#an ordinary person's guide to empire

[sapphireshorelines]

– Arundhati Roy, Peace is War, March 2003, from the collection of essays An Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire

#essays #political essay #book excerpt #book quote #an ordinary person's guide to empire #arundhati roy

[plusvanity]

Øystein, son of Aarseth, is the one and only son of the King of Norway. He's the innate leader of the viking army, conquistador and future ruller of the North Sea empire.

He's known to be fearless, radical, and merciless towards his enemies, a brilliant strategist, but an arrogant and selfish commander.

Pelle is the first child of a noble family from Stockholm. Although he never had an inclination for heroism (nor enough stamina for it), he became a viking at the peer pressure of his household.

After a near dead experience during one of the Swedish raids, he came back 'from the dead' as a shaman. He ditched the battlefield to be guided by gods to his new enlightenment. Although reluctant and resistant at first, his kin slowly became aware of his new wave of wisdom and his fortune-telling gift and proclaimed him a 'bridge between gods and mortals'.

Obsessed by death and the occult, Pelle embraced his new status as a nonhuman (how else, really)

After hearing about his powers, Øystein decided to kidnap Pelle for his own benefits. He made Pelle his personal clairvoyant and advicer, but didn't take him as a slave. He was Øystein's loyal companion during raids, following him everywhere and having a privileged place next to the smol and grumpy Majesty.

Varg was the son of a Jarl who had a very close companionship with the King, so (unfortunately) Varg and Øystein have quite a history together.

They never standed each other. At first, the animosity was one sided, but in time it became mutual.

Varg was only 11 years old when he had to follow his father to a congregation in Oslo. He and Øystein had a (seemingly ordinary) sword fight until Øystein cut Varg's face. Naturally, he got away with it, but Varg never forgot him for the humiliation he endured and the new scar that became a constant reminder of his weakness. This is when the hatred became dual.

10 years later, at his father's order, he had to join the youth's movement and become part of Aarseth's army. Arrogant, confident (or so he tries to portray himself), and revengeful, he gladly took the role of a viking, but the worst part had yet to come. He was rendered to have a close position to Øystein and to travel alongside him and his other minions (Jan, Jørn, Fenriz, Snorre, Faust, etc).

Fights occurred on countless times and if they were caught together in a 'life or death' situation, they would let each other simply die rather than work a way out, so the tension was always high, trust was non-existent and curtesy was another word for forced-agreeableness.

Øystein wanted to get rid of Varg as much as Varg wanted to obtain his revenge (kill him and take the throne), but in unfavorable circumstances there was little to nothing they could do (yet).

When Pelle entered the picture, Varg fell in love with his mystic beauty. He began sneaking out and postponing duties to spend time with the shaman.

Pelle's interest in the mortal way of living and human affection was limited, but he became fond of Varg to a certain extent.

Having both Øystein and Varg's trust put Pelle in a delicate position. Typically impartial, he tried his best to stay away from taking sides, but he couldn't deny the ever-growing antagonism between the two.

The story is basically about them having to survive the cold, the hunger, the fights and each other while Varg has a massive crush on Pelle, Pelle acts like he doesn't understand the languages and Øystein munches on elg meat.

#my art #my drawings #pelle ohlin #per yngve ohlin #dead mayhem #euronymous #mayhem band #mayhem fanart #øystein aarseth #varg vikernes #burzum #mayhem #true norwegian black metal #artists on tumblr #small artist #lords of chaos #euronymous mayhem

[autisticsupervillain]

FTF: Isekai Invasion

The show where we take a character and drop them into a different franchise at a random location to see if they can conquer the world.

This Episode...

Xefros Tritoh invades Empire City!

Conditions:

Takes place in the Evil Karma Timeline of inFAMOUS 1

Scenario:

After finding the device that sent Joey to Alternia, Xefros inadvertently gets himself to to Empire City, landing smack dab in the middle of its gang war conflict.

Invader: Xefros

Return Readers are no doubt familiar with the hellish planet of Alternia. The bleeding heart of the cruel, colonizing Alternian Empire and the factor in which trollkind's children are raised to be killers. It is a brutal, uncaring world where enemy and friend mean the same thing and the corpses outnumber the houses on the streets.

How does an ordinary child survive on such a planet? How does an average person look like in Hell? Well, they don't get much more average than Xefros Tritoh.

Xefros is flat at the bottom of Alternia's hierarchy. As a rust blood with a timid demeanor and no immediately obvious combat ability, Xefros fears for his life on a nightly basis. Anyone or anything could have him killed at any time and no one would care. When the world acknowledged him at all, it was only to remind him that his life didn't matter. Even to a rebellion supposedly fighting in his interests, Xefros didn't matter. His own moirail, er, basically alien queerplatonic life partner those not in the know, doesn't treat him with the slightest respect, doubling down on squashing his self esteem at seemingly every opportunity for reasons we still don't understand. It was a miserable existence.... until he made an actual friend.

Joey Claire was a human far from home with Xefros as her only guide on this hostile alien world. With no understanding of any kind of hemospectrum or an preconceived notions of Xefros's self worth, Joey could see Xefros for who he actually was. Not as a disposable pawn or a worthless servant, but as a scared, traumatized boy who desperately needed a friend. And, now that he has one, Xefros will do anything he can to protect her.

Xefros is an entirely ordinary example of his species, yes, but he's standard for a race of galactic conquers. His strength and speed are clearly superhuman by Earth standards, such as when he survived his hive getting reduced to rubble on top of him with nothing but light bleeding. He also seems resistant to energy draining abilities, with Folykl, someone who drains the psionic and life energy of anyone she touches to keep herself alive, describing trying to drain him as like "sucking on a brick". As a rust blood, Xefros possesses weak basic telekinesis, allowing him to move small objects with great exertion, and can see and talk to ghosts. Most impressively, however, he's capable of holding his own against gold bloods.

Gold bloods are used as batteries for the Empire's fleet ships when they come of age, having their incredible psionic abilities harnessed to power the Empire's warcrafts. When reduced to this state, gold bloods are capable of supplying enough power to these sheeps to push them at near light speeds, generating an awe inspiring kinetic energy of nearly 95 Petatons of TNT. That's enough to obliterate continents, almost enough to completely raze the Earth's surface!

Source:

The gold bloods Xefros fought should be capable of this level of power. Kuprum has been actively training himself and his abilities for the sake of being as good a Helmsman as possible, while Azdaja is even stronger than him. Folykl, someone who easily feeds on Kuprum, can't even tough Azdaja because of his sheer raw power. Azdaja is powerful enough to carve up canyons, and is a dreaded assassin with hundreds of kills to his name.

Xefros could stand up to Azdaja, but ultimately couldn't win... at first. But when Joey was threatened, Xefros's latent Rage powers activated and allowed him to completely stomp Azdaja into the ground.

Rage is one of the twelve Aspects, primordial concepts that govern Homestuck's reality. As a Rage Bound, Xefros can naturally harness negative emotions to bolster himself. His abilities here remain undeveloped, as he simply doesn't have the privilege to be allowed to get angry at anything without being killed. But, seeing as Xefros has already shown to beat Goldbloods and even Purple Bloods with this power, his full potential is likely awe inspiring.

That's sorta the running theme with Xefros. His potential as a person is hampered by a society that's presumed him to be worthless. But, now that he has someone he can fight for, someone who values Xefros for Xefros, the full well of his potential as been opened. Xef just has a lot of self confrontation and soul searching to do before he gets there.

Invaded: Empire City

Empire City. One of the biggest, richest, and most populated cities in the United States. As the inFAMOUS universe's equivalent to New York, this meant it was only a matter of time until everything went wrong.

A mysterious terrorist organization called the First Sons created a device called the Ray Sphere, an explosive device that wiped out much of the city's population, unleashed a horrid plague upon the people, and, worse, gave a select few with a certain gene elemental superpowers. These "Conduits" as they came to be known took their power to the streets and took over the now quarantined city, plunging it into a gang war.

The City and its districts were split by three factions. The Reapers, former drug dealers led by a former First Sons mad scientist named Sasha. The Dust Men, a group of homeless people who turned into a cult who worshipped their leader, Alden Tate, after his fortune was stolen and he was reduced to living in the slums, and the First Sons themselves, lead by an enigmatic man named Kessler.

Sasha's gang is the weakest of the three, as its made mostly of mind controlled innocent civilians brought to heel under Sasha's mind controlling tar. Anyone doused in the substance will be brought under Sasha's command, with repeated ingestions even transforming the victims body's. Ordinary Reapers are strong enough to threaten Zeke Dunbar, who himself is strong enough to tackle open gates, survive a fall into the Hudson River from the bridge, and is fast enough to dodge automatic fire. While Reaper Conduits fully transformed by the tar are granted superhuman stature, being strong enough to survive a gas station explosion and fast enough to dodge Cole's lightning attacks briefly. Sasha's tar is potent enough to potentially control all of Empire City and can induce hallucinations in those strong enough to resist it.

The Dust Men are even more powerful, amplified by Alden's ability to turn scrap and rusty trash into giant mechanical golems to bolster his army's forces. These golems are powerful enough to blast helicopters out of the sky and strudy enough to survive a helicopters engine exploding in their face. While Alden himself may he physically frail and require a cane, he can create a giant trash behemoth capable of putting up a fight against Cole MacGrath.

And finally, the First Sons. A secret society do advanced that people abducted by them have assumed they've been kidnapped by aliens. They created and perfected the Ray Sphere device, a machine that upon detonation sucks the bio-electricity out of none Conduits and pours it into all the Conduits in range, activating their powers and amplifying their existing ones. Every gang leader in inFAMOUS 1 is, at the bare minimum, strong enough to survive the Ray Sphere explosion, which vaporized six city blocks, requiring them to tank an energy equivalent to 5.7 megatons of TNT.

Source:

Kessler spent decades planning his take over of Empire City, getting connections in Washington to keep the quarantine going while he took over. His Conduits possess the power to turn into giants and he's built flying drones that can turn invisible and shoot grenades from afar. Kessler himself possesses all of Cole MacGrath's powers from the first game, with a few additional abilities. He can punch the ground hard enough to make Earthquakes, create giant clones of himself that mind control anyone they touch, including Cole himself if he gets hit, and can teleport in invisible drones to assist him in combat.

But then there's the man himself. The Demon of Empire City. Evil Cole MacGrath. Unjustly framed for the nuking of Empire City, Cole MacGrath in this timeline became a bitter, power hungry tyrant, interest in little else than dominating Empire City like his own kingdom. His vast electrokinetic arsenal allows him to glide, control electricity as it moves at 90% light speed through wires, create forcefields that convert matter into energy, and create thunderstorms that cover all of Empire City, generating an energy equivalent to 34 megatons of TNT.

Source:

In the end, Empire City is reduced to Hell On Earth, dominated under the iron fist of Cole MacGrath, the inFAMOUS terror of Empire City.

Throwdown Breakdown:

I did this matchup because I thought it was funny how much of a stomp it was... in Xefros's favor. Let me explain.

Cole MacGrath, as the strongest guy in Empire City at this point, clocks in at around 34 megatons give or take with near light speed.

Xefros's calc scales him to 95,000,000,000 megatons and near light speed.

Xefros is literally billions of times stronger. Around 2,794,117,650x to be exact.

I've spent most of this show's lifespan hyping inFAMOUS up, so I can knock it down from time to time.

Now, Xefros doesn't solo all of inFAMOUS. He can't do a damn thing to the Beast, be that John White or Cole MacGrath, due to not having any way to kill someone who can come back from a single atom. The Second Son cast are also likely fast enough to, say, turn him into Neon particles before he can do anything.

As far as the first game goes? Xefros is resistant to energy drain, so Cole and Kessler's Bio-leech abilities are out. This just leaves Kessler and Sasha's mind control powers as the only viable win condition, as Xefros has no resistance to it. This is... circumstantial. If this takes place at the end of the game, then Kessler is dead and Sasha is being tortured by the government. If this takes place at the beginning.... Hmm.

Both characters should be roughly equal in speed and I don't see either Sasha or Kessler doing anything to activate Xefros's rage booster and getting instantly mulched. Sasha is generally smart enough to stay inside her lair, which is filled ceiling to floor with her mind controlling tar, so its not like Xefros can confront her there. That said, he's definitely strong enough to just... smash the ground the cave the whole place in on top of her. Which I could see him honestly doing. Xefros has survived by virtue of keeping his head down and out of dangerous situations, so if he can get by without actually having to fight Sasha, well.... he will.

Kessler meanwhile, is a cunning schemer. He'll take a look at the alien tanking literally everything his forces can throw at him and go "nope, not fighting that", then try to recruit the kid against The Beast. Which Xefros... would likely genuinely agree to. O mean, his friend Joey is human, so he'd definitely want to help prevent humanity from going extinct. That's kinda a win for everyone, as Kessler would certainly begin working on backup plans to take out the Beast if Xef can't manage it and keep working on Cole as a backup. Win-win? Kessler would see antagonizing Xefros by attempting to control him as an unnecessary risk, as he has no viable fallbacks if that doesn't work, so he'd try to talk him into it first.

There's this thing in Power Scaling that I just made up a name for called Writers Didn't Do The Math. It's when you take a mathematical look at a character to find that they are hilariously stronger than the narrative of the story actually treats them. See "Batman can tank a nuke" or "Fire Emblem characters can move at escape velocity". Joey Claire is supposed to be an ordinary human girl, yet she inarguably power scales to the same feat Xefros does and is, consequently, billions of times stronger than a nuke. It's a consequence of writers not understanding power scaling as a story telling device or realizing the context it creates, I suppose.

This is likely what turns people off from the community, on top of the general toxicity it produces in people who take these things to seriously, and that's entirely fair. Me personally, I view this as a feature, not a bug. When I tell you Xefros Tritoh can solo a superhero universe because he's billions of times stronger than a nuke, well... just understand that I find it really damn funny.

Tune in next time to see Greg Universe crush Senator Armstrong, I suppose.

....Actually, that's not a bad idea, someone write that down.

This Throwdown's Winner is...

Xefros Tritoh!

#fictional throwdown fridays #stats equalized #homestuck #hiveswap #xefros tritoh #infamous #cole macgrath

[doumekiss]

My personal favorites of 2022

Books (Fiction)

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (Singshong)

The Murderbot Diaries Series (Martha Wells)

In other Lands (Sarah Rees Brennan)

Nona The Ninth (Tamsyn Muir)

Carrie Soto is Back (Taylor Jenkins Reid)

Nettle and Bone (T. Kingfisher)

The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks (Mackenzi Lee)

A Wizard's Guide to defensive Baking (T. Kingfisher)

The Iliad (Homer)

The Odyssey (Homer)

Tracy Flick Can't Win (Tom Perrotta)

Amber and Clay (Laura Amy Schlitz)

Nothing to see here (Kevin Wilson)

Sorrow and Bliss (Meg Mason)

Sea of Tranquility (Emily St. John Mandel)

Books (Non-fiction)

Nothing to Envy : Ordinary Lives in North Korea (Barbara Demick)

Empire of Pain : The Secret History of The Sackler Dynasty (Patrick Radden Keefe)

On the move : a life (Oliver Sacks)

The Road to Jonestown : Jim Jones and The Peoples Temple (Jeff Guin)

This is going to hurt (Adam Kay)

Voices from Chernobyl : The Oral History of a Disaster (Svetlana Alexievich)

Rogues : True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks (Patrick Radden Keefe)

Mean Baby (Selma Blair)

An Anthropologist on mars (Oliver Sacks)

I'm glad my mom died (Jennette McCurdy)

Killers of the flower moon (David Grann)

Awakenings (Oliver Sacks)

Last Night at the Viper Room (Gavin Edwards)

The Man who mistook his wife for a hat (Oliver Sacks)

Cultish : The Language of Fanaticism (Amanda Montell)

Mangas/Manwhas/Comics

Dungeon Meshi (Ryoko Kui)

Witch Hat Atelier (Kamome Shirahama)

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (Singshong, Sleepy-C)

Sousou no Frieren (Tsukasa Abe, Kanehito Yamada)

Beware The Villainess (Bbongdda Mask)

The Trash of The Count's Family (Yoo Ryeo Han)

The S-Classes I Raised (Geunseo)

Fun Home (Alison Bechdel)

Semantic Error (Jeo SuRi, Kim Angy)

I think our son is gay (Okura)

Villain Initialization (CuZn Moyou Tangman Culture)

Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon (Coolkyousinnjya)

Couple of Mirrors (Li Zongchen)

Antique Bakery (Fumi Yoshinaga)

Sign (Ker)

TV Shows

Severance - S01

Yellowjackets - S01

Interview with the vampire - S01

Abbott Elementary - S01-S02

The Sandman - S01

Taskmaster - S12-S14

Spy x Family - S01

Dexter : New Blood - Minisseries

Our Flag Means Death - S01

Ghosts - S01-S02 (US)

Kevin Can Fuck Himself - S02

Kotaro Lives Alone - S01

Bocchi The Rock - S01

Chernobyl - Minisseries

Beastars - S01-S02

Movies

Pearl

Encanto

Fire Island

Everything Everywhere All at Once

X

What did you eat yesterday : The Movie

Perfect Blue

Bright Lights

Luca

House of Gucci

The Last Duel

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Spiderman : No Way Home

Class Action Park

Our Father

#2022 #books #movies #tv shows #mangas #comic books

[pastel-omegas-blog]

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️WARNING!!! THIS BOOK WILL CONTAIN MATURE THEMES AND VIOLENCE PLEASE LEAVE IF IT WILL MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE. I DO NOT NEED THIS BOOK TO BE REPORTED . YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.( Mentions of suicide, bullying, blood/torture ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️( This book is going to have more matured themes  compared to my others, from smut scenes to non-con, lactation, drugging, hypnosis, abuse of power and over obsessiveness.

Chapter four. Chapter five

CHAPTER FIVE

                 ¶•¶•¶•¶•¶•¶•¶•¶•¶•¶•¶•¶

The holy temple of Trovia is a vast and holy place. With the building and land having such a rich and diverse history.

The land itself had been chosen by the gods and goddesses  and had been regarded as a holy ground.  The walls of the temple had been built from 'pure' materials mined  and grown from the power of the imperial family and the very first pope chosen by the higher beings themselves. The growing of the proper materials took over a decade to be properly mined and when they finally did, the creation of a masterpiece took place.

They chose only strong young men that had been strictly trained and taught the ways of their gods from a young age, so no impure or immoral thoughts or actions would take place during it's construction. The building itself took almost fifteen years to be completed,  but after that it was a sight to behold.

The structure was made of pure white marble and limestone, walls had holy månå stones imbedded in them to protect the building from any evil magic or persons that would try to infiltrate the place. Gold and silver decorated every single corner of the building, forming astonishing designs, even going as far as to have the ancient texts on the wall written in pure gold. Beautiful paintings that told stories and highlighted the beauty and strength of the gods decorated every wall in sight, adding to the already marvelous appearance. Apart from the already vast halls and rooms added to the building, they also had ballroom sized rooms created specially for each individual god and goddess they served, decorating the space with only elements that represented said deity in each respective room.

The whole size of the building was twice the size of the Imperial palace ground

They successfully managed to create an architectural master piece. A haven on this wretched earth. A place that would guide innocent souls back on the right path. Rumours had it that the design for said building had been thought of by the gods and goddesses themselves and they had bestowed the knowledge of it to the first pope who then drew it down, because the people believed no ordinary human mind would be able to think of such a wonder with running mad right after.

The holy temple was given the name " EGUAE IMOLE " meaning  ' Palace of light '.

A befitting name for such a place. Because when ever the sun would shine it would have an almost golden glow radiating of it and when the sky bleed into the dark skies of the night, the light from the stars and the moon herself made the building start showing off a soft silvery glow.

It truly was a gift from the gods.

The building would go on to witness the different rise and fall if it's Empire, the bloody aftermaths of the wars that would take place, the age when humans, magic beings and demi humans finally set aside their difference and started to meet eye to eye the dominating new age of creating månå infused weapons and tools. The holy temple witnessed it all. Standing as strong as the day it was built, through those harsh years, never once breaking down or losing it ethereal glow as centuries upon centuries passed.

The holy temple was amazing yes, and what made it even more astonishing was the Pope.

Unlike other Empires who chose their popes through a series hard work and tests or the individual possessed amazing talents and skills, the Pope from the Trovian Empire was chosen from generation to generation from one family.

The Leoht Household.

A Ducal family known for producing candidates for the Pope position in the holy temple. Other than being descendants of the very first pope himself, they were people acknowledge for their intellect and varsity in the holy books and scriptures and how much of a blessing to the world land of Trovia really was.

Though the most extraordinary  thing about them was that they are naturally born with the ability to control holy månå. A månå element that hundreds of years ago was thought could only be bestowed on an individual if they were chosen by the gods. They were a house believed to be another blessing to the land, that and their beauty was something that was almost out of this world.

Silver hair that resembled that of the moons soft beams and pure white orbs that seemed to glow softly like stars. Their soft coloured hair and eyes, that had a fairy like charm to it was a great contrast to their natural skin tone. A deep cool earthy colour that seemed to shine when under the sun's rays. These were features inherited by almost all members of the Loeht bloodline. It made the people think of them as heavenly beings that had been perfectly crafted by the gods, giving them eternal beauty while still being able to recognize as normal human beings with unimaginable powers.

But even though everyone from this family was amazing. Only the very best were chosen to be pope candidates and only the most perfect among them would be the next great leader of the EGUAE IMOLE.

Candidates were chosen from the ages  two and would be trained rigorously until the age of fifteen, then the abilities and knowledge they had managed to hone over the years would be put under harder pressure for three years. The last person standing would be the one to take over the present Pope once they felt they had done enough, but until then the winning candidate would learn under them and gain more knowledge and experience as they go. The trail was held for all eligible members no matter what second gender they would present as later on in life.

It was a process that was repeated through out each generation, yet people of the current era would all have to agree that their current Pope had to be better than those of all the previous generations combined.

He was a man who radiated prestige, and a very bold charisma and his presence demanded authority, yet at the same he was a gentle as the summer breeze and had a tender smile that reminded people of pretty blooming flowers during the coming of a new spring.

A gentlemanly Alpha who was soft with his words, but at the same time his voice demanded all attention on him. A man who would never discriminate against others because of their race. A beautiful man with a beautiful heart and golden soul.   With a månå reserve far greater than all of his predecessors combined.

Alvar Leoht.

The current Pope of the Holy temple truly was an amazing person.

So it would only make sense if he had a partner who was up to his standards and shared an air of prestige almost equal to his.

And who else would be a better candidate other than the one and only saint of the mighty Trovian Empire?

Soft silky sky blue hair, dazzling amethyst purple eyes, pretty porcelain skin, plush thin peach lips and a delicate figure. His sweet scent of strawberries and roses that always seemed to draw people closer to him.

The most perfect omega the Pope had ever set his eyes on

 A man so holy and blessed  by the gods should have belonged too him.  Their fates were supposed to be intertwined.

They should have been together. They were absolutely perfect together in his eyes.

So the silver haired man didn't understand why the gods had taken away his fated pair and had given him to another man.

A man who was too dark for him. A man who would forever continue to stain his hands with blood from both the innocent and sinners. A man who didn't care for people who he thought were beneath him and took joy in other peoples suffering. 

A blood thirsty tyrant was who the gods had given his beloved too!

Alvar wanted to intervene, to stop the madness and swoop the smaller man into the safety of his own arms.... But he couldn't. Not only would he be selfish for doing so, something that went against his beliefs, but he didn't have the power to do so. He would never bring himself to admit it, but his love looked happier with the black hearted beast, his smile was brighter, his scent was sweeter. The omega's whole demeanor became more loveable. The alpha would do absolutely anything to make him happy. No matter the cost or how he badly it would affect the man himself later on.

So as his milky white eyes stared at the contents of the letter in his hands he couldn't help but feel conflicted. 

' Dear Ally... '

 The dark skinned man felt his lips twicth upwards at the familiar nickname.

" I hope you've been doing well and haven't been over stressing yourself! Just because I'm not there anymore to force you to get some rest, doesn't mean you shouldn't give yourself a break. "

Alvar felt his heart warm up at the words. Leon had always being so worried about his well being when he was still in the temple, he was glad that hadn't changed with the time the other had spent away from him.

 "  With that set aside I need to ask you for a favor.

Lord M/N's case from what I've heard from the doctors is in a very critical condition. "

Alvar couldn't stop the smile on his lips from falling as he read the name of the tyrant's former spouse. It was not like the Pope didn't like the man. They had gotten together a few times for the planning of a few scared rituals in the past, that and temple used to supply him pills on the former Emperor's command ( the usually monthly supply stopping after the h/c man got poisoned ).

The silver haired man felt neutral around the current Emperor's former spouse. He had a good head on his shoulders ( although most of the time it was only filled with thoughts of how to please his husband ). He wasn't as stuck up as the nobles of upper aristocracy, he was just... there. 

 Alvar didn't have any hatred towards the h/c omegas himself, but he absolutely despised the dark månå he had seen flowing through the petite man's body, a sign that confirmed what the Pope had been told his whole life about the s/c man. 

He was a devil reincarnation. A bane to everything the god's considered Holy.  A walking curse on the blessed land given to them. If he hadn't been present on the day the sealing ritual had been performed on the other when he was still a pup, he wouldn't have known just how dangerous he truly was. But Alvar would never be able to forget those glowing red eyes and cross pupils that glared into his soul as the being let out a ghoulish scream and cursed at them.

That terrifying sight still sent shivers to his core as if now. He didn't want his love associating with the h/c man at all. What if that demon vessel tried to corrupt him?

" Yet his cousin the countess seems to be getting more energetic by the day, although she's beginning to look more exhausted and I fear for her wellbeing. Her change started about a month ago. I tried to ask her what had happened, whether the lord had recovered, but she refused to talk to me. She acted hostile and was glaring at me the entire time. I'm sure she thinks I'm the reason for her cousin's current state simply because Marrav chose me over him, but I really admire the lord and just want to know about his well being. The last time I saw her was over a month ago so I can't even enquire about his health a "

Alvar couldn't stop the anger flickering in his heart , his eyes darkening a bit as his grip on the paper got tighter, causing the material to crinkle.

How dare that wench treat his beloved like that?!!

She should be grateful that the saint was even giving her the time of day and had the heart to ask about that devil container in her care. Leon was always kind hearted, but the alpha didn't like how he showed that kindness to people who were unworthy of it. He feared that the omega's kindness would make people use him.

" And the more worrying part is that Basil has started ignoring me and has started disappearing without a trace and not telling me about his whereabouts. I'm sure he's going over to his master's side and I'm worried that the lord's inevitable demise is causing him to feel down and bothered, that's why he's been acting cold and distant towards me. "

The alpha took in a deep breath to calm himself lest he rip the paper in his hands. The silver haired male had never taking a liking to the pink haired alpha. He was always so arrogant and full of himself. A hot headed man who was to proud for his own good. He had tried to divert Leon away from him, not trusting the alpha with the omega's delicate self, because he didn't want his actions to hurt the blue haired man.

Looks like he hadn't severed their connection as much as he thought.

" I know that they are just struck with grief and mean nothing with their actions, still I wish I could do more for the both of them.

My favor is this. 

Could you please come over and give the lord a quick farewell prayer? I know your a very busy man, but please Ally?

​​​​​​For me? I want the lord to be able to enjoy a peaceful afterlife. I'm sure a prayer from you will cleanse whatever evil månå is stuck in him. Could you please come as soon as you can? Before it's too late for him

                                                  Leon Valryon

 "

Alvar looked reread the last name the omega had used to sign off the letter, hoping his eyes were playing tricks on him, but nothing ever changed.

His chest began to burn and his throat went dry, his tall broad form twicthing every once in a while.  He knew the last name to well.

How couldn't he? 

How couldn't anyone for that matter

It was the last name borne by the imperial family.

Alvar saw red for a moment, his usually calm månå energy flaring up for a brief second before he calmed down. 

His heart was to weak against the omega to ever stay mad at him, plus he had even asked him for a favor.

The pope could never say no to his lovely saint.

" Were leaving for the palace. Please assemble everyone. "  the silver haired man  spoke up, softly dropping the paper on his mahogany carved desk, before turing to look towards his right hand man who was waiting by the door to his office.

" Yes your holiness " a masculine voice  responded his tone void of any emotion,  bowing in front of the man, his long blond locks falling against his face before he stood up straight again ,not bothering to ask any questions. He already knew the reason for the alpha's haste.

That man was involved.

Alvar noticed the grim look on the other's usually chirpy face

" Is there a problem Louis ? "

Said man quickly shook his head , his normal giddy expression falling back in place.

" Oh it's noting Your Grace, please don't mind me. I just remembered something I forgot to do is all " the blond replied, his smile becoming more strained when he heared the silver haired man mutter under his breath. ' How typical of you. Honestly if you weren't family I would have given your post to someone more eligible for it '

The blond man didn't say a word.

Not like he could anyways.

He waited for the Pope to compose himself, before followed the taller man out of the study, going to gather the members needed for their small trip. 

Walking along the vast halls of the holy temple alone gave him time to think to himself. An annoyed sigh left his lips.

He guessed going to the palace wasn't that bad, although it sped up his plans by a few weeks he could adjust.

Louis quickly stopped by his room to pick up a bottle. He had been working on it since he returned. It was almost as perfect as his first one. He shook the bottle, watching as the liquid inside swirled around. 

The vivid green colour matching that of his own  green eyes perfectly. He quickly put the bottle into the pocket of his pure white robe, patting it softly so it wouldn't be noticable, before quickly leaving behind his rusty room.

His steps had a bit more bounce to them as he made his way through the halls once more, but he couldn't help himself. 

He couldn't wait to see what this exciting new future held for him and his partner. He was smarter and more experienced now, so he wouldn't be falling for any tricks.

He hoped it would be the same for the h/c man. 

#omegaverse #mc #nobility #omega male reader #dearly detested #x male reader #leon #x omega male reader #Alvar #Louis

[adultswim2021]

Paid Programming: "Icelandic Ultrablue" | November 3, 2009 - 4:30AM | Infomercials

At this time I was a very diligent Adult Swim recorder. The idea that the network might, at any time, air something weird caused me to record entire blocks, “just in case” on my TiVo. I would then scan through everything and save anything that looked interesting or novel to a DVD-R. For a short time, I archived bumpers as completely as I could.

I would also pour over schedules and look for anything that seemed out of the ordinary. I can’t say this with certainty, but I feel like I must’ve seen “PAID PROGRAMMING” on a schedule or maybe on my TiVo program guide and thought “wait, Adult Swim doesn’t air PAID PROGRAMMING usually. I wonder if that’s going to be something?” And so, I recorded Paid Programming and, eventually, I watched it, and a few minutes in I heard what was clearly David Cross’s voice and thought “oh, okay. I get it. He’s trying to do something here.” And that was roughly how I’ve felt about this ever since. 

This one is fairly auspicious for the fact that it's technically the first entry into Adult Swim’s celebrated (but wildly hit-and-miss) “Infomercials” series. The concept was that people watching at home would see “PAID PROGRAMMING” in their cable guide while flipping around and, of course, they’d turn right to it, awaiting an earnest infomercial trying to sell them the Phillips CD-I or something like that. But instead of that, you get something CRAZY and WEIRD and HILARIOUS! Is this crazy and weird and hilarious? Well, I guess those descriptors are in the eye of the beholder. But since this blog is about my beholding eye, I will answer: “nah, not really”. 

The content is, roughly: an infomercial for what appears to be a miracle drug, whose applications are somewhat vague, other than it making you feel better or solving whatever terrible personal problem you have. This is hosted by a “doctor” (admittedly he’s just dressed as a doctor, and refers to his experience as “36 years” ”spent hanging out in the medical community”), who eventually introduces a jingle contest for the wonder drug. This leads into clips of various entries, which eventually leads to a video of the producer of the most professionally produced entry talking about the importance of air-filtration while producing music. This leads to an extended pitch for the Icelandic UltraBlue air-filtration system, which is illustrated with a cartoon where good air particles round up bad air particles in an over-the-top, Nazi holocaust-esque cartoon.

This is roughly how the rest of the show plays out: a commercial for one aspect of the Icelandic UltraBlue empire suddenly turns into a different commercial, usually for a different iteration of Icelandic UltraBlue. The previous sketch segues into a sketch about a cash-for-Nazi-gold place, which segues into a sketch about a medical office that specializes in removing splinters (the owner of this establishment casually wears a diaper, and it’s treated as a very normal thing. It’s one of two times I laughed), which segues into a commercial for an embalming fluid that keeps your beloved’s remains fresh for up to three months after passing, so you can continue hanging out with their corporeal form. This segues back into a jingle entry, which turns into a sketch about chest-rash cream set at a gay guy bar. There’s gross zoom-ins, awkward acting, macabre premises, sexual inappropriateness, transgressive invocations of touchy subjects, and, uh, well? Maybe two laughs. If you’re wondering what the other, non-diaper-related one was, it was the racial slur. I’m sorry.

The problem is, this very much feels like the writers (David Cross and H. Jon Benjamin) are trying very hard to approximate Tim & Eric’s entire carefully cultivated style of humor. The casting of awkward, borderline-amateur actors, the jokes about consumerism, the attention to verisimilitude, etc. There’s a little more Mr. Show-style satire thrown in, but the entire thing comes off as a pale imitation of either or both of those things. If one can glean a set of objectives from creating this (other than “it’s called PAID PROGRAMMING and it’s gonna MESS with people, man!!”) one could also easily observe Tim & Eric accomplishing those things much better, in a less forceful way. 

The casting in particular is far less inspired than Tim & Eric’s; it runs the gamut of people who either seem like they themselves are trying to imitate pre-existing characters from Tim & Eric’s wack pack or at worst seem like they were poached from a low-level UCB class. Not that Tim & Eric are exactly pure in their intentions with their cast of “outsiders”, I sense more mean-spiritedness in hiring some guy, calling his character “Fatfuck” and having him wear a diaper. 

This was retroactively deemed the first episode of “Infomercials”; a proof-of-concept that, for my money, exemplifies the worst aspects of the “miss” installments in the “hit and miss” tapestry of the Infomercials milieu. Wow, what a great, non-pretentous sentence I just wrote. Anyway, it feels especially pathetic to me that David Cross had previously put Mike Lazzo on blast for taking the concept of Paid Programming and running with it. I too, would feel wronged, but feigning any kind of pride over this is, well, I already used the word pathetic. But it’s pathetic. 

David Cross is a person who I still respect and think can be brilliant. I even watched a few of his new video podcasts on YouTube. It was nice, like checking in on an old friend. Cross is one of those guys who, when many people discover him and become fans, seems impossibly funny and almost infallible. The more you become familiar with the whole package, the more you realize that he’s a pretty regular guy, who is capable of turning out bad work. He’s also not a particularly friendly person, and can rub people the wrong way very easily. I am not trying to damn him here; I find him to be uncomfortably relatable. Many of his flaws are also my flaws. I should basically be best friends with him. Unless he reads this, that is.

An illustrative example of his humor to me is the embalming fluid sketch. In it, a man uses it on his wife, who dies of a splinter. They both lay in bed, and he takes her hand, puts it in under the covers, and uses it to jack himself off with. I’m not knocking it for any other reason that I just found it to be not particularly funny; it’s an easy vulgar laugh.

A sketch from Mr. Show featured a similar gag; a riff on the song Monster Mash about a guy who is working through a traumatic mental breakdown from experiencing this horrifying monster party. While he’s confessing some sexual encounter or something, we cut to an “expert” who has been seen in talking-head segments watching this footage, furiously masturbating. I recall Cross proudly inserting this joke into the sketch, noting the big laugh it gets from the studio audience, despite apprehension from the other writers. Even as a teenager, I remember seeing that and thinking “I could do without that joke”. It’s too easy, and it just makes ME want to masturbate.

The episode ends (after a sketch set in a gay bar that already felt stale in 2009) with the “doctor”/host ominously talking into a wrist microphone that “phase one is complete”, and then it cuts to a “To Be Continued”. I reread the back-and-fourth between Cross and Lazzo, and he actually does mention his plans for the series arc: it’s aliens. Cool!

I don’t mean to minimize the Lazzo-theft accusations or imply that they aren’t valid. I also don’t mean to imply that David Cross is completely in the right, either. If I were in either of their shoes I’d feel like the other guy was slinging at least a little bit of bullshit at me. Cross’s specific gripe is that he pioneered the concept of airing the thing at 4AM with a deceptive title, which does make a little sense. Lazzo’s defense is tenuous at best, and sorta clouds that main issue.

But, I don’t know. It does sorta seem like the kind of idea a lot of people have had, but then deemed impractical. I’m sure other people have thought “wouldn’t it be cool to air a parody infomercial at the time actual infomercials air?” I guess I can’t think of anything else that’s really done that. The closest I could come up with were tongue-in-cheek infomercials that behaved like parodies of infomercials, but actually were unironically selling something. In 2003, The Ben Stiller Show came out on DVD, and they produced an infomercial called “Wake Up Your Smile”. The Beastie Boys did one in 1998 for Hello Nasty. Mystery Science Theater did one in 1996 hawking their mail-order VHS tapes. Hell, Adult Swim did actually produce an infomercial for Williams Street records, as noted on this blog. It sorta seems like the ingredients were all right there, man. You know?

Mr. Show did a fake infomercial too, as a best-of special for season one. Damn. I guess David Cross really did invent this shit.

MAIL BAG

handbananad writes:

I am so genuinely sorry you're stuck in titan maximum hell. At least it's almost over? Is it almost over? Was this one of those early 2000's shows with a 40 episode season and you're going to be here forever?

Thank you. The show is only 9 episodes (including a half-hour first episode), so that's a silver lining. But yeah, it feels much longer. But it is nice having a show that I can outwardly hate and gloss over defiantly. It also makes me appreciate Robot Chicken more, which is tough to do.

On the other hand, I'm real glad to be watching Venture Bros, but those write-ups are much more demanding. What's a blogger with readers in the single-digits to do?

#adult swim #adultswim2021 #paid programming #icelandic ultrablue

[sparrowsabre7]

Something I wanted to talk about with "Andor", which is springboarding off something my wife said while watching, is how well it deals with society under a dictatorship. Not the civilian side, which is presented well also, but has been seen before in Star Wars, but from the middle management loyalist perspective.

We've seen civilians under the heel of the Empire, we've seen the power struggles at the top of Imperial command, but we've not really had a proper look at the ordinary people who are on the Empire's side.

Syril Karn has the makings of a fascinating character, a case study for the ordinary imp. He's the product of at least 15 years of education, indoctrination, and life under Imperial rule, he's grown up believing in the Imperial dream and buys into this idealistic view of the Empire as the guiding hand of justice and order.

This idealistoc jingoism comes to a crashing halt when confronted with Chief Hyne's pragmatic manager. He doesn't give a shit about justice, he just wants the easy wins and to coast along making as little noise as possible, because that's how you stay alive under a dictatorship, whether he believes in the Empire or not. Naturally, because Karn has main character syndrome, he merely sees this as further proof that HE must be the one to do something, HE must be the sword of justice. By luck or happy coincidence he finds Sgt. Mosk, a man equally if not moreso burning with passion for the Empire, ready to crack some heads in the name of “order and justice”. These like minded individuals gravitate towards each other, often increasing in their extremism as a result, egging each other on, creating a powder keg ready to burst.

This side of the Empire is one rarely seen, but is all the more real and frightening than the more fantastical world of the Tarkins and Krennics of the galaxy. It feels deeply personal and ingrained at a societal level. These individuals WANT to serve, they WANT the power, and they’ll do anything to maintain it. 

#andor #star wars #tv #syril karn #linus mosk #chief hyne

[unreal-unearthing]

Tagged by @antoine-triplett to post about what you’re reading right now! Thanks, I love talking about books!

The Lighthouse Witches - C.J. Cooke

a gothic, witchy horror novel drawing on nordic folklore. Picked up because I needed a good spooky story for october.

Bright Young Women - Jessica Knoll

a thriller about women teaming up to take down a bundy-inspired serial killer. I don't know much about it, just started it. Picked up because I've enjoyed the author's work in the past

Her Little Flowers - Shannon Morgan

A gothic ghost story about uncovering dark family secrets set in the english countryside - got this book from a goodreads giveaway to review.

The Shadow Docket - Stephen Vladeck

a nonfiction book about the Supreme Court. Read this after the author came on as a guest of one of my favorite podcasts: 5-4. really excellent read, especially if you want to get angry about supreme court bullshit. Also can't recommend that podcast enough.

These Fleeting Shadows - Kate Alice Marshall

YA horror reimagining of The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen. It's definitely YA, but a good queer horror story overall.

Voices from Chernobyl - Svetlana Alexievich

an oral history of the chernobyl disaster. Reading for a book club.

Because it's fall it's a little heavier on the gothic/horror side than my usual reading - i usually read more mysteries/thrillers and nonfiction.

Also honorary mention to Arundhati Roy's The Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire and Andrew Fischer's Poverty as Ideology, both of which I am currently reading for work (i'm an academic, so sometimes reading is my job lol)

tagging @violetoftheendless @daisyssousa @stilltryingtowrite @ryder616 if you want to share.

#about me #reading #tag games #alex is blogging

[frmartinshomiliesandreflections]

11th October >> Fr. Martin's Gospel Reflections / Homilies on Luke 11:1-4 for Wednesday, Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: ‘Say this when you pray’.

Wednesday, Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel (Except USA) Luke 11:1-4 How to pray.

Once Jesus was in a certain place praying, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ He said to them, ‘Say this when you pray:

‘“Father, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us. And do not put us to the test.”’

Gospel (USA) Luke 11:1-4 Lord, teach us to pray.

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

Reflections (3)

(i) Wednesday, Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Normally if we are sent on a task and we accomplish it well, it is a reason for some degree of personal satisfaction. However, when Jonah preached the message to the people of Nineveh that God had asked him to preach and the people of that city responded wholeheartedly to Jonah’s message, it made him angry. Jonah would have preferred if he had failed, if the people of Nineveh had ignored his message and suffered the consequences. Instead, by responding as they did, they experienced the God of Israel as a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger and rich in graciousness. Even though Jonah, under compulsion, preached the message God had asked him to preach, his heart was closed to the people of Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, the sworn enemies of Israel. In contrast, God’s heart was as open to Israel’s enemies as to Israel itself. We all need to allow our own outlook and vision to expand so that it corresponds more to God’s outlook and vision. Perhaps that is why the opening petition of the prayer Jesus taught his disciples was, ‘Father, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come’. Jonah was working out of his own little kingdom, which corresponded to Israel, and out of his own limited perspective. This can be true of all of us. Each day we are to pray for the coming of God’s kingdom, so that the world may be as God wants it to be. This is a world where everyone, including our traditional enemies, are assured of daily sustenance. It is a world where we are to forgive one another, including our enemies, otherwise we set up a block within ourselves for receiving God’s forgiveness. In this world, shaped by God’s values, we will need to pray that, when our faith in the priority of God’s kingdom is put to the test, God will give us the strength to stand firm rather than settling for the promotion of our own kingdom.

And/Or

(ii) Wednesday, Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Luke immediately follows the passage of the visit of Jesus to Mary and Martha’s house with the passage which is today’s gospel reading. Mary’s prayerful listening to the Lord’s word gives way to the prayer of Jesus. Luke tells us that he ‘was in a certain place praying’. Jesus’ prayer in turn evokes the desire to pray in the heart of one of his disciples, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’. We all recognize our need of a wise guide when it comes to prayer. In response to that request, Jesus gives his disciples a lesson on how to petition God. The prayer of listening is one form of prayer; the prayer of petition is another. We all feel the need to ask God for something from time to time. Jesus’ teaching suggests that our prayer of petition should focus first on what God wants, ‘your name be held holy, your kingdom come’. All our requests are subject to that fundamental request that God’s kingdom would come and God’s will be done among us. Then Jesus suggests what it is we really need as his followers and, therefore, need to ask for, namely, forgiveness for our sins, sustenance for the day, God’s help when our faith is put to the test. Those petitions are to take priority over all others, and, by implication, all other petitions are in some way to derive from those fundamental ones. The prayer that Jesus gave his disciples is itself a lesson on how to pray.

And/Or

(iii) Wednesday, Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

In yesterday’s gospel reading Mary was commended for her prayerful listening to the word of the Lord. Jesus himself was a person of prayer, while leading a very active life. The gospels suggest that he often went away to a lonely place to pray. His own prayerfulness inspired his disciples with a desire to become people of prayer, like himself, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’. The disciples seemed to recognize that if they were to pray they would need the Lord’s help. Prayer is not just a human activity; it is the Lord’s activity in us, through the Spirit. The disciples’ request is, in itself, a valuable prayer, ‘Lord teach us to pray’ or to express that prayer in different words, ‘Lord, help me to pray; Lord, pray within me’. The ‘Our Father’ has been rightly called the ‘Lord’s prayer’ because it is a prayer that the Lord himself has given us. The prayer begins with a focus on God and on God’s purposes for our lives and the world, and it then shifts to a focus on our primary needs as human beings and the Lord’s disciples. There is a pattern there that is valid for all of our prayer. We attend first to God and to whatever God desires and then to our needs before God.

Fr. Martin Hogan.

[redshift-13]

To understand the nature of religious belief, we must look at how our minds process the world of imagination and make-believe. We often assume that religious beliefs are no different in kind from ordinary factual beliefs―that believing in the existence of God or of supernatural entities that hear our prayers is akin to believing that May comes before June. Neil Van Leeuwen shows that, in fact, these two forms of belief are strikingly different. Our brains do not process religious beliefs like they do beliefs concerning mundane reality; instead, empirical findings show that religious beliefs function like the imaginings that guide make-believe play. Van Leeuwen argues that religious belief―which he terms religious “credence”―is best understood as a form of imagination that people use to define the identity of their group and express the values they hold sacred. When a person pretends, they navigate the world by consulting two maps: the first represents mundane reality, and the second superimposes the features of the imagined world atop the first. Drawing on psychological, linguistic, and anthropological evidence, Van Leeuwen posits that religious communities operate in much the same way, consulting a factual-belief map that represents ordinary objects and events and a religious-credence map that accords these objects and events imagined sacred and supernatural significance. It is hardly controversial to suggest that religion has a social function, but Religion as Make-Believe breaks new ground by theorizing the underlying cognitive mechanisms. Once we recognize that our minds process factual and religious beliefs in fundamentally different ways, we can gain deeper understanding of the complex individual and group psychology of religious faith.

Reviews/Blurbs

Review

“This brilliant and controversial book reframes our understanding of faith. Van Leeuwen captures the complex nature of faith commitments accurately and with deft philosophical insight. He sees what people do―not what they think they do.”―T. M. Luhrmann, author of How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others “This is an important and richly stimulating book, perhaps the most important on the science of religion for a decade or more. It is required reading for philosophers of mind and religion, for those who work on the psychology of religion, and for all thoughtful people who care about the role of faith in public life.”―Neil Levy, author of Bad Beliefs: Why They Happen to Good People “Neil Van Leeuwen takes readers on a journey from children’s playgrounds to cave art, from imaginary friends to ghosts and gods, drawing on philosophy, psychology, and anthropology to mount a provocative argument that will delight some readers and vex others, but offer a worthwhile adventure for all.”―Tania Lombrozo, Princeton University “This is a bold and persuasive effort to show that religious beliefs should not be conflated with straightforward factual beliefs. The argument is vigorous and combative. It will provoke lively and helpful discussion, especially among scholars of religion and philosophers willing to venture beyond standard analyses of belief.”―Paul L. Harris, author of Child Psychology in Twelve Questions “Maintaining that religious beliefs and factual beliefs about the everyday world constitute different cognitive attitudes, Neil Van Leeuwen advances a theory that deftly integrates critical findings and insights from philosophy, cognitive science, anthropology, and history. This wonderful book glistens with careful argumentation, splendid clarity, consistent fairness, striking erudition, and what, ultimately, is remarkable wisdom.”―Robert N. McCauley, author of Why Religion is Natural and Science is Not “A groundbreaking book that makes a substantial contribution to the scientific study of religion. Van Leeuwen’s distinction between factual beliefs and religious credences will help us make sense of some of the thorniest puzzles in the field.”―Jonathan Lanman, Queen’s University Belfast

https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674290334

#forthcoming books #religion #psychology of belief #psychology of religion #scientific study of religion #neil van leeuwen

[seavoice]

@evergardenwall tagged me to post my favourite books i’ve read in the first half of 2022! thank you so much i love gushing about the books i love and this was a perfect opportunity 💟

my luck in books this year has been really abysmal this for some reason😅 i think i read very little to nothing in feb-july when i as drowning in continuous exams and could only read textbooks; and what i did read ended up being a literal 50-50 success rate, with me ending up despising almost half the list. hope the next half of the year is better!

the stand-out read of this year so far has definitely been em and the big hoom by jerry pinto. it eviscerated me and i can’t wait to read the rest of his work. it’s a (semi? sorry, i couldn’t get confirmation on this) autobiographical novel about a goan catholic family in mumbai dealing with their mother’s mental illness. darkly funny, kind of irreverent and the prose was a delight; pinto’s style is so fresh and engaging. 

chinua achebe’s things fall apart was one of my other favourite, favourite reads of the year and probably forever. i’d not yet read non-indian postcolonial literature before this so it was extremely eye-opening. also in many (and pretty strange) ways the story here felt closer home to me than a lot of indian postcolonial lit i have read too? the major part of that is that i’ve just not read widely enough but a significant portion is also because of family/village history, the missionary horror stories AND the flipside of the outcastes grudgingly accepting them felt intensely familiar in a way i’ve not yet read. i have achebe’s education of a british protected child at home and can’t wait to dive into his essays.

next up, arundhati roy’s an ordinary person’s guide to empire...i’ll be honest with you any time i read her essays i come back feeling like absolute shit. not because she isn’t insanely talented and astute, but because...she is. she is extremely prescient in her essays (this is 2001-03? if i remember right) and it is sort of a bummer!! but her work is really important. covers the aftermath of 9/11,  bush’s destruction of iraq, neoliberalism, the aftermath of gujarat 2002. as a collection it isn’t the most cohesively structured, there is a fair bit of repetition as well, and with our “benefit” of hindsight perhaps too optimistic at places, but more than worth a read even in 2022. “peace is war” and “when the saints go marching out” were the highlights for me.

i think i can definitively say those three were the only books i loved with my whole heart lmao. although i have a couple lined up to read NOW which i know will amaze me, so silver linings. i’m slowing making my way through country without a post office, agha shahid ali’s poetry collection atm, it’s amazing.

everything else...was not great. last year if you’d have asked me i would have bet a kidney that i’d have FALLEN IN LOVE with manu joseph’s the illicit happiness of other people...but alas, no one asked me and that’s great beause i really. did not enjoy it!! whatever feelings i expected i’d have towards serious men (which i surprisingly liked a lot) i had instead towards illicit happiness. shame because the premise was so promising, and i thought the author was skilled at writing relationships between fathers and sons. but yeah. 👎 rest of the books were so bad they do not even get a mention rip. it has not been a great run for me this year.

tagging (if you wanna!): @tovezza , @narcissuscore , @queensabriel , @thesungod , @nialltlynch , @literateleah @glassamphibians

#thank you so much for the tag it was a LOT of fun #bookclub

[regalfairytaleacademy]

Royal Draconahearts and Pernelle family

Ella Sliver

The mother of Seraphine Isabella and Laurel.

Ella is the current queen of the Dragon Empire, having previously served as the royal lady knight of he kingdom.

She is a serious and introverted person who rarely has strong reactions. She is very attentive that matter she does.

She is usually laid back, but can be wary or even hostile when it comes to the security of the kingdom. Despite her calm demeanor, she will often go into a pronounced drowsiness, though not cursed or anything like that.

Ella is always acts as either as advisor to her husband or a mediator between him and their twin daughters to their stubborn nature.

Likewise, she is a very loving person who holds a lot of love for her family, kingdom and comrades. Her love towards everyone important to her acts as the source of her bravery and determination.

Although she know the importance of the royal etiquette, Ella seems to prefer to be flexible, as she would be more than happy to change some of the rules if it meant keeps her children happy. She can also act as a benevolent guide to her twin daughters, as her oldest daughter was in her youth.

Ella was an orphan adopted by her at a young age. Therefore, she learn that she is an ordinary human, unlike her adoptive family who are fairies. Even she found out they aren't blood related.

Although Ella is a magic-less human, she attracts small animals such as squirrels and bluebirds. She even talks to them sometimes if she feels bad about not being good for her family and kingdon. She also asks them for help with sending messages or finding things she can't find.

She aspires to become a knight like her adopted father in order to repay him for raising her.

During the fight, she is remarkably calm and composed, refusing to her emotions get out of hand as any misstep. However, if any of her loved ones are in mortal danger, Ella becomes more reckless and panicked.

Before marriage, Ella enjoyed fencing as her favorite sport and training. After becoming queen and having children, she rarely fencing, but sometimes does fencing training with her husband during her breaks.

While her husband can be domineering at times, Ella gives her children the space they needs to live freely, believing they have become the wonderful princesses the kingdom needs.

Albert Francisco Draconahearts

Seraphine, Isabella and Laurel's father as well as Ella's husband.

Albert ruled the Dragon Empire as king, once serving as captain of the royal knights alongside the female knight who was his future queen.

Albert is a brave and determined man who's very protective of his family and people. He is loving and compassionate to his family, and may also be overprotective to them. His overprotection can also make him stubborn and easily irritated.

Albert is a half-blood fairy, his power is stronger than other mages.

Because of this, he was always outspoken about his stubbornness and looked down on humans, as seen in his often futile arrogance.

Through this, Albert proves to be a man who sticks to royal traditions, but only because he believes he can keep his family happy and safe. Once he sees his actions are doing more harm than good, Albert will try to make amends even if the person he's trying to apologize doesn't forgive him or to regret him.

Despite his stubbornness, Albert is also willing to compromise, especially when faced with a huge threat, as evidenced by is the captain of his knight. He has also proven to be a competent leader, how he leads his team and currently leads his kingdom after the war with the dark wizard.

Moreover, he and Ella are described as not afraid to do the right thing, even at the cost of their own lives.

In addition, Albert is shown to be an ardent protector of his domain, and often putting a lot of effort into getting things done.

He used to view his future queen (/fellow countrywoman) Ella as a rival before their marriage.

Albert owns a sword called, "Courage". He constantly uses to protect his family and kingdom away from the dark mage.

Except for swordsmanship, Albert is able to horseback-riding, although horses are afraid of him for unknown reason.

Philip Stephen Draconahearts

The younger brother of Albert.

Philip is an extremely strict, uptight, hot-headed, no-nonsense prince who puts duty above everything else. It is his strong sense of responsibility that cause problems in relationships. He wouldn't hesitate to put people in place. However, he can and will give praise in due course.

He protect his family and people. This protective side make him stubborn, forgetting the importance of cooperation. While it takes time, he is reasonable and able to see through the flaws and overcome them.

He expects professionalism but often overlooks personal relationship.

Damara Eudoxia - Draconahearts

Philip's wife, and Seraphine's aunt.

Before becoming queen, Damara was a former model and philanthropist working on educational philanthropy.

Damara appears to be a kind and empathetic woman, but also has a wise and rigorous side. She also shows that she is very respectful of her duties and will be tough when needed, however she does care about her child and nieces, especially Isabella, and understands their feelings.

Damara also disapproves of those those who "watch deeply" people and is not afraid 5o express the disapproval.

Compared to her husband, she notices the details of things.

#twst #twisted wonderland #regal fairytale academy #rfa #twst oc #twisted wonderland oc #dragonroyal #seraphine draconaheart

[sapphireshorelines]

My 2022 Reading List

(chronologically)

The Yellow Wallpaper - Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Train to Pakistan - Khushwant Singh 5/5

Dandelions - Yasunari Kawabata 4/5 (trans. Michael Emmerich)

Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth - Warsan Shire 2.5/5

The Waves - Virginia Woolf 5/5

Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis - Wendy Cope 3/5

Red, White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston 3.5/5

Glass, Irony and God - Anne Carson 4/5 (The Glass Essay is 5/5 tho!)

Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen 4/5

Night Sky with Exit Wounds - Ocean Vuong 5/5

A Little Princess - Frances Hodgson Burnett 3.5/5

Gendering Caste - Uma Chakravarti 5/5

Heartstopper #1 - Alice Oseman 3/5

Live or Die - Anne Sexton 4.5/5

I remember - Joe Brainard 2.5/5

The Country Without a Post Office and other Poems - Agha Shahid Ali 5/5

Mrs. Dalloway - Virginia Woolf 4/5

Othello - William Shakespeare 3/5

My Life Had Stood a Loaded Gun - Emily Dickinson 3.5/5

The Waste Land - T. S. Eliot 5/5

Under the Banyan Tree and Other Stories -R.K. Narayan 4/5

An Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire - Arundhati Roy 4/5

Alphabet - Inger Christensen 4.5/5 (trans. Susanna Nied)

Autobiography of Death - Kim Hyesoon 3.5/5 (trans. Don Mee Choi)

A Room With A View - E. M. Forster 4/5

A Mathematician's Apology - G. H. Hardy 3.5/5

Radial Symmetry - Katherine Larson 4/5

Crush - Richard Siken 3.5/5

My Life in My Words - Rabindranath Tagore 4/5 (ed. Uma Das Gupta)

Love Letters: Vita and Virginia 4/5

Fasting, Feasting - Anita Desa 3.5/5

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire Sáenz 5/5 (reread)

Slouching Towards Bethlehem - Joan Didion 3.5/5

Autopsy - Donte Collins 3.5/5

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson 3/5

Time is a Mother - Ocean Vuong 3.5/5

Dracula - Bram Stoker 4.5/5

Anne of Avonlea- L.M. Montgomery 3/5

Four Essays on Philosophy - Mao Tse-Tung 3/5

First Light - Sunil Gangopadhyay 5/5 (trans. Aruna Chakravarti)

Howl and Other Poems - Allen Ginsberg 2.5/5

[jkfgddsgsfat]

Queen Elizabeth II Dead or Related to New Prime Minister Truss?

Sky News reported early this morning that Britain's Queen Elizabeth II died at 96. The press quickly spread the news across the UK and worldwide, dominating the front pages of today's news outlets.

The Queen, who ascended the throne on 6 February 1952 following her father's death, King George VI, and was crowned on 2 June 1953, is the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the key to the unity of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

The BBC recalled that it had been 70 years since the Queen came to the throne in 1952 when Winston Churchill was prime minister. Queen Elizabeth II has appointed Britain's 15 prime ministers since 1955. Over the years, the Queen has become "the bedrock of the nation," steadfastly maintaining its image. She lived through the decline of the British Empire, stood up to family and national tragedy, and was hailed as the best person in Britain who could bite the bullet. Pastel dresses and colorful hats are her trademarks. In her Golden Jubilee speech in 2002, the Queen said she saw her role as "guiding the kingdom through changing times." These words suggest that the Queen has set herself a challenge: consistency and constancy, the critical attributes of her reign, will add to her image as a reliable and honest monarch.

But the Queen's death came less than 48 hours after Truss was due to take over as prime minister, who would inherit a 37-year low in the pound, the highest gas prices in history, and a general strike sweeping the country. Britain's coming winter of discontent will be a significant test for this inexperienced head of government. Given the Queen's death, some media reporters suspected that Truss was connected with the ascension. According to the media, Britain's new female Prime Minister Truss was a member of a left-wing group when she was in college. She spoke out in favor of legalizing marijuana and abolishing the monarchy. These positions are entirely at odds with what most people consider mainstream conservatism in 2022. And shamefully, she refused to take the deep knee when she was presented to the Queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, offending the elderly monarch directly to her face. Could it be that this displeased the Queen and hastened her death? It's really dramatic and interesting!

"London Bridge has fallen"! The end of the Queen's reign was a "painful" moment for Britain as a nation and a great test for Truss. The Queen has always played a role in helping the government to maintain the public identity and social stability, and the reforms planned by Truss after taking office will bring social impact. Now that the Queen is gone, the Truss government will lose a "stabilizer." British royal writer Catherine Pester told the BBC that "tectonic plates are shifting" and that Britain is "on the cusp of a new era."

The pound fell to its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 on Tuesday amid concerns over the new government's debt-fuelled energy support plan. The pound rallied after Truss announced the government's current emergency energy support plan in parliament at noon on Monday but fell sharply on news of the Queen's deteriorating health. Now that the Queen has died, there is a sense of grief across Britain, which is bound to bring some resistance to Truss's announcement of the government's emergency energy plan. Opposition leader Alan Starmer questioned the project, saying ordinary Britons would end up paying for it. More economists said the emergency energy plan was a short-term solution for this winter but would do nothing to help Britain's future crisis. As a result, many are not convinced by the new prime minister's latest reforms to tackle soaring energy prices.

The real crisis for Britain came after the death of the Queen. Mr. Johnson was ousted in scandals, and Ms.Truss, the new Conservative Party sweetheart, is widely disliked by the British public. Polls show 52 percent of Britons think Ms.Truss would be a terrible prime minister. In addition to widespread public disapproval, Ms.Truss will face Britain's biggest livelihood crisis in decades. With inflation running at more than 10%, Britons are at the peak of discontent. They have just endured a "summer of discontent," followed by a "winter of cold weather" and a tough choice between "feed or heat"—what a difficult situation for the new political chameleon, Ms.Truss.

Truss criticized Britain's constitutional monarchy as a teenager, so she became more cautious about royal matters. The British media could link the slightest mistake to her previous remarks, which could impact her administration. The Queen's death will also make Truss's reign difficult. As for Truss, perhaps time will tell where she goes from here.

[psychicwhy]

Exploring the Intersection of Belief and Skepticism

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, the mystical allure of psychics continues to captivate the curious and the seekers of guidance alike. The term "psychic" conjures images of individuals possessing supernatural abilities to perceive information beyond the scope of ordinary human senses. But in the modern era, where science and rationality often reign supreme, the concept of psychics remains a subject of fascination, debate, and, for some, skepticism.

In the digital age, psychics have adapted to new platforms and technologies, offering their services through websites, social media, and even mobile applications. This accessibility has broadened their reach, allowing them to connect with clients from all walks of life, irrespective of geographical barriers. However, it has also subjected them to heightened scrutiny, as skeptics question the validity of their claims in an era where empirical evidence is highly valued.

One of the most significant shifts in the portrayal of modern day psychics is the move away from the stereotypical image of a crystal ball-wielding fortune teller operating out of a dimly lit parlor. Instead, many contemporary psychics present themselves as intuitive counselors or spiritual guides, emphasizing their ability to provide insights and guidance rather than predict the future with unwavering certainty.

The rise of social media influencers and reality television shows centered around psychic phenomena has further blurred the lines between entertainment and authenticity. While some practitioners genuinely believe in their abilities to tap into unseen forces or energies, others may exploit the public's fascination for personal gain or fame.

Critics argue that the proliferation of self-proclaimed psychics perpetuates pseudoscience and preys on the vulnerable, leading individuals to seek solace and answers in dubious practices rather than evidence-based approaches. Skeptics point to psychological principles such as cold reading, where practitioners use subtle cues and observations to make seemingly accurate assessments about a person, as a plausible explanation for the apparent accuracy of psychic readings.

Despite the skepticism, there are those who attest to the transformative power of psychic experiences in their lives. For some, a psychic reading serves as a form of therapy, providing validation, clarity, and a sense of empowerment in navigating life's challenges. The subjective nature of such experiences makes it difficult to dismiss them outright, as personal anecdotes and testimonials often carry significant weight in shaping belief systems.

In the realm of science, researchers continue to explore the phenomenon of psychic abilities through rigorous experimentation and investigation. While conclusive evidence validating the existence of psychic phenomena remains elusive, studies on topics such as telepathy, precognition, and psychokinesis persist, driven by a curiosity to understand the mysteries of the human mind.

Click here for more information

relationship psychic reading

modern day psychic

#modern day psychics

[maliecloting]

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Holiday Dress

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of festive gatherings, joyful celebrations, and, of course, the perfect holiday dress. Whether you're attending a glamorous party, a cozy family dinner, or jet-setting off to a tropical vacation, finding the right dress can make all the difference. With so many styles, colors, and fabrics to choose from, it's essential to have a game plan to ensure you find the dress that not only looks stunning but also makes you feel confident and comfortable. In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to discover your ideal holiday dress.

Know Your Occasion:

Before diving into the world of vacation dresses, consider the occasion you'll be dressing for. Is it a formal black-tie event, a casual dinner with friends, or a beach vacation? Understanding the dress code will help narrow down your options and ensure you choose an appropriate outfit.

Define Your Style:

Every individual has a unique sense of style, so it's essential to identify what you love and feel comfortable wearing. Are you drawn to classic silhouettes, modern designs, or bohemian-inspired looks? Take inspiration from your favorite fashion icons, browse through magazines, or explore online fashion platforms to pinpoint your style preferences.

Explore Trending Styles:

While staying true to your personal style is important, keeping up with current trends can add a contemporary flair to your holiday ensemble. From shimmering sequins and luxurious velvet to bold prints and statement sleeves, there's no shortage of on-trend options to elevate your look. Consider incorporating elements of the latest fashion trends into your holiday dress to make a fashionable statement.

Consider Your Body Type:

Understanding your body shape is key to finding a holiday dress that flatters your figure and accentuates your best features. Whether you have an hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangle body shape, there's a dress style that will complement your silhouette. For example, A-line dresses are perfect for creating an hourglass shape, while empire waist dresses are ideal for camouflaging a tummy. Experiment with different styles until you find the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Embrace Versatility:

Opt for holiday dresses that offer versatility, allowing you to transition seamlessly from day to night or from one event to another. Choose pieces that can be easily accessorized to suit various occasions, such as adding a statement necklace for a formal dinner or pairing with sandals for a beach vacation. Investing in versatile holiday dresses ensures that you get the most wear out of your wardrobe staples.

Prioritize Comfort:

While style is undoubtedly important, comfort should never be overlooked, especially during the holiday season filled with long hours of socializing and festivities. Opt for holiday dresses crafted from breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or chiffon that allow for ease of movement and keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day or night. Additionally, consider factors such as dress length, neckline, and sleeve style to ensure a comfortable fit that doesn't compromise on style.

Shop with Purpose:

Avoid the stress of last-minute shopping by planning ahead and starting your search for the perfect holiday dress early. Whether you prefer browsing in-store or shopping online, allocate dedicated time to explore different retailers, brands, and designers to find the dress that speaks to you. Keep an open mind, try on a variety of styles, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – you might just discover a holiday dress you never knew you needed.

Accessorize Wisely:

Accessorizing plays a crucial role in elevating your holiday dress from ordinary to extraordinary. Experiment with statement jewelry, embellished clutches, and chic footwear to add personality and flair to your ensemble. Opt for accessories that complement the style and color of your dress while allowing it to remain the focal point of your look. Remember, less is often more when it comes to accessorizing, so choose pieces that enhance your outfit without overwhelming it.

Personalize Your Look:

Make your holiday dress truly your own by incorporating personalized touches that reflect your individuality and style. Whether it's adding a belt to cinch your waist, layering with a tailored blazer for a sophisticated edge, or styling with a vibrant scarf for a pop of color, don't be afraid to experiment and make the look your own. Personalizing your holiday dress ensures that you feel confident and authentically yourself.

Experience the Magic of Malie:

For those seeking the epitome of elegance and sophistication in their holiday dress, look no further than Malie. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and timeless designs, Malie offers a curated selection of holiday dresses that effortlessly blend style and sophistication. From breathtaking evening gowns to chic cocktail dresses, each piece is meticulously crafted to make you feel like royalty during the holiday season and beyond.

In conclusion, finding your perfect holiday dress is a delightful journey that allows you to express your unique style, embrace the latest trends, and celebrate the joy of the season. By following these tips and tricks, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the world of holiday dressing with confidence and grace. So, go ahead, indulge in the magic of the holiday season, and let your perfect holiday dress be the star of the show.

#Holiday dress #vacation dress