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ourladyofmaplemurder · 4 months

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And the award for "Worst Mother in Riverdale" goes to...

I've already spoken before on the similarities between Betty and Cheryl. Their murderous fathers. Their superhuman abilities within the narrative. Their dead siblings.

But today I want to talk about their mothers.

Alice Cooper (Smith) & Penelope Blossom

There are quite a few similarities between Alice and Penelope. (Certainly plenty of sexual tension as well.)

They're both controlling and abusive with their daughters. Over and over they torture their daughters with expectations and cruel lies.

In the end though, only one daughter come out on top.

Sure, Penelope Blossom is a homophobic serial killer with a penchant for poison, but Alice is truly the greater monster, I feel.

Penelope is all aggression and thus, Cheryl is able to respond in kind.

Fuck you, mom! Go live in the barn.

By the time we reach the end of the original timeline, Cheryl is independent of her mother. She proves that she is not taking her shit and, because of this, they're able to have a moment of genuine connection before Penelope goes off to the OG Sisters of Quiet Mercy in the Himalayas.

(Though, the veracity of this is in question considering Penelope doesn't do the sign of the cross properly, but that's speculation for another day.)

Alice, on the other hand, is much more insidious. She exerts her control on Betty, but as soon as Betty bites back, Alice plays the victim. She cries. She makes Betty out to be the villain...and Betty falls for it time and time again.

By the time they reach the end of their arc in Season 6, they're still trapped in that endless cycle of lies and tears. At the end of Season 6, Betty is ready to give up on herself and become Archie's little wife. This wouldn't be the worst end for her, but only because Archie is a good guy. The reality of her existence in this timeline would ultimately keep her in Riverdale under the thumb of her mother, settling for a life she actively fought against. Truly, she would become her mother. She would become 'The Mom Next Door'.

I don't see this happening to Cheryl. Sure, she never leaves Thornhill, but she's herself. She possesses her own destiny. Barring the unrelenting obsession with Toni, Cheryl was really starting to move on and grow.

Betty, if anything, was regressing. She is trapped endlessly.

Now, examining their relationships to their mothers in Season 7 is also worth mentioning. What I can say is that Betty and Alice are very much repeating the same cycle. Cheryl and Penelope still have an openly antagonistic relationship, but Penelope is taken off the board before their relationship can really go anywhere.

We can assume things would play out the same way. After all, Riverdale is about cycles, after all.

Alice lied about the body under the table, as revealed in Season 5. This body's existence proves that she at least had reason to suspect Hal as the Black Hood. Yet, she says nothing. We can only assume this was to preserve her "perfect nuclear family" picture as long as possible. Ultimately fruitless, but also deeply selfish.

(Yes, I am well aware that the writers were making things up as they went along and thus, Alice likely had no idea there was a body under her dining room floor back in season 2, but we must examine the facts as we know them now.)

Alice also lied to go under cover for the FBI, never once letting Betty in on the truth to soothe her worries. This pushed her into the arms of her father.

The death of Polly. Ultimately, Alice blamed Betty for this and said it aloud. Even if it was said in a moment of emotion, it was still unbelievably cruel.

So, in the end, I do think that Alice is worse than Penelope and the reason is simple. Penelope's singular aggression allows Cheryl to break away and stand on her own. Alice's cruelty combined with her neediness never allows Betty to breathe long enough to realize that her mother is a monster. She is so deeply selfish.

Cheryl can go toe to toe with Penelope and ultimately grow up. Alice's wounded bird routine breaks Betty's heart and ultimately, keeps her trapped forever.

And thus, the award for "Worst Mom in Riverdale" goes to....ALICE SMITH.

Not really a dissertation, but it is a post. <3

@reclusivedouche @storkmuffin

This one is for you. <3

#Riverdale #RiverMoms #I think Alice is so fucking evil #I still love her tho

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mutant-distraction · 8 months

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Greater flamingo

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. Common in the Old World, they are found in Northern (coastal) and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent (south of the Himalayas), the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.

Photo 📸 @renovdijk

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sitting-on-me-bum · 10 months

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Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the Himalayas, but are there other mountains on Earth that have greater heights?

(Image credit: Didier Marti via Getty Images)

#didier marti #getty images #photographer #mount everest #mountain #himalayas #earth #landscape #nature

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pokemonbiologyirlthetabletop · 4 months

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Delibird (#225)

Delibird

Glacieshermes amicibilis

General Information: Delibird the Delivery Pokémon! Delibird are known for bundling up food inside their peculiarly shaped tails, which they use to feed their chicks or lost travelers.

Delibird averages at 2’11 feet tall (0.9 M) and 35.3 pounds (16 kg).

Habitat: Delibird live in the mountains of the Old World, especially the Himalayas. They build nests on cliff edges. Humans have brought them to the New World, where they have acclimated to the steep cliffs of skyscrapers and the Rocky Mountains, but their populations are limited and there are many creatures that are willing to eat Delibirds. There seems little risk of Delibirds reaching untenable populations, but they are considered an exotic species to Turtle Island.

Life Cycles: Delibird are known to live up to 15 years in the wild, and 25 years in captivity! Once an individual reaches reproductive maturity at either level 15 or 1 year of age (whichever comes last), they will lay a single egg each fall and watch over it as a mated pair for the entire winter. This egg hatches at the onset of Spring, when the parents will take turns watching over the egg or fetching food for the nest. The baby is well taken care of on its cliffside nest, with its primary methods of death involving: starvation, one of its parents dies and thus leaves the chick undefended for periods of time, inability to fly when it attempts to fly for the first time from its nest, or particularly violent and desperate predators who are willing to fight off an angry Delibird parent. After it leaves the nest in early late summer, the Delibird is at risk of general predation from aerial assaults, snakes, giant spiders, cats, and other generalists.

Behavior: Delibird are fiercely helpful sorts who always seem to have food wrapped up in their tail bundle. They enjoy aiding lost travelers by giving them food, and they enjoy tending to their chick. Delibirds are social animals who pair up well with humans and other Pokémon. While they can mate with other species, it’s rare for a female Delibird to mate with non-Delibirds because they value a mate who will care for the chick as much as she does.

Diet: Delibirds are omnivores! They eat berries, nuts, and bugs! Beware, sometimes a helpful Delibird will try feeding you bugs!

Conservation: Threatened. Conservation efforts are not as effective as scientists would prefer, for many such efforts include the conservation of exotic populations in the Rocky Mountains, while ignoring the greater need for environmental protections in parts of Southern Asia and Europe.

Relationship with Humans: Humans have been fascinated by Delibirds for generations. They’re small little guys who carry food and help weary travelers on cold icy peaks! Their parental dedication is admirable and their predilections toward altruistic aid is generous. Some cultures consider them to be the familiar of messenger gods, traveler gods, or even beings that represent the trait of generosity and charity. There are some cultures who eat them, too, since they’re not difficult to hunt, but there are others still that revere them. Then, of course, in modern days the Western world has Delibirds associated with Christmas! This is leftover from certain Pagan traditions, who loved the Delibird for its generosity in even the harshest of cold mountains and their seeming abundance in mid-winter—some of these peoples ate them because Delibirds were what was available in the middle of winter—hey! Beliefs around animals are complicated! Still, the continued love of Delibirds in association with winter festivities persists into the modern day, where Delibirds and their present-filled bundles make them one of the companions of Santa Claus! In fact, Delibirds and Stantler are the quintessential Christmas Pokémon.

In less positive information, it does mean that Delibirds are subject to the “Easter Bunny” phenomenon, where households will get a baby/juvenile Delibird for the family for the holidays, then abandon it when it grows up and stops being a cute baby. This is a huge contributor to the growth of stray populations in Turtle Island, and many awful things can end up happening to these abandoned Delibirds. There are annual campaigns to remind people that a Pokémon is a companion for their whole life, not just for Christmas, which seem to have some success in minimizing the abandonment of Delibirds.

Many postal services utilize Delibird as their mascot!

Classification: Glacieshermes amicibilis is the scientific name of Delibird. “Glacies” means “ice” in Latin, and Hermes is the Greek god of messengers, while “amicibilis” means friendly. Thus, Glacieshermes amicibilis means “friendly ice messenger.”

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Hey guess what, if you like my stuff, this is my website where you can find other Pokémon I've written on and more information about the game that I’m slowly making! Check it out! I write books sometimes too.

#delibird #pokemon #pokemon biology #pokemon biology irl #pokemon irl #pokemon irl biology #pokemon tabletop #pokemon biology tabletop #pokemon biology irl tabletop #homebrew #ttrpg #tabletop #tabletop homebrew #gen 2 pokemon #pokemon gen 2 #pokemon gold and silver #pokemon crystal #pokemon gsc #johto

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mahayanapilgrim · 7 months

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Dhammapada - Pakinnaka Vagga (Miscellaneous Verses)

If by renouncing a lesser happiness one may realize a greater happiness, let the wise man renounce the lesser, having regard for the greater.

Entangled by the bonds of hate, he who seeks his own happiness by inflicting pain on others, is never delivered from hatred.

The cankers only increase for those who are arrogant and heedless, who leave undone what should be done and do what should not be done.

The cankers cease for those mindful and clearly comprehending ones who always earnestly practice mindfulness of the body, who do not resort to what should not be done, and steadfastly pursue what should be done.

Having slain mother (craving), father (self-conceit), two warrior-kings (eternalism and nihilism), and destroyed a country (sense organs and sense objects) together with its treasurer (attachment and lust), ungrieving goes the holy man.

Having slain mother, father, two brahman kings (two extreme views), and a tiger as the fifth (the five mental hindrances), ungrieving goes the holy man.

Those disciples of Gotama ever awaken happily who day and night constantly practice the Recollection of the Qualities of the Buddha.

Those disciples of Gotama ever awaken happily who day and night constantly practice the Recollection of the Qualities of the Dhamma.

Those disciples of Gotama ever awaken happily who day and night constantly practice the Recollection of the Qualities of the Sangha.

Those disciples of Gotama ever awaken happily who day and night constantly practice Mindfulness of the Body.

Those disciples of Gotama ever awaken happily whose minds by day and night delight in the practice of non-violence

Those disciples of Gotama ever awaken happily whose minds by day and night delight in the practice of meditation.

Difficult is life as a monk; difficult is it to delight therein. Also difficult and sorrowful is the household life.

He who is full of faith and virtue, and possesses good repute and wealth - he is respected everywhere, in whatever land he travels.

The good shine from afar, like the Himalaya mountains. But the wicked are unseen, like arrows shot in the night.

He who sits alone, sleeps alone, and walks alone, who is strenuous and subdues himself alone, will find delight in the solitude of the forest.

Suffering comes from association with unequals; suffering comes from wandering in samsara. Therefore, be not an aimless wanderer, be not a pursuer of suffering.

#buddha #buddhism #buddhist #dharma #sangha #mahayana #zen #milarepa #tibetan buddhism #thich nhat hanh #padmasambhava #Guru Rinpoche #Longchenpa #dalai láma #dhamma #Dzogchen

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renee-writer · 4 months

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A Little Piece of Heaven

How great is God's lov? How can the creator of the universe care about the twists and turns of your lives journey? Ponder the thought.

If God were able to place the stars and their sockets and suspend the sky get curtain, do you think it is remotely possible that God is able to guide your life? If your God is mighty enough to ignite the Sun could it be that He is mighty enough to light your path? If he cares enough about the planet Saturn to give it rings or Venus to make it sparkle, is there an outside chance that He cares enough about you to meet your needs? Or, as Jesus says,

“Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store into barns, but your heavenly Father feed them. And you know you are worth more than the birds… why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautiful as one of these flowers. God cloths the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can even be sure that God will clothe you. Don’t have so little faith!” ( Matt. 6:25-30)

Why did He do it? Did He have to give the birds a song and the mountains a peak? Was He required to put stripes on the zebra in the hump on the camel? Would we have known the difference had He made the sunsets gray instead of orange? Why do stars have twinkles and the waves snowy crest? Why dash the Cardinal and red and drape the beluga whale in white? Why wrap Creation in such splendor? Why go to such trouble to give such gifts?

Why do you? You do the same. I’ve seen you searching for a gift. I’ve seen you stalking the malls and walking the aisles. I'm not talking about the obligatory gifts. I’m not describing the last minute purchase of drugstore perfume on the way to the birthday party. Forget the blue light specials and discount purchases; I’m talking about that extra-special person and that extra-special gift. I’m talking about stashing away a few dollars a month of the grocery money to buy him some lizard-skin boots; staring at a thousand rings to find her the best diamond; staying up all night Christmas Eve, assembling the new bicycle. Why do you do it? You do it so the eyes will pop. You do it to the heart will stop. You do it to the jaw will drop. You do it to hear those words of disbelief, “ You did this for me?’

That’s why you do it. And that’s why God did it. Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless, remain that way. Say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you.”

I’m about to tell you something you may find hard to believe. You’re about to hear an opinion let me stretch your imagination. You don't have to agree with me, but I would like you to consider it with me. You don't have to buy it, but at least think about it. Here it is: if you were the only person on Earth, the Earth would look exactly the same. The Himalayas would still have their drama and the Caribbean would still have its charm. The sun would still nestle behind the Rockies in the evenings and spray light on the desert in the mornings. If you were the sole pilgrim on this globe, God would not diminish it’s beauty one degree.

Because He did it for you… and he's waiting for you to discover His gift. He’s waiting for you to stumble into the den, wipe the sleep from your eyes, and see the bright red bike He’s assembled, just for you. He's waiting for your eyes to pop and your heart to stop. He's waiting for the moment between the dropping of the jaw in the leap of the heart. For in that silence He leans forward and whispers: “I did it just for you.”

Find such love hard to believe? That's okay. Just because we can’t imagine God’s giving us sunsets, don’t think God doesn’t do it. God’s thoughts are higher than ours. God’s ways are greater than ours. And sometimes, out of His great wisdom, our Father in heaven gives us a piece of heaven just to show He cares.

The Great House of Our God

Max Lucado

#max lucado #one incredible moment

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docgold13 · 1 year

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365 Marvel Comics Paper Cut-Out SuperHeroes - One Hero, Every Day, All Year…

November 18th - Triton

The Inhuman hero known as Triton was the eldest of two sons born to the priest and philosopher, Mander and his wife, Azur. As was the custom among the Inhumans of Attilan, Triton was exposed to the mutagenic properties of Terrigen Mist when he was in early adolescence. He emerged with a number of aquatic mutations. No longer able to breathe air, young Triton was raised in a specially designed alcove on the shore of the island of Attilan. Triton's mother, a biologist, undertook the study of ocean life so she could better understand and care for her son.

Although young Triton was bestowed greatly enhanced strength and durability, as well as the capacity to breath under water and swim at tremendous speeds, his Terrigenesis was viewed as an embarrassment and source of shame for his prestigious family. The degree of his physical alteration and inability to survive out of the water without a special breathing apparatus was seen as an unfortunate byproduct of imperfections in his bloodline; so much so that Triton’s younger brother, Karnak, was allowed to forgo exposure to the Terrigen Mists.

Triton grew up isolated. Eventually Maximus developed a more refined and streamlined version of his breathing apparatus that allowed for greater freedom and mobility out of the water; yet Triton nonetheless felt greatly alienated. Prince Black Bolt saw the potential in Triton and appreciated the young Inhuman’s noble spirit. He asked Triton to join the Royal Procession and act as a scout, surveying the waters around the isle of Attilan. Even after Attilan relocated from the coast of Iceland to a remote mountaintop in The Himalayas, Triton remained a member of the Royal Family and one of Black Bolt’s most trusted aides.

Triton would go on to have numerous adventures, assisting a number of fellow heroes, including The Fantastic Four, The Avengers and Spider-Man. He would additionally team up on many occasions with Prince Namor The Sub-Mariner. Namor even invited Triton to renounce his citizenship to Attilan and become a part of Atlantis. Although Triton felt much more accepted among the denizens of Atlantis, he turned Namor’s offer down out of a sense of obligation to the Inhuman Royal Family. Yet he did agree to act as a member of Namor’s undersea hero team, The Deep Six.

Years later, Triton perished battling a rouge faction of the Kree Empire. Although hopefully it won’t be the last we see of the hero and he will one day return. Actor Mike Moh portrayed a version of Triton int he ABC television series, Marvel’s Inhumans. The hero first appeared in the pages of The Fantastic Four Vol.1 #45 (1965).

#365 Marvel Comics Heroes #Triton #The Inhumans #Deep Six #Mike Moh #cut-out #paper art

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storybyshreeyash · 7 months

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Why Every Adventure Seeker Must Experience Everest Base Camp Trek

Adventure Seeker

For those who crave excitement, challenge, and a chance to experience nature's grandeur, there is no greater adventure than trekking to Everest Base Camp. This ultimate pilgrimage for adventure seekers offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayan mountains up close and personal. The Everest Base Camp Trek is not just a journey; it is a life-changing experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Whether you are an experienced trekker or a novice hiker, the Everest Base Camp Trek is an adventure that can be tailored to suit your level of fitness and experience. With the right preparation and guidance, anyone with a spirit of adventure can conquer this legendary trail.

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, has long been a favorite destination for trekking enthusiasts from around the world. The country's unique geography, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal location for adventure seekers seeking to challenge themselves and explore the natural wonders of the region.

With its numerous trekking routes and well-established infrastructure, Nepal offers a wide range of options for trekkers of all levels. From short and easy hikes to more demanding and rigorous expeditions, there is something for everyone in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is the epitome of adventure in Nepal. This iconic trek takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth, offering a unique opportunity to witness the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, up close and personal.

Challenges and Rewards

The Everest Base Camp Trek is not for the faint-hearted. It requires physical fitness, mental strength, and a spirit of perseverance. The trail is demanding, with steep ascents, rocky terrain, and high altitude conditions. However, the rewards are worth every step taken.

As you make your way through remote mountain villages, lush valleys, and ancient monasteries, you will be captivated by the beauty and serenity of the Himalayas. The sight of snow-capped peaks, sparkling glaciers, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind will leave you in awe.

Cultural Immersion

One of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Sherpa culture. You will have the chance to visit monasteries, interact with the friendly Sherpa people, and gain insights into their unique way of life.

The Sherpas, renowned for their mountaineering skills and warm hospitality, will accompany you on your trek, serving as guides and mentors. Their knowledge of the terrain, weather conditions, and local customs will enhance your experience and ensure your safety throughout the journey.

Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayan mountain range is a geological wonder and a treasure trove of natural beauty. Spanning across several countries, including Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Tibet, these majestic mountains are home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Himalayas. As you venture into the heart of the mountains, you will witness breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and experience the thrill of being in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

Preservation of the Mountains

As an adventure seeker, it is crucial to recognize the importance of preserving the natural environment. The Himalayas, like many other mountain ecosystems, are fragile and vulnerable to the effects of climate change, over-tourism, and improper waste management.

By undertaking the Everest Base Camp Trek, you have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of these mountains. It is essential to respect the local culture, abide by the rules and regulations, and practice responsible trekking. Leave no trace behind and leave the mountains as you found them, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the wonder and beauty of the Himalayas.

A Sense of Achievement

Completing the Everest Base Camp Trek is a remarkable accomplishment that will fill you with a sense of achievement, self-discovery, and inner strength. Navigating the challenging terrain, overcoming physical and mental obstacles, and reaching the base of the world's highest peak will leave you with a profound sense of fulfillment.

This incredible journey will test your limits, push you beyond your comfort zone, and inspire you to achieve things you never thought possible. It is an experience that will inspire you to embrace new challenges, conquer your fears, and live life to the fullest.

Conclusion

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that every adventure seeker must experience. It offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, physical challenge, and personal growth. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, this epic journey will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and embark on a journey of a lifetime to the Everest Base Camp. The Himalayas are waiting to be explored, and the adventure of a lifetime awaits!

#Adventure Seeker #trekking in nepal #himalayas #everest base camp trek #trekking planner #mount everest #beuty of everest #Nepal

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galacticlamps · 1 year

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There's something I've almost made a number of posts about during this Abominable Snowmen rewatch, but kept putting it off because I wanted to make a more cohesive analysis of rather than a bunch of messily related thoughts, but naturally now that I've finished it, it's become pretty long, so I'm putting it under a read more.

Basically, this is mainly about how the monastery setting functions to influence the audience's perception of the other characters & threats in this story, and helps turn it into what I believe to be a really well-executed and criminally underrated serial

To start with the elephant in the room: the monastery is obviously a somewhat exotic location for a Doctor Who serial. It's Earth, but it's far away from the BBC's production & main audience, and between its geographic isolation and religious associations, inherently somewhat shrouded in mystery. It's also the past, though I think it's somewhat easy to forget that this is a historical sometimes, both because it's not that far back in history compared to when it was produced & because of the aforementioned reasons that already distance it to equal or greater extents.

At first glance, the 'audience surrogate' characters would seem both obvious and limited. The Doctor & co are the first candidates - but with this particular team in which 0 of them come from an Earth contemporary with either the production or setting of the story, they're hardly everyman characters here; they can hook us into being visitors to this place but not provide us with a perspective on what life in it is like or should be outside of the strange circumstances that follow them everywhere. Then there's Travers, who's both an Englishman and a native of the time period, even if he’s very much a stranger to the region – and in many ways, he would seem best placed to act as an English audience’s window into the setting, the ‘regular guy’ whose world will be upset by the villain and restored by the Doctor.

But intentionally or not, I don’t think Travers actually fills that role in the story very well at all, and what happens instead is infinitely more interesting and makes for a better story overall.

But I’m getting ahead of myself here, for now my point is just that despite all odds & appearances of the monastery being this mystical otherworldly setting that Englishmen traverse continents and mountains or time and space to get to, it’s an exceptionally grounded and lived-in setting that the audience can quickly acclimatize to, which only adds to the fear & tragedy later on in the serial when it’s endangered.

This probably sounds silly, but much like it’s a bit hard to believe the bridge of the Enterprise is actually rattling around in space in the original series of Star Trek, Det-Sen monastery feels overwhelmingly solid, stationary, grounded, & enclosed. I don’t know what it is that breaks the illusion that the void of space is on the other side of those walls or that the courtyard & gates are at least partially exposed to the elements of the Himalayas, but the concrete floors under the carpet and the studio ceiling above seem to have an almost physical presence in these sets that’s hard to overlook. Maybe it’s because we have so much location footage to compare it to in this serial so we know what it looks like when they’re actually on the mountainside, slipping over uneven terrain and shouting over the wind that’s blowing their hair & costumes around at random, or simply a case of visual distinction between the quality of the film they used for those shoots vs the studio recording process. It might even be something about the reverb inherent in the room and the way it affects the audio, or something else entirely – I don’t know. I’ve never tried to put my finger on why exactly, but in both cases I’ve always felt a particularly strong awareness that these are sets - built environments safely sheltered inside a sound stage, pretending to be more fragile than they are. And I don’t mean this as an insult – I think it lends the original Enterprise a sense of homeyness that’s appropriate for its status as a constant, not to mention the nostalgia - much like the Tardis, I don’t think it’d do for them to feel flimsy, even if stories occasionally ask us to believe these environments are in a precarious state.

But Det-Sen is a one-off location, so its underlying feeling of stability affects the narrative in other ways, and this stark and immediate physical difference between the indoor environment and the danger of the mountains that are supposedly right on the other side of those gates makes it a perfect base for a base under siege story. The further away that cave in the mountains feels, the safer the characters are inside – and the harder that it is to believe anything could breach the gates and disturb the implausible peace here, the more effective & disturbing it is when they do.

Of course, it isn’t the physical set alone that’s responsible for this dichotomy – the narrative & its characters also present the monastery as such a strong constant that when the Great Intelligence threatens to destroy it and the world, the two feel almost one and the same.

Far from just being the background this story takes place against, the serial is overwhelmingly populated by characters that sell us on the idea of Det-Sen’s importance and stability even further - not only do the monks outnumber the visitors in terms of named characters, but there are also 6 nonspeaking warrior monks and an additional 6 nonspeaking lamas - all in all, about 20 different people living & working there that really flesh it out as a location. We're even told the Doctor's been here before, centuries ago - they have a very established way of life.

By contrast, the Tardis team blunders in and, as usual, can give no account of where they've been or how they got there - and then of course, there's Travers.

I can’t honestly tell how much of what really works about his character is fully intentional - it would take a certain level of self-awareness from the BBC that I don't want to attribute without some evidence. But at the end of the day, he's an Englishman and an explorer – the kind of guy we’d expect to represent intelligence and progress - and yet his entire life's work, the quest he's already spent 20 years of his life on, (which fans of Web know he'll spend even more on in the future), which has killed his companion already and which he willingly risks his own life for time and again in this serial - is, at bottom, incredibly stupid: he wants to be credited with the discovery of an animal the locals have been fully aware of for centuries.

When the monks talk about the yeti, they do so with calmness, certainty, and authority. They know what they're talking about. The yeti have always been their neighbors, and they're a peaceful, reclusive species. And yes, this is one remote monastery in one remote corner of the globe - perhaps these monks are the only people who regularly see the yeti or believe in them at all (ignoring the pilgrims that are supposed to've been visiting here for centuries), and perhaps Travers as a scientist simply wants to broaden the world's knowledge. But if the way he treats the Doctor when he suspects him to be a member of the British press is anything to go by, it's a bit more than that. He needs to be the one to break the news - and maybe it wasn't always like that, maybe he only became so interested in the credit after the search for them cost him so much – but whatever the cause, by the time we encounter the character, he’s desperate & single-minded enough that common sense can go out the window when it suits him. He doesn't even seem particularly devastated when they find out the evil Yeti are robots - he worries about them potentially endangering the real animals, but the fact that the existence of robotic yeti obviously implies a person or people with enough resources & skills to create something like that who is also acutely aware of the real species they're presumably meant to blend in with doesn't phase him at all, or compromise his need & ability to be the one to 'discover' them.

To be clear, I’m not trying to paint him as a bad person – if anything I think he’s a compelling & convincingly-drawn character, and within the story he frequently does the right thing to help defeat the enemy and save the day. I just find it interesting how his obsession with the Yeti & the leaps in logic it causes him to make prevent him from being the relatable character the audience shares the perspective of, where he otherwise might’ve been by default as the only Englishman - and in that regard he contributes to bolstering up the monks & the monastery as forces of sanity and cohesion. He is, like them, a mere victim of the Great Intelligence, but his presence at Det-Sen still feels like a symptom of a world turned upside down.

On the whole the monks get along fine with Travers, and evidently understand that in his world of Western British science, the yeti are still a “discovery” to be made which their familiarity with the species does not factor into or impede. Whatever fame & significance the discovery would bring him are indeed real prizes within his reach, so he isn’t inherently suspicious or looked down upon for wanting them - but they're also still a ludicrous thing to prioritize, given the circumstances, and the monks can see that, not being worried about proving anything to anyone themselves.

Still w/regard to Travers’ character, neither they nor anyone from the Tardis ever points out this fallacy, so it's hard to tell if it's a case of the producers & writers not noticing how foolish, colonial & hypocritical this goal under these circumstances is, or if it's meant to read as absurdly as it does. But with the monastery & its monks having such a huge presence in this story & being such a large portion of its screen time, that contrast in perspectives is brought to the forefront, whether or not anyone meant to satirize British exploration as a whole.

Nonetheless, Travers is the portrait of western exploration - even the more respectable & noble kind, in the name of knowledge & science rather than power & conquest - and yet his quest exists at such a ridiculous extreme, it takes a toll on the credibility of both him & everything he stands for. By being deadly serious about such a redundant goal, Travers marks himself out - and by extension, these three other apparently British strangers - as belonging to a bizarre world that adheres to senseless values and priorities, which drive him (and perhaps them as well, for all the monks know) to wild extremes, and it's difficult to see Travers as anything more than a bit of a lunatic, an eccentric Englishman and a nuisance of a foreigner here – at least for as long as he’s preoccupied with accusing the Doctor of murdering his partner and dragging the monks into his personal agenda. From this perspective the monks have every right to be suspicious of him and the Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria, even if the only thing they know about them is that they come from a world whose rules make no sense, who would send a man out to die in the mountains on the other side of the globe before it would recognize what to them is a simple fact of nature.

Khrisong in particular comes out as a very strong character, especially in comparison to Travers. Although we first meet him in a more antagonistic context – his introduction might even potentially leave us thinking of him as the dangerous warrior following Travers’ command rather than thinking for himself – the story is quick to correct that belief & makes it clear that he has his reasons for what he does, not just in that instant but all the time. He turns out to be an extremely principled individual who puts a lot of thought into both the risks he takes & the ones he allows others to take, and here he’s literally trying to protect a monastery full of peaceful monks when some of the strangest foreign white men the world could produce show up on his doorstep talking madness that doesn't concern him or his men at all, and they're followed by a horde of murderous robots framing the local wildlife for their crimes. For arguably being the villain for the first 1/3 of the story, he's objectively a very sympathetic figure.

Of course, it’s not at all uncommon to find characters similar in that regard - especially in these longer base under siege stories with limited casts, where part of the mystery is preventing the Doctor from knowing who the true villains are. But although Khrisong is developed as a character who's both proud and strong willed, he's also more than capable of admitting his mistakes and sticking to his principles at the same time - and even though the Second Doctor himself is particularly good at unnerving and undermining authority figures, Khrisong is willing to work with him to an impressive & perhaps unprecedented degree. Where a more stock character might bear a grudge for being made to look rash or unhelpful, Khrisong is consistently both a strong leader and a good man - he risks his life to save everyone, he deliberates and takes the best course of action he can find in every scene. More than a lot of other characters in this era of the show, he gives us the impression of someone who's in control and authority without being a bully, who's open to listening to the Doctor's frankly ridiculous ideas but who will also put himself at risk before allowing others to do the same if he doubts the merits of what he’s heard. He's a complex and even surprisingly engaging character who we might first have dismissed as a basic security guard type - and his death in the last act a genuine tragedy, and deservedly treated as such.

((Even the question of pacifism vs self defense which the same writers will revisit more famously in The Dominators first pops up here, most obviously in dialogue between Khrisong and Songsten in Episode 3, but also more generally in his ongoing goal of protecting the monastery’s existence. Songsten argues that the monks are peaceful and cannot change their ways, while Khrisong points out that he only wishes to use his strength to defend and preserve the ways of the monks, even at the cost of his own life, because peace and gentleness are not applicable methods against the yeti. It's interesting that this dialogue is delivered over the body of the inert, robot yeti recently after they've been discovered not to be flesh & blood – the context seems to eliminate any possibility of this reading as the dehumanizing argument of a man predisposed to violence anyway and simply trying to justify it, but rather solidifies it as the good sense of someone who would not resort to it if he had any other options))

Travers is typically the only supporting character who gets much attention when we talk about this serial, because of his return a few stories later & the significance that lands him in the wider world of Doctor Who, but in this story itself, everything absurd and dangerous about him is balanced out and grounded by everything serious and sane about Khrisong. But whereas Travers mainly looks delegitimized in comparison with the monastery, the monks don’t need to rely on contrast to make them look better – their own approach to problem-solving & protecting the monastery is time and again reinforced by the serial in other ways.

When Sapan & Rinchen in episode 3 both set up a spirit trap & chain down the inert yeti to prevent it coming back to life & attacking them, and they discuss how odd the strangers are and come up with their own explanation for the metal underneath its skin, it could easily have felt like the kind of scene that, in a scifi show, we should chuckle at and dismiss because we know they're wrong (even if we don't blame them for not knowing they're characters in a scifi show). But the way it’s framed, it's actually quite convincing instead. We know the yeti isn't a devil, but their explanation checks out, the Doctor is inherently inexplicable as a character, Travers is both currently under suspicion & consumed by – if not incomprehensible - at least unjustifiable motives from the monks' perspective, and at the end of the day, is the Great Intelligence really any different than a devilish spirit possessing the yeti? To say nothing of the fact that Padmasambhava is said to've initially contacted the Great Intelligence on the astral plane, or that chanting their prayers is treated as a legitimate way to occupy the mind and defend it against psychic attacks - all in all, despite this being a serial that is set in the past & in a monastery so remote that parts of its everyday life would be canonically regarded as landmark scientific discoveries in Britain, the perspective of these monks feels incredibly grounded, and forms a sound and stable background against which the fantastic elements of this serial can occur in their full horror, rather than something the British futuristic audience (who also know what genre they're watching) can 'know better' than.

And from a storytelling perspective, this doesn't just make the setting of the monastery come alive in a more convincing portrait than many other locations, it also makes the already very disturbing details of this particularly eldritch story cut even deeper. The repeated possessions, the monks being forced out of the monastery into the night, Khrisong murdered by his own Abbot, who is himself in a trance, Padmasambhava begging to be set free after hundreds of years as the Great Intelligence's slave (his death which was not shot as scripted, for fear of being too gruesome for the children's tv rating, the repeated stage directions calling for blood on people's faces or weapons) - it's honestly really heartbreaking, and a very good story.

But crucially, there's also kindness and gentleness here too - not just in the monks as men of peace or even the fact that the head of their warrior branch defies stereotypes to agree with them rather than being a violent individual - but also in the humanity with which all the characters respond to what they have to deal with: the Doctor appealing to Padmasambhava repeatedly as an old friend, the reassurances of safety and return he gives to the monks as they leave, the way the plans for Rinchen's body are discussed rather than brushed aside like many side-characters’ deaths in other serials, the way Songsten is looked after when he comes out of his trance, despite the monks knowing he had killed Khrisong. People in this story are allowed to be driven to extremes by everything from fear to stress to greed to hope and curiosity - but nobody ever abandons humanity entirely. They can accuse each other of all sorts of things, fairly or not, but in the end there’s understanding and forgiveness among the human characters (+the Doctor) and people are generally looked after and cared for rather than blamed and abandoned.

It's that sympathy and humanity that contrasts so beautifully with the truly otherworldly threat this serial introduces. Our characters are small, many of them are referred to as being mere puppets of a villain who literally moves his robotic henchmen around on a chessboard version of their world. But they're weak because they're human (in the broad sense at least) and it's that humanity that allows all of them to fight the Intelligence in one form or another, and the fact that that's what the Intelligence has to fight against which makes it such a disturbing enemy.

#the abominable snowmen #second doctor era #uh let's see #this is mainly about den-sen as a location #edward travers as an odd but very british character #khrisong as a surprisingly complex & strong character #(as far as authority figures who start off at odds w/ the dr go)#and i suppose a bit about the great intelligence as a concept for an enemy #sorry this got extremely rambly #im mainly posting it for myself so i can stumble upon it the next time im rotating snowmen #i feel like there's so much to talk about this serial but it's not one of the most discussed ones?#and my brain's a little spent rn to make this sound better but i still wanted to get it out

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rockislandadultreads · 9 months

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Libby Spotlight: True Crime eBooks

Still Life with Bones by Alexa Hagerty

Throughout Guatemala’s thirty-six-year armed conflict, state forces killed more than two hundred thousand people. Argentina’s military dictatorship disappeared up to thirty thousand people. In the wake of genocidal violence, families of the missing searched for the truth. Young scientists joined their fight against impunity. Gathering evidence in the face of intimidation and death threats, they pioneered the field of forensic exhumation for human rights.

In Still Life with Bones, anthropologist Alexa Hagerty learns to see the dead body with a forensic eye. She examines bones for marks of torture and fatal wounds—hands bound by rope, machete cuts—and also for signs of identity: how life shapes us down to the bone. A weaver is recognized from the tiny bones of the toes, molded by kneeling before a loom; a girl is identified alongside her pet dog. In the tenderness of understanding these bones, forensics not only offers proof of mass atrocity but also tells the story of each life lost. Working with forensic teams at mass grave sites and in labs, Hagerty discovers how bones bear witness to crimes against humanity and how exhumation can bring families meaning after unimaginable loss. She also comes to see how cutting-edge science can act as ritual—a way of caring for the dead with symbolic force that can repair societies torn apart by violence.

Weaving together powerful stories about investigative breakthroughs, histories of violence and resistance, and her own forensic coming-of-age, Hagerty crafts a moving portrait of the living and the dead.

The Science of Murder by Carla Valentine

Agatha Christie is the bestselling novelist of all time, and nearly every story she ever wrote involves one—or, more commonly, several—dead bodies. And the cause of death, the motives behind violent crimes, the clues that inevitably are left behind, and the people who put the pieces together to solve the mystery invite the reader to analyze the evidence and race to find the answer before the detective does. Nearly every step of the way, Christie outlines the nuts and bolts of early 20th-century crime detection, relying on physical evidence to tell the real story behind the facades humans erect to escape detection.

Christie wouldn't have talked of "forensics" as it is understood today—most of her work predates the modern developments of forensics science—but in each tale she harnesses the power of human observation, ingenuity, and scientific developments of the era. A fascinating, science-based deep dive, The Science of Murder examines the use of fingerprints, firearms, handwriting, blood spatter analysis, toxicology, and more in Christie's beloved works.

Lost in the Valley of Death by Harley Rustad

For centuries, India has enthralled westerners looking for an exotic getaway, a brief immersion in yoga and meditation, or in rare cases, a true pilgrimage to find spiritual revelation. Justin Alexander Shetler, an inveterate traveler trained in wilderness survival, was one such seeker.

In his early thirties Justin Alexander Shetler, quit his job at a tech startup and set out on a global journey: across the United States by motorcycle, then down to South America, and on to the Philippines, Thailand, and Nepal, in search of authentic experiences and meaningful encounters, while also documenting his travels on Instagram. His enigmatic character and magnetic personality gained him a devoted following who lived vicariously through his adventures. But the ever restless explorer was driven to pursue ever greater challenges, and greater risks, in what had become a personal quest—his own hero's journey.

In 2016, he made his way to the Parvati Valley, a remote and rugged corner of the Indian Himalayas steeped in mystical tradition yet shrouded in darkness and danger. There, he spent weeks studying under the guidance of a sadhu, an Indian holy man, living and meditating in a cave. At the end of August, accompanied by the sadhu, he set off on a "spiritual journey" to a holy lake—a journey from which he would never return.

Lost in the Valley of Death is about one man's search to find himself, in a country where for many westerners the path to spiritual enlightenment can prove fraught, even treacherous. But it is also a story about all of us and the ways, sometimes extreme, we seek fulfillment in life.

She Kills Me by Jennifer Wright

In every tragic story, men are expected to be the killers. There are countless studies and works of art made about male violence. However, when women are featured in stories about murder, they are rarely portrayed as predators. They're the prey. This common dynamic is one of the reasons that women are so enthralled by female murderers. They do the things that women aren't supposed to do and live the lives that women aren't supposed to want: lives that are impulsive and angry and messy and inconvenient. Maybe we feel bad about loving them, but we eat it up just the same. Residing squarely in the middle of a Venn diagram of feminism and true crime, She Kills Me tells the story of 40 women who murdered out of necessity, fear, revenge, and even for pleasure.

#true crime #true crime books #nonfiction #nonfiction books #nonfiction reads #ebooks #libby #library books #reading recommendations #reading recs #book recommendations #book recs #tbr #tbrpile #to read #booklr #book tumblr #book blog #library blog

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yoga-retreat-in-nepal · 10 months

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Travel yoga retreat in Nepal

🇳🇵🙏🏾For those who have found challenges within themselves to be worked on for greater happiness in life, may benefit from this travel yoga course. Nepal, the land of Himalayas has been a popular destination for greatness seekers- those who have experienced limits within themselves, those who can’t rely on just another relationship, a new job, or a…

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lushydays · 10 months

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How to Enjoy Adventure Activities in Pancheshwar on a Budget?

Introduction

Pancheshwar, a picturesque city nestled within side the foothills of the Himalayas, gives a myriad of interesting journey sports for thrill-seekers. From adrenaline-pumping river rafting to charming treks, this vacation spot has something for everyone. If you are in finance and thinking of the way to make the maximum out of your journey-crammed enjoy in Pancheshwar without breaking the bank, you have come to the proper place. In this complete guide, we’re going to discover diverse guidelines and hints to experience adventure activities in Pancheshwar at the same time as staying within your budget.

Adventure Activities in Pancheshwar

Pancheshwar is a haven for journey enthusiasts, boasting a huge variety of adventure activities. Let’s dive into a number of the maximum famous adventure activities you may embark on even as exploring this scenic region.

River Rafting: Conquer the Rapids

Rafting inside the roaring Kali River is a must-do adventure activity for adrenaline junkies traveling Pancheshwar. The river gives exciting rapids with the purpose to get your heart racing. From mild stretches for beginners to difficult rapids for pro rafters, there may be a journey for everyone.

Trekking: Explore the Pristine Trails

Embark on a memorable trekking experience in Pancheshwar as you navigate through lush green, attractive townlets, and panoramic geographies. The trails vary in difficulty, feeding to both beginner walkers and seasoned climbers. Each step will lead you near to nature’s mind-blowing miracles.

Rock Climbing: Scale New Heights

Challenge yourself with mountaineering in Pancheshwar, in which towering cliffs and rugged terrain await. Feel the frenzy as you triumph over the heights, counting on your strength, agility, and determination. Experienced publications will make certain your protection and offer treasured recommendations to beautify your mountaineering skills.

Camping: Immerse Yourself in Nature

Escape the hustle and bustle of town lifestyles via way of means of tenting withinside the serene wasteland of Pancheshwar. Set up your tent amidst nature’s embody and experience the tranquility that surrounds you. Camping is a low-cost lodging alternative and gives a risk to witness the starry skies and proportion memories around a bonfire.

Wildlife Safari: Encounter the Flora and Fauna

Delve into the nature wonders of Pancheshwar a flora and fauna safari. Explore the region’s wealthy biodiversity as you notice distinct species of animals and birds of their herbal habitat. Capture awe-inspiring moments together along with your camera and create unforgettable memories so that it will close a lifetime.

How to Enjoy Adventure Activities in Pancheshwar on a Budget?

Are you concerned about the expenses related to journey sports in Pancheshwar? Fear not! Here are a few treasured recommendations that will help you make the maximum of your journey-stuffed revel in without straining your wallet.

Plan in Advance: Research and plan your journey nicely earlier to take benefit of early chook reductions and unique gives on journey activities. Booking earlier can frequently prevent a full-size quantity of money.

Opt for Off-Peak Seasons: Consider visiting Pancheshwar all through off-top seasons whilst costs are usually lower. Additionally, you will enjoy fewer crowds, permitting you to enjoy in adventure activities with greater serenity.

Compare Prices: Before making any bookings, examine expenses from one-of-a-kind journey pastime carriers in Pancheshwar. Look for package deal offers that provide an aggregate of sports at a reduced rate.

Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation: Consider budget-pleasant lodging alternatives along with guesthouses or campsites. These alternatives now no longer most effectively prevent cash however additionally offer a completely unique experience in near nature.

Pack Your Own Food: Instead of counting on luxurious restaurants, percent your very own meals for journey activities. Opt for lightweight and nutritious food which are smooth to hold and devour on the go.

Join Group Activities: Many adventure activity companies provide discounted fees for organization bookings. Gather a set of buddies or be part of fellow tourists to take gain of those cost-saving opportunities.

Remember, playing journey sports in finance is all approximately being inventive and locating innovative methods to keep cash without compromising the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I enjoy adventure activities in Pancheshwar if I have no prior experience?

A1: Absolutely! Pancheshwar gives sports appropriate for all enjoyment levels. Trained courses and teachers will make sure your protection and offer vital education to take part in the adventures.

Q2: Are there any age restrictions for adventure activities in Pancheshwar?

A2: The age regulations range relying on the particular interest. While a few sports have minimal age requirements, there also are alternatives to be had for youngsters and families. It’s fine to test with the interest carriers for age-associated guidelines.

Q3: What should I pack for adventure activities in Pancheshwar?

A3: Essential items to pack include comfortable clothing, strong footwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a primary useful resource kit, and a water bottle. Pack any unique equipment required for the sports you intend to have interaction in.

Q4: Are adventure activities in Pancheshwar safe?

A4: Yes, journey sports in Pancheshwar prioritize protection. Trained professionals, well-maintained equipment, and adherence to protection protocols make sure a steady experience. However, it is critical to concentrate on commands and observe the recommendations furnished with the aid of using the interest providers.

Conclusion

Pancheshwar is a paradise for journey fans trying to enjoy interesting sports even staying on a budget. With an extensive variety of adventures to pick from and strategic planning, you may experience an unforgettable adventure thru this spell-binding vacation spot without breaking the bank. Embrace the adrenaline rush, immerse yourself in nature, and create reminiscences so one can ultimately have a lifetime.

#travel #uttarakhand #adventure #maldives #lushydays #maldivestourpackage #travelpackages #viral #tour #explore

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