#magic school bus heritage post

[msbheritageposts]

Welcome to MSB Heritage Posts!

About this blog (and blogger)

Hi, I'm Finch, and I run this blog. I'm a huge fan of the Magic School Bus show from the 90s and the books.

This is where I rb and thus showcase all the cool MSB text posts, memes, fan art, etc...

My main blog is @spacefinch, and I post all kinds of stuff there.

I'm personally not a huge fan of the 2017/2018 reboot of the show, since it did all the characters dirty (and the animation leaves a lot to be desired). However, if you really want to watch it, I won't stop you.

My favorite characters in the show are Phoebe and Carlos, but I love all the kids and Ms. Frizzle. And Liz.

My OTP for this show is Carlos/Dorothy Ann (which I've tagged as "cdshipping" on my main).

My other favorite ships include: Phoebe/Arnold, Tim/Carlos, D.A./Wanda, Keesha/Ralphie, and Keesha/Phoebe.

RULES:

You can submit any Magic-School-Bus themed Tumblr post in the ask box.... that is, if you can find posts.

There will be no bashing or slandering of characters. If you don't like a certain character, then don't be mean about it.

How I decide which posts to rb to this blog is completely arbitrary. Like most "heritage post" accounts, I will reblog old posts and posts with over 1,000 notes. However, there are lots of posts with fewer notes that I'll reblog-- mostly to raise them out of oblivion.

Be kind.

And most importantly... take chances, make mistakes, get messy!

AND HAVE FUN!

[msweebyness]

CLASS OF HEROES AU: Family Members

Here it is folks! My post about the families of the hero kids! Let me know what you think! As always, credit to @imsparky2002 and @artzychic27! More shorts and Headcanons to come soon, along with an exciting project!

✝=Deceased

🎨= OC by @artzychic27

Marinette:

Sabine-Fa Zhou: Marinette’s mother, a renowned warrior who was wounded in battle, walking with a cane. She is wise and compassionate, always trying to help her daughter.

Tom-Fa Li: Marinette’s father, who loves his daughter as much as his wife, though he worries for her quite a bit more.

Gina-Grandmother Fa: Marinette’s grandmother, who lives with the family. She is never afraid to speak her mind, no matter what anyone thinks. She gifted Tikki to Marinette.

Adrien:

Gabriel- Mother Gothel: Adrien’s “father”, who kept him confined in the tower all his life. He stole Adrien as an infant and used the magic of his hair to stay young. He emotionally abused the boy and made him believe “Father Knows Best” No matter what.

Nathalie & Emilie-Rulers of Corona: Adrien’s true mothers. Emilie fell gravely ill and Nathalie sought out the magical golden flower to heal her. Because of this, Adrien was born with his magical hair. Every year, they release lanterns into the sky on their son’s birthday, hoping it will help him find his way home.

Alya:

Marlena-Eudora: Alya’s mother, a hardworking cook. She supports Alya’s dreams and aspirations, but wants nothing more than for her daughters to be happy.

Otis-James(✝): Alya’s late father, a devoted caretaker of animals. He encouraged Alya to follow her passions and work hard for her goals.

Nora: Alya’s older sister, who works long hours at a shipyard to help support the family. She’s protective, maybe a little too much at times.

Ella/Etta: Alya’s twin younger sisters, much less mischievous in this universe. They help around the house, but still cause some trouble.

Nathaniel:

Aya(🎨)-Queen Leah: Nathaniel’s mother, the queen of the Kurtz kingdom. When her son was cursed, she had every spinning wheel in the kingdom burned. Unlike Queen Leah, she keeps her son with her, the castle under heavy guard with protection spells from the good fairies.

Marc:

Kiran(🎨)-Anna: Marc’s younger brother, who he accidentally wounded with his ice powers. He misses his older brother terribly and doesn’t understand why they aren’t as close as they used to be.

Penny & Alyssa(🎨)(✝)-Rulers of Arendelle: Marc and Kiran’s mothers. They never blamed Marc for the accident, but sadly they were killed in a shipwreck mere months later. Their deaths were mourned by their sons and the entire kingdom.

Max:

Claudie-Aunt Cass: Max’s mother, who drives the town bus but dreams of being an astronaut. She does her best to look after her son, encouraging him in his pursuits.

Terrance(AU Original)(✝️)-Tadashi: Max’s older cousin, who he saw as a brother. He was a brilliant programmer, and he died in a fire at Max’s old school. Designed Markov.

Kim:

(These are my HC names for them)

Mr. Le(Lanh)-Amphitryon & Mr. Ature(Etienne)-Alcmene: Farmers in the countryside, they found the infant Kim after he had just been turned mortal and raised him as their own. They eventually decided to send him to Francois, after he discovered his true heritage and the people of the town grew especially hostile towards him.

Bob Roth- Hades: Kim’s uncle, the lord of the Underworld. He wants to take over Olympus and was the one responsible for turning his nephew into a mortal. He’ll do whatever it takes to win, even targeting those Kim cares for the most.

Zeus & Hera (Disney Characters)- Kim’s biological parents (Imagine them looking more like him), the king and queen of Olympus. His father encourages him to aspire to be true hero, in order to regain his godhood. They are unaware of Bob’s plot to overthrow them.

Alix:

Alim(✝)-Cassim: Alix’s father, the ‘king of thieves’. Unlike Cassim, he cared deeply for his children and always kept them safe. He was killed when one of his men betrayed him. Alix was only four at the time.

Jalil(✝): Alix’s older brother who was killed alongside her father. She named her pet monkey after him.

Mylene:

Fred(✝): Mylene’s beloved and kind father, the king of Haprele kingdom. He adored his daughter with all his heart, just as the people of the kingdom did them both. He was poisoned by his second wife.

Sarah(Producer Lady)- Evil Queen: King Fred’s second wife, intensely jealous of Mylene for her kindness, beauty and how she’s loved by the kingdom. After poisoning Fred, she drove Mylene out of the kingdom. She plans to kill the girl before graduation.

Sabrina:

Roger- Gepetto: Sabrina’s father, a woodcarver, who raised her as his daughter when she was brought to life. He teaches her to be honest and trustworthy, but can sometimes be forgetful. He sued the puppet show she was part of for child abuse, but the case was lost due to Sabrina technically not being a human child.

Rose:

Ali-Maurice: Rose’s older brother, a quirky inventor and a caretaker of the village children. Some people think he’s crazy, but Rose loves him dearly.

Juleka:

(Anarka and Jagged are divorced but still governed the land together. Penny is Juleka and Luka’s stepmother.)

Anarka-Mrs. Potts: Juleka’s mother, the lady of the castle. She was turned into a teapot, but is just as fiery as she was as a human. She cares for her daughter greatly, comforting and advising her.

Jagged-Lumiere: The lord of the castle and Juleka’s father. Turned into a candelabra, his favorite thing to do is still entertaining guests. He tries his best to keep his daughter’s spirits up.

Penny-Cogsworth: Jagged’s wife, turned into a antique clock. She keeps the palace in order, and does her best to maintain some semblance of normalcy for her stepchildren.

Luka: Juleka’s brother, transformed by the curse into a grand piano. He can no longer speak, but comforts and sometimes teases his sister with his music.

Ondine:

(I HC Ondine as being Scotch-Hispanic)

Arturo(Dad)- King Triton: Very strict and stern, he forbids his daughters from going to the surface, even going so far as to destroy his youngest daughter’s collection of objects from the land, driving her to go to the sea witch.

(AU ORIGINALS)⏬**

Olivia- The eldest of the seven, acts motherly towards all her sisters. Can also be a bit bossy.

Ophelia- The second eldest, and most studious. Quiet and withdrawn, she prefers to stay in her room and read.

Octavia- The third oldest and the “gifted” child. Can play six different instruments.

Olga- Ondine’s favorite sister, kind and helpful. Always willing to listen and give advice.

Oona- The third youngest, an absolute hopeless romantic. She’s often lost in dreamland.

Olympia- The second youngest, she can be a bit hostile and teases Ondine very often. Very competitive.

Kagami:

Tomoe-Fergus/Eleanor: Kagami’s mother, the warrior queen of the Tsurugi kingdom. She was blinded in a battle with the demon bear, Yamikuma. She is incredibly strict and controlling with her daughter.

Daisuke, Daijiro, Daiki (AU ORIGINALS)-Hamish, Hubert and Harris: Kagami’s three younger brothers, the princes of the kingdom. They are extremely mischievous, driving their mother and the castle staff crazy.

Zoe:

Chloé-Anastasia: Zoe’s half-sister, who she’s forced to essentially serve as a maid. However, Chloe may not be completely cruel at heart. A blowout with her sister and a chance exchange with her mother get her to realize she may need to change her ways.

Audrey-Lady Tremaine: Chloé and Zoe’s cruel mother, a selfish aristocrat who hates it when things don’t go her way. She had Zoe with another man, and had her treated as a servant all her life. Chloe completely emulates her.

Andre: Zoe’s stepfather, who is kinder to her than her sister and mother, though he’s hesitant to stand up for her. He cows down to whatever his wife and daughter want.

Mireille:

Ari(🎨)-Mufasa(✝): Mireille’s mother, and the queen of the Pride Lands. She was wise and strong, and Mireille adored and idolized her. Five years ago, she was tricked by her brother which ended in her dying in a wildebeest stampede. Mireille worries about disappointing her.

Scar(Disney Character): Mireille’s wicked uncle, who was responsible for her mother’s death. He currently rules the Pride Lands, leaving them in a state of despair and desolation. He believes his niece to be dead.

Reshma:

Dayalan & Aabha(🎨)- Julieta & Augustin: Reshma’s caring parents. Her mother has the ability to heal with her cooking, while her father has no gift due to marrying into the family. They love all three of their daughters and support them no matter what.

Lasya (AU ORIGINAL)- Luisa: Reshma’s younger sister, blessed with incredible strength. She is quiet and gentle, much shyer than Luisa. She takes on a massive amount of work and Reshma worries a lot about her.

Mithra (AU ORIGINAL)- Mirabel: Reshma’s youngest sister, the only one in the family not to receive a gift. Spirited and energetic, she tends to snap at people who criticize her for that. She and Reshma, unlike Isa and Mira, have always had a good, loving relationship.

Amrita(🎨)- Abuela: The matriarch of the family, she lost her husband to a band of raiders years before, causing her to become cold and harsh. She demands perfection and service from the family, unaware she is alienating them with her actions.

Austin T:

Karan & Saanvi Tomassian(🎨)- Sultan & Sultana of Agrabah: Austin’s parents and the rulers of Agrabah. After their son was kidnapped at two years old, they kept him on the palace grounds out of his fear for his safety. And maybe some…outside influence…

**Fun addition: In my Miraculous Canon HC’s, Ondine has twin eight-year old brothers, Rico and Duncan. You thought the Cesaire twins were bad…well, I’m guessing Ella and Etta have never purposely gotten *Nino* electrocuted. (Ondine is oblivious to their true nature. They love their sister, thankfully.) Her mom’s name is Elsie.)

[shopcopes]

Best Place to Visit Santa in Lapland

Introduction

When you think of Christmas, one place probably springs to mind Lapland. Known as the official home of Santa Claus, this winter wonderland offers a magical experience for all ages. But where exactly should you go to have the best Santa encounter? Let's dive into the best place to visit Santa in Lapland.

Why Visit Santa in Lapland

1. The Magic of Lapland Lapland is like stepping into a real-life snow globe. Imagine vast snowy landscapes, twinkling lights, and the enchanting atmosphere that captures the true essence of Christmas. It’s not just about meeting Santa; it’s about immersing yourself in a world where the festive spirit is alive every day. 2. Unique Arctic Experiences From reindeer sleigh rides to the mesmerizing Northern Lights, Lapland offers experiences you can't find anywhere else. It’s not just a holiday destination; it’s a journey into the heart of winter magic.

Best Time to Visit

1. Winter Wonderland For the quintessential Christmas experience, visiting between December and February is ideal. The snowy landscape, festive decorations, and numerous winter activities make this period the peak season for Santa visits. 2. Northern Lights Season If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, plan your visit between September and March. This period offers the best chances to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

Getting to Lapland

1. Flights to Rovaniemi Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is the main gateway to Santa’s wonderland. Direct flights from major European cities make it easily accessible. 2. Other Transportation Options Once in Finland, you can also reach Lapland by train or bus, offering scenic routes through the beautiful Finnish countryside.

Image by Canva

Santa Claus Village

1. Overview of Santa Claus Village Located right on the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village is a must-visit. Open year-round, it’s a magical place where you can meet Santa and his elves any day of the year. 2. Meeting Santa Claus One of the highlights is, of course, meeting Santa Claus himself. He welcomes visitors from around the world, listening to their wishes and posing for photos. 3. Santa Claus Main Post Office This is where Santa receives letters from children all over the globe. You can send a letter or postcard home with a special Arctic Circle postmark, making for a unique memento.

Santa Park

1. Introduction to Santa Park Just a short distance from Santa Claus Village, Santa Park is an underground amusement park that brings Christmas to life. 2. Activities and Attractions From elf workshops to gingerbread decorating, Santa Park offers a range of activities that will delight both children and adults. 3. Elf School and Workshops Learn the secrets of being an elf at Elf School, or join in on various workshops to make your own Christmas crafts.

Rovaniemi The Official Hometown of Santa Claus

1. Exploring Rovaniemi Beyond the Santa attractions, Rovaniemi itself is a charming town with plenty to explore. The Arktikum museum and science center offers insights into Arctic history and culture. 2. Local Culture and Heritage Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional Sami villages or enjoying Lappish music and dance performances.

Arctic Circle Highlights

1. Crossing the Arctic Circle In Santa Claus Village, you can cross the Arctic Circle line, a unique experience marked by a certificate that you can take home as a keepsake. 2. Arctic Circle Certificates These certificates are a fun way to commemorate your visit, proving you’ve crossed this legendary line.

Reindeer and Husky Experiences

1. Reindeer Sleigh Rides A reindeer sleigh ride is a quintessential Lappish experience. Glide through snowy forests and open landscapes, guided by these gentle creatures. 2. Husky Sledding Adventures For a more adventurous ride, try husky sledding. The thrill of speeding through the snow, led by a team of enthusiastic huskies, is unforgettable.

Accommodation Options

1. Santa Claus Holiday Village Stay right in the heart of the action at Santa Claus Holiday Village, offering cozy cottages and easy access to all the attractions. 2. Glass Igloos and Ice Hotels For a unique stay, try a glass igloo or ice hotel. Sleeping under the Northern Lights in a heated glass igloo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Image by Canva

Dining in Lapland

1. Traditional Lappish Cuisine Lapland offers a variety of traditional dishes, including reindeer, salmon, and lingonberries. These hearty meals are perfect after a day in the snow. 2. Top Restaurants to Try From rustic lodges to gourmet restaurants, Lapland has dining options to suit every palate. Be sure to try some local specialties during your visit.

Northern Lights

1. Best Spots for Viewing the Aurora Borealis Lapland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Head to remote areas away from city lights for the best views. 2. Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights Capturing the Northern Lights requires some skill. Use a tripod, a camera with manual settings, and be prepared for the cold!

Winter Activities

1. Snowmobiling Explore the snowy wilderness on a snowmobile. Guided tours are available, providing a thrilling way to see the Arctic landscape. 2. Ice Fishing Try your hand at ice fishing, a traditional Arctic pastime. Drill a hole in the ice and see what you can catch.

Souvenirs and Shopping

1. Unique Gifts from Lapland From handcrafted Sami jewelry to Christmas ornaments, there are plenty of unique souvenirs to bring home. 2. Best Shops in Rovaniemi Explore local markets and specialty shops in Rovaniemi for the best selection of gifts and keepsakes. https://youtu.be/OMx312gwcmo?si=YRLcVTp3uo0jdgwZ Video by Pursuing Mountains YouTube Channel

Conclusion: Best Place to Visit Santa in Lapland

Visiting Santa in Lapland is more than just a holiday, it’s an enchanting experience that brings the magic of Christmas to life. Whether you’re meeting Santa, riding with reindeer, or gazing at the Northern Lights, every moment in Lapland is filled with wonder and joy.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to visit Santa in Lapland? The best time is from December to February for the ultimate Christmas experience, but September to March is ideal for seeing the Northern Lights. 2. How can I meet Santa Claus in Lapland? Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where you can meet Santa every day of the year. 3. What are the best places to stay in Lapland? Top choices include Santa Claus Holiday Village, glass igloos, and ice hotels for unique experiences. 4. Can you see the Northern Lights in Lapland? Yes, Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, especially from September to March. 5. What activities can I do in Lapland besides visiting Santa? Enjoy reindeer and husky rides, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and exploring local culture and heritage sites. Read the full article

[spoopy-cactus]

Had an idea

Inspired by this post

[bedbellyandbeyond]

Drop Off

(Story Post)

The middle school grades were already off for the summer which is how Diederich and Nari were able to take their Europe trip, but Dax’s second grade class was only just wrapping up that week. He still had classes to teach leading up to his weekend trip with Nathan, but he always went to his boyfriend’s place immediately after school. He knew Nathan felt overwhelmed having to take care of the twins and Wano by himself, so Dax tried to be as available as possible. On Wednesday, he came home surprised to see none other than Jeffrey Matthews standing in the front hall with Ben strapped to him. Nathan was there as well, drilling him like it was a game of 20 questions. “I told you, he didn't invite me,” Jeffrey was saying. “I just came by to give Wano a gift.” “What kind of gift?” Nathan demanded. “Good afternoon?” Dax announced himself as he came in. “Hello, Jeffrey. What are you doing here?” Jeffrey rolled his eyes. “Like I've been telling Nathan, I brought over a gift for Wano. That's all.”

Wano came down the stairs at that point and went over to Jeffrey eagerly. “Hello, lovemate. How are you?” He gave Jeffrey a peck on the forehead. Nathan frowned. “Wano, did you invite Jeffrey over?” Wano shook his head quickly. “No, this is a surprise to me!” “I brought you this,” Jeffrey said handing Wano a box. “Made it myself!” Wano opened the box excitedly to find a cake inside. “This is for me? Why?” Jeffrey just shrugged. “I was saving this recipe to make for Bler for Father's Day, but you know, he’s gone, so I made it for you.” “Is that a chocolate cake?” Nathan asked. “Chocolate's not good for your Eclulan diet, Wano.” “I still like it,” Wano said. He smiled at Jeffrey. “Thank you.” Dax went over to his boyfriend and rubbed his back. “Nathan, relax.” Nathan placed his hands akimbo. “So, if that's everything, Jeffrey you can be on your way.” Jeffrey frowned. “Why are you so pushy? I came a long way. I would at least like to stay for some of the cake I made.” Wano looked at Nathan and then turned back to Jeffrey. “No, I am sorry, Jeffrey. You cannot stay.” “What?” Jeffrey huffed. “Why not?” “I did not get permission for guests,” Wano said. “But it is okay, I can see you this weekend! I will be at APID while they go north.” Jeffrey softened a bit. “Oh yeah? Okay. Can you save some cake until then?” “If you want, you could take it and bring it back to APID Friday,” Wano suggested. “No, no. You should have some while it's fresh. Just save me a piece,” Jeffrey said. “Jeffrey, if you'd like, I could drive you home again,” Dax offered. “Naw, you just got home,” Jeffrey brushed off. “I've got a bus pass.” “I insist,” Dax said. “After all, we have car seats and that'd be much more comfortable for Ben than being carried a long way, wouldn't it?” “I guess so,” Jeffrey said. “Right now, or can I say goodbye to Wano?” “Of course, you can say goodbye,” Dax said giving Nathan’s hand a squeeze. “It'll only be about twenty minutes there and back, babe.” “Thank you, Dax,” Nathan said. Jeffrey wrapped his arms around Wano's neck and pulled him down for a kiss. “Text me, okay?” “Yes,” Wano said. “I will show you how much I love eating your cake.” “Nathan can't have any because he's being mean to us, okay?” Jeffrey decided as he pulled away. “I'll see you later.” “Okay.” Wano gave Ben a pat on the head. “Goodbye little Ben.” Jeffrey grinned and made Ben wave. “Say ‘Bye Wano'! Bye bye!” Ben just looked up at Jeffrey. “Buh?” “He's not much of a talker,” Jeffrey admitted. He gave Wano's bicep a squeeze. “Alright, see ya, handsome.” “Bye.”

On the way to Ollie's apartment, Jeffrey was clearly upset. He’d asked for the aux but he wasn't settling on any song for more than a few seconds. Dax found it very distracting while he drove, so when a song he knew came on, he told Jeffrey he liked it and it was left on. “So, you and Wano,” Dax tried to make conversation. “Pretty serious, huh?” Jeffrey frowned. “Yeah… I don't get what Nathan has against us being together. We're both adults. It's none of his business.” “Well, Nathan cares about Wano a lot,” Dax said. “And I think he's more concerned about the fact that you guys won't be able to be together because of Wano's immigration status.” “He got an extension,” Jeffrey said. “Can't he get another one?” Dax sighed. “I don't think it's happening… I think Wano will be deported one way or another. He can reapply to return but it's hard to say if it would hold and how long it would take, considering he violated his VISA by acquiring a criminal record.” Jeffrey pouted. “Still… He's still here for now. He should be able to do what he wants.” “That's not really true,” Dax said. “His staying with Nathan is conditional. He can't leave the house and he must behave himself. Nathan is partially responsible for him considering he’s housing him. We're just trying to make this transition smooth so he's in good standing with APID should he be allowed back.” Jeffrey crossed his arms. “How is seeing me misbehaving?” “It's not really about him seeing you so much as… Well…” Dax frowned. “He says you're both trying to make a baby. Is that true?” Jeffrey shrugged. “Well, it’s normal for two adults in a relationship to have sex… I don't really like condoms and stuff. Most aliens can’t carry our STDs anyway. And if I get pregnant, I get pregnant, I guess…” Dax sighed again. “Do you see how that can come off as irresponsible? Wano's not…the brightest, and he's driven by a lot of very, I want to say, basic instincts, so I'm not really that surprised if he thinks having a baby will make everything great, but I know you’re the smarter one. You have the ability to be the responsible adult in this situation. Do you really honestly think having a baby right now, with Wano of all people, is a good idea?” Jeffrey huffed. “…You know, you're not my dad… I don't need your life advice.” “No, I'm not your dad,” Dax agreed. “But I was your teacher once, and I do care about all my students. You have a lot of potential, Jeffrey. I would like to see you thrive in this world. You have options. You are capable of making good choices.” Jeffrey just went silent. Dax just gave up for now and decided not to bother him the rest of the way. When they got to the apartment building, Dax went up with him to make sure he got in safe. Jeffrey's cousin was there, and he looked rather upset when he saw Jeffrey. “Where've you been?” Ollie asked. “I texted you and you didn't answer me.” “I just went out. I don't have to tell you everywhere I go,” Jeffrey stated as he took off his shoes. “I was worried about Ben,” Ollie said going over to pick up the baby. “I thought you might've taken him to a bar again…” “That was one time,” Jeffrey moaned. “Can you get over it?” “And who's this guy?” Ollie asked looking Dax up and down. “I'm Dax,” Dax said. “I—” “He's a friend of a friend from group,” Jeffrey said. “He offered me a ride home.” “I actually taught Jeffrey in high school,” Dax said rubbing his neck. “Never expected my partner to be in the same pregnancy group as him, but here we are.” “I'm Ollie, Jeffrey's cousin,” Ollie said. “I went to the same school as Jeffrey some years before him. I don't think I remember you.” “I was only there a couple years,” Dax said. “I work at APID E now.” Ollie shrugged. “Are you an ‘alternative person' like they're calling people these days?” “Uh, well—" “Ollie, you know that’s rude!” Jeffrey snapped. “It's alright, Jeffrey,” Dax said. “My situation’s a bit hard to explain.” “We're fairies, you know?” Ollie said, smoothing out Ben's hair. “Probably wouldn't guess from looking at us. Jeffrey's more than me. That's why he's so short.” “That's actually quite interesting,” Dax mused. “Is it a matter of being mixed, or are fairies like merpeople, where the child will always be a merperson no matter if one parent is human?” “It's a bit of both, I think,” Ollie said. “Fairies have been interbred with humans over a long period of time so we've sort of evolved with humans… But, uh… It's like this. Both of Jeffrey's parents were fairies making him a high blood fairy. Only my mother was a fairy, making me low blood. But I'm still considered a fairy 100%. Any kids we have will be 100% fairy no matter what.” “So, even little Ben too then, despite his alien heritage?” Dax asked. “That’s right. Low blood like me but still 100% fairy,” Ollie said. “That’s truly lovely,” Dax said. “Since embracing my native heritage, this topic has always fascinated me. I did my Masters thesis on the ‘Blood Quantum’ and it’s negative effects on indigenous groups in Canada—" “Ugh, if you guys are gonna nerd out, I’m going to my room,” Jeffrey said taking Ben with him. Ollie waited for Jeffrey to close his bedroom door before sighing. “Sorry about my cousin… He’s very scholastically averse.” “Oh, I know, imagine trying to teach him French…” Dax said. “But please, I’m now a bit invested. What sets a fairy apart from a human?” “Hm, some basic stuff,” Ollie said. “It’s mostly magic sensitivity. But physically… Can’t grow facial hair, generally short, can’t really gain weight, some magic ability, sometimes inhuman hair or eye colour. Oh, and the ears.” Dax tilted his head. “Well, your ears aren’t particularly pointed or anything… And you’re rather average height.” “Low blood as I said.” Ollie spread his arms. “All I really got was the eyes, the lack of facial hair and the metabolism. Although, if I try hard enough, I can gain some muscle where Jeffrey can’t… I think I’ve even heard of low blood fairies getting big and muscly and growing beards. Never met one, though I don’t really know other fairies outside the family.” “You do look rather fit,” Dax commented. “You have great calves.” “Thank you, I’m a runner,” Ollie said proudly. “And you’re not too bad yourself.” “Ah...” Dax rubbed his neck. “I’m a bit of a yoga and swim nut. Although I’ve been a bit out of shape lately…” “Are you kidding? You have very tight buns,” Ollie complimented. “Well, thank you… I really should start working out again…” Dax said, rubbing his neck. “I keep looking up some fun smoothie recipes I want to try for workouts, but I haven’t found the time. Not to mention the protein powders are expensive, and I kinda need it with my diet.” “Well, the one I get isn't so expensive,” Ollie said. He moved to the cupboards. “You know what, the taste's been a bit different lately so you should try some of mine and if you like it, you can get it online at wheylux.com.” “Oh? Alright, sounds promising,” Dax said. “I can order it, you don't have to share.” “No, no, it's no big deal,” Ollie said grabbing the container from his cupboard. “It really is reasonably cheap, and you don't need much each time. I take a teaspoon and it lasts so long.” “Well, alright. I'll try it,” Dax said. Ollie made up a tiny Tupperware for Dax and handed it over. “There you go. Keep the cup. I have plenty.” “Well, thank you,” Dax said pocketing the product. “I appreciate it.” “Don’t mention it.” Dax smiled. “I should probably head home though. Promised I'd be back in 20.” “Don’t let me keep you,” Ollie said. “Dax, was it?” “Yes. Dax Olivier.” Dax stepped out the door. “And Ollie, right? Are you a Matthews as well?” “Larson,” Ollie offered his hand. “Oliver Larson. Or just Ollie.” Dax shook his hand. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Ollie.” “You, too. Safe drive. Thanks for dropping off the brats.” Dax chuckled. “No problem.”

[giant-dekubowl-ship]

Hooky is a DAMM GOOD webtoon and you should all read it.

Every want to read a long-running epic? Do you like magic and witchcraft in your stories? Is the thought of a colorful cast (literally and figuratively) enough to catch your attention? Do you like stories that are all about love - familial,  romantic and platonic? Want all of what was mentioned above to be renditioned in beautifully drawn and flowing tapestries? 

If so then Hooky - a webtoon by Miriam Bonastre Tur is just for you.

Its a story deserving of a seat next to the ‘greats’ people quote when talking about storytelling on the level of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the like. This is not being said lightly. The pitfalls of any kind of story that goes on for longer than a few episodes or chapters or storytelling arcs is that they may lose their way. Lose track of what the initial chapters were trying to tell or lose focus and bloat up into messy storytelling. This can happen in any medium and webtoon is certainly not immune. 

There are many great stories in webtoon - but many, just like a certain shonen jump manga which continued and stretched until the publisher itself decided to give it the infamous ax - continue their stories until they are unrecognizable. Sometimes, ending the story at just the right time makes a story that much more precious to its readers.

On webtoon, there are certainly quite a few great stories both ongoing and complete that have this ephemeral air of just right. Those kinds of stories that read confidently with the attitude of an individual who has a goal and will and does complete it. 

I personally have many series I hold dear to my heart which are themselves webtoons. Today though I’m here to talk about Hooky. 

The Story 

Hooky, a series so good, that if it were a manga I’d want it turned into an anime and if it were a comic I’d want it turned into a cartoon. And even as a webtoon, I just want someone to bring this to the big screens. 

Its a story about many things. At its heart, it's about love and the lack thereof it (as cheesy as this sounds). Divides from distrust, lashings from hatred, misunderstandings from miscommunication all looked at different levels. From the interpersonal to the societal. Miriam weives a careful and interesting narrative on what can quickly become a complicated and controversial topic. 

Its a series that starts off quaint and oh so very sweet. Akin to Disney's retelling of all the classic fairy tales. 

Two twins, Dani and Dorian dash through a pastel rendition of a Spanish village, dressed in matching black robes as they run late for their school bus. Upon missing their only ticket to the hidden rendition of Hogwarts this world has they have a brilliant idea to hide this from their parents. And instead, find a mentor in magic as an alternative. 

From then on its a swirling adventure as these children navigate a world they’ve obviously never interacted with. It's a fairy tale - but not from Disney - that takes some interesting inspiration from the famous stories fables. Hansel and Gretel being an example which comes to mind. 

Going back to comparing Hooky with Avatar - it’s a story with its high and low moments for the characters. Just like Aang, the main duo of this story, don’t always get to play around with their equivalent of Elephant koi. It’s at times grim but not overly gritty. It doesn't revel in life’s tragedies any more than it indulges in fantasy’s escapism.  

Our main characters find themselves in a world they quickly realize they know very little about and it is quickly made obvious to both us the viewer and the twins, that not everything is exactly as simple as it seems to the inexperienced eyes of the child twins. 

In a way, they are almost perfect reflections to us readers. Ignorant and oblivious to the reality of this open and unexplored world. Almost except for the fact that unlike them, we have some grounding story elements of the initial fables interwoven into the narrative. 

Taking inspiration from a story does not mean copying it however and this is certainly true of Hooky, which is it's own grounded and fleshed out tale.

The world-building starts off in the form of little one-off lines and details which quickly snowball into a predominant feature of the story. Something that demands the attention of both you and the characters. The story and its contents evolve and mature just like the characters as they grow up both figuratively and literally. 

Scenes and events happening as early as chapter one will come back later. Twists, turns, self-fulfilling prophecies - all of which given this series a wonderful re-read value (in addition to the first read-through ride). 

There’s so much I could say about Hooky and it’s story and storytelling. However, much of it is walled off behind intricate layers of world-building and scenes - all of which are too spoil-ery for me to justify, well, spoiling it. 

Instead, I’ll move forward to another greatly quality of this story: Its characters. 

The Characters 

This story’s characters are much of its charm. If you can’t find yourself enjoying Dani and Dorian’s antics along with their friends - then much of this story will fall flat. 

They should not though, because, every character it a well and finely crafted piece of art. 

First, we have the main duo: the aforementioned twins. Both are polar opposites in character, as many twins tend to be written - but both come off as very genuine and their sibling love for each other comes across even more so. 

It’s the little things that make them work. The sibling bickering, the disagreements that put them at odds but eventually bring them back together. The fierce care and protectiveness they have despite this and hostility that will sprout against anyone that attacks one or the other. They won’t be finishing each other’s sentences but no one else in the world would understand their unsaid words better than they do with each other. 

Dorian, the brother is the ‘book smart’, the skill. He likes to think of himself as a well-read gentleman but isn't all that prideful over it (for the most part). He doesn’t handle the more rambunctious boys his age well despite his admiration of them and needs to socialize. 

If there is one thing he’s proud and or defensive over it’s his magic. His wizard heritage and family name - no matter what the outside world’s opinion of it is hell stubbornly hold on to it. A flip side to his genuine and endearing clumsiness when friends are in the picture is the fact that he is perhaps more cynical or anxious than his sister. He’s far from perfect, but again this is due to his youth and inexperience rather than any lingering personality flaw. Throughout the story, he does many things, both good and bad - but everything he does is consistent and grounded as the individual he’s been built up to be. 

Dani is the more outgoing of the two twins, she’s more so the ‘raw power’ of the duo. Despite being just as sheltered as her brother, she’s a step ahead of her brother when facing the uncertain, confident, adventurous but rash - despite how this gets her into trouble. 

She is, however just as sensitive as her brother. In fact, all the while being more outgoing it can seem like she is more easily pressured by the views of others on her than her bother at times, the more easily influenced by the world around her. 

There is also a vast supporting cast of characters in addition to our interesting twin due. Some of which I doubt hesitate to even call just “side” characters with the role they continuously play. 

There’s Nico, a rambunctious village boy - who just wants to properly get the chance to grow up as a wizard’s apprentice despite his ‘lack’ of ability with magic. He’s first introduced as one of those ‘rough around the edges’ individuals with a somewhat un-empathetic temperament. 

As the story’s scope grows and as our characters mature with their experiences, however, Nico is quickly one of the characters who take the lead in his development. Considering where he started, he ends up one of the most grounded and wise characters.

Our next character is Princess Monica. As per her moniker - she certainly starts off impersonating her title. Stuffy, self-aggrandising, very obtuse regarding the lives of everyday people - the list goes one. Her introduction is set with her decision to embark on a quest to find her prince charming. 

Just like our main character duo, she is very sheltered, however. And quickly she’ll discover that her wants and beliefs may clash with reality. This pompous air (which may annoy some readers) thankfully, does not last long. Monica quickly blooms to be one of the most empathetic and hardworking characters within the story. Her blooming relationship with Dorian is as agonisingly anxiety inducing as it is heartwarming to see. 

I could talk at length about the other characters, but if I did this post would go on and on. But certainly, Mark, Alex, Damien, Will, Master Pendragon, the King, the Wytte family - all are intriguing and compelling characters which will keep you around if you’re not hooked already. 

The Art 

The final thing to this post is me just briefly discussing the art. If you haven't noted already from the screenshots - it’s gorgeous and unique. Here the author/artist takes full advantage of the medium provided to her. Scenes will flow down for pages, something only possible in the webtoon. Characters will talk in coloured speech bubbles, something only possible in coloured and static media such as comics. 

The art in this series is nothing close to static, however. It's dynamic and inventive in its paneling in a way that brings so much charm to the series. 

Emotional moments are that much more impactful as you, the readers, are swept through both dream-like and nightmarish scenes alike. Scenes will flow just as much as they will pause between panels, letting words and emotions soak in. They build up awe as well as they do tension and dread. The artistry of the author develops along with the story is nothing short of beautiful especially as we reach the current ending arc’s climax and denouement. 

To Summarise 

Hooky is a well-crafted piece of writing that I hope more people learn about and get to read. It's currently going into its final arc (as of writing this post) and I can attest that it certainly is worth the read. While as a story it enjoyed taking after the grim origins of our favourite fairy tales, it never forgets what it once was - a story about two twins just missing their school bus - and it makes sure to show the readers it hasn’t forgotten with a fairy tale ending fit for a child’s bedtime story its so sweet. 

[blainebigbang]

Blaine Big Bang 2020: Posting Schedule

It’s finally here! 

Tomorrow kicks off the Blaine Big Bang 2020!

Every other day, throughout the month of February, Blaine fans will be greeted with a new 25K+ fic of Blainey goodness from our 16 amazing authors and artists! Congrats to our participants!

Please see below the cut for the complete schedule:

February 1st - take my picture now (shake it 'til you see it) Author: Civillove Artist:  Kanversrph Blaine likes to call this part of his life as being 'the flavor of the month'. While he enjoys being a successful model, he feels like the industry keeps taking little pieces of him. When he meets Sebastian, a nature photographer, he feels like he might get those pieces back.

February 3rd - Nothing Can Keep Us Apart Author: TeddysHoney Artist:  Riverance Blaine is a Prince whose father was killed by King Burt's army. Blaine lives with his mother near King Burt's castle. One day, Prince Kurt sees him drawing water, and Kurt sneaks into the village to meet Blaine. They see one another in secret for a while. A war begins, however, and Blaine must go and fight. Kurt looks for him every day, waiting for him to return. He has no idea that Blaine has been captured by the enemy or that he's waiting for his brother to help him escape certain death. Once the war is over, Burt decides it is time for Kurt to find a mate. No one is good enough in Kurt's eyes, however. After realizing that Blaine may not be coming home and a pleasant evening spent in the arms of another man, Kurt sneaks off into the woods to cry, convinced he'll have to marry someone else and that Blaine is dead. Blaine surprises him in the forest, and, having convinces an indebted priest to marry them, the two are wed. Instead of returning to the castle, however, they decide to fend for themselves in the lawless forests surrounding the kingdoms. February 5th - Ships That Pass In The Night Author: Delightful_Fear Artist:  JudeAraya    Blaine has a great life, with people packing into his piano bar six nights a week as they sail to some of the most beautiful places in the world.  He’s not lacking for beautiful men to share his bed either.  Why would meeting the aloof counter-tenor in a touring Broadway group change anything?  

February 7th - Life in Repair Author: Room108 Artist:  SeblaineAddict  In the wake of his most recent break-up with Kurt, Blaine returns home to Lima to lick his wounds and reclaim some measure of happiness. An unexpected opportunity to travel to Thailand with former friend (and sometimes nemesis) Sebastian Smythe, proves to be just the salve he needs. As their bond strengthens through the ups and downs of life on the road, Sebastian and Blaine revisit their lingering spark from high school and must decide whether it’s worth re-igniting or if it will be snuffed out for good.

February 9th - Bicycle Patrol Unit Author: Carmelcoffeeaddict Artist:   Lallagoglee   When NYPD bicycle cop, Blaine Anderson, begins to fall for Kurt Hummel - the gorgeous man that he first notices jogging through the park during Blaine's patrol - it causes a rift between him and his patrol partner, Sebastian Smythe.

February 11th - The Silver-Scaled Mark Author: Jayhawkwrites Artist:  Michaelscribbles   Blaine is a half-elf living in a town of full-blooded elves. He doesn’t fit in and is bullied almost daily for his heritage. One day Blaine finds solace in the library and later finds a book that talks about the magic in his world. He is drawn to it and wants to learn all he can. After Blaine has consumed all of the books in his town, he goes off to college to become a wizard so that he can help protect those that are not able to adequately defend themselves. Once he has graduated, he finds that he and several companions are part of a prophecy that will help unite the races in his world. February 13th - Out of the Blue Author: Lilyvandersteen Artist: Redheadgleek Kurt organises a fake wedding for Brittana to get presents from random billionaires. Cooper is one of those invited, and he shows up with his brother in tow. Sparks fly, but not of the good kind. Enemies to lovers, anyone? With a slight Pride and Prejudice vibe? 

February 15th - Let It Be Me Author: Darriness Artist:  Usurix It's been three years since Blaine fell in love with Kurt but between college, jobs, social lives, and parenting his twelve-year-old sister, can Blaine manage it all? 

February 17th - Wouldn't Change A Thing Author: Slaydiest Artist:  Datshitrandom  One the eve of his junior year at Dalton, Blaine’s dad kicks him out of the house, dumping him at the bus stop, cutting him off, and leaving him homeless. This is the story of how he survives, meets Kurt, and ultimately triumphs.  February 19th - Here You Come Again Author: Kaianieves Artist:  Kanversrph It's senior for Blaine, and just when things should be falling into place, he finds them falling apart. He's got a crush- hopefully nothing more than that- on his best friend, and a dance that he would rather do anything other than plan. Blaine's conflicted- should he sit out, be miserable and hope that this year passes by in a blur? Or should he embrace it, enjoy it and maybe even shoot his shot? February 21st - A Very Seblaine Christmas Author: MrsTotten Artist:  SeblaineAddict Blaine loves his family and friends, he really does. But after a bad break up they just won’t leave him alone it doesn’t matter that everything else is going great, everyone is fixated on whether he is finally dating again. None of this is helped by his ex fiancé proposing to his new boyfriend at top of the rock and now all anyone can focus on is blaine love life or lack thereof. And now he’s heading home for the holidays. A whole week of crazy family, new directioners and so he tells a tiny white lie, that his new boyfriend his joining him for Christmas. Whilst waiting on a delayed flight and trying to figure out how to break the truth to everyone he bumps into the last person he expected to see, the flirty, charming green eyed ex warbler who was always able to find a way under his skin. Over a whiskey and a catch up an idea forms and Sebastian agrees to be his fake date for the holidays. But as Sebastian finds himself engulfed in the warm, happy madness of Blaine’s family and friends and warbler reunions, Blaine starts to see a new side to his old friends and as ex boyfriends, meddling friends and well meaning family start to get involved. This fake relationship could end up being the most real thing these crazy boys have.

February 23rd - broken glass sparkling Author: Merengs Artist:  Purpleyin   A year abroad. A chance to get away, put on hold all the issues he still needs to resolve and maybe find the bits of himself he thinks he’s lost. So Blaine takes it. February 25th - It's Not Easy (Being Stuck With Me Tonight) Author: Xhorizen Artist:  Thegreatgothamrewatch   Blaine had the perfect life – He was married to the man of his dreams, they lived with their best friend in the greatest city in the world, and he had everything he had ever dreamed of. Never mind the crippling depression and anxiety he dealt with each day he failed to book a job, and the lack of happiness he had in his marriage. One night, everything gets turned upside down and everything Blaine thought he knew was gone. How will he manage to pick up the pieces and try to make sense of his life again?  February 27th - Is There a Twelve Step Just For You? Author: Thenameisbritney Artist:  Datshitrandom   "He was still the same short, nerdy Blaine Anderson he’d always been. An easy target for school bullies everywhere. Kurt was the popular co-captain of the Cheerio’s, looking down on his kingdom like a fair but firm ruler. No one was on his level, certainly not a peasant like Blaine." Or Blaine tries to tell Kurt that he has a crush on him but accidentally ends up asking for a makeover instead. Oh, dear. February 29th - The Dalton Military Academy Warblers Author: Julia3132 Artist:  CinnamonT   Blaine Anderson is 2nd son of richest man in the world Winston Anderson. A devastating injury brought him back to Ohio where he disappeared into the family's massive estate. Society doesn't see him again until 2 years later, when after the death of Winston, he shows up at Dalton Military Academy, a place he is totally unsuited for. Sebastian Smythe is Captain of Dalton’s elite 1st Squadron and everything Blaine wants to be…dashing, debonair, comfortable in his own skin. A real James Bond. What Blaine doesn’t know is Sebastian is actually a member of the secret organization and Blaine is his mission...Find out the truth behind Blaine's arrival at Dalton and determine whether or not it has anything to do with his father's unexpected death. March 2nd - Love, Blaine Author: Gleefuldarrencrissfan Artist:  Klainiac Blaine Anderson is a typical teenager.  Except he’s not because he’s hiding a huge secret.  He’s gay.  But after reading a confession on the informal Dalton blog, he discovers that he’s not the only closeted boy at Dalton.  After a moment of courage, he emails him and ultimately starts up a friendship that will change life as he knows it. Loosely based on the movie Love, Simon. 

[doctorwhonews]

The Witchfinders

Latest Review: Written by Joy Wilkinson Directed by Sallie Aprahamian Executive Producers: Matt Strevens and Chris Chibnall Producer: Alex Mercer Starring Jodie Whittaker Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill, Tosin Cole Alan Cumming, Siobhan Finneran, Tilly Steele, Tricia Kelly Stavros Demetraki, Arthur Kay A BBC Studios Production for BBC One First broadcast on BBC One, Sunday 25 November 2018 Running time: 46 minutes 31 seconds (source: BBC iPlayer)   The Witchfinders is Doctor Who's third foray into history this series, and on first acquaintance it's the closest to the model introduced with The Unquiet Dead and seen almost annually thereafter until (arguably) Robot of Sherwood. The Doctor and friends find themselves in a period setting familiar from school or heritage sites, but where the details aren't congruent with the record. There is a famous historical figure involved, presented in a knowingly self-conscious manner. An alien or aliens turn out to be behind events. There is an effects-laden climax which is cathartic for the historical personality concerned. Human history as known to the Doctor and his companions is guaranteed. While following this precedent, The Witchfinders follows hard on the heels of Demons of the Punjab and Rosa; and where the historical adventures of Doctors Nine to Twelve often revelled in subverting history, The Witchfinders carries forward the educative function of its predecessors this series, though in less direct a fashion.  Like Vinay Patel before her, Joy Wilkinson has posted a picture of some of the books she used to research her story on Twitter. There are differences in that where Patel's choices were squarely set in historical scholarship and the literary novel, Wilkinson's have ranging roots, from books she read when growing up - such as Arthur Douglas's accessible, well-researched and unsensationally readable The Fate of the Lancashire Witches (1978) and Robert Neill's novel Mist Over Pendle (1951) - to modern scholarly discussions of what the Lancashire witch trials meant at the time and how they have resonated since, and James VI and I's own Demonologie. Writing at greater distance from her subject than the authors of Rosa and Demons of the Punjab were from theirs, Wilkinson inevitably takes account of the centuries of transmission which have seen the Lancashire witch craze find many meanings for successive ages. While not necessarily less immediate than Doctor Who's depiction of Montgomery, Alabama, 1955, or the partitioned Punjab in 1947, time leads to fragmentation and the ways in which the TARDIS 'team, gang, fam' relate to events and characters are consequently more diffracted. As Wilkinson's sources indicate, the episode is as much a response to fictionalization, mythology and a mood struck by witch trials in the collective imagination as it is to the judicial pursuit of supposed witches in Lancashire in the reign of King James. No specific date is given for the events in The Witchfinders, and there is no mention by the seventeenth-century characters of the historical Pendle witch trials. Only Graham (Bradley Walsh) relates the setting of Bilehurst Cragg to the Pendle Witch Trail which he's walked. Presumably the story is set not long after the trials of 1612; or is it set earlier, and are we being asked to imagine that the persecution initiated by Becka Savage is the erased context for the historical accusations levelled against Alizon Device and her family in Pendle in 1612?   The presence of King James in the story might suggest an earlier date. Following his visit to Norway and Denmark to marry their king's sister Anna in 1590, James VI had become obsessed with witchcraft, finding guilty several accused from North Berwick in East Lothian (presumably inspiring the 'Berwick' referred to in this episode) guilty of using sorcery to try to sink his ship on the way home. The James of The Witchfinders expresses his belief that he is protected by God against extraordinary adversity, and his survival of a satanic plot against his own life, his wife's and the possibility of their having descendants encouraged this well before the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. However, during the 1610s the king became increasingly sceptical about witchcraft and wary of condemning accused witches. It's possible that one might look at a post-1612 setting for The Witchfinders, with the king here being confronted by his own fears and (with his agreement to suppress the memory of Bilehurst Cragg) learning to move past them even if this means a continued degree of personal and political repression. Beyond specifics about dates, The Witchfinders follows the pattern of other post-2005 pseudohistoricals by finding authenticity in impressionistic use of detail. Having witchcraft allegations arising within a family echoed the Lancashire witch trials of 1612, but its relation to female social mobility mirrored the case of Joan Flowers, one of the Belvoir witches of 1619. Where Becka Savage's status had risen by marriage, Joan Flowers's fell on her widowhood; before we learn that Becka has been infected by the Morax, her accusations of witchcraft, frequent duckings and horse-shootings invite the rationalist assumption that she has instigated a reign of terror in order to defend a precarious social position. Meanwhile her grandmother and cousin represented a power which could complement or oppose that of the local lord, that of the 'cunning woman' (sometimes cunning man) who in benign cases practised healing by seeking to bring the sick back into alignment with the four classical elements of earth, fire, water and air. The chanting of these elements as an invocation by Old Mother Twiston (Tricia Kelly giving a rounded performance in a few lines so we can believe in her as someone to mourn when in the earth and possessed by it) before her ducking encourages the viewer to see the Twistons as potential wielders of magic forces, with vague echoes of Shakespearean ambivalent or malign magic, but it's also a transmission of social identity within the village collective, with Willa (a forceful and grounded Tilly Steele) taking over her grandmother's role. In Doctor Who terms one might think of the assumption of Panna's identity by Karuna in part four of Kinda. In The Witchfinders it serves as a reminder that women were accepted as the gatherers, keepers and conveyors of useful knowledge in this period. The discussion the Doctor and Yaz have with Willa at the Twiston family home about her grandmother and magic incline the viewer to see Willa as the nearest the setting has to a rationalist, showing sympathy to the Doctor's unbelief in Satan; she crumbles before James and Becka soon after the Doctor explodes that if she was a man she'd have no problem furthering her investigation. Becka (a believable woman of faith and fear in the hands of Siobhan Finneran) imagines that the Doctor's authority is that of a witchfinder-general and does not scoff at what the psychic paper tells her. The arrival of King James, with his prejudices about male superiority and his belief that God works directly through him, disturbs the equilibrium of this corner of 'Merry England' as much as the witch-duckings displace the time-honoured Sunday ritual of apple-bobbing. Even assuming the early cultivation of different strains of apple which ripen at different times of year, and the maintenance of cold cellars for storage, I'm not sure that there would have been enough apples to bob every Sunday in a year, but the line (even if revisiting the scene 'this' is probably only the Sunday 'party') was a good way of suggesting that this was a time when long-established patterns of life were being disturbed.  There were no witchfinders-general in the time of James VI and I, nor did the king maintain a witchfinding hierarchy. The use of the title appeals to what the viewers might think they know - the spurious office is associated with Matthew Hopkins, who was active in the 1640s, a probable three decades after events here - but it also places The Witchfinders in a tradition of fictional accounts of seventeenth-century witch hunts which would take too long to explore here. However, the identification of the Doctor and her friends as the episode's eponymous witchfinders is a neat confirmation of the Doctor's complicity in events. Where the Doctor interfered in Rosa to correct the distortion of history, to the extent of not intervening in Rosa Parks's defence when ordered to surrender her seat on the bus, here her sense of what is right compels her to attempt to rescue Willa's grandmother, but fails. The Doctor's dilemma is played, shot and edited well, encouraging the sense that the Doctor's preaching of non-interference has been leading to this point. Interference means feigning friendship with a mass murderer. Although brought into the heart of local and then national society by their proximity to both Becka and the king, the Doctor is still acted upon as much as she acts upon other people. More than in any episode so far, the Doctor's freedom of action is constrained by her gender. It's been widely remarked upon that this is the first episode of the series where the Doctor explicitly identifies with womankind, and the first where she notes that she wouldn't have had this trouble when she was a man. James only regards her as a potential equal once she is accused of witchcraft: God's representative facing the Devil's.  On first viewing I found Alan Cumming's portrayal of James VI and I problematic. I was apprehensive following a report of his claim that he'd based his accent on Conservative politicians Malcolm Rifkind and Michael Forsyth - "from Scotland, but trying to pretend they’re from England with this strange hybrid accent" - which imports current debates about the politics of Scottish identity into a Doctor Who story which already promised to have much to carry. Whatever one thinks of James (or for that matter Rifkind and Forsyth) he never pretended to be from England; but what we had was a more generic 'Morningside' accent which worked as a parallel for a Scottish king seeking acceptance by the English elite. Choices in Cumming's establishing scenes made me sympathetic to observers who thought it an overly mannered, even homophobic performance and for a while I was one of those who thought this James would turn out to be an impostor. On the other hand Cumming emphasised the king's love of drama, acknowledged in the script; the characterization was strong, with 'modern' characters in Ryan and the Doctor inspiring some very twenty-first century therapeutic conversations to provide background to what one could already infer from text and performance. James's confrontation with the Doctor shows him to be a worthy adversary, able to turn the Doctor's interrogation against her in defence, but his attack on the Morax queen makes him a less than worthy ally, the divisions in his identity still unreconciled. Slaying a dragon as the sovereign of the Garter and bearer of St George's cross might be fitting, but in doing so James mistakes the nature of his foe, lets prejudice betray his claims to empiricism, and removes both the possibility of the queen's redemption and the recovery of Becka from possession (not entirely closed off by the insistence of the queen that nothing remains of Becka). The Arthurian echoes in the imprisonment of the Morax, a king with a mighty army sleeping under a hill, mocked the historical James's barely fulfilled wish to make Arthurian legend real as king of a unified Britain, just as the Morax queen and her court of corpses mock this James's fragile masculinity by intending to 'fill' him with their king. The latter too draws from M.R. James's treatment of seventeenth-century witch-hunting in The Ash Tree, as a wronged woman blights a landed dynasty of men over generations. The Witchfinders succeeded at creating mood, with its mists, winter berries, cold grey water and wet earth. I might have wished for more oppressive dark to accompany the shuffling of the mud-filled corpses, though perhaps this might have been thought too directly drawing upon latterday zombie television for an early evening audience. I'd thought of this series as made of spaces and silences, but here Segun Akinola's score suggested that there was something in the silence, knocking on wood to seek form, whispering in the wind. There were touches of the uncanny in ordinary design, too - the stylized ducking stool seemed oddly fashioned but hinted at the revelation that this was alien technology. Transformed into the Morax queen, Siobhan Finneran's make-up suggested a woodland creature as much as a mud entity, with a little of Rupert Bear's forest sprite Raggety about her.  The 'flat team structure' of the current Team TARDIS is evolving well, with this episode showing the roles of the different characters to advantage. Ryan's empathic side was brought out by the quietly assured Tosin Cole, Graham was authoritatively avuncular, and Yaz (a determined and energetic Mandip Gill) was professionally investigative but also humane in her treatment of the bereaved Willa. The Doctor has increasing room to display her edge, too, with Jodie Whittaker unquestionably in command of a chastened and reflective King James in the final scene. The regulars are enduring a slow build and makes me wish the series had more time, both with some more minutes to show off the abilities of the regulars and more episodes in which to get to know them.  There's so much more that could be unpicked in this story, so many layers did it invoke. The Witchfinders was an accomplished and very enjoyable episode on the whole - but why, Doctor, that dig about pockets? Seventeenth-century women apparently enjoyed more of them about their clothing than their twenty-first century successors do... http://reviews.doctorwhonews.net/2018/11/the_witchfinders.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[amorfirstbysfhonn]

September 30 Hispanic/ Latino Heritage Month - FRIDA KAHLO born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón; 6 July 1907 – 13 July 1954 she has become a iconic image in pop culture and is world renowned around the world , a Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. Inspired by the country's popular culture, she employed a naïve folk art style to explore questions of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society.Her paintings often had strong autobiographical elements and mixed realism with fantasy. In addition to belonging to the post-revolutionary Mexicayotl movement, which sought to define a Mexican identity, Kahlo has been described as a surrealist or magical realist Born to a German father and a mestiza mother, Kahlo spent most of her childhood and adult life at La Casa Azul, her family home in Coyoacán – now publicly accessible as the Frida Kahlo Museum. Although she was disabled by polio as a child, Kahlo had been a promising student headed for medical school until she suffered a bus accident at the age of eighteen, which caused her lifelong pain and medical problems. During her recovery she returned to her childhood hobby of art with the idea of becoming an artist. She married Mexican Artiste& Muralist Diego Rivera . She become a symbol of LatinX, Chicano identity. Fun Fact- Considered Hollywood’s first Art Collector Edward G Robinson The Hollywood Gangster Was One of Frida Kahlo's First Collectors. . . #fridakahlo #fridakhalo #fridakahloart #frida #surrealism #diegorivera #lacasaazul #coayacan #fridainart #selfportraitpainting #mexicanartist #nationalhispanicheritagemonth #latinoheritagemonth #latinx #latina #latinaartist #latinaillustrator #artbysfhonn (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFw-9eIhCcs/?igshid=5oqg2vsfbh0g

[diana-justice]

New Post has been published on http://www.homeandheavens.com/galapagos-islands-complete-guide-to-a-fascinating-vacation-in-heavens/

Galapagos Islands: The Complete Guide To A Fascinating Vacation In Heavens

Galapagos Islands: The Complete Guide To A Fascinating Vacation In Heavens.

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Of course many of you have heard about the Galapagos islands, but have you ever imagined that place to exceed all your expectations? As amazing as you can imagine, it is a place where the wildlife is very peaceful & friendly and contact with animals is close and personal. Galapagos islands are considered a double-heritage world that is located 620 miles off the Ecuador’s coast, in the Pacific ocean. They consist of 19 islands, and many small islets, forming a huge archipelago with all sorts of magical animals and plants.

How to get to the Galapagos Islands?

Travelling to these islands can be expensive, but with the right planning, you can spend a lovely vacation to a small cost. You can fly directly to the Ecuador, or have two flights, depending on where you live and the available flights. Most trips don’t include flight cost, and flights are either in the morning or at night, so you must plan for staying 1 night on the mainland before taking a bus and a ferry ride to your destination island. One of the important things to consider is your stay during the vacation, because it will determine the costs of your trip. There are actually 2 types of stay. The first one is a hotel on any of the three inhabited islands where you enjoy the wild life and explore the other islands through day-trips. The second type is live-aboard stay on a boat.

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Factors to consider when choosing between hotel or boat stay:

1- Cost. The hotel stay is much more affordable and there are hotels and restaurants offering great prices on islands like San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana.

2- Time management. Staying in a hotel means to waste much time in boat transportation to each day’s destination, and then back to the hotel. On contrary, live-aboard passengers wake up each morning in a new destination, ready for fun and exploration because these boats usually navigate at night when the passengers are asleep. That’s one important factor to consider.

3- Access. Staying on land will restrict your trips to the five near islands that can be reached in one day. So, if you like exploring more of the distinct wildlife in Galapagos islands, the live-aboard boats will offer you as much places as possible.

When to visit the Galapagos islands?

High season is in June, July, August and mid-December to mid-January. Prices are highest during these months.

Hot season is from December to May when the ocean is calm and the sky is sunny with little daily rain.

The cold, dry season is June to November when the sea is rough due to the Humboldt Current that brings the cold water to that region. Experienced divers prefer this season because it holds chance for tourists to see fantastic marine life. The cold water doesn’t only attract small creatures, but also big schools of hammerhead and whale sharks.

Where to stay?

There are two main cities to stay in before reaching your island destination, Quito & Guayaquil, where the first one is the capital city of Ecuador and the second is the largest city there. Most trips will fly you to one of these cities before you reach the islands. Note that the new Quito airport is far from the city itself, so if you arrive late at night and you have a morning flight, it is better to sleep somewhere close to avoid a long drive. For staying in the Galapagos islands, know that most tours start and end in Santa Cruz; the most popular place for tourists there.

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What to do in the Galapagos islands?

1- Wildlife watching. There are fascinating landscapes and animals there to watch. You will see unique animal species that are found only on these islands due to their remoteness and isolation. Best time to start watching is around 5 Am, to avoid the heat and the crowds that may drive the animals to hide.

2- Swimming & Diving. Live-aboard Divers will take you to the best spots to see beautiful marine life.

3- Snorkelling. Isla Lobos and Kicker Rock, in San Cristobal, are great spots to swim with sea lions and turtles.

4- Hiking. Isabela, the biggest island that boasts 6 volcanoes, is a good place to see dried lava beds. You can also walk in the high lands to see lots of plants and vegetation.

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5- Surfing & kayaking. You can rent boards and kayaks in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal.

6- Volunteering. You can help with the natural habitat restoration or work in a local farm. Find more on: EcuadorVolunteers.org .

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Galapagos Tours.

Visiting most of these islands is not allowed without a licensed guide who works with the Galapagos National Park. You can book day trips from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, but still the best way to enjoy more islands and wildlife is taking a cruise on small yachts. Taking a boat tour will require booking a few months earlier, because boats fill up in the high season. The national park restricts the number to 100 passengers, but that number can crowd the beach. So, the best number to enjoy your trip is around 30 passengers, and you will only find that in low seasons.

  What to pack for the Galapagos Islands?

1- Sun hat, sunglasses and lots of high-quality, water resistant sunscreen. 2- Moisturizer, insect repellent and any medicine you take. Also bring something for motion sickness. 3- Hiking or heavy duty shoes with hard soles, because you will walk over volcanic soil and rocks. 4- Sandals and flip flops for the beach and boat tours. 5- Your swimsuit, diving suit or rash guard. 6- Snorkelling gear, fins and swim mask. 7- Rain gear, umbrella, waterproof clothes or anything that protects from rain as well as the sun.

8- Your electronics, including binoculars, a dry bag for electronics and better have waterproof camera or protection gear, because when you are on a boat or out their photographing landscapes, there is no protection or shelter if it rains. 9- Quick-dry clothes and also breathable, long clothes to provide protection from the sun. 10- Refillable water bottle, to reduce the plastic waste on the islands and preserve their nature. 11- Bring enough cash. Most places there accept credit cards and the islands have ATMs but it could be empty at the moment you need money, and some fees must be paid in cash, like the $100 parking fee.

What shouldn’t you bring to Galapagos islands?

Anything that is not related to the native wildlife of these islands is considered a threat, like new or invasive plant species. So, the first thing that visitors do is signing affidavit statement that they are not bringing any plants, animals, seeds, dirty or contaminated outdoor gear, and foods of course. – Anything that is considered an environmental threat to the native animals or plants. – Anything that is considered a new introduction to the native animals or plants. – Anything that might be harmful to the islands nature. – Anything that might have seeds or spores clinging to it. – Any stuff that may hold chemicals/harmful materials like beauty products, shoes soles, travel bags, or outdoor gear … All of these must be inspected carefully and other stuff must be washed and sanitized from anything that might harm the wildlife.

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[kuriquinn]

may piss off some people here, but that’s not the intention

Warning: talk of racism/white privilege, discrimination, current issues, etc, so if you don’t feel like reading or want to filter it out, feel free to skip

May be wading into dangerous waters here, but everyone is entitled to their opinion, right? And I really dislike people using the wrong terms as a means of bolstering their arguments or stirring up trouble... (I’m the type to chew out my students for misusing and making light of the the word “triggered”, accusing one another of “assaulting” one another or calling empowered teenaged girls “feminazis”)

So there have been a bunch of posts showing up on my dash lately (and I don’t know what’s with the sudden influx, but okay) suggesting white people are inherently racist even when they try not to be.

I take great issue with this premise, based mostly on the confusion of the idea of racism with the idea of white privilege. 

I don’t think anyone is inherently racist, whether you’re black, white, brown, etc.; especially as racism alludes to prejudice, discrimination or antagonism directed against someone of a different based on the belief that one’s own race is superior. An individual first has to understand the concept of race to be racist.

Now, a person can be raised to be racist based on their parents, community or society’s values/messages, but it really depends on all of those factors.

Yes, I am white. Yes, I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, but most of my friends from daycare to university etc came from every different culture, race and background imaginable. I didn’t even understand the idea of race existed until I was about three and asked one of the boy’s in my class why his skin was black and him, not knowing the answer, said “just because”.

And we went back to playing mega blocks.

Even then, the idea of race never entered into it. I accepted the explanation and just went on living my life. I felt no antagonism toward my friends of different skin colour, nor a belief that I was better because I happened to be white, have blond hair and blue eyes. I was more concerned with who was wearing the pink dress-up gown and how long it would before it was my turn to wear it.

When I asked my mother the question later that day, she didn’t give me any explanation having to do with race or people being better or worse, she explained about melanin and how it affects people who live closer to the equator/with more sun (but in words a three year old could understand, obviously) and that was the reason for the different skin colours.

Looking back on that conversation today, I find my mother’s response an interesting one, considering she was raised in an Irish-Catholic background in Newfoundland. Now, I’m fiercely proud of my Irish heritage, but I’m also the first one to admit that the Irish can be some of the most discriminatory sods on the planet. Yet instead of regurgitating back the explanations she had been taught by her parents back on the Rock, most of which offered some racist/religious/social darwinist explanation for why anyone who wasn’t white and catholic was going to hell, she gave me a factual, science based explanation that made sense and didn’t alter any type of world view. In my mind, the world was just more interesting now: people could be different colours, just like they could speak different languages and be good/bad at certain activites--cool.

Now, that thought right there? That’s not racism. It is an example of white privilege though.

See, I had the luxury of believing the world was a harmonious real-life example of the “It’s A Small World” ride at Disney, where every person gets along and is treated equal no matter what they look like/what god they worship/where they come from. My friend Daniel whom I had asked about his skin colour no doubt had a different outlook on the world, one which I definitely could not have understood then (and even today will never truly understand because I am not nor will I ever be a black male).

I continued playing with my diverse group of friends, learned to read using books that featured characters of every colour (admittedly, there weren’t as many back then, but they did exist) and watched tv shows/movies with casts that were becoming more and more diverse than anything my parents had ever seen growing up. Mine was the generation that grew up on Sesame Street, Barney and Friends, Magic School Bus, Reading Rainbow, Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, Family Ties and the Cosbys. This was natural to me, and the idea of an all-white cast was strange to me even then.

Admittedly, some of the subject matter went over my head with regards to racial issues, but these shows were foundations of my childhood and eventually I started to understand: especially when shows like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air dealt with matters like racial profiling, interracial relationships, stereotypes, etc.

It wasn’t until I reached Grade 5 that I started to understand that things like discrimination really existed and weren’t going anywhere any time soon, whether it’s religious/cultural (my mother took me to see Anne Frank the play to start explaining the Holocaust to me) or the existence of the LGBT community.

Again, that’s my privilege showing. If I were a person of colour, or a discriminated religious minority, I would have already known about this, but I was sheltered as a kid even if I was precocious and wanted to learn about everything.

It’s in Grade 6 that I finally learned about racism and everything it touches. We studied American history, slavery, the civil rights movement, read newspaper articles and watched newcasts of events which were happening. I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of racism because to me, on a fundamental level, it makes absolutely no sense. It’s idiotic. And yet, it shapes our history, our societal experiences, our access to jobs, education, the way people treat us. Some days I still can’t fathom that human beings are so small-minded that they let skin colour and different beliefs dictate how they will treat another person.

Part of my experiences learning about the persecution of people of colour, of Jews and members of the LGBT community led me to develop an interest in history to figure out where that sort of thing comes from. Even today I’m one of the first people to speak out against those who are ignorant to the struggles of the indigenous peoples in North America, defend the rights of Muslims to their beliefs (living in Quebec, there’s a controversy going on right now trying to limit how Muslims dress in public), be understanding of the cultural differences many of my Asian students face when they start living here... I get into arguments with my German/Austrian grandparents trying to explain to them why their views (which they learned living in Nazi occupied Europe) make absolutely no sense.

None of this makes me a saint, of course. Anyone who walks around pretending their shit don’t stink is an idiot. 

I accept that my whiteness gives me a certain privilege, that there are certain experiences I will never undergo because of that whiteness. Just as there are certain doors that are open to me which might not be open to someone of colour who the same qualifications, because we are part of a racist society whether we like it or not. But I have never in my life looked at someone, zeroed in on a particular fault, and decided, it’s caused by their blackness/asianness/nativeness/etc in the face of my whiteness.

To reduce a person’s predisposition to be racist to the colour of their skin is a racist action in and of itself. It’s important to know the difference between racism and privilege because while they are related, they are most definitely not the same thing.

[emilysn2019-blog]

Despite having 2,000 temples & shrines, most tourists to Kyoto, Japan visit the same dozen or so big name points of interest and high-profile UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In theory, this leaves about 1,980 hidden gems you can visit to avoid the crowds.

However, as we discuss in our Top 100 Temples & Shrines in Kyoto, Japan, not all of those are worth a tourist’s time. To the contrary, we identify 52 that are very good or better. While it’s a far cry from 2,000 options, that’s still a lot of temples and shrines in one city. The idea is giving you options for calling an audible on weekends, holidays, or peak tourist season when things are just too busy and congested at Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kiyomizudera, Golden Pavilion, and so on.

In this post, we narrow our top 100 list even further, sharing with you the creme de la creme of that ‘top 52’ that seldom draw crowds and are relatively easy to access from Kyoto’s major tourist areas. Their overall ranking on that top 100 list included in parentheticals and you can click on each temple or shrine’s name to read and see more photos in our full post about it.

Going forward, finding these bastions of serenity–the essence of the Kyoto experience–will be more important than ever. Japan tourism numbers continues to spike and that trend is only going to continue with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics primed to drive even more visitors.

Unfortunately, on a short trip to Kyoto, there is no way to successfully avoid crowds at every major temple. There simply aren’t enough mornings and late afternoons before and after the tour buses and hordes of visitors arrive. You’ll either have to deal with crowds midday, or zig when others zag, visiting some of the great hidden gem temples & shrines on this list…

Yoshida Shrine ( start with one of three locations clustered together a stone’s throw from the main tourist area of Higashiyama. Yoshida Shrine is part shrine and part public park. I’m not too proud to admit that I’ve gotten lost in here, and Google Maps seems to be little help in navigating the meandering paths.

The good news is that my favorite spot here is the huge torii gate at the entrance and the line of torii gates visible from the landing at the top of the stairs. So, you shouldn’t get lost photographing those. If you’re willing to venture further, Saijosho-Daigengu is one of the sub-shrines here, and it features striking architecture unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in Japan. (Unfortunately, it’s only open on the first of every month and holidays.)

Komyo-in Temple ( – A small sub-temple of Tofukuji that’s so small and hidden you might not even notice it from the street. Komyoin Temple consists of a series of interconnected rooms, each of which offers a different perspective into the karesansui, or dry landscape garden, for which Komyoin Temple is known.

Despite its ranking, Komyoin Temple is a Kyoto highlight for us, and represents one of the most serene and truly magical experiences you can have in Kyoto. It’s such an under the radar gem it’s left unattended, and you’re unlikely to encounter anyone else here outside of fall colors season.

Shinnyodo Temple ( This under-the-radar and free temple makes for a quick but satisfying stop while walking between Yoshida Shrine and Kurodani Temple. It also makes our Top 10 Fall Color Spots and 10 Best Hidden Gem Photography Spots lists for Kyoto, which should speak to its impact.

Shinnyodo Temple is stunning during both fall colors and cherry blossom seasons, and it’s also a great place to decompress and enjoy the serenity of the temple buildings and nature. It’s small, but there’s plenty of beautiful details beyond that striking pagoda that beacons visitors.

Kurodani Temple ( Another free temple situated in the Yoshida Hill area, that’s just far enough removed from the touristy side of Kyoto that it draws very few visitors. The fact that Kurodani Temple is a peaceful hidden gem is something of a surprise. It’s large and sprawling, visible from a distance, and features some eye-catching architecture.

Nevertheless, we’ve seen only a few other tourists total in our several visits here. Most of the people at Kurodani Temple are literally passing through–using the temple as a shortcut coming from work or school. Its scattering of other visitors seem to be neighborhood residents treating Kurodani as a functioning temple, which gives it a sense of authenticity you won’t find at many other big temples in Kyoto.

Enkoji Temple ( – An out of the way temple that’s actually pretty easy to access via the Eizan Kurama Line on your way to or from Kuramadera (see our 1-Day Northern Kyoto Itinerary for more on this), Enkoji Temple is great for its diversity and details.

Some of these features include a mini bamboo grove, great scenic vista, stunning buildings, a cool dry landscape garden, and a wealth of small touches. Enkoji becomes more popular during fall (it’s one of Kyoto’s most accessible mountain temples, making it a great spot for great autumn foliage), but it’s well worth visiting any time of year.

Honenin Temple ( Entirely free, easy to access from the (also free) Philosopher’s Path, and a calm diversion from the crowds, Honenin Temple is highly recommended. Even though it’s not a huge or high-profile temple, Honenin packs a powerful punch.

The thatch-roofed Main Gate has a sense of restrained beauty, and upon entering down through it, you’ll see the “Byakusadan – Terrace of White Sand.” These are twin white sand mounds with seasonal designs etched on top, surrounded by moss. Other buildings provide a lot to love at Honenin Temple.

Jojakko-ji Temple ( –  The chameleon-like beauty of Jojakkoji Temple is truly a sight to behold. It temple looks totally different under the winter whites of snow, floral pinks of spring blooms, lush green of summer moss, or fall’s fiery reds. It’s most famous for its autumn foliage, and that’s the one time of year you’ll encounter crowds at Jojakkoji Temple.

The temple buildings here are situated on a looping path along the slope of the Arashiyama mountains. In terms of architecture, there’s a lot of interest, including the iconic thatched roof Deva Gate and a pagoda with a unique look. There’s really a lot to see, and the view of Kyoto as you venture into higher elevations is worth the effort.

Hojo Garden at Tofukuji Temple ( has many famous gardens, and at Tofukuji Temle, you get 4 for the price of 1 with entrance to Hojo Garden! While Tofukuji Temple is a popular stop for other reasons (including its free outer area and popular fall colors viewing along Tsutenkyo Bridge), its Hojo Garden that is the big, peaceful draw for us.

The designer of these gardens, Shigemori Mirei, called them ‘concept gardens containing abstract expression’ with each evoking a different scene. Even before you read about their meaning, the Hojo Garden’s designs are visually-arresting and thought provoking. It’s a satisfying experience to sit before each of these, and peel back the layers, noticing the minutiae of their brilliant designs. Much like so many Kyoto gardens, these are ostensibly simple and cleanly designed, but there’s much more than meets the eye.

Eikando Temple ( – Conveniently situated between the southern end of the Path of Philosophers and just north of Nanzenji, which means Eikando Temple is almost certainly a spot you’ll walk past during your time in Kyoto. It’s yet another temple laid out in the foothills of the Higashiyama mountains, with a ton of interesting features to see.

With that said, Eikando is anything but a hidden gem in November through mid-December. During the heart of fall colors season, it’s one of the biggest draws in Kyoto. Domestic Japanese tourists show up here in large numbers, and Eikando even does special evening openings (that are also packed) to accommodate demand.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple ( – This temple in Arashiyama has a collection of 1,200 Rakan Buddhist statues that were carved by amateurs, with the result being a surplus of quirky statues each with their own personality. You’ll end up spending a lot of time looking and taking photos of them, making for a satisfying visit to this relatively compact temple.

Our 1-Day Western Kyoto Itinerary covers the walk to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, and I’d recommend going by foot over taking the bus. The residential area is lovely and contains some nice architecture. Plus, there are a few other under-the-radar temples along the way.

Daitokuji Temple ( sprawling temple complex is highlighted by the Chokushimon Gate from Kyoto’s Imperial Palace, the Karamon (Chinese Gate), and Sammon Main Gate in its free grounds. There are also several halls that can be viewed, but not entered.

The highlight of Daitokuji Temple is its 24 sub-temples, some of which are open to the general public and some of which are privately owned. Zuihoin Temple is my top recommendation among these; it’s one of my favorite rock gardens in Kyoto. One I do not recommend is Daisenin Temple, which has suffocating rules and staff to enforce an unnecessary no-photography rule.

Daikakuji Temple ( This temple offers a large free area outside of its main grounds that include a pagoda, other buildings, and a huge pond. There are many trees around the pond that make Daikakuji a popular sakura and foliage location in Kyoto.

Inside the temple, you’ll find a series of buildings connected by elevated wooden walkways and covered corridors. Entrance to the inner area of Daikakuji Temple requires paying the admission fee. If you make the trek out to Daikakuji Temple, you should absolutely pay the entrance fee–it’s well worth it.

Yoshiminedera Temple ( – This one requires some effort and planning, as getting here requires good timing and strategy (which we cover in our post about the temple). With that said, Yoshiminedera Temple is highly recommended. For your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with sprawling mountain temples that have a wealth of diverse and photogenic buildings, details, statues, and breathtaking views.

We’ve visited several times, each time spending nearly a half-day doing the huge mountain loop, taking our time to stop at each of the two-dozen locations on the map. On each of our visits, there were fewer than 10 other visitors (at leas that we could see), and the natural beauty was stunning. Oh, and one time we saw a (pissed off) wild macaque monkey banging around some bamboo.

Kuramadera Temple ( Similar to Yoshimindera, except on the exact opposite side of Kyoto. We absolutely love Kuramadera Temple. It’s also another one that’ll take some effort, as visiting Mount Kurama and its surrounding village is usually considered a half-day trip from Kyoto. It’s worth it, especially if you visit other stops along the way, such as Enkoji Temple (above).

This Kyoto’s best and “truest” mountain temple and it takes approximately 45 minutes to climb from the main entrance to Kurama-dera’s main buildings. This is a maintained path, but can be moderately steep at times. There is also a cable car that bypasses some of the path. Walking is the way to go, as the scenery is beautiful and the way the temple’s features are incorporated into the mountainside is wonderful.

Fushimi Inari’s Secrets ( – The thing I love about Fushimi Inari is that it has so much range. I’ve visited dozens of times, and see new things with each visit. It also has great range in the crowds you’ll encounter. At one exact moment in time, there can be spot that are elbow-to-elbow with people, and areas where there’s absolutely no one.

Most of the latter locations are near the top of the mountain, where it’s even possible to snap quick photos of the torii tunnels without anyone in the frame. The Fushimi Inari “Secret” Bamboo Forest (which we cover how to find in this post) is one of the few uncrowded locations at the base of the mountain.

While these are some of my favorite lesser-known spots in Kyoto, this list really just scratches the surface. Even as Kyoto crowds swell, and visitors swarm to the beautiful city, the vast majority of temples and shrines are relative hidden gems. Visitors prefer the headliner points of interest, and while those temples certainly are popular for good reason, I’ve come to appreciate hidden gems more. They offer a contemplative atmosphere and calm you won’t find at the most popular spots, and that’s the true essence of Kyoto.

If you’re planning a trip to the Japan that includes Kyoto, we recommend starting by consulting our Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Japan to plan all aspects of our vacation. You should also check out our other posts about Japan for ideas on other places to visit! 

Your Thoughts

Have you visited Kyoto, Japan? Do you have any less-popular temple and shrine recommendations? Any thoughts or tips of your own to add? Does visiting this spot in Kyoto interest you? Hearing your feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts or questions below in the comments!

The post Hidden Gem Temples & Shrines in Kyoto, Japan appeared first on Travel Caffeine.

[sailor-cresselia]

Magic: Not just for Hogwarts anymore

We've seen the theories about Willy Wonka being a secret Wizard and just flat out exploiting loopholes in the Statute of Secrecy, which I can totally buy into. We've seen the theories that Ms. Frizzle is a Time Lord. However, the Bus being a TARDIS does not take into account that the rest of reality warps, too. (Kids turning into fish, and I think plants one time, anyone?) So, I suggest an alternative for her. Ms. Valerie Frizzle as secret witch. She's either muggle-born or half-blood, I can't decide which I like more. But at least one parent was a Scientist, and she was brought up with that. Maybe it would go the whole "Dad's a muggle, Mum’s a witch. Bit of a shock when he found out' route. Valerie. Fucking. LOVES. Science. So, while her name has been down for whatever her Mid-Western regional Magic School is (because I refuse to accept Ilvermorny is the only one in the US) since she was born, she didn't know. And she gets there, and Valerie Frizzle fucking LOVES science, so she's trying to apply that to EVERYTHING. She's doing a Very Skilled job of it, too. Because, unlike a one Hermione Granger, who eventually seems to have stopped applying logic her Muggle heritage to all of half of this magic stuff, Valerie is not emotionally stunted, and is linking everything together. If she had gone into spell development or magical research, she would have made a KILLING. But she didn't. She went into teaching. Because her teachers encouraged her nearly excessive amount of experimentation, and her region didn't hide nearly as viciously as those jerks in 1920's New York. (Fantastic Beasts was a good movie, really fun, but very... problematic in regards how a LOT of the world building happened.) But Valerie didn't teach at Her Old School, no. She went to a Muggle School. At least, that's what the Muggles think. As do the Muggleborn children who make up the student body. Valerie Frizzle, and the rest of the school, is a half-way school to get these kids prepared for the Magic World. The faculty all wanted to not only make sure that these kids get to know the Mundane side of the world, and it’s practical skills, but get them READY for the Magic world. To let them be just that little more prepared when June came around, and the letters go out in the mail to unsuspecting families. Eventually they upgrade to e-mails as well, because I staunchly refuse to accept wizards never acknowledging decent communication integrating with modern technology. Besides, the Post Office and Email are much better ways to talk to people living in Normal Civilian Locations than sending an Owl to swoop down through an apartment window. The school 'technically' isn't breaking the statute of secrecy. After all, they're teaching the same things as Any Other Muggle School. They aren't going around saying "Magic is a thing that is real, and we're doing it everyday!" No, they're just making sure kids aren't caught completely unaware when suddenly they are seeing Really Weird Stuff every day at this boarding school that they've suddenly been enrolled into. After all, they've been seeing it every day at 'Public' school, haven't they?

((I drafted this whole thing in an e-mail to myself while at work, and have been updating it for typos and better ideas as I ready it for posting))

[eerna]

what can you tell us more of the noragami au and olympians au ?

I can tell you a bunch of things bc after some talks there’s something resembling actual AUs in my head, but I’ll tell u basics and u can ask for more cuz the post got too long lol

STAR VS OLYMPIANS AU

- here’s the list of everyone’s godly heritage

- Marco is a mortal with Clear Sight who pretends all the weird stuff isn’t happening and tries to lead a normal life until one summer day a blonde girl crashes his school’s field trip bus while fighting one of previously mentioned weird stuff 

- Star has just celebrated her 16th birthday and inherited her mother’s famous magic wand, gifted to her by Hecate herself, and is ready for the rite of passage in which she’ll prove herself a worthy magician……… until her recklessness and tendency to break the rules causes her quest to be cancelled. She sneaks out anyway, to prove all the people who underestimate her wrong. Then she crashes a high school trip bus

- the two end up pairing up for Star’s quest because Marco a) isn’t gonna pass up this opportunity to get to the bottom of his abilities and prove he isn’t crazy, and b) has created some enemies by siding with Star and has to lay low for a while in a safe place aka camp, but Star can’t lead him there until she’s done with her quest bc she knows she’d never be allowed to step outside again if she returns now

- along the way they meet some kids from CHB on their own quest - and OH MY it’s a pair of girls from Marco’s city, one of which disappeared years ago and who Marco just happens to still have feelings for. Pedestals, unrealistic expectations, clear-sighted mortals being attracted to the mythological world

- the other is the girl who he could have sworn was messing with him whenever she was telling him she can see the weird creatures too. In his defense, she is considered the town’s occult-obsessed weirdo. Also she is always messing with him about everything else

NORAGAMI AU

- first off, please be aware there’s a lot of ignoring/changing certain stuff from Noragami lore ok? Ok here we go

- Star is a runaway goddess who changed her name and function because she dislikes Heaven’s way of doing things

- Marco is a teen karate fan who saved and befriended a goddess and also half died somewhere along the process so now he can do all the neat moves his mortal body has always restrained him from doing

- There’s an array of gods chasing Star down to return her to her mother and stop her from hanging out with abominations. Good luck with that

- Tom is an impure soul Star makes her shinki. This shouldn’t be possible. It’s considered repulsive and wrong. But she still does it. How?

- Well, that’s where the mysterious priestess who hosted Star for some time after she ran away comes in. She’s human, but has been living on for centuries. She has a taste for experimenting with ayakashi and shinki. She has a shinki daughter. And her name is DUN DUN DUUUUN Eclipsa the Cool Grandma

- Ferguson and Alfonso are Ami and Yama bc they’re all in the MC’s Forgotten Human Besties category

- also I feel the need to mention Glossaryck is Tenjin bc that’s like too perfect

[cover2covermom]

Happy Sunday bookworms!

Another busy week has come and gone.  I’ve got to admit, this fall is kicking my butt!  Fall is always such a stressful season for me, so I really should not be surprised.

Speaking of Fall, where the hell is the Fall weather?  It was 90°F here today.  Get with it Mother nature!

Let’s see what I’ve been reading, shall we?

*Bookish Weekly Wrap-Up is a weekly post where I feature what posts were published on the blog for the past week, any bookish/blog happenings, what I recently finished reading, what I am currently reading, what I will be reading next, noteworthy posts around the bookish blogisphere, and any interesting bookish articles I came across.

» Slam Dunk! 8 Sports Books for Teen Readers

» Gabby Rivera Shares Her Favorite LGBTQ+ Books that Blend Humor and Heart

» 15 Picture Books That Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

» Cozy Sips: Fall Mug Gift Guide for Bookworms

» 6 Picture Books that Make the Sweetest Gifts for New Moms

» The Exquisite Horror: The YA Authors of His Hideous Heart on Their Favorite Horror Novels

» Get to Know Your Library: A Scavenger Hunt for Kids

» Banned & Challenged Books Every Tween and Teen Should Read

» September Book Club Recommendations

» 10 Kids’ Audiobooks Inspired by Folktales, Fairy Tales, and Mythology

» Discover Your Tea Dragon: Katie O’Neill Pairs Her Tea Dragons with Zodiac Signs

» 11 Library Card Perks You’ve Never Heard Of

» Six Things to Discuss at Your September Book Club Meeting

Recently Finished Reading:

» Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

*4.5 Stars*

Jenny Lawson’s humor is definitely not going to be for everyone, but it is definitely for me.

» The Queen of Sorrow (Queens of Renthia #3) by Sarah Beth Durst

While I still think the first book in this series was by far the best, I enjoyed this book more than the second.  Such a unique world & magic system.

» Wintersmith (Tiffany Aching #3) by Terry Pratchett

*4.5 Stars*

I absolutely adore Tiffany Aching & the Wee Free Men!  This is a perfect series to pick up around the fall/Halloween time.

» I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemias of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel

This was a delightful little memoir/collection of essays about Anne’s reading life.  The only thing that would have made this book better would be recommended reading lists.

Currently Reading:

» Where the Light Enters (The Gilded Hour #2) by Sara Donati

Status: 50%

» Heroine by Mindy McGinnis

Status: Just starting

What Am I Reading Next?:

» Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee

Barbara Dee explores the subject of #MeToo for the middle grade audience in this heart-wrenching—and ultimately uplifting—novel about experiencing harassment and unwanted attention from classmates.

For seventh grader Mila, it starts with an unwanted hug on the school blacktop.

The next day, it’s another hug. A smirk. Comments. It all feels…weird. According to her friend Zara, Mila is being immature, overreacting. Doesn’t she know what flirting looks like?

But it keeps happening, despite Mila’s protests. On the bus, in the halls. Even during band practice-the one time Mila could always escape to her “blue-sky” feeling. It seems like the boys are EVERYWHERE. And it doesn’t feel like flirting–so what is it?

Mila starts to gain confidence when she enrolls in karate class. But her friends still don’t understand why Mila is making such a big deal about the boys’ attention. When Mila is finally pushed too far, she realizes she can’t battle this on her own–and finds help in some unexpected places.

From the author of STAR-CROSSED, HALFWAY NORMAL and EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT YOU comes this timely story of a middle school girl standing up and finding her voice.

» Tunnel of Bones (Cassidy Blake #2) by Victoria Schwab

Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.

She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass’s parents are filming their TV show about the world’s most haunted cities. Sure, it’s fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there’s true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.

When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter — and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.

And if Cass fails, the force she’s unleashed could haunt the city forever.

Have you read any of the books included in this post?  If so, what did you think?

What are you currently reading?

What will you read next?

Have a wonderful week & happy reading

Bookish Weekly Wrap-Up: 9/16 - 9/29/19 #Books #Reading #BookBlogger #BookBlog #AmReading #Bookworm Happy Sunday bookworms! Another busy week has come and gone.  I've got to admit, this fall is kicking my butt! 

[travelguideworldtour-blog]

15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden

Sweden can be a traveller’s paradise. It’s certainly difficult to overcome, if you like the exterior. The atmosphere and water are clean, and now there are archipelagos and its coasts, and of course hundreds and hundreds of acres of lakes and forests to research. Public transport and the roads are all excellent, the taxpayers are friendly and helpful, and also lately years cuisine has gotten so what could be referred to as a revolution.

Throw from notorious reptiles to intrigue and Royal dynasties, and yet one thing is sure: you will not ever be bored. The attractions of sweden include towns and palaces to the Ice Hotel and also Arctic landscapes. There are many activities to achieve so you are going to definitely want to allow loads of time for you and energy to delight in treasures and all of its adventures.

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum at Stockholm is now Sweden’s hottest museum now attracts around one million people yearly. More than 20 million individuals have seen since the memorial and it isn’t difficult to see the reason why. On its maiden voyage the pride of this Imperial fleet sank in 1628.

The boat lay below the arctic waters for at least three centuries before, in 1961, an salvage operation happened. People from throughout the planet come to observe that this time capsule. A Trip to the Vasa, that homes ten displays that are Individual, is a day outside Alone

  Skansen

Skansen is situated in the summertime, particularly in the urban park, also a favourite spot for sailors. All through are hotels, restaurants, snack bars, and conventional cafés. Canoe and bike hire are also available in case you feel energetic. Abba that the Museum could be located here, Together with the Gröna Lund amusement park. You can grab a ferry out of Slussen or even Gamla Stan or even Have bus or a tram . The playground is an pleasing walk from town centre.

  Gamla Stan

The Old Town of stockholm is referred to as Gamla Stan, also a concentrated area at which the city began in the exact center of this century. Much of the enclave remains, even though it’s freshly painted and brushed. Its charm is from the design combined its narrow stone-paved lanes and round its own squares, notably the most important one, Stortorget, surrounded by old merchants’ houses. Inside this area, together with loads of restaurants, stores, and java rooms, you will locate that the Nobel Museum, the Post Museum, the Royal Coin Cabinet, and many churches.

  Drottningholm

Fairy-tale Drottningholm Palace around the island of Lovö Can Be currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located about 11 km west of Stockholm town centre. The palace is the official residence of the Royal Family. From the scenic, terraced park have been bronze sculptures out of Bohemia and also Denmark, cut back as prizes of war.

Make sure you take from the Chinese Pavilion that goes from the late 1700s. The 18thcentury Palace Theatre remains used for demonstrations during the summertime.

  Stockholm Archipelago

Sweden is a nation that is frenetic, but should you discover you would like to escape the cities and simply take matters slower, then it is possible to leave into at least one. Watch the rugged and stunning shores and Certainly one of the greatest ways to go around is to simply take you. Many have proposed with food or you may reserve a boat and island jump to the content of a heart, occurring into the scene and personal setting, as just around 1000 of those hawaiian islands within the archipelago are occupied.

  Marstrand

Marstrand on the coast’s metropolis is roughly as glitzy because it’s in Sweden, also is called something of a Riviera style-setting at which films and royalty stars have started to escape from everything. The region is also popular as a sailing destination in order in the event that you would like to escape the water that is Baltic this is the place.

Certainly one of the greatest approaches is always to rise out of that you enjoy which Sweden has in spades and also can stare out throughout the water. In case you would like to find the relaxing adventure that brings on the rich and famous for the particular city, marstrand is famed for its health spas that are mythical in Sweden, so familiarize yourself.

  Vadstena

From the dwelling with a river, Vadstena was an area of fantastic value into the imperial family of Sweden, also relics of the age remain like the imposing Vadstena Castle that goes in the 16th century also comes complete with an older school moat to look after the royals within. Vadstena can be famous because of the relics, including a abbey which has been constructed from the 14 th century by Sweden’s female saint.

There are places of religious and historical significance scattered round the town, together with improved houses and maze to explore their own pace and there’s a relaxing and amorous setting .

  Kosterhavet

Together with the Marine National Park for being headquartered in Sweden, Kosterhavet is located across the Koster Islands, also is still now a heaven for anyone that like who would like to benefit from the interests being offered and the out doors. You will find kayaking and sailing chances for all people who are searching for experience, or you’ll be able to keep it simple and explore the shores and rocky terrain which direct one beside the sea that is to temples, coves, and outcrops.

Biking is just actually a pastime on the hawaiian islands and you’re able to follow tours of the places of attention or simply move it alone. There’s a plethora of fresh fish to savor including lobster Since you’re by the ocean.

  Gothenburg

Called the capital of West Sweden, Gothenburg is actually just really a magical city filled up with cobbled streets which can be fantastic for drifting around by walking looking for hidden artifacts, in addition to parks and outside spaces, like the Botanical Gardens which is going to teach you everything about native plants and creatures.

The city boasts an abundance of local niches in the event that you fancy looking some of this area produce, or you could dine at one of those upscale restaurants which are putting Hindi food onto the culinary excursion as a result of the range of Michelin starred eateries at Gothenburg. The town features a excellent cafe culture in case you would like to try out pastries and the java and see the world pass.

  Visby

Thought to return into the dark ages, Visby is really actually just a vent and has been a place of fantastic commerce importance causing a protective wall, also called the Ringmuren, being assembled to safeguard the city out of marauders, and that still stands now along side other historical relics from the city which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being a historical gem in Sweden’s crown, Visby has been well-known on the arts landscape, as most famous Hindi artists have opted to predict the vent home as a result of its magnificent light, of course if you go to during summer months it’s possible to see lots of the artists’ homes and studios that are available for people, usually in June.

    Malmö

Malmö has been building a name for itself. Along side coming galleries and many diverse and up, that this city also includes a strong devotion to services and products and causes . A number of the restaurants have a doctrine therefore out the dining should not be missed by some foodies . There’s also a scene in Malmö with places events.

  Jukkasjärvi Ice Hotel

If you love winter you should really look at visiting with the ICEHOTEL from Jukkasjärv, that holds the title as the greatest hotel on the planet to be assembled out of ice and snow. The hotel usually stands out from approximately December-March, and then it gets too hot to your hotel to become replaceable therefore it’s made to melt, if you would like to take a look or go for a drink at the ice bar afterward you’ll have ahead during winter season. Besides the hotel location there really are a slew of tasks offered at the ICEHOTEL like dog sledging, ice fishing, and trips into the jungle on snowmobiles.

  Dalarna

The state of Dalarna is worth a visit because of also the tranquil and also its ski hotels but Lake Siljan. Located close to the border with Norway, Dalarna is composed of woods, meadows, and open open spaces, and a number of the towns within the state should be found lake side, together with favorites for travellers both nationally and international become the towns of Mora or even Leksand.

Place from the hills provides premium ski and ski, In case you fancy a few winter fun Idre’s hotel, or you may dip into the region using a few of those numerous hiking paths.

  Lake Mälaren

On the west of Stockholm there are also a waterway which hosts Birka Island that offers a brief history lesson to anybody and sits within the lake, Lake Mälaren. The key city of the lake is termed Västerås and it is called being a city that’s lined with shores, which features a wealth of relics that date by the times of those Vikings that were beating. You simply just jump into another together with the ferries that service the region or can cruise across the lake.

  Swedish Lapland

Swedish Lapland might be the place if you would like to choose the road less travelled. Referred to as the house of the Sami or native men and women who reside in the region, also located from the Arctic Circle, Swedish Lapland is composed of a clutch of woods in addition to towns and scenic although crazy Scrub land. Visitors may go to pay a stop by to with and allow individuals to visit elk, reindeer, as well as bears. Additional phenomenon would be also the Northern Lights, and also the midnight sun, once the sun never sets in the summertime.

    15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden