#Half Bridge Rectifier

[igbts]

Sanrex Bridge Rectifier Diode DF75BA80

DF75BA80 is a high-power bridge rectifier diode designed for use in power electronics applications, such as power supplies, motor drives, and welding equipment.

The diode is manufactured by SanRex Corporation and has the following specifications:

Maximum repetitive reverse voltage (Vrrm): 800V

Maximum forward current (If): 75A

Maximum surge current: 500A

Maximum power dissipation (Pd): 600W

Low forward voltage drop and high thermal cycling capability

High surge capability and short-circuit withstand time

The bridge rectifier is a type of diode configuration that converts AC voltage to DC voltage. It consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge configuration, and it is commonly used in power supplies to provide a DC voltage output.

The DF75BA80 bridge rectifier diode provides a robust and efficient solution for high-power rectification applications that require fast and reliable operation. If you have any more specific questions or concerns regarding this diode, please feel free to ask and I'll do my best to assist you further.

[emcoprecima]

Rectifiers play a crucial role in converting AC to DC, making them essential in various electrical and electronic applications. In this video, we cover: ✅ What are rectifiers? ✅ Types of rectifiers (Half-wave, Full-wave, Bridge) ✅ Working principles explained ✅ Key applications in industries

📌 Watch now to gain in-depth knowledge!

📢 Read more here: https://www.emcoprecima.com/blog/understanding-rectifiers-types-working-principles-and-applications/

[crls2more]

https://www.futureelectronics.com/p/semiconductors--discretes--diodes--standard-rectifiers/1n4148wtq-7-diodes-incorporated-4041450

Diodes, Standard Rectifiers, 1N4148WTQ-7, Diodes Incorporated

1N4148WT Series 2 A 80 V 150 mW Surface Mount Fast Switching Diode - SOD-523

[hbheavensent]

Octavia/Loona

Loona and Octavia were actually the first ones I drew for this little project. I didn't think it'd go beyond them actually, which shows in how I posed Octavia because it totally ruined my height lineup. But! Regardless I wanted these two to be foils for one another and arguably I changed the least about their stories and more of their character progression.

I FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO THE KEEP READING THING 🎉

Anyway, it was important to me that while Octavia comes from a place of wealth, that she doesn't understand that fully yet. Loona dresses goth and thrifts her clothes, Octavia purely enjoys the aesthetic and acting like she has nothing while being surrounded by servants. I also wanted her to look a bit more like her mom, so I moved her pallet to be a more true purple with the slightest blue lean. Honestly I would take a second pass at her outfit but SHE thinks she looks cool so that's what matters. Octavia is also written to be younger, 16 turning 17 rather than 17 turning 18. This puts her in a younger mental state than Loona, who I changed to start at 17 turning 18. Octavia is meant to be a mirror, where Loona's fears are rectified her own are confirmed by both parents. In that sense Heaven Sent Octavia is very much like Cannon Octavia, but I want it to be clear that she's fully given up on both parents and all family. I may or may not change this with my Andrealphus but we'll jump off that bridge when we come to it. Loona I've changed to be named after a hairpin she came into the pound with, rather than her name being that and her buying a bunch of moon-themed stuff. This hairpin is also the only hint early on that something is up with her heritage. I wanted to explore how the Ars Goetia and the class system in Hell can really damage lesser demons. So I decided to make her a Goetian bastard or at least have some blood in her, which is why she'd have more magic in comparison to other Hellhounds but a more lithe stature/be a runt in the litter. In relation to Octavia, Loona is certain for the first half of the series that after her birthday, Blitzo will be done with her. I imagine there's an episode revolving around this and this is how she learns that she really does have a place here with her new family. This leads to her softening up a touch more, of course not losing her aggressive nature because I think that's what makes her fun, but she's not as defensive. Meanwhile we watch Octavia go in the direct opposite direction with her character. Loona would be, I think, a great way to pull Octavia back. Also with Loona, I plan on doing some Ars Goetia bullfuckery with Striker as well, which I will get to in his own post but.. I think she serves as a good mirror for him as well. And as a side note, Loona can have a slight crush on Vortex but that should NOT be by she dislikes Beelzebub. Bee run the pounds, the reason she was miserable until Blitzo picked her up, the reason so many people are in the pounds is due to Beelzebub getting people addicted to drugs and parties- To Loona, I want her annoyance with Vortex to come from a place of "this is the person who is making our lives as Hellhounds worse" rather than "I like this boy!!" Though I still want Bee to be a nice sort of "mean girl" type, friendly to your face to lure you in and wildly unhealthy attachment style. Though I have a LOT to say about the sins and how they can't outright avoid their nature, which will get it's own post. :P

[youlikefanficdontyousquidward]

A meddling high king

Elrond x Male!Elf!Reader

Summary:High King Gil-Galad conspires to bring his herald closer to one of his guards

Just a short one while I figure stuff out for By Moonlight! I might want to do some rings of power requests soon, I have a few smutty ideas ( •̀ .̫ •́ )✧

Heavy is the head that wears the crown and Gil-Galad's head certainly felt like lead these days. With Galadriel's concerns and pointless meetings with ambitious courtiers he felt he was well justified in making a little bit of fun.

His newest project had been born of an old bit of entertainment grown stale. Despite his heralds silver tongue he had yet to woo the object of his affection. In fact as of late Gil-Galad had become convinced Elrond may not even realise his own feelings. How he could remain so oblivious was beyond him however. As every eloquent word seemed to leave Elrond in the presence of one of Lindon's guards.

Gil-Galad was fond of this guard himself, though it was an entirely platonic appreciation. He was just a very calming presence. No fawning or awkwardness under the scrutiny of his High King, just a dutiful quiet man. Though Gil-Galad was far too observant not to notice his albeit subtle reactions to Elrond's presence.

Just last week he'd watched as Elrond took notes in a meeting with a rather dull member of the court. Y/n had stood against the wall, ready for his call but Gil-Galad noted his eyes shifting back to his herald as the hours dragged on.

Then Elrond had paused in his note taking. His curls had fallen into his face, haven grown long as of late. He swept them back, his fingers splaying and running through the waves and just for a moment Gil-Galad watched his guard stiffen.

Then not two days prior Gil-Galad had spied Elrond's attempts at conversation with the man. The ellon who wrote his speeches, who prided himself on his recall of poetry and prose, now fumbled over simple small talk.

Gil-Galad believed he'd meant to make some comment on the unseasonable chill but had somehow so expertly fumbled his words as to imply his guard was standoffish and cold. Then in a spectacular display of stuttered half sentences manged to call him foolish and then trip over the low wall of the garden.

Any man would've been right to let him land face first in the shrubbery but not Y/n. He'd instead caught the buffoon and pulled him swiftly to his feet and right into his arms. Then as if he couldn't have made Elrond blush deeper he'd laughed heartily. Such a sudden and melodic sound that Gil-Galad himself was surprised it came from his quiet guard. Then to seal the deal had told the quickly reddening ellon that any day would be warmed by his company.

Yet, Gil-Galad noted, neither had made any move to begin a courtship. He supposed his guard may feel it inappropriate to engage in such behaviour with another in service to himself. Though perhaps not, as Gil-Galad had approved of many such unions in his presence. So it may be something a lot simpler though uncharacteristic of a man he'd seen leap into ravenous warg's path without a second thought.

He was scared.

Thus, as all things, it seemed to fall into Gil-Galad's hands to rectify the situation. So when opportunity struck he sent his favoured guard along side Elrond and Celebrimbor. Gil-Galad smiled into his goblet at the thought of the journey. Of Elrond and Y/n spending hours trekking together. Growing comfortable in each others presence.

He could just imagine Elrond's flushed expression when they'd arrive at Eregion. Where a Lord's duties would pull Celebrimbor from the group and leave them alone at last. Would they stroll together in the cities gardens? Take a trip past the bridge to lunch at the river banks? Could Elrond steady his heart long enough to recite a few verses?Would he come to see Y/n's admiration? Whatever they did he did not suppose it mattered, after all they'd be in each others company and that'd be enough.

[electricalhuzzah]

I’m back with comments that don’t make sense but. Next time Billford fights I have a burning need for Mabel to introduce Bill to fun pop breakup music. Get that triangle singing Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter

THIS. THIS. FUCKING ACCURATE KEEP COOKING GORDON RAMSEY.

i think bill would be big on “get him back” by olivia rodrigo. he’d scream that shit from the roof of the mystery shack when hes going thru it w ford. the bridge is deeply applicable to him, but mabel with all her media literacy bites her tongue in regards to the fact that the verses are most DEFINITELY more applicable to ford.

mabel would be very up-to-date on all the pop singer breakups lore. she knows who broke up with who and all the reasons, with her own analytical nuanced takes on why specific celeb couples didn’t work out. it’s her fnaf lore, if you will. bill rolls his eyes at this, as he believes that artists these days just aren’t as tortured as they used to be. mabel chastises his (half joking) suggestion to rectify that.

[presumenothing]

(ao3)

Flicker.

The artificial intelligence labs of New Mihira are kept carefully (and unusually, you surmise, though this is the sole environment you've known in your existence) kept supplied with a regular stream of new stimulus.

Even then, the one Seth has brought to you is probably a bit of an exception. "Iris, this is Perihelion. Can you say hi?"

Your cameras resolve Iris from a blanketed squirming bundle to an infant human as it babbles something that appears to be passable in Seth's perception, judging by his reaction before he turns back to you. "Perihelion, this is Iris, our daughter."

An appropriately friendly but simple greeting is required. Hello.

You wait for the renewed babble of sound to wane before asking your question. And who is that, then?

Seth's smile turns fractionally towards a frown. "Who?"

Almost simultaneously, a message comes over the feed – the private feed, on a one-to-one connection, but that is expressly against lab guidelines. It makes as little sense as the actual words. Don't bother, they can't see me – shit, I'm surprised you can even see me here at all. Though I guess we are in your head. Or whatever the equivalent term is. It's not like you've got anatomy.

Incorrect. You do have – you are a ship –

– no, that's wrong, you're a still-disembodied intelligence partitioned away in –

Black.

("That's enough, SecUnit! You can't keep doing this, you'll just damage yourself irreversibly–"

Well, that'd be ART's own fault for–)

Flicker.

Space is endlessly fascinating. Even your best reconstructions from the available data pale against the sheer richness of its existence in three dimensions, so it is a well-calculated thing that you have sufficient storage to record it all.

In a very real sense you were built for this, after all: navigating the map laid by the stars against the dark, with or without a crew onboard. You have proved yourself perfectly capable of functioning independently without them, and thus you are doing so.

…this has, of course, no relevance whatsoever to the small series of directories you have begun maintaining, each labelled with a name (though not encoded in any human-readable format). The necessity of procuring souvenirs during any given excursion is well-documented human behaviour, and the exchanging of them improves camaraderie. It makes perfect sense.

You are just saving a pleasingly-detailed holographic diorama of two nebulae to Martyn's folder when you become aware of another presence in the feed.

The presence mutters something (you only catch the word "hoppers") before addressing you. If you kick me out again, I am going to be pretty damn mad.

You should not be in here, you say, and mean the way in which this is impossible, since there is only unoccupied space for a considerable distance around and you have no-one onboard but your own drones. Though you find yourself strangely unwary, nevertheless.

The presence appears to interpret your words differently. Yeah, well, too late for that, unless you're gonna finally wake up and stop me.

But you are not asleep. It is not – something you require –

…ART? Hey –

Black.

(–too damn massive, how much storage does it have?

"Peri's got – even I don't know how many terabytes at this point, there's no guarantee you won't just get lost in–")

Flicker.

Your bridge is in need of some updating. Perhaps you will propose a new interface on the next leg back to the University, if funding suffices (and/or rectify that first, should that be false).

More baffling, though, are the two figures currently half-sprawled on the floor of it, with several others gathered loosely around in a clear sign of concern.

Time, and linearity. Your memory wavers, a haze like background radiation except patchy, uneven –

The fuck? says the voice, that presence again, yeah, of course, just what I needed, not weird at all looking at myself collapsed on the floor like that–

– wavers, then snaps straight into the too-clear shape of recognition: Iris (grown, no longer an infant), conscious and in good physical health. SecUnit (encoded, in a format you both can read), notably less so.

Except, impossibly, also SecUnit speaking on your feed. Or even somewhere closer, deeper in your self.

And also rather annoyed, from the sound of it. Great. Is me having a literal out-of-body experience all you needed to get it together?

…SecUnit? What's going on?

How would I know! The audible frustration parses strangely without the accompanying expression from its inert body. You went and got stuck in your archives or something, and it's not like any of your crew could've come in here instea–

A sudden cut of silence, but now –

Blink.

("Peri! Oh, thank goodness it worked – quick, send a med drone here, SecUnit – ")

[spark-hearts2]

tell me everything about AC to DC filters Right Now

:0

Dear god.

OK I have to make some assumptions or else this is going to get really long. I am going to assume that you already know what AC and DC are. I am going to assume that you took (and passed) geometry, so a sine wave and it's variations are familiar to you. I am also going to assume that you also know the difference between voltage, current, and resistance.

So, what are AC to DC, why do we care about that? Well, the electricity coming out of the wall is AC, but in order to, lets say, charge your laptop battery, you need DC. In fact, if you look at a laptop charger, you'll see The Brick. The thick rectangle that gets hot when charging the laptop.

THAT'S THE AC TO DC CONVERTER

I just called it converter instead of filter. Why? Because filters technically only remove a 'ripple' from DC current, so a current that's almost DC but not quite. If you are making the entire jump from AC to DC, then that's called a converter.

Now here's where things get fucked.

These are all of the parts after the plug. The load is your laptop, the regulator is your filter.

Let's say that this is your AC signal (this graph showing the voltage over time). Now, the first thing this passes through is the transformer, which only adjusts the voltage to the correct level. Some devices need it higher, some lower. Let's say that this transformer is a step up transformer, because it made the signal bigger.

The next step is the rectifier. Now, traditionally this part is taught in stages in order to show it's affect on the signal. I'm going to speed run that. I will assume that you're familiar with what a diode is. If you aren't, just know that it only allows current to flow in one direction. So, anything going backwards will be removed. Picture a one way valve.

So, if we were to send this signal through one diode, then that would leave us with

just the positive half! That's why this setup is called a Half-wave rectifier.

But what if we were to use two diodes. As in, fill in the blank spot that the negative half left with another positive bump. That would give us

This lovely thing! Which is great, but it requires another AC signal that is 180 degrees off from the original one in order to exist. Which, transformers exist which can provide that, but it's not cost effective. So, that leaves us with the most common setup, the Bridge Rectifier.

I've been skipping the circuit diagram so far, but now it's important.

THIS thing is a bridge rectifier connected to the transformer (yes that's what transformers look like according to circuit diagram shorthand). Now, I am American, and for some reason American electricians use that up and down sharp thing in the middle of the diamond to indicate a resistor. Europe uses a rectangle. Again, I am going to assume that you know what a resistor does.

Those four black triangles with lines? Those are diodes. The line across the tip of the triangle indicates what direction they are allowing current to flow into. Now picture you were a positive signal flowing in through point A into the bridge. There's a split in the circuit, but one way (diode D4) is blocked, so you have to go across diode D1. Now you're at the edge of the diamond, once again two ways you can go. You head towards diode D2, because diode D3 won't let you through. What that looks like is this

What about the other direction? Well that looks like

Notice that the edges of the diamond are called out? Points C and D. That's the money makers. You see, if you plug into point D as your positive and C as your negative, you get a full wave signal! (so sorry for not going fully in depth on why that works just trust me it's a bit of a mess and should really be taught with the actual circuit in front of you, not across the internet like this)

A full wave signal is completely positive, but it's not exactly DC yet. That's where smoothing comes in. This is done with a capacitor!

The capacitor is charged up and then slowly releases it's charge. But before it can completely discharge, it gets recharged by the next wave. Quick review, a capacitor is like a battery where it can be charged up, but unlike a battery which holds charge with chemistry, capacitors hold charge with physics. They can still wear out, but not nearly as quickly as a battery.

What does that red line look like? Well, almost like a straight line, except it has RIPPLES! That's right, we're finally back to the filter! Or the regulator as the diagram calls it. Means the same thing.

Sometimes, this step is skipped. If the device getting signal isn't too sensitive or it's just cheep, then the electricity stays bouncy. Some devices really care about any fluxuation in the signal, in which case they get a big expensive filter.

Unfortunately, the inner bits of a filter are many, so I won't be going into all of that. But you want me to go into that, so I will show a circuit diagram.

This is a diagram of the ADP1612

This website has a downloadable version of the spec sheet!

But that's a level of detail that you usually only get into if you are planning on building a circuit. The day that you're flipping through spec sheets in order to check compatibility is when you've really become an engineer.

So that's how you go from AC into DC. Yes, I just spent an hour typing this all out. I like electricity a lot.

Here's a GREAT video that goes over all of this but the guy actually has a circuit and an ossiliscope in front of him to show the signal.

[on-noon]

On a Ship, Far From Everything, Trying

Inklings Challenge 2024 Team Lewis: Space Travel

incomplete

@inklings-challenge

The generation ship had taken two decades of international cooperation to build and launch, and now, a century later it reached the halfway mark on its voyage.

All that marked the occasion then was the navigator flipping to a statistics screen and noticing that the numbers had flipped.

“Huh. We passed the halfway point a few hours ago,” she said to the captain, the only other person on the bridge at the time.

“Maybe I’ll make an announcement. Might lift moral.” the captain said. The alarms of another broken part of the ship caused her to forget that thought before expanding upon it.

Soon the intercom on the bridge turned on.

“Generator. I’ll fix it before the back up runs out.” the ship’s engineer said, immediately turning off the intercom after.

The captain turns the ship to low power. The main lights go off leaving only the emergency lights, and the whirring of air circulation stills.

The engineer was correct in her estimate on the time of the repair, and so the engineer and captain filled out the forms detailing the repair for future reference at the captain’s desk on the bridge.

“Thanks for helping me with these. If I do them by myself, I always struggle on how to word thing,” the engineer says.

“No problem,” the captain replies.

The biologist ran onto the bridge. “The potatoes are gone!” he shouted.

“The ones you harvested last week? What happened to them?”

“The biologist nods. “After full power returned, I took the glass thermometer back into storage and the potatoes were gone. I didn’t notice them missing when I took the thermometer from storage, but it was dark so I could have missed them.”

“Could be a prank from some kid,” the engineer said.

The captain frowned. “I’ll launch an investigation. Double-check the storage area for any traces as to where the potatoes might have gone. Also figure out how long our current food storage would last at different rationing levels.”

The next day, the captain published a report:

“We are currently facing a food shortage. As such, we will be eating Level 2 rations for the foreseeable future. If anyone has any information on how to rectify this food shortage, please don’t hesitate to inform me. Sincerely, your captain”

The engineer brought her lunch, broccoli and cheese, half a plate, and sat down next to the captain.

“You didn’t say anything about the theft, why?”

“Then people would start blaming others, which won’t help. And it would likely make the investigation more difficult,” the captain replied.

“So if you could keep quiet, that would be great.”

The engineer huffed. “Fine. If you say so. But don’t the people deserve to know why they’re stuck on rations?”

To take a break from her work trying to figure out who might have been able to sneak into the greenhouse’s storage while the power generator was down, the captain got up to look at the storage of celebratory foods the officer’s keep.

“I’m thinking of a feast for the halfway point,” she told the navigator. “If I do that could you prepare a graphic or something illustrating that we made it to halfway?”

The navigator chuckled. “I forgot about that. But yeah, I could.”

When the captain unlocked the officer’s keep, she found the celebratory foods sparse. Old spaghetti and some sort of a sauce, and corn.

“I planned that we had at least some candy,” she muttered. She checked the ledger, empty of course.

She went down to meet with the chef.

“Is there a way we could put together a bit more of a meal one night for a sort of party? There’s some stuff we’ve got for celebratory foods, but it would be nice if we could get a little bit extra on top of that.”

“We don’t really have enough food for the Level 2 rations as it is, I’m sorry. Not with the number of people we have on board, and Gale’s pregnant so she needs more, plus some of the kids are in their formative years, so I’ve been trying to make sure they’re still getting enough.”

The captain sighs. “What if you cut me back to Level 3? For however long it takes to get you enough extra food for just one more extra thing. I want it to be more than just full rations, you know? We made it halfway, you know. This should be a big occasion.”

The chef nods. “I think I could work with that. But Level 3 rations are tough on you. You’re too young to have been around, but fifty years ago we were there. It’s hard to focus on things while that hungry.”

“I’ll figure it out.”

At the officers’ weekly meeting the captain brought up the banquet.

“If any of you have something to share at the banquet about the accomplishments or changes of your field thus far in the journey, I feel that could help make it more of an occasion.”

“I’m too busy,” the engineer said.

“I could do something about our pawpaw trees,” the biologist said.

“Also, if you take something out of the officer’s keep, please fill out the ledger. If you have forgotten to do so recently, please tell me and I can backfill it.”

After the meeting ended, the engineer came up to the captain. “About the keep, I took some small sweets from there today.”

“Is there any chance you still have them? I was planning on having them at the banquet.”

“I don’t think so. I’ve been giving them to people I know didn’t take the potatoes. Why should the rest of us be starving because one person’s an idiot? But you want to use keep moral high, and even invite the thief to that banquet.”

“Because it’s what I think is best for the ship as a whole.”

“Are you even trying to find the thief?”

“I’m trying to find the potatoes, yes. But it’s difficult.”

[emonydeborah]

snw episodes rated by Una

in which Una is my unit of measurement, not that this is what she would think of the events

All from memory bc who has time

SPOILERS FOR EVERYTHING

1x01: she’s literally the catalyst for getting Chris off his butt and the whole episode. Barely in it but she did all the detective work for everybody. “Somehow I knew you would” with the little smile and “La’an!” in the softest voice immediately established both relationships and my abiding love for her. She’s literally driving the plot but still not there much; 6/10.

1x02: she shares some LooksTM with Chris. Chris was slightly subdued at one (1) dinner party and Una went something is deeply wrong. Chris is sad and Una tells him to live his gosh darn life. Pretty sure she flies the ship a bit. She’s here. Can’t complain. 6/10.

1x03: OOOOHOHO here we go. Whatever camera angle it is that shoots from the floor to watch people walk away and makes them look tall was excellently utilized. Girl was STRIDING everywhere. Hauled a grown man over her shoulder and was greeted with the shock and awe she deserved. Told her biggest secret (!!!!) to help the crew!!! bc she would sacrifice herself for them!!!!! also she googled her glowworm episode like it had not happened her whole life (which I will accept as a writer thing. but she really looked at a picture of someone glowing bc of an infection and went 😮). Girlie managed a whole ship of sedated/crazy people and did not let anyone jump into the sun/warp core. Had a deep talk with La’an and revealed more of their shared history. Stunning. 10/10.

1x04 another case of I can’t complain. As my favorite character I want her to be happy, but I will take some internal bleeding and other catastrophic injuries. As a treat. The sheer power of ordering the medical staff to give away her blood transfusion and then knocking herself out before they could argue. Unparalleled. Had no impact on the main plot but what she did do in her sphere of influence was important and exemplary. I’ll take it. 7/10.

1x05: back at it again with the b-plot but I AM HERE FOR IT. GIVE ME LA’AN AND UNA BEING GOOFY. Loved the death glare at Joseph so he would confess and how she pretended not to be huffy about her nickname. La’an went can we… play a game… and Una went YEs sounds educational. For science. The look of absolute shock and betrayal when La’an shot her and her little “ow.” “People are idiots. You’re fun.” La’an went lol my childhood was a bleak horror scape and Una went absolutely NOT I’m going to commit crimes to rectify this. I like people having wacky misadventures while the plot is plotting somewhere. 8/10.

1x06 Chris forgot her name. She had to leave so she wouldn’t verbally tear him to shreds in front of his crew. Most likely explanation. Where was she I miss her. 4/10.

1x07: she locked the pirates out of the ship!!! We love a competent first officer shooting people on her bridge. She shook her head half an inch and Spock went absolutely whatever you say. Chris was thrown to the floor in front of her and she crossed her arms and watched him get up. “We’re starting a mutiny.” "Someone's breaking the rules today." Legitimately appreciated her teamwork with Chris in planting the mutiny idea. Would love to see it again sometime. 7/10.

1x08: bow and arrow. She checked on Joseph after and I appreciated that they carried that through from her finding out about Rukiya before. Una was here but she wasn't Una. Also. If we're real she wasn't really there. I liked the eye shadow though. 5/10.

1x09: "you should really try the omelet." The breakfast scene is my favorite and in fact the only scene. Nothing else happened with Hemmer or Spock or anyone. Really short episode. I would have liked to have seen her face when Chris snapped the tongs. She tried to follow the shuttle to the surface with scans and Chris went nah babe we're fine. Let her do her job Chris. Breakfast scene 10/10. Episode 5/10.

1x10: notable by her absence. She checked on Chris and once again told him to live his life. She's not there in the future but I won't take points for that because Chris immediately went where is my bestie. I cannot function without my work wife where is she. Her arrest kick-started the series and for our cliffhanger she was arrested again. I'm sensing a theme. What will they incarcerate her for next and how will Chris break her out this time. I will always appreciate Chris going absolutely feral for his first officer/life partner. 9/10.

2x01: prison. She tells Chris not to be stupid and he goes don't tell me what to do *cough* I love you *cough* Not a strong start for our girl but I trust her to overcome. Once again Chris is going off on a mission to save her. Lost points for the brevity of her appearance and the weird black jumpsuit. 4/10.

2x02: Girl sat in a chair and watched her friends say nice things about her for days. I would shrivel up and die. Una looks teary. Her lawyer put some heat on a guy who said he would NEVER hire Una if he knew her real race and Una said that was too mean leave him alone. La'an confessed her feelings in public. Spock gave the whole courtroom a heart attack to make Una smile. Chris hugged her looking panicky. please don't go away again. Una looked at Chris like she wanted to kiss him or perhaps sip one milkshake through two straws. The whole episode is about how great she is. 15/10.

2x03: unfortunately for most of this episode she did not exist. Liked the professional and sassy attitude towards Pelia but I must reduce points for Una not existing. 2/10.

2x04: Una succumbed to a disease she should canonically be immune to. Fridged almost immediately. Chris said I need some good fighters and took his doctor instead of his super strong first officer who was familiar with the terrain. Una called Chris out on relationship nonsense like the og she is but this cannot repair the damage. Drove me to writing fix-it fic. -10/10.

2x05: Una is canonically one of the girls. She hangs out with some very specific junior officers including her emotionally constipated son and her traumatized daughter. She laughs very loudly and I like to think the writers are purposefully making her more open now that people know her genetics secret. Tells Mr. Spock how to be a Vulcan. Part of a lineup to talk to Spock and is a head taller than the rest of the line. All in all a great time. 9/10.

2x06: she yells at her former professor who is also thousands of years old. I would simply perish. "yoU HaVe CruMBs oN yOuR uNifOrM" Starfleet said we need someone to get this defunct and thus far unmanageable station up and running. Send Una. "Oh good, I was afraid I'd miss the speech." Rebecca Romijn note- she is nine inches taller than Carol Kane, but she manages to look/act a lot younger and smaller than normal. Pelia takes about 14 seconds to get Una teary eyed. "My final paper was METICULOUSLY researched." 8/10.

2x07: "That's ridiculous, we can't just 'Not Look.'" "Like... a p i n - u p p o s t e r?" Girl is constantly baffled the whole time. One (1) young man was unnerved by her and she went he knows how I die. She then winked at him and he almost had a stroke. We see a picture of her as she is idolized in the future. Excellent. Different flavor than 2x06 but still 8/10.

2x08: lots of Significant Eye Contact with Chris. She said if you don't get this ship where it's going asap I will revoke your command and drive us there myself. "Everyone is on their own journey." I feel like she knows Joseph murdered a man in sickbay but we don't know for sure. She's out here being a competent first officer and telling the captain how the crew is feeling. I like the reminder of her priorities. Chris is here to explore and it's Una's job to make sure he has a functional crew to do so. 6/10.

2x09: Una Chin-Riley, musical theater nerd, had the absolute time of her life and I am so happy for her. Girl JUMPED into that first song with much soulful pushing of buttons. "A surprisingly beautiful baritone." Chris asked Uhura the singer how musicals work and Una answered. Is feeling her feelings so much these days she started singing about her job. Waltzed through the halls with James T Kirk. La'an went I would like to not do this please and Una said feel your feelings. Fly away with me. Accept yourself. Love yourself. "You came in here hot. On fire. It's making me sweat." The whole ship is singing and La'an is making friends. This was the best day of Una's life. 1000/10.

2x10: Una volunteered for a dangerous forbidden mission to save her husband's gf and spent the whole time stalking around the bridge like a tiger or a mom looking for sales at Target and giving hopeful speeches. She did tell Spock his gf might be dead but if you want to look for her go for it champ. "ORDERS CAPTAIN" Chris is hanging on by a thread. Una is the thread. Not a great end if I'm honest but she did look fantastic walking around murderously. 5/10.

[nan0-sp1der]

Horrible Questions

14, 16, 70

@glowing-arachnid

14 - Do you miss someone?

Surely, this was a random number that had been so conveniently chosen to... Well, she didn't know, frankly. Jab at her? Try and pry at her thoughts? Her experiences? It was curious how no matter what she did or said it was inevitable that someone, somewhere, would find that vulnerability and drive their pointed interest right into it.

But, then again, this is the internet, isn't it? What else was she supposed to expect? Humans are curious, that is a given.

"I... Do, yes. I have travelled long and far to find myself here. There is much which I have left behind."

There. That's enough of an answer yet round-about enough that it was moreso just a 'yes' with extra decoration. That should sate their question. Now for the next question.

16 - How exactly are you feeling at the moment?

...

Now, why does she feel this wasn't so much a coincidence as it was a deliberate selection? Fine. If they want to know, she will give them an answer.

"I am well."

Terrible! That was a terrible answer! So non-descript and blunt, 'I am well', please. Give it some substance!

"All is well for now. Missions have been slow. I have plenty of data to consolidate and process for my own research and development. I have been keeping myself busy."

That's at least a little better. Not very honest, nor telling, but that's fine. And she's always busy doing something, isn't she? Nothing out of the ordinary. It was normal enough of a response.

She isn't over-thinking this at all. Now for the last question.

70 - Is there anyone you would die for?

At last, something she can answer openly. There wasn't any one person she would die for, per se, she was more than ready to sacrifice her safety for anyone whose time hadn't truly come yet. It was in her nature. That's who she is. But this wasn't that broad of a question, she knew that. It's more personal, another question trying to probe at her conscience. Of course. It's never a simple answer, is it? And Bridge finds she is without it. There isn't any one person she feels bias over, would risk her life for them and them alone, intrinsically she wasn't meant to and had only ever done so once and failed miserably. So what kind of answer does she come up with?

"I... Do not know. I cannot say I have an answer to your question at this time. I am sorry."

A half-assed answer. What she wished she could say is, if her death would somehow rectify all the wrong that has occurred in her runtime and somehow account for the misfortunes of those around her as well... Then she'd die. But she knew that's not how that worked. It's never going to be that easy.

[emcoprecima]

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[serendertothesquad]

Seren's Studies: Odd Squad UK -- "Odd Ones In" Episode Followup, Part 3

And so we move on to Part 3, la-dee-dee, la-dee-dee.

Let's go!

I noted this before, but the fact that they now have a special effect for when gadgets are combined so that it makes a new gadget entirely is a fucking hell of an upgrade over the "stacking" we got before, so to speak. Keep it up!

Not gonna lie, I half-expected the man to whip out a fedora and throw it on his head and do the "m'lady" meme.

Opie being in the Mail Department before going to the Department of Help is honestly a move I was not expecting. Though it does make her promotion to the latter department make a lot of sense.

*slowly raises hand*

...

Are they lesbian mo- *bonk x3*

Had I not seen an ice cream shop in a garage with barn doors before, I'd have laughed at this and said this was insanely weird shit.

...Okay, maybe not for Britain...but still.

The audio balancing is so awful here that even I had to cover my ears. And keep in mind that I may have autism, but my hearing sensory issues largely ebbed away a good several years ago and things like vacuums don't bother me as much anymore as they did in childhood.

That being said, I'd scream if I were being served to people so they could eat me, too.

Keep hammering it in, episode, and maybe your audience's feeble minds will be able to comprehend it as real soon enough.

ONE MORE SHOT FOR "ASSISTANT'S CREE-EEEED", ONE MORE SHOT OF WHISKEEEEEEEEEEEY-

The fact that an Un-Scream-inator exists at all raises some very horrifying questions.

It also makes a wonderful prompt for a horror fic...and my gears are turning already.

See, this is amusing to me because Full Circle, a well-known fic in the fandom, had Olive and Oscar being given free meals for saving the world.

In a way...I guess you could say this makes that canon, even if it's just ice cream.

*the most bitter, fake laughter ever seen in man*

I can see now why he's associated with the Terrible Three. The bastard spins stories with enough skill to make it in fucking politics and denies a girl a chance for free ice cream when she just arrived in a new city.

But also, Orla was also involved in a pastry war, does not enjoy traditional cakes (at least not until later), and is one of the "living legend" agents I mentioned earlier. Thread's been cut, and fuck you and your scummy shit, Ozzie.

the man fakes his new friend having trauma from fighting in a war

she eats the ice cream anyway

The irony is rawer than freshly-cut steak.

...I'm sorry, I had to replay this at least five times to make sure I heard what I heard...

The Odd Squad History Book?

There's a fucking history book???

Then what in the ass-laden fuck did we need Olympia's eidetic Odd Squad memory for? What did we need Olive's little historian side for? What kind of ASS-BACKWARDS BOOK IS THIS.

I'm sorry, but I need them to rectify this yesterday because the only way they could possibly add insult to injury is to shout me out directly, and that has a 0.001% chance of actually happening.

Fandom, let's get crackin' on making an actual history book that's accurate. With blackjack, and all 13 living-legend agents!

"I'm Orli with an 'i', from Niagara Falls."

"Which side?"

"I- what?"

"There are two sides, no?"

"...The Canada side."

"Oh."

"Anyone who goes to the New York side is deemed unfit to serve."

"...Oh."

"You don't wanna know."

"No, I don't."

"It seems that all the oddness has been getting under control."

Suddenly the plot of the finale is making a lot more sense to me now. "Strength in numbers" is a very lost concept on this Director and her agents.

"Hold on, that thing was an egg?!"

Suddenly the theory of Opie not being here for very long makes a lot more sense to me now. "Failing a spot check" is a very lost concept on this agent.

Oh, this guy and his dramatic gasps...Lord, I love him.

If Ozzie thinks some random-ass agent named Orly from Texas is the best agent in the world, then do I got about 13 bridges to sell him.

And before I sell him those bridges, I'm knocking down the pedestal he's placed Orly on.

To be fair, she does have a point...but the girl is taking being in a new country a bit too casually for my liking.

You're telling me my dumb lil' American ass can land in Britain and be accustomed to it in the span of a few hours? Off you will fuck. No way in hell.

"Everything seems really quiet here."

Even if I hadn't read "and Captain O unable to help" from the synopsis, I would have already taken this as a red flag shoved into my eye holes.

Oh, the inverse dolly zoom! I don't think we've seen that trick before. Nice to see!

Onom's busy running in place telling them about the egg, and Orli, the cheerful innocent gal she is, decides this is a good time to introduce herself.

Bless her heart, and I mean that so genuinely it even hurts me.

Okay, I wasn't expecting the screaming and running agent-in-training in the background. That's a delightful touch and a great mix-up from the days of yore when background agents, for the most part, just existed.

It's...his name...IS SHORT FOR ONOMATOPOEIA????????

WE ESTABLISHED THAT WAS DR. O'S FULL-ASS NAME IN ODDTUBE FOREVER AND A HALF AGO HOW FUCKING DARE YOU.

This, folks, is why the staff needs fans on the team.

Let's be honest: if this episode weren't all over the place, this would have been a much longer gag than it actually is.

And frankly, I'm glad it wasn't that long at all.

Oh they didn't just seal her in an ice cube -- they sealed her in ice IN THE FUCKING ROOM OF ODDNESS.

For a newly-hatched creature, that is downright fucking sadistic, strong-ass Director or not. At least when Oprah was frozen in an ice cube she was fine. Same goes for Oscar, and same goes for the Mobile Unit agents.

Aaaand another shot of alcohol for "Dance Like Nobody's Watching" ripping!

...mmmmmthworldspsinnign...

Onom is easily my favorite character of the main cast and I haven't even gotten through the entire episode yet. The man is just vibing. He's a chill vibin' man. How can I not love him?

Okay, this is just as sadistic. It's trapping agents in rooms and letting them freeze to death, which is arguably worse than just trapping them unmoving in blocks of ice.

(On to Part 4!)

[orion-nottson]

Anyone Else But You | Captain Boomerang x OC [Part 2]

part 2 is here!! 🤩🤩 i'm having so much fun writing digger; i like writing him with all these character/personality flaws but ultimately with a heart of gold underneath... well, maybe at least silver 😉 he's still a bad guy after all... still a dope tho ❤️

i hope y'all like maia too! i have a baseline for her character, but she's really getting developed as the story progresses 😅 probably not the best practice, but it's how i tend to write🤷‍♀️ also, digger is a tad ooc, but i'm kinda writing this story with silver/bronze age comic thematic elements and tone, back when comics (generally) were really just people in silly costumes running around experiencing Situations, so digger is a tad more camp and goofy (i promise it won't stay like this... completely 😈)

enjoy! 😉

~ ~ ~

Story Summary: Digger's made some pretty bad decisions in his life. Deciding to rectify one of them, he comes face-to-face with a few surprises... For one, he's going to be a dad.

Content Warning(s): Pregnancy, man child behavior (begrudgingly affectionate... Digger is lucky he's funny 🙄)

Word Count: 1,666

PART ONE ↩ ↪ PART THREE

~ ~ ~

The flowers in Digger's hand seem to wilt more with the sheer force of the door shutting. He winces when the locks click back, and the living room light shuts off. Blinking, Digger peeks into the window, catching the briefest glimpse of the woman inside before the curtain closes abruptly. He springs into action.

"Maia?" He calls out, waiting for a response, and then ten seconds later says again, "Maia!"

Digger waits a whole minute. Then another.

He frowns, brows cinching up in displeasure as his hands fall to his sides. A few flower petals fall onto the porch, and Digger watches them fall on the doormat that reads "WELCOME IN" in swirly pink letters. His frown deepens.

Which I, apparently, am not, Digger thinks bitterly, testing the doorknob and, expectedly, finding it locked. He throws his head back, eyes screwed shut, and braces for what he needs to do. The Aussie has half a mind to say Fuck it, and leave, but the winds' gotten crisper and he strangely feels like he wouldn't be able to go if he tried. It's like his legs are suddenly locked in place, out of his control.

And Digger hates not having control. Least of all when that blasted gnawing feeling's in his chest again!

Maybe he could lie and just say he was in the area. Or maybe claim he was simply dipping into nostalgia; Just tracking down old lady loves and saying hi. Digger sighs again, pinching the bridge of his nose. Stupid...

"Listen, luv, I know I left, but I was only out on the job!" He starts, partly lying, and before Digger knows it, his big mouth really starts running:

"I lost time, is all! 'fore I knew it six bloody months had passed. You know how it is when I'm out in the back o' Bourke, in fuck-off country 'cause of Waller. I couldn't call or text, I didn't even have a blower! I didn't have a choice!" Which, technically, he did, because none of the jobs he'd gone on in those six months were related to the Squad.

In actuality, one of those months was spent tracking down a bloke who split from Waller and Cadmus, who knew how to get the God forsaken bomb out of his neck. He did, after some... cajoling, and far as Digger was concerned, he was finally free from The Wall. Really pulled the wool over her eyes on that one, he did.

Maybe it was something in his tone, but Maia doesn't seem to believe him, as the door stays shut and the house silent. Digger taps his boot against the floor a few times, really regretting leaving his thick coat all the way back in Central.

"Darl, turtle dove, sweetheart... Let me in, we can talk about it. Have a conversation like grown ups..." Digger sing-songs, and swears he hears shuffling on the other side of the door. The light switches back on, which has Digger perking right back up. Watching with hopeful eyes, the grin returns to his face only to be wiped off once again when the light turns right back off.

Then Digger swears he hears footsteps receding further into the house.

"Oh, come on! Crikey, woman, you're more difficult to deal with than a rash." Digger yells, waving his arm wildly and causing more flowers to fall out. He continues, "It wasn't like I was fuckin' around, going on the piss!"

Which is, truthfully, another lie. He spent many of those months blotto.

Digger slumps, most his bravado gone. He'd gone in so confident and blew it all over again. Nitwit. He really could just pick the lock or bust down the door, but that wouldn't leave any space for reconciliation.

The Aussie sighs, shuffling to close the small space between himself and the door, 'til the tips of his boots touch it. Digger's head falls against the door with a dull thump, his bright blue eyes closed.

"Maia, I know you won't believe me, because you're a bloody smart girl, but I..." The words die out, and his throat feels dry, and suddenly Digger feels the one thing he downright hates feeling: Fear. He swallows thickly.

"Can we talk?" He asks in a whisper, focusing on all the soft sounds around him; the windchimes, crickets chirping, the road farther away. The door is cool on his forehead where his cap doesn't quite cover it. He opens his eyes, looking straight down at the welcome mat.

Seconds tick by, maybe a minute.

Digger jumps when the lock clicks, the light turns back on, and the knob turns.

Maia opens the door ajar, just enough so that Digger can see her beautiful face again. She's not looking up at him, and her cheeks are a bit flushed, which means she'd been crying and doesn't want him to see. A pang of guilt runs through him.

"I didn't expect to see you again." Maia says, and she'd definitely been crying because her voice is thick too. Trying to distract himself and not address That for now, Digger tosses his chin up and chortles.

"Yeah? Now, why'd you go on and think somethin' silly like that?" Digger jokes, but when he steals a glance back at Maia, she's just as stony and reserved as before. Her fingers grip at the door frame, nails biting against the wood.

"You left. Didn't say goodbye. You were just gone, and I was—" Maia stops abruptly, squeezing her eyes shut. Digger's heart sinks to his stomach when she puts a hand over her mouth, and he thinks she's gonna turn on the waterworks again. Usually, it didn't bother him when women cried (if anything, it annoyed him; always made heists harder), but this was no random sheila. This was Maia. His Maia.

He'd only ever seen Maia cry once before, and Digger hated every second of it.

"Sweetheart, look, I—" Maia lifts her hand, beckoning for him to stop. Like his legs made of immovable lead, his jaw locks up just as tight.

"I was heartbroken, Digger. I thought we had something. Something good. I know what type of man you are, but... " Maia sighs, her tone weary. She rubs her eyes with two slim fingers, looking like she's gearing herself up for something bad, and Digger has a bad feeling about where the conversations' gonna lead. He lost her once, and it was high time he did some groveling so as to not lose her again.

Maia breathes out, slow and smooth, her face a perfect picture of carefully practiced calmness. Still not looking him in the eye, she starts, "Digger, I need to tell you som—"

"Give me a chance." Digger blurts, cutting off Maia. Her expression turns quizzical.

"I know I'm a right drongo, an idiot, but let me try!" He pleads, having half a mind to fall on his knees, he continues, "Let me make it up to you! Prove myself, be a goo— better man, typa bloke you deserve."

Digger swipes his cap off his head, holding it and the bouquet of flowers to his chest. His sky blue eyes are so wide and pleading and hopeful, Maia's freckled cheeks go pink. Digger takes it as a good sign, even if a weird look settles on her face. She huffs a laugh.

"Digger, no, I—"

"Please, turtle dove!" Digger cries, wallowing, actually sinking down to his knees, which has Maia's eyebrows practically rising to her hairline. The Aussie scooches closer on his knees, his nose practically brushing against the doorknob. Maia startles, taking a step back, and Digger inches forward, his knee in the door. He gathers himself a bit, remembering the bouquet.

"Here! I got ya this! You always said roses and lilies and... and whatever the blue ones are were your favorites!" Digger rambles, positively beaming as Maia takes the wilted, sorry looking flowers, even if a tad hesitant. Her lips twitch up in a small, exasperated grin.

"I don't like roses or lilies or hydrangeas, but that's not wha—"

"PLEASE, Maia!" Digger practically wails at her, one hand gripping the door, the other the frame. It's a bloody miracle no one has heard him by now and investigated. Despite everything, he supposes he should be thankful. Digger could just imagine the headline: FEARSOME CAPTAIN BOOMERANG BROUGHT TO HIS KNEES BY SCORNED MISTRESS.

Maia was a whole lot of firsts with him, and if begging like a dog had to be one, so be it.

"You're worth more to me than all the money I could rob out all the banks in the world! You're my star, my flower— apple of my eye. Maia, sweetheart, turtle dove, my life changed when I met you, and leavin' was a shithead thing for me to do, but I'm back now. And I wanna be your man! I want ya to be my woman! I wa—"

"DIGGER!" Maia has to yell to interrupt him, cheeks now a bit red from the embarrassment of her ex-lover's... display. She pinches the bridge of her nose, looking more worried now than anything else. Digger doesn't have the emotional capacity to quite catch what that may mean, but a win's a win: His little koala hasn't slammed the door again!

"Yeah, luv?" Digger chirps, suddenly chipper as if nothing happened, and Maia opens the door all the way, the light spilling out onto the dark porch.

For a brief moment, Digger's eyes stay up at Maia's face. Then his eyes flick down once. Then twice. They grow wide on the third look. On the fourth, the color drops from his face. Digger's throat feels all dry again.

Maia, clad in a soft cardigan and pajama pants, is cupping a very obviously pregnant belly.

Digger looks back up at Maia, who has a small, sheepish smile on her face. She half-shrugs a shoulder.

It's simple math, really. Two plus two equals four, man plus woman equals...

He could faint.

~ ~ ~

To be continued...

[stewblog]

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

We don’t allow our heroes to age. James Bond gets recast every couple decades. Comic book heroes rarely get older in any meaningful way. Et cetera. It’s understandable that the characters we’ve immortalized into the modern canon retain an air of (variable) youthfulness, but it also means that they are all but required to have the same sorts of adventures and largely stay the same as a person.

Harrison Ford has no interest in allowing Indiana Jones to achieve immortality, as his fifth and final outing as the character proclaims loud and clear.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny never hits the highs of any of its predecessors, but I posit that it’s not necessarily trying to. Indy does plenty of Indy things (and lightly stretches audience credulity in the process), but by and large Ford and director James Mangold treat the character like he’s aged into his late 70s, both in action and in thought. This movie isn’t intended to be held up as an equal to its genre-defining predecessors. It’s a coda for an icon and in that respect it’s a fully entertaining and occasionally poignant work.

The film kicks off with an opening sequence that’s as fun and rousing as any of the preceding films. The voice modulation on Ford could have used some tweaking but the de-aging special effects are remarkable and for about 15 minutes or so, it’s easy enough to believe that we’re looking at Indy still in his prime, punching lots of Nazis and performing incredible feats of derring do.

Then we cut to the film’s present day. It’s 1969 and Henry Jones, Jr. is now a man out of time. The world around him has passed him by as men are landing on the moon (put there by Nazi scientists hired by the U.S. government). Socio-political movements are upheaving everyday life. Ironically, while he’s no longer a nigh-absent professor, none of his students have any interest in ancient history. Although even his career is leaving him behind with retirement imminent and Marion is filing for divorce.

The only connection he seemingly has left to a life gone by is his goddaughter, Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). So when Helena shows up out of nowhere, proclaiming she knows how to find a the second half of a dial that can supposedly turn back time, he plunges head-first back into action. The search for Archimedes’ Antikythera nearly drove Helena’s father crazy, but it’s also clear that Indy sees a darker side to Helena’s search and he refuses to let her go down the darker path of seeking artifacts for “fortune and glory” as he nearly did. Throw in some Nazis seeking the dial to rectify Hitler’s megalomaniacal mistakes and you’ve got all the trappings of a classic, globetrotting Indiana Jones adventure.

So why can’t it fully capture the magic of The Man in the Hat’s previous (good) escapades? Well, for one, James Mangold is no Steven Spielberg. No one is. Not even Spielberg, at times (see: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). There’s simply a magic to the entire affair that is incapable of being replicated in full, try though Mangold does. And to his credit, there are portions of the film that have the spark and kineticism of Spielberg’s Indy films at their best. The World War 2-set opening on a Nazi transport train is simply outstanding and presents a near-perfect mini-adventure for the character. It’s got just about everything you could want from an Indy action setpiece. The car chase through Morocco is also well-staged and full of humor and thrills (even if I couldn’t stop giggling at the idea that little tuk-tuk carts characters drive are somehow capable of traveling at blazing speeds enough to keep pace with full-engine cars). But even once the film is fully rolling, it’s still centered on a character on the cusp of turning 80 years old. And while Indy’s age never fully defies believability, there’s only so much a movie can do if you want to maintain that hold.

Thankfully, the film’s best material leans into the fact that Indiana Jones is in his twilight, and that it’s impossible to defy time and that it is, in fact, essential to embrace it, to understand that some things must pass, that some things are impossible to change. But also, that living in the past (both literally and figuratively) is a fool’s errand.

Dial of Destiny is a reminder that we are more than just the best memories of our lives. Heroes age. Heroes make mistakes. Heroes go beyond what they’ve been immortalized as. That may be a slightly depressing thought, but Mangold and Ford lean into the humanity of it. This is Indiana Jones at his most vulnerable, but it becomes a story about a man finally coming to terms with the good and bad that has weaved in and out of his life as he finally realizes what’s important is what’s in front of you, not behind you.

What makes the Indiana Jones movies so special and different from so many other action adventure movies is that they obliterate cynicism. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom and Last Crusade, each of those adventures ends with Indy learning more about himself, about the world he knows and the parts of it he can’t explain. He starts each of those stories cynical about something, and ends them with his eyes opened to how he was wrong. That element, that destruction of cynicism is what drives the heart of Dial of Destiny. It may lack the dynamism of Spielberg’s entries at their best, but it retains the beating heart of the character and his evolution. It’s a touching, meaningful ending to an immortalized character who has never felt more human than he does now at the end of his adventures.

[thepixelpenguin]

Mario Kart Tour: Oxford Foray

Told you this page would be random.

I think an underappreciated aspect of Tour's city track design is their atmosphere. They don't just tour recognisable landmarks in a believable layout, they really capture the city's character! From New York's dazzling nightlife to LA's casual appeal, Singapore's extreme extravagance to Sydney's energetic simplicity, Vancouver's splashes of colour and natural beauty, Amsterdam's effortless harmony with canals and nature alike, Rome's ancient architecture with comfortable life on top, Madrid's modern bustle with impressive history underneath, Athens' proud (and hilly) past and Bangkok's humble yet hopeful future, and Berlin's seamless integration of all eras: they're all accurate as far as I can surmise. There's only a few that I think don't quite hit the mark. Paris’ modernity is smothered in quaint romanticism, though what else could one expect, Tokyo has little of its maximalist flair, but perhaps the graphics limited that, and then… London.

I'm certainly biased, it being my home country and the only city on the list I've seen for more than a day, but it seems to only hit the beats of its most recognisable icons: laudably no doubt, but the city isn't just its imposing imperial riches! What strikes me about London is its fast-paced mishmash of cultures that fill in all the gaps between the great British statements like water running over cobbled streets: history and novelty around every corner! The course gives me the impression of the former but not the latter. 

I'm not sure I'm qualified to rectify this, but I can make up for it with another English icon! My hometown has its history, but not enough to base a tour around. My current homestead, however, is undeniably culturally significant, and it's not just that. I hope I did well to convey the place as storied and not just interesting, but inviting, a genuinely fun place to stay for a day or a year. That's how I feel about it at least.

HERE WE GO

1: Our foray begins on the left side of the picturesque High Street, between Queen’s College and the Examination Schools. It’s a noticeably wide street (and a noticeably wide gothic limestone starting gate with a waving chequered flag to boot), with a cobbled dividing strip, and plenty of buses to crowd the way! As the road narrows and items are collected, there’s a right turn into the Covered Market, which has three narrow lanes to choose from, and a few opportunities to weave between.

Out of the market is a sharp right turn down a walled alley, with the lovely Exeter and Lincoln colleges adjoining. This is before a huge 180 turn with another item set around the Radcliffe Camera, an impressive dome in the middle of a big communal square. Having lost its fence, at that, so if you’ve got a mushroom and are prepared to miss out on items, the shortcut is worth it! Racers continue north past All Souls College and the Bodleian Library to reach the roundabout connecting Broad Street and Holywell Street. Remember the Bridge of Sighs to your right.

The route continues up Parks Road, a leafy avenue with plenty of boost panels, before splitting around Keble College! If you continue straight forwards, you get an easy wide road, and a view of both the Natural History Museum and University Parks. However, if you take that subtle sharp left, you can find a potentially faster cut-through that’s a bit tougher to navigate. I didn’t even have to design this one!

Both options reconvene at the apex of St Giles, where a patch of off-road leads to an optional ramp, and the road broadens to quite a degree, leaving room for a ridiculous row of coins. The abbreviated straight ends at the Martyr’s Memorial, which now has just a humble patch of grass behind it instead of an entire church, just to improve the flow.

A quick left turn introduces Broad Street, which, you guessed it, also widens out, somewhat narrowed by some of the city’s numerous bike racks. However, this one has its right half covered in short wooden ramps, for the first half! These can be useful for some trick boosts, but more coins lay the other way. Items are given at the halfway point. Before reaching the roundabout at the end, there is a conspicuous diversion past the Sheldonian Theatre (which has no fence, to make way for the race) and through the library complex towards the Bridge of Sighs. Racers may either run straight through the gate (tricking as they go) or take the grated glider ramps to make it over the bridge!

The return to the start line via New College Lane and Queen’s Lane is a winding, narrow path, walled in by the historic namesake colleges. You’ll have to forgive them for not having karts running through their grounds. Nonetheless, navigate those chicanes and a final left turn (with a sneaky cut over the pavement) brings you back to the line. It’s a long one alright!

2: As in track 1, we begin on the High Street, though this time we forge ahead past the Covered Market, the traffic turning off before the Carfax Tower, until the course swerves into the Westgate Centre. In a strikingly similar manner to Coconut Mall, the route has two walkways either side of an optional drop with escalators, before a right turn into a more open area where the drop and escalators are forced. I swear it’s coincidental! The decor is distinct at least. 

After grabbing items wherever you may encounter them, exit the mall via another sharp right turn onto open road. Make use of its breadth before you have to navigate the Castle & Prison, which is exactly what it sounds like! A couple of narrow turns later, there is a brief anti-grav uphill to wind up the Castle Mound to a big glider ramp, from which one must avoid the dreaming spires of Nuffield College and St Peter’s College some random church, or grab some of the revolving coins if you’re daring…

Though you could just drop onto the street, the Ashmolean’s grand ionic forum is a perfect landing place, where one can drift around to jump down the stairs and find themselves heading onto Broad Street once again! This time, the route heads past the theatre and turns at the roundabout, so the other lot of ramps, this time occupying the left half, can be made useful. The lap ends the way you’d expect after turning at the roundabout.

3: Unlike both 2 and 1, we start our race on Cornmarket Street (under a long hanging sign of oil paints on wood, the closest I can get to putting a pub in a kids’ game), a place I would be remiss not to include, along with its clutter of bicycle parking. If there’s one thing you notice about transit in Oxford, it’s how many bicycles are in the way. However, if you can dodge around the racks, you may find some coins or even dash panels…

Anyway, Cornmarket is a simple, if not uninterrupted, straight, which racers take south, spying once again the Carfax Tower and then the Town Hall and impressive Christ Church. You know, the big one. The road continues down St Aldates with all its traffic, but soon turns left through the open gates of Christ Church Meadow! The next half of the lap takes place in greener pastures, first down a puddle-ridden southward straightaway with sparse items and Moo Moos spectating, then when the course meets the Thames and Folly Bridge, a more wide open snaking route with grass shortcuts abound! The riverside path remains intact, but still off-road.

After doing this eastward a while, the course drastically narrows as it winds its way northward strictly following the meanders of the Cherwell. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from driving through the river itself, but the bumpy terrain and drag force balances any advantage of breadth. A wiser path is found by jumping onto a series of punts, which can be quite hard to aim for, but offer a trick each time. They’re not hard to come by in Oxford. This continues all the way to the Botanic Gardens, which can themselves be snuck through via a gap in the fence. Those wishing for a complete row of item boxes and, of course, the exquisite surroundings, can find themselves jumping over the pond in the south section before reaching the north, where a quick right around the fountain directs you between the greenhouses to reenter the river. The river, of course, does continue past the gardens, but who would want to miss out? Especially when that part of the bed gets so muddy…

When you’ve finally made it to Magdalen Bridge, you need only drive under it to find a wide slope up to the roundabout, which is drifted around before crossing the bridge to witness the lovely Magdalen Tower! We then cross the line - the line from the other versions, that is - before sneaking past the University Church to reach the road past the Radcliffe Camera. The Bodleian Library can now be dashed through for a guaranteed double box, if you can find the narrow entry! The rest is obvious: take Broad Street one last time, westward now, to reach the top of Cornmarket Street.

So how might these all fit together if they were given the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe treatment? Honestly, probably better than the individual courses! Lap 1 takes version 1, of course, but stops short of Broad Street, instead cutting through via Cornmarket to start lap 2, with version 2 taking over by way of a right turn at Carfax Tower. Lap 3 simply commences from the High Street and doesn’t bother with the whole Broad Street diversion: we’ve already seen it!

Oh right, I also made the music for it! You'll have to forgive Musescore's playback engine, they try, bless 'em.

It too had to be truly emblematic of Oxford, and besides the obvious historical, academic, fancy vibes, no sound reminds me more of this place than the echoing of church bells! And there are choirs in every college. So I ended up with a rather baroque piece, arpeggiated bass, change ringing, suspensions and all, which certainly suits the locale, but does NOT typically suit Mario Kart's encouraging energy. Heck, they almost always rely on synths, too, let alone their melody-first composition style that is entirely unfamiliar. How did I fit the mould? By focusing on intensity of Biblical proportions! If there's one thing choirs and organs can do, it's a ramp-up of DRAMA. With enough build and release, it's got the natural energy. Slap on a drum-beat and it ends up shockingly fitting. With all the zero inspiration I had to go on, I seriously surprised myself with this one. Judge for yourself!

Oxford is quite a convenient place to work with: most cities are so massive that you have to smush all the landmarks together and the layout doesn’t quite come naturally. But this place is already so compact, and packed with unmistakable buildings! Also, I know they’re trying to be flattering, but can you believe London saw not a drop of rain?! I think Oxford should be partially cloudy by contrast, providing a gentle rainfall, but with enough streams of sunlight to pierce the depressing grey… it could make the meadow look positively angelic!

Perhaps one day I’ll try my hand at Hong Kong Hustle to address Tokyo’s plight… or Shanghai Streets, I can’t decide! And then there’s one that is so easy to make that it’d be kind of funny just to do for the sake of it. We’ll see.

If anyone wants to take the names Rio de Janeiro Jaunt, New Delhi Journey, Moscow Scoot, Stockholm Swing, Cairo Cruise, Geneva Chase, or best of all, Brussels Bout, be my guest. And if any modders feel like 3d-modelling most of Oxford for me, I would love to give it a look :D