#they also improved upon the themes and motifs??? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

slightlytoastedbagel · 8 months

Text

Bagel decided to review the new outfits because why not: Leo/Need

I know there will be a lot of people doing this I've just decided to also do it. The general consensus I've seen from the new outfits is... mixed to say the least. For me, the old outfits and new outfits both have their strengths which I'll be going through in this series of posts. Starting with Leo/Need for the sake of order.

I'm just going to say it outright; Leo/Need got the best upgrade of an outfit. The school uniform motif getting expanded upon is great and plays into the School Sekai wonderfully. I do think the blazers could have been darker (however as someone who has to wear a dark blazer to school I would NEVER wish that upon anyone) but other than that I enjoy their new designs a lot. The way they all look more unified and all of them now smiling is definitely the icing on top. They've all grown so much...

Going into individual designs, I'm so happy Ichika got to keep her thigh straps and the shirt and tie not being fully fastened is a great touch. I'm also just really happy she gets to smile now. I sort of wish she got to continue having her blazer wrapped around her waist but that would have made it too similar to the og so I respect the decision to have her wearing it properly.

Saki's yellow works best with the blazer and skirt. I love the double belt and the little star on each of her socks. The choice to give Saki and Honami bows while Ichika and Shiho have ties is a nice differentiation. That's... all I really have to say here. I'm happy the keyboard is no longer in the way.

Honami's (and also Ichika's but I only noticed now) skirts only being half pleated was a good way of making the girls' outfits not all look the same while still keeping the more unified feel of them. I think Hona is my favourite of the group. The star on her arm along with the half belt and buttons on her skirt are great touches. Her old outfit just looks so bad in comparison to this one.

Shiho also got an improvement as she no longer has that bright lime jacket!! It's interesting to note that her skirt and blazer use different shades of green, maybe they thought the darker shade would look better with the blazer? Either way I like it better than her original. Her shirt hanging out is also a nice touch.

L/N Miku is the only one I'm not fully sold on. I like the skirt and think the jacket makes her different enough from the girls but I miss her safety hair clip so much. Oh well...

Overall, I think Leo/Need do the best job of what the outfit redesigns should be like. Showing the development of the unit while keeping their representative colours and themes present enough. In the case of the former this does mean just making the outfits look like they go together but still.

I did say in the tags of that post about Rui facing with his back to us that I liked L/N and WxS the same amount, but looking at them now I definitely like L/N more. My only real complaint is that the blazers would have looked better in a darker shade but it's not a life ending difference.

In terms of if I think it's an improvement to the original, this is the only one I can confidently say is (but I am writing this before Nightcord's release so that may change). Their first outfits may have been more individualised but Honami and Shiho look so much better here.

#project sekai #leo/need #bagel's rambles #reminder this is all opinions i don't want a war over this please thank you #these are going up one hour after the other just for the sake of spacing them out

8 notes · View notes

mondengel · 5 months

Text

Releasing the Power of WordPress: A Comprehensive Overview for Beginners

WordPress has actually come to be a home name on the planet of site advancement and material management systems. With its straightforward user interface, customizable motifs, and substantial plugin collection, WordPress has reinvented the way people and businesses produce and manage their on the internet presence. Whether you're a beginner blog owner or a skilled internet developer, WordPress offers a vast array of features and performances that can aid you take your site to the next level.In this comprehensive overview, we'll look into the essentials of WordPress and supply you with the expertise and devices you need to start. We'll stroll you via the installment process, explain the distinction in between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, and aid you choose the best organizing carrier. From there, we'll check out the different functions and setups readily available in the WordPress dashboard, consisting of how to create and take care of pages, messages, and food selections. With our step-by-step instructions and handy suggestions, you'll be able to establish your site in no time.Paragraph 2: But our overview does not quit there. We'll also cover advanced subjects such as tailoring your site's look with themes and design templates, maximizing your website for online search engine, and improving its performance with plugins. Whether you're looking to develop an easy blog, a shopping store, or a portfolio internet site, WordPress provides a plethora of choices to fit your needs. We'll give you with insights into selecting the appropriate theme for your website, customizing it to show your brand name's identification, and making it mobile-friendly. Furthermore, we'll review ideal techniques for website safety, consisting of just how to secure your WordPress website from cyberpunks and destructive strikes. We'll likewise touch upon performance optimization strategies to ensure your web site loads quickly and efficiently. With our advice, you'll be able to make best use of the capacity of WordPress and produce a spectacular, safe and secure, and high-performing internet site that stands apart from the crowd.In verdict, WordPress is a powerful system that empowers individuals and organizations to create and manage their on the internet visibility

with convenience. By following our comprehensive guide, you'll gain the required abilities and knowledge to take advantage of the complete capacity of WordPress and take your web site to brand-new elevations. So, what are you awaiting? Let's dive into the globe of WordPress and unlock its infinite opportunities.

Read more here more infomation

#wordpress pricing #wordpress seo

1 note · View note

kevinszabojrplumbing · 9 months

Text

Carpentry 101: Taking Everything Into Account to Make Additions to Your Home

In today's fast-paced world, the significance of personal space has never been more pronounced. The haven we create within our homes allows us to retreat from the noise and demands of modern life, shaping an environment uniquely attuned to our preferences and needs. Often, this pursuit of personalization involves the incorporation of wooden elements, which exude warmth and character. Doing so requires utilization of the art of carpentry which is not just a matter of whimsically crafting or altering these wooden pieces. It demands a profound understanding of the craft's intricacies and techniques.

a. What Is Carpentry?

Carpentry involves using wood to create functional and artistic structures. This craft requires meticulous measurements, precise cutting, and masterful joinery techniques to transform raw timber into intricate creations. Carpenters fashion a robust framework for architectural marvels, intricately carve decorative motifs, and craft useful furniture. The harmonious blend of technical prowess and creative expression combines the innate beauty of wood with the demands of human ingenuity, shaping the very fabric of our living spaces and the stories they tell.

b. Factors To Consider

When considering carpentry additions for your home, it's crucial to understand the different aspects of carpentry to ensure the desired outcome.

1. Design and Outline

This involves materializing abstract ideas into tangible blueprints that guide the creation process. Beyond aesthetics, the design must harmoniously integrate with the existing architecture, considering the theme of the room and the function of the addition. Additionally, the accuracy of measurements lays the foundation upon which the entire project rests. A mere fraction of an inch can spell the difference between a flawlessly integrated addition and a dissonant eyesore. Ultimately, you have to have an understanding of your space and attention to detail when outlining the project.

2. Budget and Payment

A diligent and realistic budget serves as a compass for making creative aspirations within the boundaries of financial feasibility. Creating a comprehensive budget requires an astute understanding of the material costs and potential additional expenses. It helps to ensure that every nail and joint contributes meaningfully to the envisioned outcome. Moreover, a comprehensive grasp of payment dynamics, from upfront costs to progressive payments or milestone-based disbursements, averts potential conflicts and cultivates a transparent partnership with suppliers and carpenters.

3. Permits and Regulations

When undertaking carpentry renovations, you have to comply with the regulations and also get the required permits. This requires a meticulous grasp of local building codes and zoning regulations. These permits help to ensure that your customized additions are realistic and well-planned so as to safeguard the structural integrity of the building and the safety of the community. Failure to get permits and adhere to regulations can result in costly fines, legal disputes, and potential orders to cease construction.

c. The Carpenter's Role

A skilled carpenter plays a pivotal role in the success of your home addition project. With years of honed expertise, these wood artisans help transform visions into tangible reality through an alchemy of skill and intuition.

1. Consultations

They usually happen at the start of a project, where you get to share your ideas and dreams. The carpenter listens carefully to understand what you want. They might ask questions to make sure they get all the details right. This is important because it helps the carpenter figure out how to make your ideas real while considering size, style, and budget. Sometimes, they might also suggest ideas or ways to improve your plans based on their experience.

2. Material Selection

The carpenter uses their knowledge to choose the best type of wood for your project, considering its strength and appearance. They'll also think about your budget and what you want the final result to be. This step is vital because different woods have different qualities, and the carpenter's expertise ensures that the materials used will not only make your project look excellent but also make it sturdy and long-lasting.

3. Quality Assurance

A professional carpenter takes great pride in their work and pays attention to every detail. They go over the project with a fine-tooth comb, ensuring all the measurements are accurate, the joints are strong, and everything looks just as it should. They want to make sure the addition meets your dreams and follows strict safety rules, leaving you with something you can cherish and use for years to come.

When crafting additions to your home, attention to detail is vital, as there is little to no room for errors. Thus entrusting your vision to a professional carpenter not only ensures a seamless journey but taps into a wellspring of expertise. Their intricate understanding of the craft's intricacies streamlines the process, translating ideas into tangible realities. However, it is also crucial to ensure you seek the services of a certified carpenter. This ensures skill and adherence to regulations, safeguarding your investment while delivering an exquisite blend of form, function, and safety to your living space.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Metrology Parts

0 notes

alexplaysyoutube · 11 months

Text

youtube

Diablo II is the second installment in the Diablo series, developed by Blizzard North and released in 2000. 🔥 It is widely regarded as one of the greatest action role-playing games of all time and has had a significant impact on the genre. 🎮🌟

In Diablo II, players return to the dark world of Sanctuary, where they must confront the three Prime Evils: Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal. ⚔️ The game takes place across four acts, each set in different locations with unique enemies and quests. Players have the option to choose from five character classes: 👥

🏹 Amazon: A skilled archer and spear-wielder, specializing in ranged combat and swift attacks. 🔨 Barbarian: A mighty warrior capable of dual-wielding weapons and unleashing devastating melee attacks. 💀 Necromancer: A practitioner of dark magic who can summon undead minions and wield curses to weaken enemies. ⚔️ Paladin: A holy knight with auras that enhance his abilities and a strong focus on combat and defense. 🔮 Sorceress: A powerful spellcaster specializing in elemental magic, capable of unleashing devastating spells.

The gameplay of Diablo II revolves around exploring dungeons, defeating hordes of monsters, completing quests, and acquiring loot. 💎 The loot system is a core feature, with a wide variety of weapons, armor, and magical items dropping from enemies and hidden treasure chests. The game's addictive loot-driven progression encourages players to continuously upgrade their gear and become more powerful. 💪💥

Diablo II also introduced a skill tree system, allowing players to customize their characters' abilities as they level up. 🌳 Each class has a unique set of skills and spells that can be further enhanced with skill points. This system provides a deep level of character customization, allowing players to create a build tailored to their preferred playstyle.

Multiplayer is a significant aspect of Diablo II, with support for cooperative play and player-versus-player combat. 🤝🔥 Players can connect online via Battle.net to team up with friends or join public games to tackle challenges together. Diablo II's multiplayer experience contributed to its enduring popularity and longevity.

The game received critical acclaim for its immersive atmosphere, addictive gameplay loop, extensive character customization, and replay value. 🌌 Diablo II's success led to the development of the expansion pack, Diablo II: Lord of Destruction, which added new content, classes, and features, including the challenging fifth act set in the snowy Barbarian Highlands. 🗻❄️

In 2021, Blizzard released Diablo II: Resurrected, a remastered version of the game featuring improved graphics and audio while retaining the classic gameplay and content. The remaster aims to introduce Diablo II to a new generation of players while catering to the nostalgia of longtime fans. 🎉✨

The music for Diablo II was composed by Matt Uelmen. 🎵 Uelmen's haunting and atmospheric score played a significant role in setting the dark and foreboding tone of the game. 🎶🌑 His compositions utilized a blend of eerie melodies, ambient textures, and tribal beats to enhance the gameplay experience and immerse players in the world of Sanctuary. 🌌🎮

The music of Diablo II is highly regarded by fans and has become iconic within the gaming community. 🎶🌟 Uelmen's work effectively captured the grim and haunting atmosphere of the game, adding depth and emotional resonance to the gameplay and storytelling. 💀💔

Some of the notable tracks from the Diablo II soundtrack include "Tristram," the iconic theme that became synonymous with the franchise, "Rogue," "Jungle," "Crypt," and "Encampment," among many others. 🎵🎶

Matt Uelmen also composed the music for the Diablo II: Lord of Destruction expansion pack, expanding upon the themes and atmosphere established in the base game while introducing new musical motifs. 🔥🎶

The music of Diablo II is widely praised for its ability to enhance the gameplay experience, and it remains cherished by fans to this day. 🙌🎵

1 note · View note

geekatoms01 · 1 year

Text

Improve Your Online Presence With Free HTML5 Template

Human requirements are never provided. New requires maintain occurring. This is why maybe site developers combat to standout to keep a specific identification amongst the cognate crowd. The fad for html websites because of its wonderful indexing, far better site performance, enhanced site rate, and other advantages is ever-increasing. Yet have you ever pondered over the believed as to just how do they create their sites? There are free html5 motifs that assist users create well-formed, special, and also fit-out web sites for enthralling visitors and reinforcing the client base. Right here's how you can enhance your online visibility with html5 resources. Geekatoms.com. company have various templates to choose from, which are always up-to-date with the latest trends.

Obviously, every person wants to obtain praised, discovered, acknowledged and get popular. Which is just possible if your website is a) properly designed, and also b) well-featured. However making use of an excellent layout doesn't suggest it is suitable for your website field. For instance, a multi-columned design could be ideal for an ecommerce internet site however in case of a blogging website or social sharing network, the columns could make it even more complex, making it tough for the site visitor to comprehend the website material.

Likewise, the accessibility of html5 styles is such that you can locate countless complimentary as well as superior html resources that are suitabled for your service and those companies that are various from what you do or market. So you will not discover it tough to locate an excellent motif for your website. The trouble would certainly be to find one among a myriad of alternatives. The smarter you pick, the better it is for you and also your website.

The fast-growing globe and new technologies transform quickly, faster than the seasons alter! So it's critical for the customer to keep an eye on what is in pattern and what is coming. There are blogs offered based upon the current trend and upcoming things that can put the sector ablaze, you might maintain tract of that or recognize them from different videos, infographics and other tutorials offered on the net. As well as just after you ensure what may offer you boosted sales or better quantity of traffic to your website, blog or other online task, should you make use of the cost-free html5 styles.

Frequently altering brands of a skin lotion can provide you rashes. Similarly, changing to brand-new motifs regularly or the theme shops makes your site readily available to website cyberpunks, spammers and also other susceptabilities. Hence, recognize the most effective motif shops and download and install html5 resources just from those verified websites. Like the lotion brand names are classified into different quality levels, these motif shops, too, have top quality differences.

You will spent buying a new motif or layout. Feel in one's bones the ideal shops to get free html5 themes and that'll be greater than adequate. Supplying the best totally free html5 motifs to users far and wide, this website additionally allows you improve your skills in numerous areas to keep up your online works and also make a superior online existence without saving a darn. Do not hesitate to use these giveaways as well as share your experiences below with your fellow website proprietors.

For More Info:-

html5 website template for business

html5 template with life time access

0 notes

amberunit04 · 2 years

Text

Final book layout and design (part3)

With the first two page spread, it was my initial intention to make the page on the left resemble fight path charts and graphs, however I believe it was a good decision to not go for this approach as it'd make the page's composition too busy. As well as this, the page on the right is intended to resemble curtains, visualising how passengers on airplanes always see what's behind the blue curtains on the luxury classes. I believe this was effective as the text 'behind it' is literally behind the curtains, being slightly hidden.

With the second two page spread, I wanted to keep the design fairly simple, showing the plane literally fly from Dubai to New York. In the draft design, I initially intended to put a airplane flight stamp on the sides of both pages, however when I had tried this layout design, It ended up making the page layout too busy. Because of this, I ended up scrapping this idea and instead settle on a more minimalistic approach design-wise.

With this next page, I chose a similar design style to the previous two page spread, having the planes fly between each stated destination. When looking at this, I can see how this may seem like a repetitive design but to me its different enough in composition to stand out visually from the previous page. A change I had made to this from the draft is by changing the Wi-Fi symbol, however I don't believe I improved upon its design as it still looks fairly wonky in structure. I would improve upon it by making the curved lines shape more triangular and less like a semi-circle.

Moving onto the next page, I was peer reviewed to change the page on the left, as the shapes where too rounded to fit the running geometric design theme, I do agree with this feedback I received however I didn't get enough time to change the design. I did however change the fork design on the right page to be more geometric compared to the initial draft design.

In this next page, I attempted to illustrate a cracker and a class of water to frame the text, however in my opinion the result ended up being fairly messy and the illustrations aren't that readable as what they are supposed to look like, I would improve upon this by using more colour and detail to the illustrations so that it'd be clearer what they are supposed to be.

The design on this page is intended to be large and intimidating, mimicking how Coupland feels about how flight attendants act on KLM flights. I am overall quite pleased with the outcome of this piece, as the overlap and spacing between the letters shows the sporadic and stressful feeling of being confronted by the flight attendants. One thing I would change however would be the lines on the left side of the page, as to me they don't add much to the design and just overall look messy.

The idea behind the design of this page is that its simple due to the fact Coupland is speaking seriously in this segment of the essay, because of this I decided to make the text the full focus.

With this next page, I re-used the reoccurring plane motif to show that the focus of this section is on plane travel and planes themselves, I also think it creates an interesting page design as the plane covers both pages on the the two page spread, showing that its a focus. However an issue with this design is that the old plane design is used, this makes it inconsistent from the rest of the book. As well as this, looking back I feel as if the sentence ' Its an ecological crime. It shouldn't exist' should've been on its own separate page as to have more impact.

The thought process behind this two page spread comes from making the text resemble the packaging for propofol and pills, I chose this approach to make the page spread visually interesting but also to link in with the text. To me, this was an effective execution as it shows a great blend between illustration and the text.

Moving onto the last page, I wanted to make this last two page spread incredibly simplistic, as to leave the essay on a sombre and slightly depressing tone, expressing how death is better than using class systems on flights by using the empty space to show Coupland's own feelings of being defeated or being alone in his opinions.

Overall, I am fairly happy with the outcome of my book design, however how I would improve for the future would be to better my work process, as a lot of what I had planned to do wasn't able to be finished on time due to poor time management. I would also improve upon my research process as I believe I could've found a lot more editorial layout and design inspirations that could've been useful in the design process of my book and may have also resulted in more interesting layout designs.

#outcome #reflectivepractice

0 notes

buttersoftheshea · 2 years

Photo

I DID IT AGAIN

I think I said I wasn’t going to do Sneasler because I actually really like Sneasler but the more I stared at it the more I thought ‘but... what if I could improve upon it...?’

So I did that instead of Goodra.

Goodra is hard anyways. And it’s not even related to Weavile, either.

I really enjoyed how Hisuian Sneasel had more splotchy, splatter-y-esque facial and claw markings, because Sneasel has kinda jagged pointy markings because it’s an Ice type and is aggressive, while Hisuian Sneasel has the splotches because it’s a Poison type and is (allegedly) passive and I really loved how the contrast in their behaviors is shown in their designs. (Even though Hisuian Sneasel charges at you on sight just like normal Sneasel but in my mind, in my headcanon, my delusional little world where Hisuian Arcanine has curly fur and jade orbs, Hisuian Sneasel does NOT charge at you on sight-)

But then it’s kind of taken away with Sneasler. And I kinda wanted them to keep the splotchy motif. So I incorporated that into my design and added some spots as well for some flair and also because ngl I love snow leopards and I felt like it would’ve been cool if Sneasler also had a snow leopard motif. I mean it already has white fur and darker spots, like why not?

This is also why I gave it a long tail, snow leopards have long tails to maintain balance while running and climbing and chasing after prey on steep cliffs and it just felt kinda weird to me that Sneasler just has... a little nub.

ALSO Sneasler being noted as being solitary, like this solitary mountain climber that’s vaguely cat-like also kind of fueled my desire to make it snow leopard-themed.

I kept the claw highlights the same, I considered removing them because Sneasler already has more colors than Weavile and I kinda wanted them to have an even amount of colors, but after consulting with two close friends of mine they insisted I should keep them and I’m glad I listened to them because they look good.

Sneasler’s shiny, I gave it a drastic redesign because... oh man.

If there’s one thing that’s consistent about Sneasel’s line, it’s that the pre-evolution has a better shiny than its evolutions do. I also had to fight so fucking hard to NOT make its shiny be the original color palette of Sneasel’s Gold/Silver sprite. I love it so much but I fought so hard to not make it be that and to stick with Hisuian Sneasler’s shiny.

ALSO my version of shiny Sneasler can be seen as kinda like a black panther? Maybe? Kinda? Because a black panther refers to any melanistic cat from the Panthera genus and also the snow leopard isn’t stuck in its own genus anymore, it’s in the Panthera family, so technically speaking-

Anyways, even though I really do like Sneasler, it was pretty fun to work on a redesign for her~ I already have a Hisuian Goodra redesign in the works but uh it’ll take a bit longer because I fully intend to redesign the full line (including Goomy, I’m making a Hisuian Goomy) and their changes will be... a lot more drastic than Sneasler’s or Hisuian Arcanine’s, so all that combined it’s gonna take a while.

Before

After

#sneasler #pokemon redesign #redesign #pokemon #pokemon legends arceus #fakemon #i know sneasler is based on the onyudo #but listen snow leopard vibes were real #plus weavile and sneasel always give more cat vibes soooooo #also im surprised pokemon hasnt done a snow leopard yet youd think they wouldve done that by now #but NOOOOO #my redesign

275 notes · View notes

pxayopina-unilsiyu · 3 years

Text

Rating Avatar soundtracks

I’m bored let’s go. fair warning i have 0 knowledge of music theory outside of stuff I learned in piano/saxophone lessons years ago.

3. The classic Avatar (2009) OST

Well, there’s a lot to say about this one. Ironically, I think its greatest strengths lie in the orchestral tracks, but maybe I’m biased because You Don’t Dream in Cryo is my favorite song out of any of the soundtracks. There’s a lot of criticism circulating around it, some of which I agree with, some I don’t. In short, it serves its purpose (being a semi-blend of orchestral and ‘tribal’ motifs, representing the divide between humans and Na’vi) to the barest of minimums and then goes no further. Holds a special place in my heart for obvious reasons, but overall, a 6/10. Had potential, played it very safe, still one of the best and most iconic movie soundtracks to date.

Anyway, if you haven’t already, I’d definitely listen to the deluxe version of this one, it’s got a few bonus tracks that I think add to it. Again, I think this one works great for the human side of the movie, just not as much so for the Na’vi. But if you’re trying to represent equality between the two sides as well as the Na’vi’s triumph, you should probably put equal effort and authenticity into both.

2. Pandora: The World of Avatar Soundtrack

I’m very 50/50 on this one. To be clear I’m not counting the Flight of Passage Ridethrough and Pandora Walkthrough as I don’t really count those as ‘songs’. Am counting the River Journey ridethrough. Anyway, the first half of this is pretty good. Spirits of Mo’ara is just a rehash of songs from the Avatar OST but otherwise, everything up to Shaman of the Souls is great. Then we get to everything after it. I’m sorry to everyone who likes surf rock, but all of the surf rock songs kill this soundtrack for me. Especially the Pongu Pongu songs, they are like nails on chalkboard for me. I did not need a surf rock version of the main Avatar theme to exist, thank you. Anyway, this one still has a one-up on the Avatar OST for me primarily because it actually has proper Na’vi lyrics in it. The songs that do have Na’vi lyrics are not my favorites; The Shaman Call is literally just the same basic verse lifted from River Journey repeated ad nauseum and Bossa’s lyrics are either nonsensical or just phrases from the film. This OST also does a better job of including Na’vi motifs and straying away from just being a basic orchestral soundtrack with some chanting and drumbeats thrown in. All in all, this one’s getting a tentative 7/10. The first and second half of it feel totally different so I could honestly rate them as individual STs but they’re on the same album so it is what it is.

1. Toruk: The First Flight

What can I say, this one is by far the best, at least in some regards. This musical is about Na’vi, and they made the soundtrack Na’vi. The use of instruments is spot on; aside from string instruments there is very little generic movie soundtrack vibes. All of the vocals sound Na’vi-ish, and by far my favorite aspect of it is that it makes use of throat-singing, something that was originally going to be in the Avatar soundtrack but was ultimately cut. It sounds awesome, and hearing it utilized so well in this album makes me disappointed it is not more heavily used in the Pandora soundtrack and that they cowardly cut it from the Avatar one. Also! It has Na’vi lyrics in it! Actual Na’vi lyrics! A lot of the lyrics are really complicated too, which elevates the authenticity even further. Also, really baffles me how the Cirque performers have better Na’vi pronunciation than some of the actors in the film, but it just goes to show their level of dedication to the project. I love how each clan’s ‘theme’ song has its own distinct feel and vibe, and each truly feels fitting to the clan it represents. The Omatikaya’s is layered and expressive, the Tawkami’s is light and playful, the Kekunan’s is brooding and ancient, the Anurai’s is mournful and lonely, the Tipani’s is fierce and energetic. There’s not much I can criticize this one for, especially since it is meant to go with a performance/show, which I haven’t seen. The only thing I’ll say is that some of the tracks feel a little repetitive, but again, I can’t make a judgement without its fuller intended context. This one gets a 9/10; for a Na’vi inspired soundtrack, it is the best of the three. It truly sounds like it was created by the Na’vi, rather than a bunch of humans trying to imitate them.

Ok thanks for reading I guess! Definitely listen to all of these all the way through and come to your own conclusion, they’re each great in their own regard, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on each whether it be positive or negative. I really hope the soundtracks for the sequels will take from each - especially Toruk - and improve upon the first’s flaws.

Makto nìmwey! I have a headache and I’m gonna pass out for an hour now.

#avatar 2009 #avatar movie #james cameron's avatar #pandora: the world of avatar #pandora #toruk: the first flight #music #avatar and pandora STs are kinda tied for me #pandora gets one point over avatar for the Na'vi lyrics tho

53 notes · View notes

jonathonharker · 3 years

Text

欲 (greed): in which I talk about the haikyuu music score and inevitably ended up doing linguistic analysis

I’ve been meaning to make a post about this particular track in the haikyuu score + its thematic significance for a while but I was inspired by this post by @suckishima so i’m finally doing it!

In the scene in 4.03, where Hinata’s leaving the first day of the training camp and calls Coach Ukai, the track is titled 「欲」 (yoku), or greed. Even looking at the title, the character is the root kanji for some of the major themes in the series: greed as in ambition and will (意欲 iyoku), as in appetite (食欲 shokuyoku), as in desire (it’s the kanji in 欲しい hoshī, “want”).

Which is so appropriate for this scene, because Hinata wasn’t chosen to be there. He’s been creating chances for himself since middle school, and still, uninvited to the training camp, he’s determined to keep getting better. And here, as he talks about nutrition and the body, it’s overlaid with this track that goes all the way back to season 2.

The first time we really hear 「欲」 it’s in 2.05, the episode of their Nekoma practice match and the big fight between Hinata and Kageyama. Its appearance marks the pivotal moment where Hinata starts expressing his desire to improve as an individual and evolve beyond the closed-eye quick they’ve developed. And it’s that hunger that motivates him to do more. (also significant is that with each development of the quick, both in s1 and s2, it’s Hinata’s drive that pushes Kageyama to his limits and convinces him to try, but that’s for another post)

I went to listen to Asahi’s line from this episode again: “At this rate, I’m going to be eaten up by Hinata, whose greed keeps growing”. If my hearing is correct, he says: このままでは、ひたすら胴欲に成長続ける日向に食われる。(konomamadewa, hitasura douyoku ni seichou tsuzukeru Hinata ni kowareru)

The English translation is good, but there’s actually something interesting going on here. Asahi describes Hinata’s greed as hitasura, “single-minded/earnest”. Not only that, but he uses “胴欲” douyoku for greed, dou, if I’m not wrong, also being the word for body.

「欲」 appears several times, mainly following Hinata’s arc in the second season, and isn’t heard a lot afterwards. So besides the “coach, what should I eat?” moment, I think my favourite use of this track might be when it’s finally brought back in the Shiratorizawa match (3.08) because it sets up such a good parallel to the first time the track is used. It sets Coach Washijou as a foil to Hinata — we know they’re both shorter players and that’s what the narrative clearly tells us, but I love that the music specifically draws us to Hinata’s arc that begins in 2.05, and what he says way back in the first season:

It doesn’t matter if I’m cut out for it or not. I’m going to battle with this body, win and win, and be on the court as long as I can.

This line from 1.04(? just before they develop the first quick) already draws attention to drive and ambition in relation to the body. So this moment from 3.08...

((This part of the track is so good and I could talk about the leitmotif here that appears in other tracks like Above and Haikyū!! and tbh even Greetings but i think I’ll nerd out about it in another post))

...shows us the key difference setting Washijou and Hinata apart: hunger (and again specifically re: the body). Washijou doesn’t “want a way to fight even thought [he’s] small”. He envies but admires larger/taller players. But none of that matters because he doesn’t have that “simple strength” and won’t get it, which plainly marks the end of the line for him. Hinata wants to fight “with this body”, and so his hunger is different, it goes beyond wanting. It’s endless, both in its desire and its potential. Him constantly desiring and being willing to find ways to improve means his potential for growth is boundless. In fact, going back to Asahi’s comment about “single-minded/earnestness”, you could say that is Hinata’s “simple strength”.

And with the music then containing all these narrative ideas, those ideas are brought back and built upon every time 「欲」 plays. This is exactly what happens in 3.08 and 4.03, where the motifs of drive and hunger combine even more prominently.

anyway I’m really interested to see how the track is used going forward

#me a lit student whose sem just ended: wow it's time to do more lit analysis #RIP this got SO LONG #hq!!#hq!! meta #haikyuu meta #hinata shouyou #*mine #marc.txt #long post

135 notes · View notes

bandsanitizer · 2 years

Note

What exactly does everyone mean by sgfg isn't "cohesive"? Like I've seen this said so many times over the years and I just don't get what ppl mean. I'm starting to think that I have a different idea of what the word "cohesive" means bc the album sounds pretty cohesive to me. like do you guys mean sonically, thematically??? what criteria am I missing lol I feel stupid 😭😅

aw no please don’t feel stupid! it’s a pretty general term lmao

I’ve seen cohesion used in different ways and in the end it’s all subjective. but I think about how overall the album feels. it’s a very… internal thing. Like do all these songs fit together in one album? Is there an overarching idea to the album that the songs within the album all touch upon somehow?

Again this is all subjective and I tend to have some unique music perspective lmao so I hope this helps and if not, I’m very sorry and I would direct you to the many other 5sos fans (or critics’ articles on the album can be insightful too! like take it with a grain of salt but sometimes they’re cool to see what other people look for)

***also note: the last time I listened to sgfg in full in order was like last year so memory? no so good.

For me, SKH and Hey Everybody! and Permanent Vacation and The Girl Who Cried Wolf are weird ones on the album. The first three almost feel like leftovers from their debut album or their EPs from them. I wouldn’t be surprised given the little space between writing the two. Then you have songs where they can have playful little “caching!” or w/e and then there’s like Invisible

I also think a large part is their lyrics. I’m a big fan of album lyrics using motifs—something I can follow throughout the album that ties it all together. This isn’t necessary and from a sonic sense 5sos does this fairly well—they have a sound that is just 5SOS about their music and a large part of it is their abilities as live musicians, but 5sos doesn’t really do the best with lyrics. I think they have a handful of songs with really good lyrics—some notably featuring other artists known for lyricism (story of another us, as an example)—but overall… the sound and music tends to be their focus. Which, to each their own, but then you come to things like Fly Away and The Girl Who Cried Wolf which are on two different levels of story telling from being very… un-poetic to “ignored by gravity but in the end don’t ask why” like ??? am I just supposed to not ??? care about physics being broken??

I understand (sort of. that song is confusing af for me sometimes) what they’re trying to do and I know they make efforts to bettering the lyricism (and it has definitely improved over the years) but I think on SGFG they wanted to do so much—touch upon so many themes, try so many different things with said themes—that it wound up being a little too much.

Sorry if that doesn’t help much. For me, it’s a mix of really tangible things to being more or less about the vibes. I would say Youngblood is their most cohesive album (despite its eclecticism) and CALM imo is cohesive in halves (like split it down the middle and you could have two different albums almost) Regarding SGFG, I don’t think it’s not? cohesive—like I see how it can all fit—but I do think it could’ve been more so. Like I think a lot of what gives it cohesion is how the instruments sound/their approach to the genre enough that… it all sounds similar to some degree (maybe a production thing? idk). but I think there are songs that would be better not on the album/on a different album.

tbh cohesion is just something that 5sos, to me, doesn’t have the best grapple on yet and I do believe that their solo work and their time off will help them with having a clearer picture going in. but I can’t imagine meshing 4 people plus everyone else assisting, makes for easy putting together of ideas and thoughts and views and wants. so I just…. I think sgfg is a lot of them being ambitious, a lot of stories they want to write and tell, a lot of themes they wanted to cover, and in the end—with them likely being exhausted, rushing to get out a second album, and still trying to find their own sound and place in music—I think it might’ve been a little too much for then and resulted in putting out whatever they had. like I’ve never written an album but to be touring AND getting maybe a year? from your last album to write and recorded and finish a 17 track album? I’m not suprised sgfg is the way it is in terms of a mix of their best music and also tracks feel like question marks, at least contextually in the LP

#alison speaks?#sgfg is special to the 5sosfam but i would say youngblood is their best album yet #calm pretty close but idk it’s a weird one for me #debut is debut lol #anon #i dont have a tag for asks so i guess i’ll make it this #sgfg

2 notes · View notes

yourdorkiness · 3 years

Text

More Fire Force Opinions That Literally Nobody Asked For (pt.2)

Guess who finished the manga~ Guess who finished the manga~ This gal~ I’m surprised that my Fire Force rant/essay meta was so well received by the fandom, thank you guys so much!!! Anyways, today I’ll be discussing some a lot of my ideas, opinions, thoughts, future predictions, and commentary on moments from the Fire Force manga.

Warnings: Spoilers for future Fire Force Season Two arcs, and for the Fire Force manga. Read at your own discretion! Now that the warnings are over, onwards! ヽ(ヅ)ノ

(I’m actually trying to order my opinions via arcs, but I feel that this is really important, so I’m putting it first.)

1. There are no iPhones in the Fire Force.

This is so sad? My favourite characters don’t know the joy that is staying up late, scrolling through social media, watching YOUTUBE, having MEMES, KNOWING👏THE👏GREATNESS👏THAT👏IS👏VINES!!!

I’m slightly disappointed that Vulcan, who is literally named after the god of forging himself, who can make frickin’ HOLOGRAMS, didn’t bring back any of the pre-Catalysm technology to recreate, improve, or experiment with. As an expert engineer (I say this 0.2% seriously, with the two years of high school engineering course experience under my belt), I would’ve been interested to see what kind of gadgets Vulcan could whip up. *insert ‘Inspector Gadget theme song*

Please have this very sad Jigglypuff to show how sad this is.

2. Sister Iris and Religion in the Fire Force Storyline

In the beginning of the Fire Force series, I’ve accepted the fact that Iris' role as noncombatant, meant to act as the religious and public face of the Eighth Company. I think it is a fascinating role, because it allows the story to explore the idea of religion and belief in depth, which I was really looking forward to. I was excited how the author would handle Iris’ character, but I’m somewhat disappointed that it took so long for us to see Iris and other side characters like Maki and Tamaki become more fleshed out (I’m not counting Iris’ and Hibana’s backstory in Season 1. I felt that was more backstory to flesh out Hibana’s character rather than Iris’).

Throughout Fire Force’s story, some of the things I looked forward to the most were the religious elements, motifs, themes, and questions that are sprinkled throughout the story, one of my favourites being the portrayal of the dichotomy of religion. In Joker’s backstory, we see the darkness of the Holy Sol faith, and what happens when any religious belief is taken TOO far, without any regard for human life or rights. This idea of viewing humans as a collective, no regard for the individuality and feelings of a single person in the pursuit of faith is embodied by the captain of the Shadow of the Holy Sun, Joker’s former captain and abuser. However, we also get to see the goodness religion and belief can achieve in Iris’ mini arc, which focuses on Iris’ internal struggle as she struggles with her faith after being informed of the Evangelist’s part in the founding of the Holy Sol’s religion. Shinra and Huo Yan Li, the bucket hat 1st Brigade lieutenant (Seriously, which is the correct way to pronounce this guy’s name? Huo Yan Li?? Foien Li???) interaction in the Iris arc really summed up the arc and Iris’ character beautifully. Religion and belief gives people closure, hope, and strength to keep on moving forward. Seeing the anime adaption was an amazing experience. Fire Force’s animation was the reason I decided to watch it in the first place (before staying for the intriguing plot and religious side plot), but this particular episode?? Pure art. The colouring, ambience, storytelling? So good＼\ ٩( ᐛ )و /／

Like, the little detail of the burning nun in Iris’ eyes? (lmao sorry for the extra trauma, sweet child) *chef’s kiss*

The importance of belief is also hinted in the Asakusa arc, where all the district’s inhabitants believe in Benimaru, and expanded upon in later manga chapters, when we learn that Adolla is linked to humanity’s perception and beliefs about the world around them.

I would’ve liked Iris a lot more if we got to further explore her character and the affects of religion on others more deeply, perhaps see Iris visiting the Infernals’ families and loved ones, trying to help give closure through the nation’s (mostly) shared faith in Sol. They mentioned offhandedly in both anime and manga that Iris visits the deceased’s families, and I felt it would’ve given the deaths more significance and depth if we get screentime of how families are affected by the death of their loved ones. It would have also given the Holy Sol’s religion more depth and meaning if we saw believers of Sol’s actions due to their religion, (also giving more impact when we learn surprise surprise! The Holy Sol temple is founded by the Evangelist!) since belief without actions is just lip-service.

I would have also liked to see how Iris’ prayers affect others in the Eighth company. We do get to see this, 140+ CHAPTERS LATER in the mini Iris arc does Shinra (finally) mentions how Iris’ prayers helps him not lose sight of why he serves as a firefighter and kills Infernal. I’m glad that we got this scene, because better later than never, especially since Iris’ and Shinra’s discussion and overall the entire Iris mini arcs shows the power of prayer, but I would’ve like to have this topic discussed sooner.

2. Obi’s Sole Flaw

I think that Obi was an okay character, but they kind of pushed the boundary of his “normalcy” when we saw him topple pillars and rip railways out of the ground with “brute strength”. There are limits to the human body, it is fragile, and it doesn’t matter how much conditioning or “going beyond your limits” you do. People do experience boost of adrenaline, which is probably what the very anime-like titled “Pressure of Death” is based on, since life or death situations can heighten your performance and strength. However, I do understand that this IS shonen, and it isn’t meant to be realistic.

What made Obi’s sole flaw (and a physical flaw, at that!) was his “normalcy” while surrounded by more powerful individuals then he, and having to make up for something he can’t help by working twice as hard as everybody else. Now, although I was disappointed that Obi didn’t have any character/moral flaws, what made Obi’s character mediocre to me wasn’t the choice of Obi’s sole flaw. In fact, I could see how this could be an interesting character narrative IF WE LEARN MORE ABOUT OBI’S BACKSTORY, THEREFORE EXPLORING HIS CHARACTER MORE!!! (We only know Obi was a regular firefighter, being decorated twice, and then having his titles revoked for prioritizing the lives of citizens before becoming the captain of the Eighth.) No, what I didn’t like about Obi’s character is that we never see him STRUGGLE with his flaw, how others were born “superior” to him thanks to there invulnerability to flames, how he lives knowing one day he could just burst into flames. There’s SO many interesting things about Obi’s character, that could explained further, making him so much more interesting!!!

On the other hand, Obi’s character is a great role model for what a “normal” person can do (while jacked up on adrenaline, and when they manage to overcome flight reaction in fight or flight). He works hard, training to the best of his ability, doing what he CAN do, pushing his limits so that he can go above and beyond, overcoming the “Pressure of Death”, and staying true to his ideals, something very hard to do in a world where you might burst into flames at any given moment. I know that if I were to wake in a world where I could die any second (I mean, I could die tomorrow in Real Life™, but what are the chances of that?), I would definitely find myself struggling with my faith, and staying true to the morals I admire and was taught by my parents, especially if I was putting myself in danger despite of this weakness.

3. Asakusa Showdown Arc and Shinmon Hibachi

The Asakusa Showdown arc. Yes. Just yes. I-

It was amazing, periodt. The art, the overall aesthetic, the storytelling. *Cue violent fangirling* I took SOOOO many screenshots of the fight between Benimaru and Hibachi, I’m pretty sure my camera roll is 95% manga caps now. I love how the author actually gave a (fairly) valid reason for the cool Japanese aesthetic of this arc, in that Adolla is slowly gradually colliding with the Fire Force universe, causing people’s perception of the fight to seep into the universe. Overall? It. Was. Amazing. Albeit not my favourite arc, (that honour goes to the mini-Iris arc) I think that the Asakusa Showdown arc is easily in my Top 5 Fire Force arcs.

The Asakusa Showdown Arc mirroring and showing the ideals taught in the Mini Iris Arc was quite clever, though I’m not sure if this was purposefully done Okubo, or if I’m just scrabbling at crumbs.

In the Mini Iris arc, we see how religion and belief gives closure; a stark contrast to Asakusa with its proto-nationalist/atheist values. In THIS arc, centering around Asakusa and it’s proto-nationalist inhabitants, we see what happens when there isn’t enough effort to emphasize or give closure in what happened to Hibachi, and his subsequent death.

Shinmon Hibachi, as the leader of the neighbourhood fire watch, understood the significance of killing Infernals; of taking somebody’s life. But because of the unwillingness to let others (i.e. the inhabitants of Asakusa, that one kid who stabs him) understand the weight of killing Infernals and gain closure through understanding the reasons behind his harsh actions, Hibachi shoulders the consequences of both his and the actions of his predecessors’ ALONE, therefore leading to his demise.

The kid who stabbed Hibachi was still a CHILD, and children don’t always have a comprehensive understanding of death and the consequences of responsibility (no matter how much that kid believes he was ready to be an adult and support his mother).

3.5 Extra Worldbuilding Questions About Asakusa

I also have so many questions about Asakusa in general! How is Asakusa powered without being supported by Amaterasu, which is the country’s (and isn’t that mind boggling, that a whole country is supported by one power source with no backup source or other forms of energy/electricity, because of patriotic pride in a machine that might one day shut down, cough manga readers where u at?) I’m assuming that Asakusa mainly use coal, candles, and lamps for energy and lighting, since we did see one example of lighting in Asakusa (an ancient oil lamp), but I’m not sure if that would be sufficient to support a whole district of people. People were able to do that in the olden days, but back then there was a smaller concentration of people, and power necessary to support them.

Is Asakusa a district that is mostly atheist or polytheist? Do the inhabitants believe in no gods, not just the Sun god brought by the White Clads and Raffles I, including the Shinto or Buddhist gods from before the Catalysm, or do they believe in multiple gods/ancestor worship and they just don’t want to worship the Sun God like the rest of the Tokyo Empire because they’re unwilling to accept the new culture, immigrants and religion caused by Amaterasu, wanting to keep up the old Japanese traditions?

4. Arthur Deserves Better Parents 2k20 (Hint of Arthur’s Secret Ability?)

When Team Vulcan + Arthur found Arthur’s parents in the sewers Nether... Honestly, I don’t want to touch on them much, since I want to be (fairly) logical in my opinions on them, not letting my personal feelings twist my hypotheses for what may happen in the future of the Fire Force storyline.

Putting aside Arthur’s parents obvious neglect and bad parenting, I’m curious if Arthur's dad is actually a prophet or did he just get lucky with his delusions. Is this related to how Arthur can notice the difference between dopplegangers and real people? Perhaps because Arthur’s delusions of knighthood are so different from how he truly is (an abandoned child who deluded himself as a knight), therefore allowing him to notice the difference between dopplegangers and Adolla, as they are created by people’s perception of a subject.

5. Let Sho Be a Normal Kid at the End of the Show 2k20

Please let the small child be happy at the end of the manga. I mean, being raised by a cult underground isn’t exactly a Hallmarks childhood. For example, in the beginning of chapter 231, look at how Sho looks longingly at those kids on scooters and was so happy when he got a balloon from the firefighter mascots! (bruh, same balloons bring me so much joy)

I hope that in the end of the manga Okubo lets Sho, Shinra, and Eighth have some quality time. In one of the early arcs (with the first speaking demon, Minamoto?) Shinra saw some kids going to school wearing school uniforms, mentioning that if Sho was still alive, he’d be old enough to go to school. I’d be so sweet if at the end of the manga, Sho would have the chance to go to school, maybe the Fire Force academy (if it’s still running if by the end of the manga they’ve discovered the reason behind Human Combustion), makes friends and beat up anybody who badmouths the Eighth.

6. Cool Combat Medics!

I’d love to see more of the cool combat medics from the Sixth! We only saw the captain, Kayoko Huang, in action with her Asclepius staff pyrokinesis, which, might I add is a fascinating and terrifying ability. Think about it, she’s controlling CELLULAR DIVISION!!! She could start creating tumors in the bodies of her enemies! Could disintegrate people cellularly and no one would know, because fire snake, so no fingerprints!

Anyways, that is all I have right now. Thank you for reading my opinions about “Fire Force”, and for the nice response I got when I published my first opinion piece! Bruh, it took so long for me to edit this... 😔 I’m thinking of doing another meta going more in depth with my theory on Arthur and how he’s able to distinguish the difference between people and their dopplegangers, but that’s for another day. Feel free to discuss about your own ideas or thoughts in the chat, or tell me what you think! I promise I don’t bite. Have a wonderful day!

42 notes · View notes

luz1abhumbdavid · 3 years

Photo

A photo of David by Michelangelo (Italian Renaissace Org, 2012)

Looking At Sculpture: The Beauty of Michelangelo's David sculpture

Michelangelo's statue of David, considered one of the greatest sculptures ever made, encapsulates the aesthetics of High Renaissance architecture, the politics of Renaissance Florence, and the technological virtuosity of Greek sculpture. The marble sculpture, which depicted David about to fight Goliath - an appropriate analogy for a Florentine city-state beset by powerful rivals - was placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's civic government center, where it remained until 1873.

David by Michaelangelo is a 17 ft marble statue that conveys the biblical character, David. It was made during the Renaissance era between 1501-1504. According to Matisse (2011), it was originally commissioned by Agostino di Duccio and Antonio Rossellino back in 1464 and 1475 respectively. However, both sculptors had to reject it because of the large amount of marble to be used and the design had too many imperfections regarding the sizing of the body. So, the Cathedral of Florence had to approach Michelangelo from him to finish the statue, David, for the series of large statues for the cathedral’s tribunes. This statue illustrates a nude standing male looking on its left side. It seems that the statue is observing an important event that happened looking as if he is satisfied with the event that happened.

Michelangelo's statue had a well-worn motif. The Biblical tale of how the young David, equipped only with a sling and pebbles, defeated the Philistine giant Goliath in single combat was a common theme in Renaissance art. Andrea del Verrochio (1436-88) created his famous bronze of David (Bargello Museum) in 1443, and Donatello (1386-1466) created his famous bronze of David (Bargello Museum) in 1475. Both works, on the other hand, show David after the battle, holding the head of his slain opponent. Michelangelo, on the other hand, portrays him before the battle with Goliath.

Instead of being calm and optimistic after his triumph, Michelangelo's David appears nervous and ready for battle. His forehead is furrowed; his neck tendons, as well as the muscles in his nose and lips, are stiff; and his eyes are fixed on something off in the distance. He stands in a comfortable contrapposto stance, his sling casually thrown over his left shoulder, notwithstanding his mindfulness. This vigorous posture and relaxed expression are meant to capture the brief time between making the decision to fight and actually fighting.

Upon that substrate, Michelangelo's David appears to be a High Renaissance depiction of the standing heroic male nude, which was a common motif in High Classical Greek art (450-400 BCE). However, in fact, the configuration is more complicated and political. To begin with, Michelangelo emphasizes the emotional rather than physical aspect of David's triumph by omitting the standard bloody sword and gruesome severed head. This, like the statue's placement near the Florentine government's heart, is almost definitely a political comment. Michelangelo is attempting to demonstrate that David's integrity is the key to his victory. David, like the city of Florence, is a force to be reckoned with.

We know Michelangelo’s David to be a sculpture created during the Renaissance period. Interestingly, David’s pose and facial expression is highly reminiscent of early sculptures of the Classical period when sculptors had just started to develop a taste for anatomical accuracy (University of Oxford Classical Art Research Centre, 2013). Since such improvements in executing accurate anatomy could not happen overnight, therefore it was a common sight for Classical sculptures to have their subjects shifting their weight to one leg known as contrapposto or “counterpose” (Richman-Abdou, 2020). During Michelangelo’s time, artists continually strived for the ideal of perfect humanity, hence the great amount of detail and mathematical applications put into this sculpture, balanced out by organic elements (Gilbert, 2021). The statue has an ambiguity to it that contrasts with its massive size.

The figure's pose is rather straightforward. Because of the block's proportions, a shifting stance or aggressive movements would have thrown the balance off. Michelangelo may not have had enough volume to work with because of the state of the work at the time he received the monolith. It was clearly a feat of engineering to remove an entity as noble and lively as his David from this mass in the shape of an incredibly long rectangle. David is standing with his right leg completely extended and his other leg laid back. This traditional pose, known as contrapposto, aligns his hips and shoulders at right angles, giving his torso a subtle s-curve. The young hero - or, maybe, the young god - leans his left leg slightly forward and lets his right arm hang loose halfway down his thigh, while his left arm is bent to shoulder height. He awaits his adversary Goliath with a bold look yet a thoughtful face, firm footed, calmly measuring, like a real Florentine, the chances of war when preparing for battle. Realistically, the statue's dimensions are unusual for Michelangelo's work: the figure, for example, has an exaggerated head and hands.

However, these disproportionate dimensions may have been purposefully chosen in order for it to be visible from its intended location on the roof of Florence Cathedral. The vast scale of the statue, which awed the audience, including Michelangelo's contemporaries, was the most impressive feature. Since late Roman times, it was the first monumental free-standing statue carved.

We know David to be one of the most well-known Biblical characters and as a symbol for courage. His story can be found in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, in the first book of Samuel. 1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV) reads, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”; in this line, David was speaking in relation to Goliath (the giant). One of the representations of David is the biblical character of David in David and Goliath. According to Academia.org (2019), David signifies how strong the youth can be when in battle. This also shows the exact moment when Goliath called out David that he could defeat him. According to Matisse (2011), some artists interpreted the exaggeration of hands because of the meaning of David which is “strong of hand”. There is no exact meaning into why Michelangelo made the hands huge. David represents liberty that is ready to battle out those who are against the freedom of the country. Michelangelo's great work may thus stand for the strength and glory of humanism, but it is a strictly Christian humanism within the Catholic sense. Indeed, Christian humanism blossomed during the Renaissance. The Renaissance thinkers were unafraid to extol the promise of Adam's race inspired by grace, rooted in the optimism that man was made in God's picture.

Sources:

Accademia.org. (2019). Michelangelo’s David: Admire World’s Greatest Sculpture at Accademia Gallery. [online] Available at: https://www.accademia.org/explore-museum/artworks/michelangelos-david/ [Accessed 3 May 2021].

Britannica. (2017). David | Description, History, & Facts | Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/David-sculpture [Accessed 12 May 2021]

Gilbert, C. (2021). Michelangelo | Biography, Sculptures, David, Pieta, Paintings, Facts, & Accomplishments | Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelangelo#ref361947 [Accessed 12 May 2021].

Henri Matisse. (2011). 10 Facts That You Don’t Know About Michelangelo’s “David.” [online] Available at: https://www.michelangelo.org/david.jsp [Accessed 3 May 2021].Italianrenaissance.org. (2012). Michelangelo’s David – ItalianRenaissance.org. [online] Available at: http://www.italianrenaissance.org/michelangelos-david/ [Accessed 10 May 2021].

Richman-Abdou, K. (2020). Why Michelangelo’s “David” Is an Icon of the Italian Renaissance. [online] My Modern Met. Available at: https://mymodernmet.com/michelangelo-david-facts/ [Accessed 12 May 2021].

University of Oxford Classical Art Research Centre. (2013). The Classical period - Styles and periods - Sculpture - The Classical Art Research Centre and The Beazley Archive. [online] Available at: Ox.ac.uk. https://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/sculpture/styles/classical.htm [Accessed 12 May 2021]

3 notes · View notes

doomedandstoned · 3 years

Text

Italian Doomers BRETUS Tell Ghostly Tales on New LP, ‘Magharia’

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

By Billy Goate

Artwork by DamianaMerante

Hailing from the City of the Two Seas, Italian doomers BRETUS return with a new album of ghost stories. Longtimers know that Bretus and Doomed & Stoned practically grew up together. Though the band has been active since the turn of the century, our first exposure came with their debut full-length 'In Onirica' (2012) and subsequently we formed a friendship with the Catanzaro doomers that continues to this very day. It's hard to believe they're already over two decades old (okay, 20 years young, if you like). And what do they have to show for it? A handful of LPs, an EP, and a split with fellow Italianos Black Capricorn.

If you're as much a fan of vintage horror movies, H.P. Lovecraft lore, mysticism, and the occult as Zagarus (vox), Ghenes (guitar), Janos (bass), and Striges (drums), there's a whole world of story and sound awaiting your deep dive into the Bretus catalog. Adding to their already excellent discography, a fifth album now reveals itself: 'Magharia' (2021).

I won't spoil my interview with the band (see below) if I tell you that the album concerns, shall we say, several tales of the supernatural variety. An ominous gong is struck to the backdrop of monastic chant as Magharia opens in epic fashion "Celebration of Gloom," a song characterized by a chugging proto-trash tempo, trve metal stylings, and Gothic vocals appropriate to it's subject. It's a rather grim account of a certain sacrilegious priest and his daliences with young women of the church. As a preacher's kid, I've seen this kind of thing play out a hundred times and can assure you these sweeping romances between clergy and laity never end well. In this case, it winds up with a ghoulish rite and a victim's vengeance.

"In the sky lightning strikes...wicked laments rise from the ground." Welcome to "Cursed Island." True to the spirit of the lyrics, this track really let's it all hang out, with quasi operatic vocals that occasionally erupt in maniacal laughter (reminding me vintage Reagers-era Saint Vitus, with its lusty swagger). And why not? This is after all about the mystery that surrounds one of the most haunted islands on earth.

Thus far, the record's been sporting a pretty up-beat pulse, so surely you're ready for some good old fashion doom? "Moonchild's Scream" concerns a albino girl accused of being possessed by the devil for her appearance. One day, she disappears in the dungeons of a castle and legend has it that her cries can still be heard every five years during the Summer Solstice. Doesn't get more doom than that, folks!

After a brief interlude ("Necropass"), we arrive at my favorite track of Magharia. "Nuraghe" concerns the spirit of a woman judged and condemned for a crime she was innocent of still roams among the ancient stones. Boy, the ancients sure did have a hang-up with free-spirited, independent women, didn't they? The song itself is possessed by the spirit of Pentagram in its biting guitar work and rhythmic attack. Love the riffage on this one! Some of it could have been played out just a little more for my taste, like the all-too-brief Soundgardenesque motif at the two-minute mark. It returns a minute later, again in brief. C'mon Ghenes, let your inner Kim Thayil loose! Maybe we can convince them to improv at this point with a bitchin' guitar solo at their next festival appearance. Then again, perhaps this fits artistically with the song, which speaks of obscure "grim dancing bats" and a ghost that haunts through swift shadows passing over glimmers of light. Once again, Zagrus expressive song style comes through to distinguish this as a gem of the genre. I shall be revisiting it on my personal playlist often.

"Headless Ghost" strikes graceful Goatsnake groove as the yarn is spun about the restless and tormented soul of an ancient Roman warrior who has risen from his place of rest. All he wants is the skull that was looted from his place of burial. Give it back to him! "No one will be spared tonight," the lyrics warn, as the song shifts down to a dire doom dirge as the night unveils a strange moon and the wanderings of a cursed soul, seeking his head and not more. "He is living again in this hell."

"The Bridge of Damnation" is one of the creepiest of the record, said to be about "a bridge, a young boy, and his three torturers." The mood is quite dark, with esoteric atmosphere, reverberating vocalizations, guitar and bass trading off notes. Oh, and did I mention this tale from the crypt involves death and resurrection, as well? The riffmaking and drumming are absolutely on point, as is the singing -- which by now in the record I'm not only am accustomed to, but have grown to admire. Another keeper!

"Sinful Nun" winds and grinds as Zagarus croons about the inner torment of a Sister who has never gotten over her beloved, who died under such unspeakably tragic circumstances that she decided to consecrate herself to God in celibacy. However, her vows are in vain as she still pines for her long lost lover. The verses are sung to the accompaniment of a galloping tempo, which seems to represent the fevered anguish of a soul forever stricken by grief and the haunted memories of lost love. This is juxtaposed in the chorus by a cursed riff that seems to speak as the Hand of Fate itself. "Farewell to this life," are the Sinful Nun's final words.

At last, we reach the album's namesake and though "Magharia" is entirely instrumental, it would be a mistake to assume you know what it's going to do. Around the four-minute mark, I had to check and make sure I was listening to the same album, as dark synth busted out a metronomic rhythm, leading to a declamatory section of keyboards to accompany the math-like guitar play and an improvisation of almost creepy seventies-sounding prog, which after its playful fit dissipates suddenly in a bluesy collapse.

Bretus have cooked up a remarkable horror soundtrack that, though it speaks of ancient lore, is very much a fitting backdrop to the unreality of our own times. Fitting somewhere on the stylistic spectrum between Candlemass and Paul Chain, Reverend Bizarre and Cardinals Folly, Margharia may be the band's finest effort to date. Certainly, it rewards repeated listens, and will haunt you for many years to come. Look for the record to drop this weekend (pre-order here), with multiple physical formats releasing via The Swamp Records (compact disc), Burning Coffin Records (cassette), and Overdrive Records (vinyl). Until then, you can stream it all, right now, right here!

Give ear...

Magharia by BRETUS

An Interview with Bretus

What is the concept behind the new album and what themes do you explore?

Musically the new record is most "in your face" than the previous album. Also our approach to the recording was different. We rehearsed and arranged together more than before. The result is an album more raw to us. It is a concept album born around different italian old ghost tales. Some of these is supposed to be legend or myth, who knows.

When did you write it? Was it during the pandemic lockdowns?

We had more ideas about new stuff long before the pandemia arrived. We spent this time working on the pre-production of the tracks.

Can you give us a track-by-track explanation of each song on the album?

For sure!

"Celebration of Gloom" is a strange song because there are many influences in it. Including a solo flute in the middle of the track. However is a very loud and gloomy song.

"Cursed Island" probably is the most rock 'n' roll song of the album. If you know what I mean. Rock in the attitude. Also the first video of the album.

"Moonchild's Scream" is 100% pure Doom with a heavy mid-section.

"Necropass" is like Caronte travelling the damned souls across the Stige River.

"Nuraghe" is a heavy oriented track with a very dark feeling.

"Headless Ghost" has a more stoner trend than the others and in the end there is a psycho riffing.

"The Bridge of Damnation" includes our '80s dark influences into our sound, probably the most haunted track of the album. The story is based upon an old weird story that happened in our native city, Catanzaro.

"Sinful Nun" is like an experiment and neither of us can explain really what it is... ah ah aha! For sure the most heavy track of all.

Finally "Magharia." You cannot believe it but the idea comes from a Who's album, Quadrophenia. Either of us wrote a part of the song. The result is a kind of horror soundtrack.

Magharia by BRETUS

How do you feel that your basic style or approach to song composition has changed since you first started writing songs in the early days?

You already know a lot of things about us, we know you from so long ago! Please don't ask how old we are. (laughs) Basically our approach is the same from the beginning. Of course we listen to a lot of new stuff during these years so every album brings different "colors."

Where are you most looking forward to playing live once pandemic restrictions are eased?

Everywhere! We are angry for live gigs or simply to drink beers with friends.

Follow The Band

Get Their Music

#D&S Debuts #D&S Interviews #D&S Reviews #Bretus #Catanzaro #Italy #doom #metal #doom metal #horror #occult #stoner rock #HeavyBest2021 #Doomed and Stoned

2 notes · View notes

kevinszabojrplumbing · 9 months

Text

Carpentry 101: Taking Everything Into Account to Make Additions to Your Home

a. What Is Carpentry?

b. Factors To Consider

When considering carpentry additions for your home, it's crucial to understand the different aspects of carpentry to ensure the desired outcome.

1. Design and Outline

2. Budget and Payment

3. Permits and Regulations

c. The Carpenter's Role

1. Consultations

2. Material Selection

3. Quality Assurance

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Metrology Parts

0 notes

screamingelf · 3 years

Text

Lamps Are Decorative And Functional Too

Many individuals do not hesitate about the lamps as well as lights in their residence. When you're trying to improve your decor though, or producing a brand brand-new embellishing theme, one of the very best areas to begin is with lamps ... due to the fact that they can be both lovely and functional at the same time.

Right here are a number of popular kinds of lamps to think about when decorating a space in your house:

Table Lamps - Table lamps are terrific for both enhancing and also capability. They can be found in a variety of sizes and also designs, and can truly accent speciality design items you may currently have. Little table lamps are rather decorative when rested upon a stack of hardback publications, as well as big table lamps make terrific centrepieces for plant, knick flair plans, or keepsakes.

You'll want to be careful not to overwhelm small, dainty tables with huge, bulky, overbearing lamps. A strong rustic timber table would quickly carry a big wood table lamp, but a little victorian-style side table would certainly do much better with a delicate-looking tiffany or cyclone table lamp.

Floor Lamps - Floor lamps are exceptional for including both additional light as well as design to different locations of your home. Place a wonderful comfortable chair or divan in the corner for circumstances, away from the wall surfaces a little bit, then put an attractive floor lamp in the corner area behind it.

Wall Lamps & Lights - Lighting made use of on the wall varies in vogue. There are recessed lights which are valuable and decorative in kitchen areas or bathrooms for circumstances, and also there are wall sconces which are remarkable for including heat and also environment.

For a different as well as distinct appearance, attempt creating a wall plan making use of wall surface sconces rather than candelabras or candle sconces.

Picture Lights - Picture lights are used largely to highlight pictures and art work in your home. These work in a similar way to spotlights by focusing the bulk of their light on the art work. Many are really ornamental, and they can be found in a variety of designs to match whatever your decorating motif could be.

Oil Lamps - Oil lamps can still be bought in many areas today. Some are replicas, suggesting they do not really burn oil to produce a light, they simply look like the oil lamps of old. Others actually do have a wick and can shed oil. Most individuals make use of the actual oil-burning lamps for decor only, and you can even purchase coloured oil to fill the lamps for an added ornamental touch.

Table Lamps - Table lamps are remarkable for both enhancing as well as functionality. Tiny table lamps are quite decorative when rested upon a stack of hardback publications, and also big table lamps make terrific centrepieces for plant, knick propensity arrangements, or mementos.

Place a nice comfy chair or divan in the edge for circumstances, away from the walls a bit, then position an ornamental floor lamp in the edge space behind it. Many people utilise the actual oil-burning lamps for decoration just, and also you can also buy coloured oil to fill the lamps for an added ornamental touch.

1 note · View note