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loisinherlane · 3 years

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Consider this my magnum opus of why I love Booster Gold and why you should read these comics, but also: how Michael Carter and his family are connected to time travel. It’s kind of a hot mess because I run through a bunch of comics, but hopefully this makes sense!

Michael Carter, alias Booster Gold, is the first new hero introduced after Crisis on Infinite Earths. Booster is from the 25th century, where he was a college football player who got caught betting on his games and expelled, eventually becoming a janitor in a museum.

(Booster Gold (2007) #1)

At this museum, he befriends a security robot called Skeets. Eventually, Booster decides that he wants the adoration superheroes had in the 20th/21st century, and with future technology, he would be able to join up in the past. So Booster steals a Time Sphere, a suit, and a Legion of Superheroes flight ring. (Wait, the legion is from the 30th century, right? Yes. There are reasons this ring is in the past, and that’s mostly because Booster was always meant to become a superhero.) In the past, Booster establishes himself as a superhero, with a manager and number of sponsors. He’s about making money. This doesn’t necessarily make him a lot of friends. But he joins the Justice League International, makes friends with some heroes (including Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle), and has a standard fare for a non-central character.

So flash forward to Countdown to Infinite Crisis. For those of you who haven’t read this one: This is a lead-in to the OMAC Project, and later, to Infinite Crisis, where Ted Kord notices a number of things that don’t add up. Unfortunately, Ted is not the most respected hero in the community, and no one quite takes him seriously. Wonder Woman says she’s busy but to keep her updated, and Oracle is trying to get him to pay more attention to other matters.

(Countdown to Infinite Crisis)

So Ted seeks out his best friend Booster to help. Booster, after some initial reluctance, joins up. There’s some noticeable moments where Booster hints that he knows some things about the future (particularly, that Ted is going to die, and the Scarab means that the new Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes, is about to take over): Booster keeps staring at the newly found Scarab. He asks Ted when he found it. Ted, in his narration, hints that Booster knew Doomsday would kill Superman, and he still took the first punch.

(Countdown to Infinite Crisis)

All of this parallels what happens next: Booster shoos Ted away from the computer and takes over. Booster gets hit by an explosion meant for Ted.

(Countdown to Infinite Crisis)

Consider: Later implications of time travel suggest that some small things can be changed, but the big things can’t. If Booster knew what was going to happen, did Booster only postpone Ted’s death?

With that, Ted does die at the end of this story, and a part of The OMAC Project is Wonder Woman and Booster investigating Ted’s death. But as much as I love Ted, we’re mostly talking about Booster and time travel today. So moving on!

In Infinite Crisis, Booster is the one who fetches Jaime Reyes. After returning to the 25th century to access historical records, he tracks down Jaime via the scarab. (Of course, this is another example of a potential change: Booster says he may be saving millions or billions of lives, but this is unsubstantiated.)

(Infinite Crisis #2)

(Infinite Crisis #5)

So this brings us to 52, the fallout of Infinite Crisis. Booster Gold’s plot, while not obviously central in its introduction, plays a major role in bringing back the multiverse to the Post-Crisis continuity. Booster Gold, in the wake of the loss of his best friend Ted Kord, has sold-out again.

(52 #1)

With the help of Skeets, he’s returned to his origins. He wants to be a hero and make bank. Superman’s not around, so who else could Metropolis turn to?

Booster is on the outs though. First, with the heroes: Ralph Dibny blames him for not realizing his wife Sue was going to be murdered. Beatriz de Costa (Fire) shames him for how he’s acting after Ted’s death.

(52 #7)

(52 #4)

Pay attention to that notepad. Booster writes the names of Rip Hunter and his fellow Time Masters, as well S.T.A.R. Labs Time Travel Division. Everyone but Rip Hunter is crossed out. Rip’s name is circled, but he’s noted as “unlisted?????”

Because he’s noticed a number of events that don’t line up with the history Booster and Skeets remember, Booster goes to visit Rip Hunter in his Time Lab in Arizona. Skeets has to hold the door open because of the lock, so Booster goes in by himself...

(52 #6)

...and sees this... (Feel free to read what’s on the chalkboard. A lot of it hints to happenings in both 52 and the One Year Later event, as well as other stories. It can be fun to make connections.)

(52 #6)

...and this. Yikes.

We soon find out that Booster hired an actor to fake an incident on a subway. Why? Well... that answer’s not so clear. But considering the rest of the story, it’s likely Booster wanted to discredit himself.

(52 #7)

Unfortunately for Booster, this ruins his reputation with the public, and he’s soon replaced by a new, more humble hero: Supernova.

(52 #10)

And the public adores Supernova. Meanwhile, Booster’s sponsors pull out as his reputation goes down the drain.

Booster gets one last moment in the limelight, when he pushes too hard trying to upstage Supernova, and he dies... though he’s recognized as a hero for his tragic sacrifice.

((Hold on if you haven’t read 52. You’re going to find this one funny.))

(52 #15)

So... Booster is dead. Ha. What next? Well, Skeets seeks out Booster’s ancestor, Daniel Carter, for help to get back into the Time Lab. After all, Booster didn’t give Skeets the details.

(52 #19)

Daniel lets Skeets see into the Time Lab, where Skeets finally sees the same things Booster saw.

(52 #19)

Whoops! The real problem is Skeets. A little more menacing now, isn’t it? So Skeets abandons Daniel in the Time Lab, where he’s sucked into a vortex that’s part of Rip’s security measures. Meanwhile, Skeets is free to handle his evil plan. Whatever that is.

Back to Metropolis: Supernova is still out there, doing good. He’s also grabbing items that seem a little... eclectic.

(52 #20)

And everyone is theorizing about who’s really under the mask. Cassie Sandsmark thinks it’s Kon-El. Lex Luthor thinks it’s Superman. Ralph Dibny puts the pieces together...

(52 #31)

But Supernova asks him not to say it out loud.

Later, we see that Supernova is actually working for Rip Hunter. Everything he’s gathered has been for Rip, who, as you can see, is really going through it. (Sad they never followed up on why Rip Hunter was affected like this, but I have my own thoughts that I might say later.)

(52 #36)

Where are they working anyway? In the jarred city of Kandor! Of course, Skeets can’t find them here, can he?

(52 #36)

Whoops. Spoke too soon.

(52 #37)

But who is Supernova? That burning question we’ve had for all these issues?

It’s... Michael Carter! Booster Gold!

(52 #37)

So, as Rip asks, Booster tells him. Booster knew something was off with Skeets. At the Time Lab, he almost asked him. But Rip Hunter arrived and recruited him for the long con. Rip needed Booster to gather materials, but they couldn’t alert Skeets. However, using a suit Rip rigged, Booster could be in two places at once: through time travel. After faking his death (using his real corpse from the future), Booster was sent back in time twelve weeks to complete Supernova’s actions.

Now Rip, Booster, and Skeets are engaged in a battle that, uh... is not continued until Week 50 on panel. If you count this as continued. I just love this panel.

(52 #50)

Actually, Skeets follows Rip and Booster to a lab where T.O. Morrow has searched the Red Torado’s brain to find out the truth of the 52 that he’s been repeating throughout the series.

(52 #51)

Of course, it’s not actually Skeets. The real Skeets was used as a chrysalis for Mister Mind... who has become a horrifying moth hellbent on eating the new multiverse.

(52 #51)

Rip drags Booster out, back to the Time Sphere, where they travel back to the beginning.

(52 #52)

After the events of Infinite Crisis, the multiverse was recreated. 52 identical Earths came into existence, and the same struggle has been taking place on all of them. These Earths are slowly aligning, and for some reason, Rip can see this, but Booster can’t. (Hold tight: Let’s keep in mind, for some reason, Rip was totally non-linear earlier. We’ll come back to this.)

(52 #52)

Rip intends to save all of the Earths, as they slowly settle into the new multiverse, with help from Supernova! ...This time, Daniel Carter, the Carter family ancestor that Skeets/Mister Mind used earlier.

(52 #52)

Bad news is that Mister Mind is still bent on eating a universe. As he eats parts of the various Earths, he changes their history, which leads to each Earth being unique.

(52 #52)

Booster has doubts about their ability to face something this big, but Skeets, now broken from Mister Mind, cheers him on... Booster heads back to the one place he knows to get the right power source, and Rip hints about Booster’s “glory days” soon to come. So now we know there’s a connection between Booster and Rip.

(52 #52)

But where is Booster going to get that power source?

(52 #52)

The immediate aftermath of the first crisis, where he talks a little with very young Ted Kord. (Sad.) Now we have to wonder how Booster knows to go back here? How much about time travel does Booster know yet?

Anyway, together, Rip, Booster, and Daniel succeed in defeating Mister Mind, and the multiverse is restored. Rip is very optimistic!

(52 #52)

So... let’s cut to Booster Gold’s second solo. Notice the title of his first story is “52 Pick-Up.” Booster, after saving the multiverse, wants nothing more than to be a hero again. He wants to join the Justice League again! Unfortunately, he’s recruited by Rip Hunter once again, who makes it clear that Booster’s destiny lies in time travel instead. And the world needs to think Booster is an idiot.

(Booster Gold (2007) #1)

Notice how Rip mentions his father? We’re finally getting somewhere.

Meanwhile, the other weird Time Stuff, that’s going on. Back at Rip Hunter’s Lab, Rip has written a number of interesting things on his chalkboard again.

Notice how Rip notes 1939 (the year Detective Comics was first published), 1985 (Crisis on Infinite Earths), and 2006 (Infinite Crisis). This shows how the crises actually affect time in the DC universe. Rip is, of course, aware of it. Is Booster too? How else would he know about the first crisis?

What is the connection between Rip and Booster anyway? Why does Rip care so much about Booster? Well...

(Booster Gold (2007) #1000000)

That’s right! Booster is actually Rip Hunter’s dad! So a lot of stuff we’ve been over must make more sense now.

But seriously, the Carter family is heavily involved in time travel, and the way it interacts with them is interesting. We’ve already seen how Rip isn’t linear when the timestream is disrupted... but what about the other members? How does this all affect Booster?

Honestly, I’m not sure. And I just ran out of energy for this post. If you want to know more, send an ask! And read the comics. You will not regret it.

#megan liveblogs comics #well not exactly but this is pretty close ig #if i can make ONE person want to know more about booster and the carter family my job is done #i just spent hours on this mess and now i'm about to cry bc it's so bad i'm sorry

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airdropababy · 3 years

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A Guide To The Wayward Guide Podcast: Chapter 3

Previous Chapter Guides: Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

Chapter length: ~18 minutes

Release Dates:

Podcast: October 30th, 2020

YouTube: January 1st, 2021

Who Do We Hear From?

Established Characters: Henry, Cliff, Rocky, Jewel, Silas, Ags, and The Mayor

Guest Voices:

Emily Darvill as the news announcer

Jaime Lyn Beatty as Jacobsen (newscaster that breaks the story of Silas being hired at Miner Mole)

Jeff Blim as the host of Stock Jock Radio.

Episode Transcript Link: Chapter 3

Placement in Continuity: This episode opens after the final events of Episode 3 then goes back to cover when they visited Miner Mole Inc earlier that same day and spoke with the Irons family as well as Silas.

Chapter Breakdown:

Intro: Artemis alone talks about how even though she and Paul are very different for twins, they have “twintuition” for sensing what’s going on with each other, noting it’s usually mundane little things but sometimes it’s something bigger- like when Paul was involved in an accident on their third day in Connor Creek.

Artemis intercuts her monologue with phone audio from a drunken burping Dr. Henry Edwards about “an accident.”

Artemis could sense it was related to Paul when she got the call about two hours after they had separated.

The argument they had before separating, according to Artemis, was due to not agreeing on what leads to follow on their third day in Connor Creek.

Artemis notes it was the evening when she got the call and she was reviewing the tape from earlier in the day when she got it.

After the Theme Song: Paul is still alive. The Irons Family are very pro-Miner Mole as the mining industry in town is dying. Artemis and Paul share their research on Miner Mole Inc and Silas, the recently-demoted trust fund bro regional manager that is passionate about climbing back up the corporate ladder. Artemis and Paul muse about the mysterious large payment he made to TFCC. Silas threatened Artemis and Paul before Artemis left his office that day.

Paul introduces himself as: “ Your una-paul-agetic co-host." and goes on to spoil that he clearly survived his attack as he has been doing half of the post-production narration all along.

The Irons family members are interviewed as pro-Miner Mole citizens:

Cliff and Rocky blame the previous town council for limiting mining to only souvenirs when tourism was dropping.

Jewel has been pulled out of school to work in the mine with them as money is tight and she’s not very bright.

Jewel had previously worked at the marionette theater but was creeped out by the puppets.

Cliff got the council (as a council member himself) to lift the child labor laws so Jewel could work full-time in the mine.

The Irons felt things turn around when Miner Mole started airing an ad before, during, and after Barney’s daily radio show. 350 times in one summer.

The ad, voiced by Silas himself, about a job fair at the upcoming council meeting. It impressed the Irons family.

Artemis and Paul did look into Miner Mole and Silas before going over to Silas’s office:

Miner Mole’s parent company is Chimera World Wide, originally a silicon processing company that was essential to ushering in the use of computers in central Europe.

Chimera expanded to many different field over 60+ years but their fossil fuel division was on the verge of bankruptcy in nearly a fifth of their portfolio due to the clean energy push.

They play news coverage of Silas being named president of domestic sales for Miner Mole and how it surged Chimera’s stock.

It’s also revealed that Silas is the son of an oil tycoon.

Previously he had used his inheritance to create a pilates franchise brand and a bolo tie subscription service.

Artemis and Paul go on to explain Silas’s “All American, All Mine” plan which targeted rural communities with midsize aging mining infrastructure and exploited the low income communities by monopolizing their primary resource.

Audio from Stock Jock Radio is played saying to not buy Chimera’s stock due to how Silas spent over 300K in a single quarter on personal expenses as president of Miner Mole and was demoted to regional manager of the Connor Creek mining location.

Then they play additional audio from when Artemis interviewed Silas:

Silas points out he’s not the only enemy Ryan made on his crusade against mining.

Silas goes on to defend that he’s trying to save the town with mining so that he can get re-promoted out of Connor Creek once it succeeds.

Artemis mentions the note about the $122,123 payment to TFCC and she and Paul consider what TFCC could be

They also wonder who the “we” Silas was referring to when talking about how they were going to do big things.

It ends with audio of Silas threatening Artemis and Paul for Artemis continuing to record after he said the conversation was over.

Next Time: Ags re-introduces herself to Artemis

shares that she’s the minute keeper for the town council

She responds to the Mayor barking for her

What Do We Learn About Connor Creek?

Henry notes Sheriff Madison told him about Artemis and Paul’s arrival as he had been to the Dead Canary earlier that day and “lost track of time” (aka, doesn't remember meeting them)

Jewel calls Paul’s digital recorder a “walkman” despite having been born in the 21st century.

Jewel worked at the same marionette theater that Madison and Ryan’s father did his Pirates of Penzance production at.

Cliff had to sell family heirloom tools and Rocky tried tutoring to make extra money and mining became less lucrative as tourism fell locally.

Cliff and Rocky both had miners for parents as well.

Barney’s daily radio show was called “Local Yokel, No Joke-yl”

Ag’s introduces herself not only as a travel agent but also a broach enthusiast and minute keeper for the council.

It took Ags four viewings of Starlight Express to realize the characters were trains.

What Do We Learn About Artemis and Paul?

This is the first time the podcast has mentioned that they’re twins in addition to siblings

Paul is the older twin by an hour and forty-six minutes.

They consider the time between births as the basis in their differences that remain outside their twintuition.

Artemis mentions their parents also felt this way.

Artemis did the research on Miner Mole Inc and Paul peer reviewed.

Paul guesses TFCC stood for “Torsen Fracking Compressor Corporation”

Artemis guesses TFCC stood for “Travel Funds Credit Card”

What Do We Learn About the Universe the Show Takes Place In?

Chimera World Wide, the massive parent company of Miner Mole, is a reference to Spies Are Forever.

Their slogan “Chimera: a little bit of everything” is a specific reference to a line of dialogue in Act 2 Part 5 of the musical.

In the past 60 years, Chimera has expanded from their original silicon business to be involved in many fields- including fossil fuels hence Miner Mole.

Chimera technology is likely in all personal electronics used.

Extra info on Silas:

He has won twitter fights with TMZ over “fake news tricks”

Silas is the son of an oil tycoon and grew up in the rich suburbs of Nashville.

Silas’s previous business: pilates franchise (Torsen’s Torso) and bolo necktie subscription service (Stylas)

He spent over $300,000 in Q1 on personal expenses as President of Finance, including:

$85K for “Western Footwear”

$150,000 for Lil Nas X to perform at his birthday party. (which would mean 1) He got demoted VERY RECENTLY 2)He was absolutely in on the ground floor of Lil Nas X’s rise in fame. Like… before demos of “Old Town Road” were even recorded.

#a guide to the wayward guide podcast #wayward guide for the untrained eye #wayward guide #tin can bros #tcb #chapter 3 #There's going to be a delay before the rest of the guides are released #I've got an important project due for a small child's birthday #that comes first before this

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aion-rsa · 3 years

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My Universe: BTS & Coldplay’s Sci-Fi Music Video Explained

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BTS and Coldplay went fully, gloriously sci-fi in the music video for their collaboration, “My Universe.” In the new music video, released at midnight on September 30th, the two bands exist in a futuristic reality where music is forbidden. In spite of the ban, and with the help of a space DJ, the groups come together for a high-energy, galaxy-spanning performance of their new song.

The “My Universe” music video/short film is directed by Dave Meyers, an American filmmaker best known for his commercials and music videos, which include MVs for artists Drake, Ed Sheeran, Pink, Normani, Ariana Grande, and many, many more. High-concept, genre-driven music videos are par for the course in the visually immersive world of K-pop, but are less common in western music videos, which (save for some outliers, like Janelle Monae’s funky, political sci-fi adventures) have more “grounded,” realistic aesthetics, even when they skew fantastical. A great example of the latter is Harry Styles’ “Adore You” video. Also directed by Meyers—it has a speculative fiction premise in which Styles has a literally blinding smile, falls in love with a fish, and is able to power his sailboat using the winds of his jarred yells, but keeps its visuals down to Earth to tell its fairy tale-like story.

“My Universe,” on the other hand, embraces the science fiction aesthetics of working class space operas like Space Sweepers or Guardians of the Galaxy, with some (and I mean this as a compliment) Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century thrown in for good measure.

Rebellion is a popular theme in the space opera subgenre, and it’s one that “My Universe” embraces. The video is set in an intergalactic future in a place known where all music is banned. Three different bands—BTS, Coldplay, and a fictional alien supergroup called Supernova7—who live on three different plans defy the ban to create music together via hologram. They are hunted by The Silencers, who enforce the no-music status quo.

Most importantly, the music video doesn’t prioritize either Coldplay or BTS’ worlds. While we may visit Coldplay’s dry, graffitied planet first, where we first meet BTS in their holographic forms, we also go to BTS’ industrial-dystopia home, where Coldplay visits as holograms. The music video’s best moment, in fact, comes when we follow a flickering, holographic V from Coldplay’s planet back to his own, where he—and, with him, the six other members—bloom into more tangible form.

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The design and CGI for the video is impressive and varied, though a little too busy to fully appreciate the stunning outer space visuals, Tron-esque spaceships interiors, and alien planet-scapes. The video includes visual callbacks to the official lyric video for “My Universe,” which is beautifully designed to feature the multi-colored English and Korean-language lyrics zooming through space. The colors and premise are also reminiscent of the video serial that was part of BTS’ Muster Sowoozoo Concert in June. In the story, the seven members of BTS make their way across an alien landscape in a camper van, searching for a safe place to meet ARMY. While the Sowoozoo serial was much cozier and more chill than “My Universe” video, I’d love to hear some good head canon about how these videos exist in the same fictional universe.

What Does the “My Universe” Music Video Mean?

Both the “My Universe” song and music video have a pretty broad, easy-to-get-behind concept. The love song is about a relationship that transcends boundaries. Thematically, the idea of coming together across divisions or differences is particularly poignant when performed by bands from different sides of the planet. This is reinforced by the decision to include Korean-language lyrics in the collaboration. BTS has proven themselves more than capable of singing in English. Three of their latest hits—”Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance”—are all sung fully in the English language by the Korean band. However, BTS and Coldplay chose to feature Korean-language elements as an integral part of the collaboration, emphasizing the multicultural nature of the song and its message.

The music video doubles down on the theme of people coming together despite distance and differences. In it, BTS and Coldplay (and, OK, alien supergroup Supernova 7) are excited to collaborate. Together, they make something beautiful and special that brings them joy despite the seemingly dismal worlds that surrounds them both. Here, the enemy is not difference, but a mysterious, totalitarian force that has banned all music. Personified by “The Silencers,” this antagonist can be broadly interpreted by the societal prejudices that can sometimes keep up apart, but also by a pandemic that has made the most basic rituals of togetherness more complicated. It doesn’t seem a coincidence that the fictional versions of BTS and Coldplay featured in this video are unable to be together in person. It’s a representation of the forced physical distance that has come to define much of the past few years. It’s why seeing the bands find a way, despite their harsh reality, to share a joyful experience so damn inspiring.

While the visuals of “My Universe” may be intentionally futuristic, the ability to play together across vast swathes of space is not. Just last week, Coldplay and BTS performed as part of the Global Citizen Live event. The bands were in two different countries—Coldplay in NYC, and BTS back home in Seoul—but came “together” on stage. The seven members of BTS were featured as holograms on a backdrop as Chris Martin sang both English and Korean-language parts of the song. (The Korean-language rap sections performed by Suga and J-Hope were pre-recorded.) Coldplay notably traveled to Korea to record “My Universe” during the pandemic.

“My Universe” Music Video Ending Explained

The breakout character from the “My Universe” music video is arguably DJ Lafrique, played by actress Joe Diao. DJ Lafrique is the character who is able to bring Coldplay and BTS together, across the universe. She is the most powerful figure featured in this story, and her rebellion comes at a high risk. At the end of the video, The Silencers find DJ Lafrique’s ship, which is making the intergalactic jam session possible. The Silencers’ power up their Death Star-like weapon in preparation to take out DJ Lafrique. However, BTS and Coldplay are able to buy her time by rocking out even more intensely (as you do); she powers up her hyperdrive and blips away before The Silencers can silence her forever.

The ending works for the video; it would be jarring to watch a music video featuring BTS that doesn’t end with a message of hope. The Korean band’s full name, Bangtan Sonyeondan, can be translated as “Bulletproof Boyscouts,” and the group has always seen it as one of their primary missions to act as a buffer between young people and the harsh stereotypes and pressures they face. While the group has always worked to be a balm in a harsh world, this has especially been the case since the outbreak of COVID, which has brought with it unprecedented mental health challenges. In the wake of the global crisis, BTS has worked to be a comfort to their global fandom, known as ARMY. When they released album “Be” in November 2020, member Jin said during the accompanying press conference: “Our goal with the music on ‘BE’ is that it can be a comfort to a lot of people … If many people can relate to it, I will be really thankful.”

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

What did you think of “My Universe”‘s science fiction concept? Let us know in the comments below.

The post My Universe: BTS & Coldplay’s Sci-Fi Music Video Explained appeared first on Den of Geek.

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#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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doof-doofblog · 3 years

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"You Can't Even Say It, Can You?!"

Double Episode Post

Monday 29th March 2021 - Tuesday 30th March 2021

Hello again everyone! Hope you're week is going well so far! I apologise for being so late, but this post is going to cover this week's Monday and Tuesday episodes, that way I will be completely up to date! Unfortunately I do have plans for the rest of the week so I probably won't be posting again until next Monday, where of course I'll post double episode posts just to make sure I've caught up with you all! I just want to say thank you for your patience and support, it really does mean the world!

Anyway, let's jump straight into it, so much drama happening right now! The first thing I have to mention first is Whitney, Kush and Gray! After the way Gray had spoken to them the night before, but Whitney and Kush appear to be discussing Gray's behaviour. Kush completely believes that Gray was out of order for talking to Whitney the way he did, especially considering she's been at his every beckon call looking after his kids over the last few months! But Whitney seems to stick up for her friend, claiming that he's been through a tough time and it's understandable why he'd be stressed out. I'm glad that Kush is slowly noticing Gray's flaws, only ever so slightly though!

Later on, Whitney goes to visit Gray but interestingly before she arrives we see Gray pull out some kind of piece of jewellery from his blazer pocket, at first I wasn't too sure what this was for, was it Chantelle's? Was it the piece of jewellery that had gone missing? Or was it for something else completely?! As Whitney finally arrives, Gray happens to mention that he has a work Gala event to go go, but he doesn't appear to be in the mood, considering he used to go with Chantelle every year. Oooooo Gray is really good manipulator isn't he?! It's blatantly obvious that he's dropping hints, informing Whitney that he doesn't want to go, so of course Whitney offers to attend the event with him and be his plus one, and of course Gray is ever so thankful and appreciative of her for suggesting such a thing, but what else makes it more creepy - when Whitney mentions she has nothing to wear for the event so Gray give her one of Chantelle's dresses to wear!

As Whitney is at home getting changed, Kush walks in to find her wearing the dress. Needless to say she does look stunning in it, but as Whitney admits it's actually Gray's deceased wife's dress she's wearing, makes her feel incredibly uncomfortable! I mean it's no secret that Gray has fallen for Whitney, but is it some kind of twisted ploy to replace Chantelle?! Who knows?! Kush is absolutely baffled when he learns about the dress and states that Gray must be going insane! What normal person would do such a thing?! But regardless of the slight concern, Whitney still tries her best to stick up for Gray, claiming that he's still a grieving man and dealing with a lot of stress. Kush seems to understand that his girlfriend is just doing Gray a favour, which of course she is - little do they know that it means something more for Gray.

Ooooh so the piece of jewellery that Gray had earlier he had actually bought for Whitney?! Was this all part of his plan? Or was it only going to be an apology gift for the way he spoke to her the previous night?! Gosh, my mind is asking all sorts of questions! Don't you guys find it incredibly creepy?! It's like Gray almost has this slight obsession with Whitney and knowing that she's dating Kush, seems to really grate on him! It's almost as if he can't have her, no one can! Eventually Gray and Whitney make their way to the Gala event, and it seems as if everyone's eyes are turned towards Whitney, but not so much in a good way. Not even a year after his wife's death - technically, it's only been just over 6 months - people are concerned that Gray has moved on ever so quickly from his deceased wife, plus the fact that Whitney was once his client makes it even more weird!

One of the main highlights for me was during the event, it was clear to see that Whitney was getting bored of out her skull! As she spots Gray speaking with colleagues, she approaches him claiming that she's been doing the "Signal" for a good while, but Gray pathetically apologises claiming that he thought she'd just had an itchy nose! It's clear that she isn't enjoying herself and has concerns about people staring at her! But the most brilliant part of that scene was the look on Whitney's face after realising what she had just eaten after being offered a canape' - snail!!!!! That was a hilarious and a very relatable moment, brilliant acting from Shona McGarty! She's truly brilliant!

After a small chat with Gray and a quick goodbye, Whitney finally leaves the event - much to her relief, but to her surprise, Kush is sat outside the club waiting for her. As they share a portion of chips together on the side of the road, it's funny to see how comfortable they are together as Whitney lets out a burp! It's a funny moment which they both laugh at, even though I never saw this connection before, it's clear to see that they feel truly comfortable with each other, it's a relationship that I never thought I'd actually enjoy, but yes Kush and Whitney have always been good friends, but being in a relationship - it just works! As they continue to laugh at Whitney's actions, Kush makes an interesting response that they're like an old married couple - now this is what I didn't see coming - Whitney does the most amazing, honourable thing and gets down on one knee and proposes to Kush. He is totally stunned by her question, but accepts her proposal and they both hug with pure excitement and happiness! I truly felt that this was a beautiful moment, I know it's not traditional for the lady to pop the question, but it is the 21st century, why shouldn't women propose to their loved ones, I'd love to see it more often!

Of course, Gray has no knowledge about Whitney and Kush's engagement, but the interesting thing is when he returns from the Gala, he removes his wedding ring from his finger! Like, why?! Is he really over Chantelle already?! It's not until the following day when Whitney arrives at his place to take care of the kids that Gray eventually finds out. Whitney begins to explain that she was going to text him when she got home, which kind of puts a small smile on Gray's face, making him think she was going to thank him for a lovely evening or something, but it turns out she was just going to tell him about her and Kush's engagement! As Gray learns the news, you can see he has to put on a front, claiming that he's thrilled for both of them, but deep down - we know he's not as thrilled as he makes out, deep down, he's seething! As everyone gathers at Ruby's club to toast the happy couple, Gray arrives late but once again he can't help but be completely manipulative! As he steps to the bar, Kush approaches him saying that argument from the other day has been forgotten about, but Gray seems to be really sly, claiming that he's luckily to have Whitney - stating that she'd be willing to wait for him to get out of prison and they may be able to walk up the isle in about 4 or 5 years time! Ooooo, he's so conniving isn't he? What do we think will happen for Whitney and Kush, will they be able to get married before he goes to prison? Or is something even more devastating going to happen?!

The second thing I have to mention is Sharon! Now she's moved out of the Vic, I have been wondering where she's been staying, it turns out that she has moved in next door to the Slaters! To be fair, I was wondering where she had gone, whether she had moved in with someone, but turns out that she's managed to get herself her own place. Unfortunately having the Slater's as her neighbours is the price she's had to pay! She happens to mention to Callum that she's desperate to have a new start for her son, Albie! Realising that she's had to depend on Phil for a few things in her life, she take the opportunity to approach him about becoming a part of his money laundering business, regardless of giving her son somewhere to live, she needs to have some kind of business opportunity for her son, to provide for him, but also for something for her son to be proud of.

As much as Phil is willing to help his old friend out, Ben can't seem to understand how his Dad is still clinging to straws where Sharon is concerned. I guess I can understand Ben's concern, he clearly doesn't want his Dad to be made a fool of again. He makes the valid point that Sharon would never had ended up in this mess if she hadn't have slept with Keanu in the first place. In an attempt for once and for all keep Sharon away from his Dad, Ben takes it upon himself to confront her, but Sharon - being the vixen that she is, gives just as good as she gets, claiming that no one would even bat an eye-lid at Ben if he didn't share the same surname as his Dad! But interestingly, Ben gives her some food for thought, which leads to Sharon changing her mind about being involved with Phil's business. She approaches and Phil and claims she wants something that Albie can be proud of, she's had to confide in Phil for too long now and she needs to do things her way, for her son - which I think is perfectly reasonable and understandable!

The next day, she's look through the paper for all sorts of business opportunities, but as does so, she happens to over hear Peter and Kheerat talking about fitness! Could this be something that Sharon could look into? As Peter arrives home, looking worse for wear - I genuinely can't tell whether he's been for a run or whether he's been out getting pissed again - however, Sharon approaches him with an idea of getting into fitness. But Peter, being the immature male that his is, scoffs at the idea of Sharon wanting to get involved in fitness. She stands her ground though and claims that she doesn't want him to train her, but somehow grow a business in fitness, to which Peter sarcastically responds by questioning that she's wants to become a Personal Trainer?! Realising she's not getting anywhere with Peter, she seems to visit an old venue of the Square, something which I always thought got turned into "Ruby's". We see Sharon look at her phone and contact Jack, purposing that she has a business opportunity for him, but we can see that she's stood beside a business of building of some kind named "Ronnie!" - was this Ronnie's club or something before she passed away?! I can't remember what this piece was, if anyone can remind me, I'd love to find out! What could Sharon's next business be?!

The next thing on my list is the Slater's - mainly Lily for a change this time! Can I just say how brilliant it is to see the young actors and actresses being in the centre of a story for a change? After learning that her Mum is going to be going to prison, Lily can't seem to understand why her Nan isn't doing anything to help. Poor Jean has so much on her plate right now, she's having to deal with her terminal cancer and the fact that her daughter is going to prison. Interestingly, she happens to mention that this day happens to be Stacey's final day of freedom! Does this mean she'll be going to prison or going to trial very soon?!

Meanwhile, in another part of the Square, Billy and Honey are waiting to hear news about Janet's audition, eventually both Lily and Will happen to meet up on the Square, together they share stories about their families being at each other's throats. Lily confiding in Will about her Mum going to prison, the fact she called Ruby her "Wicked Step-Mum" was brilliant! But Will also informs her that his family isn't as different, as he's having to cope with his Mum and Dad bickering over his Mum's new relationship with Jay - it seems these two youngsters have more things in common than I realised. They both have dysfunctional families! To cheer his friend up, Will invites Lily to the celebratory party that's been planned for Janet.

As Lily and Will observe the events and discussions taking place in front of them, Lily questions whether Billy and Jay are rowing or actually being civil with each other, but the next thing that Will says seems to play on Lily's mind. He mentions that since Honey had her fall, both Jay and Billy have been nice to each other, mainly because they've had no choice. As Janet arrives for her surprise party it's revealed that she's been given the job for the ad campaign. As Lily returns home, Will's words play on her mind. She finds herself at the top of the stairs, she can overhear her Mum and Jean discussing what's going to happen over the next few days. Suddenly we hear a horrendous scream, Lily is seen lying almost unconscious at the bottom of the stairs. The poor girl has thrown herself from the stairs in an attempt to stop her family from arguing. Will she be okay?!

The final thing I need to mention is Mick and Frankie! After trying to get to know his daughter a lot better, he's come to learn that Frankie hasn't got her driver's licence yet. Determined to teach his daughter to drive, he takes Frankie out in the car, unfortunately things don't go to plan when the car seems to pack in! As much as Frankie tells her Dad not to worry, Mick begins to feel distraught, considering the fact the he hasn't been there for her as a child, he's eager to be there for her now she's come into his life. Eventually they manage to get the car starting again, however they're met with another issue when a car-park attendant places a ticket on the windscreen of the car.

As much as Mick tries to co-operate with the attendant, things only seem to escalate when he's accused of being a repeat offender. Mick admits he's taught his other children to drive in the exact same way, but the car-park attendant seems to really insult him by claiming he's broken the law numerous amounts of times. As Mick appears to lose his patience, he rips the ticket off the windscreen and throw it back at the attendant, poor Frankie is silent as she watches the events happening in front of her, luckily she thinks on her feet, gets into the car, starts the engine and reverses quickly for her Dad to jump in! In Mick's shock at her driving skills, he lunges into the car and they speed off before the car-park attendant can do anything else.

As they get home they determined to try again, but I have to say I love Frankie's humour! Claiming that she'd make a brilliant get away driver, she hilariously puts on a pair of tights over her head to play the role! After another successful driving lesson, it looks as if the car seems to have another issue, as Mick continues to see to the car, his phone begins to ring. Frankie finds it, claiming it's a bloke called "Tom" - however Mick informs her to ignore the call, instantly Frankie is suspicious and begins to question her Dad, however Mick seems to make a comment which doesn't sit well with Frankie, claiming she's "Beginning to sound like her Mother!". Frankie is deeply hurt by this comment and walks away, making Mick realise he's said the completely wrong thing!

In a desperate attempt to make it up to her, he follows and claims that the bloke he ignored the phone call from was someone he was meant to speak to revolving around his sexual abuse as a child. Frankie completely understands and Mick states that because she's his daughter, she will be a Carter! As they return to the Vic, Frankie appears to be confronted by old school bullies who seem to have tracked her down after hearing the news about her Mum. Mick however seems to seething after hearing everything they're saying, but Frankie is proves that she is more than capable of looking out for herself, putting the bullies right in their place, which leaves a huge smile on Mick's face, she truly is his daughter! Only as they try again when she's behind the bar, Mick takes his chance to step in, however when he informs them to stop hassling Frankie her referrers to her as his "Staff" and not his daughter! This clearly upsets Frankie as she comes realise that even though she's longing to become a part of his family and become a real "Carter" - Mick finds it really hard to call her his "Daughter!" - even though he's said it directly to her, he can't seem to admit it to other people!

I really hope that Mick will overcome this fear of admitting who Frankie really is, if he's has any hope of building a relationship with her, that is the first thing he's going to have to do! I know I've said it once and I'm going to say it again, I really can't wait for Nancy to return, I'm really excited to the see the sister dynamic between Nancy and Frankie, it's going to be brilliant! What do you think of the soap so far? If there are thoughts and opinions you'd like to share, please feel free to leave me a comment or message, I'll always take the time to respond! Thank you all for your on-going support! Love you all xXx

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dashoftime · 4 years

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Star Trek Disco Prologue

CBS will air Season 1 of Star Trek: Discovery starting this Thursday at 10/9c.

Before the season begins, a Tribble Triple Feature! Each of these episodes are available on Netflix, Hulu, or CBS All Access. Probably Amazon too, but I didn’t check ‘cause truly is there anything less utopian than Amazon?

TOS 2x15 “The Trouble with Tribbles” TAS 1x05 “More Tribbles, More Troubles” DS9 5x06 “Trials and Tribble-ations”

Star Trek launched in September 1966. Writer Gene Roddenberry had pitched the series as a western set in outer space. But he also wanted to comment upon current events, like war and sex and religion, without attracting the ire of network censors. Season 2′s “The Trouble with Tribbles” lays out a lot of the core ideals of Star Trek that carry over the decades.

The characters hail from different backgrounds, collaborating to solve big problems — in this case, an ecological crisis. Despite their varied perspectives, they share camaraderie, respect, and a surprising amount of snark. They’re also very competent, but that doesn’t prevent disasters from happening, or the crew from simply making mistakes. This isn’t a show about space. This is a show about people who work in space.

And the people out there aren’t all friendly. We meet some adversarial aliens, namely the Klingons. We’re told they’re ferocious, brutal warriors — but Koloth actually seems quite cordial and crafty, less like a warrior and more like a spy. Rather than wage open war, they genetically modify one of their own to appear human. Which is pretty silly, ‘cause the budget constraints of the ’60s mean that Klingons already look human! These aliens seem remarkably familiar and accessible. The far more frustrating adversaries are self-important administrators like Nils Barris, or destructive capitalists like Cyrano Jones.

Star Trek features flawed heroes, frustrating villains... and a lot of moralizing. Uhura advocates on behalf of the tribbles, saying they’re “the only love money can buy.” Kirk retorts, “Too much of anything, even love, isn’t necessarily a good thing.” The bold colors and witty quips can make the morals feel reductive, even cartoonish. But for me, that’s kind of the point. Star Trek presents ethics and philosophy in a simple, accessible way. I won’t claim they’re right 100% of the time, and some of its attitudes shift over the decades — but even this early on, Star Trek stands for harmony, cooperation, and inclusion. And those are perspectives that should be cartoonishly simple.

Speaking of cartoons, I took a swing with “More Tribbles, More Troubles.” I’m curious how people feel about the pacing and the primitive animation. This is one of the funnier and more action-packed episodes of The Animated Series. If folks tell me they struggled with it, I’ll cut the remaining handful of cartoons from the schedule.

I’m tickled that they bring Cyrano Jones and Koloth back; and that writer David Gerrold returns, building upon the tribbles’ previous ecological threat by introducing an ineffective predator, the glommer. I also just really enjoy the gag of Kirk repeatedly shoving an ever-growing tribble out of his chair.

Once again, the Klingons are up to crafty business, slowing down the Enterprise with an immobilizing ray and targeting some drone ships. We see more space combat than we did in live action, but it’s still more strategic than open warfare. And again, I suspect it’s a budget issue — the recycled shots of photon torpedoes suggest more action would’ve been too expensive. The result is that the Klingons just don’t seem that ferocious yet. Ultimately Koloth doesn’t even want to punish Cyrano Jones, he just wants his useless science experiment back.

So let’s see how the Klingons change over the decades! Thirty years after the original series, Deep Space Nine uses time travel to explore Star Trek’s history. “Trials and Tribble-ations” was a 30th anniversary celebration for Star Trek, utilizing the same technology that inserted Tom Hanks into historical footage for Forrest Gump.

Integrating two versions of Star Trek across time poses some aesthetic and continuity challenges.

The Klingons of ’90s Star Trek have a much more elaborate make-up design — forehead ridges, wigs, sharpened teeth, etc. They also act more ferocious than the old Klingons. So when 24th-century Klingon Worf shares the screen with the budget-constrained 23rd-century Klingons, fan culture almost demands an explanation. This anniversary episode obliges with a throwaway joke: “It is a long story, and we do not discuss it with outsiders.”

Not every aspect of style needs an onscreen explanation. “Trials and Tribble-ations” was lucky that its visual style adapted so well to the classic series. TOS (The Original Series) and DS9 both used a square 1:33:1 aspect ratio, ’cause that was the shape of everyone’s TV. The DS9 production crew built retro sets, mimicked the same lighting, and were able to insert their actors into the original shots.

This technique is no longer possible, because the technology we use to make TV has changed so much. Even the shape of the frame is different -- we’ve all got widescreen TVs now. If 21st century Trek wants to revisit its past, it must fundamentally re-conceive how those spaces are constructed, lit, and framed.

In 1996, Star Trek was free to engage with nostalgia, caressing its old tricorders and uniforms, admiring it old performances and sets, even reliving the same story points. There’s a certain degree of pleasure and comfort to this, but it makes me a little nervous.

Roddenberry intended for Star Trek to comment upon the world we live in. While “The Trouble with Tribbles” is a comedy about ecological dangers, “Trials and Tribble-ations” is simply a comedy about old Star Trek. It’s a much more limited perspective. And it’s a limited perspective that’s broadly affected pop culture for the past twenty years.

Since 2000, we’ve seen a huge rise in reboots and origin stories. (eg. Batman Begins, Casino Royale, Battlestar Galactica, Man of Steel, etc.) We usually hear that studios only trust audiences to pay for something familiar. I’d like to frame it more charitably and say, in the wake of 9/11, we’re collectively reviewing the stories that defined our culture and deciding which values and lessons are still relevant to us. Star Trek did this too.

In 2001, we got the prequel series Enterprise. 100 years before Kirk and Spock, it follows a pioneer crew on an experimental ship called Enterprise. Season 2 invokes 9/11 when an alien attack destroys Florida, and the grieving crew embark on a mission of vengeance. It was a way to comment on the invasion of Afghanistan. By season 4, the current events commentary was replaced by stories to revisit Star Trek’s lore, including a two-parter to explain Worf’s throwaway joke in “Trials and Tribble-ations” about Klingon appearances.

After Enterprise ended, we got the J.J. Abrams reboot movies, which tell an alternate origin story for Kirk and his classic crew. In the 2009 movie, an alien attack destroys the planet Vulcan, and a grieving Spock seeks vengeance. He’s still grieving in Into Darkness, but gets distracted by a character from Star Trek’s past...

If all Star Trek can do is comment upon itself, it’s no longer serving its purpose. Star Trek must be aware of the cultural, economic, and political challenges we face, and it needs to offer a vision for how we could overcome them.

We’re about to begin Star Trek: Discovery, a show drenched with contemporary awareness and semiotic significance. It takes place 90 years after Enterprise, 10 years before Kirk, and therefore has a peculiar relationship with time — both within its story, and within our world beyond the show. Discovery is Star Trek finally breaking free of its origins and serving the purpose Trek should: envisioning a way forward into a utopian future where there’s space and freedom for us all.

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yundaysss · 4 years

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AAAA hello everyone i’m peep and this is my bb evelyn !! :~) i haven’t tumblr rp’d in like two years so a bitch is gonna be learnin as she goes but i’m soooo excited bc everyone’s muses look dope as hell and everyone seems so cool and UGH y’all i am so Ready ... IOJEQIQJW but yes this is evelyn shes sweet dramatic naive idealistic and just started her dj career and lowkey has a secret child ugh anyway lets mf GO <3

˖ °╰ ⌜ [ MUSE 3, KIM CHUNGHA, TWENTY-THREE, CIS FEMALE, SHE/HER ] hey, have you seen EVELYN YUN ? last time i saw them i think they were hanging around THE GOOD ROOM. they can kind of be IDEALISTIC but can also be pretty SUSCEPTIBLE. they’re often caught listening to HERE BY NAMASENDA ! they also tend to remind me of NEON FAUX FUR, Y2K ERA BUBBLEGUM POP, CHARLIE’S ANGELS, ZENON: GIRL OF THE 21ST CENTURY, POWERPUFF GIRLS ! let me know if you’ve seen them around, they’ve been working at the championship around ONE YEAR and they’re late for their shift ! ( peep , 22 , est , she/her )

STATISTICS

FULL NAME: evelyn yun NICKNAME(S): evie, eve, e AGE: twenty - four GENDER + PRONOUNS: cis female + she/her ORIENTATION: bisexual ZODIAC: cancer sun, leo moon BIRTHDAY: june 30th, 1996 PLACE OF BIRTH: syracuse, new york LOVE LANGUAGE: words of affirmation, quality time OCCUPATION(S): championship vinyl employee by day, aspiring dj by night DRINKING / DRUGS / SMOKING: yes / yes / sometimes LABEL: the loose cannon / one who cannot control their own emotions and may act out as a result of this TRAITS: (+) idealistic, good-natured, reflective, loyal, sensitive, playful, reliable, resourceful, sentimental, shrewd, / (-) susceptible, imprudent, escapist, dependent, naive, distracted, moody, overemotional, dramatic

BIOGRAPHY

the following biography page contains the following: abortion mention, underage partying.

read at your own risk.

she was born in the 90′s, in the midst of europop and grunge. and yet, evelyn was born into what she would later feel to be a very boring situation — two scientists working at syracuse university who were on the cusp of their forties. besides her parents, she has one older brother who is seven years his junior, which caused a bit of a power struggle in her childhood. from a very young age, she felt the weight of filling shoes that were too big for her. never seeing her parents fail openly in front of her caused the girl to have an enormous weight of pressure as soon as grades started mattering in middle school. the pressure didn’t just come from her parents, either. as evelyn was coming into her own, her brother was there every step of the way to push her confidence back down. always under the guise of ‘playing around’ and ‘just teasing’, her self worth quickly eroded until he moved out when she was fourteen.

which lead to the mess that was her high school experience. it wasn’t long before she realized she didn’t have a knack for school and her wilted self worth was convincing her that she never will. eventually, she found comfort in online forums and social network platforms, often friending complete strangers, which later evolved into coming across profiles of people in the nyc underground nightclub scene. from this, these profiles soon became her closest friends and the people she felt truly understood her the most. so of course, by the time she was able to drive, she decided to sneak out on the weekends to new york city and meet these people.

and, truthfully, it wasn’t bad. at first. they were very welcoming and supportive, and always knew where to go to have the chaotic night they all wanted. they helped evelyn score a fake id (though, to their knowledge, she was nineteen, never realizing she was sixteen the whole time) and eventually helped score her smaller drugs like weed. but after having weed and later trying pills, the teenager kept craving more and more, wanting to both escape and feel closer to the music, the people, everything, more more more. which is where things got rough.

first off, it was inevitable that her parents would find out as evelyn was never good with lying. she would tell them she’s going to nyc to network or some bullshit, she would come home the next day clearly looking wrecked, her parents would yell at her, take her car away too. but she’d always find a way back to the city on the weekends. when she wouldn’t come home for days? and even miss days of school? yeah, they were starting to worry the fuck out. also because, evelyn stopped coming home one weekend. she didn’t answer her parents’ messages and truthfully, she felt like she’d be happy never returning back to her old life. which is why she moved in with her club boyfriend at the time at seventeen.

it was a mature decision for sure, but very reckless. and the severity of the situation did not hit her until a year later, when she realized she missed her period. and she wanted to get an abortion, definitely, but honestly a part of her thought maybe this was the plan for her life. that this would give her structure, force her to grow up a bit, and her boyfriend had surprisingly been supportive at this point; the two still being in the honeymoon phase a whole year later. so, at 3:04am on december 3rd, 2014, her beautiful boy charlie was born. and at 8:32pm on july 26th, 2016, her boyfriend left. apparently deciding to spend some time in thailand to ‘figure his shit out’. must be fucking nice.

it stabbed her to her core that this person, who helped define her recent years, was suddenly gone and she had to raise his child all alone at twenty. the bone-crushing pressure she was so successful at escaping for years returned in full again and she wasn’t able to handle it. she decided to contact her ex-boyfriend’s parents, knowing calling her own for advice was not an option and recognizing that the child would grow up in a more emotionally and financially stable environment with them. and since that day, his parents has been charlie’s legal guardians. though, evelyn still makes a trip to the upper east side every weekend to see him.

WANTED CONNECTIONS / OTHER

i have a page HERE with like four ideas but lets def plot and figure out our own thing too ayooo <3

also lmk if you want me to give you a rundown of the bio since it’s long :~)

#evelyn.bio

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violetsystems · 4 years

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Year after year, the luminaries of international development, from Bill Gates to Jim Kim, Nick Kristof to Steven Pinker, line up to tell us about the wonderful progress that has been made against global poverty. According to the most recent estimates, published by the World Bank, there were "only" 734 million people living on less than $1.90 per day in 2015, down from 1.9 billion people in 1990.

It sounds like wonderful news. But there is a problem with this narrative. Oddly enough, there is no empirical basis for the $1.90 line. It is an arbitrary threshold that has no grounding in actual human needs. Empirical evidence shows that $1.90 per day is not even enough for people to secure decent nutrition, to say nothing of other basic requirements. In fact, at least 3.5 billion people live on more than this, and yet remain trapped in poverty.

It is important to recognise that the international poverty line is adjusted for purchasing power. When we hear $1.90 per day, we commonly assume that this means the equivalent of what an American might be able to buy with that amount of money in, say, Sudan or India. But exactly the opposite is true. It is the equivalent of what $1.90 can buy in the United States. Just think for a moment about what this means. It is virtually nothing.

To get a sense for how low this standard is, the economist David Woodward once calculated that to live on the international poverty line in Britain, in an earlier base year, would be like 35 people trying to survive "on a single minimum wage, with no benefits of any kind, no gifts, borrowing, scavenging, begging or savings to draw on (since these are all included as "income" in poverty calculations)." This goes beyond any definition of "extreme".

This brings us to an important question. Why is it that the barons of international development judge the lives of people in the global South by $1.90 per day, when everyone agrees - including the World Bank itself - that this standard is far too low for a human being in the global North? For comparison, the poverty line in the US is $15 per day.

There is a clear double standard here, and it does not take much to recognise that it is racist. There is one standard for the (majority white) people of the North, and another standard for the (majority Black and brown) people of the South. It is a colonial logic that remains with us today, and goes unchallenged year after year.

Some try to justify this disparity by saying these are totally separate economies, and so they require separate standards. But this premise - the idea of separation - is simply not true. The economies of the North and South have been integrated into a single global system for at least 500 years, ever since the onset of colonialism.

We know that the rise of the North depended on cheap labour and raw materials extracted from the South during the colonial period. It depended on silver stolen from the Andes, rubber from the Congo, grain extracted from India, as well as sugar and cotton grown by enslaved Africans on land stolen from Indigenous Peoples.

This might seem like ancient history, but the very same arrangement remains in place today. People in the global South sew the clothes that Steven Pinker wears each day. They assemble Bill Gates' laptops, including the one that Nick Kristof uses to write his columns. They grow and pick the bananas and berries that Jim Kim has for breakfast. And then there is our coffee and tea, the coltan in our gadgets, the oil that fuels our industries, the lithium we need for electric cars … everywhere we look, it is overwhelmingly clear that we live in a single global economy.

In fact, trade data shows that high-income nations are totally reliant on resources and labour from the South. In 2015, high-income nations appropriated a net total of 10.1 billion tonnes of materials, and 379 billion hours of human labour from the rest of the world. There is an enormous net flow of resources and embodied labour from poor countries to rich countries.

One cannot have it both ways. You cannot have a single global economy when it suits you to use the labour and resources of the poor, but then insist on separation in order to measure their lives by different standards. That is the logic of apartheid.

Global capitalism depends on resources and labour extracted from the South, and yet the people who render it - including those who work in the factories, mines and plantations of multinational companies - receive but pennies in return. Pinker and Gates tell us to celebrate when workers in the South go from one to two dollars a day. But would we celebrate if we learned that workers in the North were earning two dollars a day, while employed by the biggest brands in the world? No. We would be outraged. Because for workers in the North we apply the standards of morality and justice, yet for workers in the South we apply the standards of bare existence.

The analogy to apartheid is appropriate. South African law required one wage for white people and a much lower wage for Black people. Those who benefitted from this system insisted that it was natural: just how the market works. Economists devised elaborate arguments to explain why Black people's labour was worth less - ignoring, of course, that the economy depended on it.

Similar arguments persist today. Economists say that workers in the South have lower wages because of lower productivity. But it is not true. Keep in mind that in many cases they are working for the same companies with the same technology (say, a GM factory in Mexico, or a Nike sweatshop in Bangladesh). In fact, Southern workers are often more productive than their Northern counterparts, as they work under much more extractive conditions. And yet they are paid as little as 1/30th the amount - for the same work, in the same industries.

For 500 years, capital has relied on the devaluation of lives in the global South, whether it be through colonisation, dispossession, genocide and slavery, or, more recently, through structural adjustment programmes, free trade agreements and corporate land grabs that depress the costs of Southern labour and resources. The $1.90 line is the legacy of this long history. It is part of a colonial ideology that sees people of colour as cheap.

In the 21st century, in the era of Black Lives Matter, we can no longer accept the racist double standards of international development. We must reject the logic of apartheid. If we are going to live in a single global economy, then we must demand a single standard for all human lives: that all people receive fair wages for their labour and fair prices for their resources. This is the principle that international development must demand, if it is to have any moral standing. This is what real progress looks like.

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the-practical-pagan · 4 years

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Norse Germanic Holidays

I thought for my first post I would write about the holidays as we all love a good holiday.

I follow the Traditional Norse Rites as closely as I can, which, with the lack of historical evidence and the infiltration of Christianity at the beginning of the 11th Century it can be quite a difficult process to winnow out what is uncompromised tradition.

However, after saying all that, here is the list of Norse Holidays that I have researched and which have a traditional basis.

(I will put my thoughts in parentheses and make them italic. My personal thoughts are just that, personal thoughts and in no way are based in fact)

Jol/Jul (Yule) - Winter equinox, the shortest day

December 20th - 22nd

A celebration of the New Year.

On the first night, Mother’s night, Frigga and the Disir are honored. Also, it is said that the God Freyr rides over the earth astride the back of his shining boar bringing light and hope back to the world for the coming spring.

There are numerous references to this festival in the sagas.

Disting

February 2nd

This is a farming festival at its heart. Women past and present are honored and the fields are planted along with the first market or fair of the year. A feast is held to ensure that the coming months will be blessed with fruitfulness.

Ostara / Eostre (Easter) - Spring Equinox

March 20th - 21st

As it is still celebrated today, Ostara was the festival of Spirit and the Goddess Ostara. Coloured and decorated eggs were gifted to one another and the rabbit was especially welcomed.

Pretty much all of the Gods & Goddesses were worshipped at this festival.

Walpurgis

April 22nd - April 30th

The nine nights of the 22nd to the 30th are venerated to Odin who sacrificed himself on the World Tree for the runes and the knowledge on how to use them. It is said it was on the last night, the 30th, that he beheld the Runes, died, the 9 worlds’ light was extinguished and chaos reigned until he came back to life at the darkest part of the night (midnight). It is when the clock hits midnight then immense balefires are said to have been lit to chase away the darkness and light Odin’s way home.

“No true Germanic Heathen name survives for May Eve; the German Walpurgisnacht is derived from the well-documented Christian St. Walpurga. To avoid confusion, and because no better name survives, Many Germanic heathens have replaced ‘Walpurga’ with the name of the second-century Germanic seeress ‘Waluburg’. This festival marks the beginning of summer in Scandinavia. In all the Germanic countries, it is seen as a time when witches are particularly active, a belief memorialized in Goethe’s description of the witch-moot on the Brocken (Faust, Act I) and Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain”. It is also the Germanic equivalent of Valentine’s Day and a night of love: young men are expected to go out into the woods to gather green branches and wildflowers with which they decorate the windows of their beloveds. For both these reasons, Heathens consider Freya to be the ruler of this festival, as she is the mistress of both witchcraft and love. The traditional ‘Maypole’ or ‘May Tree’ is also a part of the celebration of this feast; in Scandinavia, the ‘May Tree’ is carried about in processions, a practice which probably goes back to the Vanic fruitfulness-procession of earliest Heathen times. Fires were kindled on grave mounds or other high places on this night; it is traditional for folk to leap through the flames for luck. A fire kindled by friction (the ‘need-fire’) might also be used to protect cattle against illness or cure them.” - The Pagan Journey

Midsummer / Midsumarblot

June 20th - 21st

The celebration of the Sun is at its height. Midsummer is the festival of power and activity.

Midsummer is recognized because it is the longest day of the year; thus, the year begins to age after this point and therefore the days grow progressively shorter. The God Baldur is claimed to have been sacrificed at this point but is reborn in the Jol.

Midsummer celebrations consist of feasts, dancing, singing and general partying. During the day, people make wreaths, headdresses, and corn dollies which were burnt in the night’s bonfire. The maypole was also a big part of the celebration, being dressed in greenery and flowers and with people dancing around it for fertility.

Lithasblot

July 31st - August 1st

The harvest festival was a celebration of the bounty that the gods had blessed the people with. Food was distributed out to the poor and needy and loaves were made in the shape of the fylfot (which was soon discontinued due to the symbol being used by the Nazi’s)

Lithasblot has long been associated with powerful ceremonial magical workings, and it is suggested that the magical lodges of England performed a working in 1941 to repel the German invasion force)

Unfortunately, not much remains of what exactly went on during this festival traditionally, as the tradition was quickly taken over by Christianity.

Mabon / Haustblot

September 22nd - 23rd - Autumn Equinox

Not the biggest festival, from the disparate historical record it seems as if this was a long-running festival while the harvest was being brought in, feasts would have been common and bonfires with mead, singing and dancing as well. It is thought that there may have been animal slaughter may have been common as well (perhaps the meat from the animals was preserved in salt and also dried for over the winter?)

Far distant livestock and shepherds would be coming back to the home to overwinter as well.

Vetrnnaetr / Winternights

October 29th - November 2nd

The beginning of the Winter for those in the North. Remembrances of the dead and the ancestors were part of the ceremonies. It seemed that the celebrations were full of wild abandon and this was the time to consult the fates, sing magic songs, recites power poetry - also it was said that if one was to rest atop a grave for the entire night, they would be most powerful!

The Goddess Hel of the dead is honored on this day, as well as the Norns. Vor, the goddess of divination would have been honored also.

The festival marked the turning of Summer into Winter.

------

So there we go, please leave a note if I have missed any major holidays.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope it’s been interesting if not useful!

~ Scarlet

-------

Sources / Further Reading

Norse Holidays and Festivals

WalkingtheWyrd

Wizard Realm - Norse Holidays and Festivals

Wikipedia - Heathen Holidays

#norse #norse gods #heathen #pagan #nordic holidays #vikings #viking history #viking holidays #witchcraft #witchblr #new witch

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loadidaho651 · 3 years

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JSKing

Tips for a Safe Break

Jskins

Skinguard Restore Shampoo

Host a Table or Event for Family Weekend 2019! June 28th, 2019; in Uncategorized Family Tailgate. As our office prepares for Family Weekend 2019, which will be held September 20-22, we are reaching out to campus partners to help us welcome UA family members to campus.In the past, many offices have held open houses or events throughout the weekend, which we include in the schedule on our. Listen to Love DNA on Spotify. JSKing Single 2015 1 songs.

More than 50 text utilities in 1 software. Text manipulation such as codec, lines, regular expressions, hashing, statistics. Japplis toolbox - plugin detail Text information, text manipulation and tools. It includes encoding, decoding of URL, base64, ROT13, ROT47, Java unicode, hexadecimal and more. It lists Java system properties, environment variables and Swing properties. Japplis toolbox.

October 30th, 2020

in November 2020 ENewsletter

The excitement is building for Thanksgiving and winter breaks. Many students will be leaving their living spaces and vehicles for large portions of time during the breaks. As you may be aware, burglaries can increase during holiday periods, especially in areas where the population can become sparse, such as apartment complexes with large student populations. You may be wondering how your student can keep their rooms and belongings safe while traveling. We have a few tips to help you and your student have a relaxing and safe break. We have also included some travel information that may be helpful in planning.

Safety Information

Tell your student to lock everything, including their car, home/room doors, windows, etc.

Never leave a spare door key under a mat or car keys in the car when parked.

If your student will be leaving their car in Tuscaloosa over the break, encourage them to park it in a well-lit and populated area, preferably a parking lot or garage with security cameras.

While your student is away from Tuscaloosa, see if they can ask someone staying in town to keep an eye on their apartment or belongings. They can pick up any delivered items and the look of activity may keep potential threats away.

Your student should let their landlord know they will be gone during breaks if they will be gone longer than 5 days. This may be required in the lease, and if something happens in your student’s absence, the landlord needs to know they’re not there!

If your student cannot find someone to look after their belongings, using timers to turn lights, radios, and televisions on and off can simulate a normal routine.

Keep belongings – especially valuables – out of sight, both at home and in the car. It may be better for your student to bring valuable items, such as laptops, jewelry, or sentimental objects, with them while they travel.

Don’t post personal travel plans on social media for all to see, wait until after break to disclose location via social media.

Encourage your student to always be aware of their surroundings, whether this be while traveling home through an airport/ bus station, or in general day-to-day life.

If your student will be out of town for several days, have them contact the postal service to cancel those services for the time they are away. Mail piling up can make your student’s home a target for burglaries.

Unplug appliances such as TVs, computers, printers, toasters, extension cords, etc., in case there is a power surge.

Throw away perishable food items.

Clean up outside and put away trash cans, grills, and outdoor furniture. Do not put grills inside the home.

Take out the trash before departure.

Jskins

Library monkey pro. Content contributed by UAPD and Off-Campus Resources.

There is a world of benefits to studying other cultures, including positive attitudes toward your environment and increased job opportunities. At Salisbury University, we believe it’s important for students to view the world from multiple perspectives. The Fulton School offers five exciting area studies minors to help prepare our students for life, work and citizenship in the global 21st century, including an African area studies minor.

Why Choose African Area Studies at SU?

Skinguard Restore Shampoo

We educate students in understanding the world outside the United States so that they can better serve as informed citizens in a democratic society and also as professionals in careers spanning national boundaries. For students interested in pursuing careers that stretch beyond our borders, SU also offers an international studies major.

All of the Fulton School’s area studies minors have the following in common:

They require five courses spread across at least three different areas of study, including fine arts, history, humanities and social sciences.

They require either two semesters of foreign language study in a language appropriate for the area of the world in question or testing results that demonstrate a 102-level proficiency. (Note: This requirement is incorporated into the five courses for African area studies minors.)

They feature at least one SU abroad partner institution where students may choose to spend a full semester and take four courses/16 credits toward the minor.

One of the most exciting aspects of the minor is its study abroad component:

When minors do a semester abroad program with our institutional partners, students have the ability to complete the minor, in most cases, with one semester at SU and one semester abroad. This makes it easy for you to choose a minor and experience a full semester abroad, no matter what your major is.

Students who choose to spend a semester studying abroad at the foreign partner institution take SU courses, earn an SU-applicable GPA and pay SU prices.

Students who spend a semester studying at an SU foreign partner institution may earn up to four courses/16 credits because these courses are considered SU courses, not transfer courses. They are simply delivered off campus by faculty of a foreign partner institution.

Curriculum

Auto clicker for mac youtube. Visit our catalog to see the requirements for this minor:

Our School and Faculty

Learn more about the Fulton School of Liberal Arts, including our faculty, in-depth program information and student resources.

Study Abroad Programs

Our program encourages SU students to study abroad in places like Ghana, Africa.

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architectnews · 3 years

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Neutelings Riedijk Architects, Netherlands

Neutelings Riedijk Architects Studio, Dutch Designs, Netherlands Architecture Office

Neutelings Riedijk, Rotterdam Practice

Contemporary Architecture Practice, The Netherlands Design Studio Information

24 June 2021

Neutelings Riedijk Architects News

Gare Maritime wins Belgian Building Award

Neutelings Riedijk Architects is proud and happy that their project Gare Maritime has received the Belgian Building Award! This new covered neighbourhood on the Tour & Taxis site in Brussels is being praised worldwide as an exemplary project of sustainable transformation.

photo : Filip Dujardin / © Neutelings Riedijk Architects

MORE AWARDS Besides the Belgian Building Award in the main category Utility Building, Gare Maritime has already won several other prestigious awards, both in the fields of architecture, retail and heritage. To name a few: The ARC20 Dutch Architecture Award, the Belgian Timber Constructions Award, the Europa Nostra Heritage Award, the RES Development Award and nominations for the MIPIM Awards, Uli Awards and the EU Mies van der Rohe Award.

You can vote for Gare Maritime to win the Europa Nostra Public Choice Award.

REALTY SUMMIT IN GARE MARITIME In September 2021, the Realty Summit – Belgium’s Real Estate Fair – will take place in the Gare Maritime and Neutelings Riedijk Architects will also be present. Tuesday morning September 21th, Michiel Riedijk will lecture about the innovative wood constructions of this largest CLT (Cross Laminated Timber)-project in Europe. We hope to meet you there. Save the date!

SUMMER VISIT Come and visit Gare Maritime in Brussels and enjoy the ‘Summer of Tour & Taxis’. Now that summer is just around the corner – and the COVID-19 measures are easing – more and more offices, stores and bars are opening their doors and Gare Maritime is really coming to life.

photograph : Filip Dujardin / © Neutelings Riedijk Architects

26 + 20 Nov 2013

Neutelings Riedijk Studio Information

Neutelings Riedijk Architects represented in Saint Petersburg and Moscow

Neutelings Riedijk Architects has been active in Russia through work on the flagship store in Moscow of fashion designer Valentin Yudashkin and invitations for the architectural competitions of the Polytechnic Museum Moscow and the Perm State Tchaikovsky Opera and Ballet Theatre.

To follow current developments in this region Michiel Riedijk is one of the members of a roundtable discussion held at the Moscow Institute of Architecture on Friday November 21st, highlighting the achievements and opportunities in architecture and urban planning in Russia. In celebration of The Netherlands-Russia Year 2013, the exhibition The Fantastic Library will open on Saturday November 30th.

The culture house Rozet and the Netherlands Institute of Sound and Vision are on display at the State Russian Library Moscow until December 15th. Neutelings Riedijk Architects will present recent work in Saint Petersburg on Saturday November 22nd at a public lecture. After the lecture the guests will be able to enjoy a selection of movies during the Netherlands Architecture Film Festival.

Additionally Neutelings Riedijk Architects will also be represented at the Pro Urban Forum in Saint Petersburg on Monday November 25th at their conferences as well as part of an exhibition held during the forum organised by the Dutch Consulate. Alternatively work by Neutelings Riedijk Architects can also be seen in exhibitions at the Centre Pompidou in Paris and at the Design Shanghai, both until March 2014.

The three projects in more detail:

Moscow Polytechnical Museum image from Neutelings Riedijk Architects The Moscow Polytechnical Museum is transformed into a ‘City of Innovation’ where past, present and future of the human inventiveness come together. The nineteenth century museum will be renovated with respect to the existing qualities. The courtyard is covered to form the new heart of the museum. This central hall is opened up on all sides to connect to the public domain of the city. The glazed roof of the courtyard forms a big event hall, hovering over the museum. This multi-purpose hall creates a new public space where the techological future of Russia is represented while a spectacular panorama over Moscow city center is offered.

Program: 30.000 m2 museum Client: Polytechnical Museum, Moscow Status: Competition design 2011

Valentin Yudashkin Flagship store and headquarters image from Neutelings Riedijk Architects The Valentin Yudashkin Flagship store and headquarters is situated at an important crossing along Kutuzovsky Boulevard. The building has a matroesjka like box in box organization. The outer box is a fragile structure clad with the Yudashkin brand logo in coloured relief glass panes, forming a winter garden and restaurant. Inside the glass box stands a huge wooden cabinet as a precious chest that contains all the Yudashkin marvels. The heart of the cabinet is the golden room, aligned by pivoting panels and mirrors. This room is the main retail space but acts at the same time as a theatre were all kind of cultural and commercial events can be staged.

Program: 5000 m2 Client: Valentin Yudashkin, Moscow Status: Invited competition 2007

Perm State Tchaikovsky Opera and Ballet Theatre image from Neutelings Riedijk Architects The extension of the nineteenth century Perm State Tchaikovsky Opera and Ballet Theatre is conceived as a gently stepped podium forming a continuation of the park landscape. Two objects are floating above the podium, as sculptures in the Park, next to the existing theatre. One side houses the Rehearsal Studios in a vertical element, the other side houses the new theatre room in a horizontal element. By opening the rehearsal rooms, the foyer and the theatre room to the park, a multitude of theatrical possibilities within one single complex are offered. A revolutionary machine floor and ceiling makes several theatre settings possible. Allowing the new Theatre to host all kinds of contemporary theatre productions.

Program: 33.000 m2 Client: City of Perm Status: International Competition, 2nd prize

18 Jun 2012

Designs for International Competitions by Neutelings Riedijk Architects The MAS | Museum Aan de Stroom – in Antwerp, designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architects, has now been open for one year. Being a big success, the museum has welcomed 1 million visitors since its opening. Neutelings Riedijk Architects worked on several other projects for new international museums.

Last year, the office has been selected for competitions on large museum projects such as the Musée Régional in Narbonne, France, The House of European History, Brussels, and the Polytechnical Museum in the centre of Moscow. Currently, Neutelings Riedijk Architects is designing the second phase of the masterplan for the renovation and extension of the Cincinnati Art Museum; the rehabilitation of the Adams Emery Wing, with a surface of about 5.000 m2. The office has also been invited to take part in the prestigious competition for the extension of the Kunsthalle in Mannheim, Germany. The new wing, with a surface of 10.000 m2 will host the most important contemporary artists. 8 Mar 2012

Monograph of Neutelings Riedijk Architects The new monograph of Neutelings Riedijk Architects has been published as part of the international renowned series El Croquis for the second time since 1998. photo from Neutelings Riedijk Architects Titled ‘Neutelings Riedijk – Conventions and Identity’, this monograph will give a selected overview of projects from 2003 to 2012 and focuses on the use of ornamentation in architecture. The issue contains texts by Aaron Betsky, Michiel Riedijk and an interview by Enrique Walker with Willem Jan Neutelings and Michiel Riedijk.

Thirteen iconic projects are shown such as the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp, the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision in Hilversum, the Shipping and Transport College in Rotterdam and the ‘Walterboscomplex’ Tax Office in Apeldoorn. Also competition work is included like the Antwerp Port Coordination Center (ACC) and projects under construction such as the Culture House in Arnhem and the Culture House in Amersfoort.

Neutelings Riedijk Architects – Key Projects

Buildings by Neutelings Riedijk Architects, alphabetical:

Antwerp City Museum, Antwerp, Belgium 2000-09

Apeldoorn Tax Office, The Netherlands 2001-07 € 60M Central Tax Office office towers for Dutch Government

Breda Fire station, The Netherlands 1996-99

Casino, Utrecht, Holland 2005-09

City Hall & Library, Deventer, Holland 2006-10

The Eemhuis – cultural centre, Amersfoort, The Netherlands 2006-09

Fire Station, Maastricht, Holland 1996-99

Four Apartments, Antwerp 1988-92

Hotel / Retail development, Porte de la Villette, Paris, France 2005-09

The Kolizej Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia 2004- International Competition 2004: 1st Prize won by Neutelings & Riedijk Facilties: theatre; offices; apartments; retail

Leuven Performing Arts Center, Holland 1998-2002

Mediacenter, Hilversum – Netherlands Institute For Sound And Vision, The Netherlands 1999-2006 Coloured relief glass facade by graphic designer Jaap Drupsteen showing key images from Dutch television € 40m

Mullerpier Apartments, Rotterdam harbour , The Netherlands 1998-2008 60 apartments Neutelings & Riedijk with van Bergen Kolpa Architecten

Mullerpier Apartments, Rotterdam harbour, Holland 1999-2003 42 apartments, pool, retail Neutelings & Riedijk with van Bergen Kolpa Architecten

Offices – former bicycle factory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1999-2002

Panorama housing at Lake Gooimeer, Huizen, Holland 1993-2002 75 terraced houses

Post Office, Zichem, Belgium 1994-97 Prinsenhoek Apartments, Sittard, Holland 1992-96 32 apartments, retail space

Printshop, Ede, The Netherlands 1995-97 Serigraphed glass façade by graphic designer Karel Martens with text by Dutch poet K. Schippers For Veenman Printers, Ede

Regional Support Center for the Dutch Roads and Waterworks Departments, Harlingen, The Netherlands 1997-98

Row Houses, Tilburg, Holland 1992-96 17 terraced houses Site of former textile factory

Row Housing, Docklands, Amsterdam 1994-98 32 dwellings

Schiphol office building, Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands 1997-2001

Shipping and Transport College tower, Rotterdam harbour, The Netherlands 2001-05

Social Housing, Amsterdam 1994-98 153 housing units; day care nursery Former Water Works site

Social Housing, Gent 1993-98 120 housing units; day care centre

Sphinxes – Five apartment buildings, Gooimeer Lake, Huizen, Holland 1996-2003 Thirteen apartments in each block, 65 apartments in total

Utrecht University Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands 1994-98

Walter Bos complex, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands 2007

More buildings / projects by Neutelings & Riedijk Architects online soon

Neutelings Riedijk : main page – news + building images

Location: Rotterdam, Holland, Netherlands

Rotterdam Architecture Practice Information

Architect office based in Rotterdam, Holland

Rotterdam Architects

Dutch Architecture

Neutelings & Riedijk : Dutch Architects

Architecture Studios

Comments / photos for the Neutelings & Riedijk – Rotterdam Design Studio page welcome

Website: https://neutelings-riedijk.com/

The post Neutelings Riedijk Architects, Netherlands appeared first on e-architect.

#e-architect

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loisinherlane · 3 years

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(Booster Gold (2007) #1)

(Countdown to Infinite Crisis)

All of this parallels what happens next: Booster shoos Ted away from the computer and takes over. Booster gets hit by an explosion meant for Ted.

(Countdown to Infinite Crisis)

(Infinite Crisis #2)

(Infinite Crisis #5)

(52 #1)

With the help of Skeets, he’s returned to his origins. He wants to be a hero and make bank. Superman’s not around, so who else could Metropolis turn to?

(52 #7)

(52 #4)

(52 #6)

...and this. Yikes.

(52 #7)

Unfortunately for Booster, this ruins his reputation with the public, and he’s soon replaced by a new, more humble hero: Supernova.

(52 #10)

And the public adores Supernova. Meanwhile, Booster’s sponsors pull out as his reputation goes down the drain.

Booster gets one last moment in the limelight, when he pushes too hard trying to upstage Supernova, and he dies... though he’s recognized as a hero for his tragic sacrifice.

((Hold on if you haven’t read 52. You’re going to find this one funny.))

(52 #15)

So... Booster is dead. Ha. What next? Well, Skeets seeks out Booster’s ancestor, Daniel Carter, for help to get back into the Time Lab. After all, Booster didn’t give Skeets the details.

(52 #19)

Daniel lets Skeets see into the Time Lab, where Skeets finally sees the same things Booster saw.

(52 #19)

Back to Metropolis: Supernova is still out there, doing good. He’s also grabbing items that seem a little... eclectic.

(52 #20)

And everyone is theorizing about who’s really under the mask. Cassie Sandsmark thinks it’s Kon-El. Lex Luthor thinks it’s Superman. Ralph Dibny puts the pieces together...

(52 #31)

But Supernova asks him not to say it out loud.

(52 #36)

Where are they working anyway? In the jarred city of Kandor! Of course, Skeets can’t find them here, can he?

(52 #36)

Whoops. Spoke too soon.

(52 #37)

But who is Supernova? That burning question we’ve had for all these issues?

It’s... Michael Carter! Booster Gold!

(52 #37)

Now Rip, Booster, and Skeets are engaged in a battle that, uh... is not continued until Week 50 on panel. If you count this as continued. I just love this panel.

(52 #50)

Actually, Skeets follows Rip and Booster to a lab where T.O. Morrow has searched the Red Torado’s brain to find out the truth of the 52 that he’s been repeating throughout the series.

(52 #51)

Of course, it’s not actually Skeets. The real Skeets was used as a chrysalis for Mister Mind... who has become a horrifying moth hellbent on eating the new multiverse.

(52 #51)

Rip drags Booster out, back to the Time Sphere, where they travel back to the beginning.

(52 #52)

Bad news is that Mister Mind is still bent on eating a universe. As he eats parts of the various Earths, he changes their history, which leads to each Earth being unique.

(52 #52)

But where is Booster going to get that power source?

(52 #52)

Anyway, together, Rip, Booster, and Daniel succeed in defeating Mister Mind, and the multiverse is restored. Rip is very optimistic!

(52 #52)

(Booster Gold (2007) #1)

Notice how Rip mentions his father? We’re finally getting somewhere.

Meanwhile, the other weird Time Stuff, that’s going on. Back at Rip Hunter’s Lab, Rip has written a number of interesting things on his chalkboard again.

What is the connection between Rip and Booster anyway? Why does Rip care so much about Booster? Well...

(Booster Gold (2007) #1000000)

That’s right! Booster is actually Rip Hunter’s dad! So a lot of stuff we’ve been over must make more sense now.

Honestly, I’m not sure. And I just ran out of energy for this post. If you want to know more, send an ask! And read the comics. You will not regret it.

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lexgotoutofbed-blog · 6 years

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Five (5) Suggestions for Romantic Interests 2018 Should Bring Into My Life

Well, folks, it is December 30th. 2018 is just around the corner, and like almost every other desperate young adult out there, I once again find myself in my room hoping I, yes I, could receive the next Great Romance of the 21st century. However, due to past experiences, I know that whatever entity out there responsible for setting up these sort of things has undoubtedly suffered some...confusion. Therefore, I have compiled a list of suitable partners 2018 might bequeath unto me:

1) A Ghost GF

I see her sometimes in the library. We never talk, but sometimes our eyes meet, and she gives me a little knowing smile. She never seems to appear when my friends are around, and when I describe her to them, they have no idea whom I’m talking about. Still, we keep meeting. Without even speaking, we come to know each other’s souls. One day, I cannot stand it any longer. I ask her to tell me her name. I see a little sadness in her eyes as she whispers that which she is called. I tell my friends, but once again, they have no idea whom I’m talking about. I look her up on Facebook. Nothing. I stop seeing her in the library, and at this point I become desperate. I talk about her ad nauseum, trying to find out where I might see her again. One day, a librarian hears me talking about her. She pales, and asks me to repeat her name. I do so. The librarian stares at me with wide eyes as she informs me that she does, in fact, recognize that name; it is the name of a girl who had passed away fifteen years ago.

2) A Time-Traveler Trying to Save the World From Imminent Destruction

Normally I would be hesitant about time travel, but whether the human species survives the next century or so is currently up for debate, so hey, what do I have to lose?

I meet my time-traveling admirer while in the streets of Chicago, Illinois. They’re rushing in the opposite direction of that which I am walking, and they bump into me. They mutter an apology, and I think it’s all sort of odd. Later on, I see them working on some sort of small device in an alley-way. I ask them if they need help. They jump back. No, they say, they’re fine. They try to walk away. I try to question them further. After all, the whole encounter is rather strange, isn’t it? They’re fine, they insist. Now if I’ll excuse them, they have somewhere to be.

Just then, the Earth starts shaking. An earthquake, I think aloud. Says my companion through gritted teeth, “That’s no earthquake.” They grab my hand we run until we get to whatever form their time machine is in. I just realized this is quickly turning into self-insert Doctor Who fanfiction so I’ll stop now, but you should now that we DO return Earth to the Good Timeline and also we fall in love.

3) A Vampire Who Feeds On Evil People In Power

Listen, if you’re both immortal AND super hot, you might as well use it to your advantage, right? So, like, I’m thinking she flirts with them, gets into their bedroom or whatever room they use to cheat on their wives, and then sucks their blood. However, I imagine that gets a little lonely, having to spend so much time with people you not only dislike but are also going to die. That’s where I come in. I realize she’s up to something, and I start...investigating. Then something happens. Maybe there’s a big public event, but Big Bad Man in Power uses all the people in one place for Evil. My vampire lover is watching, shocked in spite of all her years on this Earth, and because I am “investigating,” I’m right there next to her. Blah, blah, blah, humans are in danger, I am a human, she saves my life. I am astonished, and, in my shock, does not thank her properly. She tries to leave, but I have Questions. What is going on in the world? How is she so calm? Why did she save my life? She dodges my questions and basically gives me the “don’t do anything stupid” speech.

The next day I find her again and inform her that We Have to Do Something. My vampire lover, being the cliché mysterious creature she is, tries to tell me she “works alone.” I reject this statement, and because I do not yet know she is a vampire she is forced to let me try to work with her.

I just realized she could file a restraining order. Damn. Well, maybe that’s important. Why DOESN’T she file a restraining order? Is it because, despite my persistence, she is growing fond of me? Hm...

Meanwhile, the vampire is still feeding on Bad Men in Power, therefore getting herself involved in the corrupt state of government affairs. However, she manages to keep this from me. For a while.

The Big Bad Man in Charge, naturally, knows that vampires exist, because that’s the sort of thing Bad Men in Charge know. It doesn’t take long for him to hear about a mysterious vampire vigilante, or vampilante, if you will. He captures the vampire and me. He offers bread, but that doesn’t help the vampire. He injures one of his henchmen because he is Just That Evil. My vampire lover has no choice, she must feed. I am understandable freaked out. However, with my quick wit and knowledge of self-defense that I definitely have, I manage to escape with her. The vampire tells me that she owes me her life. I am cruel. “What life?” I say.

For whatever reason, we now have to visit the Other Vampires. The Other Vampires are very stereotypical. All “ooh...gluttony and lust...I love seduction and drinking blood...I would never share a flat on a very small country like New Zealand.” They give us what we need, but they are very rude during this encounter. They upset my vampire greatly. I comfort her, and the tension lessens. Maybe we’re friends now. The only problem is that I’m not sure I WANT to be friends with her.

This is as far as I’ve gotten with this fantasy, but you will be happy to know that the Big Bad Men in Power are defeated. The vampire and I go back to where we came from.

The vampire thinks she will never see me again. She is wrong. I march up to her door and start talking as if we were old friends.

“What are you doing?” Vampire asks.

“What do you mean what am I doing? This is what people do.”

“I’ve never done anything like it.”

I purse my lips. “Well, it’s high time you do,” I say, “This is how living works: we survive by bullding relationships with one another.”

The vampire laughs mirthlessly. “You want to teach a monster to live?”

I sit down beside her. “I’ve seen monsters, and you aren’t one,” I say.

The vampire looks at me. “Don’t try to make my...condition less dangerous than it is. I kill people. I drink blood. There’s no other way for me to survive.

I think for a moment. “Then destroy those who would destroy others.”

The vampire is shocked at my bluntness. I can tell by the expression on her face.

“Look,” I say, “I saw people tortured and murdered. People will be tortured and murdered. This isn't going to stop. There will be more. You can try to change people's minds, but you also have to realize there are people beyond saving, and those people have to be stopped by any means necessary. If you were a monster, if you were like those Other Vampires, you would stand by. But you don't. You fight back. You stop evil. That's the most unmonstrous thing I can think of."

“Some people would call you cruel for that,” says the vampire.

I look at her. “Do you think I’m cruel?”

She smiles. “No,” she says, “I think you’re the most wonderful person I’ve ever met.”

I feel my heart pounding. Her face is so close. If I just leaned forward a little...but no, I can’t.

Then she kisses me. Softly, barely brushing my lips. My eyes widen. I don’t move. I see fear flicker across the vampire’s face. Slowly, I start to smile. I start laughing. The vampire is crestfallen. “I’m sorry,” she says, “Look you don’t have to-”

“Wait, no,” I manage. I grab the vampire’s wrist as I grin. “Do you know why I’m laughing?”

The vampire shakes her head. I sigh and let my forehead rest against hers.

“Because I’m happy,” I say. “I am so, so happy.”

Then the vampire smiles as well. “Then kiss me, stupid.”

I do.

4) Some Sort of Water-Dweller, Like a Sea Nymph or Something

All I know is that if Sally Hawkins can romance a fish creature, so can I.

5) Zendaya

Please.

#2018 #new years eve #new years

14 notes · View notes

outputcongo2-blog · 5 years

Text

Weekend Picks: Witches & Wizards, Festival For The People, New Exhibits And More

Happy weekend, Philly! With new exhibitions and major festivals on the calendar, these next few days are full of fun goings-on.

Formerly the Harry Potter Festival, the new-for-2018 Witches & Wizards takes over the charming town of Chestnut Hill for spellbinding events on both Friday evening (bar crawl!) and Saturday (street fest!) that morph the neighborhood into an enchanting magic-filled haunt.

In other festival happenings, Festival for the People continues its run of public art and performances on the Delaware River waterfront at the brand-new Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier on both Saturday and Sunday.

And the Barnes Foundation’s new Berthe Morisot exhibition — which provides a rare look at works by the famous female impressionist — opens Sunday, joining other recently unveiled exhibits at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (fashion), The Franklin Institute (Vikings) and the National Museum of American Jewish History (Rube Goldberg).

Elsewhere, Dilworth Park’s Made in Philadelphia Fall Market, Franklin Square’s Pumpkin Patch and other fall events are surefire ways to tell autumn is in full swing, as is the big Philadelphia Eagles game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in South Philly.

Make the most of this weekend with the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, featuring free hotel parking and $193 in free perks.

Follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout the weekend.

Read on for our guide to this weekend in Philadelphia.

Festivals | Chestnut Hill|(Fri, Sat)

Witches & Wizards in Chestnut Hill

This weekend, Chestnut Hill is transformed into a magical world of spells and spooky thrills, complete with a Quidditch tournament, a beer garden and a straw maze...

Film | Center City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Philadelphia Film Festival

See critically acclaimed films, movies with major stars, documentaries, local productions and more during this 11-day festival...

Halloween | Fairmount|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary

The frightening setting and professional scares make Terror Behind the Walls one of the country's top-ranked haunted attractions...

Shopping | Center City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market in Dilworth Park

More than 50 local artisans display jewelry, skincare, accessories, photography, woodcrafts and more at this alfresco market...

Young Involved Philadelphia: State of Young Philly

YIP wraps up its 10-day civic engagement festival with quizzo, volunteer opportunities, panels and a closing happy hour...

Last Chance: Independence After Hours

A three-course dinner at City Tavern leads to an evening with the Founding Fathers in Independence Hall without the crowds...

Moby Dick Reading Marathon at the Independence Seaport Museum

Herman Mellville's literary classic Moby Dick is read aloud in its entirety from Friday evening to Saturday evening during this reading marathon that takes place in different spots around the museum...

Re-enacting a Revolutionary Gun Battle in Context of 21st Century Gun Violence at Historic Germantown

Cliveden and PhilaLandmarks invite all to Historic Germantown for a conversation about gun control and violence as well as a presentation about the Revolutionary War and its consequences...

Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens

More than 1,700 jets and streams soar up to 175 feet in the air and are lit by a rainbow of colors during this popular program that's set to classical music on Friday and popular movie soundtracks on Saturday...

Fall Fest at Shady Brook Farm

Shady Brook's season-long harvest festival includes autumnal favorites like apple- and pumpkin-picking, plus local craft beer and wine, moonlit corn-maze-wandering and more…

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Hardwork Movement at Johnny Brenda's

Fresh from last month’s Philly Music Fest, the local hip-hop collective takes the stage in Fishtown with its horns and cello...

George Lopez at SugarHouse Casino

The comedian brings “The Wall World Tour” to Philly before the release of his upcoming thriller River Runs Red...

All My Sons at Curio Theatre Company

This Arthur Miller play about the aftermath of a tragedy in a suburban America family is running on select dates on Baltimore Avenue...

Sweat at Suzanne Roberts Theatre

Philadelphia Theatre Company begins its new season with the 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning story of deindustrialization in a Pennsylvania town...

One-Man Apocalypse Now at Plays & Players Theatre

One actor performs Apocalypse Now in 60 minutes during this special two-show performance...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Exhibitions | Chadds Ford|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Last Chance: Natural Wonders at the Brandywine River Museum of Art

Works by 13 artists celebrate the wonders of nature while highlighting key issues like species extinction and over-cultivation...

Exhibitions | Old City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Rube Goldberg at the National Museum of American Jewish History

Rube Goldberg's Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoons, machine invention drawings and more are part of this first comprehensive display of his work...

Prisons Today at Eastern State Penitentiary

Prisons Today explores issues stemming frm the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world...

Fast Lane: The NASCAR Photography of Darryl Moran at the Woodmere Art Museum

Get a glimpse of all aspects of a NASCAR race — including those chaotic-but-exciting race-day moments — courtesy of NASCAR's first official photographer...

Marian at the Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum

Browse the African-American opera singer's personal collection, including performance gowns, costumes and photographs...

Cauleen Smith: Give It or Leave It at the Institute of Contemporary Art

This exhibit reimagines a future world that is Black, feminist and spiritual using objects, film and more...

Impressions on Paper: Henry Snell at the Michener Art Museum

Most of these drawings and watercolors, created during the Philadelphia artist's travels to Cornwall, have never been exhibited at the museum before...

Covered: Celebrating Muslim Women at Art Sanctuary

Artist Yusef Abdul Jaleel created this illustration series — which depicts various Muslim women of color — to combat negative stereotypes surrounding modesty...

A Dream Deferred: Redlining Past, Present, Future

This free interactive art-and-media exhibit explores how race and policy influence Philadelphia and its inhabitants...

25+ Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art from around the globe and around the city...

Formerly the Harry Potter Festival, the new-for-2018 Witches & Wizards takes over Chestnut Hill this weekend for spellbinding events, including the Brews & Broomsticks Pub Crawl on Friday. (Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia)

Arts | Old City|(Sat, Sun)

Festival for the People at Race Street Pier and Cherry Street Pier

The three-weekend-long festival of installations, videos and contemporary art continues on the Delaware River waterfront...

History | Old City|(Sat, Sun)

Occupied Philadelphia Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

Visitors meet soldiers and spies, haggle at markets and more during this living-history event set in the fall of 1777 when the British captured and occupied Philadelphia...

Pumpkin Patch at Franklin Square

This free event for kids 10 and under includes a pumpkin for each child to paint, decorate and take home...

19th Annual Peoplehood Parade at Paul Robeson House

This annual march, which welcomes the Philadelphia Trans March this year, celebrates the city's diversity and honors those fighting discrimination...

Mural Dedication: Legacy at Lucien E. Blackwell Library

Philly students worked with a local fashion designer to create this colorful fabric-inspired design...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Hocus Poc-YASSS: A Halloween Drag Extravaganza at Tabu Lounge

The entire Hocus Pocus movie is performed on stage in a fully lip synched drag spectacular to a standing-room-only crowd...

Portland Cello Project at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Portland's alt-classical group presents its tribute to Radiohead's OK Computer album with guest vocals by Patti King of The Shins...

The Philly POPS: Experience Benjamin Wright at the Kimmel Center

Legendary orchestrator Benjamin Wright — who has worked with Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and more — joins The Philly POPS for an afternoon journey through Wright’s music...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Exhibitions | Fairmount|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Fabulous Fashion at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Designs from the likes of Cristóbal Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior and more are on display — some for the first time — in this exhibit of rare garments...

Exhibitions | Logan Square|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Vikings: Beyond the Legend at The Franklin Institute

Explore Viking culture, interact with artifacts and see a 21-foot long replica ship at this exhibition...

Thomas & Friends Explore the Rails at the Please Touch Museum

All aboard! Take a trip with Thomas the Tank Engine to the Island of Sodor, where visitors can build a train track, assemble a train and more...

Cultures in the Crossfire at the Penn Museum

Explore the cultures, populations and history of one of the world's most turbulent regions, told through ancient artifacts and modern works by a Syrian artist...

Corridor of Culture: 100 Years of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at the Free Library of Philadelphia

Part of Parkway 100, this exhibit features photographs and artwork that illustrate the creation and use of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway over the last century...

Yael Bartana: And Europe Will Be Stunned at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Artist Yael Bartana reimagines historical narratives to create conversation about current social issues through film and public performances...

30 Years: Art at the Michener, 1988-2018

The Michener Art Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with works from local students, objects from the vault that have never been displayed before and more...

Making a Difference: Social and Political Activism in Clay at The Clay Studio

A range of artists address current events through clay, with a goal of counteracting feelings of negativity, fear and isolation...

25+ Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art from around the globe and around the city...

The Philadelphia Eagles hope to shake off the Super Bowl hangover and get back on the road to victory on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. (Photo courtesy Lincoln Financial Field)

Exhibitions | Logan Square

Opening: Berthe Morisot at the Barnes Foundation

Morisot’s retrospective highlights the defiance, talent and modern presentation of the only woman artist recognized alongside impressionists Degas, Monet and Renoir...

Sports | South Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field

Fans fill the Linc or head to their favorite sports bar to watch the Eagles take on the Panthers at 1 p.m....

AIDS Walk Philly

More than 30 years strong, the annual 5K walk and fun run raises money to fight HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia...

Events | Avenue of the Arts

Seven Things I've Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass at Merriam Theater

The producer and host of the iconic This American Life public radio program and podcast shares lessons from his life and work using audio clips, music and video...

Hotel Deal | Citywide|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Fall Getaway

Book a Philly fall getaway for stays through November 30, 2018 and get FREE hotel parking and up to $193 in perks...

AAMP Commune: Spirit featuring Ruth Naomi Floyd at The African American Museum in Philadelphia

The international jazz vocalist, composer and photographer shares select compositions and joins a community-led conversation about spirit...

Earthfest Presents the Science of Scary at Temple Ambler Arboretum

Learn more about spiders, bats, birds and other "scary" things at this free event in Montgomery County...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Theater | Old City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Once at Arden Theatre Co.

This Tony Award-winning play about an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant features Academy Award-winning music...

Theater | Rittenhouse Square|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Broken Biscuits at Plays & Players Theater

A popular coming-of-age story about three friends in the U.K. makes its U.S. premiere with Philly’s all-comedy company...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Doylestown|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Last Chance: American Moderns at the Michener Art Museum

Get one last look at works of Philadelphia-area artists who shaped non-objective and precisionist art in this rare display of their collective pieces...

Hamilton: Constitutional Clashes at the National Constitution Center

Learn how Alexander Hamilton got along — or didn't get along — with Jefferson, Adams and Burr in this in-depth exhibition in the Historic District...

Cotton: The Soft, Dangerous Beauty of the Past at The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Philadelphia artist John E. Dowell explores the complicated connection between cotton and slavery in America using photographs, installations and more...

Xtreme Bugs at The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University

Learn more about bugs' behaviors, motions and sounds in this interactive exhibition featuring 20 giant animatronic insects...

Rodin's The Kiss at The Rodin Museum

The museum commemorates the 100th anniversary of Auguste Rodin's death by focusing on the sculptor's depictions of love...

Cultures in the Crossfire at the Penn Museum

Explore the cultures, populations and history of one of the world's most turbulent regions, told through ancient artifacts and modern works by a Syrian artist...

And So The Story Goes at the Penn Museum

Objects from the Penn Museum's international collections help tell the tale of how cultures innovate storytelling...

Prisons Today at Eastern State Penitentiary

Prisons Today explores issues stemming frm the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world...

A Dream Deferred: Redlining Past, Present, Future

This free interactive art-and-media exhibit explores how race and policy influence Philadelphia and its inhabitants...

25+ Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art from around the globe and around the city...

Source: https://www.uwishunu.com/2018/10/things-to-do-this-weekend-in-philadelphia-october-19-21-2018/

#read more #see more #check it out #interesting #learn more

0 notes

anglelyre2-blog · 5 years

Text

Weekend Picks: Witches & Wizards, Festival For The People, New Exhibits And More

Happy weekend, Philly! With new exhibitions and major festivals on the calendar, these next few days are full of fun goings-on.

Make the most of this weekend with the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, featuring free hotel parking and $193 in free perks.

Follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout the weekend.

Read on for our guide to this weekend in Philadelphia.

Festivals | Chestnut Hill|(Fri, Sat)

Witches & Wizards in Chestnut Hill

This weekend, Chestnut Hill is transformed into a magical world of spells and spooky thrills, complete with a Quidditch tournament, a beer garden and a straw maze...

Film | Center City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Philadelphia Film Festival

See critically acclaimed films, movies with major stars, documentaries, local productions and more during this 11-day festival...

Halloween | Fairmount|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary

The frightening setting and professional scares make Terror Behind the Walls one of the country's top-ranked haunted attractions...

Shopping | Center City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Made in Philadelphia Fall Market in Dilworth Park

More than 50 local artisans display jewelry, skincare, accessories, photography, woodcrafts and more at this alfresco market...

Young Involved Philadelphia: State of Young Philly

YIP wraps up its 10-day civic engagement festival with quizzo, volunteer opportunities, panels and a closing happy hour...

Last Chance: Independence After Hours

A three-course dinner at City Tavern leads to an evening with the Founding Fathers in Independence Hall without the crowds...

Moby Dick Reading Marathon at the Independence Seaport Museum

Re-enacting a Revolutionary Gun Battle in Context of 21st Century Gun Violence at Historic Germantown

Cliveden and PhilaLandmarks invite all to Historic Germantown for a conversation about gun control and violence as well as a presentation about the Revolutionary War and its consequences...

Illuminated Fountain Performances at Longwood Gardens

Fall Fest at Shady Brook Farm

Shady Brook's season-long harvest festival includes autumnal favorites like apple- and pumpkin-picking, plus local craft beer and wine, moonlit corn-maze-wandering and more…

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Hardwork Movement at Johnny Brenda's

Fresh from last month’s Philly Music Fest, the local hip-hop collective takes the stage in Fishtown with its horns and cello...

George Lopez at SugarHouse Casino

The comedian brings “The Wall World Tour” to Philly before the release of his upcoming thriller River Runs Red...

All My Sons at Curio Theatre Company

This Arthur Miller play about the aftermath of a tragedy in a suburban America family is running on select dates on Baltimore Avenue...

Sweat at Suzanne Roberts Theatre

Philadelphia Theatre Company begins its new season with the 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winning story of deindustrialization in a Pennsylvania town...

One-Man Apocalypse Now at Plays & Players Theatre

One actor performs Apocalypse Now in 60 minutes during this special two-show performance...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Exhibitions | Chadds Ford|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Last Chance: Natural Wonders at the Brandywine River Museum of Art

Works by 13 artists celebrate the wonders of nature while highlighting key issues like species extinction and over-cultivation...

Exhibitions | Old City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Rube Goldberg at the National Museum of American Jewish History

Rube Goldberg's Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoons, machine invention drawings and more are part of this first comprehensive display of his work...

Prisons Today at Eastern State Penitentiary

Prisons Today explores issues stemming frm the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world...

Fast Lane: The NASCAR Photography of Darryl Moran at the Woodmere Art Museum

Get a glimpse of all aspects of a NASCAR race — including those chaotic-but-exciting race-day moments — courtesy of NASCAR's first official photographer...

Marian at the Marian Anderson Historical Society and Museum

Browse the African-American opera singer's personal collection, including performance gowns, costumes and photographs...

Cauleen Smith: Give It or Leave It at the Institute of Contemporary Art

This exhibit reimagines a future world that is Black, feminist and spiritual using objects, film and more...

Impressions on Paper: Henry Snell at the Michener Art Museum

Most of these drawings and watercolors, created during the Philadelphia artist's travels to Cornwall, have never been exhibited at the museum before...

Covered: Celebrating Muslim Women at Art Sanctuary

Artist Yusef Abdul Jaleel created this illustration series — which depicts various Muslim women of color — to combat negative stereotypes surrounding modesty...

A Dream Deferred: Redlining Past, Present, Future

This free interactive art-and-media exhibit explores how race and policy influence Philadelphia and its inhabitants...

25+ Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art from around the globe and around the city...

Arts | Old City|(Sat, Sun)

Festival for the People at Race Street Pier and Cherry Street Pier

The three-weekend-long festival of installations, videos and contemporary art continues on the Delaware River waterfront...

History | Old City|(Sat, Sun)

Occupied Philadelphia Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

Visitors meet soldiers and spies, haggle at markets and more during this living-history event set in the fall of 1777 when the British captured and occupied Philadelphia...

Pumpkin Patch at Franklin Square

This free event for kids 10 and under includes a pumpkin for each child to paint, decorate and take home...

19th Annual Peoplehood Parade at Paul Robeson House

This annual march, which welcomes the Philadelphia Trans March this year, celebrates the city's diversity and honors those fighting discrimination...

Mural Dedication: Legacy at Lucien E. Blackwell Library

Philly students worked with a local fashion designer to create this colorful fabric-inspired design...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Hocus Poc-YASSS: A Halloween Drag Extravaganza at Tabu Lounge

The entire Hocus Pocus movie is performed on stage in a fully lip synched drag spectacular to a standing-room-only crowd...

Portland Cello Project at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Portland's alt-classical group presents its tribute to Radiohead's OK Computer album with guest vocals by Patti King of The Shins...

The Philly POPS: Experience Benjamin Wright at the Kimmel Center

Legendary orchestrator Benjamin Wright — who has worked with Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige and more — joins The Philly POPS for an afternoon journey through Wright’s music...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Exhibitions | Fairmount|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Fabulous Fashion at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Designs from the likes of Cristóbal Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior and more are on display — some for the first time — in this exhibit of rare garments...

Exhibitions | Logan Square|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Vikings: Beyond the Legend at The Franklin Institute

Explore Viking culture, interact with artifacts and see a 21-foot long replica ship at this exhibition...

Thomas & Friends Explore the Rails at the Please Touch Museum

All aboard! Take a trip with Thomas the Tank Engine to the Island of Sodor, where visitors can build a train track, assemble a train and more...

Cultures in the Crossfire at the Penn Museum

Explore the cultures, populations and history of one of the world's most turbulent regions, told through ancient artifacts and modern works by a Syrian artist...

Corridor of Culture: 100 Years of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at the Free Library of Philadelphia

Part of Parkway 100, this exhibit features photographs and artwork that illustrate the creation and use of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway over the last century...

Yael Bartana: And Europe Will Be Stunned at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Artist Yael Bartana reimagines historical narratives to create conversation about current social issues through film and public performances...

30 Years: Art at the Michener, 1988-2018

The Michener Art Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary with works from local students, objects from the vault that have never been displayed before and more...

Making a Difference: Social and Political Activism in Clay at The Clay Studio

A range of artists address current events through clay, with a goal of counteracting feelings of negativity, fear and isolation...

25+ Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art from around the globe and around the city...

Exhibitions | Logan Square

Opening: Berthe Morisot at the Barnes Foundation

Morisot’s retrospective highlights the defiance, talent and modern presentation of the only woman artist recognized alongside impressionists Degas, Monet and Renoir...

Sports | South Philadelphia

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field

Fans fill the Linc or head to their favorite sports bar to watch the Eagles take on the Panthers at 1 p.m....

AIDS Walk Philly

More than 30 years strong, the annual 5K walk and fun run raises money to fight HIV/AIDS in Philadelphia...

Events | Avenue of the Arts

Seven Things I've Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass at Merriam Theater

The producer and host of the iconic This American Life public radio program and podcast shares lessons from his life and work using audio clips, music and video...

Hotel Deal | Citywide|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Fall Getaway

Book a Philly fall getaway for stays through November 30, 2018 and get FREE hotel parking and up to $193 in perks...

AAMP Commune: Spirit featuring Ruth Naomi Floyd at The African American Museum in Philadelphia

The international jazz vocalist, composer and photographer shares select compositions and joins a community-led conversation about spirit...

Earthfest Presents the Science of Scary at Temple Ambler Arboretum

Learn more about spiders, bats, birds and other "scary" things at this free event in Montgomery County...

Live Music, Comedy, Theater and Dance

Theater | Old City|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Once at Arden Theatre Co.

This Tony Award-winning play about an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant features Academy Award-winning music...

Theater | Rittenhouse Square|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Broken Biscuits at Plays & Players Theater

A popular coming-of-age story about three friends in the U.K. makes its U.S. premiere with Philly’s all-comedy company...

Ongoing Exhibitions

Doylestown|(Fri, Sat, Sun)

Last Chance: American Moderns at the Michener Art Museum

Get one last look at works of Philadelphia-area artists who shaped non-objective and precisionist art in this rare display of their collective pieces...

Hamilton: Constitutional Clashes at the National Constitution Center

Learn how Alexander Hamilton got along — or didn't get along — with Jefferson, Adams and Burr in this in-depth exhibition in the Historic District...

Cotton: The Soft, Dangerous Beauty of the Past at The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Philadelphia artist John E. Dowell explores the complicated connection between cotton and slavery in America using photographs, installations and more...

Xtreme Bugs at The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University

Learn more about bugs' behaviors, motions and sounds in this interactive exhibition featuring 20 giant animatronic insects...

Rodin's The Kiss at The Rodin Museum

The museum commemorates the 100th anniversary of Auguste Rodin's death by focusing on the sculptor's depictions of love...

Cultures in the Crossfire at the Penn Museum

Explore the cultures, populations and history of one of the world's most turbulent regions, told through ancient artifacts and modern works by a Syrian artist...

And So The Story Goes at the Penn Museum

Objects from the Penn Museum's international collections help tell the tale of how cultures innovate storytelling...

Prisons Today at Eastern State Penitentiary

Prisons Today explores issues stemming frm the U.S. having the highest incarceration rate in the world...

A Dream Deferred: Redlining Past, Present, Future

This free interactive art-and-media exhibit explores how race and policy influence Philadelphia and its inhabitants...

25+ Must-See Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's museums and galleries showcase can't-miss art from around the globe and around the city...

Source: https://www.uwishunu.com/2018/10/things-to-do-this-weekend-in-philadelphia-october-19-21-2018/

0 notes

jhnz2019-blog · 5 years

Text

Remind me

NGUYỄN VĂN PHÚ: Letters to my Children and Grandchildren

* NGUYỄN VĂN PHÚ

(translated by Minh Chau)

Editor’s Note: Vietnamese Americans who lived through the Vietnam War have many stories to share with the generation of Vietnamese who grew up in America. With our busy lives and because of language barriers, sometimes these stories are not shared, not even within one household. — writes a letter to grandchildren and this English translation enables him to share his memories and his opinions on modern Vietnam with his children. This article was written by Mr. Nguyen Van Phu, Principal of the Hung Dao private famous high school in VietNam, to inform and educate the 1.5 and 2nd generation Vietnamese-Americans about the history of the first Vietnamese refugee’s new life in America and out of exile. (NVTB News)

Dear old friend,

While waiting for our children to pick us up from our monthly meeting at the Seniors’ Association, you and I had, on several occasions, the opportunity to discuss and to agree on a number of important points. You urged to me to put our thoughts on paper to share with our descendants because, as you said, your hands tremble so much these days that you are having difficulty holding the pen. Moreover, this year marks the 30th anniversary of our self-exile as refugees and we both thought it would be useful to transmit a clear message to our children and especially our grandchildren. During these last few months, I endeavored to accomplish the task you assigned. Today, my work may be considered complete. For ease of presentation, I wrote this article in the form of a letter by a father to his children. Please review it at your convenience. I would very much appreciate any corrections and improvements.

****

My beloved children,

Your mother and I are both in our eighties now, longevity virtually unknown to the earlier generations. Over the years, we have had many occasions to talk to you about a number of important subjects, but you were often not all present at the same time to share the same conversations. Moreover, you may not have entirely retained our message. Hence, this letter to summarize the key points that your mother and I wish to impart to you. For your children who speak Vietnamese but do not read it very well, we ask that you find the best way to communicate our thoughts to them and offer them the necessary explanations. It is not enough to merely take note of what we put today in writing for you. Please make an effort to really grasp the fundamental meaning of our message.

Gratefulness — My beloved children, in fleeing the communist regime in search of freedom, we had to leave everything behind: our properties, our ancestral shrine, as well as our ancestors’ final resting place. The authorities and the people of this adopted land opened their arms and their hearts to help us rebuild our lives. Now that we are relatively well established, we should be grateful and show it by doing our best to help make this nation even greater, stronger and more prosperous.

The cause of our exodus — You must be sure to explain clearly to your children the reasons which pushed our family as well as hundreds of thousands of others to choose a life of self-exiled immigrants in a foreign country: we fled communism, in search of freedom. Your children have the great fortune of living in a democratic society. Having known nothing but freedom since they were born, they would never imagine the full extent of the duplicity and the cruelty exerted by the communists. They would find it difficult to believe the atrocities to which men can submit men. (In due time, you may let them watch the movie Journey from the Fall, directed by Trần Hàm, which premiered on April 30, 2005.) The communists are cruel in action, but very cunning in words and especially skilled in the art of concealment! Hence the need to really explain things to your children to ensure they have a full understanding of our background, not to incite hatred in them, but so they can be aware of the truth. We often repeat this saying amongst ourselves: “Don’t listen to what the communists say, just examine what they do.”

Our native land — Regardless of how busy you are, take the time to reflect on the history and the geography of Viet-Nam in order to understand the origin of our people and the creation of our homeland. Learn about the vicissitudes that our people experienced, including the moments of glory and the times of humiliation. Appreciate the wisdom and accomplishments of our forefathers as well as their mistakes. These are all lessons that we should learn and communicate to our descendants. The pages of our history books are alternatively filled with glorious achievements and painful tears. There was a time when our country had to bear the humiliation of Chinese occupation during a thousand years. Then, our heroic people rose to break the subversive bonds of domination and reclaimed our independence. Our past also included periods when we invaded and destroyed other countries. The most recent incident is the destructive ten-year occupation of Kampuchia, which incited the hatred of a neighboring country and created unwholesome karma, the fruits of which future generations will have to bear.

Recent historical events — Our country became a French colony around the end of the 19th century. In 1940, a World War erupted. In Việt Nam, on March 9, 1945, the Japanese overturned the French in a military coup. Emperor Bảo Đại enacted the abolition of the treaty of protectorate concluded with France and entrusted to Mr. Trần Trọng Kim the formation of the first government of the independent state of Việt Nam. On the global scene, the countries of the Axis – Germany, Italy and Japan – were overcome by the Allies – England, France, the United States, the USSR and China. In our country, on August 19, 1945, the Việt Minh revolutionary forces seized the power held by the Trần Trọng Kim government and proclaimed the creation of the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam. As France sought to restore its domination, on December 19, 1946, a war of national resistance was declared in view of defending our independence. At that time, the Việt Minh revealed its true communist nature and initiated a campaign to eliminate the nationalist groups. Faced with the danger of being gradually eradicated, the nationalist parties pulled back into special zones controlled by another non-communist government.

After the battle of Điện Biên Phủ, the Geneva agreement of 1954 divided our country into two: the North became the Democratic Republic and the South, the Republic of Việt Nam. The North pledged open allegiance to the communist bloc and immediately launched the process of conquering the South by force, an act which it dissimulated to the eyes of the world by operating behind an organization of its creation, called the Front of Liberation of the South. At that time, South Việt Nam accepted the support of the United States and the allied forces of the free world created to stop the expansion of communism. In the 1960s, as the invading forces from the North grew in numbers and in strength, the United States started pouring their own troops into the South, and the war intensified.

In 1972, after the rupture of relations between the USSR and China, President Nixon went to China and signed the Shanghai Agreement. Consequently, no longer needing an “outpost in the fight against communism”, the United States dropped their support of the Republic of Viet Nam! [The book “Khi Đồng Minh Tháo Chạy (When the Allies Ran Away)” by Dr. Nguyễn Tiến Hưng reveals the disappointing truths about the betrayal of the Americans in their shameful flight.] According to the Paris agreement signed in 1973, the United States was to withdraw their troops from South Viet-Nam and only leave in place a number of military advisers, while the North Vietnamese troops remained fully stationed in the South! The Communists of North Viet-Nam were therefore free to continue their unabated invasion of the South with the considerable assistance of the international communist bloc. Despite the courage shown in its war of self-defense, because of the serious lack of ammunition and fuel, South Viet-Nam was pushed into an untenable situation. On April 30, 1975, Saigon, the capital of the South, fell. In the months and years following that date, the world witnessed the exodus of the Vietnamese men, women and children fleeing communism, in search of freedom. I trust you already know the next chapters of our story with sufficient details.

Historical data and information — We live in an era of information and we are indeed swamped by a glut of data about everything. Much has been written about Viet-Nam and the Viet-Nam War, including photos and movies, but we found a serious shortage of books and films that are objective and truthful. There are of course a few authors who did try to provide an honest account of the war. Unfortunately, each of them only succeeded in relating one particular aspect of the truth, in the manner of the blind men in the ancient fable who tried to describe an elephant by each touching a part of its body. Moreover, many authors knowingly bend the truth to fit their personal justification or neurosis about the war. Still others, including certain monastic figures, make up stories for the purpose of slandering. The worst misrepresentations are found when those in power or their scribes engage in History writing. Alex Haley wrote in the last lines of his book Roots: “… preponderantly the histories have been written by the winners”. This is why we insist that you, and especially your children, should be extremely cautious and discerning in reading the books or viewing the films about Viet-Nam produced in the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, regardless of the authors and their nationalities.

From your parents’ perspective, the conflict that took place in our country from 1954 to 1975 was a war that opposed the North to the South, a civil war, a war by proxy resulting from the confrontation between the communist bloc and the free world, a war delivered with the weapons of the foreign countries and the blood of the Vietnamese people. For the South Vietnamese, it was a war of self-defense. Meanwhile, in the North, through propaganda and education of the masses, the communists portrayed it as a war delivered against the American puppet regime to reunify the country. The Northern winners had been arrogant and cruel; the defeated Southerners swallowed their pain and their anger, and bowed their heads in humiliation. There lies the heart of the deep chasm dividing our people (even though in all truth, there are many other reasons for the division). As long as one does not succeed in changing these two opposing views, it would be useless to speak about national reconciliation! Millions of dead people, a reunified country, but the Vietnamese people still remain deeply divided in their heart.

Visiting Viet-Nam — Many people asked us whether we had returned to Việt Nam. Our response has always been: “Not yet, because of our health.” Many have returned to Viet-Nam, each for their own particular reasons. Needless to say, we all long to be reunited with our homeland, but everyone has a personal view about the pros and cons of the matter! Returning to the country to care for one’s aging or sick parents, to help one’s family, to restore one’s ancestral tombs, to teach young students, to visit one’s country, these are valid reasons to go. Returning to the country to bring solace to victims of natural disasters, to selflessly help compatriots in need, these are also commendable motives. But returning to enjoy sensual pleasures, to take advantage of cheap tourism, or to seek monetary gains and official distinctions, then it is better to abstain.

Later, if the country has shown some real improvements, you may want to bring your children to visit our homeland. But we predict that they will not be particularly moved — one may not feel any emotion if there are no memories which associate one with something. Thus, in raising your children, please try to provide guidance and help them appreciate our native land, our people, our compatriots, and make sure they do not behave as vulgar tourists. As for the probability of your returning to live in Viet-Nam, we do not expect the prospects to be very positive.

The real situation in the country — If somebody tells you that the country has made progress — that the majority of the population are now able to eat rice with every meal, compared to the mix of rice and oats of the post-1975 era; that motorbikes and cars have mostly replaced bicycles — know that in truth, such progress only reflects the normal evolution of any country (after all, it would be unthinkable that after thirty years of peace, no growth or progress were achieved!). However, in terms of real democratic progress, if we compare Việt Nam to its neighbors, we cannot help feeling shame for the country’s failure in many aspects (even Kampuchea has an opposition party!).

If you want to know the real Việt Nam beyond the tall buildings, the shiny cars, the luxurious five-star hotels, the modern golf courses, then seek information from inside the country to see the extensive breakdown in many sectors (education, in particular), the excesses of “red capitalism”, the plague of widespread corruption, and the waste of our nation’s natural resources. And don’t forget to visit our compatriots who live in desolate poor regions in the back country. We need to look objectively at the actual situation without any make-up, that which is painted neither in pink nor in black.

For a clear view of the situation in our country, refer to a speech by Dr. Lê Đang Doanh, former Director of the Central Institute of Research on Management in Hà-Nội. In this speech, Dr. Doanh voiced the whole truth to the highest communist leaders. This document recently made its way abroad. In a presentation which is made of this text, one can read: “We should all pay attention to the numbers that point to the sad reality of the economic situation in Viet-Nam. Mr. Doanh underlines the weaknesses of the economy and the antidemocratic nature of the communist regime in Việt-Nam. He affirms unequivocally that the political infrastructure is obsolete and should be changed.” (Ngô Nhân Dụng, in Nguời Việt Daily, March 30, 2005).

Mr. Doanh relates the following story. An expert in international finances asked him the following question: “Clever as you claim to be, how come your country is still poor after such a long period? With your intelligence and your proud tradition, why do you beg all the time? Why don’t you give yourself a goal in time after which you will resolve to stop asking for alms? Is this possible?” How humiliating for us all! Our country is not populated only by incompetents; our people are not lazy; why this utter misery? It is all due to the dictatorship of the Party!

Having a political attitude — Our fellow expatriates are not the only ones who demand the abolition of the unique-party regime; some members of the Communist Party and progressive elements in the country are also clamoring for the same. Understand this: the fight against dictatorship, against a single party regime, against corruption, against the erroneous policies of the Communists, is not a fight against Viet-Nam; it is, quite to the contrary, an effort to move forward so that the country can improve and grow.

Some may say that the Vietnamese Communists did implement some change with the “Đổi Mới” or modernization program. Know that whatever modest change there was, it was the consequence of the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, of the fight against oppression by the Vietnamese people inside the country and abroad, and of international pressure. It was the threat of the disintegration of the Party which drove the Communists to institute economic modernization (with no modernization whatsoever on the political level). Even though we do not “do politics”, we must nevertheless adopt a political attitude; we must continue to support the effort to bring about effective democracy and freedom to our country.

The Secretary General of the Communist Party recognized that the Vietnamese Communists “committed several serious errors.” The question that begs to be asked is this: if errors have been made, then why not correct them? Why not offer to the people a public apology? Why not return the wrongfully taken land and properties to their individual owners and religious institutions? Why not compensate the victims of the land reform, of the repression against the intellectuals and artists in the Nhan Van – Giai Pham period, and of the waves of reforms in the industry and commerce sectors? Why not redress the harm done to those sent to the so-called “reeducation camps” and beg their forgiveness? In truth, everyone wishes to put aside hatred and resentments, but it is up to the Communists to demonstrate some constructive behavior that would convince the people of their good-will. It is utterly useless to simply say “let us erase hatred and resentments, let us forget the past and look towards the future” without doing anything concrete to turn the idea into policy and practice. To call for Dai Doan Ket or Great Union on the one hand, and to place the proposed reconciliation under the stewardship of a unique, all controlling Party (Constitution, article 4) on the other hand — how would you expect anyone to trust such empty words?

Our family — Let’s now talk about our family. Your mother and I belong to an older generation. We raised you in accordance with the standards of our generation, just like your grandparents raised us according to the standards of their time. You must have at times found us too strict. We simply followed the norm of our times. We hope that you will forget any unhappiness that, unaware, we may have inflicted upon you. Know that we did not seek an extravagant lifestyle, that we were never wasteful and that we lived well within the ethical and moral guidelines of our culture. We worked hard and saved every penny to provide for our family so that you could have a relatively comfortable life, a good education and a warm and happy home.

Because we had been despoiled of all our assets by the Communists, we experienced a rather difficult beginning on arrival in this country. Your mother and I had to accept very harsh working conditions. And you also, you had to work hard and diligently during your holidays in order to complete your studies. Today, everything seems to have fallen in place quite nicely. You should try never to be self-satisfied or to think of yourself as the best. Remember this: “When you look up, you will find that everyone is better; when you look down, you will see that everyone is worse.” Your personal talent, if any, counts only to some extent, the remainder results from the combination of favorable circumstances and the intangible benefits inherited from your ancestors and from your own actions in former lives and in this life. Always cultivate a virtuous life in order to improve your karma, in the same manner as a motorist must recharge the battery of his car. One reaps what one sows. Such is the universal law of cause and effect which leaves no one untouched!

Regarding your small family unit, here is our advice: between husband and wife, it is important to respect one another, to share and to compromise. Frictions are inevitable; resolve problems with patience, calm and wisdom. Anger is bad council, avoid it at all cost.

With respect to your children, love them without spoiling them. Be sure to keep an eye on their social circles. Establish contacts with the parents of their friends in order to obtain a fuller and deeper understanding of who they are. In our society today, bad peer influence is such a widespread phenomenon! The time spent watching television, playing video games or “chatting” on the Internet should be limited. On the other hand, it is important to encourage the practice of some physical activities and sports. This also applies to you personally. Be sure to include physical exercise in your routine in order to balance your activities. Let your father’s health condition be an inspiration to you. In my youth, I spent countless hours tied to my work. As a consequence, today, in my old age, my body “demands justice”, and I am frequently ill.

In your daily life, be thrifty (but not miserly). Make an effort to protect the environment because the resources of the world are limited; we must think of the future generations of our descendants. Do not waste anything, not even the Kleenex that you use to clean your hands. From time to time, let your children view the photographs and the films showing little children who are suffering terribly from hunger and cold; this will help them learn that in this world, a great many still live in misery.

Between brothers and sisters, keep in mind the following Vietnamese proverbs: “Brothers and sisters should be linked like hands and feet”; “when an elder sister falls, the little sister must help her up”; “a drop of blood is more valuable than a pond of water”; “when a horse is sick, the whole stable stops feeding”. The secret to maintaining good relationships between brothers and sisters may be found in one word: “forgiveness”. Do not hold rigor with your brothers and sisters for their defects. Any discord between you would be extremely painful to us.

In this society, as everyone seems to be short of time and can barely take care of his own immediate family, the extended family is somewhat neglected, much to our regret. Please make an effort to emphasize the tight relationship and unity in the extended family. To our daughters and daughters-in-law, we have a special request: help your husbands to maintain good relations between your brothers and sisters, as well as with all relatives on both the paternal and the maternal sides of the family.

Speaking Vietnamese — Some points need to be mentioned here. Your children have grown up as citizens of our host country with all the related rights and duties. Their daily life at school and in society forces them to speak and to write English and/or French impeccably, or they would run the risk of not being able to fully integrate in their social environment, of being insulated and missing out on opportunities for success and growth. They communicate with each other quite fluently in the two languages. Even though you do encourage them to speak Vietnamese at home, we feel their command of our language is rather weak. Their conversation skills are lacking, and their writing skills are even worse. This is understandable because they never dedicated enough time practicing reading and writing in Vietnamese! To help your children acquire any meaningful command of our language, it is simply not enough to spend a few hours each weekend at the language school with a teacher, as dedicated as she may be. Just think: in Vietnamese, the nomenclature, the hierarchy and the forms of address for various members of the family are one of the most complicated in the world!

Our fellow expatriates often point out the need for maintaining the use of the Vietnamese language. We agree with them. But to really think about it, a child cannot be the fusion of two children (Vietnamese and Canadian, or Vietnamese and American.) If too much pressure is exerted, the children will not bear it. In addition, we have to make time for their other interests such as sports, music, etc… Therefore we must make intelligent choices and establish a proper balance to avoid transforming your children into “studying machines”. Your children will be making progressive achievements in this country. Help them be prepared and adapted to their environment in order to ensure a satisfactory quality of life.

The Western society — We live in a society of excessive consumption. Don’t let yourself be caught by skilful marketing techniques which encourage you to consume without control. Surrounded by wants and needs, we become the easy preys of publicity; at the same time we are being conditioned and influenced by the banks and the insurance companies. Practice this motto: “Minimize your wants, be content with little.” Buy only what you need. This rule is also applicable to the houses and cars you buy; these should be well within your means and should provide the security and the basic functionality needed in your daily life. That’s enough. Avoid too much debt. This will lead to a much better worry-free life. Please understand that our advice is not mere theory. Today’s society is slipping lower and lower in many moral and spiritual aspects. The reason, in our opinion, is that when people are so focused on the appearances, they become egoistic, attached to material possessions, and cannot find happiness anywhere. To be truly happy, one needs to be less selfish. One must think of fellow human beings and learn to share with others.

Your old parents — With old age comes illness, and then one day, the old and the sick must depart… for good! That’s the universal law of life! When this day arrives for us, please make sure that our funerals are solemn but simple. Burying us in a cemetery may pose some problems for you, should you be required in the future to move away for your work. It would be difficult and impractical to take care of our tombs in this city. We prefer the cremation solution, which is more practical and does not require our bodies to be entombed. We believe future generations will need the land more than us. You could disperse our ashes on the mountain, in a river, or even in the ocean. We will return to dust, that’s all! Instead of spending on a funeral reception, please save the money to contribute to some worthy causes of collective interest. Do not be concerned that you would be criticized for this untraditional funeral. In time, people will understand and will approve.

One more important point: if, by misfortune, we should be sick and require life support in a vegetative state, please have the courage to remove our artificial life support system. Why prolong such a state which can only be a major burden to everyone?

The family shrine — Given today’s limited living space, it is not very easy to install a family shrine at home. To keep the memory of your ancestors, of your grandparents, both paternal and maternal, and of your parents, you may display photographs in the most suitable place of your house to show your respect and to reaffirm your commitment to never dishonor your ancestral tradition. On the anniversary of our death, prepare a small table on which you will lay out a cup of pure water, some scented flowers, fresh fruits and an incense rod (an electric rod would do as well). This would be sufficient. It is the expression of your love and that of your children that would be most meaningful and valuable to us on that day. We did mention “your children” to point out the need to make sure they understand the significance that we, Vietnamese, ascribe to the celebration of the anniversary of death of members of the family. During these special days, concentrate on good thoughts, do a few more acts of kindness compared to other regular days, give charity to the poor, donate clothes or food to charitable organizations. On these occasions, it would be wonderful if all brothers and sisters get together to renew and strengthen our family bonds. Please make an effort to organize such family reunions.

We hope that you will read this letter carefully, that you will meditate on it and that you will try to carry out our recommendations.

We thank you all for having always taken good care of us for so many years, and to have done all that’s required so that we can enjoy our old age in serenity.

With much love to you all, our beloved children and grandchildren, and a thousand kisses.

Father and Mother

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