elanorx

[elanorx]

Stray cats 🐈

[elanorx]

At some point in your life, you were taught that being slightly annoying is an unforgivable sin. Maybe it was by your parents or a teacher or a friend or a bully or an older sibling. But someone taught you that being slightly annoying is a crime punishable by death.

You must unlearn this.

You must accept that all people will be annoying at some point or another in their lives, maybe all of their lives, and that this is okay. It is okay for strangers on the bus, it is okay for children in the grocery store, it is okay for people on social media, and it is okay for you.

If you ever want to truly love your fellow humans, if you ever want to truly love yourself, you must have forgiveness for being annoying.

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this is by far my favorite safety/warning sign btw. they really went off with this one

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My cat has to wear a cone this week and it made me think of an angel whose halo is a cone.

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the spirit is not willing and the flesh it is not so into the idea either

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It makes me happy when they listen

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Anyone who tried to wield the legendary sword would instantly turn to dust. Your country uses this as a method of execution. Little did you know, you were the chosen one it was waiting for.

[elanorx]

Cultural Weapons: Fire Nation Swords Pt. 1

Along with covering weapons, I’m going to make another attempt at some light martial arts analysis. Like with my Kyoshi Warriors post, take it with a grain of salt as these are very superficial observations as I don’t have much IRL experience with martial arts.

Sokka & Piandao’s Swords

Both Piandao and Sokka fight using a type of Chinese sword called a jian (劍). The jian is a straight, double-edged blade as opposed to being a single-edged blade like a dao or katana. In Chinese folklore, it is known as “The Gentleman of Weapons”, which fits with warrior-scholar qualities that Piandao tries to cultivate in Sokka.

What’s most interesting about the jian is how closely-linked it is with tai chi; there are actually 32 tai chi forms that use the jian, with these forms being collectively known as taijijian (太極劍). Tai chi also happens to be the basis of waterbending.

In other words, the techniques that Piandao taught Sokka were actually taijijian forms aka sword-based waterbending moves. Secretly knowing his student was Water Tribe and might possibly be a bender, Piandao actually chose to teach Sokka techniques that would work well with waterbending as well as honoring his pupil’s culture. Which explains why Piandao’s lessons all involved learning to go with the flow and taking advantage of your surroundings, both important skills for a waterbender.

Pictured Above: Cat Stance Uppercut form. Note how Sokka’s left hand is blocking the thumb side of his sword-holding hand. According to the instructor of the video, the left arm acts as a guard to the right hand.

While typing up this post, I also realized that Katara and Sokka have mentor episodes that mirror each other. Both find the adult guidance and validation they’ve been seeking, both mentors train them in techniques that both empower them and help them to connect with their culture, and both mentors secretly want to overthrow the Fire Nation’s empire. Of course, Katara’s episode ends up a tragedy while Sokka’s is triumphant. From a thematic perspective, I suppose it’s to illustrate a healthy student-teacher relationship versus a predatory one; similar to how Iroh is set up as a loving father in contrast to Ozai’s abuse. Good lessons to teach in children’s show, actually.

Like what I’m doing? Tips always appreciated, never expected. ^_^

https://ko-fi.com/atlaculture

[elanorx]

Not to be dramatic or anything

[elanorx]

"People wouldn't invent anything if there was no profit motive."

Well, that's clearly a lie.

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When aliens first discovered Earth they were surprised that such a hostile world could produce life, let alone intelligent life. They were even more surprised to learn that Earth had not always been this deadly and that cockroaches were not its first technological species.

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I just found out that Good Omens was possibly going to be a film back in 1992, and because I think I was INEFFABLE for Michael and David to play Aziraphale and Crowley.

Imagine them in there early 20s and it being their breakout roles.

BUT.

In the end. I'm very grateful we got our Angel and Demon with their beautiful forehead wrinkles, crow's feet and laugh lines. I love these men and their aged faces.

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[elanorx]

[elanorx]

a journey of pain, growth and persistence

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[elanorx]

Baldur’s Gate 3: But Make it Cats🐱