The cafe in Manchester is busy, a hubbub of people talking and the clink of cups and the fierce hiss of the espresso machine, like a dragon. You spot a table in the corner though, so join the queue and keep your fingers crossed that everyone in front of you in the queue is getting a take-out or is buying coffee for a table where their friends have already sat down.
You’re lucky, and when you reach the front of the queue that little table for two in the corner is still empty. You order a flat white, oat milk please, and one of those vegan cinnamon swirls. The barista nods and puts a cup under the spouts and hits go on the espresso, and starts steaming your milk.
Right at that moment, everything stops.
The coffee running from the spouts of the espresso machine hangs in mid-air, like a brown icicle. The steam stops hissing, the barista does not move. All the conversations and the scrape of chairs and the clink of cups or plates and knives stops. You look around, and one woman is half-out of her seat, caught in the moment of reaching for her phone on the table. A man near you is holding his cup to his mouth. At another table, someone had just dropped a knife, and it hangs there, in mid-air. You can hear the sound of traffic outside, but other than you, everything in the cafe is silent. Every one in the cafe is silent. Nothing moves.
Nothing apart from you, and one man sitting on his own near the window. He puts down his newspaper and says urgently, but not unkindly, “This place is not for you. Not now, not at this time. It is very important that you go now, because at this time you do not belong here.”
Almost as if in trance, you move away towards the door through the silence and the statues, and then in one motion you open it and step through, and there you are in the street, a bus wheezing past, a Deliveroo rider on a bike scattering pedestrians on the pavement. You know if you looked back through the windows of the cafe you would see everything in movement again.
But you do not look back.
Friday, 30 September 2022
LOKI SEASON 1
Last night, we finished watching Season 1 of Loki on Disney+
I have been looking forward to watching this since Avengers: Endgame finished and I was not disappointed.
It was awesome! Damn good writing, special effects, and acting.
The storyline was intriguing with the TVA, who I remember from the Fantastic Four comic books, The actors were really good, and I loved the variants of Loki, including Alligator Loki.
and Owen Wilson was his usual excellent self as Möbius.
The only downpart for me was the character of "He Who Remains" played by Jonathan Majors, for whom I've never heard of before. His acting was too hammy and OTT and I've just found out, he will play Kang the Conqueror which is a very bad casting choice.
Apart from that, I loved this series and I am looking forward to watching season 2 when it comes out.
I shall rate this series a score of 9/10.
I have been looking forward to watching this since Avengers: Endgame finished and I was not disappointed.
It was awesome! Damn good writing, special effects, and acting.
The storyline was intriguing with the TVA, who I remember from the Fantastic Four comic books, The actors were really good, and I loved the variants of Loki, including Alligator Loki.
and Owen Wilson was his usual excellent self as Möbius.
The only downpart for me was the character of "He Who Remains" played by Jonathan Majors, for whom I've never heard of before. His acting was too hammy and OTT and I've just found out, he will play Kang the Conqueror which is a very bad casting choice.
Apart from that, I loved this series and I am looking forward to watching season 2 when it comes out.
I shall rate this series a score of 9/10.
Thursday, 29 September 2022
BEYOND THE RIM
10 year anniversary of the passing of Michael O’Hare.
Best known for playing Commander Jeffrey Sinclair of Babylon 5.
Best known for playing Commander Jeffrey Sinclair of Babylon 5.
Wednesday, 28 September 2022
ELTZ CASTLE
The medieval Eltz Castle located in Wierschem, Germany, has been owned and occupied by the same family for over 850 years, 33 generations to be exact.
NIGHTSKY
Neferkerheri.
He's requested I include some info... Neferkherheri or Nightsky to her friends, is an Irda from Krynn who found herself transported to the Realms via a portal she accidentally and unknowingly activated, after fifteen years she was attacked by thugs, murdered and her organs harvested, because her heart was missing she could not enter the afterlife, the God Anubis took pity on her and resurrected her, using hieroglyphic tattooed spells to keep her alive. She eventually became a Paladin in Anubis' service destroying undead and bringing justice to the wronged. She is currently retired and mooching of Anubis in his Astral abode, she eats all his popcorn and walks Ammit in exchange for lodgings
He's requested I include some info... Neferkherheri or Nightsky to her friends, is an Irda from Krynn who found herself transported to the Realms via a portal she accidentally and unknowingly activated, after fifteen years she was attacked by thugs, murdered and her organs harvested, because her heart was missing she could not enter the afterlife, the God Anubis took pity on her and resurrected her, using hieroglyphic tattooed spells to keep her alive. She eventually became a Paladin in Anubis' service destroying undead and bringing justice to the wronged. She is currently retired and mooching of Anubis in his Astral abode, she eats all his popcorn and walks Ammit in exchange for lodgings
Tuesday, 27 September 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION!
Thirty-Five years of going boldly!
On September 28, 1987, the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) first warped onto television screens.
On September 28, 1987, the Starship U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) first warped onto television screens.
PATHFINDER
I've just watched this "Historic" Action film on Disney+
Norsemen invade and attack Native Americans and ae stopped by a young Norseman Warrior who joined the Native Tribe, when he was a young lad.
Karl Urban is the young hero and Clancy Brown is the Viking baddie.
The Vikings have a Frazetta style 'Death Dealer' look to them (horns, etc) The film is quite gory and bloody, which I liked.
The acting was alright, as was the storyline and writing.
It's a good film, but not brilliant.
I have actually owned the DVD since the film first came out on the format, but It's always stayed on my "To Watch Pile" until now,
I doubt I will actually watch this movie again.
I shall rate this flick a score of 5/10.
Norsemen invade and attack Native Americans and ae stopped by a young Norseman Warrior who joined the Native Tribe, when he was a young lad.
Karl Urban is the young hero and Clancy Brown is the Viking baddie.
The Vikings have a Frazetta style 'Death Dealer' look to them (horns, etc) The film is quite gory and bloody, which I liked.
The acting was alright, as was the storyline and writing.
It's a good film, but not brilliant.
I have actually owned the DVD since the film first came out on the format, but It's always stayed on my "To Watch Pile" until now,
I doubt I will actually watch this movie again.
I shall rate this flick a score of 5/10.
Monday, 26 September 2022
SKOLL
In Norse lore, the wolf Skoll (one who mocks) chases Sol (the sun), while his brother Hati (one who hates) chases Mani (the moon) in hopes of devouring them. In some sources, however, it's not clear which brother chases which entity.
The siblings are the sons of the monstrous wolf Fenrir (the arch-wolf), and it is said that at Ragnarok, Skoll and Hati finally catch up to their prey, swallowing them and causing the sky and earth to darken and collapse, while their father defeats Odin.
The siblings are the sons of the monstrous wolf Fenrir (the arch-wolf), and it is said that at Ragnarok, Skoll and Hati finally catch up to their prey, swallowing them and causing the sky and earth to darken and collapse, while their father defeats Odin.
TRIANGLE MARKINGS
One Year Ago Today -
I woke up this morning with a triangle marking on my left arm.
Spots, needle marks, or probe markings from an Alien? Who knows!
Pretty cool I think. They don't hurt nor are they itchy.
I woke up this morning with a triangle marking on my left arm.
Spots, needle marks, or probe markings from an Alien? Who knows!
Pretty cool I think. They don't hurt nor are they itchy.
BLUE COW
The nilgai — literally meaning "blue cow” — is the largest Asian Antelope and is ubiquitous across the northern Indian subcontinent.
Sunday, 25 September 2022
LIGHTS!
There’s a small village that clings to a gap in the Cornish cliffs, with a little harbour that used to see the men of the village go out in boats but now sees people staying in Airbnbs at the tables outside quayside cafes drinking Aperol Spritz and popping into the local art gallery.
There’s a path that leads west out of the village, and up onto the cliffs, and if you keep your eyes out and look behind a wind-bent hawthorn you’ll find a narrow path that takes you down the cliffs and into a little bay.
It’s usually quiet because it’s hidden, and it’s the kind of steep path that will make you keep one hand on the rock, and if the waves are booming against the bottom of the cliffs that one hand will vibrate with the force of it. The currents are poor there for swimming, and there are better beaches either way along the coast, so you may well find yourself the only person there if you ever visit.
If that visit is on a certain night in the autumn, you may stop at the top wondering if it’s worth going down because a mist has rolled in and lain over the sea and beach like a blanket. But if you do pick your way carefully down the path, you might start to think you see lights in the mist, faint yellow lights that come and go. When you reach the bottom, you may be the only person on the beach, or you may find that for once there are others there, from the village, locals not incomers. They will be standing apart from each other, quiet and looking out to sea. Do not disturb them, just stand like they do.
After a little while the mist will roll back and you will see what there is to see. The yellow lights are small candles, a hundred or more, alight even though they just seem to float in the water unsupported. Their flames flicker and move, but they burn even though the sea moves around them.
At midnight exactly, the dark water by each candle will break white with foam, and one by one heads rise from the sea like seals do, but these are people, floating as if treading water, looking unblinking ahead, not moving. The candlelight flickers and moves, and it lights up the faces of those that the sea has taken over the years. Then the faces sink slow under the water, and once they are all gone, one by one the candles go out, and there is nothing there but the waves.
The people from the village turn away from the sea and walk up the cliff path in silence, and the mist rolls back in again and hides everything.
There’s a path that leads west out of the village, and up onto the cliffs, and if you keep your eyes out and look behind a wind-bent hawthorn you’ll find a narrow path that takes you down the cliffs and into a little bay.
It’s usually quiet because it’s hidden, and it’s the kind of steep path that will make you keep one hand on the rock, and if the waves are booming against the bottom of the cliffs that one hand will vibrate with the force of it. The currents are poor there for swimming, and there are better beaches either way along the coast, so you may well find yourself the only person there if you ever visit.
If that visit is on a certain night in the autumn, you may stop at the top wondering if it’s worth going down because a mist has rolled in and lain over the sea and beach like a blanket. But if you do pick your way carefully down the path, you might start to think you see lights in the mist, faint yellow lights that come and go. When you reach the bottom, you may be the only person on the beach, or you may find that for once there are others there, from the village, locals not incomers. They will be standing apart from each other, quiet and looking out to sea. Do not disturb them, just stand like they do.
After a little while the mist will roll back and you will see what there is to see. The yellow lights are small candles, a hundred or more, alight even though they just seem to float in the water unsupported. Their flames flicker and move, but they burn even though the sea moves around them.
At midnight exactly, the dark water by each candle will break white with foam, and one by one heads rise from the sea like seals do, but these are people, floating as if treading water, looking unblinking ahead, not moving. The candlelight flickers and moves, and it lights up the faces of those that the sea has taken over the years. Then the faces sink slow under the water, and once they are all gone, one by one the candles go out, and there is nothing there but the waves.
The people from the village turn away from the sea and walk up the cliff path in silence, and the mist rolls back in again and hides everything.
THE MOON BUTTERFLY
The moon butterfly is a species of moth of the family Saturniidae. It is a lime green nocturnal butterfly, typical of the Nearctic region. Scientific name Actias luna.
Saturday, 24 September 2022
THE SMALL ROOM AT THE BACK
You had been looking to move house for a while, but lost faith that you would ever find the right place. You were messed around by sellers, saw houses at a great price and then on visiting found out why the price was so low, and smelled some things that still stay with you now.
When you saw the house with the red door all the enthusiasm came flooding back, as did the fear of losing what might be the house you really wanted. It sat slightly apart from its neighbours, near the end of a lane that wasn’t quite in the countryside but wasn’t quite in the town either.
You booked a visit as soon as possible, and arrived early on a sunny morning with your family so you could get a feel for the area. It was as good as you had hoped - better even. The lane was quiet, no cars flying around, and one friendly neighbour pruning a tree who smiled and said hello to you all. The house with the red door was surrounded on three sides by small fields, and the kids exploded with enthusiasm when they saw the small pony that ambled through one, hunting out the longest grass.
The door was answered by a small man with a broad smile and twinkly eyes, who could have been anything between sixty and ninety. You raised your eyebrow a little when he told you that he was selling the house because he had to go travelling, but age is just a number these days.
The house was well-kept, and everything that you could have hoped for. The man showed you around, and then said he’d make some tea, and you could all take your time and wander as you pleased. Your children made a beeline for the kitchen window because they could see the pony from it, and your partner went to take some measurements in what might be their home office.
You wandered the upstairs, liking everything that you saw, and before you went back downstairs stuck your head into the small room at the back, thinking it might make a nice spare room for when your mum visited. Then you stopped.
The small room at the back was above the kitchen and looked out over the fields and the pony. You know it did, because you had been in there when the man showed you round. But not now. You stared out of the window into a landscape dark under low clouds, lashed with rain. Somewhere in the distance, something seemed to move slowly in the murk, something that was impossibly big.
You walked backwards onto the landing, called for your partner, but when you both went back into the room there was just the sunshine, the fields, the pony.
The old man insisted that you all have tea, even though you wanted to go. The children chattered and made horse noises, and you held your cup so tight you thought it might shatter.
“It’s a beautiful house,” your partner said. “Lovely views.”
The old man smiled, and you did not like it. “I bought the house for the view,” he said, looking at you while he spoke, and you looked away and sipped at your tea and thought desperately about how you would persuade the family that you must never ever buy this house.
When you saw the house with the red door all the enthusiasm came flooding back, as did the fear of losing what might be the house you really wanted. It sat slightly apart from its neighbours, near the end of a lane that wasn’t quite in the countryside but wasn’t quite in the town either.
You booked a visit as soon as possible, and arrived early on a sunny morning with your family so you could get a feel for the area. It was as good as you had hoped - better even. The lane was quiet, no cars flying around, and one friendly neighbour pruning a tree who smiled and said hello to you all. The house with the red door was surrounded on three sides by small fields, and the kids exploded with enthusiasm when they saw the small pony that ambled through one, hunting out the longest grass.
The door was answered by a small man with a broad smile and twinkly eyes, who could have been anything between sixty and ninety. You raised your eyebrow a little when he told you that he was selling the house because he had to go travelling, but age is just a number these days.
The house was well-kept, and everything that you could have hoped for. The man showed you around, and then said he’d make some tea, and you could all take your time and wander as you pleased. Your children made a beeline for the kitchen window because they could see the pony from it, and your partner went to take some measurements in what might be their home office.
You wandered the upstairs, liking everything that you saw, and before you went back downstairs stuck your head into the small room at the back, thinking it might make a nice spare room for when your mum visited. Then you stopped.
The small room at the back was above the kitchen and looked out over the fields and the pony. You know it did, because you had been in there when the man showed you round. But not now. You stared out of the window into a landscape dark under low clouds, lashed with rain. Somewhere in the distance, something seemed to move slowly in the murk, something that was impossibly big.
You walked backwards onto the landing, called for your partner, but when you both went back into the room there was just the sunshine, the fields, the pony.
The old man insisted that you all have tea, even though you wanted to go. The children chattered and made horse noises, and you held your cup so tight you thought it might shatter.
“It’s a beautiful house,” your partner said. “Lovely views.”
The old man smiled, and you did not like it. “I bought the house for the view,” he said, looking at you while he spoke, and you looked away and sipped at your tea and thought desperately about how you would persuade the family that you must never ever buy this house.
REST IN PEACE TO KAI WINN
Louise Fletcher has sadly passed away, aged 88 years old at her home in France.
For me, she was famous for her role as Kai Winn, the evil Bajoran spiritual leader and nemesis to the crew of Deep Space Nine.
For me, she was famous for her role as Kai Winn, the evil Bajoran spiritual leader and nemesis to the crew of Deep Space Nine.
SHAMBALA
I'm feeling a Shambala state of mind--feeling revitalized and energized, with joy in knowing that when you know Shambala, you are already there. Shambala is "... a pure land in the human realm. And unless one has the merit and the actual karmic association, one cannot actually arrive there."
Friday, 23 September 2022
HAWKEYE SEASON 1
This afternoon, I finished watching this MCU Phase 4 series on Disney+
This is in fact my first MCU series that I've watched, and I picked this one first as I am a huge Hawkeye fan, and I am also a fan of the two main leads.
It was a well written story with some decent special effects and the action scenes and stunt work was brilliant.
The actors were quite good in their roles with added praise to Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop. (Hailee is one of my new favourite actresses), Yelena Belova/Black Widow was quite good and funny, which I hope she brings the humour to her role in Thunderbolts, Maya Lopez was alright, and I hope her series will delve more into her character, and the Kingpin aka Wilson Fisk (portrayed by Vincent D'Onofrio), was awesome. I've not seen any of his performances before as Kingpin, yet and I liked what he did.
The Tracksuit Mafia reminded me of the Axe Gang from Kung-Fu Hustle, I just wanted those pesky Russians to dance in their combat scenes. I loved that they finally used the trick arrows and Lucky the Pizza Dog was adorable!
The only thing I was not keen on was the series length, 6 episodes only! It would have been better if it had more, and I hope they make a second series.
Overall, as for my first MCU series, I actually enjoyed it and I shall rate this a score of 8/10.
VHS TAPED HORROR
Everyone of a certain age ends up with a small pile of old video tapes, of weddings and christenings and dance performances and school plays and much-loved films, and no VCR to watch them on. The more organised will find a one to borrow, and buy a gizmo that lets you record to digital on a laptop off a VCR, and the more well-off will send a pile of tapes off to a service that will do it for you, and many will do nothing at all until one day they happen on a VCR at a car boot sale that they’re assured is working and is worth taking the chance on anyway, because it’s only twenty quid.
You might find, that in amongst the pile of videos is one that’s not labelled, so after watching some of the best ones you put this one in, just to see if you’d recorded something worth keeping.
You see the static of a blank tape, and are about to press stop when a picture flickers on and off, indistinct and jumpy but you can just about make it out it appears to be a London street, with people running about backwards and forwards, and what at first you thought was interference on the tape is smoke.
You frown, and think what the hell is this. Isn’t any TV programme I can remember recording, and the camera moves as if it is being hand-held, an amateur video shot on a camera that is nowhere near professional standard. You turn the volume up, and can hear what sounds like metal grinding. And screaming. Lots of screaming.
As the shot shudders and jerks around, you can see why. As well as the people running, there are people just lying, arms and legs jumbled at awkward angles. You want to look away, but you can’t, and the camera stumbles forward, swings to one side, up almost towards the sky, then comes back again.
It’s closer to the people lying in the street, broken and pale, close enough to see that one of them is you, and the one lying next to you is the one you had such an intense relationship with years ago, the one that you talked about being forever, but in the end, like a firework, you were both bright for a moment but then done.
You hit the stop button. Sit there for a minute or two, and your hands are trembling.
Seeing the two of you made you remember the street, that day you’d spilled out of a long lunchtime pub session and were hurrying home, both having phoned in sick to your employers. On this one street, you both fell silent. Held hands for comfort, not a promise of what hands might hold later. Something felt strange, and wrong, and when you turned into another street and the world felt right again, you both walked that little bit more quickly until you were home, but for some reason the walk had taken an hour longer than you thought it had.
When you find the courage to play the video tape again, it’s just static, a snowstorm against black. Nothing to be seen. Maybe. There are moments when you think you can see things in the static.
You burn it at the end of your garden.
As you dig the ashes into the soil, the thought comes into your head that nothing might ever grow in that spot.
You might find, that in amongst the pile of videos is one that’s not labelled, so after watching some of the best ones you put this one in, just to see if you’d recorded something worth keeping.
You see the static of a blank tape, and are about to press stop when a picture flickers on and off, indistinct and jumpy but you can just about make it out it appears to be a London street, with people running about backwards and forwards, and what at first you thought was interference on the tape is smoke.
You frown, and think what the hell is this. Isn’t any TV programme I can remember recording, and the camera moves as if it is being hand-held, an amateur video shot on a camera that is nowhere near professional standard. You turn the volume up, and can hear what sounds like metal grinding. And screaming. Lots of screaming.
As the shot shudders and jerks around, you can see why. As well as the people running, there are people just lying, arms and legs jumbled at awkward angles. You want to look away, but you can’t, and the camera stumbles forward, swings to one side, up almost towards the sky, then comes back again.
It’s closer to the people lying in the street, broken and pale, close enough to see that one of them is you, and the one lying next to you is the one you had such an intense relationship with years ago, the one that you talked about being forever, but in the end, like a firework, you were both bright for a moment but then done.
You hit the stop button. Sit there for a minute or two, and your hands are trembling.
Seeing the two of you made you remember the street, that day you’d spilled out of a long lunchtime pub session and were hurrying home, both having phoned in sick to your employers. On this one street, you both fell silent. Held hands for comfort, not a promise of what hands might hold later. Something felt strange, and wrong, and when you turned into another street and the world felt right again, you both walked that little bit more quickly until you were home, but for some reason the walk had taken an hour longer than you thought it had.
When you find the courage to play the video tape again, it’s just static, a snowstorm against black. Nothing to be seen. Maybe. There are moments when you think you can see things in the static.
You burn it at the end of your garden.
As you dig the ashes into the soil, the thought comes into your head that nothing might ever grow in that spot.
THE SAILFIN DRAGON
Hydrosaurus, aka the Sailfin Dragon, is found in the rainforests of the Philippines
Thursday, 22 September 2022
DR. HEINZ DOOFENSHMIRTZ
"Your too late, Perry the Platypus! With my new anime-inator, I will take over the entire TRI-STATE AREA!"
CHARLES BRIDGE
An exceptional image of the Charles Bridge over the waters of Moldova in the excellent Prague one of the most beautiful cities in the world
Wednesday, 21 September 2022
THE GOLDEN CHILD
I watched this classic dark fantasy action-comedy movie earlier on Amazon Prime. I have not seen this in years, and I originally watched this movie way back at the cinema in 1986, when I was 11 years old.
I really do like this movie, and I was a huge fan of Eddie Murphy when I was a child.
I will always watch this again when it's on and it's one of my favourites. I will rate this film a score of 7/10.
I really do like this movie, and I was a huge fan of Eddie Murphy when I was a child.
I will always watch this again when it's on and it's one of my favourites. I will rate this film a score of 7/10.
Tuesday, 20 September 2022
NO NEWS!
Same News items on all channels with nothing really newsworthy.
It has all been pomp and rubbish, fawning over a useless old woman who never ever gave a shit about her people.
It has all been pomp and rubbish, fawning over a useless old woman who never ever gave a shit about her people.
ABDUCTING A HEDGEPIG
Candy has just rescued and de-ticked the Hedgepig that was minding his own business in our carport.
Now he is grumpy and claiming that he was abducted by "ALIENS"
KIRK AND DAX
William Shatner aka Captain James T. Kirk sharing a moment with Leonard Nimoy's (Spock) daughter in-law, Terry Farrell aka Dax from DS9.
THE GOONIES
To cheer myself up last night, I watched The Goonies on Amazon Prime. I first watched this action-comedy film at the cinema in 1985 when I was only 10 years old.
So, 37 years later, I still really enjoyed this movie, and it brought back a lot of good memories and sad ones, like I wished I had a group of friends to hang out with when I was a kid, instead of being locked away at home and never being allowed to go out.
I would have loved to have gone on adventures and find treasure.
This film is a cult classic, and I will always rate this movie a score of 8/10.
So, 37 years later, I still really enjoyed this movie, and it brought back a lot of good memories and sad ones, like I wished I had a group of friends to hang out with when I was a kid, instead of being locked away at home and never being allowed to go out.
I would have loved to have gone on adventures and find treasure.
This film is a cult classic, and I will always rate this movie a score of 8/10.
ALEXA, STOP
You may be sitting in your front room, reading a book, or in your kitchen cooking a meal, when your smart speaker begins to speak. You’re confused at first, because you hadn’t activated it, and because you can’t understand what it is saying.
That is because it is speaking in a language that has not been spoken for 2000 years, and it is reading out one hundred words.
Stop it before the hundredth word. The usual voice commands will not work, so pull it from the mains, hurl it at the wall, dash it on the floor, smash it with the rolling pin you were using to flatten your pastry, however you do it, stop it.
If you do not, then when the hundredth word is read out a hole will open in the air in your room and something will step through it, and for you that will be that.
Stop it before the hundredth word. The usual voice commands will not work, so pull it from the mains, hurl it at the wall, dash it on the floor, smash it with the rolling pin you were using to flatten your pastry, however you do it, stop it.
If you do not, then when the hundredth word is read out a hole will open in the air in your room and something will step through it, and for you that will be that.
Monday, 19 September 2022
STAR TREK: PRODIGY
Last night I finished watching this new Star Trek series on Paramount+
The series is a 3D animated show that does cater for the younger audience, but it's quite good and this adult really enjoyed it. I preferred this series to the other animated Trek show "Lower Decks" which I found to be unfunny and not really that good.
I did like the inclusion of original characters like Captain Janeway, Spock, Odo, etc as Hologram characters on board the starship USS Protostar.
The younger cast of characters were really well written, and I suppose the only way to create these "Alien" characters is to do it via animation.
The first part of season 1 is only 10 episodes long, and the second part starts next month.
I did have doubts about this show as I cannot stand the animation that Nickelodeon churns out, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I will rate this show a score of 5/10.
The series is a 3D animated show that does cater for the younger audience, but it's quite good and this adult really enjoyed it. I preferred this series to the other animated Trek show "Lower Decks" which I found to be unfunny and not really that good.
I did like the inclusion of original characters like Captain Janeway, Spock, Odo, etc as Hologram characters on board the starship USS Protostar.
The younger cast of characters were really well written, and I suppose the only way to create these "Alien" characters is to do it via animation.
The first part of season 1 is only 10 episodes long, and the second part starts next month.
I did have doubts about this show as I cannot stand the animation that Nickelodeon churns out, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I will rate this show a score of 5/10.
KNOCKING THROUGH
Wavertree in Liverpool has seen better times. Many shops are shuttered, many houses look abandoned or are neglected. But rent is cheap, and you may find yourself living in a downstairs flat on a certain street. After a few days, you will be irritated by the constant hammering and thumping from upstairs. You are loathe to complain, because you have met the upstairs tenant coming and going a few times. A short, chubby man, he greets you with great politeness and warmth, and you feel bad about the things you have thought in your head that you want to say to him.
After a sleepless night though, you have had enough. The house isn’t big, and you can’t imagine what kind of work could require so much banging and thumping. You stomp out of your flat to complain, but see the short, chubby man disappearing off down the garden, out on one of his errands. You don’t want to miss the opportunity, so you go back in to your flat, scribble an anguished plea on the back of an envelope, and go upstairs to post it under his door.
As you lean forward to slide the envelope under, you stumble a little, bump the door with your shoulder, and you realise that it is open. You can’t resist, so you step through, and find yourself standing on a small wooden platform made from floorboards. Beyond the platform should be a plain and dull rented flat like your own, decorated with fading floral wallpaper, skirting boards painted the same bland colour as the door. But beyond the platform there are no sagging beds, no lampshades thick with dust, no thin beige carpets. There is no room.
An endless space stretches out in front of you, above you, below you, every direction a dizzying drop into nothing. Impossibly far away in the darkness, distant smudges of red and yellow light pulse, and it strikes you that they look very much like stars. You can hear a constant soft noise like the sound of waves dragging the shingle back from a beach, and every now and then, a deep bass humming which shakes the platform. Some of the distant lights disappear from view and then reappear seconds later, and it strikes you that something inconceivably large is moving slowly across them.
The short, chubby man appears beside you. “I’m sorry I left the door open,” he says, and he holds out his hand. You take it, and he walks with you along the platform, out towards nothing.
After a sleepless night though, you have had enough. The house isn’t big, and you can’t imagine what kind of work could require so much banging and thumping. You stomp out of your flat to complain, but see the short, chubby man disappearing off down the garden, out on one of his errands. You don’t want to miss the opportunity, so you go back in to your flat, scribble an anguished plea on the back of an envelope, and go upstairs to post it under his door.
As you lean forward to slide the envelope under, you stumble a little, bump the door with your shoulder, and you realise that it is open. You can’t resist, so you step through, and find yourself standing on a small wooden platform made from floorboards. Beyond the platform should be a plain and dull rented flat like your own, decorated with fading floral wallpaper, skirting boards painted the same bland colour as the door. But beyond the platform there are no sagging beds, no lampshades thick with dust, no thin beige carpets. There is no room.
An endless space stretches out in front of you, above you, below you, every direction a dizzying drop into nothing. Impossibly far away in the darkness, distant smudges of red and yellow light pulse, and it strikes you that they look very much like stars. You can hear a constant soft noise like the sound of waves dragging the shingle back from a beach, and every now and then, a deep bass humming which shakes the platform. Some of the distant lights disappear from view and then reappear seconds later, and it strikes you that something inconceivably large is moving slowly across them.
The short, chubby man appears beside you. “I’m sorry I left the door open,” he says, and he holds out his hand. You take it, and he walks with you along the platform, out towards nothing.
Sunday, 18 September 2022
Saturday, 17 September 2022
HALTIJA
Haltija from Finnish mythology.
There are many different kinds of haltijas. There are, for example water haltijas and forest haltijas. Even graveyards have their own haltijas.
Human settlements also have haltijas. One type is the tonttu or maan haltija (land haltija). The kotihaltija (home elf, home gnome) is the tonttu who lives in every home. He takes care of the house, and it is important to treat him with respect. The saunatonttu lives in the sauna and protects it but also makes sure that people do not behave improperly in it. Joulutonttu is Finnish for Christmas elf.
Unlike the Christmas elves in some countries, the Finnish joulutonttu doesn't have pointy ears.
There are even personal haltijas, which are protective spirits similar to angels in Christianity. One of them is called "luonto", which means "nature".
Some haltijas are divided into races or folks, which are called väki. Väki means either "strength/power" or "group/corps. There are different kind of väkis of haltijas, like veden väki (water folk) or metsän väki (forest folk).
Haltija väkis of different environments and materials were thought to be in conflict with each other. For example, when wood is burned, it is an assault in which väki of fire is beating väki of wood. Väki of fire can be used to scare other väki away. For example, if you were made ill by väki of water, that attached to you while you were swimming, this väki and the illness could be removed in sauna, which had many väki of fire.
There are many different kinds of haltijas. There are, for example water haltijas and forest haltijas. Even graveyards have their own haltijas.
Human settlements also have haltijas. One type is the tonttu or maan haltija (land haltija). The kotihaltija (home elf, home gnome) is the tonttu who lives in every home. He takes care of the house, and it is important to treat him with respect. The saunatonttu lives in the sauna and protects it but also makes sure that people do not behave improperly in it. Joulutonttu is Finnish for Christmas elf.
Unlike the Christmas elves in some countries, the Finnish joulutonttu doesn't have pointy ears.
There are even personal haltijas, which are protective spirits similar to angels in Christianity. One of them is called "luonto", which means "nature".
Some haltijas are divided into races or folks, which are called väki. Väki means either "strength/power" or "group/corps. There are different kind of väkis of haltijas, like veden väki (water folk) or metsän väki (forest folk).
Haltija väkis of different environments and materials were thought to be in conflict with each other. For example, when wood is burned, it is an assault in which väki of fire is beating väki of wood. Väki of fire can be used to scare other väki away. For example, if you were made ill by väki of water, that attached to you while you were swimming, this väki and the illness could be removed in sauna, which had many väki of fire.
YSBADDADEN PENCAWR
Ysbaddaden Pencawr. Welsh Folklore (1300AD)
The tale of Ysbaddaden is linked to the Arthurian legends that most people might be familiar with, but as a sort-of off-shoot of the main tale which is usually not covered in the classics.
Ysbaddaden is a chief of giants. He is destined to die when his daughter, the beautiful Olwen, marries. As you can imagine, he's therefore less than keen for her to marry.
Ysbaddaden has been a bit of a scourge of the surrounding area. He's tormented and killed his way throughout Wales, and caused any amount of mayhem. He's not very popular, but he's pretty tough.
Specifically: In the medieval Welsh tale Culhwch ac Olwen that we're talking about here, he is the cruel and vicious king of the giants, who defeated the former ruler and killed his 23 children.
Culhwch - the 'hero' of our tale - is the son of King Cilydd son of Celyddon. When the King's wife dies, and he re-marries, the somewhat evil stepmother tries to get him to marry his stepsister.
This sort of carry-on might be a popular search on Pornhub, but Culhwch wasn't having a bar of it, and rebuffed his stepmother's 'suggestion'. As a result, she reveals her true nature and in a fit of pique curses Culhwch to only have eyes for Olwen, daughter of Ysbaddaden.
Culhwch is therefore smitten with Olwen, even though he's never met her. He goes to his cousin Arthur (the Arthur) for help. Arthur provides him with some knights and some weapons, and a bit of advice, so Culhwch nips off to find the elusive Olwen.
The meaning of the name Olwen is "white footprint". According to legend, she was so gentle and fragile that white trefoils would grow in her footprints.
Olwen ultimately treats him favourably, and decides she would like to marry him. Which is nice, isn't it? Certainly, the whole tale would have been a bit dead-ended if she'd just crossed her arms, sniffed imperiously, and said "Ew! No thanks. My mother told me never to trust a ginger."
Unfortunately, she can't marry him unless Ysbaddaden agrees, and since the giant's life is tied to her unmarried status, he's not keen... but it's a bit political, so rather than have the whole thing turn into a scuffle - as it would have - Ysbaddaden tells Culhwch that he will agree to the marriage...
IF (That's right, there's always an 'if'...)
IF Culhwch completes a series of forty tasks, each more fiendish and devious than the last.
As an aside: Actually, before announcing the tasks, there was an unfortunate incident with a poison dart, but it came to nothing, so it really was in Ysbaddaden's best interests - given the presence of Arthur's knights at this point - to try to contain the situation, and hope that Culhwch's over-eagerness would be his undoing.
As the tale is fragmentary, it's not known what all of the tasks were, but to give you a bit of a taste of the sort of thing... two of them were:
Obtain the basket/hamper of Gwyddneu Garanhir (The elfin ruler of a sunken land off the coast of Wales)
Hunt Ysgithyrwyn, the chief boar.
It goes without saying that Culhwch completes the tasks - though the fragmentary nature of the tale doesn't give all the details.
Presumably he approached Gwyddneu Garanhir and said "I'll give you a tenner for the basket", and approached Ysgithyrwyn and said "Eat spiky spear-laden death, giant pig-monster!".
With the help of Arthur's knights, Culhwch returns, victorious to Olwen, and things go a bit bad for Ysbaddaden.
Because he's annoyed so many people, and because Arthur's knights are still floating about, the people who have been affronted by the giant all turn up to take their revenge. The giant is ritually humiliated, flayed alive, and beheaded by his own nephew.
Culhwch and Olwen happily marry at this point. She and her father were not close, I guess. Still, I can't help but think that having a wedding while there was a giant's head on a spike in the dining-room would have put a bit of a damper on the evening - even if he was a villain.
The tale bears a few similarities to Tolkien's Tale of Beren and Lúthien, though the Bride-Quest theme is strong in quite a lot of Western folklore. Either way, a fairly niche but quite interesting mythological villain.
The tale of Ysbaddaden is linked to the Arthurian legends that most people might be familiar with, but as a sort-of off-shoot of the main tale which is usually not covered in the classics.
Ysbaddaden is a chief of giants. He is destined to die when his daughter, the beautiful Olwen, marries. As you can imagine, he's therefore less than keen for her to marry.
Ysbaddaden has been a bit of a scourge of the surrounding area. He's tormented and killed his way throughout Wales, and caused any amount of mayhem. He's not very popular, but he's pretty tough.
Specifically: In the medieval Welsh tale Culhwch ac Olwen that we're talking about here, he is the cruel and vicious king of the giants, who defeated the former ruler and killed his 23 children.
Culhwch - the 'hero' of our tale - is the son of King Cilydd son of Celyddon. When the King's wife dies, and he re-marries, the somewhat evil stepmother tries to get him to marry his stepsister.
This sort of carry-on might be a popular search on Pornhub, but Culhwch wasn't having a bar of it, and rebuffed his stepmother's 'suggestion'. As a result, she reveals her true nature and in a fit of pique curses Culhwch to only have eyes for Olwen, daughter of Ysbaddaden.
Culhwch is therefore smitten with Olwen, even though he's never met her. He goes to his cousin Arthur (the Arthur) for help. Arthur provides him with some knights and some weapons, and a bit of advice, so Culhwch nips off to find the elusive Olwen.
The meaning of the name Olwen is "white footprint". According to legend, she was so gentle and fragile that white trefoils would grow in her footprints.
Olwen ultimately treats him favourably, and decides she would like to marry him. Which is nice, isn't it? Certainly, the whole tale would have been a bit dead-ended if she'd just crossed her arms, sniffed imperiously, and said "Ew! No thanks. My mother told me never to trust a ginger."
Unfortunately, she can't marry him unless Ysbaddaden agrees, and since the giant's life is tied to her unmarried status, he's not keen... but it's a bit political, so rather than have the whole thing turn into a scuffle - as it would have - Ysbaddaden tells Culhwch that he will agree to the marriage...
IF (That's right, there's always an 'if'...)
IF Culhwch completes a series of forty tasks, each more fiendish and devious than the last.
As an aside: Actually, before announcing the tasks, there was an unfortunate incident with a poison dart, but it came to nothing, so it really was in Ysbaddaden's best interests - given the presence of Arthur's knights at this point - to try to contain the situation, and hope that Culhwch's over-eagerness would be his undoing.
As the tale is fragmentary, it's not known what all of the tasks were, but to give you a bit of a taste of the sort of thing... two of them were:
Obtain the basket/hamper of Gwyddneu Garanhir (The elfin ruler of a sunken land off the coast of Wales)
Hunt Ysgithyrwyn, the chief boar.
It goes without saying that Culhwch completes the tasks - though the fragmentary nature of the tale doesn't give all the details.
Presumably he approached Gwyddneu Garanhir and said "I'll give you a tenner for the basket", and approached Ysgithyrwyn and said "Eat spiky spear-laden death, giant pig-monster!".
With the help of Arthur's knights, Culhwch returns, victorious to Olwen, and things go a bit bad for Ysbaddaden.
Because he's annoyed so many people, and because Arthur's knights are still floating about, the people who have been affronted by the giant all turn up to take their revenge. The giant is ritually humiliated, flayed alive, and beheaded by his own nephew.
Culhwch and Olwen happily marry at this point. She and her father were not close, I guess. Still, I can't help but think that having a wedding while there was a giant's head on a spike in the dining-room would have put a bit of a damper on the evening - even if he was a villain.
The tale bears a few similarities to Tolkien's Tale of Beren and Lúthien, though the Bride-Quest theme is strong in quite a lot of Western folklore. Either way, a fairly niche but quite interesting mythological villain.
Friday, 16 September 2022
RAMBO: LAST BLOOD
I've just watched this film on Amazon Prime, which I rented for 0.99p which was just about worth it in my opinion.
It was alright, the usual action and gory scenes as per a Rambo movie but the story was not that good, and nearly all the action scenes were all over and done within about the last 10 minutes or so of the film. They over did it with the gore, which I don't mind as an action buff fan, but some viewers might find it distasteful.
I won't be watching this film again, and I doubt they will make another Rambo film after this as he is getting too old now.
I shall rate this flick a score of only a 5/10.
It was alright, the usual action and gory scenes as per a Rambo movie but the story was not that good, and nearly all the action scenes were all over and done within about the last 10 minutes or so of the film. They over did it with the gore, which I don't mind as an action buff fan, but some viewers might find it distasteful.
I won't be watching this film again, and I doubt they will make another Rambo film after this as he is getting too old now.
I shall rate this flick a score of only a 5/10.
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