tales.

One night, a couple of wolves (in some versions Rama, the father, and Raksha, the mother) find a human cub and adopt him. They call him Mowgli (frog) because he is hairless. Still, the tiger Shere Khan wants to kill the baby. The matter is discussed at the pack's meeting, where Akela (the leader of the wolves), Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther all defend the child. In the end, Mowgli is accepted into the group thanks to Bagheera offering a bull for him.

Mowgli grows like a wolf of the pack and lives several adventures under the mentorship of Bagheera, Baloo and later on Kaa the python. He follows the Law of the Jungle and feels part of the pack (the free people). Meanwhile, though, Akela grows weaker and Shere Khan spreads his influence among the younger wolves. He convinces them to antagonize Akela and Mowgli. One night, Akela fails to kill the prey, which means the other wolves can kill him. Shere Khan wants to use this chance to seize the position of leader and have Mowgli die. However, Mowgli steals a pot of fire (the so called red flower) to use against the tiger, has him run away and saves Akela. Still, the pack is left with no leader and Mowgli himself feels betrayed by the other wolves siding with Shere Khan. So, he leaves the jungle and goes to live with the humans.

In the human village he is adopted by a woman called Messua and starts herding the buffalos. One day, he is reached by one of his wolf brothers who warns him Shere Khan is coming to kill him. Mowgli decides to attack first and has the buffalos run over the tiger, who is stomped to death. A human hunter sees this and enters a fight with Mowgli over the tiger's skin. The hunter turns the other villagers against the boy, who is forced to leave. He goes back to the jungle, where he is now considered a king, as a result of him killing Shere Khan.

However, the humans think of Mowgli as a demon now and lash out against Messua. They have the woman and her husband tied up to be executed. Mowgli frees them and then decides to destroy the village. He asks for the elephants' help and has them stomp over all the fields. In this way, the humans are forced to relocate and the village gets engulfed by the animals and the vegetation.

Some time later, a new wolf pack is born, but they are soon threatened by the red dogs, who are very aggressive and kill everyone in their path. Mowgli decides to fight together with the wolves and asks for Kaa's advice. The python helps Mowgli lead the dogs where the bees live. The insects emerge from their nest and kill half of the group, while the other half is defeated by the wolves. In this fight, Akela finally dies and tells Mowgli to go live with the humans.

Years later in spring, Mowgli follows Akela's advice and goes to another human village, where he finds Messua again. He goes to live with her and says goodbye to the jungle. Bagheera kills a bull just like the one he offered for Mowgli's safety in the beginning. This is the panther's goodbye and he, Baloo and Kaa all bless Mowgli, as he leaves.

Mowgli's story deals with themes key to Blake's arc.

1- Freedom

Your hopes have become my burden. I will find my own liberation…

Mowgli's pack is called the free people and Blake's White Fang fights for the faunus's freedom. Not only that, but the jungle animals call each other's brothers and sisters, just like the faunus in Menagerie do.

Bagheera went on, "Open your eyes, Little Brother"

Ghira: It's your brothers and sisters.

So, both Kipling's animals and Blake's faunus explore freedom. On the one hand the jungle animals follow the Law of the Jungle and are noble and free because of it. On the other hand the faunus must decide if giving up their own morality is a price they want to pay for their liberation.

Does being free mean you chain someone else up? Or is there another path to freedom?

2- The animal/human dychotomy

Past Blake: It’s simple, really. You could just be human, or just a cat, if you wanted. Really, it’s up to you. Blake: Why would I do that? Past Blake: Like I said, it’s simple, much simpler than trying to be a bridge between Humans and Faunus. Why struggle with that responsibility?

Mowgli and Blake are both animal and human. This in itself is a double-edged sword. On the one hand they find friends and allies both among the faunus/animals and among the humans. On the other hand they sometimes feel they don't belong anywhere. This conflict is explored by them moving freely between the 2 worlds.

Mowgli goes back and forth between the jungle and the human village:

He grows in the jungle, but leaves after the fight with Shere Khan

He lives in the human village for a while, but things do not work out and he goes back to the jungle after killing the tiger

He becomes an adult in the jungle, where he grows powerful enough to lead his pack against the red dogs

He finally chooses to start a new life among humans

Blake goes back and forth between Menagerie/the White Fang and Remnant/team RWBY:

She grows with the White Fang (her pack), but chooses to leave it after Sienna Khan (Shere Khan) becomes the new leader

She lives at Beacon (the human village), where she hides among humans and tries to conform. Still, things don't work out and Adam and the White Fang (the jungle) catch up to her

She goes back to Menagerie (the jungle) and grows strong enough to lead her people (the wolves) against the White Fang (the red dogs)

She finally leaves Menagerie and the White Fang (the jungle) and starts a new life with her team (humans)

So, Blake's story can really be told through The Jungle Book. Let's see to what extent and how the faunus of Menagerie fit the jungle chatacters.

Before we start, though, here are some metas by @blue-cheeseinmyoffwhites, which explore the Jungle Book allusion:

Ilia as Mowgli

Kali as Raksha

Ghira as Bagheera

I am going to reference several ideas present in these posts, so a big thank you to the OP's contributions!

BAGHEERA VS SHERE KHAN

The Jungle Book starts with a disagreement between Mowgli's parental figures and Shere Khan. They fight over the future of the newfound human cub. Should he live or should he die?

This same conflict is present in RWBY, as well. It is just that here the ideological clash is not about a single human child, but rather on the human race, as a whole. Should faunus try to live peacefully with humans or should they fight them violently?

Two leaders come to opposite answers to this question.

On the one hand there is Ghira (together with his wife Kali):

Kali and Ghira allude to all of Mowgli's parental figures, who are:

Raksha - the mother wolf who finds and adopts Mowgli

Akela - the leader of the wolf pack

Baloo - the bear who teaches the little cubs the Law of the Jungle

Bagheera - the black panther who used to live with humans

Kali is loosely based on Raksha in the sense that she alludes to the Goddess Kali, who is worshipped in some areas (like Bengal) as Raksha Kali (Kali the protector). She is also Blake's proud mama wolf (even if she is a cat :P) and is ready to do anything for her daughter's sake.

Ghira instead shares traits with all 3 of Mowgli's fathers. He is the leader of the White Fang, just like Akela is the head of the pack. He transmits his ideals of peace and equality to Blake, just like Baloo teaches Mowgli the Law of the Jungle. Finally, he is the chieftain of Menagerie, just like Bagheera used to live in the raja's menagerie. This is also why the black panther knows more about humans than the other people of the jungle. Similarly, Gheera wants to co-exist with the human race.

On the other hand there is Sienna Khan:

Sienna obviously alludes to the tiger Shere Khan. She is a tiger faunus, who despises humans, just like Kipling's character. Moreover, her personality is on some level similar to Shere Khan's:

Sienna: I'm starting to doubt either of you fully comprehend what it is that I want. I want humanity to fear the Faunus, to know that we demand respect! I do not want to start a war with the humans that we cannot win!

Here, Sienna basically says she is not gonna start a fight she is gonna lose. This personality trait is confirmed by her semblance Grudge, which lets her grow stronger and faster when facing a weakened enemy. In short, she symbolically grows more aggressive and powerful against an opponent already on their last leg. This is similar to the tiger, as Shere Khan is famous for fighting mostly when he has the advantage.

What's important is that Ghira and Sienna's rivalry mirrors Bagheera/Akela and Shere Khan's. On the one hand Bagheera and Shere Khan are opposites ideologically. The panther respects humans, while the tiger hates them. On the other hand Akela and Shere Khan are political enemies, as they fight over the control of the wolf pack. Similarly, Ghira and Sienna embody opposite ideals and disagree on how to lead the White Fang.

In the end, the 2 characters' stories mirror those of their literary counter-parts.

Bagheera and Akela remain close to Mowgli, who keeps following their teachings. In particular, Akela loses control over the wolves, but he is saved by Mowgli who grows into a leader of his own.

Shere Khan briefly becomes the leader of the wolves, but is defeated twice. First politically, as Mowgli humiliates him in front of the wolves. Secondly physically, as he follows Mowgli to kill him, but ends up dead instead.

Likewise, Ghira gives up the leadership of the White Fang and retires. Still, he gets his daughter back and Blake becomes his political heir. Sienna instead influences the younger generation (Adam, Blake and Ilia), but is killed by Adam, who steps up as her ideological successor. Her death even combines both of Shere Khan's defeats:

Mowgli wins against the tiger by using fire, which the people of the jungle call red flower. Adam is the red flower (cursed red rose) who steals Sienna's support and organizes a coup (political death).

Mowgli kills the tiger by having the oxens run over him. Adam is the bull who stomps Sienna to death and kills her (physical death).

Ghira and Sienna leave behind two opposite political legacies, which are picked up by respectively Blake and Adam. So, the panther and tiger's ideological conflict goes on with the cat and the bull's antagonism.

BLAKE VS ADAM

Blake and Adam's conflict ties with The Jungle Book in 3 different ways:

Blake is Mowgli and Adam is Shere Khan - They fight for survival

In The Jungle Book 2016 movie Shere Khan is blind from one eye. The tiger is said to have lost it to humans and their red flower (fire). This is very similar to Adam's backstory. He was abused by humans and lost an eye to them. As a result, he gets corrupted by a metaphorical red flower (the cursed rose), which turns him into a selfish beast. Both the tiger and Adam are blinded by their hate and are defeated because of this.

Not only that, but Adam's personality is really similar to Kipling's Shere Khan (way more than Sienna's). Both are bullies, which turn a wound (Shere Khan's injured leg and Adam's lost eye) into an excuse to hurt others. Both are short sighted and short lived leaders. Shere Khan's status as chief ends immediately because of Mowgli and Adam's command is lost because of Blake. Finally, both follow Mowgli and Blake to murder them, but are killed instead. The way Adam dies even alludes to the 2 ways Mowgli wins against the tiger:

Adam loses because of his anger blinding him, just like a crazy bull. Mowgli uses the oxens' fear and anger to lead them over Shere Khan.

Adam is defeated by Blake and Yang's combined efforts. In particular, Yang is the fire that helps Blake win against her personal Shere Khan.

So, Adam and Blake's conflict really mirrors Shere Khan and Mowgli's, with Blake gaining two big victories against the tiger/bull. The first political (at Haven) and the second physical (at Argus).

Blake is Bagheera and Adam is Shere Khan - They fight over Mowgli

Blake and Adam inherit Ghira and Sienna's philosophies. Not only that, but they make these ideals more radical:

Ghira: She's learned a lesson that evaded me until I was much older: That there is strength in forgiveness.

Adam: We're better than humans. We have everything humans have and more. Humans shouldn't just fear the Faunus, they should serve the Faunus.

Ghira admits that Blake has already surpassed him in terms of inner strength, idealism and ability to forgive. Adam claims that Sienna is not extreme enough in her grudge against humans. Humans should not only fear the faunus, but also serve them.

Blake mobilitates the faunus for peace and love, while Adam invites them to war and hate. So, what was a political disagreement for Ghira and Sienna becomes a full out fight for Blake and Adam. Once again, we have a black cat and a red beast fighting over how to deal with humanity. Symbolically this conflict becomes about one simple soul:

Ilia can be seen as based on Mowgli, especially when it comes to her backstory and chameleon traits:

Blake: Why… why'd you join the White Fang? Ilia: Same reason as you. Blake: But… Ilia: But why fight when I pass for Human?

As Blake highlights, Ilia could pass up as human. In a sense, she is "hairless", just like Mowgli who is jokingly called by his friends "little frog". So, Ilia could easily blend in and this is at the center of her background:

Ilia: We lived in Mantle with the other Faunus working the mines. But my parents wanted something better for me. They managed to enroll me in an Atlas prep school. Imagine that - a little Faunus girl from Mantle going to the city of dreams. I felt like a princess. But I had to follow a set of rules. No bringing friends home, no talking about my parents…and absolutely, under no circumstances, was I allowed to change colors. No one could know I was a Faunus.

Ilia tries to integrate in Atlas (a human village) and perfectly follows her parents' rules (the Law of the Jungle). Still, things eventually do not work out and Ilia leaves Atlas disgusted and heartbroken:

Ilia: I lost control. Every inch of me turned blue as I wept. And suddenly all the girls that I'd laughed and played with… were scared of me. Blake: I'm sorry. Ilia: Don't be. I broke their teeth.

This story parallels and partly inverts Mowgli's. Just like the human cub, she finds herself adopted by people different from her. She feels part of the pack, but a sudden tragedy makes her realize this isn't the case. She is betrayed and leaves to go back to her people. She joins the White Fang, but finds a violent and controlling reality.

So, Ilia herself is the Mowgli Blake and Adam are symbolically fighting for. After all, she is a foil of both.

Just like Blake, Ilia is a young girl who finds herself in a toxic cult. She is confused and manipulated and can't really build up the strength to leave. Her arc also partly inverts Blake's. She starts by hiding her faunus heritage and goes on by joining a violent movement. Blake is initially a terrorist and later on covers her faunus trait. They conceal parts of themselves, both in the White Fang and among humans. Their goal is to be accepted for who they are.

Just like Adam, she is a faunus exploited by Atlas, who grows resentful towards humans because of the Kingdom's racism. They are also parallels when it comes to Blake, as they both fall in love with her. Despite their past feelings, they are also ready to hurt her. In particular, Adam comes up with the plan to kill Blake's family and Ilia takes part in it out of desperation.

In short, Ilia walks a fine line between Blake and Adam and can either turn a new leaf or spiral more:

Blake: That's what worries me about Ilia. She's not like Adam, not yet at least, but I don't know how long that will last.

Luckily, a happy ending awaits our chameleon Mowgli. The conflict between Bagheera and Shere Khan over her destiny is won by the panther and Ilia is happily adopted by the wolf pack:

She finds a sister in Blake and new parents in the Belladonnas. This fits Mowgli's story. Even if he buries his wolf parents in their cave (just like Ilia's die in a cave in), he finds happiness and an adoptive mother in Messua (and Ilia joins Ghira and Kali).

Blake and Adam are two Mowglis - They fight over the Jungle

Mowgli is a character with a duality to him. On the one hand he is honorable, loyal to his people and he refuses to kill humans, even if they treat him poorly. On the other hand he is proud, angers easily and he destroys a village for revenge. He is both respected and feared by his peers:

Blake: We were being treated like equals. But not out of respect… out of fear.

Blake and Adam embody these 2 different sides of Mowgli.

Blake is the Mowgli who fights for her family, her wolf one (Ghira and Kali) and her human one (team RWBY). She is mistreated by both the wolf pack (White Fang) and the human village (society). Still, she doesn't give up on either:

Blake: We're not going to destroy the White Fang. We're going to take it back.

Yang: But you never gave up on them (people). Even when they hurt you. You never give up. You know what matters to you.

Adam is the Mowgli out for revenge, who doesn't forgive either the faunus (the wolves) nor the humans (the villagers). He wants to be on top and relishes his enemies' pain.

Allusion-wise, this difference plays out in the aftermath of Sienna's death, which parallels that of Shere Khan's final defeat. As a matter of fact the tiger's demise marks the beginning of Mowgli's conflict with the humans. This happens because an arrogant hunter wants to take credit for the kill, so he convinces the other villagers Mowgli is a demon.

Well, Adam comes up with a similar lie:

Adam: Give our former leader a proper burial. All who were here tonight will claim that Sienna was murdered by a human Huntsman.

He uses Sienna's death to spread hate towards the humans and the Huntsmen. Not only that, but he manipulates the people of Menagerie into believing the Belladonnas are liars and enemies of the faunus:

Ilia: The Belladonnas are the worse kind of Faunus! They want us to work with the same people that are trying to hold us down! If you truly, truly want to help your people… now is the time to support Adam, not the Belladonnas!

The result of Adam's scheme, though, is that Blake unites the Menagerie faunus (the jungle) by her side.

At the same time, Adam takes up Sienna's mantle as High Leader by killing her. This is how Mowgli gains the other animals' respect after showing them the tiger's skin. By this point, the wolf boy has the jungle antagonize the humans, just like Adam plans a full out attack on Haven.

Both Blake and Adam become the leaders of the jungle and have it advance against their enemy, like Mowgli does. It is just that Blake becomes an inspiration out of love and trust, while Adam grows into a king through hate and violence. So, their collision becomes a clash between 2 opposite ideas of jungle (faunus).

TWO RED FLOWERS

Mowgli's duality is nothing, but humanity's double nature. He can be both a god and a demon. Similarly, people can be both heroes and monsters. This juxtaposition is well conveyed through the red flower aka fire.

On the one hand the red flower gives light and warmth:

Blake uses fire to symbolically draw Ilia into the light and force her to show her "true colors".

On the other hand fire destroys and burns:

Blake: Humans didn't do this. We did this: Faunus. We did this to ourselves.

Blake chooses light and a loving rose who is hopeful and idealistic:

Adam chooses destruction and a spiteful rose who consumes and burns:

Blake and Adam's different ideologies are well conveyed through their two war songs:

This time The ways of the past we'll get over We'll climb Enlighten a new state of mind And now I'll stand with you shoulder to shoulder Out of the ashes a new flame ignite Rise up from shadows and into the light We'll stand undivided Our futures aligned A new brotherhood This time

I'm here I'm your savior I'll be lionized I am the path to reclamation This world will have no peace til our dream's realized No mercy no compassion our fate's justified Time to turn the table on who's tyrannized

Blake sings together with others. This is a recurring motif with her musical themes. After all, she sings alongside Adam, Sun, Ghira and Yang. When it comes to "This Time", though, the use of "We" shows how much Blake's community means to her. She thinks of the faunus as her brothers and sisters ("A new brotherhood") and considers them as equals ("I'll stand with you shoulder to shoulder"). She sees her pack as a political movement made of free people, ready to fight as one.

Adam sings to others instead. He presents himself as a savior and a hero, some kind of chosen one. By doing so he shows he doesn't consider the people he is supposed to fight for as equals. Everyone is below him. This feeling gets clearly exasperated with time.

He starts his own short with this:

Adam: Now - it's time we got what we deserved.

And he ends it this way:

Adam: It's time I got what I deserved.

He goes from "We" (community/brotherhood) to "I" (individual/savior).

Basically, Blake wants equality ("It's time to save our fate and walk beside the human race"), while Adam wants a new hierarchy ("Time to turn the table on who's tyrannized"):

Blake: I never wanted this! I wanted equality! I wanted peace! Adam: What you want is impossible!

Blake thinks true freedom is realized when everyone is free and equal. Adam instead believes freedom is simply imprisoning someone else.

These two mentalities tie with the idea of fighting, which is found in both Blake and Adam's rhetoric:

No way to avoid the warfare No way to escape this strife Hear now-listen to me This time retreat Spells our final defeat We must win our life

Lead them to salvation and regain our lives Behold your flaccid leaders Too weak to take the prize Replace them with a warrior It's time we mobilize

It is interesting because Blake and Ghira are seen as pacifists and even criticized for this. Adam and Sienna instead present themselves as fighters who are not scared to spill blood. And yet, the Belladonnas are the ones asking their people to fight:

Ghira: To do this, I think the answer is clear, we must go to Haven and protect it at all costs!

Adam and the White Fang instead claim they will fight in the faunus' place:

Ilia: He (Adam) will bring about the future that you deserve. And if you are unwilling to fight, know that the White Fang will do it for you!

This is addressed in Blake's speech in Menagerie:

Blake: So why are we letting Adam do it for us?! By doing nothing and staying silent, we let others speak and act in our place. And if we're not proud of the choices they make, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. This is the message that Adam Taurus will bring to the world if no one stops him. But we can stop him! (...) I understand that to ask you to leave your homes and protect Haven Academy is asking you to put your lives at risk. But that's what's at stake.

To give up one's agency to another is the opposite of freedom. Blake wants her people to be active and to choose their destiny. Adam instead is happy with them being passive, so that he can choose in their stead. Blake inspires the faunus to take their lives in their own hands, while Adam convinces them they do not really need to. Blake truly wants people to be free. Adam instead wants people to be his subjects.

These are Blake and Adam's opposite political manifestos, which are conveyed through two different flags.

Blake's flag mixes the old White Fang's symbol with a new yellow one, as there is continuity between Blake's movement and Ghira's. At the same time, white and especially yellow are two colors linked to light:

Blake symbolically brings Adam into the light and shows his real self to the world.

Adam's flag uses a red symbol, which appears more threatening. Red is linked to blood, as his movement is way more blood-thirsty than the original White Fang:

Adam at Beacon is surrounded by destruction and red flames.

So, Blake and Adam's emblems represent the two different sides of the "red flower". One is a flame which burns gold and sheds light. The other is a flame which burns red and spills blood.

THE RED DOGS

The White Fang's red symbol brings to mind the Red Dogs. They are an aggressive group of dogs, which antagonize Mowgli's wolf pack in the second part of the story. This allusion is hinted at also by the Albain Brothers:

They are literally two red dogs and serve as Adam's most trusted allies.

In general, the short story Red Dogs describes Blake's conflict with Adam very well.

First of all, the war with the Red Dogs is in the second part of Mowgli's story and it marks a reconciliation between Mowgli and the wolf pack. Similarly, Blake and Adam's fight happens after Sienna's death and it ends with Blake mending her relationship with the faunus liberation movement.

Secondly, this story just perfectly fits Blake's plot-wise.

It opens with the arrival of a stranger. He is a lonely wolf (Won-Tolla), who has lost his family and a limb to the Red Dogs. He wants to fight the dogs for revenge, but advises the wolves to leave.

He loosely resembles a certain firecracker:

I am the golden one Who burns just like the sun Next time we meet is your disaster I'll bring the punishment Your song will be lament Revenge, my happy ever after

Luckily, Yang doesn't lose her loved ones to Adam (at least not permanently), but she still gets her arm cut and swears revenge.

Mowgli refuses to leave and urges the pack to fight. He says he is no part of the pack anymore, but that he will join the wolves for this battle. This is similar to Blake's speech to the faunus. She doesn't have to help the humans. Still, she is willing to and invites the other faunus to do the same. They shouldn't run away, but fight with pride:

Now is the time you must fight for your lives The battle is on you're already inside Don't turn back now There's nowhere to hide Nowhere to build a new world Nowhere to start anew Here. Now. Is all that we've got Ready or not There's a war to be fought Only one way through

Still, the real similarities between Kipling's story and Blake's struggle are found in her final confrontation with Adam:

Mowgli defeats the Red Dogs thanks to a well-thought plan, while Blake wins against Adam thanks to her bravery. Still, the two fights follow similar patterns.

Both Mowgli and Blake face their opponents in a forest and lead them to a rocky area above a river:

In The Jungle Book, this is where the murderous bees have their nest. Mowgli runs quickly past them and jumps in the river, where he is helped by Kaa. The dogs are instead killed by the insects and fall in the stream, which leads the survivors to the wolf pack, ready to finish them off.

In RWBY, this bridge over a river is where the bees (Blake + Yang) kill Adam:

Symbolically, bumblebee even falls into the water to show that it is in fact the bees' river.

There are also other similarities. For example, Mowgli cuts the leader of the dogs' tail and uses it to provoke the group and bait them towards the bees. Blake and Yang instead try to take away Adam's sword:

And Yang uses it to lead Adam to where Blake ambushes him.

Finally, Mowgli and the Won-Tolla kill the head of the pack together:

Sure, Won-Tolla dies, while Yang survives. Still, in both situations the emphasis is on the necessity to even the score:

You may have taken the lead but I'll even the score You won the battle you won't win the war Not now and Nevermore

Both the wolf and our golden beauty are able to pay their "blood debt" and find peace.

Kipling's story ends with Akela's death. The wolf is one of Mowgli's parental figures and his passing marks the end of the book and the beginning of Mowgli's new life. After all, he is the one who advises the boy to go back to the humans.

Similarly, Adam's death represents a new beginning for Blake, as it grants her freedom.

FREEDOM IS FINALLY HERE

Nevermore Will I be afraid Nor will I run away It's behind me Freedom is finally here

Throughout her arc, Blake grows close to several faunus, who offer different takes on freedom. It is thanks to them that our cat girl finds "her own liberation".

Initially, Blake wishes for everyone to be free and equal and yet she herself is a prisoner of her own shadows:

Blake: I joined the Academy because I knew that Huntsmen and Huntresses were regarded as the most noble warriors in the world. Always fighting for good. But I never really thought past that. When I leave the Academy, what will I - how can I undo so many years of hate?

She feels obligated to solve all of the faunus' problems on her own. Basically, she is ready to free others at the cost of chaining herself.

Adam is her opposite. He wants no limitations nor boundaries and is willing to enslave others to succeed. He starts with Blake herself:

Adam: What, do you want me to just abandon our cause? Like your parents? Blake: No! I'm not saying that! I… I don't know.

He traps her in an abusive relationship with no way out.

To escape Blake needs the help of a free spirit:

Sun alludes to the bandar-log (monkey people). They don't follow any rules, they often change their mind and they're unpredictable. This description fits our Monkey Boy to a tee. Sun is air-headed and does what he wants with no regards for rules. He is a stowaway who runs from the police and happily steals some food for him and Blake. This is similar to how Kipling's monkeys act.

It is just that in The Jungle Book these characters are framed as negative. They kidnap Mowgli and are eaten by Kaa the python. In RWBY instead, Sun is one of Blake's most trusted allies and the two of them defeat a giant snake together:

More importantly, Sun teaches Blake about freedom:

You're free to do the things you want But listen, so am I I've made my choice And now I'm making mine

Blake is free to make her own choices, but her friends are free to make theirs. She is free to leave, but Sun is free to follow her and to help her.

This mentality eventually gets through to Blake and even helps her save Ilia:

Blake: I'm going to try and help her the way you helped me. You showed me that sometimes you need to be there for a friend even when they don't want you to be. I was drowning in guilt and fear, I tried to push you away, but you didn't give up on me. And I can't give up on Ilia. It's about time I saved my friends for once.

Ilia is really the opposite of Sun. If Sun is free and believes everyone's free, then Ilia is trapped and steals others' freedom away:

Ilia says to a tied up Blake: We all have to make sacrifices for the greater good, no matter how much it hurts. (...) I was always jealous of the way you looked at him (Adam). I wanted you to look at me that way. But we can't always get what we want!

She represents the part of Blake who is a prisoner of the past. This is why Blake eventually frees her in two different ways:

Ilia: I still don't feel like I deserve the freedom you and your family granted me.

Ilia is given both physical freedom (she isn't arrested) and mental freedom (she joins a new liberation movement).

Going back to Sun, he helps Blake free herself and others. This may be why she decides to make the new symbol of the White Fang yellow (Sun's color):

Still, Sun's mentality is not perfect:

And his teammates already had plenty to hold over his head. He wondered when they were going to get over it. So what if Sun had gone off to do his own thing for a while? That was just the kind of guy he was; he had to go where he was needed. The gang had been back together for weeks now, but it still hadn’t blown over. Scarlet was acting bossier than usual, and Sage had been giving Sun the silent treatment. At least Neptune always had his back, but something seemed to be off with him, too, no matter how much he insisted that everything was fine.

Sun's refusal to apply any kind of obligations to both himself and others is healing for Blake, but it doesn't work for long term relationships. If you share a bond with someone, you have responsibilities toward them, like they do toward you. Sun has instead the tendency to run away from these kinds of duties. He is incredibly generous with Blake, but he also leaves his team with no warning.

His relationship with Blake is summarized by this line:

Blake: Be careful. Sun: No promises.

Sun isn't gonna ask Blake to make any promises. She can come and go as she pleases, but Sun himself can and will do the same:

Sun: I go where I'm needed!

This is very similar to how the bandar-log act. They do not follow the Law of the Jungle, which means they are not bounded by it. Still, this also means they can't build strong relationships with the other animals. Mowgli and his friends instead do follow the Law, which makes them truly free.

Sun is a great friend to Blake, but our cat girl's freedom isn't found in the absence of obligations. It lies instead in the choice to share a vow with a person ready to reciprocate it.

I made a vow I'm not alone Not dying now we're protecting our own

BY THE BULL THAT BOUGHT ME

Mowgli's story starts and ends with a bull. Bagheera offers the wolf pack a bull for them to accept Mowgli. This means the boy is forever in debt until another bull is sacrificed. This is why when Mowgli chooses to live with humans, Bagheera kills another bull. The panther is paying the debt, so that his friend can leave the jungle and be free.

Blake's arc starts and ends with Adam, a bull faunus. She is introduced at Adam's side and with time he becomes the main obstacle between Blake and her new life. In particular, Adam reproaches Blake for breaking her promise to him:

Adam: You know, she made a promise to me once. That she'd always be at my side. Heh, and look how well she's kept it.

Like Mowgli, Blake has still a debt to pay, which is addressed and solved in Bumbleby's fight against Adam:

Yang: Did she make that promise to you? Or to the person you were pretending to be?

Yang doesn't dismiss Blake's vow to Adam, but points out it isn't valid because Adam tricked Blake and did not reciprocate her promise. In other words, the relationship between Adam and Blake is unbalanced, which makes it unhealthy.

Blake and Yang's bond is different:

Blake: She's not protecting me, Adam. And I'm not protecting her. We're protecting each other.

It is a pact of mutual trust and love.

The metaphor is very clear. Blake's promise to Adam represents their romantic bond, which needs to be cut, so that our cat girl can start a new relationship with Yang. Bumbleby vs Adam being a chemical wedding just makes this symbolism stronger.

Blake disowns her vow with Adam and takes a new one with Yang:

Blake: I have people who actually care about me, and I promised I'd never leave them again. So I'm not dying now.

Just like Mowgli pays his debt to the jungle with the death of a bull, Blake is fred by her previous vow thanks to Adam's death. In this way, Mowgli can join the other humans in spring and Blake can start her new love story with Yang in Mistral (the Kingdom of spring):

Blake: I… I am not going to break my promise, I swear.

After Adam's fall, Blake affirms her promise to Yang once again. This is Blake's wedding vows to her golden beauty.

The end result is that Blake finds freedom and a new life full of gold and light by integrating with Yang (humanity):

At the same time, she is and will always be a faunus (a child of the jungle) and is not going to betray the spirit and ideals of her people:

Blake: A simple life wouldn’t be my life! My family, my friends, my culture. I belong to them, just as much as they belong to me. To give that all away wouldn’t be simplicity, it would be betrayal.

Just like Mowgli isn't forgetting the Law of the Jungle.

In conclusion, Blake's Jungle Book is a tale of freedom, both political and personal. Blake realizes she can't be free by imprisoning others, but also that she herself needs to be unchained to truly help people. She decides her own path as a bridge between humans and faunus and this choice itself is freedom.

[safarikenyaholiday]

Explore the Wonders of Kenya: Your Ultimate Safari Adventure

Kenya, with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, is one of Africa's most sought-after safari destinations. From the iconic Masai Mara to the stunning Amboseli National Park, Kenya offers an array of unforgettable experiences for those seeking adventure in the wild. In this blog, we will take you through the highlights of a Kenya safari, focusing on popular destinations, such as Masai Mara and Amboseli, as well as how to plan your trip, including the convenient Evisa Kenya online process.

Why Choose a Safari in Africa?

Africa is home to some of the world’s most famous safari destinations, and Kenya stands out as a top choice. A safari in Africa offers an unparalleled chance to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. From the Great Migration of wildebeest in the Masai Mara to the majestic elephants of Amboseli, the African safari experience is like no other. The beauty of the African landscape, coupled with the chance to spot the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos), makes Kenya a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Trip to Kenya: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Planning a trip to Kenya is easy with numerous travel packages catering to different interests and budgets. Whether you're interested in a luxury safari or a more budget-friendly adventure, there’s something for everyone. Many Kenya safari tours offer all-inclusive packages, covering transport, accommodation, and guided tours, so you can focus on enjoying your time in the wild.

The most famous safari destination in Kenya is the Masai Mara, a vast game reserve located in the southwest of the country. Known for its breathtaking wildlife and annual wildebeest migration, Masai Mara is a must-see for anyone planning a Kenya safari.

Discover Masai Mara with the Best Safari Packages

If you are looking for the best Masai Mara packages, you'll find a range of options that offer guided game drives, cultural experiences with the Maasai people, and luxurious accommodation options. A Masai Mara safari is best known for its dramatic landscapes, where visitors can watch lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes roam freely. During the Great Migration, which occurs between July and October, the spectacle of millions of wildebeest crossing the Mara River is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events.

For a deeper cultural immersion, many packages include visits to Maasai villages, where you can learn about the traditions and way of life of one of Kenya's most famous tribes. The Maasai people have a rich history tied to the land, and their vibrant culture adds a unique element to any trip.

Visiting Amboseli National Park

Another iconic destination in Kenya is Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Africa’s highest peak, Amboseli is a paradise for photographers and wildlife lovers. In addition to elephants, the park is home to a variety of animals, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and a variety of bird species. Amboseli offers a more intimate safari experience with fewer crowds than Masai Mara, making it perfect for those seeking tranquility amidst nature.

Evisa Kenya: Simplifying Your Travel Experience

One of the key factors that make Kenya an even more attractive destination for travelers is the convenience of obtaining an Evisa for Kenya online. The online visa application process is quick, easy, and secure, allowing you to apply for your visa in advance, saving you time upon arrival. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, getting your Evisa is straightforward and eliminates the need for lengthy queues at the airport. Simply visit the Evisa Kenya to complete your application in a few simple steps.

Best Kenya Safari Tours: Tailored to Your Preferences

Whether you want to explore Kenya’s iconic parks or venture off the beaten path, the best Kenya safari tours offer personalized itineraries that cater to your interests. Tours can range from a day trip to a single park to multi-day safaris that explore various regions of the country. Many tours also include visits to lesser-known gems like Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo populations, or the Tsavo National Park, which is one of the largest in the country and home to an abundance of wildlife.

You can also explore the coastal region, where the Indian Ocean meets Kenya’s white sandy beaches, offering a perfect end to a thrilling safari adventure. Combine wildlife safaris with beach holidays for an unforgettable African experience.

Safari in Kenya: A Truly Unforgettable Journey

A Safari in Kenya is not just about spotting animals; it’s about connecting with nature and experiencing the rhythm of life in one of the most pristine environments on Earth. With its vast reserves, world-class accommodations, and rich cultural history, Kenya offers something for everyone. Whether you're visiting Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, or exploring lesser-known corners of the country, a trip to Kenya promises unforgettable moments that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Start planning your African safari adventure today with trusted tour providers like Safari Kenya Holiday, who offer a range of safari packages and expert guides to ensure you make the most of your trip to Kenya.

[anushkarathi]

Chennai to Ooty: A Weekend Escape

Imagine lush green hills, cool mountain air, and winding roads that lead you to a picturesque hill station. If you're looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Chennai, a road trip from Chennai to Ooty is the perfect escape. With the freedom of a self-drive car rental in Chennai, you can embark on this unforgettable journey at your own pace. In this blog, we'll take you through the details of planning a weekend road trip from Chennai to Ooty, highlighting the best routes, must-visit spots, and the convenience of self-drive cars in Chennai.

Choosing Your Ride

Prior to starting your journey, it's crucial to choose the appropriate vehicle. Chennai provides a range of car rental options, simplifying the process of finding self-drive cars in Chennai that align with your preferences and financial plan. Whether you prefer a smaller car for a solo expedition or a roomy SUV for a family excursion, the decision rests with you. Once you've secured your vehicle, you're fully prepared to commence your road trip escapade.

The Scenic Route

The journey from Chennai to Ooty is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. The most popular route is via NH67, which takes you through some stunning landscapes and offers numerous opportunities for pit stops along the way. As you leave Chennai behind, you'll soon find yourself surrounded by vast fields, charming villages, and the occasional herd of cows lazily grazing by the roadside.

One of the highlights of this route is passing through the beautiful city of Coimbatore. Make sure to explore Coimbatore's local cuisine and attractions before you continue your journey. The road from Coimbatore to Ooty, known as the Nilgiri Ghat Roads, is a winding ascent into the hills, providing breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Mountains. Be prepared for some hairpin bends and narrow roads, but the journey is well worth the effort.

Must-Visit Stops

Mudumalai National Park: About halfway between Chennai and Ooty, you'll find Mudumalai National Park. This wildlife sanctuary is a great place to take a break and enjoy some wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for elephants, tigers, and a variety of bird species.

Bandipur National Park: As you continue your journey, you'll pass through Bandipur National Park, another fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts. The park is home to diverse wildlife and offers excellent opportunities for safaris.

Tea Gardens of Ooty: As you approach Ooty, you'll be greeted by miles of lush tea gardens. Take some time to explore these plantations, learn about the tea-making process, and savor a cup of freshly brewed tea.

Ooty Lake: Upon reaching Ooty, head straight to Ooty Lake, a serene spot perfect for boating and picnicking. The lake is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and is a great place to unwind.

Botanical Gardens: Ooty's Botanical Gardens are a must-visit for their stunning collection of exotic plants and flowers. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll and some great photo opportunities.

The Convenience of Self-Drive Cars in Chennai

One of the biggest advantages of choosing self-drive cars in Chennai for your road trip is the freedom and flexibility they offer. Here are some reasons why self-drive is the way to go:

Customized Itinerary: With a self-drive car, you have the freedom to create your own itinerary. Stop wherever you want, explore off-the-beaten-path attractions, and change your plans on the fly.

Comfort and Privacy: You can travel in the comfort of your own car, ensuring privacy and safety, especially in these times when personal space is crucial.

Cost-Effective: Self-drive car rentals in Chennai are often more cost-effective than hiring a driver. Plus, you can save on expenses by packing your own snacks and drinks for the journey.

Ease of Booking: Booking a self-drive car in Chennai is hassle-free. You can make reservations online or through mobile apps, making the process convenient and time-saving.

No Time Constraints: You're not bound by rigid schedules when you're in control of the wheel. You can start and stop whenever you please, making the journey itself an adventure.

Conclusion

A weekend road trip from Chennai to Ooty is an ideal way to escape the city's hustle and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Hills. With the convenience of self-drive cars in Chennai, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, making this journey one for the books. So, gather your travel companions, pick your favorite ride, and hit the open road for a memorable weekend escape to Ooty. Happy travels!

[authorspress]

Get ready! The 2023 Los Angeles Book Fair is on its way! As we look forward to this year's book fair, we plan to create an atmosphere that fosters a sense of warmth and welcome, allowing readers to immerse themselves in an excellent selection of books. The Los Angeles Book Fair will be held in University of Southern California on April 22nd and 23rd, 2023. See you there!

Author, Dainty Nix will be joining the Los Angeles Book Fair with her wonderful book, "Rosa the Little Ant and the Great Big Elephant"!

"Rosa is a little red ant who is filling her belly with delicious food when she and the other members of her colony suddenly realize the ground is shaking and quickly crawl away. Moments later, a herd of elephants tramples her beautiful ant home.

Determined to create a new peaceful existence, Rosa and her ant friends build a village high in a beautiful acacia tree. Relieved she is finally safe in her cozy home, Rosa is minding her own business one day when she realizes an elephant is feeding on the branches of her beloved tree and frightening all the other ants. After Rosa vows to protect her beautiful home from all creatures, she builds her strength and waits. She finally has her chance to save the day when an elephant rumbles into the ant village one night. But will Rosa be able to summon enough courage to stop the creature from destroying her home again?

In this delightful tale, a little ant must transform into a brave hero in order to protect her home from being destroyed by elephants."

#LosAngelesBookFair #UniversityOfSouthernCalifornia #AuthorsPress #Publishing #SelfPublishing #Reading #Books #BookLover #BookNerd

[rjzimmerman]

Some of the photos. All photos by Matjaz Krivic for Sierra Club:

A herd of African elephants is crossing the Ewaso Ng'iro river, which forms a natural border of the Samburu reserve.

Human-wildlife conflict around the Samburu reserve is increasing due to a human population boom, droughts, soil erosion, and the effects of climate change. These days, most of the elephants are killed by local shepherds fighting the wildlife for pastures and water.

Struggling to survive, the local pastoralists started crossing the borders of the national reserve. The reserve went as far as setting up two special corridors for cattle migration and grazing, but the conflict only keeps escalating.

A body of a young female elephant, likely killed by members of a traditional pastoral community residing on the outskirts of the Samburu reserve. The elephant's “crime” was to take a stroll across one of the community villages. In less dire times, she may have been forgiven, but not during the driest part of the year. Once shot, she still managed to cross the shallow muddy river, leaving a dark red trail behind. She died on the reserve side of the river, where wildlife is safe—in principle at least.

Maasai men walking through the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where human-wildlife conflict is also intensifying due to a human population boom, droughts, soil erosion, and the direct consequence of climate change.

Joshua Kakai Lesorgol, his wife, Eunice, and their children. Eunice is a former runner who joined the reserve rangers in 2014. Joshua is a leader of the Samburu rangers' quick response team and is considered one of the reserve's best rangers. He was badly shaken by the morning's find of a dead female elephant. “I used to be a shepherd myself,” Joshua said. “I used to come across the wild animals all the time. But I wouldn't dream of killing one. I simply can't understand how anyone would do such a thing. The elephants are our best friends. It is one of the foundations of our Samburu culture.”

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the first haven for orphaned elephants in East Africa. It is being run as a public institution, managed by the local authorities and kept afloat by a number of foreign sponsors. This is where all the orphans found north of the capital of Nairobi are brought. Animals who have found their second home at Reteti can sense very well when the next meal is coming. 

[thenewnio]

My version of the Jungle Book that I wrote before the 2016 version

The Jungle Book

During the British Raj in India, Nathoo, the two-year-old son of a woman named Messua, wanders out of his family’s campsite into the jungle while chasing after a butterfly. His family’s attempts to find him are hindered by an attack by the Bengal tiger Shere Khan. Meanwhile, Akela and Raksha, a pair of Indian wolves raising a family of cubs, are concerned to learn that Shere Khan is hunting in their part of the jungle, because he might kill men and bring human retribution upon all the jungle’s inhabitants. Tabaqui the golden jackal is known to be the tiger’s ally and sidekick. When Nathoo comes across their den, Raksha decides to adopt the hairless “man-cub”. Her determination is only strengthened by the arrival of Shere Khan, who demands the cub for his meal. The wolves drive off the tiger and Raksha renames the baby Mowgli. At the wolf pack’s meeting at Council Rock, Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther undertake the task of educating Mowgli as he grows up. Meanwhile, Shere Khan plans to take revenge on the wolf pack by persuading the younger wolves to depose of Akela, while Tabaqui enlists the help of a pack of dholes to act as reinforcements. When Mowgli is seven years old, he is tutored in the Law of the Jungle by Baloo. These lessons include the “Master Words” for various species that identify the speaker as a friend. Bagheera is impressed with Mowgli’s progress, but both are horrified when the man-cub then reveals that he has been visiting the Bandar-log (“Monkey-People”). Baloo and Bagheera insist that the Bandar-log are a boastful and ignorant race who have no laws, which is why they are shunned by the rest of the jungle. Mowgli is suitably chastened, but soon afterward he is abducted by the Bandar-log who take him on a terrifying but exhilarating rush through the treetops. Seeing Chil the Kite flying above, Mowgli gives the kites’ Master Word and tells Chil to find Baloo and Bagheera. Upon being informed that Mowgli has been taken to the ‘Cold Lairs’, an abandoned human fort, the bear and the panther, unable to follow the monkeys at ground level, recall that the monkeys’ only fear is Kaa the python. They manage to locate Kaa, discovering to their surprise that the python is a female, and Bagheera cunningly goads her into helping them by repeating (or inventing) some of the Bandar-log’s insults against her. In the Cold Lairs, the monkeys demand that Mowgli teach them how to make fire and fireworks like other humans. However, since he was not raised by humans, Mowgli does not know how to do so. When Baloo, Bagheera and Kaa arrive the monkeys throw Mowgli into an abandoned “summer-house” inhabited by cobras, whereupon Mowgli hastily uses the snakes’ Master Word to prevent them from striking. When the bear and panther enter the Cold Lairs, a comical battle ensues. Baloo and Bagheera are by far the more powerful fighters, but they are vastly outnumbered. Kaa is delayed by a large section of walls but gets through, scatters the crowd of monkeys fighting Baloo and Bagheera, breaks down the wall of the summer house and frees Mowgli, who thanks her courteously. The python then performs her “hunger dance”, hypnotising the Bandar-log so they cannot run away. Baloo and Bagheera are also hypnotised, but Mowgli, being human, is immune and snaps them out of their trances. Once away, the three of them go home. When Mowgli turns 11, the wolf tribe learns that Shere Khan has returned to the jungle. Bagheera overhears Shere Khan’s plan and warns Mowgli. Later that night, Mowgli meets Kaa and tells her the news. Kaa does not believe that Mowgli and the pack will survive a direct assault by Shere Khan’s forces, and takes him to the Bee Rocks: a gorge where huge hives produced by millions of wild bees overhang the river. The two devise a plan to lure the dholes to the gorge so that the bees will attack them. Mowgli therefore lies in wait for the dholes in a tree-branch and smears himself with garlic to repel the bees. When the dholes arrive he taunts their leader into a furious rage before fleeing to the gorge. Just before leaping into the water Mowgli kicks piles of stones into the beehives, to arouse the bees. The garlic prevents the bees from attacking Mowgli, and he dives safely into the river where Kaa swiftly coils around his body to prevent the current from sweeping him away. With the treat of the dholes eliminated, Mowgli prepares to take on Shere Khan, stealing a pot of burning coals and some fireworks from his former home village in order to use it against the tiger. At Council Rock Shere Khan demands that Akela be killed and the man-cub given to him. Mowgli attacks Shere Khan with a burning branch while the other wolves do battle with the traitorous wolves. During the chaos, the fireworks are set alight. With some last minute help from Baloo, Bagheera and Kaa, Mowgli drives Shere Khan into a herd of buffalo, where the tiger is trampled to death. After the wolves drive Tabaqui and the rest of Shere Khan’s allies away, Mowgli finds Akela, mortally wounded, who tells Mowgli that he must soon return to the human race. Mowgli promises to return one day, and after a heartfelt farewell, departs for the village, where he is reunited with Messua and her husband, who recognize him as their long-lost son, as Baloo, Bagheera and Kaa look on. Content that Mowgli is with his own kind, the trio decide to head home.

The Second Jungle Book

A year after the events of the first film, Mowgli is living in the human village with his biological parents, Messua and her husband, Parash. Here, he learns various human customs, few of which impress him. He is also disrespectful to the village elders when they tell fanciful tales of the jungle, since he has first-hand experience of what the jungle is really like. This earns him the particular contempt of Buldeo, the village’s chief hunter, who dreams that the village could one day become an important town and that the jungle could be conquered. Missing his life in the jungle, Mowgli regularly sneaks out of the village to meet his wolf friend Gray Brother (or “Gray” for short) who brings him news of the jungle in secret. He becomes friends with Buldeo’s niece, Bala, much to Buldeo’s chagrin. One day, Bala, out of curiosity, follows Mowgli as he heads out to meet Gray, seeing them together as the wolf tells him of an ancient, abandoned city deep in the jungle. When she reveals herself, Mowgli confesses all and has her sworn to secrecy, but she urges him to show her more of the jungle, something that Buldeo has denied her. Mowgli and Gray bring Bala to the ruins, where the two end up falling into a hidden chamber in a ruined palace, containing fabulous wealth guarded by an albino cobra, Thuu, who calls himself “WhiteHood”. As Gray runs off to seek help, the cobra boasts of how all who have come seeking the ancient treasure have fallen victim to his venom. This turns out to be a lie, however, when Gray returns with Kaa, who reveals that the poison in Thuu’s fangs has dried up from disuse. Warned by the cobra that the wealth brings death, they leave the chamber, but Bala takes one coin as a memento. After Mowgli introduces her to Kaa, and later Baloo, Bagheera and Hathi the elephant, the two decide to spend their free time secretly visiting the other inhabitants of the jungle. Buldeo soon sees the coin that Bala had kept, and after failing to have her tell him where she got it, sends his accomplice, Mahee, to spy on her and Mowgli. Mahee overhears Bala voicing her concerns over her uncle becoming suspicious to Mowgli and, hearing of the treasure, relays this information to Buldeo. The hunter later confronts Mowgli and demands that the boy tell him where the treasure is, threatening him with a gun when he refuses. Gray arrives in the nick of time to save Mowgli by restraining Buldeo. When they let him go, the hunter, convinced that Mowgli is a shapeshifting sorcerer, returns to the village and tells the villagers of his beliefs. Mowgli is imprisioned, but escapes into the jungle with the help of Bala, Baloo, Bagheera, Kaa and Messua. However, Messua, along with Parash, who tries to defend her, are imprisoned and threatened with death. When Gray accidentally interrupts Buldeo’s conversation with Mahee and a charcoal-burner, Tapa, the hunter, believing him to be Mowgli shapeshifted into wolf form, gives an ultimatum: unless Mowgli reveals the treasure’s location, Messua and Parash will be executed. Gray warns Mowgli and his friends and the man-cub heads out to confront Buldeo. He sends the hunter and his allies on a wild goose chase by directing him to the Cold Lairs and, after ordering the wolves and other animals to further sabotage him and prevent him from reaching the treasure, returns to the village with Bala and Raksha to rescue his parents. After they are freed, Messua and Parash escape to the river, guarded by Raksha at a discreet distance, while Bagheera and Kaa arrive and take their place in the hut, so that when the villagers arrive to take out the prisoners they get an “unpleasant surprise”. Meanwhile, Buldeo becomes wise to the animals’ antics and, along with Mahee and Tapa, follows Gray to the lost city, where they find the treasure, including a jeweled ankus. Upon realizing that he has led the enemy to the gold, Gray runs to the village and warns Mowgli and Bala. Thuu attempts to intimidate the men into fleeing, but is shot in his hood by Buldeo before the trio take as much as they can carry and depart, before stopping for the night. However, an argument ensues after Mahee tries to steal the ankus from Tapa’s share. During their bickering, Mowgli and Bala arrive, and the former has Gray and the other wolves chase the three from the jungle, forcing them to jettison the treasure they’d been carrying, including the ankus. The pair make it back to the village the next morning to find Bagheera and Kaa captured by the villagers after they were mistaken for the shapeshifted forms of Messua and Parash. After Mowgli rescues them, Buldeo, Mahee and Tapa arrive back in the village. Enraged and maddened, Buldeo tries to kill Mowgli despite Bala and the other villagers’ attempts to stop him. Mowgli, Bagheera and Kaa are forced to flee back into the jungle, but Buldeo sets a cart full of hay ablaze, using it to start a forest fire. The fire rages, but the wind turns and threatens the village. As the villagers flee, Mowgli enlists the help of Hathi and his sons, and they extinguish the fire with the water in their trunks. At the river, the animals and the villagers come face to face with each other, and Buldeo is stunned when he sees Mowgli and Gray side by side. The villagers, upon realizing their mistake, become repentant, and Mowgli forgives them. He is invited to rejoin his parents, but decides to stay in the jungle to help animals trapped by the fire. Afterwards, while tending to Thuu, who has recovered from his injury, Mowgli begins to miss Bala, while she is missing him as well. Both the animals and the villagers encourage them to be with each other, and they reunite in the village, though they return to visit Mowgli’s friends in the jungle on a regular basis. The narrator reveals that they grew up and had a child; “but that is a story for grown-ups“.

[sandjsbeachbumbonanza]

Day 70 – S becomes a Samburu elder

We started the morning once again with Bloody Marys and coffee. This time the coffee was pre-made at J’s request. When we arrived at breakfast, Meg gave S a hard time for keeping Rob out late.

We then headed out on a drive to the river, where we were going to take a river walk. On the way, Paul delivered on his promise and got J great pictures of a family of dik-diks. We also saw a herd of elephants up close. The matriarch thought we got a little too close and gave us a warning. We thought it was a intimidating, but Paul said it was just a little show. We saw a number of other animals.  On our way to the river, Paul picked up a Samburu warrior carrying an AK-47. As we were going to be walking, they wanted to ensure we had some protection if we encountered a rogue elephant. We also stopped along the way so Leuya could make us walking sticks for our bush walk.

Our walk along the river was mostly focused on animal tracks. We saw tracks for a honey badger, porcupine, leopard and crocodiles.

On our way back, we encountered the same herd of elephants. We did not realise that we separated a baby elephant from the herd. However, it soon let us know by running in front of us and trumpeting a warning. His mother then also trumpeted a warning. This was a little bit scary at first but pretty cool in the end. We also passed by some of the Francombes’ cattle. Amongst them was a giant, white bull with enormous, curved horns. He is a Brahman bull, a species that has a hump like a camel to store water. He is apparently a sacred bull, one of only four in Northern Kenya. He apparently has evaded multiple attempts to slaughter and/or steal him. He is viewed as the protector of the herd and after he passes away, his skull and horns will be placed above the entrance to the cattle pen so he can continue to watch over the herd.

When we returned to the lodge, we were informed that S’ hair beading had been arranged. No one was quite sure initially what he wanted, but Paul managed to communicate it to Chyulu, who then organised it. After lunch, we headed off to Ol Malo Lodge, where a Samburu woman in traditional clothing, Catherine, was set up to do the beading. We were told that she would prepare the beads on a string and Leuya would put them in Scott’s hair as he typically does the plaiting / braiding for the young men in his clan. We were also told that Catherine is not allowed to touch S’ hair because he is not her husband.

Chyulu was there to oversee the procedure. The beads are made out of glass and are manufactured at a family factory in the Czech Republic. This is apparently the only manufacturer in the world that knows how to produce perfectly symmetrical beads. We heard the beads are a display of wealth and can almost be used as a form of currency. J picked out the colours for the beads and S was told to sit on a cow hide, as this is the traditional Samburu way of braiding hair. The whole process took a while and Chyulu served us drinks and told us a little bit about her history. Her family are well known conservationists in Africa and have worked in many countries, including Tanzania, Kenya and the DRC. They are still very active in conservation. Chyulu was born in Kenya and her name is derived from the name of some hills in Kenya. It turns out that Chyulu went to the same school in England as our close friends, Zanda and Roly.

Once Catherine had completed stringing the beads, Leuya dipped his hands in a bowl of water and began to braid S’ hair. The beads were then sewn into S’ hair. Chyulu also added in a few shells for good luck and finished each braid off with a few more beads. Chyulu also burned the ends of the bead string with a match to seal them. The process was taking a bit of time and Catherine got frustrated. She ended up taking over from Leuya and Chyulu to complete the job. Apparently as S is an elder and married, she deemed it OK to touch his hair. Everyone loved how it turned out and Ol Malo is now talking about adding it as a possible activity. J also got a custom bracelet sewn on to her wrist and picked up a Maasai wedding cuff and kikoi (a piece of cloth men will use to tie around their waists, torso or heads, depending on the situation). J preferred the kikoi to the women’s attire, which had a busier print. J asked why the kikois we had seen tended to look like Scottish kilts, with primary colours and a plaid print. No one knew why, but we were told that this was the current trend. We also noticed that these kikoi are similar to the Maldivian male traditional dress.

We then went off to visit a local ‘manyatta’ or homestead. This homestead belonged to Leuya’s cousin and his four wives. A number of young Samburu warriors were present and they were engaged in a traditional Samburu jumping contest to impress the girls (some of these guys should consider pursuing a career in the NBA). They then started a dancing ritual, which S and Leuya joined (see picture below).

We visited one of the wives’ mud huts and learned a bit about local customs. Apparently the Samburu diet is primarily meat, cow’s blood and milk / yoghurt. Occasionally they will also get a fruit or vegetable, but not normally. They have chickens but don’t believe in eating the chickens or their eggs and sell them to the market. There were separate pens for the adult and baby livestock, which we found quite interesting. J loved the little children, who were crowding around her to see her phone.

We left the homestead and went for sundowners by a lake. Our car had a weak parking break and nearly rolled into the lake. Paul and Leuya saved it by putting rocks in front of the tires. We saw a few birds and S saw a shooting star among all the other stars. The sky was littered with stars. It was a great opportunity to ask Leuya and Paul more questions about their community.

By now Leuya was one of our best mates. We invited him to dinner, but the dinner was chicken curry and he wouldn’t have been able to eat it. Before we headed down to dinner, S changed into the tie-dyed man dress that he bought in Nairobi. We later learned ‘kanzu’ is the proper Swahili name for the man dress. When we arrived, Paul, Meg, Rob and the server were in shock. S came in with his walking stick, beaded hair and kanzu and declared himself the village elder. Meg also shared pictures of S with the Francombe family and asked S’ permission to use the photos in their marketing materials. S and Paul gave Rob a hard time for being dressed like a city boy. Rob promised to wear a traditional garment the next morning.

The chicken curry was great. J in particular loves their hot sauce and thinks they should sell it. It is made with Scotch bonnet peppers and is slightly sweet. It is served with every meal and goes with everything. We finished the night with Meg and Rob drinking wine and whisky. J took over the Bluetooth speakers and played a lot of country music. Rob was shattered from the two previous nights, so Meg and Rob begged off and left us with a bottle of Rosé and drinks. We enjoyed our final night at Ol Malo and made it safely back to our room.

[southeastasianists]

What is often overlooked is that most of the elephants employed in tourist industry in Thailand come originally from Myanmar. Iconoclastic artist Ai Weiwei recently made a 360-degree VR video documentary (Omni) about Myanmar’s furloughed elephants wandering aimlessly in the jungle since the government prohibited them from working, these scenes are then relayed to images of Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, a particularly poignant testimony of two populations who lost their job and are chased away from their home, a documentary without music or any voice over commentary, stigmatizing a phenomenon that has become common in our chaotic world today.

Ai Weiwei stated in The Guardian in January 2020: “I relate to the elephants. There are lot of small ones who have lost their parents. Elephants are like humans. Without parents they cannot survive. They have to stay with them until they are seven years old.”

Here are two stories of baby elephants told by the Burmese photographer Ko Myo who specialized in the fate of elephants, because Myanmar, and in particular the Karen region, remains the main source of elephants provided for Thai tourism and unfortunately also the poachers of the clandestine market of ivory and elephant skin (for traditional Chinese pharmacy) in Asia. Ko Myo, a regular at the Yangon Photography Festival, has been awarded several times for his documentaries full of empathy and humanism on Burmese elephants. During the 2019 edition of the Yangon Festival of Photography (YFP) the appearance of two elephants caught the imagination of spectators in the Maha Bandoola Park in central Yangon: young and old taking selfies in front of the large prints of the “Last Elephant” by Ko Myo, for whom Myanmar elephants are facing the threat of complete extinction in 20 to 30 years at the current rate of poaching and export to Thailand. Others were photographing themselves in front of Francis Latreille’s baby mammoth, a 40,000-year-old mammoth recovered in Siberia due to global warming. Latreille’s frozen mammoth and the snowy landscapes of Siberia brought the park’s public a welcome freshness under an ambient temperature of more than 30 degrees at dusk in the former capital of Myanmar.

According to Ko Myo, there are less than 50,000 wild Asian elephants in the world today. Myanmar is home to one of the largest populations, although this number has dwindled from 10,000 to one or two thousand head in the past two decades. Myanmar elephants could be extinct by 2030/2035 due to poaching, loss of habitat and land disputes between humans and elephants. Myanmar therefore faces a major challenge to save its elephants: its rate of deforestation is one of the highest in the world and it is the second most vulnerable country to climate change.

So, Ko Myo tells us the story of baby elephant Mi Chaw. One day, bamboo cutters working in the jungle heard a wild elephant screaming near their workplace. Fearing a possible encounter, they made noises to chase him away. They realized too late that they had scared away a mother elephant who had just given birth, leaving her newborn behind. Villagers called the veterinarian Dr. Myo Min Aung, a member of EERU (Elephant Emergency Response Unit). He baptized the female baby Mi Chaw (“Pretty girl”) and cared for her as if she were his own child. Orphan, and deprived of maternal milk, Mi Chaw suffered from acute diarrhea after taking powdered milk, the vet tried in vain with the breast milk of lactating women in the village. The baby elephant was too sick and weak, she slept in the doctor’s house and the village children came to see and pet her every day. After about 20 days in the company of humans, Mi Chaw did not survive the separation from her natural mother. The veterinarian and the mahouts then organized a religious burial led by a Buddhist monk who recited prayers of good deed to accompany Mi Chaw to heaven.

Ko Myo also tells the story of Ayarthu, an eight-month-old female calf elephant. Following the death of her mother at the hands of poachers, Ayarthu got lost and ventured near human habitats. Local villagers called the forestry office to come and capture her and send her to Wingabaw elephant camp. In Ko Myo’s reportage, we can see the mahouts with the help of domesticated elephants, the forest guards and the police trying to capture the Ayarthu baby elephant (at Nga Pu Taw, Irrawaddy, in August 2017). They tried to keep her on the ground after capture. Ayarthu was then tied to wooden poles and struggled all night before being sent to Wingabaw camp. The mother of the baby elephant was killed for her skin by poachers in the Nga Pu Taw Forest Reserve.

Among Ko Myo’s portraits there are the majestic portrait of a domesticated elephant who was working in an elephant camp, and that of a wild elephant, leader of his herd, posing like a statue in the jungle. The most dramatic ones are the portraits of wild elephants killed by poachers, like this carcass of an elephant on his knees almost entirely skinned. At the same time Ko Myo shows us the arrest of two poachers with the tools of their crimes, posing in front of pieces of dried elephant skin, ready to be sold on the underground market for the Chinese traditional pharmacopoeia considered them possessing whatever mysterious therapeutic virtue.

According to Ko Myo, at least 115 wild elephants have been killed by poachers in the past five years in the dense jungle of Irrawaddy, the Pegu range (Bago Yoma) and in the outskirts of the Yangon region, with a record 59 victims in 2017. This sudden spike led to increased support from the Myanmar government for the protection of elephants, as well as international organizations such as WWF and local Civil Society Organizations. Campaigns such as Voice for Momos to ban the sale of wild animals (http://www.wwf.org.mm/en/yangon_wwf_today_list_page/) have been organized and training has been provided to forestry staff, for mahouts and rangers from the Myanmar Emergency Elephant Response Unit. The increase anti-poaching patrols led to 15 arrests of poachers in 2017.

Ko Myo has also documented the destruction of ivory confiscated by the authorities in the fight against trafficking. The destruction ceremony of confiscated elephant ivory and parts of wild animals was organized for the first time by the Myanmar Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation in Naypyidaw on October 4, 2018. According to Ko Myo, in total, 277 pieces of elephant tusk worth US$1.3 million, 227 pieces of elephant and other wildlife bones, 45 slices of skin, 1544 pieces of horn, 45.5kg of pangolin skin, and 128 other wildlife parts confiscated throughout the years were burned at the ceremony.

Fortunately, we have also a playful portrait of a rare young white elephant, considered sacred, the 7-year-old white elephant was properly bathed and washed before receiving the title of “royal” and entering a special enclosure at the royal palace. White elephant had been the subject of a war between Thailand and Burma in the 16th century.

Let us hope that with these rarely seen images of Ko Myo, we will never forget our beloved pachyderm, a giant in the wild, faithful in family, endowed with great memory, the incarnation of the god Ganesh for the Hindus, symbol of wisdom and intelligence, the patron saint of intellectuals, students and writers. Beyond tourism, the circus, zoos in the city, and beyond the exploitation of animals in forest logging work, beyond the safaris and reservations in Africa (*) which continue to see a large number of elephants disappear, we should reflect and review our relationships between humans and elephants in a perspective of harmonious coexistence in how to balance urban and agricultural development with the urgently needed protection of nature, so as to ensure a real sustainable longevity of the elephant.

[rockislandadultreads]

New non-fiction titles in the 500′s! 

Summaries from Goodreads.com; Title link will bring you our local catalog

When the Earth Had Two Moons: Cannibal Planets, Dreadful Orbits, Icy Giants, Dirty Comets and the Origins of Today's Night Sky by Erik Asphaug

An astonishing exploration of planet formation and the origins of life by one of the world’s most innovative planetary geologists.

In 1959, the Soviet probe Luna 3 took the first photos of the far side of the moon. Even in their poor resolution, the images stunned scientists: the far side is an enormous mountainous expanse, not the vast lava-plains seen from Earth. Subsequent missions have confirmed this in much greater detail.

How could this be, and what might it tell us about our own place in the universe? As it turns out, quite a lot.

Fourteen billion years ago, the universe exploded into being, creating galaxies and stars. Planets formed out of the leftover dust and gas that coalesced into larger and larger bodies orbiting around each star. In a sort of heavenly survival of the fittest, planetary bodies smashed into each other until solar systems emerged. Curiously, instead of being relatively similar in terms of composition, the planets in our solar system, and the comets, asteroids, satellites and rings, are bewitchingly distinct. So, too, the halves of our moon.

In When the Earth Had Two Moons, esteemed planetary geologist Erik Asphaug takes us on an exhilarating tour through the farthest reaches of time and our galaxy to find out why. Beautifully written and provocatively argued, When the Earth Had Two Moons is not only a mind-blowing astronomical tour but a profound inquiry into the nature of life here—and billions of miles from home.

Mousy Cats and Sheepish Coyotes: The Science of Animal Personalities by John Shivik

In Mousy Cats and Sheepish Coyotes, Shivik serves as an accessible, humorous guide to the emerging body of research on animal personalities. Shivik accompanies researchers who are discovering that each wolf, bear, and coyote has an inherent tendency to favor either its aggressive nature or to shyly avoid conflicts. Some bluebirds are lovers, others are fighters. And some spiders prefer to be loners, while others are sociable. Unique personalities can be discovered in every corner of the animal kingdom--even among microscopic organisms. The array of personality types among all species is only beginning to be described and understood.

The Elements We Live By: How Iron Helps Us Breathe, Potassium Lets Us See, and Other Surprising Superpowers of the Periodic Table by Anja Røyne

An around-the-world journey to discover where in the wild we can find the elements of life and the surprising ways they’re essential to our survival.

We all know that we depend on elements for survival—from the oxygen in the air we breathe to the carbon that forms part of the structure of all living things. But how many of us appreciate the ways our bodies also depend on phosphorous, say, to hold our DNA together, or potassium to power our optic nerves so that we can see?

In The Human Elements, physicist and award-winning author Anja Røyne takes us on an astonishing journey through chemistry and physics, introducing the building blocks from which we humans—and the world—are made. Not only does Røyne explain why our bodies need iron, phosphorus, silicon, potassium, and many more elements in just the right amounts in order to function properly; she also takes us on a tour around the world to where these precious elements are found (some of them in ever-shrinking quantities).

Røyne makes us understand how precarious the balance that keeps us and our environment alive really is, how there are finite amounts of our life-giving elements available to us, and how, from the smallest to the grandest scale, the world and everything that lives in it are wonderfully interconnected. The Human Elements will make you look at the world and your place in it in an entirely new way.

Every Penguin in the World: A Quest to See Them All by Charles Bergman

A narrative and photographic book about the author's pursuit of penguins-to see each variety of the species in its natural habitat. This book tracks the author's forays around the southern hemisphere, from the Galapagos to South Africa to the Antarctic in his quest to see all the penguins in the world. The sections of the book are organized around themes of adventure, human-animal connection, and conservation-in which stories of each penguin species will be touched upon.

The Sakura Obsession: The Incredible Story of the Plant Hunter Who Saved Japan's Cherry Blossoms by Naoko Abe

The remarkable 1,200-year history of the Japanese cherry blossom tree--and how it was saved from extinction by an English gardener.

Collingwood "Cherry" Ingram first fell in love with the sakura, or cherry tree, when he visited Japan on his honeymoon in 1907. So taken with the plant, he brought back hundreds of cuttings with him to England, where he created a garden of cherry varieties. In 1926, he learned that the Great White Cherry had become extinct in Japan. Six years later, he buried a living cutting from his own collection in a potato and repatriated it via the Trans-Siberian Express. In the years that followed, Ingram sent more than 100 varieties of cherry tree to new homes around the globe, from Auckland to Washington. As much a history of the cherry blossom in Japan as it is the story of one remarkable man, the narrative follows the flower from its adoption as a national symbol in 794, through its use as an emblem of imperialism in the 1930s, to the present-day worldwide obsession with forecasting the exact moment of the trees' flowering.

Giants of the Monsoon Forest: Living and Working with Elephants by Jacob Shell

High in the mountainous rainforests of Burma and India grow some of the world’s last stands of mature, wild teak. For more than a thousand years, people here have worked with elephants to log these otherwise impassable forests and move people and goods (often illicitly) under cover of the forest canopy. In Giants of the Monsoon Forest, geographer Jacob Shell takes us deep into this strange elephant country to explore the lives of these extraordinarily intelligent creatures. The relationship between elephant and rider is an intimate one that lasts for many decades. When an elephant is young, he or she is paired with a rider, who is called a mahout. The two might work together their entire lives. Though not bred to work with humans, these elephants can lift and carry logs, save people from mudslides, break logjams in raging rivers, and navigate dense mountain forests with passengers on their backs. Visiting tiny logging villages and forest camps, Shell describes fascinating characters, both elephant and human—like a heroic elephant named Maggie who saves dozens of British and Burmese refugees during World War II, and an elephant named Pak Chan who sneaks away from the Ho Chi Minh Trail to mate with a partner in a passing herd. We encounter an eloquent colonel in a rebel army in Burma’s Kachin State, whose expertise is smuggling arms and valuable jade via elephant convoy, and several particularly smart elephants, including one who discovers, all on his own, how to use a wood branch as a kind of safety lock when lifting heavy teak logs. Giants of the Monsoon Forest offers a new perspective on animal intelligence and reveals an unexpected relationship between evolution in the natural world and political struggles in the human one. Shell examines why the complex tradition of working with elephants has endured with Asian elephants, but not with their counterparts in Africa. And he shows us how Asia’s secret forest culture might offer a way to save the elephants. By performing rescues after major floods—as they did in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami—and helping sustainably log Asian forests, humans and elephants working together can help protect the fragile spaces they both need to survive.

[culturenlifestyle]

Almost 40 Years Ago A 16-Year-Old Started Planting A Tree Every Day On A Remote Island, And Now It’s Unrecognizable

The largest river island in the world, Majuli, may disappear. Over the last 70 years, Majuli has shrunk by more than half and there are concerns it will be submerged in the next 20 years. 

The island is under constant threat due to the extensive soil erosion on its banks. The reason for this is thought to be the large embankments built in towns up the Brahmaputra river to protect them during the monsoon season which redirect the devastating fury of the river to the islet. Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away. And while Indian authorities are trying to figure out how to save the island, its life may have even been shorter if it wasn’t for one local environmental activist.

via boredpanda

Jadav Payeng lives on the biggest river island in the world, Majuli

The island, however, is under constant threat due to the extensive soil erosion on its banks

Over the last 70 years, Majuli has shrunk by more than half and there are concerns it will be submerged in the next 20 years

But its life may have even been shorter if it wasn’t for Jadav

Everything started in 1979 when he was only 16 years old

Image credits: Theforestmanofindia

He encountered a large number of snakes that had died due to excessive heat after floods washed them onto the tree-less sandbar

Image credits: William D McMaster

There and then, Jadav made it his life’s mission to save Majuli from erosion by planting trees

Image credits: bijitdutta

And he has been doing it every day for the last 39 years

Image credits: bijitdutta

He has planted 550 hectares of forest – larger than Central Park in New York City (340 hectares)

Image credits: bijitdutta

And it has become home to many animals

Image credits: 101 India

Including Bengal tigers and Indian rhinoceros

Image credits: William D McMaster

Even a herd of over 100 elephants regularly visit it every year

Image credits: 101 India

The reason why Majuli is shrinking has a lot to do with the large embankments up the Brahmaputra river

Image credits: 101 India

People built them for protection from everything the monsoon season throws at them

Image credits: William D McMaster

But the embankments redirect the devastating fury of the river to the island

Image credits: William D McMaster

To learn more about the “Forest Man of India” and his fight, watch the short documentary below

Many people are already in awe of this capeless hero

[This story was originally posted on boredpanda]

[eriadav]

How Much Does an Average 10-Day Kenya Safari Tour Cost (2024-2026)?

Travel Company: DAV Safaris

Website: www.davsafaris.com

Email:info@davsafaris.com

Tel: +256757795781 or +256701412430

Planning a 10-day Kenya safari tour? Curious about the costs and what to expect during your adventure? This comprehensive guide provides detailed estimates, an engaging itinerary, and essential tips for an unforgettable safari experience. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara to the iconic wildlife of Amboseli, a 10-day Kenya safari is a bucket-list journey that promises excitement, discovery, and connection with nature. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time safari-goer, understanding the costs involved and having a well-structured plan can significantly enhance your experience.

In this blog post, we will break down the average costs associated with a 10-day Kenya safari tour from 2024 to 2026, explore various accommodation options, and provide insights into what you can expect on your adventure. Whether you’re seeking luxury lodges or budget-friendly camps, this guide will help you choose the best options that suit your preferences and budget. Let’s dive into the details of planning your ultimate Kenyan safari!

Average Cost of a 10-Day Kenya Safari Tour

In 2024-2026, the average cost of a 10-day Kenya safari tour can range from $2,500 to $6,000 per person. This price varies based on several factors, including:

Accommodation Type: Luxury lodges typically cost more than budget camps or mid-range hotels.

Inclusions: Packages often include meals, park fees, and guided tours. All-inclusive deals may offer better value.

Travel Season: Prices peak during the high season (July to October) due to the Great Migration. Off-peak travel can save you money.

Group Size: Private tours are usually more expensive than group tours.

Sample itinerary to help you plan your perfect Kenya safari

10-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary

 Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Cost: $100 (hotel and meals)

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Nairobi. Spend the day relaxing and recovering from your flight. Consider visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to see orphaned elephants.

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara

Cost: $200 (flight or road transfer, meals)

Take a short domestic flight or drive to the Masai Mara. Check into your lodge or camp. Enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot lions, elephants, and other wildlife.

Day 3: Masai Mara Game Drives

Cost: Included in your lodge package

Spend the day on game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve. Witness the incredible wildlife, including the famous Big Five. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush.

Day 4: Masai Mara Cultural Experience

Cost: $50 (cultural visit)

- In the morning, go for another game drive. In the afternoon, visit a local Masai village to learn about their culture and traditions. Return to your lodge for dinner.

Day 5: Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru

Cost : $150 (transfer, meals)

Depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Check into your accommodation and enjoy an evening game drive around the lake, famous for its flamingos and rhinos.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli

Cost: $200 (transfer, meals)

After breakfast, travel to Amboseli National Park. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

Day 7: Amboseli Game Drives

Cost: Included in your lodge package

Enjoy a full day of game drives in Amboseli. Look out for large herds of elephants and other wildlife. Capture breathtaking photos of the landscape.

Day 8: Amboseli to Nairobi

Cost: $150 (transfer, meals)

Travel back to Nairobi. Spend the day exploring the city or visit the **Giraffe Centre**. Stay overnight in a hotel.

 Day 9: Nairobi to Tsavo National Park

Cost: $200 (transfer, meals)

Depart for Tsavo National Park. Check into your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive to spot diverse wildlife in one of Kenya’s largest parks.

Day 10: Tsavo to Nairobi and Departure

Cost: $100 (transfer, meals)

Enjoy a morning game drive in Tsavo before heading back to Nairobi. Depending on your flight time, you may have the chance to explore more of the city. Depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Total Estimated Cost

Based on this itinerary, the total estimated cost for a 10-day Kenya safari tour would be approximately $3,600 to $7,500 per person, depending on accommodation choices and additional activities. This budget includes lodging, meals, park fees, and transportation.

 Tips for Planning Your Kenya Safari

Book in Advance: Secure your accommodations and flights early, especially during peak season.

Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance to cover unexpected events.

Pack Wisely: Bring lightweight clothing, good walking shoes, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Stay Hydrated: Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during your safari.

A 10-day Kenya safari tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes of this beautiful country. By understanding the average costs and following this optimized itinerary, you can plan an unforgettable adventure that fits your budget. Whether you choose luxury lodges or budget-friendly accommodations, Kenya promises a safari experience like no other. Start planning your dream safari today!

[few-favorite-things]

Elephant death: বিদ্যুতের তার জড়িয়ে হাতির মৃত্যু, চিৎকার জুড়ে বাকিদের বাঁচাল গ্রাম - elephant electrocuted at alipurduar, villagers save herd of elephants by shouting

Elephant death: বিদ্যুতের তার জড়িয়ে হাতির মৃত্যু, চিৎকার জুড়ে বাকিদের বাঁচাল গ্রাম – elephant electrocuted at alipurduar, villagers save herd of elephants by shouting

এই সময়, আলিপুরদুয়ার: হাতি-মানুষ সংঘর্ষের কথা বারবার উঠে আসে শিরোনামে। কিন্তু এ বার গ্রামবাসীদের তৎপরতায় তড়িদাহত হওয়ার হাত থেকে বাঁচল হাতির পাল। যদিও বিদ্যুৎস্পৃষ্ট হয়ে একটি মাদি হাতির মৃত্যু হয়েছে। বুধবার ভোরে আলিপুরদুয়ারের পূর্ব মাদারিহাটের ঘটনা। এলাকাটি জলদাপাড়া জাতীয় উদ্যানের উত্তর রেঞ্জের পঞ্চাশ ফুট বিটের জঙ্গল সংলগ্ন।

এলাকায় এ দিন হানা দেয় হাতির পাল। বছর ২০-র একটি মাদি হাতি গাছ থেকে কাঁঠাল…

[heavenskiriot]

Memories of Africa

I actually started writing this at a poolside table in Botswana, but did not end up finishing this while I was on the continent. I finished this once I was home and decided to save it for when I was feeling nostalgic. So here it is: a collection of memories and moments in Africa.

Morocco

Colorful winding markets | a square being painted blue | As-Salaam-Alaikum | motorbikes zooming by | a man leans over to kiss his child on the cheek | smoke rising from restaurants | soft light resting on the faces of sellers and buyers | cheers for the end of the daily fast | the call to prayer | camel trekking through the desert | dancing and drumming under the stars | the desert sky with the brightest moon, silhouetting the sand dunes that surround us | a tiny village high in the mountains with a curious girl who offers a stranger her meal.

Ethiopia

Children with curious eyes interested in newcomers | women all in white walking to church | a bustling market with no clear start or end | endless valleys | high green mountains | stone churches | ancient artifacts | hot coffee and spicy cuisine | local children smiling and waving | evening thunderstorms.

Namibia

Desert stretching on for miles, bathed in warm, golden light | the fine sand runs through my fingers, not a single grain can be held | Gemsbok eye us suspiciously | the mornings cold yet still | the sun rises in the distance and silhouettes a hot air balloon | climbing high sand dunes | the ethereal salt pans contain ancient trees and ancient mysteries | the night sky speckled with thousands of stars, counting meteors, distant galaxies, the southern cross above. 

Botswana 

A pack of wild dogs seek shade from the hot sun, the pups take this opportunity to chase and play | elephants gather for an evening drink at sunset | a giraffe lazily chews leaves from an acacia tree while keeping an eye on us | a mother hippo protecting her young | the low growl from a lion in the dead of night | an elephant runs across the road | the delta stretches far and wide from beneath our bush plane | a morning visitor, a proud lion, traipses through camp | steaming rooibos tea and rusks each morning | rushing out into the bush before sunrise | children yelling and waving as we speed past | a herd of elephants charge into the water, lush green grass awaits them | the wake dances in the setting sunlight as the day ends and the journey continues elsewhere. 

Zambia 

The smoke that thunders | water that falls then rises up to pour down on you | clouds of mist and sunlight form a rainbow that dives down the falls, out of sight | colorful, lively markets | feisty baboons | reminiscing and saying goodbye.

South Africa 

Sunsets over quiet beaches, save a couple taking a stroll and dogs playing in the waves | driving along the coast, waves crashing below and the mountains looming high | Atlantic storms that allow for a quiet, restful day in bed with movies to be watched | boat rides with waves crashing, people laughing, and seals resting along the dock | colorful chalets | kids cartwheeling down the beach and diving into the cold water | small penguins with big personalities enjoying life and a swim even if the wave will always bring them back to shore | the furthest south you’ve ever been when you began this year the furthest north you’ve ever been and it makes you feel so small in this big world. 

Tanzania

Zebras at sunrise, the light golden upon their backs | hyenas laughing outside my tent | dancing with the Maasai | ‘vintage’ South African wine | our long dinner table, full of food and full of laughter | lion cubs cry for their mother, then bravely jump down the tiny rock ledge that blocked their way | mambo, jambo, asante sana | rare animals that your guide is sure we won’t see, and then there they are | leopards playfully chase each other through an acacia tree | bike rides through villages while being chased by local children | riding underneath towering banana trees | fried plantains and banana beer | the vastness of the Serengeti | witnessing your fellow travelers seeing all of this for the very first time.

Mozambique

Soccer games in fields of sand | palm trees interspersed with acacia trees | kids in uniform walking to school | roadside tangerines | dogs running along the shore | fishermen in the morning light | children dancing and playing between palm trees | sunrise over the Indian Ocean | coral reefs with starfish and sea horses | little boys running excitedly with paper airplanes | little girls collecting seashells along the beach | sounds of a nearby church choir wafting through my window | cool sand between my toes | the sound the palm trees make in the wind.

[crusherthedoctor]

Sonic & Tails: Beyond the Stars - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Mark of the Wilderness

“Those robot parts were everywhere,” Tails thought out loud in reference to the mess they cleaned up in the town by the meadows. “I think that was more time consuming than SAVING the place.”

“No kidding,” Sonic agreed. “Couldn’t you have told us that we’d have to clean them up on the way back?” He lightly nudged Lutrudis jokingly.

“Heh heh, sorry,” the horse replied with a guilty shrug. “But I did promise them... Wouldn’t have been fair for those poor townsfolk to tidy up their area all by themselves.”

“True. Now then... where to next?”

They were now back in Lime Shores, the town that the hedgehog and fox duo arrived in when they introduced themselves to Viridonia. The waves and the buildings shined just as bright as when they saw them the first time around, but gorgeous as they were, the sights were not on the heroes’ minds. The ominous creature that attacked them here had yet to be found, and at the moment, they had no clues as to where else it could possibly be hiding.

“So, uh, Trudy,” Sonic began to ask as he looked around aimlessly, having made sure to stick with his nickname for her rather than make another failed attempt to pronounce her real name. “What’s the nearest region from this point that we haven’t visited yet?”

“Oh, well...” Lutrudis had to pause for a moment as she was put on the spot, but it didn’t last for long. “There’s a jungle near the east side of the town, if that means anything to you. You don’t suppose it could be there, do you...? We don’t have any evidence for that...”

“No, but if Ol’ Egghead’s around here, he’s probably making a mess there too. He NEVER leaves a spot undisturbed.”

“It’s also a safe bet that there’s a link between him and the monster,” Tails added. “He’s commanded OTHER monsters, after all, and his presence in Viridonia sure is conveniently timed with its appearance. So even if we don’t find it in person, we could find out more about what’s going on at least.”

“Well, it’s not like we have other leads for the time being...” Lutrudis scratched the side of her face as she exchanged an unsure glance with Sonic to her left, and Tails to her right. “To the jungle it is, then?”

“Right away!” As expected of him, Sonic wasted no time in curling into a ball and rolling out of view in seconds. The seasoned and trained Tails was able to keep up with him easily, but Lutrudis...

“Oh dear, please wait up...!” She asked desperately as she tried in vain to keep up, being extremely careful not to overexert herself. “Not everyone is as fast as you, you know!”

“Actually,” Sonic began, having slowed down his speed a little so that Lutrudis could hear him. “Tails can catch up with me, he’s doing it right now!.So can Amy! Then there’s Shadow... and there’s Blaze... even KNUCKLES can be pretty fast when he puts his mind into it!”

“.........Not everyone is as fast as you, you know!” Lutrudis repeated with extra emphasis, while sounding even more desperate than the previous instance.

——

Tricky Tropics Zone

TT Act 1: Luscious Jungle

Lutrudis’ Badnik Logs: Buzz Bomber - “Everyone knows these buzzing pests. They fly around minding their own business, but if you’re nearby, they’ll shoot pellets at you. Curiously, they have the same face as Motobug... Perhaps they’re made on the cheap?”

Coconuts - “These cheeky monkeys will throw bombs at you from the safety of their trees, but some of them are bold enough to toss them them at you from the ground. Their bombs are even designed like coconuts! Gotta give points to them for keeping it thematically appropriate, I guess.”

Bloominator - “Don’t go admiring this flower! Behind those petals lies a seemingly endless supply of spiked projectiles, which it’ll be all too happy to launch at you should you go near it.”

Mushmeanie - “They pose as mushrooms... and then they don’t once their casings are whacked off. They bounce along the ground aside from that, though I must say, they’re rather cute for killer robots...”

Rhinotank - “It would seem that this design incorporates visual elements from both the Rhinotank and its older model, the Rhinobot, making for a very sleek yet dangerous result... Either way though, it still charges at you should you pop up in its sight.”

Teething Tiki - “Have the idols of the jungle come to life!? ...No, they’re just knockoffs made by the doctor. They’re quick to grab you in the hopes of taking a chomp out of you, which isn’t very idol-like if you ask me.”

You're getting into the adventuring spirit now, but things will be a little trickier around here compared to your time in the meadows. (Even the name gives that away.) The jungles are teeming with all sorts of natural traps, and that's without throwing in Eggman's environmentally unfriendly band of mooks. But you heroes have been through plenty of jungles before, so this will be a breeze... right?

The greenery surrounding the environment is very rich in tone, as are the vivid colours of the flowers, but those are not the only things you’ll be seeing here. Like Frog Forest before it, Luscious Jungle is named after its vast array of succulent, yet unnaturally-sized fruit, many of which can be used to assist you in your journey. You can use apples as stepping stones on the water, bananas can be used in place of ramps, grapes can be bounced upon to reach extra heights... And if you’re feeling really daring, you can even roll the giant oranges and lemons into unsuspecting Badniks. There’s plenty of fruit to experiment with, so don’t be afraid to do just that, even if it’s purely for the sake of your own amusement.

Sonic: Sorry Tails, I have to say it... orange you glad there’s so many of them?

Tails: ...Couldn’t resist, could you?

Sonic: Nope!

Lutrudis: Sounds like someone’s being a bit of a sour grape.

Tails: Aw, not you too!

Lutrudis: *giggle*

But what’s a jungle without its animal inhabitants? That’s right, you’ll get to encounter the exotic wildlife around here too. Some of them, like oncoming zebra herds and aggressive tigers, only serve to hinder you. Others can benefit you instead, like the elephants who are all too happy to launch you out of their trunks (hedgehog quills cause no pain for them, apparently), and the birds who occasionally drop handy item boxes... Just don’t get mixed up with the actual wildlife and Eggman’s wildlife. Regular monkeys aren’t known for having bombs on their person.

Though the area is largely dense, there are occasional segments from outside the immediate jungle area that lead into sprawling savannah landscapes. The glow of the mighty sunlight makes them an impressive sight to see, but be warned, for the Teething Tiki robots can often be found lurking in these exact areas. Luckily though, if you can’t be bothered confronting them, you can climb up the necks of the giraffes to lose track of them, as well as treat yourself to an awesome view.

Once you find the end capsule, you may notice there’s a blocky pyramid structure towering over the trees. You can’t see all of it, but it would be remiss of you to not investigate it...

——

“And just through here, you’ll find... this!” Lutrudis moved a large bush out of the way so that Sonic and Tails could see what she was referring to. As it turns out, she was referring to a village with a distinctly primitive quality. Wooden huts and stone pyramids were dotted across the land, in league with imposing idol monuments, and passageways made of temple structures. The sunlight had simmered down ever so slightly, but its shine was still palpable, and the wooded barriers surrounding the village had various colours of the rainbow painted on them. The colours still popped even after the years of decay and rust.

“Quite a sight, huh?” The horse turned to the two guys, but she noticed they had a peculiar look of thought on their faces, as if they were looking at something else entirely.

“It’s kind of like... like that city I was sent to during Chaos’ rampage, in the past... Wow...” Needless to say, Tails was very amazed by what he saw. “I know it’s different, but it looks so much like that city...”

“Wait, that happened to you too!?” Sonic asked his buddy out of equal amazement. “I was sent to the past during that time too! Yeah, I totally get you, Tails. This looks a LOT like that place...”

Lutrudis took a moment to analyse their mutual sense of wonder with crossed arms, before glancing back at the village herself with a neutral emotion.

“I’ve never time travelled, so I can’t comment.”

Tails examined the village further, in an effort to spot for citizens. “So would we be unwelcomed here, or...?”

“Well, no one’s actually lived here for a long time,” Lutrudis casually explained, all the while fiddling a little with the tip of her ponytail. “Certainly never seen a thriving community in this part since I was a kid.”

“So we SHOULD be fine if we run around in it?”

“As long as you don’t break any priceless artifacts and disgrace the work of whosoever lived here in ye olden days, then yes, I would say so.”

“Pfft, please. You think I can’t control my speed?” Sonic chuckled as he started running ahead to the village.

“I would say your turning is a bigger point of concern,” Lutrudis lightly snarked back as she followed him. Tails followed suit, and as he did so, he smiled to himself, as he continued to witness how quickly his new friend was getting used to the company of his oldest.

Little did any of them know however, that a camera was spying on them from the skies, held by the hands of a familiar blue droid with shifty eyes. Though it made no sound, the siren on his head glowed bright red in accordance with his sinister intentions. Using his jetpack, the round robot flew away from the scene in a hurry, satisfied with his footage.

——

TT Act 2: Temple Village

Lutrudis’ Badnik Logs: Jag-Off - “Such a ferocious beast! These jaguar bots are quick to pounce on you at a moment’s notice. They can be pretty fast... but not as fast as a blue hedgehog, right?”

Mayan Pawn - “Dressed in the style of ancient warriors, these dark blue Pawns will attempt to shiv you with their spears if you’re close, or they’ll resort to their blowguns if you’re at a distance. The doctor sure likes his stereotypes, huh...”

Returning Enemies: Buzz Bomber Coconuts Rhinotank Teething Tiki

Far from the first time you’ve been in an environment like this, but at least you weren’t warped to the past this time around. In this stage, you’ll get to explore all the ins, the outs, and the arounds of this ancient village, and suffice to say, it’s a pretty big village at that. And don’t worry, despite their intimidating stature, the idols won’t come to life, although the Teething Tikis are still around, so be vigilant.

There are no natives living among here anymore, but there are a few explorers for you to talk to if you want to, as evidenced by the little camp site they’ve set up in the area. Some of the explorers have a few interesting things to say...

“It’s said that this was once a populated city, but one day, everyone just vanished off the map! What do you think could have caused that? Did they bring a cruel fate upon themselves, like the ancient echidnas? Or was it something else... something more...?”

“It’s funny... This place looks ancient and all, but something about it feels very... NOT that ancient, if you know what I mean? ...Not even I’m completely sure on what I mean, though...”

Others have less than insightful things to say...

“Wow, are you really Sonic the Hedgehog!? I’m honored to meet you!... Now get out of the way. I can’t take the perfect shot of these pyramids while you’re mugging the camera.”

The majority of the village is on the outside, so the instances where you go inside the temples don’t last for long. That doesn’t mean they’re uneventful though: You can expect to find a healthy number of traps waiting for anyone foolish enough to enter, such as the spears that shoot from the walls, and the weak segments of ground that give way to a ghastly bed of spikes. It’s not all that pleasant, but you’ll live. (Unless you die, of course.)

The newcomer enemies are at their most prominent in the interior sections of the temples. Jag-Offs can almost jump scare you with how quick they can pounce, but they’re nothing too unbearable aside from that. The Mayan Pawns aren’t as fast, but they are more annoying, particularly when they use their blowguns.

It’s not just the temples you can explore, however. Some of the biggest and reddest trees have walkways built around them, and several tunnels have been made from within them. Have fun with scaling and shooting through the pine, but don’t get too careless, for Buzz Bombers love to hang around these sections.

When you finally reach the last bunch of temples in the area, it will turn out that I wasn’t being fully honest with you, for a particularly demonic-looking idol DOES come to life, which takes your character by surprise. Tails’ shocked reaction in particular is priceless.

Tails: AIEEEEEE!

After it takes a moment to growl menacingly at you, it then ascends higher in the air... revealing a serpent-esque body made of black stone, with red and orange markings for good measure. It also reveals two arms, each with the same colour scheme. While the explorers understandably run for dear life, you are made from a braver substance, meaning you’ll have to be the one who actually fights this thing. Unlucky!

BOSS: Idolossus

Right off the bat, it’ll summon four Teething Tikis. You don’t need to destroy them, but you might as well before they get in your way. The Idolossus itself is fond of using its strong arms to pummel you in all kinds of ways, most notably by slamming its hand at where you’re positioned, and sweeping an arm either clockwise or counter-clockwise along the ground.

What do you do? Well, the battlefield here consists of all the area that you’re currently in, so make use of that to get a fair distance away from it. It can still make a grab for you though, for its arms can extend their length to a certain point. Notice how some of the walls have large holes in them? What you want to do is position yourself in front of one of those holes, so that when it launches its arm and hopefully misses you, it’ll get stuck. It’s a rather tragic yet comedic sight, but you can’t think about that for too long, as it’ll eventually get its arm free if you don’t react fast enough. Quickly jump on the arm, spin dash all the way to the body, and land a hit on its eye. It’ll howl in pain while you fall back down to the ground,

It only takes three hits in total, but don’t assume that’ll make things easy. With each hit, it summons a greater amount of Teething Tikis, and more worryingly, it grows two more arms with each hit, culminating in a total of six arms. It also starts throwing in a few fire-based attacks for good measure, such as spitting out fireballs and leaving a temporary trail of flame wherever it sweeps the ground. You’ll also need to use a different wall with a hole in it for each hit, since the ones you already made use of get completely destroyed afterwards.

Spin dashing along the arm will be made tougher each time, since its extra arms will attempt to hinder you even while you’re trying to reach the body. But you can manage. Three hits in, and the Idolossus will let out one last howl before crumbling to the ground in pieces, revealing circuitry within its stone exterior. Not that there was any doubt beforehand that Eggman made this idol, but it’s nice to know for sure nonetheless.

——

“Personally, I thought this one looked ugly anyway,” Sonic commented upon looking around at the debris of the idol they had faced with his hands on his hips. He shook his head disapprovingly. “Seriously, black and red? Sticks out like a sore thumb. Not that that’s unusual for Eggman’s junk...”

“What was it doing here, though?” Tails asked as he scratched his head. “It’s a little weird for an Eggman robot to just hang around here and do nothing until we showed up... Maybe it was guarding something?”

“You might be onto something there, Tails,” Lutrudis grimly noted as she pointed in the direction of a few bushes and trees, which appeared to be emitting a strange purple mist. The three of them exchanged looks with each other, and with varying levels of dread, they slowly walked towards where the mist was radiating from. Sonic, the one in front, quickly brushed many bushes aside, his two associates close behind. The thick vegetation proved troublesome to traverse, but they marched on regardless, until at last, Sonic found the very definite source for the mist. Namely, a river filled with a substance that he had seen before...

“Mega Mack!” Sonic exclaimed.

“Mega Mack?” Tails asked with shock as he got to see it for himself.

“Mega Mack!”

“Mega Mack?” Lutrudis questioned in turn as she saw it too. She only had to glance at the area a grand total of once before she immediately covered up her face with her bandana. “Goodness gracious, that stuff stinks.”

“Yeah. Mega Mack. That freaky gunk that Eggman loves so much.”

Sonic frowned as he looked at the rest of the scene. In spite of the chemical’s effects, the rest of the environment remained fairly pleasant. The plant life and moss took on a much darker green than it did in the immediate jungle region, and the flowers came in stunning shades of white and light blue. A pale white shine engulfed the area, creating a sight that stood in stark contrast with the purple pollutant.

The hero’s firm expression grew tighter, as it only reminded him of what Eggman was doing to the place. He never understood the scientist’s habit of turning everything he could find into glamorized environmental hazards... nor did he care to know, as Eggman was infamous for his general callousness anyway. All he knew was that the river would only get worse if he didn’t put a stop to it.

“It won’t be pleasant,” he turned to Tails. “But we’ll have to follow the river if we want to find the source of this gunk.”

“There are worse experiences,” Tails shrugged, in a tone that implied he was thinking of something in particular when he spoke.

“If that’s what it takes...” Lutrudis added, her bandana still covering her face tightly. “This is still part of my home. I can’t just stand here and let the doctor get away with this disgrace, can I? The sooner we find the source, the sooner we can make this place less inhospitable... and less stinky.”

——

TT Act 3: Gloomy Bog

Lutrudis’ Badnik Logs: Venus Dire Trap - “Self-explanatory, really. When they spot it, they’ll make a swift lunge for their prey... which, according to their programming, is you. Pretty grim...”

Returning Enemies: Buzz Bomber Bloominator

Don’t let the unflattering name fool you, this swamp actually looks pretty nice in spite of its current situation (and, you know, being a swamp). It’s only really gloomy because it’s in the process of being corrupted by Eggman’s influence. The Mega Mack is not fatal - you can take a dip in it with no trouble (although why you would want to do that is anyone’s guess) - but like with regular water, you can drown in it if you’re under there for too long. If you’d rather not dive in the Mega Mack and risk getting a disease, there are wooden walkways and loops that you can run across.

You can also use the vines to catapult yourself across different angles, which can be exploited if you’re a cunning sort of player. On the other hand, the biggest obstacle around here are the mud pits. They’re not fatal either, but the longer you’re stuck in them, the slower you can move... which can prove to be a disastrous consequence if there’s a Badnik nearby.

Speaking of Badniks, the Venus Dire Traps are very fast for a second zone enemy. They’re not impossible to counter, but you really have to stay on guard with them, or else you’ll be turned into prey in seconds. The Buzz Bombers also like to fly above areas with mud pits, and the Bloominators are rather annoyingly placed in the middle of the walkways a lot of the time.

And by the way? Don’t think going through the whole stage under the Mega Mack will grant you an easy victory. Aside from the usual worry of drowning, Eggman was crafty enough to leave a few Venus Dire Traps under the Mega Mack as well... and since your reaction time is ever so slightly slower when underwater, dealing with THEM while underwater is a lot harder. Although you will be rewarded with handy items if you get past all the danger, so it’s your choice...

When you reach the capsule, you’ll spot what appears to be the source of the Mega Mack: a giant, mechanical bee hive compound. Buzz Bombers are rapidly flying out of it, and Mega Mack is callously spewing from different angles within the holes located on the structure. You better shut this thing down, eh?

——

TT Act 4: Hornet’s Nest

Lutrudis’ Badnik Logs: Hive Bomber - “Inside the big hive lies... miniature hives! Should you be careless enough to touch it, it’ll release a group of bite-sized Buzz Bombers for you to deal with. As if there weren’t enough of these fiends around here already, sheesh...”

Returning Enemies: Buzz Bomber Bloominator Venus Dire Trap

Another immediate jump to the next act. This stage takes place both outside and inside the robotic hive, as it’s been fortified in the event that you turned up to try and wreck the place. On the outside, you’ll have to deal with more Venus Dire Traps and Bloominators, as well as the natural hazards of the marshy environment. You may be reminded of the Great Megalith in fact, as the fortifications around the exterior are quite fancy, complete with lamps hanging on the ceilings, and on the walls.

The interior of the hive, however, is a different story. Fittingly enough, you’re gonna have to deal with a lot of Buzz Bombers in here, as well as their junior counterparts hiding away in their own little hives. Being the progenitor of the Mega Mack, there’ll be rivers of that here and there too, but since they’re rushing very rapidly here, you’ll get sent along its course if you accidentally go for a swim in it, Don’t worry though, this won’t count as a death. Usually it’ll just take you to an earlier point in the level, so it’s still annoying, but not an instant kill.

Naturally, there’s a bunch of honey-related gimmicks and obstacles in the hive as well. Honey on the walls can be used for wall jumping purposes, and honey slides can be used to gain a ton of momentum for the giddy players who like to just go fast. If you’re going up a slide, you can jump along the platforms that are conveniently provided for you.

The stage is honestly pretty straightforward for the most part, with no big surprises... until the end. You will eventually reach a tunnel, and it seems you’re in the clear, since there are no enemies or obstacles to be found. But your character is running towards the camera... You know what that means...

Right on cue, a truly massive Buzz Bomber emerges from the ground, and it wastes no time in chasing you down, presumably for all those years of destroying its smaller offspring. It won’t do anything other than chase you, but it’s pretty speedy, so don’t get cocky. Remember, there is honey everywhere in this tunnel, so on the occasion that it makes a faster charge towards where you’re running, you can avoid it by simply running along the other edges of the tunnel.

After a while, the tunnel will cease, and you and your chaser will reach an interesting room with a flower-shaped device in the center of it... which also happens to have five rivers of Mega Mack emerging from it. Now that you’re not being chased, you can have a better look at this Buzz Bomber. Longer wings, brighter stripes, notable spikes on its tail, a tiara-esque shape on its head... yes, this must be the queen. Time for some regicide.

BOSS: Queen Bomber

The Queen will start off by doing what every Buzz Bomber does: fly around and shoot pellets. Although for obvious reasons, its pellets are fairly larger than that of the average Bomber’s, and are thus harder to avoid. It will do this three times, although if you fly up as Tails, or make use of your parkour as Sonic, you can whack the Queen early to get it to move on. This won’t count as a hit, but it helps speed up the process if you’re impatient.

Either way, the Queen will eventually place itself in the middle of the flower, and the flower will close itself up to reveal laser cannons underneath, which will then process to sweep the ground. This can be tricky to dodge when you’re also trying to avoid the Mega Mack, but it’s also your moment to strike. Once the lasers have stopped, there’s a brief moment before the flower petals lower to reveal the Queen. Before that happens, spin dash one of the petals three times as quickly as you can, and this will destroy said petal.

The Queen will grow furious that you harmed its lovely flower, and in response, it’ll fly out of the camera’s view and fire a rapid onslaught of pellets straight to the ground. Fortunately, they have shadows, so you have an early warning as to where they’ll land. After which, the normal process will continue. Avoid the pellets, dodge the flower’s lasers, whack another petal three times. Smooth sailing from here, right?

Well, not quite. The process itself largely remains the same, but you’ll have more to dodge the longer the fight goes on. After two petals are destroyed, the Queen will make use of those spikes on its tail by firing them at you. Unlike the pellets, the spikes will temporarily bounce along the walls from different angles, and they’re faster as well. The Queen itself will also be slightly quicker in firing its usual pellets.

After four petals are shredded, the Queen will summon regular Buzz Bombers for assistance, so you’ll have to deal with them too. However, some of them will be colored red instead of blue. Aside from being a visual nod to the similar Buzzer model, it’s also an indication that they work a little differently, as the red Bombers will forgo shooting pellets in favor of getting in your personal space, hurting you via physical contact. This can be irritating, but you can use it to your advantage by attacking them from a certain angle so that they’ll crash straight into one of the remaining flower petals, destroying said petal in one hit.

When all six petals are down, the Queen will get REALLY mad, and it’ll throw all its previous patterns out of the way in favor of charging straight towards you! Simply bop it on the head a single time... and it’ll blow up. How anticlimactic.

Well, it’s still a Buzz Bomber at the end of the day. They’ve always went down in one hit. I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

——

With the Queen’s defeat, and the destruction of its flower, the rivers of purple liquid in the hive slowly began to die down. Their course grew slower, their gushing grew quieter, until eventually, the tunnels and holes that were once full of the chemical were drained completely.

“Yeah!” Sonic cheered as he pumped a fist in the air. “No more lousy Mega Mack!” He followed it up by exchanging a bouncy high five with Tails.

“i just hope the river will recover from this,” Lutrudis muttered with concern as she fidgeted with her hands. Her bandana was down again, now that her sensitive nose was no longer affected by the surroundings. “A lot of the goop made its way there... I hope it’s not permanently tarnished...”

Sonic gradually stopped cheering as he found himself unsure on what to say in response, as he too wasn’t sure about whether it would fully recover or not. Having noticed his friend’s worrying, he could only throw a look of sympathy her way. Tails simply looked down at his feet, similarly uncertain on how to address the horse’s thoughts.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Sonic gently reassured her with a small smile, patting her on the back. “Maybe not immediately, but... things have a way of working out. Trust me.”

"Heh...”

“As for that beast, we’ve STILL not found it,” Sonic pondered out loud. “We haven’t found Eggman either, come to think of it...”

“Why do you think Eggman’s hiding?” Tails questioned.

“Your guess is as good as mine, Tails,” the hedgehog shrugged as his quills drooped. “I mean, it’s not like he’s being secretive about his involvement. We KNOW it’s him. We KNOW he’s here. Being coy isn’t like him at all...”

“Hey, guys?” Lutrudis seemed hesitant to mention what was on her mind, but she went through with voicing her thought. “I don’t know this for sure, but... I think I might have an idea on what the doctor is searching for.”

“You do???” Sonic and Tails cried out in unison.

“Please tell us, Trudy,” Sonic added urgently, yet not without tenderness. “This could really help us. Even if you’re not sure about it, tell us anyway. If we can have even a vague idea on what he could be up to, we can stop him a lot quicker.”

The young lady was conflicted. Doubt plagued her mind. What if this wasn’t it? What if she leads them to something that amounts to nothing? What if she completely wastes their time and creates more problems instead of solving them? She looked at Tails, who nodded reassuringly, then she turned back to Sonic, and she looked deep into his eyes in particular. She felt her anxiety simmering down as she focused on the hedgehog’s bright, green, friendly eyes. She took a moment to nod to herself as she finally began to spill the beans.

“I’ll take you to it myself. It’s not far from my residence.”

——

“So they were at my Mega Mack compound, I see...” mused an all too familiar voice hidden away in the shadows, as he watched the footage that was provided to him by the blue robot, who twitched nervously at his master’s brief period of silence.

“Is the hedgehog foiling your plans again, doctor?” asked another voice in the shadows.

“...Nah,” the voice replied in an uncharacteristically relaxed tone. “He’s not doing that at all, not this time. You see, he can actually destroy as much of my stuff as he wants... and it won’t mean a thing. I’ll still win.”

“And what makes you so certain of that? What exactly are you planning?”

“Ho ho ho... You’ll find out in time. That said however...” He examined the footage once more, stroking his trademark facial hair all the while. ��I think I’m going to keep an eye on the new girl.”

“She doesn’t seem like anything worth concerning yourself over, doctor. She has no fancy abilities from what we’ve seen, no experience with the Chaos Emeralds...”

“I have learned a valuable lesson over the years, Orbot. When Sonic makes a new friend, they always cause trouble for me. I’m NOT taking any chances.”

“Understood, sir.”

“That’s what I like to hear. Now then... Are YOU ready for your next job?”

A hand emerged from the darkness to point down at the blue droid. He looked to his left and to his right, as if he were wrongly accused of a crime. He finally nodded slowly, almost anxiously, his siren still shining brightly.

“Good stuff! Then in that case...”

Out of the shadows stepped a robot who looked very similar, but not completely identical, to the blue one. He was triple the height, with a proud spot of red. As three similar pairs of red eyes glowed behind the two machines, the red one silently raised his scepter in the air, as if to celebrate a glorious occasion.

A grin slowly formed on their master’s face. A grin that Sonic had seen many, many times throughout his adventures.

“Let’s go crash the party, my loyal Heavies...”

------

Back to Chapter 1...

To Chapter 2-3 Interlude...

[hgfstreamchats]

Roar and Cats 2019

thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:31 PM No, not the bees! highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:31 PM Oh yes! thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:33 PM Video and audio both seem fine... for now. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:33 PM Fingers crossed! "We did lose a few extras, though." thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:34 PM No animals were harmed, only actors! highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:37 PM If I don't see a pile of mauled humans by the time the credits roll I'm going to be disappointed.

thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:37 PM Well, THAT seems--never mind, I don't want to jinx it. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:38 PM "We just filled the set with lions and whatever happened happened." thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:38 PM Ha! Is that lion covered in blood-- highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:38 PM So much unpaid intern blood. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:40 PM Here we see the mighty giraffe running down a lone cyclist-- highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:40 PM Nature is magical that way. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:41 PM it's the cycle of life highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:41 PM The lions eat the actors and when the lions die, their bodies become the grass, and the actors eat the grass. Starscream! Just in time! Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:44 PM I'm glad to have not missed this nonsense. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:45 PM "And I base that on absolutely nothing!" thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:45 PM Yes.  Cat and mouse. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:45 PM Humans suffering the consequences of their actions is always amusing. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:45 PM A safe game to play with lions, fun for the whole family! Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:48 PM Is there a point to this film besides violating every work and safety guideline? highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:48 PM Not in the slightest. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:49 PM "hey, the different cat species have been fucking!" Long live the king. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:50 PM Hah! Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:52 PM Saving a ton on the special effects budget by using real blood, I see. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:52 PM See, it has a point besides violating every work and safety guideline. They threw a large number of wild animals together in a confined space and then made them confused and upset. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:52 PM I'm sure the investors are delighted to see that they've been financing a multispecies orgy/fight club for cats. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:52 PM Wheeljack's ideal world. Hopolites — Yesterday at 9:53 PM Not a single part of this movie was thought out Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:53 PM And I thought Megatron teaching elephants to salute him was poorly thought out. This makes his madness seem perfectly rational. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:53 PM "In this scene, we just kept filming while the actor tried to bandage his own severed wrist artery!" Hopolites — Yesterday at 9:54 PM This movie is a lot of whyyyyyyyyyyyyy highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:54 PM Its working title was "This Happened and We Let This Happen." thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:55 PM "I swear, usually this never happens" "They're just big softies really" Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:55 PM It was a friendly mauling. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:55 PM It's how they show love. Hopolites — Yesterday at 9:56 PM I feel sorry for the animals, and worry for the actors And violence for the director highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:56 PM None of these animals look happy to be here. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:56 PM Why would they be? thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:57 PM Free food? Hopolites — Yesterday at 9:57 PM This is a Nope highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:58 PM Is this an actor or did they just find this man somewhere? thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 9:59 PM ........ Wasn't expecting to see that. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 9:59 PM That madness is too genuine to be acting. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 9:59 PM "I fended them off with my nudity!" Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:00 PM I would just leave of four lions grabbed my jacket thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:00 PM It's their jacket now. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:00 PM The studio is now owned by the lions. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:00 PM Excuse me, WHAT was that noise Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:01 PM What I do not understand is why everyone except the madman did not quit. Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:01 PM Im sorry but that guy going AWAY from the lions is reasonable Also please put on pants thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:02 PM At least he stopped to put on underwear And a shirt "Yes... me, my husband, and his 30 lions he has sleep in the same bed" Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:03 PM WHY ARE YOU HAVING THIS CONVERSATION IN A BUS WHY OH SO YOU GOTTA WALK THROUGH A HERD OF ELEPHANTS Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:06 PM Time for him to return to the bones of his eaten family. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:06 PM He loses and hires a new Mativo monthly. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:06 PM Gonna be less enthused when they find out exactly how many lions have the run of the place, and how they've marked their territory Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:07 PM Im surprised to look up the wiki article and find out this isnt a horror film thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:08 PM I definitely saw a couple of cats upstairs, but where are they now? Oh. Heheheh. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:09 PM That's very optimistic of her, thinking a few opened windows will help with the smell. Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:09 PM How do you miss the lions on the roof How is this a comedy Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:09 PM It is a comedy of poor decisions. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:11 PM Oh, I don't know, I'm finding this fairly comedic Why do they all try to hide in boxes Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:13 PM It is a poorly 'written' comedy. Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:13 PM Because this house has the shittiest locks ever thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:14 PM Is--is the lion going to slide the lock highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:14 PM Fun for the whole family! thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:15 PM Lions will see someone in a box and say "is anyone going to eat that" and not even wait for an answer Says the guy who did exactly the same thing and got trapped exactly the same way. "Let's hide in boxes again!" Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:19 PM Shame the doors are made of cardboard. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:19 PM Yes, I feel like if you lived in proximity to 500 lions, you might want stronger doors highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:21 PM You can tell it's a comedy because of all the blood and children crying. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:21 PM Oh yes, lead the tigers to a defenseless village. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:22 PM Ugh. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:22 PM You have the best of luck when it comes to streaming things. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:23 PM Don't I just? I want to see these humans mauled! Mimic — Yesterday at 10:24 PM hello! do I see hopes of mauling highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:24 PM I'm sure this will end well for this village. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:25 PM Terrorize the village and steal their bicycles. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:25 PM Our hero, everyone. "Harden up, Mativo #5!" Mimic — Yesterday at 10:27 PM this guy sounds distractingly like John Mulaney Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:27 PM He does know tigers climb, right? highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:27 PM He's hoping Mativo doesn't know that. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:28 PM .... thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:28 PM ??? highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:28 PM ..... Mimic — Yesterday at 10:29 PM this has been your detour into the German language thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:29 PM Why and how would that happen highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:29 PM The saddest part is, I have no clue whether that was intentional and it's simply that kind of movie. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:29 PM I am... reasonably certain it is not supposed to abruptly be in german. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:30 PM I'm 95% certain. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:33 PM Hahahha Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:33 PM He is not wrong. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:35 PM He's the Designated Sane Man Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:35 PM But not sane enough to not be in this situation. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:36 PM ...Why did they bring a skateboard Mimic — Yesterday at 10:36 PM I have no idea Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:36 PM Reasons™️ thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:37 PM Gonna do some sick ollies out on the savannah What's next, they find out this guy also has 300 pet crocodiles? Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:40 PM yeah that boat is gone Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:41 PM As I understand, the elephant did break her leg when it picked her up. Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:41 PM yeeeeep highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:41 PM And then it turned gangrenous. Mimic — Yesterday at 10:41 PM fuuuck thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:42 PM oh YIKES Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:42 PM He really does want to jump-start the process on getting Mativo #6 Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:43 PM Whats with the whimsical music?????? thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:44 PM he's drawing them off!  how heroic! Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:45 PM And then he died. Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:46 PM Aaaand another injury thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:46 PM Honestly, Mr Lion Whisperer deserves to have his house wrecked like this Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:47 PM His family did not ask for this, though. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:47 PM No, I feel bad for them Like this is definitely coming up in the custody hearing, right Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:48 PM This has to be criminal something. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:49 PM Apparently, none of these lions were owned legally and Mr. Lion Whisperer contracted blood poisoning from one of the many maulings he sustained on set. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:49 PM Yikes. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:49 PM And also gangrene. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:49 PM Well good. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:49 PM And at one point, some of the animals escaped and ended up shot and killed, including one of the lead lions. Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:49 PM This movie reminds me ever so lovingly of when I lived with three great danes who wanted to murder me thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:50 PM I feel like he didn't think this hiding place through Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:50 PM I am unsurprised that some of the animals escaped. They're not really contained. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:50 PM Quick, disguise yourself by covering your body with raw meat! Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:51 PM already done, my body is made of raw meat thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:51 PM He's an old softie really, just thump him if he's a nuisance Oh no Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:52 PM A nice honey base. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:52 PM Oh no. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:52 PM oh Oh yikes highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:52 PM The Anklebreaker's back. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:52 PM That elephant is actively murderous. Hopolites — Yesterday at 10:53 PM Another injury! highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:53 PM I like how the terror in their eyes is real. Mimic — Yesterday at 10:53 PM fun fact, elephants are capable of vigilante rampages highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:54 PM And he did throw his trainer against a tree and break her shoulder. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:54 PM :frowning: So this is what, the gorilla house? Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:55 PM Full of deadly snakes, perhaps? thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:55 PM Hippos, maybe? Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:56 PM ... Oh yes, just leave that door open. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 10:56 PM Some sort of plague ridden something or other. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 10:56 PM Oh, I see, it's just not secured in any way against the lions Why would it be, really Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 10:59 PM So the bad lions eats the 'bad' humans. Alright then. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:01 PM "So you see, this is fine!" said the movie whose production ended in the near-deaths of several humans and the actual deaths of several lions. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:01 PM Oof, so that bit at the beginning about how none of the animals were harmed, was a lie highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:01 PM Oh yes, very much so. A number of them also caught airborne diseases and died that way. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:02 PM :frowning: Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:02 PM Unsurprising. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:02 PM Apparently this movie was made to prove that you should care about big cats And that they werent evil Which thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:02 PM So they're cool with the lions now, huh Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:02 PM This movie was made by a lunatic who wanted to show off his cats. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:02 PM GREAT JOB Yeah thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:02 PM Well, they're not evil, they're just animals that you shouldn't keep as pets Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:03 PM yeah highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:03 PM Nice recycled dialogue, there. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:03 PM Yeah I head "They're really friendly!" twice highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:03 PM And "She's beautiful" twice. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:05 PM So... after his untrained 500-lb pets hunted them for sport, they're cool with it all now Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:05 PM Yes. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:05 PM And will help him get more grant money, presumably And come live with him in Lion House highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:06 PM "Come join us, Mativo 7!" Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:06 PM Someone is going to question the two humans his lion killed. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:06 PM Did he just threatan Mativo??? thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:07 PM :frowning: "how could this have happened!  haha oh well" Mimic — Yesterday at 11:08 PM I feel like this movie did not earn this emotional closing song thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:09 PM It did not. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:09 PM Not at all. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:09 PM You know what would be a great followup to this? :slight_smile: highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:09 PM What's that? thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:09 PM Cats. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:10 PM 'When Animals Attack'? highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:10 PM Yes. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:10 PM The terrible new one. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:10 PM We're doing it. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:10 PM Yes! Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:10 PM Oh dear. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:10 PM oh boy! Mimic — Yesterday at 11:11 PM I've been morbidly curious about that movie since it came out I have only seen brief clips and some musical sequences highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:12 PM The first time Breakdown and I ever saw it, we were out of our minds on steam, so it will be interesting to watch clear headed. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:14 PM One of these days I'm going to suggest a good movie. Mimic — Yesterday at 11:14 PM but, if we have a good time watching bad movies, exactly what have we lost thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:15 PM Nothing! And I suppose this is the one where they laboriously edited out the buttholes Or so I've heard. highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:16 PM Alright. Now, my Steam-induced opinion of this the first time around was that it was the best thing I'd ever seen in all my vorns of life. Let's see if that still holds true. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:16 PM I have many doubts that it will. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:16 PM Well the music here has me freaked out GAH SMALL PERSON thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:17 PM I loved the musical when I was a kid.  I think I still have the soundtrack, somewhere Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:17 PM It sounds like a cat on a synthesizer. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:17 PM The fact that they show an actual human makes this movie weirder tbh thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:17 PM ...Yeah, I wasn't expecting that Mimic — Yesterday at 11:18 PM AWKWARD SILENCE Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:19 PM . . . thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:19 PM I don't care, I love this song. It's bonkers that this is how they welcome new members, but also kind of great. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:20 PM Their shapes are very upsetting. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:20 PM Im going to just, not look at the movie. It keeps mildly wigging me out Mimic — Yesterday at 11:21 PM we've all got our uncanny valley thresholds Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:21 PM Mine is very low thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:21 PM You could shrink the window a bit Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:22 PM yeah the songs are bop thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:23 PM awwww gosh I wonder what HIS name is highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:23 PM Hat Cat McSomething. Imagine how mind blowing this all would have been with animated cats, or even motion capture over photorealistic cats. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:24 PM Wait, but they are stray cats aren't... they? Mimic — Yesterday at 11:25 PM waggles hands Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:25 PM It would have been much less... distracting, if they were animated, or cat shaped. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:25 PM ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:25 PM I’m having audio and resolution troubles, but I’m 82% sure the cat in question’s name is Munkustrap thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:25 PM And she's, apparently, a kitten who got thrown away by some awful human Mimic — Yesterday at 11:25 PM some are pets, some are strays, some are like, mascot cats of local offices Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:25 PM Or if they were like the musicals and clearly people dressed as cats highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:26 PM Basically anything but this. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:26 PM I'm just saying it's weird they start out going "well, you need to have a name for humans to call you, obviously" Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:26 PM Okay my ipad is faring much better and yes that is Munkustrap there he is What a disaster Relatable Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:27 PM Their scale is also very inconsistent. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:27 PM I feel like they stepped on that opening. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:28 PM Their scale is about as consistent as transformers scale is Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:28 PM Wait til the nightclub scene highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:28 PM "We're essentially a suicide cult." Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:28 PM .....oh dear. I didn't think of that Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:29 PM They too are aware of how wrong they are, and wish to perish. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:29 PM Please stop having them stick up their legs like that. Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:29 PM Rebel Wilson's CGI is the wrongest thing about all of this, and that includes the child mice Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:30 PM Also when Jenny was rolling she did not look like she was there thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:30 PM ............. Mimic — Yesterday at 11:30 PM THERE'S a swift kick to the uncanny valley for everyone Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:30 PM Nahh, I take it back, the mice are worse. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:31 PM I feel like this scene is made weirder because the mice are children Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:31 PM Get you someone who looks at you like that even as you fall off a windowsill Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:31 PM Is this song just making fun of this cat for being overweight? highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:32 PM This is excruciating. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:32 PM The way they're playing it, it is highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:32 PM Oh, you just wait. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:32 PM Eugh Classy Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:32 PM No no, the Chonker Cat song is later, that's Bustopher Jones. It's the framing that's making fun of Wilson's character. This one is making fun of how cats play with the critters they catch, I think. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:33 PM The original certainly isn't an extended fat joke. Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:34 PM Ah yes... Mr. Annoying Good grief that mouse was just horribly photoshopped in highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:35 PM I can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss the stage version of this cat. The one that everyone insisted was me. Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:35 PM why are you into him, Victoria Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:35 PM I love the weeeeird instrument choices I've been hearing here Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:35 PM :eyes: Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:35 PM Why did they interupt the song thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:35 PM The fact that he's wearing this big coat makes everyone else look naked Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:36 PM YEAH Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:36 PM For a Trailer Moment thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:36 PM Either have them all clothed, or none Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:36 PM OH JUST YOU WAIT Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:36 PM I dispise trailer moments thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:36 PM I know about the stripping. Mimic — Yesterday at 11:36 PM so I've seen people complain about the chemistry being sucked out of this song Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:37 PM THIS IS VERY WEIRD Mimic — Yesterday at 11:37 PM ... mainly between Rum Tum Tugger and Mister Mistoffelees highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:37 PM She is a kitten. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:37 PM Is she meant to be still? highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:37 PM Exactly. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:37 PM Loud noises of confusion thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:38 PM Like from the framing, she is... I think? Even if she's being played by an adult Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:38 PM I think she's supposed to be an abandoned kitten, yeah Mimic — Yesterday at 11:38 PM I think she is in the stage version too the hour long video from Sideways mentioned that Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:38 PM That whole thing was just so uncomfortable Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:39 PM I think the human noses are making this worse than it needs to be. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:39 PM ...I had not known that. Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:39 PM exactly, it's the noses That's the worst part Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:39 PM I will now go stand in the corner like its blair witch and scream Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:40 PM There is also no flow. It just... keeps happening. Songs, but no plot. Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:40 PM No no, that's actually supposed to be that way. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:40 PM To be fair the musical is normally like that, yeah Mimic — Yesterday at 11:40 PM they pretty much just had RUm Tum Tugger and Mister Mistoffelees be interested in Victoria so they could inject some 'no homo' into the Rum Tum Tugger song. where it did not belong Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:40 PM Not the sort of musical for me, then. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:40 PM The director is just trying desperately to make a plot out of things with no plot Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:41 PM It is pretty sweet, really-- what there is of it. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:42 PM oh great the fat jokes highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:42 PM Here we go. Buckle in, everyone. Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:42 PM greeeeeat thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:42 PM ... He is also wearing clothes Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:42 PM Tuxedo Cat™ thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:43 PM "and then she went with Macavity" Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:43 PM I am too sober for this. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:43 PM Did he just kill her .... Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:44 PM You'll seeeee... Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:44 PM Whaaaaat was in that trash can :CatDisgust: highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:44 PM Wasn't Bustopher Jones supposed to be classy, fastidiously polite, and well-loved? thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:45 PM long sigh Yes. Starscreamapillar — Yesterday at 11:45 PM . . . Mimic — Yesterday at 11:45 PM yes, but having him sing the "He's FAT~!" song destroys that entirely Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:45 PM This is so grooooss Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:45 PM Not to mention that in the song he's clearly proud of his size (as any well-fed cat should be) thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:47 PM I feel like there's something... off about his makeup highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:48 PM If memory serves, that was his entire shtick...he was a proud, fat gourmet of a cat and very well respected. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:48 PM hey, it's team rocket! Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:48 PM .....i It Yeah kinda thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:49 PM This is a really weird version of this song Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:50 PM And again, what is scale That jewelry thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:50 PM They're not exactly singing it, even Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:51 PM And what about the times they don't "leave it at that" thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:52 PM Yeah, they were totally setting her up, huh Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:52 PM Maaaaybe? I just kinda got the vibe that they didn't care thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:53 PM Really, dude? Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:53 PM eugh sexual tension Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:53 PM Can we acknowledge that a ring should not be able to be a bracelet for a cat Oh boy thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:53 PM It shouldn't. Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:53 PM Don't look too closely at the lower part of the screen skdjsjfkg thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:54 PM ...what, why Oh no Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:54 PM I thought the CGI was all messed up? But I may have the scenes mixed up. thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:54 PM :grimacing: Okay, so they're not gonna do that one Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:55 PM Basically great-grandma, that's who They really love her. I mean she's sweet, but... is it really because she's super old? Or is there Backstory Implied™ Hopolites — Yesterday at 11:57 PM I love the one cat being held up by another like a battering ram Mimic — Yesterday at 11:58 PM eh, mainly she's just the beloved head of the family thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:58 PM ye highglossfinish — Yesterday at 11:58 PM Also generally a male cat. Sharpwing — Yesterday at 11:59 PM I don't understand the implication that that's all the Jellicle cats ever, I thought the point of the impending song is that Jellicle cats are all cats thenightetc2 — Yesterday at 11:59 PM Yeah Sharpwing — Today at 12:00 AM I did know Old Deuteronomy was originally played by a male actor... but I can't bring myself to regret Dame Judy Dench, I feel like she's one of the best things about this movie (sans her ending segment, because... weird.) thenightetc2 — Today at 12:00 AM Yeah, her intro song there was good highglossfinish — Today at 12:01 AM Got to take this movie's silver linings where you can get them. Hopolites — Today at 12:01 AM Hearing the synths is reminding me of why I have a weird fear of them Sharpwing — Today at 12:01 AM Memory Beautiful song, honestly Of synths? Or of these cats Hopolites — Today at 12:02 AM synths Sharpwing — Today at 12:02 AM ...should I ask why, or not pry Hopolites — Today at 12:03 AM Oh I watched the 80s Transformers movie as a child Sharpwing — Today at 12:03 AM Every day I am more glad I skipped it They shattered the hearts of millions of small children Hopolites — Today at 12:04 AM I wasnt alive when it came out, but YEAH Even watching characters you dont know die in droves is very D: Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:05 AM Sometimes you have to watch the Autobots you love immolate and die. Though much more rarely, these days. It tends to be more of a Decepticon fate. Sharpwing — Today at 12:05 AM I will not watch it, thank you highglossfinish — Today at 12:06 AM They didn't even try to make her look old and worn down. thenightetc2 — Today at 12:06 AM They really didn't Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:07 AM She has an ear notch, surely that is sufficient. Sharpwing — Today at 12:07 AM She does look genuinely devastated though, that counts for something ...right? highglossfinish — Today at 12:08 AM She's the only one who realizes what kind of movie she's in. Sharpwing — Today at 12:09 AM Ah, the fourth wall breaker :pensive: Such a burden to bear ...okay I do like this song though highglossfinish — Today at 12:09 AM It would be gorgeous in another movie. Sharpwing — Today at 12:09 AM Someday, perhaps... thenightetc2 — Today at 12:09 AM :< Mimic — Today at 12:10 AM and she still managed to do it service after first hearing the song very shortly before singing it Hopolites — Today at 12:10 AM Its v good yeah thenightetc2 — Today at 12:11 AM yeah... Sharpwing — Today at 12:18 AM ...so I was correct in reading the Looks Deuteronomy is giving him as Young Love Never Realized highglossfinish — Today at 12:19 AM They got a few boots hurled at them back in the day. Sharpwing — Today at 12:19 AM The remaining question is why he's not lauded and loved for simply existing at that old, like she is? OH NOW HERE COMES THE BOP thenightetc2 — Today at 12:19 AM YES Mimic — Today at 12:19 AM I don't think he was interested in leading so much as being an actor Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:19 AM He is not as good at forming a cult as she is. Mimic — Today at 12:19 AM YES highglossfinish — Today at 12:20 AM Or convincing cats to throw themselves off the hotel roof. Hopolites — Today at 12:20 AM OOO A BOP Sharpwing — Today at 12:20 AM Good points Hopolites — Today at 12:20 AM THIS MAN'S CLOTHES ARE DISTRACTINg thenightetc2 — Today at 12:20 AM Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer was also a bop until they go their hands on it here Sharpwing — Today at 12:20 AM I KNOW AND I WISH HE HAD A SHIRT This part is amazing though Hopolites — Today at 12:21 AM tap dance yeeeeees thenightetc2 — Today at 12:21 AM ...:D Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:21 AM The fact some of them are clothed just highlights the nudity of the rest of them. Sharpwing — Today at 12:21 AM You can't help but want to dance with him ...was that a giant trombone in the foreground?? Hopolites — Today at 12:22 AM Yes Ooooh the CGI does not look good here Sharpwing — Today at 12:22 AM Oof no Hopolites — Today at 12:22 AM EVERYONE HAS SHOES NOW Sharpwing — Today at 12:23 AM what is scale Mimic — Today at 12:23 AM btw, this is like one of the only songs where they were keeping time Sharpwing — Today at 12:23 AM Explaining why it's one of the best Memory is kind of off-beat, but it works for that one, she's literally sobbing, that would throw one off their rhythm highglossfinish — Today at 12:24 AM Does he even want a new life or did he just show up to brag about his current one? Hopolites — Today at 12:24 AM Yeah when one of the features of the song is tapdancing you kinda are forced to keep time Sharpwing — Today at 12:24 AM The rest of them just feel like they're overdoing it thenightetc2 — Today at 12:24 AM a s c e n d highglossfinish — Today at 12:24 AM There he goes. Sharpwing — Today at 12:24 AM ......I think he just wanted to sing?? He does seem content to keep going Hopolites — Today at 12:24 AM I think some of the people appeared just to sing, yeah Sharpwing — Today at 12:24 AM Oh, and here comes the drugs, courtesy of Taylor Swift Hopolites — Today at 12:25 AM They're just there to vibe ...oh boy highglossfinish — Today at 12:26 AM Macavity: Not ginger. Sharpwing — Today at 12:26 AM I'm not super fond of the pacing of this scene, but I've always had an inordinate fondness for Glowing Gold Bits Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:27 AM Brown, ginger, what even are colors? Hopolites — Today at 12:27 AM What is Taylor's accent Sharpwing — Today at 12:27 AM Yeah I always wondered about that? Did they just make Naked Idris Elba With Fur because they didn't want to change his skin tone, or is the song itself designed to be a sort of red herring description? She is his new "main squeeze" or whatever Mimic — Today at 12:27 AM it's "I listened to the original so many times I decided the british accent was part of it Sharpwing — Today at 12:28 AM She's definitely helping him, so... ?? Hopolites — Today at 12:28 AM Wait she has heels Why does she have heels Sharpwing — Today at 12:28 AM Wwwwhoops there goes the kitten Surprised that didnt kill her That was a lot at once Hopolites — Today at 12:28 AM HES NEKKID thenightetc2 — Today at 12:28 AM Annnnd now he's naked Sharpwing — Today at 12:29 AM HE IS highglossfinish — Today at 12:29 AM Of course he is. Sharpwing — Today at 12:29 AM IT'S THE ABS. LIKE WHY. WHYYYY His collarbone... Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:29 AM They could have given him length of fur, and spared us all. thenightetc2 — Today at 12:29 AM god, they ARE heels Hopolites — Today at 12:29 AM Its MORE obvious he's nekkid Like, ASS Sharpwing — Today at 12:29 AM why did they do this He's literally got just. Just a human silhouette Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:30 AM Why does he wish to die? He seems to be doing pretty well for himself. thenightetc2 — Today at 12:30 AM right? Sharpwing — Today at 12:30 AM I guess he wants more? He doesnt seem to have a happy life, to be fair. He just seems to have really wronged her/her family, thereby ruining his chances Mimic — Today at 12:31 AM they said the choice was about being reborn as the cat they want to be. so I guess he finds himself lacking in some metric Sharpwing — Today at 12:31 AM Yeah, makes sense Oh, sure, just volunteer him I know you believe in him but cmon, he's clearly bad under pressure Hopolites — Today at 12:32 AM I love the person in the back fucking with his hat thenightetc2 — Today at 12:32 AM "listen, I'm a stage magician, it's not the same--" Sharpwing — Today at 12:32 AM UGH I JUST NOTICED HIS DISTURBINGLY HUMAN FEET Hopolites — Today at 12:33 AM ARE THEY GOING TO SING A SONG TO HYPE HIM UP Mimic — Today at 12:33 AM YUP Sharpwing — Today at 12:33 AM "close enough" Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:33 AM They sing songs for every occasion. Hopolites — Today at 12:33 AM HIS HANDS ARE ALSO VERY HUMAN thenightetc2 — Today at 12:34 AM Meanwhile, Old Deuteronomy is being forced to walk the plank Hopolites — Today at 12:34 AM Pfffft Sharpwing — Today at 12:34 AM Yes, and I don't like that, but also I can't help but feel like adding toebeans would be worse. thenightetc2 — Today at 12:34 AM So sing fast highglossfinish — Today at 12:34 AM She's already been sucked into a storm drain. Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:34 AM They have unpleasantly human hands, feet and noses. Because whomever made this does not actually like cats. thenightetc2 — Today at 12:35 AM I'm not super a fan of this version Hopolites — Today at 12:35 AM Okay they removed the tension between Rumtum tugger and Mephistles but gave the magician tension with that gray tabby thenightetc2 — Today at 12:35 AM The original's very confident Sharpwing — Today at 12:35 AM Really? Huh thenightetc2 — Today at 12:35 AM And cheerful Mimic — Today at 12:35 AM yeah. confident enough to snark in the Rum Tum Tugger sing instead of whinge thenightetc2 — Today at 12:36 AM "oof" Sharpwing — Today at 12:36 AM I can't help but feel for this guy, though, as pathetic as he is, he's a mood. thenightetc2 — Today at 12:36 AM ye Sharpwing — Today at 12:36 AM If a cat could do puppy eyes... and look, everyone loves him Even when he's failing If that ain't what we all want highglossfinish — Today at 12:37 AM "Well, so much for that." thenightetc2 — Today at 12:37 AM awww Sharpwing — Today at 12:38 AM ....wait a minute, if she just arrived, how did she know what they were singing? highglossfinish — Today at 12:38 AM Their little cat displays of affection would be adorable if they actually looked like cats. thenightetc2 — Today at 12:38 AM She was waiting for her moment. Sharpwing — Today at 12:38 AM FLYING TROMBONE?? highglossfinish — Today at 12:38 AM She got herself out of the water, she just wanted to encourage him. Sharpwing — Today at 12:38 AM Akfjskfkg Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:38 AM Swam all the way back in the time he was taking. Sharpwing — Today at 12:39 AM :eyes: oooohhh here comes the good stuff Mimic — Today at 12:39 AM who decided on how to animate their tails and how hard did they get fired Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:39 AM I wish she would stop unzipping her skin. Sharpwing — Today at 12:39 AM Ah, here comes the awful CGI I think SAME thenightetc2 — Today at 12:39 AM wince highglossfinish — Today at 12:39 AM This movie is so viscerally unpleasant. Sharpwing — Today at 12:40 AM Very. Hopolites — Today at 12:40 AM TAP DANCE TO INTIMIDATE LIKE A SNAKE RATTLE Sharpwing — Today at 12:40 AM THERE IT WAS THEY FORGOT HER FEET THEY FORGOT HER FEET LIKE THREE FRAMES AGO thenightetc2 — Today at 12:40 AM omg Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:40 AM Too busy editing out buttholes. Sharpwing — Today at 12:41 AM A necessary sacrifice, then Okay, now this is the good part highglossfinish — Today at 12:42 AM I can't stand this version of Memory, personally. And I do love Memory. Hopolites — Today at 12:42 AM editing out the buttholes they place themselves Sharpwing — Today at 12:42 AM Oh, what don't you like about it? highglossfinish — Today at 12:42 AM The youthful face, the orchestra drowning her out, the copious river of mucus running down her face. Sharpwing — Today at 12:42 AM ...all extremely good points. I have heard other versions, but havent actually seen the original stage show-- where can I find it? (short of piracy, I'm scared of viruses) Mimic — Today at 12:43 AM i would like to add that hte orchestra isn't just drowning her out, she's holding herself back because the orchestra has been ordered to respond to how she sings instead of the other way around, so she's hesitating the whole way through Sharpwing — Today at 12:44 AM Oof highglossfinish — Today at 12:45 AM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdBVJbzkoqo YouTube The Shows Must Go On! 'Memory' Elaine Paige | Cats The Musical

Mimic — Today at 12:45 AM do you want the original london cast or the original broadway cast, because I have links to both on youtube Sharpwing — Today at 12:45 AM :D!!! Thank you, I didn't expect it to be there, I should have looked Sharpwing — Today at 12:46 AM I'll have to check that out after this! Mimic — Today at 12:46 AM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwtoDY140o4 YouTube Cats1981channel Cats Memory (Original Broadway cast)

Sharpwing — Today at 12:47 AM :smile_cat: Thank you! Mimic — Today at 12:48 AM any time~! Sharpwing — Today at 12:49 AM I do appreciate the fact that she doesnt have Cat Boobs, though macavity has more boobage ...wait, how were they going to light those candles if Mistoffelees didnt do it? Uggh his freaky bare toes .........and now Somehow It gets weirder. Hopolites — Today at 12:52 AM What is this PSA Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:52 AM Oh good, she is directly addressing the camera. Sharpwing — Today at 12:52 AM I know, right thenightetc2 — Today at 12:52 AM hmmm!!! Sharpwing — Today at 12:52 AM I am Uncomfortable thenightetc2 — Today at 12:53 AM you can do that on stage but in a movie it's Weird Hopolites — Today at 12:53 AM slides out of the view of my monitor Sharpwing — Today at 12:53 AM It's bizarrely solid advice though, if you think about it. Hopolites — Today at 12:54 AM At least on stage the actors are far enough away that I don't feel like I, personally, amd being stared at Mimic — Today at 12:54 AM yeah. they're addressing the audience. not you highglossfinish — Today at 12:54 AM There's her wedding ring that they neglected to edit out. Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:54 AM A very high quality production. Mimic — Today at 12:55 AM in the original, old deut belted this last set of lines Sharpwing — Today at 12:55 AM :0 I will never unsee that now Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:56 AM And then they scuttle away, to commit further crimes. Sharpwing — Today at 12:56 AM Awww... adopted by Grandma Cat thenightetc2 — Today at 12:56 AM :heart: cloud face Sharpwing — Today at 12:56 AM Despite EVERYTHING else weird about the scene... I do like how warm and soft it looks Hopolites — Today at 12:57 AM So if the chandelier disappears how do they send up more Sharpwing — Today at 12:57 AM ......i WAIT I DONT KNOW Hopolites — Today at 12:57 AM Do they have to fashion another one Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:57 AM They spend the year making a new one. Sharpwing — Today at 12:57 AM HOW DOES IT-- okay yeah that tracks thenightetc2 — Today at 12:57 AM They find a different chandelier every year Hopolites — Today at 12:57 AM Or like, do they find it again later highglossfinish — Today at 12:57 AM It just shows up. Sharpwing — Today at 12:57 AM Eeeew.... with a dead body inside thenightetc2 — Today at 12:57 AM Remember how Gus said he'd never performed in that particular theater before? Different venue every time Sharpwing — Today at 12:57 AM OH thenightetc2 — Today at 12:57 AM she's not dead yet! Sharpwing — Today at 12:57 AM OHHH Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:57 AM The chandelier's appearance heralds the time for a new sacrifice. Sharpwing — Today at 12:58 AM Ajdjfjsg Hopolites — Today at 12:58 AM How many abandoned theaters are there Sharpwing — Today at 12:58 AM As many as they need Just like there was a bar that seved milk despite being human size Mimic — Today at 12:58 AM besides, set a fire in the right place, you can make an abandoned theater Sharpwing — Today at 12:58 AM :joy: oh noooo highglossfinish — Today at 12:58 AM The Jellicles wake up every day and choose violence. Sharpwing — Today at 12:59 AM Clearly yes Hopolites — Today at 12:59 AM Inglorious bastards has taught us that well Sharpwing — Today at 12:59 AM ..........okay, I know it was a dumpster fire. but I like it. I like it So Much. Hopolites — Today at 12:59 AM Songs good Starscreamapillar — Today at 12:59 AM You are welcome to like it. Hopolites — Today at 12:59 AM Visuals made me go Nope Starscreamapillar — Today at 1:00 AM I however feel quite sandpapered. thenightetc2 — Today at 1:00 AM Valid Sharpwing — Today at 1:00 AM GIVE THEM PROPER NOSES AT LEAST Hopolites — Today at 1:00 AM Well, some of the songs good The Rum Tum Tugger song was eh Sharpwing — Today at 1:00 AM Yeah, he bothers me. At least this version of him does highglossfinish — Today at 1:02 AM There were so very few things this movie got right. Sharpwing — Today at 1:02 AM What do you think it did get right? highglossfinish — Today at 1:02 AM ............. Starscreamapillar — Today at 1:02 AM It does not seem like the type of musical that one ought to make a movie of. highglossfinish — Today at 1:03 AM It would make an excellent movie, just not like this. Mimic — Today at 1:03 AM not a live action movie thenightetc2 — Today at 1:03 AM agreed Sharpwing — Today at 1:03 AM What, like, animated? I'd like to see that-- but CGI, or traditional? highglossfinish — Today at 1:03 AM Either. I could live with CGI cats performing motion captured ballet dances. Starscreamapillar — Today at 1:04 AM Perhaps like that owl movie, where it is stylized CGI. Sharpwing — Today at 1:04 AM Traditional would be cool too, but the amount of work it would take to do all the characters and sequences by hand would be staggering Mimic — Today at 1:06 AM stylized CGI would be great, and lend itself way to the stage show's gimmick of assembling random junk into props Sharpwing — Today at 1:06 AM Ooohh, that would be really neat! Well now I want someone to make it ...after this fiasco, though, I'm not sure anyone will. Starscream (They/Them) — Today at 1:07 AM drat did i miss the entire stream Sharpwing — Today at 1:07 AM :pensive: Starscreamapillar — Today at 1:07 AM You are lucky, and have. Starscream (They/Them) — Today at 1:07 AM alas the curse of thursday night classes thenightetc2 — Today at 1:07 AM Sadly, yes. Mimic — Today at 1:07 AM I mean if you're willing to settle for animatics youtube has managed to attract theater fans in making animatics for the entirety of certain shows thenightetc2 — Today at 1:07 AM Unless we were to watch something else to cap things off...? Sharpwing — Today at 1:08 AM That sounds amazing, I have a new rabbit hole to go down tonight! thenightetc2 — Today at 1:09 AM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE0ElmZm-6c YouTube Yamz Animatics Say My Name [OC Animatic]

Mimic — Today at 1:09 AM I mean, if you wanna DM me I'm happy to spam you with a few (dozen) Hopolites — Today at 1:10 AM I feel like I should mention a good majority of animatics will have cats Sharpwing — Today at 1:10 AM Ajdjdjsjf Hopolites — Today at 1:10 AM instead of humans Sharpwing — Today at 1:10 AM Like Cat cats Not human cats? Hopolites — Today at 1:10 AM Yes Mimic — Today at 1:10 AM yup! Warrior Cats ended up attracting a sizable animatic creating fandom Hopolites — Today at 1:10 AM Like Warrior Cats Sharpwing — Today at 1:10 AM Incredible thenightetc2 — Today at 1:12 AM OH BOY Sharpwing — Today at 1:12 AM oh no. Mimic — Today at 1:12 AM HAHAHAHAHAHA thenightetc2 — Today at 1:12 AM YUP Sharpwing — Today at 1:12 AM noooooooo thenightetc2 — Today at 1:12 AM "a furry" Starscream (They/Them) — Today at 1:13 AM thanks i hate this this is terrible Sharpwing — Today at 1:13 AM I'm extremely uncomfortable, good job thenightetc2 — Today at 1:13 AM He does magic! Starscream (They/Them) — Today at 1:14 AM this is so cursed Starscreamapillar — Today at 1:14 AM Still less upsetting to look upon than the CGI ones. Mimic — Today at 1:14 AM I mean, not as cursed as Furry Force thenightetc2 — Today at 1:15 AM Furry FOrce? Sharpwing — Today at 1:16 AM Oh, this is nice actually! Well, some bits are cursed Hopolites — Today at 1:17 AM I love the cat getting distorted when she gets her hand in the trap thenightetc2 — Today at 1:17 AM This is one of those "everyone animates 5 seconds" things, right Starscream (They/Them) — Today at 1:17 AM TEAM FORTRESS 2 blursed Sharpwing — Today at 1:17 AM More like 1 second, it seems IS THAT WHAT THAT WAS highglossfinish — Today at 1:18 AM It was! And that's about all I've got! Sharpwing — Today at 1:19 AM My brother plays that a lot but I don't think I've ever actually seen the thing other than memes Thank you!! :blush: it was lovely And cursed Starscreamapillar — Today at 1:19 AM Thank you for streaming. No thank you for the vaguely cat-colored nightmares. Sharpwing — Today at 1:19 AM But I'm glad I got to be here♡ Starscream (They/Them) — Today at 1:19 AM ty! for the cursed Sharpwing — Today at 1:20 AM naked idris elbaaaaaaa highglossfinish — Today at 1:20 AM Always a pleasure! Mimic — Today at 1:20 AM naked FLYING Ildris Elba Sharpwing — Today at 1:20 AM ......WAIT HE COULD FLY WHY DID HE TRY TO HANG ONTO THE CHANDELIER AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA thenightetc2 — Today at 1:20 AM he was out of rocket fuel, obv Hopolites — Today at 1:21 AM For Funsies Pffft thenightetc2 — Today at 1:21 AM Once more, thank you for hosting! Mimic — Today at 1:21 AM thanks for tonight! Hopolites — Today at 1:21 AM It was fun! Sharpwing — Today at 1:22 AM Yeah!! highglossfinish — Today at 1:22 AM Thank you all for coming! Mimic — Today at 1:22 AM good night! highglossfinish — Today at 1:22 AM And for the awful suggestion to watch Cats, which was very fun, somehow. Good night!

[tachtutor]

Auto-rickshaw driver trampled to death by herd of elephants in Ctg

Auto-rickshaw driver trampled to death by herd of elephants in Ctg

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An auto-rickshaw driver died after being trampled by a herd of elephants at Bazalia union of Chattogram’s Satkania upazila yesterday evening.

Two passers-by were injured while trying to save the victim.

The deceased is Md Nesar Ahmed (55) of Dhormopur village of Bazalia union.

Molla Jahangir, sub-inspector of Satkania police station, told The Daily Star that around 7:45pm Nesar was…